Hayley
''Are you sure that he's not up to something?'' Amber asked me. I just finished telling her about the conversation I had with Kyle.
''Why would he be up to something?'' I replied. I knew how much Amber disliked Kyle because of how our marriage went sideways. Kyle also barely tolerated her when we were together. Though I had told her that I was also at fault since I married him knowing that he was in love with another woman.
''Don't you dare support him, Hayley. You didn't deserve how he treated you.'' I looked t her more closely. She had tears in her eyes, which was strange for Amber.
''This isn't about what we are talking about. What happened Amber?'' She burst into tears stunning me. Amber never cried, okay she did but hardly. I could count the number of times that Amber had cried on one hand.
''Amber what's going on? You are scaring me.'' For real, she was scaring me. She didn't answer but simply laid her head sobbing on my chest.
''I.. I. Why can't my life be normal? Why,, Why can't I be happy for once Hayley?'' She hicupped starting another round of disturbing tears that bothered me.
''Okay, just take your time. Just let it, let it all out. I am here for you. I'm always here for you.'' I kissed her on her hair thankful that we were alone and at her place. I had Tammy watching the kids before I came here.
''He is going to break up with me.'' She tried talking but her voice was still clogged with tears.
'What? Who? You mean your Brit?''
She nodded in affirmation, lips quivering with retrained tears.
''Why? I don't understand. I thought you were all good.'' I really was confused. How did this happen?
''Yeah, we were. Till we started drifting apart. Oh my gosh Hayley! What am I going to do, if he decides to leave.' Oh my gosh!'' Amber wailed panicking leaving me shocked.
What the heck has this Brit guy done to my friend?
''Damn it. Pull yourself together.''
None of us expected what I did next. The sound of a loud slap resounded in the room with Amber holding her cheek in shock. Even my eyes widened in shock as I stared at the hand I had used in delivering the slap.
''Oh my gosh. Amber, I'm so sorry.'' My hands were on my mouth now.
''You slapped me.'' She whispered in shock like she couldn't believe that I had done it. And it worked, she had calmed down. It had snapped her out of whatever was going on with her.
''Because you left me no choice.''
''Why?''
''Yes, because I had to. You were scaring me. You still are. I have never seen you like that except when your dad and mom separated.'' I defended myself. That was very much true.
Amber had cried really hard when her parents divorced. That had been a terrible time in her life.
''I'm sorry. I just don't know what got into me. But you didn't have to do it that hard though.'' She muttered still rubbing at her now reddened cheek.
Now that was Amber talking.
''You are Amber, one of the best divorce attorneys there will ever be and you were losing your cool over some Brit?'' I questioned her.
''Damn. Why do I feel like I'm the one supposed to be saying this to you?'' She let out a little laugh.
''Yeah, you normally are the one that does it.'' Amber really helped me in my post separation phase from Kyle.
''I am feeling ashamed of myself right now.''
''You shouldn't. You have every right to be sad, angry and heartbroken but not like this. Not for a man you just met two months ago.'' I rubbed on her shoulder.
''You don't understand Hayley. It's like he sees me. He understands me and you of all people know how hard it is to connect with people.''
When she says it like that, it kinds of makes sense. She almost never connected with people especially the men she dated. But this Brit guy was an exception.
He had always been the topic of discussion anytime we linked up.
''So what really happened?'' I was curious.
''His ex-wife wants to come back. or better still reopen the case again.'' She dropped a big freaking bomb on me.
''What?'' Color me shocked. Her former client who happened to be The Brit's ex-wife. What a fucking mess.
''Yeah, it has to do with the properties because she got none from the settlement as a result of the prenup Hunter had drawn up at the beginning of their marriage.'' Okay, that was really understandable.
''If you don't mind, who filed for divorce first?''
''Hunter did of course. According to him, Fiona has been fucking behind his back.''
''That's awful. But why is he breaking up with you?'' If that asshole used my friend he's going to be losing more than his properties. A more private property to be exact.
''Fiona wants me to me represent her back in court seeking for
''Now that's messed up.' And I guess this is related to the reason you are breaking up. ' Amber was deeply immersed in this whole thing.
''Yes. It would be a conflict of interest if I represent Fiona in court. Totally unacceptable.''
''That's terrible. But can't you not represent Fiona in court?'' That was the most sensible solution out of this situation.
''I can't. Fiona won't take no for an answer because she knows about Hunter and I. The last time we met, she left a little threat saying that she will tarnish my image if I don't represent her in court.'' Oh, that's nasty.
It was against lawyer's conducts to have any sexual relationship with a client. And Amber's case was worse as she not only messed with the client but the husband who was on the other side.
''This is bad, very bad. ''
HayleyIt was only a matter of time before the deadline for the upcoming I was supposed to attend with my prospective client would elapse. I didn't even think of bringing the topic up with Amber after her melt-down. She would have been pissed off even more if I had brought it up.What was I going to do now? I might as well hire unknown man to pretend to be my husband.''No that sounds stupid. Gosh, what am I going to do now?'' I moaned in distress dropping my head on my desk.Raising my head, I thought long and hard tapping my fingers on the desk.Should I call Kyle? No, Jesus! What was I thinking? Amber would be so disappointed. But that would be if I told her. What she doesn't know won't kill her.''Geez, Hayley pull yourself together and think of a solution.'' I muttered.Left with no choice I finally mustered the courage to do one of the most craziest feats I have ever attempted in my life. I know that I was exaggerating this whole scenario because I was only going to call the fath
KyleWhy do I think that Hayley to say something else when I called her two days ago, after she dropped a message for me.More like her PA did that. Why didn't she just call my personal phone?And the little misunderstanding about her checking out Hunter. Why that didn't sit well with me, I don't know. She was free to do whatever she wanted as I am.''Everything alright dude?'' Hunter tapped on my shoulder jolting me from my thoughts.''Yeah, I'm good.'' I nodded looking at him strangely. Does she find Hunter attractive?Even though she said that she didn't mean it that way. But I couldn't help but wonder if she was just trying not to offend me.''Dude, why are you looking at our homeboy like that?'' Freddie chuckled when I threw a glare at him. I still couldn't get the thought of Hayley liking Hunter out of my head.They would be perfect for each other, even their names start with the same letter 'H'.I did the unthinkable and asked a totally stupid question.''Hunter, what do you th
Hayley''Hi Mom.' Hi Dad.' I smiled at the figures on the screen of my laptop. The kids were running around pretty happy that they could see their grand-parents even though it was through a screen.''Hayley, how have you been?'' My dad asked. He looked much older, maybe due to the fact that I had not seen him for sometime since they stayed in Seattle.''Fine Dad.'' I noticed Mom looking at Wynter and Autumn with longing in her eyes. I knew how hard it was for her to watch the kids grow from afar. At the time that Kyle and I had separated, she even suggested that we move to Settle to be closer to them.But I couldn't just pack up knowing that my home was here in New York. I couldn't just stand up and leave. My career, friends and everything that I have ever worked for was here.Though I understood why she suggested that we move, apparently the gossips that will come with the divorce and also not running into Kyle and Simone.''Please bring my babies up so that I can see them closer.''
HayleyToday was the day we were heading to Wynter and Autumn potential school. I had to take the day off from work, also did Kyle. Kyle was coming along with us sure to put in a united front to the proprietress of the school. So we were all leaving in his car. And that was going to be easier since he had baby seats too.It was a prestigious Prep school for kindergarten children, one of the best in New York city. Also it was hard to get in, and they even had a waiting list for a new session. Thankfully, Kyle's mom knew the proprietress and has put in a good word for us.''Okay, Wynter come here.'' I called for him. I had been struggling with helping him put on his jacket. The weather today was chill and I needed them to be extremely covered.''Mama, no.'' He shook his little head making me bite in laughter. Not today little man, Kyle would be here soon and the last thing I wanted was for us to run late. And as I had learnt consistently from my job, first impression always matters.''W
HayleyNothing really special has happened after we took the kids to school for their settlement. They were starting school next week Monday and I was really anxious about how their first day was going to be like."So Mrs Banes, your husband isn't here with you?" Mrs Cooper asked curious."Umm, no. He's having a late night at work and he couldn't meet up." I smiled indulgently at the couple I was having dinner with.Thank God I was quick enough to come up with a suitable excuse. This dinner will be over if Mrs Cooper ever found out that me and my husband were on the path to divorce.I was super grateful that we kept our separation quiet."Uh I see, the same thing with my Patrick here. He is ever busy and I had to drag him off work for him to be present here." She smiled fondly patting her husband's hand sharing a I became uncomfortable and had to look away at that the moment that passed between them."Is that your husband?" Patrick Cooper spoke for the first time since we arrived he
HayleyI was in my office currently working on a project when I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to step out and get some books for the kids. Looking at my wrist-watch, I saw that it was almost time for lunch."Mary, can you please cut off all appointments later for this afternoon? I will be stepping out this afternoon to get some things from the bookstore." I told her through the intercom."Sure ma'am but you are supposed to have a meeting with Mr Sterling at two O'clock. Should I reschedule it?" Damn I totally forgot that I had a meeting with him. Mr Sterling was one of my top clients and had been with me for seven years. I possibly couldn't reschedule our meeting."Yes, do that please. And move any other appointments to tomorrow." I was sure that I wasn't going to be coming back on time."Okay ma'am, is that all? Would you like to add anything else?""No, that would be all Mary. Thank you." After I clicked off the intercom, I closed all applications on my PC and set it to sl
Hayley"Hmmn." I stretched my arms feeling lazy and sore, a good kind of sore."Morning beautiful." A strong arm was my banded round my waist. Wait a minute. I knew that voice, a little too well. Kyle! It was Kyle! What was Kyle doing in my room?"Kyle!" I stood up from the bed like my house was on fire. I was fully awake now."Hayley, calm down." Kyle sat up with the duvet sliding down his chest barely covering his privates."What are you doing here?" I averted my eyes panicked and then screamed when I saw I was standing naked."Give me that." I dragged the duvet from him not caring if it exposed his privates. I'd rather it be him than me."Hayley.. you don't remember?" He didn't seem one inch intimidated by the fact that he was naked. Instead he lounged comfortable with his hands behind his head and a lazy smile in his face.I wasn't having any of that smugness so I scrambled and picked his shirt from the floor throwing it over his pelvic region."Remember what? I don't care just
Hayley"I can't believe you did the unthinkable! Sleeping with your soon to be ex husband?" Amber screeched through the phone.When she says it like that, it was really bad."I know I messed up big time. But you don't have to shout that loud, I'm at work." "Sorry Hayley but you should have known better." She chastised me. Amber was Anti Kyle now. She hardly even said his name."Yeah I should have. I don't know what got into me." I whined dropping my head on my desk."You know what got into you. Too much alcohol." I knew she wasn't still happy with me.That was true, I could hardly hold my alcohol. Got drunk easily so that why I always drink with friends."Yeah I should have called you to come get me." I apologized."You really need to be careful. What if a stranger had taken advantage of you? Like a creepy old nasty man or a serial killer? And then I will get to hear from the news that my best friend was murdered." Okay, Amber had a very over active imagination and I was already regr
HayleyI was in my office currently working on a project when I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to step out and get some books for the kids. Looking at my wrist-watch, I saw that it was almost time for lunch."Mary, can you please cut off all appointments later for this afternoon? I will be stepping out this afternoon to get some things from the bookstore." I told her through the intercom."Sure ma'am but you are supposed to have a meeting with Mr Sterling at two O'clock. Should I reschedule it?" Damn I totally forgot that I had a meeting with him. Mr Sterling was one of my top clients and had been with me for seven years. I possibly couldn't reschedule our meeting."Yes, do that please. And move any other appointments to tomorrow." I was sure that I wasn't going to be coming back on time."Okay ma'am, is that all? Would you like to add anything else?""No, that would be all Mary. Thank you." After I clicked off the intercom, I closed all applications on my PC and set it to sl
HayleyNothing really special has happened after we took the kids to school for their settlement. They were starting school next week Monday and I was really anxious about how their first day was going to be like."So Mrs Banes, your husband isn't here with you?" Mrs Cooper asked curious."Umm, no. He's having a late night at work and he couldn't meet up." I smiled indulgently at the couple I was having dinner with.Thank God I was quick enough to come up with a suitable excuse. This dinner will be over if Mrs Cooper ever found out that me and my husband were on the path to divorce.I was super grateful that we kept our separation quiet."Uh I see, the same thing with my Patrick here. He is ever busy and I had to drag him off work for him to be present here." She smiled fondly patting her husband's hand sharing a I became uncomfortable and had to look away at that the moment that passed between them."Is that your husband?" Patrick Cooper spoke for the first time since we arrived he
HayleyToday was the day we were heading to Wynter and Autumn potential school. I had to take the day off from work, also did Kyle. Kyle was coming along with us sure to put in a united front to the proprietress of the school. So we were all leaving in his car. And that was going to be easier since he had baby seats too.It was a prestigious Prep school for kindergarten children, one of the best in New York city. Also it was hard to get in, and they even had a waiting list for a new session. Thankfully, Kyle's mom knew the proprietress and has put in a good word for us.''Okay, Wynter come here.'' I called for him. I had been struggling with helping him put on his jacket. The weather today was chill and I needed them to be extremely covered.''Mama, no.'' He shook his little head making me bite in laughter. Not today little man, Kyle would be here soon and the last thing I wanted was for us to run late. And as I had learnt consistently from my job, first impression always matters.''W
Hayley''Hi Mom.' Hi Dad.' I smiled at the figures on the screen of my laptop. The kids were running around pretty happy that they could see their grand-parents even though it was through a screen.''Hayley, how have you been?'' My dad asked. He looked much older, maybe due to the fact that I had not seen him for sometime since they stayed in Seattle.''Fine Dad.'' I noticed Mom looking at Wynter and Autumn with longing in her eyes. I knew how hard it was for her to watch the kids grow from afar. At the time that Kyle and I had separated, she even suggested that we move to Settle to be closer to them.But I couldn't just pack up knowing that my home was here in New York. I couldn't just stand up and leave. My career, friends and everything that I have ever worked for was here.Though I understood why she suggested that we move, apparently the gossips that will come with the divorce and also not running into Kyle and Simone.''Please bring my babies up so that I can see them closer.''
KyleWhy do I think that Hayley to say something else when I called her two days ago, after she dropped a message for me.More like her PA did that. Why didn't she just call my personal phone?And the little misunderstanding about her checking out Hunter. Why that didn't sit well with me, I don't know. She was free to do whatever she wanted as I am.''Everything alright dude?'' Hunter tapped on my shoulder jolting me from my thoughts.''Yeah, I'm good.'' I nodded looking at him strangely. Does she find Hunter attractive?Even though she said that she didn't mean it that way. But I couldn't help but wonder if she was just trying not to offend me.''Dude, why are you looking at our homeboy like that?'' Freddie chuckled when I threw a glare at him. I still couldn't get the thought of Hayley liking Hunter out of my head.They would be perfect for each other, even their names start with the same letter 'H'.I did the unthinkable and asked a totally stupid question.''Hunter, what do you th
HayleyIt was only a matter of time before the deadline for the upcoming I was supposed to attend with my prospective client would elapse. I didn't even think of bringing the topic up with Amber after her melt-down. She would have been pissed off even more if I had brought it up.What was I going to do now? I might as well hire unknown man to pretend to be my husband.''No that sounds stupid. Gosh, what am I going to do now?'' I moaned in distress dropping my head on my desk.Raising my head, I thought long and hard tapping my fingers on the desk.Should I call Kyle? No, Jesus! What was I thinking? Amber would be so disappointed. But that would be if I told her. What she doesn't know won't kill her.''Geez, Hayley pull yourself together and think of a solution.'' I muttered.Left with no choice I finally mustered the courage to do one of the most craziest feats I have ever attempted in my life. I know that I was exaggerating this whole scenario because I was only going to call the fath
Hayley''Are you sure that he's not up to something?'' Amber asked me. I just finished telling her about the conversation I had with Kyle.''Why would he be up to something?'' I replied. I knew how much Amber disliked Kyle because of how our marriage went sideways. Kyle also barely tolerated her when we were together. Though I had told her that I was also at fault since I married him knowing that he was in love with another woman.''Don't you dare support him, Hayley. You didn't deserve how he treated you.'' I looked t her more closely. She had tears in her eyes, which was strange for Amber.''This isn't about what we are talking about. What happened Amber?'' She burst into tears stunning me. Amber never cried, okay she did but hardly. I could count the number of times that Amber had cried on one hand.''Amber what's going on? You are scaring me.'' For real, she was scaring me. She didn't answer but simply laid her head sobbing on my chest.''I.. I. Why can't my life be normal? Why,,
KyleI stepped out of the elevator into the living room of my penthouse. After I moved out from the house I stayed with Hayley and the kids, I took a favor from a friend and got the penthouse as a temporary residence. It was closer to work and had a great view.Damn, I was so tired and I wanted to fall into bed so badly but first I need to get food from the kitchen."Welcome home babe." A sultry voice made me yelp in shock."Simone. What are you doing here?" She was sitting on the black couch shrouded in the shadows. I liked leaving the house in shadows when I wasn't around."Kyle. Obviously waiting for you, I got worried and came here. Where have you been? I've calling you nonstop and your phone was switched off."What was I thinking giving her the passkey to the elevator?"You know where I've been. We've talked about it this afternoon. I was with my kids and my phone was switched off." I shrugged off my suit jacket dropping it on the couch.I had purposely switched off my phone not
HayleyThe sound of the door bell ringing distracted me from The Disney movie I was watching with the kids. I stood gently but wanting to disturb the kids as they were too engrossed. I wondered who had come at this time of the day. It was already past 7pm and I wasn't expecting anyone.Amber has been too busy with her Brit man and I hoped that he doesn't hurt her.I opened the door to see the last person I expected."Kyle?" I was really surprised to see him here. What was he doing here?"Hi. May I come in?" He held up a basket of goodies. "Sure." I opened the door wider to let him pass through."You know you shouldn't just open the door like that. You have to check through the peephole before opening the door." He admonished after he removed his shoes standing with me "It's a safe neighborhood, you know that. Now what are you doing here?" I asked him folding my arms."I wanted to see the kids. I've been to busy at the office and.." He took them to the park just last weekend."You