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
Then Kara sniffed and held both hands to her chest. "Hailey, is it possible for us to share the same husband." "That is illegal, Ma'am." Rick instantly retorted. "Master and Madam are bound for eternity." "Don't dampen my hopes." Kara gave him an agitated look. "Can't you let me bask in my fantasy even for a little bit?""Only Madam is allowed to fantasize about Master," Rick replied. "Well, you can't control that, Rick." Kara jabbed at his chest with a finger. "Who knows what kind of thoughts I'm having about your dear Master in my heart right now?""That is unacceptable, Ma'am.""Tell me why.""Madam is your friend." Hailey could only watch in amusement and silently listened to their bantering as they left the supermarket. She could count the number of times Rick had spoken. But today, he was bantering with Kara and it was a sight for the sore eyes.Although there was no change in his ever-stoic expression, he seemed to be having a good time. Or was it only her imagination? Ri
However, Hailey's hope was far-fetched. When she returned from the kitchen with the utensils in her hand, Kara's conversation had gone haywire and she had never seen Rick looking more awkward than he was at the moment. "Do you think it is also my fault?" Kara was speaking to the guard in a low tone and she sniffed non-stop. "I just wanted them to wait a bit more. I haven't fulfilled her wish yet. Do you think I'm being weird? Doesn't everyone have ambition?" Hailey halted in her footsteps and narrowed her eyes. Why was Kara telling Rick about her past and her ex- boyfriends?Then her eyes darted to Kara's side and they landed on the beer bottle. "Rick! Shit! Don't let her drink." Hailey cursed out loud and hurried to grab the bottle. She could deal with an emotional Kara but not a drunk one. Not especially on this day, her birthday. Rick looked confused at Hailey's outburst. And he gave Kara a blank look. As if he didn't understand a word she said. "Forgive me, Madam. Ma'am appea
"You've worked so hard," Hailey murmured. "I'm sure she would like them." "Really?""Yeah." More tears gushed down her eyes and she sniffed again. "I'm so sorry, Hailey. I promise next time I won't act like this.""You don't need to be sorry." Hailey kept on patting her back. "I will always be here with you." Kara had made this same promise every time, but Hailey knew how hard it was to overcome a trauma. It would always be there, like a terminal illness. When it's its time to act up, it's always inevitable. "She wants me to be independent, and I am. I want to do that, even if they're willing to forsake me for that." "You can do whatever you want, Kara. If it makes you happy, go for it. Stop thinking about them, okay?"Although she acted unperturbed all the time, her father and the rest of her family forsaking her had left a deep wound in her. And this night that she let out all her emotions, She'd understandably mentioned them. "Whatever makes her happy makes me happy." Kara g
Otherwise, Hailey didn't want to imagine the look on Kendrick's face when they returned home very very late.But even in her drunken state, Kara who might have somehow grasped Hailey's words got more frantic. The only thing Hailey could register was Kara biting down hard on Rick's arm and setting herself free, then chaos erupted.The birthday cake, the decorations, and even the large table was not spared. In a flicker of seconds, Kara had turned the whole apartment into a mess. And while Rick ran after her to get a hold of her, Hailey was running from the girl who was now chasing after her like a maniac. "Take me home, Hailey!" Hailey leaned against the door and pressed both hands on her thumping chest as she had luckily found a way to Kara's bedroom and locked herself inside. "Hailey! Open it!" Kara kept on banging on the door and yelling. Hailey would be damned to do that. Her whole body shook as she carried her wobbly legs toward the bed with both hands on her waist. It was
Wait— If Kendrick had already left for work that meant she could relax at least for a while. And if he was really angry, then some of his anger would have already subsided by the time he got home. With that assurance in mind, Hailey's heart was once again at ease and she strolled inside the house. She hadn't even taken breakfast yet and she was screamingly hungry. But first, she had to change out of these clothes. Therefore, she headed toward the stairs, not thinking about why the Butler as well as the servants were nowhere in sight. Her head was only filled with finding a way to pacify Kendrick. And again, Hailey was carried away. As she walked through the hallway toward the bedroom, she didn't notice the sound of footsteps coming from ahead, until a figure stopped in front of her and she halted. "You are finally back."Hailey's eyes dimmed at the sight of the girl in front of her. Her eyes strayed from Sharon to the bedroom's direction then back to Sharon. "What are you doing