Chapter 2

Hayley

“Is she okay now?”

“Yes, she seems to have only been exposed to severe stress and we have been watching her, Alpha. She is going to be better soon.”

“Can I see her?”

“I’m afraid not. When I asked if you could come in, she said no. And I know that your words are final but I beg you to heed the wishes of the patient at this time who happens to be your wife. She will see you when it's ready, sire.”

Silence followed by footsteps departing and I opened my eyes even though the entire conversation had been held outside the door and not inside my bedroom which had become my haven since the news that had destroyed my entire world reached me.

I tried to act like it had not happened but every time I closed my eyes, it played out like a movie. My excitement at seeing my mate physically after having not seen him for three months, rushing to hug him and wanting to be immersed in his skin, and seeing that he did not even look happy to be back. Foolishly, I had thought that maybe something had happened to him or that he was sick.

Nothing could have prepared me for the words that he followed when I asked him what was wrong.

“I’m so sorry, Hayley. So sorry. I didn’t ever mean for things to happen like this.” He had whispered, his voice nearly breaking.

And then he had hit me with the news that had sent my world crashing down on me.

“Annie’s pregnant. And I’m responsible for her pregnancy. I had to bring her here and…”

The rest of the words had been lost on me because I had passed out almost immediately after that. How did one even respond to news such as that?

That was days ago and every time I remembered, I felt like bawling my eyes out all over again.

How could he have done that? And now he was checking in on me?

I had spent the days after that avoiding him as much as I could and besides the doctor that came to see me every morning before I went about my daily duties which were mostly virtual since I was afraid of running into my husband on the way or his mistress because what else could I call her? I had even refused to know anything about her but her name.

“Thank you for sending him away, doctor. I know it can’t be easy to say no to your Alpha.” I told Doctor Piers and he bowed low with a gentle smile that was filled with empathy.

Of course, he knew why I had fainted and I wondered if he was going to be the one tending to Annie from now on too.

There was a knock on the door that brought me out of my troubling thoughts and when the person came in, I barged a sigh of relief because I was scared that it was Damon.

It was Candice, my best friend who also happened to be Damon’s younger sister.

“You may leave us now,” Candice said to the doctor with a kind smile that he reciprocated and he nodded at me before excusing us.

“I brought your favorite cookies,” Candice said with a bright smile, an attempt that she had been making every day since I collapsed. Yesterday, it was fruits, and the day before it had been ice cream. I had been too depressed to taste any or even speak to her but she was content with just sitting beside me until I dozed off or she had something to do.

Getting into the bed beside me, we sat in silence, and my lips wobbled as I felt the weight of the world crushing down on me. My heart was heavy with pain and betrayal, and I couldn't keep it all to myself any longer. Finally reaching out, I took Candice’s hand.

"You know that you don’t have to talk if you’re not ready to. I’m fine sitting here with you" Candice said gently.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice, but the tears started streaming down my cheeks before I could even say a word. "Candice, I found out something devastating about Damon," I began, my voice choked with emotion. "He got another woman pregnant, and he brought her here."

Candice's eyes did not widen in shock, because of course, she already knew since I had heard her sending Damon away when he had tried to see me yesterday, but she wrapped her arms around me in a comforting hug. "I know, sweetheart. Oh, Hayley, I'm so sorry you're going through this. This is so terrible."

I buried my face in her shoulder, letting the tears flow freely. "I never thought he would do something like this," I mumbled, my voice muffled by her shirt. "I thought we had something special, something strong."

Candice held me tighter, offering silent support. "You deserve so much better, Hayley. His actions are inexcusable, and you have every right to feel hurt and betrayed."

I nodded, my emotions overwhelming me. "I just don't know what to do, Candice. I'm so lost and broken."

"Take your time to process everything," Candice said softly. "You don't have to make any decisions right now. Just focus on taking care of yourself."

"But how can I ever trust him again? Where do I even go from here? What’s going to happen to us" I whispered, my heart aching.

Candice pulled back slightly to look at me, her eyes filled with empathy. "Rebuilding trust will take time if it's even possible. Right now, you need to prioritize your well-being and do what's best for you."

"I never saw this coming," I admitted, wiping my tears away with the back of my hand. "It feels like my whole world has turned upside down."

"I can't even begin to imagine how you're feeling," Candice said, her voice tender. "But remember that you're not alone. I'll be here for you every step of the way, no matter what you decide to do."

I smiled weakly at her, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Candice. I don't know what I would do without you."

She gave me another comforting squeeze. "You don't have to go through this alone. Lean on me for support, and remember that you deserve happiness and respect. You are not at fault here. You didn’t do anything wrong, please remember this.”

With Candice by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope amid the darkness. The road ahead was uncertain, but having someone who cared for me so deeply made all the difference. As I cried in her arms, I knew that together, we would navigate the storm, and I would find the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.

It was late in the evening by the time she left and I finally decided to stand up from bed and get something to eat, my appetite slowly returning. Looking at my reflection in the mirror as I made to leave the room, I saw a broken woman staring back at me, the light in her eyes extinguished.

I opened the door and swallowed because Damon was standing there, his hand raised like he was about to knock. His eyes were intense as he stared at me but his voice was low and dejected.

“Please, Hay, we need to talk.”