…At The Island.She'd been sitting on the lounging chair since morning.She'd lost count of the number of coconut milk she'd drunk to keep herself from getting hungry. Except for the yacht captain fishing in the sea, nobody else was in sight.Boredom and loneliness consumed her, but in its wake was the anticipation of when he'd come back. This was the first time he'd left her side ever since she woke up.It felt strange at first, and even now Haley was uncomfortable.However, she'd also been anticipating today for three days now. “Why don't you join me, Miss…” The yacht captain called out, his voice carried by the breeze. “You appear lonely over there.”Haley shook her head, waving with a smile. Of all the instructions Daryl had given her, he'd made it clear that this was the most important.She wasn't allowed to speak with strangers. “I can teach you fishing!” He yelled out again. Fishing?Whatever he was doing outside there fascinated her,But the big wide sea ahead terrified
Strangely, the headache went away the moment it came, however, leaving a strong impact that had her swaying backward.In the next second, she lay on the floor still hugging the little girl.“Are you alright, Mummy?” Frowning a bit, Lannie touched her forehead.Was Haley alright?This sudden headache came out of nowhere.Was it a part of her illness?Or was it a sign that she was recovering? “I- I’m fine.” She got up, trying to put on her best smile. Daryl was already on their side, the worried look on his face worse than that of Lannie. He squatted beside her and touched her forehead. “Is everything okay?”Haley nodded. What happened to her just now was beyond explanation.How was she going to put it in a way that he'd understand?Was this a positive improvement or a negative one?Daryl withdrew his hand, giving her a cautious look as if he didn't believe her. But then, his expression transformed into that of a radiant smile. “I've fulfilled my promise, right?”Haley chuckled. “S
His answer came out harsh and sharp, jostling her.Why couldn't they go with Lannie?Were they supposed to leave her here alone with no one but that crazy yacht captain?“Damnit!” A look of regret flashed in his eyes and he cursed under his breath.Daryl came forward and embraced her. “Sorry if I scared you.”Indeed, she'd been terrified to the bones. This side of him, although he only showed it for a second, scared her.It almost reminded her of a particular person frowning and snapping at her.Who was that person though?Why was her heart racing? “I'm sorry…” Daryl repeated, murmuring against her hair. Gradually, she calmed down, her heartbeat steadying.Haley returned the embrace, wrapping her arms around him. “Why isn't Lannie coming with us?”“The journey will wear her out.”“She's gonna feel lonely-”“I know.” He sighed. “But we're not gonna take long… we'll be back in a jiffy.”“Really?”“I'll also hire someone to look after her while we're gone,” Daryl added, his assurance
…Despite searching through every nook and cranny of the city, Liam couldn't get his hands on a single clue to prove Joye's assumption right.More specifically, the rumors flying around the city.If Haley was alive, who was that woman he'd seen lifeless on the hospital’s bed?The resemblance was uncanny, and it just didn't make sense.If she was alive, would her family have buried her?The rumors started from the funeral and nobody knew who started the rumors.Probably the paparazzi who wanted to drive network to their website.Nobody knew of her identity until after her death.And apart from the rumor that she was still alive, there were other strange rumors that her family had a hand in her death.It all didn't make sense.Nobody should believe everything the media said.“Uhm, Mr. Nash-” A gentle tap on the table brought him back to the present.Liam returned his attention to the man sitting across from him. “- I hope everything's alright,” The man added. Liam shook his head.If
…Why would he take her away?She'd only spent a night.Wasn't that journey too tiresome for a little girl?How could he be so cruel?Why?Despite all the reasons he'd given her, Haley couldn't bring herself to believe any of them.No reason was strong enough for him to take her away. She'd looked forward to meeting her baby,But then, he just had to crush her happiness by sending her away behind her back.“Still mad at me?” He came inside the room, his tall frame towering behind her. Haley didn't move or glance at him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she fiddled with the little hair clip in her hands… the only reminder of Lannie.“I said I'm sorry…” He sat beside her, sighing heavily. “It has been three days already… let it go.”Let it go?How could she let it go?Wasn't Lannie their child?Why would he treat a little girl that way? Haley shifted away from him, inching closer to the bed’s headboard. “Come on, we're the only two people in this house,” he said helplessly. “I'll die
Cheating with his brother?What did he mean?And why did he look so alike with Daryl- her husband?What was this strange feeling in her heart?“Speechless, huh?” He pinned her down with a hard glare that made her shudder. “You never thought I'd ever find you or anyone else in such a situation.”Then he laughed, a bitter chuckle that squeezed her heart. “You could even fake your own death to be with him. Is that how much you love him?” Everything he said troubled and unsettled her heart.Why would she fake her own death?Who exactly was he?Why did he look as if she'd picked up a knife and stabbed his chest? The guy beside her moved.This time, he was widely awake.Sitting on the bed, Daryl's gaze darted from her to his brother, his eyes wide, his expression paling like an ash. “Oh, shit! How the hell did you find this place!!!”His question fell on deaf ears.The man ignored Daryl's exclamation, retaining a blank look.Then he turned towards the door and snapped his fingers.In the
…Why did she cheat on him?Was his feelings insignificant?Was it a toy she could play with as she pleased? Imagine his sleepless nights.Imagine him almost running crazy because of her demise.If a woman could fake her own death to be with a man, didn't she love him more than her own life? Neither he nor Harry Lawson stood a chance. She'd only used Harry as a cover. Daryl was the person she truly loved… His own brother!Liam should have realized that Daryl wouldn't give up easily.Haley rejecting him that night was also a lie.The two had already made this plan right from the beginning,And he was the fool who blindly acted along in their game.If fate hadn't driven him to that orphanage, would he have known the truth?He'd still be fooling himself, assuming he was the heroic husband who couldn't get over the death of his wife.“Mr. Nash- Sir…” A gentle tap on his shoulder pulled him out of oblivion. Liam squinted, adjusting his vision to the light.“Damnit, you're wasted-” Th
Right! He should have thought about that right from the start.That would even save the guy who stabbed him the trouble.What's the point of living anymore?He'd still remain the unluckiest man…Lisa exchanged glances with Joye, her eyes wary and sad.Then she composed herself, retaining the gentle smile on her face. “This is the funniest joke of the century.”“Hahahaha! You're right!” Joye laughed along. “The Boss is surely funny.”Then they carried on with the discussion of where to transfer him to. Liam couldn't believe they were ignoring his request.They thought it was a joke?Fine!He was capable enough to carry out the job himself. “Will, you'll need to eat a lot these days because your medications are strong…” Lisa advised. “I'll make sure the kitchen staff prepare the healthiest meal for you-”“But Boss doesn't like hospital food-” Joye interrupted her. “Can I bring him food from-”“No.” Lisa glanced at the assistant helplessly. “The hospital food is the best at the moment.
…~ 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