~What was he up to again?Seriously, his actions were beginning to make her wary.What did he even call it? A Separation Certificate?More like a Slavery Certificate!Liam stared at the piece of papers on the floor, his fists clenching, his eyes suddenly flaming.Obviously displeased that she'd torn the document to pieces, he leveled her with a stern gaze. “This isn't a joke, Haley! Grandma Lily doesn't have to know we're still together!”Grandma Lily again.What exactly did he mean?Haley furrowed her brows, not hiding her confusion. At first, he was apprehensive that the old woman would know about the divorce,Now, he didn't want Grandma Lily to know that they were not fully divorced yet. Wasn't he the weirdest man in existence? “And you expect me to be dancing over the moon?” She asked.Liam nodded promptly. “Of course, Haley. Be grateful I'm making efforts to keep you.”And his efforts were commendable. Haley couldn't even bring herself to laugh. She began considering if she
Haley jolted, her eyes darting around the wide place for the source of the voice.It sounded familiar,Like Daryl's voice. Why would he be here, by the way?Was she imagining things?“Boo!” Behind her, he exclaimed.Haley jumped in shock, letting out a tiny scream. “Ah, you!”“Surprised, huh?” Daryl winked at her.No! Haley was flabbergasted!The elder brother had become a nightmare and the younger one was about to give her a heart attack.What did she do wrong to deserve this karma?Composing herself, Haley spoke in a normal tone. “I thought you were supposed to be in your new office, instead of doing hide and seek here and scaring the employees.”“The ceremony is over.” Daryl smiled. “The celebration remains.”“Huh?”“I've been waiting for you, Haley.”In this parking lot?Haley only told him that she'd think about it. Besides, she hadn't agreed to go out with him yet.“Shall we?” Daryl held his car's door open, inviting her inside.Well, what choice did Haley have?She was looki
Camille alighted from the car with the help of her bodyguard. Holding her huge bump, she hurried towards Haley, her eyes shining with happiness. “Finally, you came.”“Unfortunately, we can't get in.” Haley smiled, hugging her. “I'm about to leave.”“Hell! Who dared stop you from entering!?” Camille's happiness gave way to anger immediately. She stomped towards the security man, lashing out. “You see these faces? Never keep them waiting at the door again, or you'll say bye-bye to your job.”“Noted, Mrs. Woods. Please forgive my misconduct.”Camille nodded and returned to where Haley stood. “Done. Now let's go in.”She hooked her arm around Haley's, leading her inside the beauty parlor.However, Haley sensed something wrong when Lana didn't follow them inside.Glancing back, she found the maid staring with a ghastly expression.“Are you alright?”“Mrs. Nash, Th-This…” Lana stuttered. “She’s Camille Woods, Andrew Woods' wife, and the first heiress of the Smiths Family!”Oh!Now Haley u
…At The Nash Villa.Sitting on the living room couch with a phone pressed to his ear, Liam's shoulders were stiff, the atmosphere tense. In an effort to not make the lawyer suspect anything, he lowered his voice to a calm murmur despite the anger bubbling in his veins right now.“So you mean that you need new ones, Mr. Nash?” Asked the lawyer through the phone.Liam nodded. “Mm.”“Well, may I ask what happened to the previous ones?” Still, the lawyer probed. A question Liam dreaded. “I misplaced it.”“Ha! Mr. Nash. I don't believe you to be a careless person. Is it, perhaps, an issue on Mrs. Nash's side?”The lawyer had a mission;To push Liam to the wall and cut his last string of patience.Wouldn't Liam lose face if he admitted Haley wanted nothing to do with the Separation Agreement?“Just make me new ones,” Liam ordered, not making an effort to sound calm this time around. “And don't let Grandma Lily know about it!”He hung up before the meddling lawyer could think of throwing
…Inside The Five-Star Restaurant.Haley's eyes wandered around the vast place. Chandeliers, candlelights, and the dizzying yet calming scents coming from the candles. Was this the most appropriate place for a friends hang out?Weird!“I hope this is the last surprise.” Haley sat on the chair Daryl drew out for her. “Can't wait to go home.”In the name of celebrating his achievement, he'd done nothing but doll her up the whole day.After picking her up from the beauty parlor, they went to a fashion boutique and shopped for some clothes.That was where he convinced her to change into this blue dress. Now he brought her here.If they hadn't been just friends, Haley would mistake this for a date.“Relax… the night is still young,” Daryl said in response to her question. Haley sighed, rethinking her approval of hanging out with him.Seriously, she was worn out for the day.She hadn't even gotten over the drama at the beauty parlor yet. Again,The restaurant staff came inside the priva
“Well, well, well…” the footsteps approached, and the dark voice sounded right behind them. Circling the spot they stood, Liam appeared before them, his gaze steady and stern. “Let me guess. This isn't your first date.”A date?Was he crazy?“Andrew Woods isn't enough, right?” Liam chuckled, giving her a condescending look. “How many times have you cheated with my brother, Haley?”“You!” Haley curled her fingers into her ball, holding them back from flying to the man's face.What was he talking about? A date with Daryl?Was his brain twisted?How did Liam even get here?Had he been following them secretly?“William Nash, listen to yourself. Daryl is your own brother.”Of course, he loved accusing her of cheating with other men.But wasn't Liam going overboard?“Just shut up. Do you think I don't know what's happening between you two? So this is why you want a divorce.”To marry his brother. Did he know what he was saying?First of all, it was Andrew, and now, it was his brother.On
Where she belonged?It couldn't be that damned place he called his home, right?No!No way!The dread alone, added to the intense ache in Haley's stomach, was enough to drag her into unconsciousness.And when she opened her eyes, something bizarre happened.Where was the ache in her stomach?Why was she in this familiar bedroom? For a few seconds, Haley couldn't recall how she got here.She sat on the king-sized bed, hugging her supposedly aching abdomen which seemed all normal now. That was weird.She checked out the dress she was wearing… Still the same blue dress Daryl bought for her. Then her eyes scanned the enormous bedroom. At the sight of no one, Haley let out a relieved sigh. Damn. That crazy man.Thank goodness he wasn't on the bed with her. Where was he by the way?And what time was it?The clock on the bedside table read midnight and Haley shuddered.How was she going to escape at this time of the night?But she couldn't remain here.She couldn't wait until morning fo
As if propelled by an invisible force, Haley's feet changed directions, transporting her to the place.The more she approached, the lighter her heart,And the wider the sudden awe gleaming in her chest.Who did this to her garden?Haley planted her palms on the glass walls, peering inside. Not only was it groomed, fashioned, and decorated, it was also illuminated with artificial lights that would keep the plants alive at night.Whose job was this?Lana was bad at gardening, she wouldn't pull this stunt even if she took a crash course in decorating and gardening.To have a proper view, Haley pushed the glass door open and wandered inside. The fruits were robust and the vegetables were glowing. She squatted to touch one of the bouncy red tomatoes, when-“You like it?”Liam's voice jolted her yet again.The energy to scream departed her, rendering her body weak, immobilized by the shock. Haley sighed.Maybe Liam's intention for bringing her here was to give her a heart attack.She ro