"I'm certain you're not a child to not understand things that transpire between married couples." Kendrick went on. "Now tell me why I shouldn't exercise my rights." "K–Kendrick, S-Stay away." Hailey eye's darted everywhere but him. He was too close and her heart rate had picked up. She also didn't like the sound of his tone. "I–It's my body. I– I also have the right to decide whoever c–can touch it. It doesn't matter if we're husband and wife. And I don't see you as my—""You're shaking." Kendrick cut her off. Hailey followed his gaze to her hands which were trembling. She gulped and quickly hid them behind her. "You're not alright, Hailey." He searched her eyes and she could notice a hint of worry in his eyes. "Tell me why you're acting like this."Hailey pressed her lips together and looked away. If he wanted her to open up, then he'd have to dream on. She had to be a fool to not know where this was going. He might as well tell her openly his real intentions. "Just stay away fro
"Come on, look at your hand." The woman held Kendrick's arm. "You even look paler, Ken. I can swear you're not alright. Wait, is it because of the pregnancy? I heard most women pass some symptoms to their husbands." She placed a palm on his forehead, her face contorting with worry. "I didn't experience this with your Dad. We better go to the hospital and—""Mum." Kendrick looked exasperated. Hailey couldn't control herself from laughing this time. The sound of her chuckles caught the two people's attention and the woman's eyes lit up at the sight of her. Kendrick's Mum sprang up to her feet and hurried toward Hailey. "Oh God, you're getting bigger." Her fascinated look was on Hailey's stomach. She placed both her hands on the bump and caressed it, Hailey almost cringed. "It's so good to see you again, Dear." She looked up and cupped Hailey's cheek. "I hope you're taking good care of yourself. You're looking lovely, it's been like ages since I last saw you.""Th–Thank you, it's good
"Good!" The woman patted her shoulder and the smile returned to her face. "We don't want the baby to feel uncomfortable, right? Try to keep a light mood all the time." "Okay." Hailey nodded."Eat more, don't let your food get cold." She placed the tray back on Hailey's lap. After urging her to finish the food, she glanced down at her wristwatch. "I have to go now, Dear. Make sure you take care of yourself. Pinky will be here with you, I'll be rest-assured. If you need anything, make sure you tell me, okay?"Hailey's eyes lingered on the woman's back as she walked upstairs. No servant was in the area, so she took the plates to the kitchen. She leaned against the counter and rubbed her forehead. More headache. If Kendrick's cousin would be living here, she might as well steer clear of her. She didn't want to have anything to do with his family in the first place. When she emerged from the kitchen, she headed to the stairs, as her body had regained its energy. She walked past the st
Where the hell was Kendrick?Hailey headed to the study room where she found Kendrick, just as she expected. He was sitting behind a table and deeply focused on the documents in front of him. When he finally noticed her presence and looked up, surprise flashed in his eyes before he obtained his normal expression. "Do you need anything?" He asked calmly. Hailey strode to his side and folded her hands. When she looked into his eyes, she couldn't help but take a second glance. And her thoughts wandered to his mother's words in the morning. "Hailey." Kendrick's voice yanked her off her trance and Hailey realized she'd been staring too long. She rolled her eyes and scoffed as a smile appeared on his face. "You can keep on looking." Kendrick chuckled. Hailey wanted to face palm herself and she ended up rolling her eyes again. Who said she was gawking? Her vision must have tricked her earlier. He didn't look sick right now. "Your cousin moved in here." She started. Kendrick raised
Sharon sauntered past Hailey without sparing her a glance. She stopped beside Kendrick and Hailey was surprised again when she sat on his chair's armrest. "I heard her speaking of my room, Ken," Sharon said in a whiny voice and spread one arm around his shoulder. "Does she not want me to be here?" "It doesn't matter," Kendrick replied flatly with his eyes fixed again on the documents. He didn't appear to mind how Sharon was sitting too close as if he was used to it. "I very much thought so." Sharon giggled. And although her words were harmless, her hard gaze was fixed on Hailey. "Hailey wouldn't be petty to not want me here. She seems nice." Sharon continued."Yes, she's nice." Kendrick's eyes were still on the documents as he nodded in agreement. Hailey rolled her eyes and scoffed for the umpteenth time. 'Hypocrites,' she grumbled. Both cousins were as cunning as the other, she could very well see that. And each one had their own shade of cunningness. Not wanting to waste ano
"It's nothing serious. I can handle it," Kendrick said before the Butler could continue. "Has she eaten?" He changed the topic. "Yes. Madam ate lunch before leaving for the garden," answered the Butler. Kendrick gave him a nod and went ahead to the garden.When he got there, he could sight her from the glass walls. She was leaning against a pillar with a pot of plant in hand. And two maids stood behind her.Kendrick watched her from a distance. Her happy chatters and laughter floated from the garden. He wasn't sure whether she was talking with the maids or solely speaking with the plant. One among many of her weird habits.She looked normal. Completely her usual self. He had the urge to convince himself that her earlier action this morning and later in the study was an act. But he knew better than anyone else. She had repulsed his touch more than once. It all started a week ago. At first, he was confused, especially when he saw her tears. Then he later convinced himself she was a
Kendrick placed a palm on the door. He was certain she was leaning against it. How many times did he have to repeat the same words? What had gotten into her?"This is your room, Hailey," he stated. If she wanted to be unreasonable enough to go back on her words, Kendrick wasn't ready to buy that. He had an inkling that this had something to do with not touching her thing. She was too stubborn for her own good. If only she could open up. "But I want my room back." Hailey sniffled. Kendrick wished more than anything she wouldn't start crying. Because even if she bawled her eyes out, no way he would allow her have her own room. Not when they'd made this much progress. He needed her here with him. And that realization startled him. "Hailey." He softened his voice. "Talk to me. I know something is bothering you." "You don't know anything about me." Her words came out sharp but Kendrick wasn't naive to not notice the fear in them. She was scared. He could tell that by the look in her
And did she mention pain? For the first time, Kendrick was forced to look away. Her expression didn't lie. However, it was her first time, wasn't it normal?Then why did she look— traumatized? Something finally clicked in his head and he realized that was the word he had been fighting to point his fingers at all along. She looked traumatized. Things were finally fitting into place. If those memories were the cause of her fear, it was only normal for her to act this way. "So you're traumatized?" He looked back at her. Hailey nodded with pursed lips. "And don't ask me why... Because I have no idea. I just don't want you to touch me anymore." She shifted on the bed and stared into his eyes, giving him a pleading look. Kendrick didn't have any questions left. In fact, he was out of questions. The only thing that kept ringing in his head was she was traumatized. And she wasn't lying. An unknown feeling built inside his heart, he didn't waste a second to dismiss it. It wasn't his fau