And after saying that, the car started again. Hailey could only watch his side profile as the car drove into the villa. Following Kendrick's car were the cars the bodyguards' took. They all drove past Hailey and entered the villa. And Hailey stood rooted in one spot, her eyes fixed only on Kendrick's car. Her palm slowly traveled up to her chest and she held it. Why did it hurt so much?In the next minute, Hailey didn't have another glimpse of Kendrick's car. She didn't see him coming out of the car. Once the bodyguards' cars had all entered the villa, the security man drew the gates close and all she could see was the white metal bars. A gust of cold wind wheezed past, threatening to pick Hailey along. Kendrick was still mad at her. He was still ignoring her. If she followed him inside the villa, wouldn't it lead to more problems?The security man was also on standby at the gate. He recognized her and he gave her a look that dared her to come forward.And Hailey was wise enoug
"Please say something." Hailey looked up from his chest. "Tell me that you forgive me and you're going to take me back. I– I can't wait for us to get back together, Kendrick. Believe me please, I'm never going to cause you any more trouble."Kendrick did not move. And Hailey searched his eyes to detect any emotion. The only thing she could feel was his body loosening up. Maybe it would only ever be in her fantasy, but Hailey wished that he would at least hug her back. Even as she hugged him now, her heart was breaking inside. It hurt so much to feel so close yet distant. "It is a boy."Suddenly, his voice echoed in her ears. It was soft in the beginning, but when he repeated it, Hailey could feel the anger in it. "It is a boy, Hailey."An emotion finally showed in his eyes. Hurt. Hailey was sure she hadn't imagined it. Kendrick was hurt. A boy?The words didn't stop echoing in her mind. Her baby was a boy? Hailey opened her mouth but she instantly lost the ability to speak. He
Hailey limped out of the neighborhood, struggling to walk on both legs. It took a while before she found a taxi. Maybe the doctor was right. But she still didn't believe that. And maybe her new condition was real.If Kendrick could let her go because of this issue, maybe her feelings were unrequited. And maybe signing the divorce papers was the best idea. Why then did she find herself giving the taxi man the address of Kendrick's company instead of going somewhere where she could have her wound treated, or just returning to Kara's place and accepting her fate? Hailey didn't know what was wrong with her. Her desperation had begun to scare her. All she knew was that she wanted to be with him. Just now, he had almost run over her with his car. Yet, she was going to find him.Had she become a masochist? Was this how it felt to love someone so deeply?Hailey brought out a tissue from her bag and wiped the patches of blood away. When the taxi man arrived at Kendrick's company, she w
~~~"Hailey.""Hailey.""Hailey."Hailey felt like she was in a dream. A voice kept calling out her name. It was asking her to wake up. She was being pulled away on a stretcher. There was an unbearable pain in her abdomen. Something was moving in her stomach. Not long after, the voice stopped calling out to her. Then more voices came. The clattering of utensils invaded her senses. The beeping sounds of machines. The feeling of something tracing an outline on her stomach. Then something sharp cut through the outline. Something like a knife. It hurt. There was too much blood. Many hands work on her body. The noises increased. They mentioned something about not surviving. Someone said something like we can't save them both. Hailey fluttered her eyes to break out of this horrible nightmare. The sight of the blood was scaring her. And the sounds of the machines— she felt like more outlines would be made and her stomach would be cut open again. "Hailey."The voice was calling out to
Why did she feel as if something had happened to him? She could see the images of him covered in blood. She could see Kendrick throwing him against chairs and tables. That was strange. Why did Rob save her from the park instead of Kendrick? She could remember wanting to follow Kendrick to his company. Kendrick and her must have had an argument and she wanted them to make peace. Carefully, Hailey got down from the bed and walked to the large window. She stood by the window and placed her palm on the glass. The scenery ahead was a garden. A very beautiful garden. She could see flowers and fruit trees. She could see birds flying from tree to tree and singing happily. Hailey was lost in admiring the garden.She didn't know when the door opened. She didn't know when Rob came inside and stood beside her. "Beautiful, right?" Rob laughed softly."Mm." Hailey nodded. "It's beautiful," she replied.And in her memory, broken images of a similar garden came in flashes. They were like piece
~~~Hailey woke up to find herself in the same position.She was laying on the bed, facing the ceiling with both hands on her stomach. The birds didn't chirp. The light was gone. When she glanced sideways, no one was sitting beside her. The only light inside the room came from the bedside lamp. It was dimmed, barely illuminating the whole room. Hailey's head throbbed slightly and she sat up. She felt something on her knees. A bandage. And she frowned. Where did the bandage come from? And how did she sustain this injury?Hailey touched the place. She couldn't feel any pain. She thought her body was supposed to be weak. Why did she feel as if she could lift several loads?Sounds of rushing water came from the door opposite the bed. Hailey looked in that direction.Was that the bathroom? Was someone there?Was it Rob?Hailey found herself frowning again. Rob. Rob. Rob promised to tell her something. What was it?He said he would return and answer her questions. Why couldn't she r
A park? Specs of memories flashed into Hailey's mind. A park. Strong winds. It was raining. But the memories were gone immediately. She looked at Rob and looked around the room. She couldn't remember how this conversation started. He was telling her something about why she couldn't recall anything. "But I won't let that happen again." Rob patted her back. "From now on, I won't let you fall into any danger. From now on, I'll protect you always."A tear dropped from Hailey's eyes. She still couldn't imagine herself going through all that. She didn't know that she'd been abused mercilessly at that. And it made her feel vulnerable. Something told her that if she ever went out, then something bad would occur. "Rob." She sniffed back her tears. Wouldn't it be a waste to cry over what had already happened? "Since when did that happen, Rob?""It's more than six months.""Six months?" Hailey whispered in shock. That was a long time ago. Did that mean she had been experiencing this for
Hailey nodded. "I only want to get my clothes," she replied.The place sank into silence. Hailey stared at the fresh plants in the garden. They were tempting and she had the desire to cook them. Her hands itched to prepare something. Did she even know how to cook?"Rob, can I cook them?" She looked at him and asked."I don't see why not." Rob shrugged his shoulders. "They're yours after all. Besides," Rob added. "Everyone loves your food, Hailey. You are a great cook.""Everyone?" Hailey blinked. Were there more people she wasn't aware of?"Rob." She asked again. "Do we have relatives? Do I have friends?""Of course, we have relatives and friends." Rob laughed. "You have a best friend, Hailey, and you always love to visit her at the diner."Her best friend. Diner. Something clicked in Hailey's memory. A best friend and a diner. So many staff in one kitchen. Customers and dishes. "Kara." The name left Hailey's lips before she could recall it properly. "Her name— her name is Kara,