…The Next Morning.Liam woke up with a splitting headache. It was as if someone was hammering his head and his whole body. Every spot in his body was sore, and his bone cracked when he tried to sit up.What happened? “Lana!!!” He yelled out the maid's name, struggling to open his eyes. Where was that lazy girl?“Lana!!!” Liam yelled out again. No response.“Mr. Nash, please be careful. Moving rapidly can cause you another concussion.” A foreign voice snapped him awake.Liam opened his eyes to the blurred vision of a wide hospital room.The nurse stood beside him, disconnecting an IV Drip from his arm.How did he end up in a hospital? Why couldn't he recall anything? “Ah, Mr. Nash, you're finally awake, Sir!” His assistant barged into the ward, holding a fruit bag. “You can't believe how relieved I am... Narrow escape,” Joye went on, his delighted expression confusing Liam. “If the heavens hadn't blessed you last night-”“What's going on?” Liam interrupted,For the more Joye sp
…At DG Jewelry Corp.Sitting inside her cubicle, Haley's eyes were glued to the tablet in her hands, yet, her mind was somewhere else.She couldn't help but glance at her wristwatch now and then.Strange! Since the work hours started and now that it was past noon, that man had not disturbed her. Shouldn't she be relieved?Returning her attention to work, Haley picked up the tablet's pen and started working on the first draft of the design.She'd only drawn a few lines however when her mind subconsciously drifted to Liam again. Did he quit so soon? That was impossible. Maybe he was busy at the other company. “Hey, Haley.” Someone stopped in front of her desk. Looking up, Haley had the urge to groan. “Hi, Amby.”“What are you doing?” Amby checked out the tablet from her hands. “Working on a new project?”“Yeah.” Haley nodded. And she could do with some peace. Maybe she should go to the rooftop. “Let me see.” Amby suddenly snatched the tablet, her face turning green as she acce
The shocking news about Liam's accident had thrown Haley into a trance. Lost in a daze, she didn't even know when Daryl took her inside the car. “Act normal. Grandma's here,” Daryl whispered in her ear. Huh?Grandma? Haley snapped to the present, her eyes falling on the old woman sitting beside her. “Haley dear, aren't you supposed to be in the hospital with Willy?” Grandma Lily asked. Daryl cleared his throat. “Oh, she came here to collect something from a friend and asked if we could pick her up.”As if he could read Haley's mind, he cooked up a perfect lie. Why didn't he tell her before that Grandma was also here? How would Grandma Lily react when she discovered Haley was now working?Was Liam's accident as severe as Daryl put it?Even Grandma Lily was out to visit him. “Might as well speak now…” Daryl nudged her slightly. “Grandma will listen to you.”Haley blinked, staring into space.Were they going to the hospital now, like right now? Was she prepared?“Haley.” Daryl
“Uhm, Will. Once you finish this apple, don't forget to take more, okay? I'll bring more fruits later, they'll boost your immune system.” Her silky voice, soft and smooth, floated in the room. As if pretending to not notice the other people inside the room, Leah shifted closer to the man, offering him the apple. “Ahem! What a sight!” Daryl chortled. “Grandma, I didn't know you'd adopted another daughter. No wonder Big Bro no longer pays attention to me!”“This one's not adopted! She's not even a family member!” Grandma Lily grumbled. “What is an outsider doing in this place!?”Leah flinched, shifting away from Liam. Her fingers shook as she dropped the apple and knife on a tray. “She's my secretary, Grandma,” Liam replied in a tired voice. “Is she supposed to be here? Isn't she the same girl that likes to visit Vera?”“Grandma-”“Young Lady, you can get out. I'll have a family discussion with my grandchildren and granddaughter-in-law.”“Oh…” Leah got down from the bed, her body tr
Spreading both arms wide, Leah planted her feet on the ground, her furious eyes staring daggers at her. Haley had to give the girl a once-over. She didn't need to guess why Leah was this furious. From the jealousy and murderous look in her eyes, she looked as if she'd grab a knife and stab her. Folding her hands, Haley pressed her lips together, maintaining a straight face. It wasn't worth laughing at Leah's pathetic state anyway. “Where does it seem like I'm going?” She faked a yawn. “To our dear Willy of course-”“You wish!” Leah spat out. “Take another step and I'll make sure you regret it!”“By faking to be fragile and pitiful to earn Liam's sympathy?” Haley smiled. “What else can you do aside from that?”“So what?” Leah crossed her arms. “Don't underestimate what I can do. Not only Liam, I can turn the whole world against you if I wish! And you'll have no escape!”“Kindly take my advice and leave…” She added. “You’re a barren woman, yet you cling onto Liam for his wealth.”
~Liam came out of his ward, frowning at first. Then he assessed the situation.While Haley knelt on the floor, her hair was locked in his mother's fingers. The woman let go of her instantly and she got to her feet, massaging her scalp. Was his mother bullying her again?Hadn't he sent her away because she wouldn't stop badmouthing his brother?Why did she come back?“Son- Son!” Vera scurried up to him, face pale and eyes wide. “Haley’s talking back again. Can you believe this barren woman who can't give me a grandchild had the guts to insult me?”So his mother would never change.Hadn't he warned her already?“Will, I'm afraid for your mother.” Leah let out a sigh. “Because of Haley, she's developing high blood pressure. You know someone like her can't tolerate insults.”“Uhm, before I forget.” Leah changed the topic. “Grandma asked me to apply this balm on you.”Liam's gaze strayed to the tiny bottle in her hand. It looked similar to the type of balm Haley would apply on his sti
…At Another End of The City,Haley sat in the backseat of a car, pressed on both sides by two huge bodyguards. If she hadn't recognized them as bodyguards from the Nash Mansion, she'd panic.She was on her way out of the hospital premises when they forced her inside the car. Was it Vera again?Because this looked more like a kidnap. The bodyguards didn't speak a word to her. The car wasn't heading to the family mansion either. It seemed to be heading out of the city. After a long silent ride, the car came to a stop. The bodyguards didn't care about blindfolding her, and they led her into an empty dilapidated warehouse.Haley waited on a chair calmly, tapping her feet on the ground. One of the bodyguards asked, “Do you need water?”“No, thanks.”“How about food, Young Miss.”Haley sighed. Why did they appear to be currying favor with her?“Just so you know, it's not our intention. You won't tell the Young Master about this, right?”It depended on what they were up to. But Haley
…The Next Day.Liam rested on the hospital bed, blinking at the ceiling, one arm settled underneath his head. That crazy girl. Would she not visit him today?Didn't Joye deliver his message to her that she had to come in the morning? It was already afternoon. Haley hadn't shown up yet. Should he call the police to make her take responsibility?Why was he even bothered about Haley coming to visit him?Liam sat up, confusion swirling in his mind. Was he desperate?“Mr. Nash, you're awake.” The doctor walked in and checked out the IV Drip. “Good news. Your body's responding to treatment.”“When will I be discharged?” Liam asked. The doctor smiled, hanging yet another IV Drip on the stand and removing the finished one. He connected the drip to Liam's arm. “While we await the new x-ray results, I suggest you remain here and recuperate fully.”“An x-ray?”Hadn't they done it before Liam was even admitted to the bed and put on treatment? “Yeah. We need maximum assurance, Mr. Nash. I
…~ 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