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
…~ 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