****Hailey****“Hailey is not like the others,” Hollis said firmly, his voice tinged with conviction. “She’s different, Arthur. She truly cares about me and our relationship.”“Yes, like the ones who came before her,” Arthur interjected, his skepticism evident. “What was her name again, Lauren?” “She was just using you for her own benefit,” Arthur continued, his distrust clear in his words. “I don’t want to see you get hurt again, Hollis.” Hollis shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “I might have been in a coma for eight years, but I can still tell when someone is genuine,” he said confidently. “And she is pregnant too; I suggest taking a parental test to confirm if the child is indeed yours,” Arthur added. His concern for Holly was evident in his tone.Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at Arthur, feeling only one thing for him: resentment. “Thank you for your kind words, Arthur, and for taking care of your friend. Congratulations on waking up after a long coma,” I
****Hailey****I reached home after an exhausting day and found myself unable to shake off the unease that had settled in my chest. I don’t know why, but the thought of Arthur’s presence lingering in our lives filled me with a sense of dread that I couldn’t quite explain. It was as if a storm was brewing on the horizon, and I could only hope that Hollis and I would be able to weather it together.Maybe it’s just my overactive imagination, but I couldn’t ignore the sense of foreboding that lingered in the air. As I tried to push aside my worries, I couldn’t help but wonder what challenges lay ahead for us with Arthur in the picture.I shook my head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts that threatened to consume me. Despite my unease, I knew that Hollis and I were strong enough to face whatever obstacles came our way.I sighed and reminded myself that we had faced difficult times before and always came out stronger on the other side. I trust Hollis, and more than that, I trust our bon
*****Hailey******Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to control my emotions. “Hollis, please come home soon. I really need you right now,” I desperately pleaded, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me. I knew I couldn’t do this alone and needed my Hollis by my side.But a loud thud interrupted my thoughts and made me jump in fear. As the phone fell from my trembling hands and the call ended abruptly, I felt a surge of panic wash over me. I prayed that Hollis would arrive in time to protect us from whatever danger lurked outside.I hugged both my kids tightly and whispered reassurances to them, trying to keep my own fear at bay. As the loud thud of someone kicking on the door echoed through the house, I knew we were running out of time.“Mama, he is trying to break the door down,” my daughter whimpered, her voice filled with fear. I held them closer, trying to remain calm and strong for their sake.“Shhh... it’s going to be okay. Daddy is coming to protect us,” I whi
*****Hailey*****“1...2,” Ben counted, his voice filled with anger and frustration. I knew that I had to stand my ground and protect my children at all costs. “….3..,”“Stop… I will come with you; just please don’t harm the kids,” I pleaded, hoping to diffuse the situation before it escalated any further. Ben’s expression softened slightly, but I knew that this was only the beginning of a long and difficult journey ahead. I knew that I would do whatever it takes to protect my children at all costs.Ben smirks, pulling my body to his, whispering in my ear, “Good decision.“ His breath tickled my skin as I shivered in fear and uncertainty. “Let go,“ he said softly, his grip tightening on my arm as he led me away from my children. I knew then that I had to stay strong and find a way to escape, no matter what it took.I looked back as Ben pushed me away from my home, my kids, and the life that brought me so much joy. Hollis, I am sorry, but I have to go to protect myself and our children f
*****Hollis*****I drove my car fast as I called Kevin, who picked up on the first ring. “I’m on my way,” he said, his voice filled with urgency. “So, you know that my house is under some intruder’s attack right now?” I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.“Yes, the guards I have on duty to take care of the house called me right away,” Kevin replied. “And it’s no intruder, Hollis; it’s that bastard, Ben.” Kevin’s voice was filled with frustration and anger. “I’ll be there in five minutes; just hold on,” he assured me before hanging up.I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my mind racing with thoughts of what Ben could possibly want from us. How the fuck did that bastard get in my house when I have tightened the security so much? My hands were shaking as I sped towards home, praying that Kevin would arrive in time to protect Hailey and the kids from whatever danger Ben posed.My phone rang again, and I saw Kevin’s name flash on the screen. I answered quickly, eager to hear any update
*****Hollis*****“Hailey…,” my voice cracked with emotion as I saw her clutching her stomach in pain. The sight of blood made my heart race even faster as I ran towards her and made her fall into my arms, not letting her body touch the ground. I could feel the panic rising within me as I saw blood leaking from between her legs like a river of crimson, staining her clothes and the ground beneath her.“My baby...” Her voice was barely a whisper as she struggled to speak before her eyes fluttered closed and she fell unconscious in my arms. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—we were running out of time to save both Hailey and her unborn child.“Hailey…Hailey!” I shouted her name, hoping to rouse her from unconsciousness, but she remained limp in my arms. Desperation consumed me as I frantically searched for a way to get her the help she needed before it was too late.I look up as my eyes meet with Ben, who still has the rod in his hand, and anger and fear are evident in his expre
*****Hailey*****My whole body is aching with a dull, persistent pain that seems to radiate from my core. Every movement is a struggle; every breath feels like a chore.White light pierces through my closed eyelids, causing me to wince in discomfort. I can’t remember the last time I felt this drained and exhausted.“Ahhhh...” a groan escapes my lips as I try to sit up, but my muscles protest with a sharp pang of agony. It’s as if every fiber of my being is screaming for rest and relief.I tried to open my eyes, but the light was blinding, so I squeezed them shut again, hoping that the pain would subside soon.A gentle touch on my shoulder startles me, and a soothing voice whispers, “Hailey...” My ears perk up at the sound of my name. Slowly, I begin to recognize the familiar voice of Hollis as I feel the touch of a cool cloth on my forehead. “You’re going to be okay,” he reassures me, and I cling to his words like a lifeline in the midst of my pain.Hollis, I tried to speak, but my thr
*****Hailey*****“Ahhhhh...” my voice echoed through the room, the pain of my loss reverberating off the walls. Why me? Why my baby? Why????I crumbled on the ground, clutching my scarf, and still couldn’t grasp the harsh reality that my baby was no longer with me. My heart burns, my stomach twists in knots, and the weight of grief feels unbearable. The world around me seemed to blur as I tried to make sense of the tragedy that had befallen me. Tears don’t do justice to my pain. The emptiness in my chest was suffocating, the absence of my baby leaving a void that seemed impossible to fill. My mind raced with questions, searching for answers that would never come.I can’t breathe; I feel suffocating in this overwhelming sea of sorrow. The memories of my baby flood my mind, each one a painful reminder of what I have lost. Every moment without them feels like an eternity, and the future stretches out before me, daunting and empty without their presence. The room seems to be closing aroun
Hollis***The drive to the warehouse felt like a lifetime, every second stretching into eternity. The engine’s roar drowned out everything else—except the pounding of my heart, which seemed to reverberate in my chest with each beat. My mind was split, torn between the thought of Summer, trapped and terrified, and the dangerous man who had done this to her. Kevin sat silently beside me, his eyes sharp, calculating, but I could feel the weight of his gaze on me. His silence spoke volumes—he was watching, waiting, and judging every move I made.As we neared the outskirts of town, the city lights dimmed, replaced by a cold, sterile glow that cast long, stretching shadows. The warehouse loomed ahead, its rusted metal and broken windows seeming more sinister than ever. Tonight, it wasn’t just a building—it was a tomb.The first thing that hit me was the smell of gasoline, sharp and acrid, coating the air like a toxic fog. It burned my nostrils, thick enough to taste, like metal scraping aga
Hailey***The night air was sharp against my skin as I stepped out of the hospital’s back entrance, Kevin following closely behind me. The city felt oppressive, its streetlights casting long, distorted shadows that seemed to mirror the darkness creeping into my soul.Everything felt wrong. The security footage had left me with a sinking suspicion, a feeling that gnawed at my insides. The figure who took Summer—whoever it was—knew me. They knew my weaknesses, my family, and they used it against me."You think it’s him, don’t you?" Kevin’s voice cut through my thoughts, low and tense.I didn’t answer right away. The weight of the truth pressed on my chest, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. “I don’t know,” I muttered. “But I’m going to find out.”We reached the car, and I slammed the door with a force that matched the storm raging inside me. Kevin slid into the passenger seat, and without another word, I floored the gas pedal. The streets blurred in my peripheral vision, but my mind
Hollis***The weight of Hailey's words, the tenderness in her touch, lingered in the air long after she whispered her love. I held her tight, my arms wrapped around her like a lifeline, the steady beat of her heart against mine grounding me. In that moment, I almost felt like I could make everything right, as if we could finally face everything and start over.But I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.Her trust was fragile, shattered by lies and half-truths. I could feel her fear, and I knew I had to earn it back before we could move forward.I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. There was so much I wanted to say, so many apologies that felt inadequate, but I knew there was only one thing I could do right now."I'll take care of it," I said softly, my voice hoarse, the weight of my promise pressing heavily on me. "I'll fix this, Hailey. I'll get the answers we need. I'll make sure Max and Summer are safe."She nodded, her eyes filled with pain and doubt, but there was
Hollis***The weight of Hailey's words, the tenderness in her touch, lingered in the air long after she whispered her love. I held her tight, my arms wrapped around her like a lifeline, the steady beat of her heart against mine grounding me. In that moment, I almost felt like I could make everything right, as if we could finally face everything and start over.But I knew it wouldn’t be that easy.Her trust was fragile, shattered by lies and half-truths. I could feel her fear, and I knew I had to earn it back before we could move forward.I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. There was so much I wanted to say, so many apologies that felt inadequate, but I knew there was only one thing I could do right now."I'll take care of it," I said softly, my voice hoarse, the weight of my promise pressing heavily on me. "I'll fix this, Hailey. I'll get the answers we need. I'll make sure Max and Summer are safe."She nodded, her eyes filled with pain and doubt, but there was s
Hailey***"Kevin…" we both said at the same time, seeing Kevin standing by the door. God’s expression twisted in anger. I could feel the tension in Hollis's body as he braced himself for what was to come next."What are you doing here?" Hollis demanded, his voice low, but Kevin ignored the question. His eyes locked onto mine with a look of pure malice."I'm here to expose the truth about what really happened that night," he said, his voice dripping with venom. I could feel the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air, the silence stretching as the reality of what he was about to reveal seemed to settle over the room like a storm cloud. Whatever he was about to say would change everything."Tell me if you know anything," I urged, my heart pounding in anticipation, barely able to stand the suffocating tension that filled the space between us.Kevin’s eyes met Max’s, who was lying motionless on the bed with tubes protruding from his arms, and I saw a flicker of guilt flash across Kevi
Hailey*****The sterile hospital walls felt suffocating, their coldness pressing against me as my thoughts swirled in a haze. The pounding of my heart was the only sound I could focus on, as though it was the only thing keeping me tethered to reality. But everything around me seemed so distant, so blurry. Was this real? Or was I trapped in a nightmare?"Hailey…" Hollis’s voice sliced through the fog, trembling as it reached me. His hands, shaking, gripped my shoulders, pulling me back from the abyss. "Wake up… wake up," he begged, desperation lacing his words. I wanted to respond, to assure him I was still here, but my throat felt constricted, and I couldn’t seem to find the words.Max’s lifeless body. The flatline. The images, so vivid, played on an endless loop in my mind, searing themselves into my soul. How could I keep going when I had lost him?“Max’s death, I lost him...” The words barely escaped, raw and broken. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. My heart was shattered, the w
Hailey**** The sterile hospital walls closed in. Hollis’s words repeated: "I’ll always fight for us." But how? How could we survive in this chaos? Max—he’s barely hanging on. And me? I’m just... waiting. Waiting for the bottom to fall out. Max’s condition had stabilized, but the doctors warned us it wouldn’t be easy. He had barely clung to life after the first round of shock, and even though he was breathing on his own again, there was a chilling uncertainty about his recovery. The small victory of his heart beating once more felt fleeting—just a glimmer of hope in an ocean of dread. I stood by the window, staring out at the night, trying to find some solace in the vast, empty sky. The stars above were distant, indifferent, just like the world outside this hospital—cold, uncaring, and relentless. My fingers gripped the sill tightly, a feeble attempt to steady myself. Each breath felt like it carried the unbearable weight of what was happening. Behind me, Hollis’s footsteps echoed
Hailey***The doctors moved with precision, shouting orders as they surrounded Max's bed. "Get the paddles! Charge it to 200!" one of the doctors called out.I felt frozen, trapped in the nightmare I’d always feared. Max, my little boy, was slipping away right before my eyes, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.Hollis’s hands were on my shoulders, trying to hold me together, but even his grip felt like a distant echo of the strength I once found in him. The room spun, the chaos around us nothing but a blur as I focused solely on the lifeless figure of Max."Come on, Max," I whispered through the tears, my voice barely audible above the frantic noises of the ER. "Fight, baby, fight. Please don't leave me."The shock paddles were placed against Max’s chest, and I flinched, my heart sinking as the charge buzzed through the air. The doctors worked quickly, their faces set with determination, but I could feel the heavy weight of hopelessness sinking deep within me.I couldn’t lose
Hailey****The emergency room was a blur of activity, the beeping of machines and the hurried footsteps of medical staff echoing in my ears. My heart raced in time with the chaotic rhythm of the hospital, thoughts scattered and tangled in my head. Every part of me wanted to break down, but I couldn’t. Max needed me.I followed the nurse through the double doors, the sterile smell of antiseptic hitting me like a slap. Hollis was right behind me, his hand gripping mine like a lifeline. The sight of Max lying in a bed, wires and tubes attached to his small body, sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over me. His little face was pale, his body twitching with the involuntary fits the nurse had mentioned.I rushed to his side, my breath catching in my throat as I tried to steady myself. "Max," I whispered, bending over him, my fingers brushing his damp forehead. "Max, baby, can you hear me?"His eyelids fluttered, and for a brief moment, I thought he might wake up. But then, his body jerked a