Hailey's hand stroked the screen as she gazed into the picture. She smiled at the memories, then laughed at her two pigtails. But her face fell and her eyes burned with tears at the reality she was now in. "Argh!" She tossed her phone beside her and threw off the bedsheets. What kind of bad luck was this? People that grew up loyal to their only loves were the most fortunate in relationships. Why was her case the total opposite? Still glooming about her unfortunate fate, Hailey did not know when the door opened until she sensed a figure standing beside her. Her head lifted up and her eyes were met with Kendrick's who was staring down at her with a deep-seated frown. When did he return? Damnit! She had even forgotten to lock the door. "What is bothering you?" Kendrick askedHailey pursed her lips and gave him a hard glare. "What are you doing in my room?" She demanded sternly. Kendrick let out a small laugh, his gaze wandering around the room. "Good thing you know it is your room."
Kendrick frowned, his face was barely an inch from hers. He instantly released her and she let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "What is it?" Kendrick said in annoyance as he glanced sideways at the maid who had appeared from the door. The maid seemed shocked at their position. Her cheeks tinged red and she lowered her head quickly. "It– It's Master— guests— y–you have guests," she stammered while her legs shifted on the ground. Kendrick's frown deepened and he asked, "Who?"While Hailey used the opportunity to push him away. She sat up straight and busied herself with smoothening the creases on her nightgown. Whatever was the maid's reply, she didn't catch it as she was so engrossed in getting away from Kendrick. "They're here for you," Kendrick said when the maid left. And Hailey who was still shaken to the core barely had time to react. "W–Who?" She stuttered with a hand on her chest to calm her erratic heartbeat. "Your parents," Kendrick said simply before stan
"An allergy...?" Her stepmother trailed off. "I thought she tried to—" her father seemed unable to complete his words. And his eyes turned to Chloe who ducked her head as if trying to hide her presence. "But her sister was a witness. Even Hailey—" "Hailey was not aware I'm allergic to onions... Does that count as a sin?" The Butler coughed from behind and Hailey could sense the other servants' movement. Even Chloe had lifted her head and given him a shocked look, her expression matching her parents'Hailey was frozen stilled and she only came back to her senses when Kendrick chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He drew her close until her body collided to his side, his eyes fixed straight at the couple. "Hailey is my wife," he said flatly. "It is a wasted assumption to think she would try to poison me. Now, I will appreciate if this rumor dies here tonight." He rose to his feet and faced the servants. "Because, anyone that attempts tainting her reputation, is as well
The next morning, while Hailey was taking a walk to the garden, her phone rang and she glanced down at it to find out it was her sister. Luckily, the two guards didn't follow her. They had instantly backed off the moment she gave them a glare. Even the maids, their sudden change in attitude had left her in disbelief. Apart from waiting obediently for her to finish her breakfast, they had lingered and bombarded her with like a thousand questions about what she would like next. Even the Butler had buttered her up all morning, and hovered around her like a ghost. Another stroke of luck, Kendrick was nowhere to be seen. He must have left for work very early. His face was the last thing she would like to see on this peaceful morning. After speaking with her grandfather, some of her spirits had returned. "Sister." Came Chloe's voice after she answered the phone. "About last night... I hope you're alright," she said in a soft tone. Hailey sighed. She didn't want to be reminded of last n
"What nonsense is this?" Kendrick gritted out. Hailey could hear Rob's voice calling her name and her heart started pounding. "G–Give me back my phone," she demanded, but Kendrick raised the phone out of her reach and brutally cut it off. "You don't have any right to do that!" Hailey screamed, her anger on par with the storm in his eyes. "Oh, really?" Kendrick taunted and shoved the phone inside his pants pocket before grabbing her wrist. "Let me go." Hailey panicked. But he didn't let her go and scooped her into his arms when she started struggling. "You're out of your mind, Kendrick. If you don't put me down, I'll scream." Hailey beat at his chest as he walked straight into the house. "Kendrick—" "Shut up," Kendrick muttered under his breath while striding up the stairs. When he reached her room, he pushed the door open with his leg and dropped her on the bed. Hailey sat up and met his glare as he towered above her. "I thought I have made myself clear enough that you're no
*****Inside a penthouse that overlooked a construction site, Kendrick sat on a sofa, his eyes fixed on the glass windows. Amidst the loud rave of engines and the laughter and chatters of the men at work, his head was only filled with thoughts. Thoughts of whatever was she doing at the moment.The Butler had reassured him on the phone that she took her meals. However, heaven knew what she was up to. It had been three days, three days since she threw that fit. After that, she hadn't said a word to him, nor had he got a glimpse of her. Silence... Was all that she gave him.Even when he knocked at her door every morning, or at night when he went back home, her only response was no response at all. It didn't settle with him, living her all day by herself. She had threatened him with the baby's life. Well, technically it wasn't really that much of a threat but she was trying so hard to provoke him. He wondered what else she would do. Why couldn't she quit being stubborn and cooperate?H
"That won't help anything," Kendrick muttered. "I don't see why not." Devon frowned. "I mean... since she's now your wife. Letting her know will make her realize what's at stake." Kendrick let out a chuckle with a shake of his head. Telling her was the same thing as baring himself naked for an ultimate attack. She wouldn't think twice before utilizing that one weapon to her advantage. "I need your advice." He finally brought it up, maintaining his blank expression. But he failed, as Devon's eyes lit up. He knew it. "Advice?" Devon raised a brow. "Advice with what?" He asked as his lips curled up.Kendrick ignored his taunting look and took in a long drag of the air. "I need her to come back to her senses, for the baby's wellbeing. Tell me how to make her happy." "Wow, this is like the sweetest request I've ever heard. I can't believe the all-mighty Mr. Reid is asking for my advice." Devon tried to stifle his laughter but failed. And Kendrick was losing it. "Alright, alright." De
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was laced with anger and he could see that familiar fire making its way into her eyes. That fire he yearned so much to douse. It wasn't good for the baby. "What does it look like I'm doing here?" He let his eyes soften, trying to keep his voice as light as he could. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, the thing he noticed she liked to do in his presence. "There's no use fighting, Hailey." He closed the distance she made. "I want you to relax, getting angry will do us no good."Either she understood the context of his words, or something else had invaded her thoughts. She closed her eyes and her chest heaved up and down evenly, as if she was trying to control her breathing. And keeping a control of her emotion. "Good." Kendrick's lips tugged up. "I thought I made it clear that I don't want to see you," She said, looking tired, almost helpless. "That is an impossible request, Hailey." Kendrick let out a throaty chuckle. "Doesn't it even