Maybe and probably, everything was filled with what-ifs. Both options might just lead to a dead end for her.His parents' intentions were clear and easy to see. But she didn't understand Kendrick. She never understood him. What if he ended up snatching her baby from her? Would that be any different from his parents' plan?He would have his parents backing him up at that time and she would have no one. Even he was powerful enough to overthrow her. If his parents joined him then, she'd only be like a mouse in front of three giant lions. "You see why you need to be free as soon as possible." Chloe held her shoulder and said softly, "No matter what decision you make, Sis, you'll part with your baby in the end. It's better you warm up to that idea early, so you won't feel much pain when the time comes." Hailey's shoulders dropped and she cradled her stomach. None of them spoke anything after Chloe's last words. And she turned to Kara to see if she would say anything. Anything to contradi
This was like a life and death situation for her. Her baby was her priority and she felt weak and useless that she didn't have any power over this situation."Would you like to speak with Rob?" Chloe asked and she opened her bag and brought out her phone. "We'll ask for his advice and see what he has to say. He'll have the right words to make you calm down."Hailey's eyes fell on her sister's hand which held the phone. Speak with Rob? Now? Did she have to?She wasn't sure if that was going to calm her down. Hearing Rob's voice at this moment would only increase her anxiety. And that sense of guilt would return. She was already dealing with a lot of emotions. She was even ashamed of speaking with him. The last time he was here, she hadn't given an answer to his question. She had left him hanging. It had been hard to watch his expression as he left. "Thanks, Chloe." She smiled at her sister. "Maybe next time." "Oh." Chloe gave a disappointed sound and she dropped the phone back inside
Hailey was also startled but she quickly collected herself. "Is she gone already?" Kara dropped her hands and picked up the tray she had just dropped.Hailey gave her a nod before stepping in front of her. "Don't give me that look, Hailey," Kara murmured. "I'm not mad at you, it's your sister. You know I can't stand her." "She only means well, Kara," Hailey explained softly."But she has the guts to call your baby a mistake." Kara dropped the tray on the counter and turned around to face her with folded hands."She didn't mean that," Hailey said in a tired voice and walked to the stove. It was futile explaining it to her. Maybe she should be offended by Chloe's words. But she only meant the marriage. She was talking about her marriage and not her baby."What did you decide, Hailey." Kara came to her side and faced her. "Are you going to follow your sister's advice?" "Kara—"Kara held up her hand, stopping her in her words. "Chloe has credible points, Hailey." She said in a disappo
"This is the only thing I can think of, Hailey. It is the only reasonable thing. We don't want you to be trapped by his parents. We don't also want you to end up at the receiving end. You love your baby so much. You should try working on this marriage instead of breaking it. His parents might not have any say in whatever you decide to do with your marriage. Hell! You can even start by pretending. Pretend that you're happy and you love him, things will fall into place eventually." Hailey wrapped both hands around herself, digesting each of Kara's words. Pretend. Pretend. Could pretending ever turn into reality? Was there any difference? How was she going to pretend? And how were things ever going to fall into place? Her thoughts were bombarded with so many questions and the dizziness returned. Hailey held her head to get a grip on even one thought. But there were so many. Too many. This new option even had a heavier weight than the previous two. Maybe she should find somewhere quie
"M–Madam?" The maids dispersed immediately and they gave her frightful looks. "Y–You're back already?""Would you l–like anything, Madam?" They all looked frantic as they hurried toward her. Each of them avoided her gaze and they all fixed their eyes on the floor. Hailey's lips twitched at the sides and she controlled the urge to chuckle at their awkwardness. How could she even think of laughing at them? They thought they were in trouble because she had caught them red-handed. But she was in bigger trouble right now. She could happily trade places with them.She told them to bring her food and left the kitchen to wait for them at the dining table. She brought out her phone from her bag and stared at the time. Kendrick would not return soon. She still had more time to focus on her neverending thoughts. Maybe she should tell him to give her more time. Maybe she would reach a decision after a few days. Footsteps came from the stairs all of a sudden and she held her breath. Was Ken
"No, you're going to reveal that yourself." Hailey tilted her head. "You're so desperate and pathetic, why don't you leave the servants and pick on someone your size?"Without waiting for her answer, Hailey turned around and headed for the stairs. It was exhausting to squabble with the girl all the time. And watching her pick at the servants, it just rubbed her in the wrong way. Hailey pressed her temples with her index finger and the other hand gripped the railing as she strolled up the stairs. Maybe she should tell Kendrick that it was Sharon. But 'Urgh' what would be the use in that. She couldn't waste her time telling on Sharon when it was too late. And worse, Kendrick might not believe her. And even if he did, what was he possibly going to do to his oh-so-precious cousin? "M–Madam." The maid bumped into her as she walked through the hallway. She still appeared frightened and was literally shaken. Hailey stopped in her footsteps and waited for her to go on. However, even thoug
Why was it that in each one of those two choices, she would be the one with the most disadvantage? The sound of rapid knocks came from the living room, breaking Hailey out of her train of thought. Was Kendrick back? She frowned. But Kendrick would never knock at the door. Was it one of the maids? She got up from the couch and left the closet. And why was she knocking so frantically? Hailey's frown deepened as she walked toward the door. Whoever was standing outside must have sensed her approach because the knock stopped instantly.She held the doorknob and pull the door open to be met by a frantic maid. It was the maid from a while ago."M–Madam," the maid stuttered. "It— It's Master. Master is back and he wants to see you downstairs." Huh? Kendrick was back? He was finally back. Why did he return late? And why did he want her to come downstairs? And why was the maid this anxious? Was she still shaken by Sharon's bullying? "Madam, he said now," the maid added. "Th–They're waiti
Had he made a mistake by giving her the liberty to choose? He had promised himself not to force her. He had given her the power to make her choice. Was he right by doing that? Was that a good idea? He never expected his parents to act so fast. They had set everything in place. They had arranged where she would live as well as the securities she would need. And all that was left for her was to go with them. They had thought it dangerous to let her stay with him. But that wasn't their choice to make. It was his and he had given her the power to make that decision. Was he wrong in doing that? "Collins!?" His mother yelled at the Butler again. The man was looking to him for instructions. The instructions he couldn't give unless she spoke. But she wasn't speaking. "I said you should get her things down here!" Now it was his father that spoke. The Butler gave him another glance. Then he glanced at the still-shocked Hailey. Before his shoulders dropped and he gave a slow nod. "No," Hai