Staring at the text, Haley's shock transformed into irritation. Shouldn't Leah be asked the same question?Liam was already hers, yet, she wasn't contented. Leah would keep chasing him, thinking Haley was a threat to their relationship. Taking in a deep breath, Haley typed a reply. [Congratulations.]Then she blocked the number, and put her phone away. She focused on the TV screen, even though her mind wasn't on the show. The fruit juice suddenly tasted bitter inside her mouth. Haley had no choice but to drop the glass.The maid came to pick up the half-finished glass. “Young Miss, is everything alright?” “Never been better.” Haley smiled. Yet, the maid gave her a cautious look. She looked as if she wanted to say something.Then the doorbell rang. Haley frowned slightly, exchanging glances with the maid. “Are you expecting someone?”“Not at all, Young Miss,” the maid replied. “Maybe it's Mr. Woods.”Today was the weekend.Andrew would spend the whole day with Camille at her b
Long ago, Haley's taste buds got used to a particular food with a similar aroma. She would run to the college's cafeteria every day just to have a taste of it.The savory aroma stuck to her senses. To this day, she'd think about it sometimes. She had inquired about the chef, and the staff at the cafeteria told her he only visited once in a while and never appreciated company.The chef was a recluse whom Haley never got to meet.“Uhm, Young Miss, why're you spacing out?” The maid came out. Instead of the previous gloom on her face, she looked delighted, her eyes twinkling. “Come- come, the food is ready.” The maid appeared more eager than Haley in fact. Hadn't she been arguing with Daryl before? Weird!At the dining table, they met Daryl serving food.“You're in for a big treat.”Haley knew.The moment her eyes fell on the food, her mouth watered up.Blinking might make the food disappear, so she didn't.Apart from giving off the same aroma, the food looked the same as the one s
Grandma passed out?Ha! “Nice try!” Haley gave him a pointed look.If Grandma was in that kind of condition, Daryl wouldn't be here. Haley would have also gotten a phone call the moment Grandma fell ill.Which meant, Daryl was just bluffing. However, the guy stared at her in all seriousness, unblinking. His voice extremely low, gloom washed over his face. “I’m not pulling your legs. Grandma passed out. They revived her, and she refused to let anyone touch her.”That was strange.Grandma Lily rarely got angry. Whenever the old woman was on the edge, Mary would give Haley a phone call too.Why didn't she?“Grandma even chased the Stewardess out of her sight. Imagine sending me away too, her favorite boy,” Daryl lamented. “Something’s up with the old lady.”Haley dropped the spoon, losing her appetite. Whenever Grandma Lily threw her tantrums, she never stopped anyone from seeing her. She'd specifically ask for Haley to come, in fact. Why was she in such a bad mood?“We can't jus
Haley's heart skipped a beat, instinctively, she exchanged glances with Liam.The shock in his eyes reflected hers. Was she hallucinating?Did Grandma Lily just ask them to get a divorce? Liam's demeanor shifted, his expression switching from shock to uncertainty. “Why, Grandma?”Yes. Why would Grandma ask them to get a divorce?Hadn't Grandma always rooted for their marriage? Grandma Lily's gaze strayed to Haley, a glint of displeasure flashing in her ears. “I don't want to say it in her presence.”“No worries, Grandma.” Haley shook her head.What exactly happened?Why this sudden decision from Grandma?Haley was supposed to be happy, yet, she couldn't find even a flicker of happiness in her heart. Every emotion was a mix of confusion and disbelief.“Well, you're a barren woman.” Grandma Lily's eyes dimmed. “For many years, I've been asking for great-grandchildren, but you can't give me at least one.”Haley stilled, the shock numbing her. Hearing those words coming from Grandma
Gotten what she wanted?More like what he wanted. Haley clenched her trembling fists, fighting down the rage surging through her veins. Accompanying the slight fever was a sudden headache. In just a few minutes, she'd been drained out mentally. Didn't Grandma Lily only collapse because of the phone call?It seems there was news Haley didn't know of.Did Liam just say she published the news? Bantering with the man was pointless, but Haley wouldn't let him point baseless accusations at her. She opened her mouth to retort,But the elevator doors behind her opened and sounds of someone sobbing echoed through the hallway.“Will, oh, Will… how's Grandma?” Leah ran into the man's arms, weeping loudly. “Please tell me Grandma Lily's out of the emergency room. Tell me she's alright.”However, Leah's questions fell on deaf ears as Liam still pinned Haley with a deadly glare, his unwavering gaze not leaving her face.Leah frowned, staring at him. Her eyes followed his gaze, and on noticing
…Back Inside The Hospital.Liam entered the ward with Leah, who clung to his arm… like glue.He didn't know why she was crying so much because of a single slap.Haley was crazy, and she deserved to be punished. If only he had seen her action coming. Yet, it turned out Leah's cries weren't only because Haley slapped her.“I was afraid we'd lose Grandma.” Leah lamented. “Imagine my anxiety, Will.”“I won't leave so soon until I see my great-grandchildren.” Grandma Lily's hoarse voice came from the bed. “So stop worrying.”Liam thought she was asleep,But it seemed the old woman was fully awake.Hearing Grandma Lily's words, Leah's head whipped to Liam, her eyes full of shock. She wasn't expecting this sudden act of kindness. Liam wasn't, either. “Don’t be shy.” Grandma Lily smiled. “I know everything.”This was unlike his grandmother.Liam didn't know what to feel or how to react. Should he consult the doctors to see if there was any problem with Grandma Lily's brain?After all,
Pulling himself together, Liam pressed the answer button. He shouldn't be surprised about what the lawyer would say,Yet, he found it hard to believe.After exchanging pleasantries, the lawyer went to the point. “Your Grandmother just called. She ordered me to help you process the divorce. Mr. Nash, I've got the papers ready, will you be at home tomorrow?”“I'm busy.” Liam blurted out. Grandma was fast!Was she serious?“I know…” the lawyer laughed, as if not believing him. “It’s normal to be nervous. I've got your back, Mr. Nash. Tomorrow, I will come.”Somehow, Liam wished tomorrow never came. The Next Day,He sat inside the study room, staring into nothingness. With so many thoughts bugging his mind, he couldn't get any work done. Since yesterday, the uncertainties only increased. “Here’s your coffee, Mr. Nash.” Lana dropped the coffee on his desk. She peered at him cautiously. “Mr. Nash-”“What is it?”“It's your phone. It has been ringing for a while now.”Liam glanced at
…At DG Villa Estates.Haley sat at the dining table, picking at her food, and trying to detect the source of her gloom.What was wrong with her?“Are you sure William Nash is proposing the divorce himself?” Her brother's voice jolted her. “Why not?” Haley murmured. “His Grandma's orders.”Liam listened to his grandmother more than anyone else. He respected Grandma Lily even more than his parents.So Haley had no doubt… Liam would process the divorce very soon. “Damnit!” Andrew cursed under his breath. “Is the whole of the Nash Family rotten? That old woman treated you like that.”Haley shrugged. She seriously wasn't in the mood to discuss Liam or the Nash Family. Besides, she was over the shock already, despite the lingering heartbreak of Grandma Lily turning her back to her. So, she asked, “How's Mum and Dad?”Her brother wanted to reply when the sound of her phone's ringtone halted him. About time!Seeing the strange number flashing on the screen,It could be a call from the
…~ 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