…
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 left this box for you.”
Liam's frown deepened.
What was that woman up to?
He took the box impatiently, and his eyes caught the tag on it.
“3rd Anniversary Gift”
“How childish.” The corner of his lips twitched mockingly, a subtle smile forming.
Liam tore the wraps around the box, wondering if this was the present she insisted on giving him last night.
Once he revealed the content of the box, however, he narrowed his eyes at the white document with the word “Divorce Agreement!” boldly written at the top.
Liam smashed his fist on the table and shot to his feet.
He snatched the papers.
Divorce!
Was she serious last night?
His nerves rippling with rage, he flipped through the papers, his eyes widening more seeing her signatures on each section.
[Reason for Divorce: Disharmony in sex!]
His anger hit the ceiling when he saw that. The words sounded more like he didn't satisfy her enough in bed.
How dare she mock him in such a demeaning manner?
She was becoming bold, huh?
Dramatic!
Liam grabbed his phone, clutching it. His breathing ragged, he dialed her number.
“Where the hell are you!!!”
“Just sign the divorce, William Nash.” Her calm voice was devoid of the desperation from last night. “Then you're free to have kids with any woman you want.”
She hung up instantly, leaving him in a daze.
For several minutes, Liam stood in the same spot, staring at the papers, not believing his eyes.
Was she really serious?
Then a thought came to his mind and he snickered.
After trying all possible means, she resorted to this silly trick to get his attention.
That crazy woman never ran out of ideas.
Well, an hour was enough for her to return to her senses.
She'd soon beg him and claim it was a joke.
With that in mind, Liam got ready and left for his company.
In the afternoon, he found himself thinking about her tantrum, unable to finish any work.
So he took his phone and called the house's telephone, knowing she'd answer it.
But instead of Haley, the maid answered the phone. “Mr. Nash, is there something you need?”
“Where's Haley?” Liam gritted out.
“Uhm, Mr. Nash… Mrs. Nash hasn't come back,” the maid answered with a sigh.
Liam cut the call brutally!
Haley! What was she still doing outside? Did she go to his Grandmother to complain about him?
When evening approached, Liam dialed the house's telephone again, ready to lash at her.
Yet, it was the maid who answered the phone again. “Mr. Nash, Mrs. Nash didn't return.” She sounded worried. “She has never left the house for this long.”
Liam cut the call.
He tugged at his necktie and began pacing in his office, his emotion a mix of anger and disbelief.
Haley was going too far.
She'd better end this prank before he extended her punishment.
While he was walking back and forth, his assistant, Joye, came in with some documents. “Mr. Nash, these are from the HR-”
“Check the money on Haley's card. Is there any change from yesterday?” Liam interrupted him, his voice sounding desperate.
Damnit! Was he desperate?
He just wanted to find more reasons to punish that woman in case she spent his money recklessly.
“Right away, Mr. Nash!”
Joye returned later, the look of horror on his face making Liam wonder if someone died on his way back.
“Mr. Nash- Mr. Nash, you won't believe this!” Joye barged into the office.
Liam was impatient. “What is it!? And where's the task I gave you?”
Joye opened his mouth wide, looking as if he'd seen a ghost. “It turns out Mrs. Nash has never touched a single penny on her card! Isn't that strange?”
That was impossible.
It was hard to believe.
If Haley had never spent a single penny on his card, where did she get all the money she used to buy meaningless gifts for him?
Those expensive wristwatches, the cufflinks made of gold, the expensive neckties and designer shoes… and also the expensive perfumes she'd stacked inside his closet, not to mention the limited edition sports car she got him as a birthday gift two months ago!
Weren't they all bought with his money?
Did she swindle them from his Grandmother?
After all, she'd always pretended to be nice to his clueless Grandmother in order to get close to him.
“Erm, Mr. Nash…” Joye said, snapping him from his thoughts. His assistant scratched his head nervously, giving him a worried look. “You look pale and you're sweating… is everything alright?”
Liam threw him a glare. “It's nothing.”
“Uhm, but, Mr. Nash, if you feel sick, I can call the Madam as always,” Joye suggested. “By the way, isn't she an amazing woman? All women out there would lavish your money, but she-”
“Go away.” Liam chased the noisy guy out.
For the first time, he was a bit flustered. But as he sat on his chair, he whispered to himself, “Well, she's a nobody without me. She'll soon run back and apologize.”
… 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
The man's expression was masked by surprise for a few seconds, then he laughed. “What took you so long to visit my company?”Haley loosened up. Her lips pulled into a happy smile and she ran over and hugged him. “I'm finally here, Brother. How's life treating you?”“Fantastic!” He stood up and lifted her in the air, his laughter resounding in the office walls. “It was boring all day long before you appeared. What a huge surprise!”Seeing the happiness in her brother's eyes as he welcomed her warmly, Haley's guilt expanded. She pursed her lips and sighed as he put her down.“Why the gloomy look? Lemme guess, you miss your husband already just after arriving here.” Her brother pinched her cheek, taunting her. Then his brows pulled together in a displeased frown. “You've lost a lot of flesh. What's with the skinny look? Are you on a diet?”Haley shook her head. It was true that she'd lost a tremendous amount of weight in the past few years. Ever since she married Liam, Haley couldn't
“Have you made enough of a scene? Now come back home!”The first words he said when she answered the phone. Haley almost laughed out loud, but his words weren't funny.For three years, she'd gotten used to his authoritative voice always ordering her around, but now it sounded foreign in her ears. “William Nash, I told you to just sign the divorce papers. Leave me alone,” she replied, her low voice calm. Haley had been so used to him yelling at her but not anymore.After hanging up the call, Haley switched off her phone. Beside her, Andrew looked terrified, staring at her as if he was looking at an alien. “Hey, is something on my face?” Haley joked. But her brother laughed. “I never thought a day would come when you'll talk back at that man. You were literally begging him on your knees to acknowledge you.”“Yeah, I was a fool.” Haley released a sigh. “Not anymore from now on,” Andrew said. “I'm proud that you're back to your senses. Hungry?”Haley nodded. Since morning, she'd n
...At LuxBites Hotel.The five-star restaurant occupying half of the hotel screamed of luxury, a majority of the guests were the elite socialites and celebrities. While Andrew received a phone call outside, a staff member led Haley to a private room overlooking the city's skyline through the transparent glass walls. The dishes were already served. Seared foie gras, Wagyu beef steak with truffle mashed potatoes, Black truffle risotto, and Chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean ice cream as desserts.Her brother sure knew how to pamper her with food. Haley could hardly recall when she'd last eaten such an expensive combination of meals.What a pity.In the past, she'd always fantasized about such a dinner date with Liam-“Can you believe it?” Andrew joined her, looking a bit irritated. “They just informed me that the scumbag wants “Treasure.””Haley didn't need to ask what “Treasure” her brother was talking about, or the scumbag he was referring to. “Liam? What does he want with it?”
No one needed to be told the intent behind his question.Someone as powerful and successful as William Nash asking such a question couldn't be considered a joke,Not when any answer given by her brother could potentially decide the fate of his empire. Haley waited, holding her breath, her heart racing to hear what Andrew's reply was gonna be. Through the tense silence, her brother's laughter danced in the air, his lighthearted tone easing the tension. “William Nash,” her brother said. “Why ask that kind of question when we're both successful businessmen? No problem, you want “Treasure” right? Let's hold a charity auction.”Smart move!Haley released the air she was holding. Sitting under the desk, her shoulders loosened up. “An auction for “Treasure”? Not a bad idea. When?”His tone, neither lacking of arrogance nor anger anymore, Liam seemed to welcome that idea openly. “Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Don't be late.”As Andrew spoke, the sounds of high heels clicking on the tiled floor
“Haley!” Liam stood up, yelling her name. His thunderous voice was supposed to make her flinch, if not take to her heels and flee from seeing him, in fear. However, it had no effect on her as she remained sitting in the same chair, facing the stage calmly. If Liam didn't recognize her demeanor, he'd be convinced she was only another lady who shared a great resemblance with her.“The auction will begin now!” Came the voice from the microphone again. “The first bidding price… One thousand!”A price not even close to the initial price he'd bought the necklace with. What's the use of holding an auction then? Was Andrew Woods trying to mess with him?Liam's mind veered off the auction altogether. The auction could wait, because with this insignificant price, he doubted if anyone would outbid him. So he focused his attention on Haley, walking down the intersection, and heading to the front row where she sat. “Two thousand!” Liam paused for a moment when Haley spoke out loud, joining
Liam reached for his pocket, and he brought out nothing but a simple-looking necklace.At first glance, one would know it was handcrafted by local jewelry sellers. Was that what she was worth? Haley wanted to laugh, but she held it back as her emotions also threatened to soar. She held the necklace close to her chest. “You said this necklace is very important to Leah. What if it's also very important to me?” Did she need to ask? The answer was all written on his expression. His eyes dimmed with irritation as he accessed her as if she was a little child throwing a tantrum. “Haley, you're taking this too far. If you give me the necklace, I'll come home more often. Isn't that what you've always wanted?”Haley laughed out loud this time, unable to control herself. As her laughter died down, she accessed him with a cold look. “William Nash, I have no time to waste on you. Sign the divorce!”She turned to leave and he grasped her arm. “Where are you headed?”“None of your business.”“
…~ 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