A cologne, foreign yet familiar hit Haley's nose. The fragrance engulfed her senses, and her mind wired back to many years ago. Where had she smelled it before?When? “Wanna cry? You can pour it all out.” Instead of stepping out of the way, he hugged her and patted her back. That voice.D-Daryl. “Oh!” Haley jumped out of his embrace, flabbergasted and flushed. Her initial embarrassment returned multifold, and her eyes darted everywhere else but him. “Y-You- you're still here?”“When a pretty damsel is nearby, I must stay.” Daryl smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. A look of embarrassment flickered in his eyes. Maybe he was embarrassed for her. Haley sighed. The deed was done. That scumbag had completely made her lose face. What's the point of wallowing in distress?Haley was in no mood to chat. So she murmured a silent goodbye to Daryl, walking past him. Daryl skipped up to her. “Want a free ride home?” Of course. Haley was so shaken to the core by Liam's sudden
Great!Just great!Could this day get any worse? A knock came from the door. Haley glanced away from the mirror, realizing she'd been standing there for minutes. “You're still in there? I brought you something.”Daryl. What did he bring?Haley opened the door. In Daryl's hands was a huge shopping bag. He bought her a new dress. “Can’t wait to see you in it.” He dropped the bag in her hand, smiling. Without another word, Daryl left. Did he order the dress just now? That was so thoughtful of him.What if…What if Liam had been a bit like his brother? Considerate but indifferent. Haley wouldn't mind. But- Scratch it!Haley needed to stop thinking about him. She changed into the dress. It fitted her perfectly, hugging her curves in the right places.Sigh! What curves?Haley was just skin and bones. The dress only fitted her because it was a few inches below her normal size. With it came a matching shoe, handbag, and even a make-up palette as a bonus. Those were too much. Bu
…Liam told her sorry.He promised he'd change. The words Haley had been longing to hear. Were they real?Was she dreaming? Haley's eyelids flickered, her mind wandering from consciousness to subconsciousness. She stared at the ceiling, her mind blank for some seconds. Where was she? How did she end up here?From the soft mattress beneath her, she must be lying on a bed. A wide one too.Haley's arms were spread yet they didn't fully occupy the vast space of the bed. She blinked as fragments of memories returned. Still, apart from recalling that she'd been drunk and those words she thought she'd heard from Liam must be a lie, Haley couldn't tell where she was.Groaning, she sat up on the bed, holding her aching forehead.Something didn't seem right.Why- Why was she wearing a bathrobe? Studying the cotton material on her, Haley patted her lips in shock and an unknown fear clutched her heart.She couldn't recall changing into them,She couldn't even recall leaving the restaura
Liam called her. This was the first time he called her several times in a row. Why?What did he want?Haley scrolled down the notification pop-ups and arrived at a single text message. From Liam. [You can't hide from me, Haley.]In her mind, the words sounded like a creepy whisper of his deep voice.Haley gulped. The memory of how he'd treated her at the hospital surfaced inside her mind. Sigh! What was she gonna do with that man?Clearly, Liam wanted to punish her for proposing the divorce first.Haley knew why her brother called. Wasn't it to ask if she'd gotten Liam's signatures as she promised him?Now that Liam had torn the divorce papers, what was she gonna tell her brother?Supporting her forehead with both hands, Haley wracked her brain.No. She mustn't give up.She couldn't remain married to Liam. She had to get that divorce.Wallowing in her thoughts, a plan suddenly popped up. Ha! Haley sat up straight, her mood lifting. She scrolled down the contacts list of he
…At DG Jewelry Corp, the next morning.Joye paced back and forth in front of Liam, chanting some words Liam didn't pay attention to. “With Crystal's involvement, Sir, you have nothing to worry about. She's the best in this field and has an outstanding reputation.”Liam's eyes were glued to his phone, staring at Haley's number. Why didn't she pick up his calls?Wasn't she angry for nothing?They were not getting a divorce whether she gave him the cold shoulder or not. “Sir, are you listening?” Joye stopped walking, panting to catch his breath. Liam heard everything. “Is Crystal that good?”“I've dug into the internet, Sir. Although mysterious, Crystal has a great reputation. Imagine the popularity he or she will bring to this company.”He or she? “Is it a man or a woman?”“Crystal's true gender is a topic of misconception on the internet.”Liam frowned. “Crystal.”Where had he heard that name before?“How did you know about him?” Liam asked. “Erm…” Joye scratched his head, aver
Liam froze for a minute. He hadn't seen wrong. On one of those papers, his vision had swept past something written as ‘Divorce Agreement'Or was he wrong? Would Haley be so smart?“Sir, you're spacing out.” Joye waved a hand in front of him, smiling. “Your eyes spell that you want to follow Madam.”Liam snapped to his senses. Of course, he wanted to follow Haley. But not because he missed her.He shot to his feet and stormed out of the office, loosening up his necktie as the anger suffocated him. She had the guts to trick him! Liam stepped out in time to find the elevator doors closing. There, Haley stood, hugging the documents to her chest. As he approached in large strides, her face paled with shock, her eyes bulging out. That was the look of someone guilty. Liam quickly stepped inside before the elevator doors fully closed. Luckily, there was no one else inside the elevator. “W- What do you want?” Backing away from him, Haley hid the papers behind her. Was that what sh
~Gazing deeply at her, his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down.Liam was giving her the same look that always sent her knees weak. Instead of pushing her away, he drew her closer, pressing her against him. This was the perfect time to snatch the papers. Liam looked intoxicated.He looked as if he would swallow her whole. Breaking out of the effect of his magnetic gaze, Haley reached for the papers.Yet, Liam seemed to still be in his senses. He dropped the papers and stepped on them. Haley wanted to squat to pick them up, but then, he snaked one hand around her waist, giving her no room to move. Staring back into his eyes was her biggest mistake. They drew her into the pool of emotions swirling in them. Haley gulped. As he pressed her against the wall, ravaging her lips, his hands all over her body, her head became muddled for a split second.No! Wanting to protest, a slight moan escaped her lips instead, letting his tongue delve deeper. This was bad. He wasn't punishing her
Instantly, Liam dropped her. Haley landed on the floor butt-first, and she winced in pain. Holding her aching waist, she made to stand up, her gaze snapping to the person standing in front of them. No wonder Liam dropped her quickly. The person that appeared just now was none other than Leah.Their eyes met, before Leah's gaze strayed to Haley's blouse. In a split second, many emotions flashed in her eyes, then she quickly masked them with a gentle smile. Leah, acting as if she hadn't noticed Haley in the first place, turned to Liam. “Will, are you busy?” “No. Why did you come?” Liam adjusted his necktie, the subtle embarrassment on his face not missing Haley's scrutiny. “Uhm, I'm here to submit an important report from NK Enterprise,” Leah said softly. Lowering her head, she blushed and caressed her stomach. “I also have a feeling the baby misses you. My stomach keeps aching.”“Really?”As they conversed, Haley looked between them.What was she still doing here?Yuck! She c
…~ 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