*****It had been three days now since Hailey started searching for her ring. Even with the servants' help, the search turned out futile. The ring seemed to have disappeared in thin air. Kendrick had offered again to get her a new one. But how would that make any difference that she'd lost the wedding ring?It was disappointing to realize that she'd never find it again. Maybe she shouldn't have tossed it in a random box. Only God knew if she'd even done that. Maybe she'd toss it on the floor in her fit of anger. She should have hidden it carefully. She should have been sensible and thought first of giving it back to its owner. That way, she wouldn't have thrown it away.But at that time she'd hated its owner more than anything else. She didn't want to have anything to do with the ring or Kendrick. She blew out a breath and strolled aimlessly in the yard. She wasn't even planning to go near the garden. She just needed a substantial amount of fresh air to clear her thoughts. Not majo
But why wouldn't she open the door for the maids? Was she even in the house? Was Kendrick sure if she wasn't around? Or did he know she was around? The maids' whispers continued. Their attentions were still on watering the plants. They discussed how the Butler had gone up countless times to inquire about what was wrong with her. They'd also spoken about how they would stand in front of her door for a long time, knocking. But she wouldn't open the door. Then one of the maids said, "She wouldn't open the door for anyone. Even Master. He would knock and speak her name, she wouldn't open still." "She does open for Master sometimes," another maid countered. "When I went to clean that area, I've seen her open the door for Master." Hailey covered her mouth and stifled her gasp. Her thoughts. No— her instincts were right. Kendrick had really been visiting Sharon's room. And what the hell was wrong with that girl? What did she have going on with Kendrick? It wasn't an assumption anymore if
Hailey didn't want to appear desperate so she kept her voice calm. From the looks of it, Kendrick had sent the Butler on an errand. Whatever that box was, it must be from the study room. In that case, the Butler would definitely have an update on why he wasn't home yet. Upon seeing Hailey trying to sneak a peek at the box, the Butler hid it further. "Hehe, Madam, you're overthinking." Then he took one cautious glance back his shoulder. "Master wouldn't want you to stay up late. How about you go to your room? I'm afraid your milk will get cold."And with that said, the man sprinted past her, leaving Hailey dumbfounded. His speed also astounded her.What was happening? She stared at his retreating figure with parted lips. There was no doubt, the Butler was hiding something. Was it related to Kendrick? He didn't answer her question but instead, told her to get some sleep. And what was he hiding in that box?Wait.Then a scary thought crossed her mind. Was Kendrick sick? He shouldn't
She found him staring at her, and his expression was indescribable.Hailey tried to remain as calm as she could. Was it even her business to ask what was going on? She was still bewildered at Sharon's words and behavior. And the fact that Kendrick was staring at her like this, she didn't want to appear as if she cared.She had never seen Kendrick look speechless. Right now, he looked as if he had lost his tongue. And the silence was killing her. Agitated, she turned back and intended to hurry to the bedroom. His voice stopped her that instant and he caught up to her. "Hailey." Kendrick blocked her path and stared down at her."You're supposed to be asleep.""And you're supposed to be in your office?" Hailey raised a brow. Was that what he needed to tell her now? Didn't it matter to him that she needed an explanation?Gosh! What was she thinking? However, it wasn't even a question if he had been home all along and made the Butler lie to her. How could he stay late at work? That w
Hailey had first thought that he would caress her bump the way he usually did. But she tensed when his movement got bolder."W–What are you doing?" Out of nervousness, Hailey slapped off his hand and adjusted her sleeping position. Right now, her heartbeat was a mess. "G–Go to sleep, Kendrick." She gave a dry cough and murmured. "I– I am sleepy."Even her voice failed her. But the only thing she was afraid of was him hearing her heartbeat. Kendrick's hand immediately halted, it was hanging mid-air. Then he sighed heavily and seconds later, he went back to his previous position, giving Hailey space to move freely. Hailey had a hard time falling asleep after that. She was also sure Kendrick wasn't asleep either. Things were changing fast it terrified her. And the more Kendrick got bolder nowadays, the more frantic she felt. ***When morning came, Kendrick had already left for work. Hailey was baffled at that but not for long. She also got prepared and ready to set out for the diner.
If Hailey wasn't used to Kara going erratic like this before her birthday, she would have laughed at why she was this anxious about a birthday celebration. But she knew well the reason why Kara always acted like this. It was something even she wouldn't ever dream of handling."How about this? After some hours, let's call it a day. We'll go shopping together and I'll help you choose the best decorations.""You're joking!" Kara's eyes lit up as she said that. "Of course, not." Hailey smiled at her. She would be more than willing to accompany Kara. It had also been long since she went shopping. She couldn't wait to—"Will your husband allow that?" Kara knitted her brows. And Hailey's face fell hearing that.She had almost forgotten about Kendrick and his stupid security. Would he let her go shopping? Her heart sank at the thought of that. It wasn't even a question. But seeing her friend's pitiful state, Hailey didn't have the heart to dampen her hopes."It's okay, Hailey. You don't
But Hailey couldn't recount everything even if she wanted to. She couldn't recount how it was on this kind of occasion that she bumped into Kara. "So, you see," she said carefully. "I need to be there for her. I've always been, I don't want this year to be an exception."Only Hailey could handle Kara's roller coaster of emotions on this kind of day and she couldn't even imagine not being there for her. And she prayed so much that Kendrick would not turn her down. "I promise I won't run into any trouble... We'll only go shopping and then proceed to Kara's apartment. I'll have Rick drive us carefully and—""That's fine." His voice made her stop and Hailey frowned. This was too sudden."You mean I can go?" She voiced out her confusion."Mm." Kendrick made a sound of consent. "Be careful." Hailey's heart fluttered and her lips tugged at the corners. This was too easy. Had she been worried for nothing all along? She never expected him to agree so fast. "Ehm, Kendrick..." She called h
Cassie removed her sunglasses to take a proper look at Hailey. Her face was painted with astonishment and Hailey's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "I knew I wasn't mistaken." Cassie snapped out of her reverie. "How could I have ever imagined seeing you in this kind of place?" She spoke half to herself while her eyes went from Hailey's face to her stomach. Hailey was at loss for words because she didn't really know what to say. Well, she wouldn't be surprised if she bumped into anyone she knew in such a crowded place. Anyone but Rob's sister who was also from another city. "Well, it's a small world after all." She chortled while her hand subconsciously went to her stomach to shield it from the girl's intense look."Yeah." Cassie gave a slow nod. "So the rumor is true," she mumbled to herself. Despite Hailey's attempt to shield her stomach, Cassie did not take her eyes off. It wasn't that Hailey was ashamed to let her know of her pregnancy, but she was just uncomfortable under the