…She hung up?Hearing the beeping sound from the other end, Liam fought the temptation of slamming his phone on the desk!How dare she hang up on him?Since Haley rejected his call, he now believed that she hadn't been kidnapped from the hospital.But could she move on her own when her body was so weak?“Haven't you retrieved the surveillance footage!?” Liam snapped at the bodyguard standing in front of him. Inside the vast living room, the walls echoed with his voice. The bodyguard stood stiffly. “We went through each security system at the hospital, Mr. Nash. It was as if she vanished from the hospital.”That was strange.At the same time Haley disappeared from the hospital, the surveillance cameras malfunctioned, and that footage was lost. No one admitted to seeing her either. How could she slip away so swiftly. Did she have superpowers to just stand up and leave on her own when she was unconscious?Liam waived a dismissive hand at the bodyguard, sending him away. If they'd t
The maid jumped in shock. “M- Mr. Nash, are you alright? Is the tea not to your liking?”Liam pinned her with a hard glare, putting the cup aside. The scorching heat from the tea scalded his tongue, the bland taste killing his taste buds. “Why didn't you allow it to cool down? And why's it so small?”Apart from that, there was no sugar in it. Haley would usually add a little flavor too to make it taste more like a warm ginger juice. “I'm sorry for this mistake, Mr. Nash.” The maid picked up the tray, her hands shaking. “If you're not feeling well, I can call the Doctor or take you to a hospital.”If Liam preferred seeing the Doctor, would he have asked for the ginger tea?“Get out!” He sent the maid away, his anger towards Haley skyrocketing. If she was around, this mess wouldn't have happened. She would prepare him the tea as fast as lightning, and he wouldn't have to suffer in this way. Burying himself under the blanket, Liam grabbed his phone from the bedside table and dialed
Joye continued, “That's why I've been having second thoughts about reporting it. Andrew Woods was seen dropping the Madam off at IvoryRains Apartment Building. She visited his company and spent hours inside his office, and all the employees at DG Jewelry Corp are having speculation that they are in a relationship.”“One more thing…” Joye went on. “I heard someone kidnapped Madam from the hospital so I looked into it through my private agent. It was Andrew Woods who bribed the hospital staff to sneak her out.”If the assistant had told him this like ten minutes ago, Liam would be shocked. But now, his anger only knew no bounds.So his assumption was correct. Haley was in a relationship with that man, and that was why she wanted to leave him for Andrew Woods!“I will deal with him until his whole family disappears,” Liam said between gritted teeth, his fist shaking. “Andrew Woods will regret ever laying a finger on my wife.”“Mr. Woods, literally destroying Andrew Woods will need a lot
A collaboration from the NK Enterprise?Now Haley didn't see that coming. Why would Liam want a collaboration with her brother's company when they'd just finished fighting over the necklace?“You're pulling my legs.”“See for yourself.” Her brother pushed the laptop forward, and Haley sat on his desk, scrutinizing the email. A detailed collaboration message from the NK Enterprise. Haley didn't have a good feeling about this. “What are you gonna do about it?” She asked Andrew who only laughed softly. “I know what you're thinking, Little Sis.” Andrew leaned forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Because I also have a feeling that William Nash is up to something.”Well, anyone with the Woods blood would be difficult to be trifled with. Detecting that something fishy was about to go on was a piece of cake for Haley, talk more of her brother whose intelligence couldn't be underestimated.Did Liam think that he could mess with her family?“I'll turn down the collaboration-”“No!” H
~As the man kissed her forcefully, ravaging her lips mercilessly, Haley's breathing was ragged. Her chest heaving heavily, she struggled to breathe, yet he held her in a firm iron grip, not giving her room to escape. Greatly suffocated, Haley felt as if she wanted to faint. But she couldn't give in to this heartless man who only took pleasure in her misery. She'd be damned to let him have the satisfaction he wanted. Gathering her resolve, Haley pushed him hard against the wall, sending him staggering backward. “William Nash, you shameless unruly man!” Haley shouted, gasping for air. “Don’t you get it? Never bother me again!”He stared at her with shock, probably wondering where she got the strength to push him away. Haley didn't know either. All she knew was her immeasurable anger towards the man. “And for your information, I will never come back to you even if you refuse to grant my wish and sign the divorce!”Liam stood up straight when she said that, veins popping up on his
“Ah, Madam left with him again?” Joye looked displeased. “Mr. Nash, you have to step up your game, otherwise, he might snatch your wife.”“Just go after them before it's too late!” Liam hollered. As Joye scurried away, Liam tossed the document into the lady's hands, who stood beside him.“I'll scan it online and email you the soft copy, Mr. Nash. It's a pleasure collaborating with you.” The secretary lingered. “Mr. Nash, there's something I need to tell you…” she lowered her voice. “Do you know that Young Lady, Haley, spends most of her time in Mr. Woods's office? People say she's his mistress.”“I have a feeling you're also interested in her, Mr. Nash…” she went on. “Too bad, she's a gold-digger and can't benefit a man like you.”A gold-digger?Liam was beginning to think that despite not wanting to believe it. Strangely, when he called her gold-digger, she didn't deny it. Had Haley been fooling him all this time? He needed not to hear those words from the lady whom he didn't eve
Liam furrowed his brows, puzzled. Why was Haley in this area?What was she doing in the babies' section?And where was that damned guy she was hanging around with?“Oh, isn't that Haley?” Leah asked in a shocked voice. “Of course, it's that filthy girl! She's here to cause trouble again,” Vera replied. She grabbed Leah's hand and they walked up to that area. “Aha! I have been looking for you, Haley!” Vera shouted, her loud voice dragging others' attention. “Where’s the money you stole from my bag after pushing me down the stairs!?”The lady who was arguing with Haley turned around. Seeing Vera, a look of recognition flashed in her eyes. “Mrs. Nash, do you perhaps know this Young Lady?”“Why not? She's a wanted criminal who goes around stealing people's things. I bet she's about to steal these clothes, too.” Vera pointed at the baby clothes in Haley's hands. “Haley, you promised to give back “Treasure”, where is it?” Leah said in a pitiful voice. “I've told you that necklace is i
An eye for an eye.She knew what she was doing. Staring at him without batting an eye, she openly admitted she did it intentionally. What had she turned into? Was she even the same docile girl he knew?“You even dare to admit it in my presence,” Liam gritted out, grabbing her arm. “How dare you frame my mother without considering her reputation?”Tilting her head sideways, her subtle smile flamed the fury in his heart. Liam wanted to wipe that smile off her face, but how, when everyone was watching? “Why should I consider her reputation, Liam?” Haley replied, her voice indifferent. “Remember your mother tried to kill me.”Well, didn't Liam save her? Shouldn't she be grateful?“I give you two minutes. Follow the security and clear their names, Haley. Then I might consider forgiving you.”She let out a soft laugh before rolling her eyes, an action that made him wonder if she would even carry out his orders. “In your dreams…” Haley murmured. “Let Vera Nash apologize to me first for
…~ One Year Later ~When others saw the bright sun of the morning, she could only see the orange sun, gradually fading, giving way to darkness. When there was a storm, people looked forward to the peace and calmness after it, while she only foresaw many more storms looming ahead. She should have been more pessimistic than this,Then she could have at least saved one life. If she hadn't been a coward, hoping that crazy guy would have a little mercy, she wouldn't have fallen for his lies. She'd take the gunshot instead.But no,She'd trusted him… that was her biggest mistake.Daryl’s cruelty had been beyond saving. Helping him lure Liam to the occasion was her biggest regret. Maybe… just maybe- if she'd been brave enough, Liam wouldn't have-“Mrs. Nash, sorry to interrupt you!” The secretary barged into the office, snapping her out of her thoughts. “The Stakeholders' meeting will commence in the next three minutes. Do you need my help getting ready?”Haley sighed. Right, the meeti
What gibberish was he sputtering?How did he even manage to sneak into the Villa?How did he manage to overpower the bodyguards?After Daryl’s last words, he hung up, leaving Liam wondering what the hell that crazy boy was up to again.He mustn't be serious about marrying Haley. Apart from being illegal, it didn't make any sense. What stupid judge would get them married without the consent of one party?Daryl was only trying to irritate him.“Sir, is he telling the truth?” Joye who had probably heard the conversation because Daryl's voice was too loud, blinked rapidly. “Is he going to get married to Madam?”Liam chuckled.That was impossible.Haley would not even agree. “I think this is serious, Sir…” Joye exclaimed. “Your brother is up to no good. Let's go and see.”Of course, Liam was going there.If it meant finding that crazy boy there, why wouldn't he go?Daryl was playing with fire.Kidnapping Haley from the Villa was already a gruesome offense? On his command, the driver tu
…Was this it?Was this the end of the family's reputation? The same questions kept resonating in Liam's mind all day. The company's stocks were crumbling again,Some of the shareholders were pulling out their investments,And the employees were all in a frenzy.Watching the Nash Empire crumble right before his eyes was something he never dreamt about.He'd never for once seen this happening in any of his nightmares.Liam thought he'd left no loose ends. Every source the news would get leaked out, he'd already blocked it.How then did his brother lay his hands on this crucial secret? How the hell did Daryl even escape from the police custody? “He shouldn't have left the city yet, Mr. Nash…” The Police Chief assured him, “We are going to find him before the day ends.”The day was already ending.All Liam wanted was for all this to be over. He'd left the Villa without informing Haley. He could only imagine her anxiety at the moment. Joye reported to him that she called and she d
Haley waited at the dining table patiently, her gaze traveling to the doorway now and then. Liam and his assistant must be discussing something important, probably related to work. Well, was it so secretive that they had to discuss it outside?She glanced at the clock.Thirty minutes later, they weren't back yet. Now her mind was troubled.What was taking them so long?What were they even discussing?Liam didn't even wear proper clothing, wouldn't he catch a cold outside? Tapping her fingers impatiently on the desk, Haley stood up. She headed outside the building, looking forward to seeing Liam and his assistant.To her surprise, they weren't there.Even the assistant’s car was gone if he came with any.What was happening?Did they sneak out of the Villa?If not, how could she not have heard any sound?To confirm her thoughts, Haley strode to the security man. “It's too early and cold, Madam… what are you doing outside?” Was the first thing the concerned young man asked. Haley
That explained it all. Was she just lucky or were the heavens by her side? Staring into his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine affection.The affection she'd been searching for ever since she returned. Her instincts never lied, and the feeling was strong.Liam loved her.He never hated her.He was only mad because of the misunderstanding.“But you gave me a hard time, huh.” Haley poked at his chest, pouting. However, Liam laughed lightheartedly, taking her wrists in his hands. “Believe me, I didn't.”Right.He'd planned to do worse. If she hadn't summoned the courage, speaking like a crazy person last night, convinced she was speaking to the air, he'd still regard her as his enemy.Her craziness paid off, and-“I'm sorry.” Drawing her close by wrapping both arms around her waist, his expression turned sullen. “I shouldn't have treated you that way.”Indeed, she'd been almost broken beyond repair.Amidst the despair, she marveled at where she got the courage to chase him. “If I fo
On entering the living room, however, the woman came to a screeching halt, her eyes popping out of their sockets.Her lips parted like a fish’s, and pointing a trembling finger forward, she shouted, “You, this silly girl! Why're you with my son!?”Haley's heart dropped to her stomach.Damnit!For some reason, this woman hated her to the core. Even when she visited the mansion, the woman had hollered at and hit her. Wondering what she did wrong, she'd tried to apologize which only intensified her cruel actions towards her. Liam's mother didn't like her.Did she offend her in the past? “I thought you were hitting it off with Lisa already!” She faced Liam. “What are you doing with this wayward psychotic girl? Do you want me to die of a heart attack, Son!?”As she scolded Liam, the bodyguards dropped the boxes and left. Instinctively, Haley found herself shrinking behind him, hiding her presence.As if caught red-handed in an offensive act, she trembled on her toes, grabbing his arm
Haley paused.Then she pulled away with a sigh.Was she supposed to be mad at his words? Did she have the right to?He'd claimed not to love her anymore, but he just touched her.Liam's words might be partially correct. Even though he no longer loved her, at least he was still attracted to her. Lust and love…“You mean desire?” She stared at him, hope igniting a spark in her heart.“Call it what you like…” Liam turned his back to her. “It doesn't change anything.”But it might change a lot.The inkling was strong, fuelling her persistence. Haley didn't even know why she was smiling when she should be broken-hearted at the moment.‘Patience is key.’She'd soon have Liam wrapped around her fingers,But what happened a while ago wouldn't repeat itself. Not unless his wound healed. With a last glance at his back, she got down from the bed and headed inside the bathroom.She washed up the blood stains from the shirt and blew it dry with the hair dryer she found. Many minutes later, s
Haley followed his gaze, checking out the skimpy clothes she wore.The lacey nightwear barely concealed anything, revealing all there was to see. Urgh!She should have gone for a normal shirt and shorts.But in the fit of hunger, the thought about it fled her mind, until-Returning her gaze to his, Haley gulped, taking a cautious step back.Was he this super mad just because she wore something revealing?How the hell did it concern him anyway? “Get changed!” He snapped, pointing behind him to the stairs.The heck! What did she do wrong again?Infuriated by his actions, Haley balled her fists.Right. She was doing her best to make this dumb man understand that she wasn't in the wrong, yet, he kept giving her a hard time. If ordering her around was his way of intimidation, then he'd failed big time. From the deadly look in his eyes, Haley shuddered instead…But she maintained a brave front, lifting her chin and meeting his gaze. “As you wish!”Slowly, she curled her fingers around
Driven by curiosity and hoping that her mind was just being dramatic, Haley followed them upstairs.When she arrived in the hallway, they were already out of sight.But she heard voices… from the master's bedroom.Slowing down her footsteps, Haley's heart beat with discomfort as she approached the door. “Hey, keep still…” She laughed. “I promise it won't hurt.”“Who told you I'm scared?”“You eyes.”“Oh, really?” He laughed. “Watch me-”“No!” The lady's gasp echoed. Then she sighed. “You're so unbelievable, Will… allow a professional to apply it instead.”“It's no biggie. I'm done.”Done?Done with what?Haley pursed her lips, wishing she could disconnect her hearing from her heart.Why were they laughing together?She never knew that grumpy man knew how to laugh,And she couldn't remain here and continue eavesdropping,She had to see what was going on in there.Liam might catch her, so what?Pushing the door open, Haley stepped inside the room. Behold, Liam sat on the bed, facing t