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 help but notice that.
The years of house chores had greatly worn her out.
“Big Bro…” she tugged at his jacket sleeve, acting spoiled. “The truth is… I'm divorcing Liam-”
“What!?” Her brother didn't let her finish speaking.
Looking flabbergasted, Andrew Woods sank into his chair. “You're pulling my legs. That is the most ridiculous joke ever! Don't you love that guy like your whole life depends on it?”
It hurt to be reminded of how stupid she'd been.
“You even went against us, your family, to marry him, remember?” He reminded her. “So stop cooking up lies. As your Big Bro, I won't punish you for running off to marry him in secret.”
Blinking her eyes, Haley fought to hold back her tears. She sat beside him on the chair's armrest and narrated everything to him.
“So you see, it's not worth living in a loveless marriage…”
Haley was afraid she would run mad someday because of that heartless man. She was even happy she survived the torture of those three years.
After hearing her story, her brother sighed. “Three years ago, you left us to marry William. I thought you could live happily with him. I didn't think he'd dare bully you.”
Haley had been so blinded by love that she refused to listen to any word her family said.
She ended up getting disowned by her own parents.
“How about forgetting that asshole and coming home with me today? Mom and Dad miss you,” her brother suggested.
Haley would jump at the opportunity, but… "I'll definitely go back, but not now. As soon as Liam signs the divorce papers, I'll move back home.”
She couldn't meet her parents at the moment.
What was she gonna tell them?
How was she gonna apologize?
Would they be able to forgive her?
Her Brother was kind and understanding enough, but sometimes Haley couldn't understand her parents who had a bad temper.
Crossing them was one of her biggest mistakes.
"In the meantime, how about taking me in as a designer in this company?" Haley asked. "I'm using my first name anyway, people won't know you're my brother."
Andrew's eyes shone with happiness. “You want to work here? As long as you are willing, the whole company can be given to you."
“Haha! That's too much to ask, Bro.” Haley laughed.
“Look at you being picky.” He ruffled up her hair. “If it's the DG Group you want, I'll hand it all over. You're my only Sis anyway.”
But Haley denied. “I just want to work as a designer.”
Disappointed, Andrew nodded. "I don’t understand. Why don't you let me announce you to a higher position in the company?"
That would be too much.
Knowing her brother well, he'd insist on giving her the best. So Haley changed the topic. "Actually, I've been working with this company for a long time."
Her brother looked pale immediately. “Wait, what do you mean?”
“Do you like last month's newest necklace "Treasure"?” Haley asked.
Her brother was speechless. ”So you are “Crystal”? The most mysterious jewelry designer?”
Haley smiled and nodded.
Andrew looked thoughtful. "I wondered why Crystal is willing to work with our company, it's you!!!”
Haley flushed in embarrassment. "I just want to start as a new designer in this company, so I don't need to let anyone else know who I am.”
“Why though?” The frown returned to Andrew's face. “You're an exceptional designer! Everyone's dying to meet “Crystal” and I can't wait to boast about you!”
The more he spoke, the more embarrassed Haley felt. “Come on, Bro… let's keep this our little secret.”
She added, “I'm confident that I can prove myself, and I don't want to attract Liam's attention.”
Under the alias “Crystal” Haley had designed countless jewelry and sold them out at huge prices.
She wanted to feel confident about her love for Liam, so she worked hard to afford the gifts a powerful man like him would appreciate.
But instead of appreciating those gifts, Liam left them to rot.
The only sensible thing he'd ever done was hand over the sports car she'd bought as his birthday gift to charity.
“You've suffered all these years…” Andrew patted her hair gently. “I'll help you get revenge and teach that heartless man a lesson.”
Haley shook her head and whispered, "No need, it's not worth wasting energy on unimportant people.”
“Have you really let go?” Andrew asked worriedly.
Haley nodded. “The future is bright. I'll never look back.”
“You've matured a lot.” Her brother stared at her proudly. “Since you've said so, I'll let him off. Just promise me you'll always be happy.”
Haley hugged him again. “I promise.”
Three years of hardship was enough for her to mature. She would never be stupid again.
Haley's phone rang, disrupting the silence.
Seeing Liam's name blinking on the screen, her eyes dimmed.
“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.”“
Before Haley could catch herself, her feet had already slipped off the staircase.She gasped as her head was about to hit the stairs railings, but then someone caught her.Haley found herself back in Liam's arms, this time his hold on her didn't feel forced as he held her securely. “Are you alright?”Why did he care?Haley blinked at him, then her attention turned to Leah who covered her mouth, a shocked look registered on her face. “Oh, my gosh! Are you alright, Haley?”Leah asking the same question as Liam worsened Haley's mood especially when it was Leah who tripped her just now. “I'm fine, I guess… since you didn't succeed in making me fall.” Haley stepped in front of her, folding her hands. “What was that for, Leah?”“What are you talking about?” Leah put on a confused look. “Just because you hate me doesn't give you the right to pin the blame on me.”And Haley was the fool who would fall on her own. “Be grateful my body didn't touch the ground. You would have shared the same
At IvoryRains Apartment Building. Andrew pulled his car over, his lips pressed into a thin line, a sign of his displeasure as he accessed the building. “I still want you to come home, Haley. You can't live in this kind of place.”Haley stepped out of the car, smiling at her brother's words. “Nothing will happen, I'll be totally fine.”But he disagreed. “I'd rather you live in a residential area. Someone might recognize you here, and your life will be at stake if everyone knows your true identity.”Haley doubted if that was possible, when not even all the servants at the Woods Mansion knew of her existence.“I've heard you, Bro. I'll think about it.”Andrew nodded, forcing a smile at her. He bid her goodbye with a smile, and drove away. Haley was just about to enter the building when her phone rang. Dreading the call might be from Liam, she didn't have the mind to bring it out until the ringtone became incessant and disturbing. Seeing the name “Stewardess Mary” on the screen, she q
~As Haley returned to Grandma Lily's room, the man's words echoed inside her mind.That heartless man!Why should she even care? As long as he signed the divorce, she'd have no more business with him.“Where's Willy? Did he leave already?” Grandma Lily wrinkled her brows, her tone filled with worry.Haley murmured, “He's gone, Grandma. But don't worry about us, Liam and I are doing fine.”“Really?” Grandma Lily looked doubtful. “Why do you appear sad instead?”“Oh, Grandma, but I'm alright.” Haley forced a smile.Still, Grandma Lily scrutinized her with narrowed eyes, reminding Haley of Liam's piercing gaze. “You've always said the same thing, Dear. Won't you tell Grandma the truth? I know that boy, Willy, has his father's temper. He says harsh words sometimes!”“Liam is kind to me. Don't let the rumors make you think otherwise, Grandma.”Haley wasn't covering up for that heartless man. She'd feel guilty if telling the truth would impact Grandma Lily's health. After all, the Old Wo