If she focused on eating, it might do something to lighten her mood.When she was done cleaning the plates, she opened the fridge and brought out a large cup of ice cream. She placed it on a counter and sat on the stool in front of it. She drank it carefully, it was too creamy to take with a spoon. And as she drank it, her eyes would go to the door to see if the maids would come in.But none of them appeared even after a few minutes. She didn't even know why she wanted them to come. Maybe sitting alone wasn't a good idea. She could really do with some company. She had to make the maids understand that they didn't need to avoid her. Hailey was still in her thinking process, she hadn't even taken her eyes from the door when footsteps approached. She frowned and her hold tightened on the cup. Because the sounds of the high heels only belonged to one person.It wasn't the kind of company she wanted this morning. She didn't want to face the hypocritic girl. Sharon had really gone overb
"I know you won't." Sharon shook her head and clicked her tongue. "Ken must have denied the fact that you poisoned him. Do you think it is fair to make him lie to his parents? Let me tell you something important." She moved forward. "None of Ken's parents had ever raised their voice on him. But because of you, that happened last night. They were so infuriated, they didn't think about their endless love for him. All they wanted to know at that time was who did that to him. But he didn't tell them the truth." She clicked her tongue again and put on a sad look. "I'm afraid, Hailey. You'll never be the right person for him. You have to leave Ken before you cause more trouble for him. Because this is the first step. It is the first step to break them apart." Hailey's jaws clenched and her knuckles turned white as she gripped the cup. "If I were you, I wouldn't want this. He's the only child they have. I wouldn't like the idea of breaking them apart. Isn't it disheartening to be hated by
And she had watched with her own eyes as he ate them. What difference did that make her from Sharon? If anything, her actions were even worse. Her actions were unforgivable. She remained standing against the wall for a while. If Kendrick hadn't hidden it from his parents, what would they do to her? Were they going to take severe measures and punish her? And why would she even be afraid of their punishment? She had cast it upon herself in the first place. Her feet started to ache and she resumed walking. When she passed by the study room, she halted. And her gaze strayed to the bedroom far ahead. Kendrick was inside the study room. She could hear his voice with the Butler. She didn't want to eavesdrop. She didn't need to do that to know what they were discussing. The Butler's tone was anxious as they spoke. He sounded worried and scared. They were speaking almost loudly. The Butler was warning him about how dangerous it would be if his parents decide to look further into the case
It had been three nights. Since the day his parents came. She didn't go to the diner the next day. He was glad in fact, and he didn't question her why. She didn't also go yesterday, although she looked fine. He had thought she had wanted to spend the time at home. She'd wanted to spend time with him. Maybe she'd changed her mind about resuming work. She would do that later after confirming he was well. But the opposite was the case. She stayed home but avoided him all day. Whenever they'd bump into each other, she would avoid his eyes. He would either watch her from a distance or in the night when they'd go to bed together. Their conversations, however, were always short and forced. She was almost always alone. Not only him but also the servants. She avoided everyone in the house.Unlike a few days ago, her mood had worsened. She only avoided him and not the others. And that was because of whatever Devon had told her.This time around, it was different though. Hanging her head an
Everything was a breeze in those days. Things weren't very interesting. He was just going through with the motions. Until he met her. Not only had she come with a huge miracle, but she'd turned his life upside down. For once, he couldn't control most of the things in his life. "Here's your breakfast, Sir." Rosslyn emerged from the suite with a tray of food and drinks. She settled it on a table that sat between the two couches and began serving the food. "Sir, would you like me to prepare some papers before the meeting?" She asked as Kendrick walked toward one of the couches and sat down to eat his food."No need," He replied. He wouldn't need any paper today. There was no need to write anything down. It wasn't like they were going to discuss the fate of the company. They would discuss their fates. What would unfold as a consequence of peering into his life? "You don't need to follow me to the meeting, Rosslyn." He looked up and said.The assistant looked confused and she furrowed
"What would you like to say about this Mr. Reid." Mr. Weimar went on. "There's a lot of speculations in this rumor. We can't believe what the rumors say or what the company told the reporters. We would prefer to hear things directly from you. After all, as the chairman of this company, it is only appropriate to share your worries with the shareholders.""I agree with Mr. Weimer." Another shareholder stood up. Mr. Cahill, Owing fifteen percent second to Mr. Weimer, he'd be the second candidate. And unlike the others, he didn't hide his true intentions behind those awkward smiles. The man was straightforward. At least there was someone not acting like a chicken. He knew what he wanted even though it would land him in trouble. "Those rumors have a chance of affecting the company's shares. It is such huge news that you got married. The whole city would be shocked by that knowledge. If it's the truth, I'm afraid hiding it from others would lead to dire consequences.""That is true, Mr. Re
His eyes went to the first three men that spoke up. "I won't tolerate anyone questioning my private life or thinking they have a say in it. Whatever are your intentions, It better not be what I'm thinking." And they knew what he was thinking, because he knew their real intentions. "I advise you all to mind your business. Your shares are nothing. And if I deem it so, I'll buy them all and have no one else pester me on what's happening in my life.""But, Mr. Reid." The shareholders widened their eyes and they exchanged surprised gazes. "That is not how things work. And we're only concerned—""You should be concerned." Kendrick shut him up. "Because rules are about to change. This is not the first time someone step on the rules. And I'll do so gladly. Because I can't wait to bring everything to light. The rumors, as well as whoever started it and whoever has a hand in it, I'm not going to take it lightly. And listen carefully when I said this, I'm going to find out soon and I'll put a
"Devon." Kendrick glared at him. He didn't need to tell him to explain himself. He didn't want to waste his time doing that. Devon knew well that he had an explanation to give. Was he trying to evade the topic or what? If yes, Kendrick didn't see why he should appear all of a sudden and look like he hadn't shaved for a long time.Maybe it was his appearance that had scared Rosslyn off.Devon's hand went to the back of his neck and he rubbed it with an awkward smile. "I'm actually here because I have a confession to make," he muttered sadly. "But it's no biggie, Buddy. I've spent so many days reflecting and pondering on what I did." His eyes lit up and he said, "If you see what I've made, I'm very sure that if forgiveness is a person, you'll wholeheartedly give it to me."Then he pulled Kendrick's hand and dragged him into the office. "See, I've spent every day working on this. It's my best invention so far. Even you can't resist it."The huge box that stood in the center of the offi
Sharelene stood in a corner, watching everything unfold. The family was in a frenzy. She could only see fear in their eyes and hear the fright in their voices.As the staff wheeled Hailey out of the emergency room, a deafening silence fell upon the hallway. And Ken...He hadn't been himself since they came here. He hadn't been himself since a few days back when he learned Hailey was kidnapped. Neither would he speak to anyone, nor listen to those that tried to talk reason into him and advise him to take it rationally. Since a few days back, he was the complete opposite of the man she had met many years ago and had a second chance of getting close to again. The man that would always keep calm no matter the circumstances...He was nowhere to be found. Ken was completely different from that man she knew. In her mind, she'd almost gotten what she wanted... Or more specifically, what her family wanted. But now, staring down at the ring on her finger, it was as if the engagement neve
```````And every day, Kendrick lived in guilt. For the next several months, every minute of his life was consumed by guilt. It took him weeks to gain her mother's favor, and even months to regain her grandfather's. He would come back every day, hoping that her eyes would at least flutter. Her bump kept increasing at an alarming rate. His every day was filled with fear and trepidation. And one day, her eyes did flutter. He was supposed to feel joy, but not at a chance that more trouble loomed ahead. Her pregnancy was due and not a week after that, the babies arrived. His real fear resurfaced at that moment. The fear that they would never be able to hold their bundles of joy together. The fear that he would never get the chance to tell her that he loved her. However, she proved the doctors wrong, chasing away his fears. Now, staring down at the babies, her utmost gifts to him, Kendrick had never felt so much contented in his life. He'd never been able to wipe off his smile sin
***Kendrick paced in front of the Emergency Room. His heart was in his stomach and his hand never left his hair. It was as if she'd been inside there for hours now despite being wheeled in just now.No amount of self-reassurance could calm him. No one attempted to offer him reassuring words even. They've all been in the same dilemma.Her mother wouldn't stop crying and he couldn't find the heart to offer her those words he'd yearned so much to hear. Hadn't it all been his fault? Hailey was pregnant. How was that possible? When they arrived here, it was the first thing the nurses said after taking her vitals. But Kendrick still found it hard to digest.And the fact that the child would definitely turn out to be his only made him more confused. It made him angrier with himself. "Ken, what is going on here?" Rushed footsteps sounded in the hallway and he glanced sideways to find his parents as well as Sharelene. "What are you doing in this place? Is someone wounded?" Asked his f
~~~'Hailey.'Kendrick's hands trembled and his grip on the gun threatened to loosen. Staring up at the balcony where she was being held captive, he fought not to let the rage take over. The rage that became multifold the moment he sighted them dragging her here. Her body was limped. She looked worse than how she'd looked in the video. And an almost similar-looking lady, whose face was cascaded with tears, was being held at gunpoint beside her. Was that her mother? "Don't worry, Mr. Reid." Standing with them were the three shareholders. "She isn't dead yet. But she'll soon be, if you don't follow our commands."Mr. Weimar and the rest. Kendrick's assumption hadn't been wrong. They had a hand in this. "Already, you've broken one of our rules," scoffed one of them. "We thought we told you to come alone. Coming here with your friend is like seeking more trouble. Will Mr. Carter be competent enough to fend for himself?""Shit! Buddy, these stupid old fools are underestimating me," De
***"Hailey, listen to me!" Rob grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look up. "This is important, you have to take it."Nothing was more important to Hailey right now than getting away from him. Not only did she fear these drugs he had brought her, but she also feared the way his demeanor had changed ever since he returned with them.Of course, even if Rob was really trying to save her, there was no way she was going to cooperate with him.Yesterday, he'd secretly taken her blood, waking her up. And he returned this morning, looking agitated and somehow angry at her. "Hailey!" Rob's hold became tighter. "You must take these drugs immediately. I can't get you out here if you don't. Please, Hailey." He softened his voice. "Just take the damned drugs, you'll feel better. We both will feel better.""What exactly is wrong with you?" Her mother's voice faded in the background. "Leave her alone, she doesn't want to take them. Please I'm begging you, don't torment her any further."While he
Maniac.Hailey lifted her hand weakly to send a slap across his face, but her hand went limp and fell mid-way."M–Murderer." She pushed his chest. "Just go, leave me alone.""Hailey." Footsteps approached the room and Rob said frantically, "Please hold on." He touched her forehead. "You're sick. I'll get someone to treat you. I'll get you out, I promise."Then he sprang to his feet and left, closing the door behind him. Hailey was left wondering how such lunatics could be left wandering among normal people. She sniffed and waddled back into her mother's embrace. How blind had she been to associate with these kinds of people in the past?And how could she put a stop to these endless noises and intense headaches? She didn't want to remember? She didn't want to recall whatever they had shared in the past. ***'Ken, you have to save me. These strange men have captured me and they won't release me until you come. If you don't come alone, Ken, they're going to kill me and my Mum.'Kendric
...The hours dragged on, and from the tiny cracks in the wall, it seemed night had come. Still in her mother's embrace, Hailey shut her eyes to keep up with that pain.Both hands were wrapped around her stomach and she'd shiver now and then. As much as she'd like sleep to overtake her, it didn't. The exhaustion weighing her down didn't let her achieve that. The exhaustion caused by the aches all over her body. Her head pounded constantly, the voices also became louder each time she was left to her thoughts. Those hallucinations were neverending, and very soon she was afraid that they'd burst out, damaging more parts of her brain.The darkness slowly disappeared and the creaking sound of the door made her aware that morning had come. Another day of torture and pain."Hey, wake up!"Before cold water or anything worse could be splashed on her, Hailey leaned away from her mother's embrace who was also awake."Take your food!" The man burly man threw a food box and a water bottle at them
***"Ken, you have to save me. These strange men have captured me and they won't release me until you come. If you don't come alone, Ken, they're going to kill me and my Mum. They have laid traps for you, Ken—"Hailey was cut shut by a hard slap across her face. Bound to a chair with ropes, cold water was splashed on her face. She licked the side of her lips, tasting the metallic liquid; the only thing that kept her from fainting."Damnit! Woman. I told you to leave the trap part out! Are you deaf or what!?" The man holding a camera in front of her shouted. "Now, let's take another video. You will say everything you were asked to.""Stop wasting your time, Man," the portly man said and walked forward. "I don't think this lady is willing to cooperate.""I told you she's a stubborn one," Chloe scoffed from a corner."Now listen to me, Young lady." The portly man approached her and lifted her chin. "If you keep acting this way, we can't fulfill our promise to you. Give us your cooperation
***"Buddy, this is serious. How could she just disappear into thin air? Is there a chance that they're hidden somewhere in this city?"This city? Probably not. Kendrick had turned the whole city upside down. He'd deployed every force he could think of. They'd searched everywhere; every warehouse, every dilapidated building. There was no sign of them. It had been three days and there wasn't any traces of them. He'd driven to the cemetery that day, hoping more than anything that she hadn't spent the night there. And his prayers turned out to work. Only that, what actually happened was worse than spending a night in the cemetery. The sight of her phone by the cemetery gates was all he needed to know that something bad had happened. She was abducted. And there was still no traces of the suspects. Her sister and that guy. "Damnit! This is all screwed up." Devon paced for a while before sitting on the couch. "You didn't tell me you've taken her back. You never should have allowed her