"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
The Butler nodded frantically and dashed out of the place before his parents could say anything. And the look of shock in his parents' eyes increased. "Are you defying us?" His father glared at him."I'm not," Kendrick replied calmly. "I won't let you bully my wife.""Ken." His mother's jaw dropped and she stammered, "H–How dare you speak to us like that?"Sounds of hurried footsteps came from the stairs and Sharon appeared all of a sudden. She took in the scene with furrowed brows before her eyes fell on Hailey. And her lips parted."What is going on, Aunty." She walked to his mother and asked in confusion. "Uncle, why are you here?""It is this evil woman." His mother pointed at Hailey. "Can you believe she put poison in his food? She poisoned Ken and she's keen on doing more than that. She wants to stay with him.""Th–That." Sharon put on a shocked expression. "How could she do that? That is unacceptable." Her eyes came to Hailey. "Y–You can't let her stay here, Ken. She doesn't d
Hailey didn't protest. She only gave him a helpless look before leaning further into his arms to make herself comfortable. Her cheek was pressed on his chest and she let her eyelids close. Was she sleeping? Kendrick couldn't help but ask. He kept his eyes on her face as he strolled up the stairs, relishing the moment and relishing the silence.But the silence was in no time disrupted. A shocked sound came from ahead and he lifted his head to find Sharon standing in the middle of the staircase and looking astonished. Sharon's lips parted as if she wanted to say something and Kendrick frowned. Why hadn't she gone to her room?"What is it?" She was blocking his path and he could sense Hailey's uncomfortable movements. She was probably not asleep yet. Sharon didn't seem to hear him as her eyes darted between him and Hailey in shock.Then she finally opened her mouth."Ken, Aunty and Uncle are mad—""So what?" Kendrick glared at her. He wasn't blind not to notice.Sharon gave him an
"Master is downstairs having his breakfast," The Butler answered.Hailey made an oh sound and nodded. He hadn't left for work after all. Her eyes went to the briefcase in the Butler's hand. Was Kendrick planning to leave after having breakfast? That would be too early still. Why would he go to work at this time? "Madam, about last night..." The Butler's words snapped her out of her thoughts and Hailey realized she'd been staring absentmindedly at the briefcase.She gave the man her attention and urged him to go on. Last night. She didn't want to think about last night. If only she could wipe that incident off her memory. But the Butler looked as if he wanted to tell her something. The man hesitated for a few seconds, the smile never leaving his face. The smile which had now turned to a nervous one.Then he cleared his throat. "W–What Master's parents did." He scratched the back of his neck. "I– I hope you don't take it to heart. A–As you see, Master is their only child. They were o