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
…She was foolish enough to not read the terms in the agreement.Well, it was her loss, not his.Liam went back to his office. For the first time after several weeks, he was a bit satisfied, his mind finally at ease.The Separation Agreement would be enough to tame her. In the meantime, he'd show her who was the Boss.And now that this problem was taken care of, it was time to solve another one.Sitting on his chair, Liam brought out his phone and dialed Joye.At the first ring, his assistant answered the phone. “I'm on my way, Sir. It's the traffic-”“Go back to the company,” Liam instructed. “Meet the manager of the HR Department and arrange more jobs for Daryl.”The sound of Joye's car taking a reverse sounded through the phone. Then came his confused voice. “This decision is sudden, Sir. He might be inexperienced-”“Who cares?” Liam murmured. “Just do it.”The only thing Liam cared about was putting his meddling brother in his place. Daryl wasn't busy enough that was why he ha
His blood boiled and his vision saw nothing but red. Extremely enraged, he fixed the cafè with a piercing gaze that could crumble the building. What was Haley doing in this place?Who was this man?Why were they meeting secretly at this time of the day?What the hell is between them?“Mr. Nash-”“Pull over,” Liam instructed the driver.His phone kept on ringing, but he didn't care whoever it was. His mind consumed with thoughts of tearing someone apart, he wouldn't spare his time for anything else. Once the driver parked the car in a corner, Liam grabbed a magazine from the compartment and came out. He entered the cafè, hiding his face behind the magazine. On a table nearby, Haley sat across from the middle-aged man. They ordered cupcakes and coffee. Did Haley get herself a sugar daddy?Was he one of the men she got money from?The thought made Liam grip the magazine, almost crumbling it in his hands. He ordered the same thing, coffee and cupcake, perking up his ears to listen
…~ 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