Hailey's POV.The air was heavy with anticipation and tension in Ryan's house. It had been a week since the dramatic confrontation that led to Uncle Elijah considering reconciling with his estranged wife. I couldn't shake off the somber atmosphere that seemed to linger in every room.One evening, as I sat by the window in Ryan's room, staring at the moonlit sky, Ryan entered with a troubled expression. He sat down beside me, and without a word, I knew something was bothering him."What's wrong, Ryan?" I asked softly, turning to look at him.Ryan sighed heavily. "I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened. Dad is still unsure about Mom coming back. It's like we're walking on eggshells around here."I nodded, understanding his concern. "I've been feeling the same way. But you know what's been on my mind more? My Mom. She's been so quiet and withdrawn since that night."Ryan frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. "Do you think she regrets leaving your Dad?"My gaze
Hailey's POV.I wanted to leave but I turned back to Mom again, I couldn't shake off the lingering questions in my mind. I went to her room and sat down, sat down with my Mom, and the words I had been holding back spilled out."Mom, what if Dad wanted you back?" I asked quietly, my gaze searching my Mom's eyes for any sign of hope or regret.Mom's expression turned somber as she considered the question. "Hailey, your dad has every right to move on and find happiness. I've caused him so much pain and heartache. I don't deserve his love anymore."My heart ached at my mom's words. "But Mom, don't you want to try to make things right? To be a family again?"Mom sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of regret. "I wish things were different, Hailey. I wish I hadn't made the choices I did. But I can't change the past, and I can't expect your dad to forgive me for betraying him and you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of my mom's remorse. "Mom, you're not unworthy
Hailey's POV.I sat nervously in front of my vanity mirror, my heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. It was my graduation day, marking the end of years of hard work and dedication. I glanced at the clock on the wall, counting down the minutes until the ceremony would begin.I was in my room at Ryan's house, and my makeup artist, Sarah, meticulously applied the final touches to my makeup, highlighting my natural beauty. I watched Sarah work with a mix of nerves and awe. "You're amazing at this, Sarah," I said, admiring my reflection."Thank you, Hailey! You're already stunning, so it makes my job easier," Sarah replied with a smile, adjusting my hair to fall in loose waves around my shoulders.My mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead. I couldn't wait to see my parents in the audience, proud smiles on their faces. Despite the recent misunderstandings in my family, I hoped today would be a day of celebration and unity.As Sarah finished the final touches, I stood up from m
Autumn, two years ago.Ryan and I kissed our way into one of the guest rooms in his home, almost stumbling on whatever thing we came across as we couldn't let go of each other. We closed the door immediately after getting inside the room, finally breaking our heated kiss while we breathed out heavily as we stood close to each other, our hands playing with the hem of our clothing and our skin radiating heat of how toxic we got immersed in each other presently, making me give him a bright smile.“Don't smile at me like that. You know, it drives me crazy,” Ryan said huskily as he slipped his hands under my blouse and unhooked my bra.“How?” I grinned, smiling at him more profusely while placing my both hands on his broad shoulders, as a cute smile lit up his handsome face too.Who could have known I would be in this crazy condition, most especially with my stepbrother?We just finished hanging out with his friends at the pool party and secretly escaped our way back home without anyone n
Spring, two years after, It was already getting dark when the taxi dropped me in front of my mum's new family home. The journey from Bradford in the United Kingdom to Albany in New York was quite stressful as I tried to hold the handle of my luggage and a big traveling box to stand firmly in place on the ground. I stared at the magnitude mansion that took the natural environment as sacred, though it was modern to every single detail, it was built around the trees protecting them. Three interlocking levels show the versatility of color in the two-storey mansion. Featuring large panes of glass and even wider viewing platforms, while the stunning horizontal wooden panel makes a clear path to the front door. The cold breeze fanned my face as I fought the urge to stop the tears that glistened on my face. I used the back of my right hand to wipe my eyes and breathed out. 'I can't still believe mum left dad to live this kind of life, so selfish of her,' I thought angrily as I began to pu
After putting finishing touches to the edges of my hair, I grabbed my black school bag and walked out of my room, closing the door gently behind me.Today was going to be the first day in my new school and I prayed everything will go well, with no issues with the students, especially my classmates because most students in school tend to pick on the new student and if you're beautiful and from a wealthy family, you'll be saved from all that because everyone would want to be with you.Which is just hypocrisy…I got closer to the dining room, drawn by the aroma of toast bread and bacon when I started hearing giggles and chuckles, making me curious as I walked into the dining room single-mindedly interrupting my mum and stepdad who were kissing and tickling each other as I coughed lightly and avoided their gaze.“Good morning, Hailey,” My mum chirped, nervously moving away from my stepdad when she noticed my presence.“Morning,” I replied flatly.“I'll get going to work, see you later,” M
HAILEY's POV. I finally got to the house where the party was taking place, thanks to Brielle's description, I reached the front of the apartment which was blaring out hip hop music. I already told mum that I wanted to go see Ryan, leaving the party section out of it… She doesn't need to know about that. I was putting on black jeans and a navy green jacket as I covered my head with the hood, I knew I would be the odd one to be dressed here, especially when girls around my age would be putting on skimpy body con dresses and any other dress that would expose their body to a night party. I got irritated by the smell of Liquor and smoke from cigarettes as I lowered my head while using my arm to cover my nose. Furthermore, I got inside the house crowded with hormonal and crazy teenagers as they rocked and danced to the beat of the music. I looked up and glanced and luckily no one knew who I really was, some guys just glanced at me and passed, maybe because of the way I was dressing. I
HAILEY's POV. I tried to sink into what Ryan just said to me as everyone became silent and gathered around us. I glanced at Brielle who was now giving me a smug look, but I was less concerned about her as I directed my gaze back to Ryan's cold-stricken face. 'What the fuck are you doing here?' His voice rang in my ears as it began to pierce my eardrum. “Ryan!” I started softly, trying to make my voice as calm as possible. “It's me, Ha-Hailey!” My voice cracked as I stared at him hurt and pained, endeavoring to make him know and remember I was the same Hailey he always fancied about back then. I attempted to move closer to him and touch him, but he backed off immediately like someone was about to pour acid on him, as I heard the girls begin to giggle among themselves. Brielle rolled her eyes and scoffed as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned on the wall as she smirked and gazed at us. “I told you to stay away from me, Hailey, You shouldn't have shown up that ugly face
Hailey's POV.I sat nervously in front of my vanity mirror, my heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. It was my graduation day, marking the end of years of hard work and dedication. I glanced at the clock on the wall, counting down the minutes until the ceremony would begin.I was in my room at Ryan's house, and my makeup artist, Sarah, meticulously applied the final touches to my makeup, highlighting my natural beauty. I watched Sarah work with a mix of nerves and awe. "You're amazing at this, Sarah," I said, admiring my reflection."Thank you, Hailey! You're already stunning, so it makes my job easier," Sarah replied with a smile, adjusting my hair to fall in loose waves around my shoulders.My mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead. I couldn't wait to see my parents in the audience, proud smiles on their faces. Despite the recent misunderstandings in my family, I hoped today would be a day of celebration and unity.As Sarah finished the final touches, I stood up from m
Hailey's POV.I wanted to leave but I turned back to Mom again, I couldn't shake off the lingering questions in my mind. I went to her room and sat down, sat down with my Mom, and the words I had been holding back spilled out."Mom, what if Dad wanted you back?" I asked quietly, my gaze searching my Mom's eyes for any sign of hope or regret.Mom's expression turned somber as she considered the question. "Hailey, your dad has every right to move on and find happiness. I've caused him so much pain and heartache. I don't deserve his love anymore."My heart ached at my mom's words. "But Mom, don't you want to try to make things right? To be a family again?"Mom sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of regret. "I wish things were different, Hailey. I wish I hadn't made the choices I did. But I can't change the past, and I can't expect your dad to forgive me for betraying him and you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the depth of my mom's remorse. "Mom, you're not unworthy
Hailey's POV.The air was heavy with anticipation and tension in Ryan's house. It had been a week since the dramatic confrontation that led to Uncle Elijah considering reconciling with his estranged wife. I couldn't shake off the somber atmosphere that seemed to linger in every room.One evening, as I sat by the window in Ryan's room, staring at the moonlit sky, Ryan entered with a troubled expression. He sat down beside me, and without a word, I knew something was bothering him."What's wrong, Ryan?" I asked softly, turning to look at him.Ryan sighed heavily. "I can't stop thinking about everything that's happened. Dad is still unsure about Mom coming back. It's like we're walking on eggshells around here."I nodded, understanding his concern. "I've been feeling the same way. But you know what's been on my mind more? My Mom. She's been so quiet and withdrawn since that night."Ryan frowned, his brows knitting together in concern. "Do you think she regrets leaving your Dad?"My gaze
Ryan's POV.When Dad returned to the sitting room, we stopped talking about Hailey and I love, we focused on Dad again, but at least, I was relieved. There was no secret in Hailey and I loved life again, we were free.I stood in the middle of the living room, my heart heavy with the tension that crackled between Hailey and my parents. They sat across from each other, their expressions a stark contrast.My Mom looked at Dad with a mixture of regret and apology in her eyes. She knew she had hurt him deeply, and her gaze reflected her remorse. On the other hand, Dad's eyes were filled with annoyance and a hint of bitterness. He couldn't shake off the pain of the past, the wounds that had never fully healed.The room felt suffocating, the silence broken only by the ticking of the clock on the wall. I shifted uncomfortably, wishing I could disappear or at least bridge the chasm that had grown between my parents. I never knew forgiveness would be that difficult."Mom, Dad," I finally spoke,
Hailey's POV.I watched as Uncle Elijah's jaw tightened slightly, but he remained silent, waiting to hear me out."I understand that things have been difficult, and mistakes have been made," I continued, my voice gaining strength. "But holding onto anger and resentment will only hurt us in the long run. We need to find a way to move forward together."Aunty Rebecca scoffed. "Move forward? After everything that has happened?"I nodded. "Yes, even after everything. Because deep down, I know that we all care about each other. Uncle Elijah," she turned to him, "I know you still love your wife, despite everything, she birth to your son after all. And Aunty Rebecca," I faced her next, "I know you regret some of the decisions you've made."Uncle Elijah sighed heavily, his gaze shifting to Aunty Rebecca. "It's not that simple, Hailey," he murmured, his voice filled with pain."But it can be," I insisted, my eyes brimming with conviction. "If we're willing to open our hearts to forgiveness and
Hailey's Pov.The drive back home was nothing like when we were going to the restaurant, it was lively with Ryan's Mom, who was making some hilarious jokes just for the family to laugh, and at some points, I cracked up a laugh.I was beginning to feel that maybe Ryan's Mom wasn't that bad, maybe she just wanted peace and love among us all, but everything changed when we got home and met Mom. Aunty Rebecca changed from the sweet she was a second ago and changed to something I didn't know. I had to double-check her if she was the same person or if someone else was supposed to be her.Aunty Rebecca's voice cut through the sitting room immediately we entered and met Mom sitting there, her words laced with contempt as she directed her insults at my Mom once again. "I don't know why you're even here, trying to pretend like you belong. You're nothing but a husband snatcher, a gold digger!" She was harsh with her words. I palmed my face in frustration, oh no! Not again!My mom bristled at the
Hailey's POV.I sat on the stairs of the school, my backpack slung over one shoulder, my eyes scanning the parking lot for any sign of Ryan's car. He had promised to pick me up after my final exam, but as the minutes ticked by, it became clear that he wouldn't make it. I sighed, feeling a mix of disappointment and understanding. Ryan often got caught up in his family's business recently, especially when his Dad needed him.Just as I was about to call Shirley for a ride, a voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hey, Hailey! Need a lift?" Micah grinned, leaning against his car with a casual charm.I smiled gratefully. "Yes, please. Thanks, Micah."When he was driving us towards my house, Micah turned on the radio, filling the car with upbeat music. "So, how was your exam?" he asked, glancing at me.I shrugged. "It was okay, I guess. Just glad it's over."Micah nodded, understanding the relief of finishing exams. "Any plans for the summer?"My mind wandered to the beach trips and lazy days I ha
Hailey's POV.My eyes fluttered open as the soft morning light filtered through my curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. It was Monday, the beginning of my final exams, and a mix of excitement and nervousness filled my thoughts. I stretched lazily in bed, feeling the weight of the upcoming challenges ahead. I had no exam that day, til the morrow I was going to the library with Shirley to read.As I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, memories from the previous weeks flooded my mind. The incident in the chemistry lab still lingered, the sting of Brielle's insincere apology and the scar in my hand serving as constant reminders. But today, I vowed to focus on my exams and push aside any distractions. I must graduate in a few months.I swung my legs out of bed and padded over to my desk. The stack of textbooks and notes seemed to mock me, reminding me that every hard word would begin to reflect today.As I flipped open my biology textbook, my phone buzzed with a message from
Ryan's POV.Mom came again as usual to cause trouble, but I couldn't let her in, Hailey was still healing from the turmoil that her last visit caused and I couldn't help but stop her from entering, I was sick of always letting her in only to cause Harley more pain."Ryan, what are you doing?" She asked me unbelievably."I'm stopping you from entering, Mom. You will only go in there are cause more pain to people who don't deserve it. You have been doing that for days now and I have been foolishly letting you in over and all over again, but not today. You should leave immediately." I wanted to close the door but she stopped me."Are you chasing your mother away from her house Ryan? What had that woman turned you to? I didn't bring you up to be disrespectful to me, I don't know that my child would be cruel to me." She was using a guilt trick on me, and I knew it. I still spoke with her though."Mom. If you were Hailey's Mom, I'm sure you would have killed yourself by now, if you see the