Semua Bab Contract Marriage With My Ex's Boss: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Hailey's POV I lean over the counter to order another martini for Matt, since he's too drunk to do it himself. 'Martini for Matt.' Kinda rhymes. When I met him for late lunch with my swollen eyes, he made me narrate everything that happened to him. Then he comforted me for a while and proposed that we go out drinking. I can't be drinking because of my condition, so he offered to drink two times the amount that he usually would. We have to go to work tomorrow, but he didn't mind. He said he was doing it for me, but I'm sure he's just looking for an excuse to get wasted on a weekday. When he said he was going to take us to a club, my first thought was the one where I met the assaulter because it's one of the most popular clubs around. But luckily, he took me to another one. I don't think I'd be able to go anywhere near that place again. Moreso because I totally embarrassed myself in front of the bartender. "Hey," I call out to the bartender, but he barely acknowled

Hailey's POV Every time I ask that "what could possibly go wrong?" question, the universe shows me a shit ton of things that could. "What?!" I shout into the phone, my frustration burning hot. I don't know why I keep agreeing to him, even when he keeps screwing things up. 'Why do I keep doing this to myself?' "The marriage wasn't fake, Hailey," he says, exasperation dripping from his tone. But I don't give a flying fuck about how frustrated he is right now. He caused it. "My lawyer messed up the deal. Instead of us signing a fake agreement, we actually got legally married by contract," he hesitates, like he's preparing himself to deliver more bad news. "For one year." 'Ah ha. I knew there had to be more.' On Monday, we met at Levi's attorney's office to sign what was supposed to be a fake marriage contract, because Levi insisted that my parents might want proof that we're really married. I agreed because again, he made a lot of sense. And AGAIN, I made a mistake by

Levi's POV Seeing Hailey chatting freely with my mother, despite her nerves, warms something in me. I almost wish it were real. Mostly because it's been a while since I've seen my mother so engaged in a conversation like this, and I'm glad that Hailey can bring out that side of her. They've gone from talking about her job to family, and then to my mother's farm. I didn't even know how big it was until I heard Hailey bring it up. I can tell my mother has been charmed by her already. I just hope she doesn't get used to her, because all this won't last.Despite everything, the tension in Hailey's body is still palpable, and I think it's because they haven't even broached the main reason for the call - the part of the conversation I've been dreading. A big part of me hopes they'll just keep talking like this until my parents eventually forget why we called in the first place. My father has remained mostly silent through the duration of the call, only chipping in when necessary.

Hailey's POV It's confirmed. Levi hates me.Why else would he announce something like that without letting me know? He should have at least hinted at it or something. But no. He just dropped the bomb, leaving me as speechless as my parents, who are hearing the news for the first time."What?!" Mum is the first to break the silence."When - how did that happen?" Dad follows. "How long have you guys known? Is that why you both got married?" Yes "How far along is it? Oh my goodness. I'm gonna be a grandma!" The questions tumble out of Mum's mouth so fast I struggle to register them. I sigh, massaging my temple. I wish I'd been more prepared for this."To answer your questions, Mum," I begin, carefully choosing my words. "We found out a few days ago, after we got married," I emphasize the last part of my statement, hoping to make the lie stick. "And I'm one month pregnant."Dad's face darkens. "One month?!" His voice booms, and the screen shakes slightly. He must have hit the table.

Hailey's POV A dull pounding echoes in my skull, dragging me out of unconsciousness. My vision swims before settling on unfamiliar surroundings, sending a jolt of unease through me. I sit up in bed, and that's when the events of yesterday come back to me. The call with both Levi and my parents, the pregnancy announcement, and the fight with Levi. Shit. His words hit me so hard that after I ran back to the room, I sat up in bed thinking about it for hours. I don't even remember falling asleep. What he'd said left a pang of guilt in my chest - not even because of how he said those things, but because they were true. Even if they aren't aware of it, I've disappointed my parents in so many ways by doing this. After thinking it over, I'm not sure lying to them is worth it. Why did I think I had to lie to them to keep their love? The momentary relief I felt yesterday now feels like a chain tightening around my chest. I made a huge mistake The faint smell of coffee seeps i