…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
Great!Just great!Why hadn't she seen this coming?Was this supposed to be a surprise for her?Clearly, Liam wanted to show her something and it was now in front of her.Why else would he agree she come to this guestroom?The sight of Leah lying on the huge bed, dressed so provocatively in what she termed as nightwear, awoken Haley's irritation. She scoffed and turned to leave,Then-“Ahhh! You again!” Haley crashed into the man leaning by the door frame, watching her intently. On his lips was an almost invisible smile. “Would you prefer the master bedroom instead?”Scumbag!Stupid!Bottling in her rage, Haley pushed him out of her way. “William Nash, what exactly do you want from me?”“Spend the night.”Haley narrowed her eyes. She wasn't gonna buy that. “Say it now before I leave. I no longer care about those dogs!”The resolve in Haley's voice scared even her. She couldn't overpower those dogs, but she was more concerned with leaving. How could she sleep here when Liam's mi
Daryl stood outside the gates, holding the leashes of the three huge dogs.One dog lunged at him but ended up nozzling his face on his chest. Another dog did the same, and the last dog was simply pulling at the edges of his pants.Haley blinked, left in disbelief.At first, she'd been afraid the dogs were attacking Daryl. It turned out Daryl was only playing with these ferocious animals.Pulling herself together, Haley recovered from the shock. How long had he been standing outside?It mustn't be that Daryl slept here, right? “Daryl-” Haley called his attention, causing him to turn around.The moment his gaze landed on her, his eyes lit up. “You’re out finally. My wait has been worth it.”Huh, really? “Since when did you come?” She voiced out her thoughts.Daryl gave her that careless smile again, a sign that he was about to say something her mind couldn't take.“I spent five hours at least…” He chuckled. “Taming these big boys.”Haley's heart sank. Her assumption was right.Dar
…After learning of the food poisoning, not only did Haley hate that man more… but she also dreaded him more.She'd underestimated Liam again. Imagine the intense ache in her stomach last night. Imagine her almost thinking Liam was her savior who must have given her something to stop the stomach ache.To ward off those wary thoughts, Haley must go to work to clear her mind. Although confronting Liam would worsen things, she would just avoid him as best as she could.A Separation Agreement!He wished!As Haley stepped inside the company, she brought out her phone and dialed her brother. “Time to execute your plan.”“Why the rush? Have you signed the divorce?”“Liam wants to sign a Separation Agreement instead,” Haley replied, rolling her eyes at that thought.Andrew cursed under his breath. For a few seconds, he didn't say anything.Then his voice sounded. “Hang in there. I'll take care of everything.”“Thanks, Bro.”Haley hung up just in time to step out of the elevator, and into
Haley stilled. Panic gripping her heart, she dreaded to turn around and come face to face with the person.She hoped it was a part of her imagination.That voice wasn't real.'Crystal.’No one knew her by that name in this company. That voice… it almost resembled Liam's. The footsteps didn't stop until they stopped in front of her. Cole! Haley shouldn't be relieved, yet she was. In Cole's hand were her tablet and notebook.“You found them.”“If I was hiding this huge secret, I would be careful.” Cole handed the devices to her, smiling.Yeah. Haley had been reckless.But she went to Liam's office yesterday intending to come back to her cubicle. She couldn't predict how things would turn out.Still, she should have been careful. Now someone knew her secret.“Now I know why this company cherishes you,” Cole went on. “At first, I thought you got in through your looks. So you're the mysterious Crystal.”Haley sighed and found a place to sit. “Can you keep it a secret?”If words got