The air froze, and a deafening silence descended.Liam stilled in his spot, his gaze fixed on his brother,And the girl that was with him. Haley?Not only did she look haggard and dusty, she also appeared weak, leaning against his brother for support.“Ahhhhh!” A high-pitched scream pierced through the atmosphere.The scream came from no one but the woman who was now trembling in Liam's arms. His mother literally jumped to her feet. Hadn't she been unconscious? But no one paid her attention as they all gathered around Daryl. “No way, it's the second young master!”“Oh, my gosh! He's back!”“The second young master is alive!”“How unbelievable!”The servants jumped excitedly, clapping and smiling. While Grandma Lily shed more tears. “My dear grandson, where did you go? How did you come back? I… I was very worried. Were you kidnapped, dear?”But five years ago, the family not only searched everywhere… they'd also had every gang member investigated.No one admitted to kidnapping Da
Right!Why didn't Liam think about that?It was the quickest way to know whether Haley or his mother was speaking the truth. But then, Did they really need the surveillance camera?How could he deny the obvious truth when it was right in front of him?If it turned out his mother was lying, it wouldn't only be humiliating her in public,Her reputation would also be gone. “My grandson is smart as always.” Grandma Lily nodded thoughtfully. “Mary, go get the security men to check out the surveillance footage from last night.”“Haley dear…” Grandma Lily faced her, cupping her cheeks. “Grandma will get justice for you this time. This evil woman will learn her lesson today.”While Vera's pupils constricted, her face paling, the honesty in Haley's gloomy eyes was transparent.Liam shifted in discomfort. As the Stewardess walked away, he cleared his throat. “Mary, come back.”“Huh?” The Stewardess stopped walking. “Is anything the matter, Grandson?” Grandma Lily asked with concern. “Why d
… Haley left the mansion, anger coupled with disgust consuming her heart. He saw the truth. Why did he choose to deny it?What was she expecting anyway?Did she expect Liam to suddenly take her side and defend her? Of course, he would back up his mother even though Vera was in the wrong. He'd done it before, and he'd continue doing it. Haley didn't need his protection. He could go to hell for all she cared. “Hey, wait up!” Someone called out to her from a distance. Haley almost didn't recognize the voice until she turned around, coming face to face with the man who saved her. “You're leaving too soon, hope all is well.” The guy caught up with her. His voice was light and full of energy, contrary to Liam's dark and gloomy voice. The brooding man could not be compared to his brother who was all smiles and lively. “Why did you follow me?” Haley eyed his features, finding herself comparing the similarities between the brothers. Daryl shrugged. “Remember you're my responsibilit
Liam might have played a part but he didn't have a hand in her disappearance. It was completely his mother's fault. Wasn't it because of him that Haley was getting into all this trouble? “I'm alright. Can you pick me up at the Nash District?” Haley replied instead. “Nash District? What are you doing there, Haley?” Her brother's displeasure was evident through the tone of his voice. “I spent the night at Grandma Lily's place,” Haley replied.If she told him what exactly happened, it might worsen things. Haley wanted to fight her battles alone and not implicate others. Vera Nash must be basking in her success, but not for long. However, involving her brother in the matter wouldn't do them any good. “Hang in there. I'm on my way,” Andrew said before ending the call. Twenty minutes later, his car pulled over. Haley was sitting under the tree, playing with stone pebbles. She got to her feet the moment he arrived, and entered his car. Her brother's anger hadn't gone away. Lip
The voices outside quietened down for some seconds, increasing Haley's confusion. Neither the security man nor the lady spoke again,Until the sounds of footsteps resumed, closer this time.“Where is she!?” Camille barged into the place. “Where is that slut who's been seducing my husband? You'd better come out-”She paused, her gaze snapping to the dining table. Camille staggered and her bag dropped onto the couch, while she let out a loud scream. “Ahhhhh! Oh, my goodness!” Hugging her pregnancy bump, Camille sank onto the couch, her face twisting with pain. “Oh, God! I think my baby's coming!”Standing up, Andrew breathed out an exasperated sigh before sitting beside her. Haley left the dining table too and sat on the lady's other side. “Andy, help!” She cried. “You're alright, Camille.” Sounding helpless, Andrew carefully rubbed her stomach. “You were moving too vigorously and shouting, of course, the baby would be disturbed.”Her pregnancy wasn't so big to expect a baby so so
Snatching her bag from the couch, Camille fished out her phone to dial a number.Haley could only shake her head, exchanging glances with her brother. What's the use of beating Leah up? Besides, that vixen was pregnant. They could hurt an innocent child. “Hey, Camille… stop.” Haley took the phone from her, carefully. “Calm down, okay?”“Huh? What do you mean I should calm down?” Camille stared at her in disbelief. “Are we just gonna let her go?”If Leah hadn't crossed her path, Haley would never even know that girl existed. Forcing a smile, she replied, “Between Leah and Liam, who deserves more punishment?”Her husband could observe self-control, but he didn't. If his moral compass was correct, he would never touch another woman after the marriage vows they shared. Yes, he didn't love her. But he could be loyal to the vows.“The cheating scumbag deserves to be punished, I guess,” Camille reasoned with her. “Then, I have a great idea!” Her eyes dimmed into menacing slits, and she
Like drum beats hammering her heart, his hard footsteps resounded as he closed the distance between them. “I thought you were supposed to be living here.” He trapped her by the door, his eyes running over the nightdress she wore. “Where are you coming from?”“None of your business-” Haley gasped and the words died in her throat when he leaned closer. Leaving her no space for breathing, her throat was suddenly parched. “Doing all these to get my attention, huh?” He smirked. “Newsflash! You won.”Haley sucked in a deep breath as his cold lips touched her skin, trailing soft kisses down her cleavage. Pressing her to the door, one hand left her waist, running up her fabric. He hooked a finger on her shoulder straps, pulling it down, and exposing her skin. When the man lifted his head and kissed her lips, sparks exploded in Haley's head. Was this a dream or a nightmare?Craving his touch all the time, she'd had similar dreams before. Lost in his touch, Haley grappled for the reality
No way!Haley didn't even use that much force. The vase was also fragile. Still, Liam was bleeding too much. The mighty man lay on the floor in front of her, his tall frame unmoving. Damn! Was she in trouble now?Fiddling with her phone, Haley's first thought was to call an ambulance. What if she got implicated, though?The police could arrest her and demand a statement. She could spend the rest of her days in jail!Scratch that! It would be heartless of her to just let him bleed to death.Haley turned on her phone, her fingers shaking. Finding her phone's battery dead, she cursed inside, beads of perspirations rolling down her face.What if she informed his assistant? Joye would definitely be faster!Haley took out Liam's phone from his pants pocket. Swallowing a huge gulp of saliva, her fingers shook as she typed in a message to send to his assistant. Then she shot to her feet and fled out of the apartment.“H- Haley- I mean, Mrs-”Haley almost breezed past the caretaker who
…~ 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