…~ 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
That was a lie!Keira couldn't believe her ears.She couldn't believe what the Doctor just said. She only had a slight bleeding,How could that be called a miscarriage? “Mrs. Grey, I'm so sorry.” With a sigh of frustration, the Doctor patted her shoulder gently. “You've always been strong. Please don't give up now.”Keira had never given up. She'd never had a single thought of giving up on having a child.If that would please Raymond, she'd do anything to conceive even if it meant undergoing the same pain again and again. This was her tenth or eleventh miscarriage? Keira couldn't recall correctly.She couldn't get why a single child couldn't stay in her stomach. As much as she tried to hold back her tears, they came rolling down. Right!She was strong enough.This wasn't a new occurrence.She was going to come out of this stronger and more hopeful.Who was she kidding? Shaking her head, a helpless laughter escaped her lips. The more she miscarried, the dimmer her hope became.
Anna?His mistress?Keira must be dreaming.No! Her brain had probably started malfunctioning. It definitely wasn't Raymond and Anna. Not her best friend. Not her husband. “Mistress!” Anna scoffed, leaning away. “I hate that word.”Raymond sighed. “Well, you know what I hate the most? That damned marriage.”As the two conversed, they were starkly unaware of Keira's presence. She'd never seen Raymond looking so relaxed and happy. Around her, he was always tensed.Keira could sense sometimes that his smile was forced,But she'd only regarded that as a show of his worry about what they were going through.No!She was thinking too far.It wasn't her husband.Raymond had been the most loving and caring man on earth.Throughout her difficult times, he was always there to console and comfort.How then would he hook up with another girl?How could he make another girl pregnant?And why did that girl have to be her best friend?Keira staggered away, more shocked than heartbroken.As her
Scented candles, champagne, and rose petals… check!Haley strolled across the bedroom.A crimson silk gown hugged her curves, flowing down her ankles, with a daring slit that revealed a glimpse of her slender leg.In the background, a soft melody played, lulling her to give in to the exhaustion from spending the whole day getting ready.The atmosphere was a mix of jasmine and lavender fragrance wafting in the air, the urge to sleep became stronger with each minute that passed by. Going to sleep was impossible though. For twenty-nine days, she'd been anticipating and preparing for tonight. Liam rarely came home. They'd been married for three years, but their relationship was nothing more than a distant coexistence.Her husband was always conveniently busy with work, hardly having time for her. The only proof of their relationship was the intimacy they shared once a month. Tonight marked their third anniversary. As one of the few nights Liam would get intimate with her, everything
She loved him and wanted to have his baby. Was it a crime to ask? A marriage was supposed to be a union of mutual consent where the couple lived harmoniously. But she didn't even have a right to voice out her heart desires.His words fell over her like chilled water, dousing the wine's effect, and dampening her hope. Haley sobered up immediately, grief clutching her heart. “Liam, do you think I married you just for money?”Haley didn't see those words coming from him.Through her actions, her genuine love was obvious. While he spent most nights outside, she maintained a perfect home for him to return to.She neither complained nor demanded his affection, just giving and never taking.Why couldn't he see it?The suspicion in his eyes as he stared at her hurt more than daggers piercing her heart. If only she could read his thoughts- his mind. “What else do you expect me to think!” Liam spat out, unaware of the poisonous effect of his words on her heart. Or maybe he was aware. “Hal
…The Next Morning. As Liam ate breakfast in the dining room, the atmosphere was stale and somehow still as if something was amiss. He glanced at the empty chair across from him now and then, his thoughts wiring back to last night.Where was that crazy woman?Was she still inside the bedroom shedding crocodile tears?Spending the whole night in the study room was enough to teach her a lesson. At least, she'd lost the chance of him touching her this month. She would never bring up that ridiculous topic again.Yet, halfway through eating, Liam's indifference turned into a small frown that formed on his face, his eyes darting upstairs. Did she think that starving herself would make him give in and grant her wish?How silly.Liam summoned the maid. “Why isn't Mrs. Nash coming down? Go and get her.”But the maid lingered, her fearful gaze avoiding his eyes.With a hesitant look on her face, she extended a gift box to him. “Actually… M-Mr, Nash. Mrs. Nash left the house an hour ago. She
… At IvoryRains Apartment Building, located downtown.Haley settled in her new apartment, the small and cozy interior a stark contrast to the luxury and glam of Liam's Villa. Yet, in this mini apartment, she felt somehow at peace with herself. Her mind, once clouded with thoughts of Liam alone, was now clearing up. Every minute of her life had been filled with thinking about him, brainstorming different ways to make the man happy. Even though she loved Liam, it was worthless to live in a marriage with three people in it.Haley could stomach anything the man threw at her, but not a betrayal as big as having an affair and impregnating another woman.Lost in her thoughts, the sound of her phone's ringtone snapped her back to the present. Haley picked up the phone from the small table stand, staring at the contact display name. She'd developed this habit of shuddering in fear whenever her mother-in-law called, and now she found herself repeating the same thing. ‘Habits die hard, d
Turning around, Haley came face to face with Leah. Her good mood plummeted instantly, replaced by irritation and disgust when Leah all but flashed her a sweet smile, rubbing her flat tummy. “Do I need to tell you where I'm going?” Haley replied. “You're just a mistress.”Leah's eyes dimmed, and her smile faded into a deep scowl. “I might be a mistress now, but not anytime soon.”Her tone filled with arrogance, she eyed Haley from head to toe. “As you can see, I'm here to pick out mine and Will's wedding rings.”“Ow?” Haley put on a surprised look, feigning happiness. “Finally, someone to pack off my garbage. Congrats, and please talk to Liam and let him sign the divorce papers soon. Or you will still be the mistress.” Her tone light and full of mockery, Haley was surprised at her own calmness as she stood in front of the woman who literally seduced her husband.Forget it. Liam was no better. Leah's expression switched from white to green, her fingernails digging into her palms. She
Anna?His mistress?Keira must be dreaming.No! Her brain had probably started malfunctioning. It definitely wasn't Raymond and Anna. Not her best friend. Not her husband. “Mistress!” Anna scoffed, leaning away. “I hate that word.”Raymond sighed. “Well, you know what I hate the most? That damned marriage.”As the two conversed, they were starkly unaware of Keira's presence. She'd never seen Raymond looking so relaxed and happy. Around her, he was always tensed.Keira could sense sometimes that his smile was forced,But she'd only regarded that as a show of his worry about what they were going through.No!She was thinking too far.It wasn't her husband.Raymond had been the most loving and caring man on earth.Throughout her difficult times, he was always there to console and comfort.How then would he hook up with another girl?How could he make another girl pregnant?And why did that girl have to be her best friend?Keira staggered away, more shocked than heartbroken.As her
That was a lie!Keira couldn't believe her ears.She couldn't believe what the Doctor just said. She only had a slight bleeding,How could that be called a miscarriage? “Mrs. Grey, I'm so sorry.” With a sigh of frustration, the Doctor patted her shoulder gently. “You've always been strong. Please don't give up now.”Keira had never given up. She'd never had a single thought of giving up on having a child.If that would please Raymond, she'd do anything to conceive even if it meant undergoing the same pain again and again. This was her tenth or eleventh miscarriage? Keira couldn't recall correctly.She couldn't get why a single child couldn't stay in her stomach. As much as she tried to hold back her tears, they came rolling down. Right!She was strong enough.This wasn't a new occurrence.She was going to come out of this stronger and more hopeful.Who was she kidding? Shaking her head, a helpless laughter escaped her lips. The more she miscarried, the dimmer her hope became.
…~ 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