As we arrive at another turning point of this book, I'd like to thank you all for your time and immense support, My Dear Readers.
Your votings and comments fuel my creativity. I read all your comments and I must say I'm amazed by how engrossed you guys are.
MORE chapters are coming, but I won't drag the story's pacing... Will keep you engaged throughout.
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Once I fully recover, I'll resume updating frequently. My regular readers know how I hate leaving them hanging for long.
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Xoxo.
Liam shot to his feet, his heart skipping before it resumed racing at a rapid pace.Was he imagining things?Haley stood in front of him in all her glory.Wasn't she the same girl declared dead? It might be her ghost who had come back to haunt him.No!He needed to confirm.Leaving his chair, Liam approached where she stood. She glared hard at him, her cold look sending unease tremors down his nerves.Summoning courage, Liam reached forward with his hand to touch her, then-“PAK!”The hard slap that landed on his face was unexpected.Liam was stunned for a few seconds, blinking at the girl standing in front of him.He needed not to confirm again.Haley was real.How?When?Didn't his father's men kill her?Had Desmond been lying?Most importantly, why did she seem mad at him?“What the hell did I do wrong, William Nash!” She didn't just stop at slapping him, but also grabbed his collars, the fury in her eyes dancing like a storm. “Locking me up wasn't enough! You had the guts to try
…Haley sat in her cubicle, her blood boiling.Her mind told her to go back to that office and ruffle that man up!A slap and a threat shouldn't be enough to deal with someone who tried to murder her.She should have taken him straight to jail!But Haley had no evidence!Those boys refused to confess anything despite being tortured by the cops.They all claimed that they just wanted to kidnap her.If the cops hadn't driven past coincidentally in that area, Haley would be dead meat by now.That evil man, William Nash!If it wasn't him who sent them, why would the gang leader call him and tell him ‘Mission accomplished?’Among all people Haley interacted with, wasn't Liam the only person who hated her the most?Because of Vera's conflict with Camille, he locked her up.Not satisfied, he decided to just get rid of her!“Tsk, she's back.”The employees whispered among themselves.“What’s she still doing in this company?”“Didn't Mr. Nash promise to fire her the day she burnt Mrs. Nash's l
Haley frowned a bit.Camille wanted to see her?Did any issues come up in her absence?Everything was supposed to be alright by now since her parents weren't blaming Camille anymore.“Madam, we have to hurry!” Lana grabbed Haley's hand, jolting her out of her thoughts. The maid looked as if she'd take Haley and fly out of this place.Hopefully, it wasn't an enormous issue.Nothing was supposed to go wrong after Haley's plan of hospitalizing Camille.Haley wanted to follow Lana out of the place…But then, Liam's voice stopped them. “What are you doing here, Lana?”“Ah, Mr. Nash!” Lana exclaimed. She seemed to have just noticed him. The maid looked paler than before and her body began trembling. “W-Why- Why're you here, Mr. Nash?”But Liam didn't answer her question.Frowning, he threw her a hard glare, a look of displeasure flashing in his eyes. “Who permitted you to leave?”“It's not my fault, Mr. Nash. Ma'am Leah fired me,” Lana explained.Liam's dark expression didn't waver.As i
Of course, they'd all be happy about her death!Haley couldn't believe Vera once tried to poison her, although she wouldn't put it past the woman.It's no wonder she once came down with a severe stomach ache that was almost incurable.So Vera wanted to kill her but didn't succeed.Looking extremely shocked, Vera and Leah just watched Haley with eyes and mouths wide open.Completely speechless, they didn't speak for a few seconds.Then Leah shot to her feet, screaming, “Ahhhhh! A ghost!”While Vera scrambled off the bed.The woman fell on the floor before springing to her feet. How fast and agile.How could a wounded person be so swift? “H-Haley-” Pointing a trembling finger forward, Vera shouted. “W-Weren’t you dead?”“Weren't you sick, Vera?” Haley answered with her own question.Sizing the woman up, it appeared Vera was just pretending.If Vera was as sick as she looked, she wouldn't have been able to even leave the bed.Laughing softly, Haley studied their reactions.Leah tremble
Desmond Nash?Wasn't it Liam who sent men to kill her?At her brother's words, Haley was confused. How did he get to know about it?Who told him it was Liam's father?If the gang leader's address of Liam as Mr. Nash was ambiguous, what about Leah whom she caught reporting the same thing to Liam's mother?Holding her shoulders, Andrew checked her out from head to toe.He didn't allow Haley to ask or clear her confusion as he went on hastily. “Sustained any injuries?”Haley shook her head. Seeing her brother in this state, she couldn't possibly tell him that she'd strained her ankle while running. She couldn't also tell him about her encounter with the gun.It was a dangerous risk which Haley took.One she'd never even dreamt about!Well, if she hadn't fired the gun randomly while the gang members advanced at her, her name would be history by now.It was those rapid gunshots that got the Cops’ attention, leading them to track her down.The gang members had their own guns but they wer
…Pacing back and forth in the hallway of the labor room, Haley chewed at her fingernails anxiously.Seconds, minutes, and hours passed by. It had been more than five hours since they'd been waiting.Haley's legs were aching from pacing for too long.Her waist was aching for sitting too long.Strangely, the doctors wouldn't allow anyone inside.Not even Andrew who was Camille's husband.The only sound they could hear was muffled screams from the inside.Sometimes, Camille would go completely silent.Then she'd let out a piercing scream in the next few minutes, leaving them on tenterhooks.Had the doctor's predictions come true?Camille was having complications at birth!It meant their lie was no longer a lie anymore.Would it have been avoided if they hadn't spoken about her near murder in Camille's presence?Wiping her face, Haley groaned inside.She couldn't fight the guilt in her which only ever expanded.Her eyes traveled to her brother.Andrew was now sitting on the waiting chai
Oh, goodness!!!Shutting her eyes, Haley cursed inside.That was Liam's voice, right?Did that stupid man follow her here?No!Liam couldn't be here.Not when he was capable of digging more holes for her.His question was directed at her mother who made the last statement.At Liam's sudden appearance, her parents didn't hide their shock.In fact, the middle-aged couple looked confused, exchanging glances.Then her mother's expression slowly turned red with anger. The woman gave him a glare. “It's none of your business, William Nash-”“Well, it is!” Liam glared back.Before the verbal exchange could proceed and expose her, Haley quickly grabbed his hand.Her heart racing frantically, she hurried down the hallway, pulling Liam along.Behind them, she could feel her parents' confused gazes.And beside her, she could feel Liam's piercing gaze as well, addressing her with confusion.Damnit!This man!Haley struggled to compose herself, trying to act normal.That was too close!What if she
Both Leah and Vera did not see the slap coming.Neither did Haley.She expected her mother to take any action but slapping the girl out of the blue.But wasn't that the best way to deal with her?Even Haley felt disgusted whenever Liam brought up the topic that she and Andrew were hooking up.Of course, her mother would feel enraged.Haley just hoped-No, she prayed…She prayed her mother didn't give her real identity out.It wasn't like she cared much about the Nash Family knowing her true identity, she was only worried it would lead to her parents discovering that Liam was her ex-husband.“M-Mrs. Woods, what did I do wrong?” Leah cried, holding her swollen cheek. “I only told you the truth-”“Repeat that nonsense and I'll make sure you end up in jail!” Hannah shut her up. “Are we on the same level that you'll speak anyhow?”“That's enough, Hannah!” Vera shielded Leah behind her. “Stop bullying my daughter-in-law! You should be ashamed!”A look of realization flashed in Hannah's eyes
…~ 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