04

Then Haley heard a voice she recognized. "I apologize, Lydia," Kieran murmured in a quiet, personal voice. "Haley’s appearance surprised me too. I'm sorry you had to deal with it.”

Lydia has a beautiful, syrupy voice. "I'm accustomed to that by now, so it's okay. But Haley will be angry since you've been ignoring her for so long. What if she becomes upset if you don't visit her at home tonight?”

"That is irrelevant,” Without hesitation, Kieran replied, "She's easy to handle. You are the focus of tonight. I ought to be here with Riley and you. She accepted the present, but it's okay, I'll give you this bracelet instead. I've worn it for many years.”

Riley let out a happy squeal. "Hooray! Daddy is the greatest! See, Mommy? You are the most important person in Daddy's heart.”

Lydia gently nudged her daughter and added, "Don't say things like that, especially in front of Haley, okay?"

Nevertheless, she extended her hand to Kieran. "Kieran, didn't Haley go on a pilgrimage to get that bracelet consecrated for you? To get to that monastery upstate, she had to trek miles in the rain. Wouldn't it break her heart if she knew you were giving it to someone else?

Haley gasped for air. There was more to that bracelet than jewelry. He was giving Lydia the promise as if it were meaningless.

Leaning slightly, Haley peered through the booth divider's carved opening.

Kieran removed the dark bracelet from his wrist and wrapped it around Lydia’s.

Sharp and stunning, the sight struck Haley like a physical blow.

Once more, Kieran’s voice was certain and low. "I can't spend all of my time with you people. Allow it to keep you safe. I'll tell Haley I lost it if she asks."

Lydia pushed back out of instinct. “However, it has also shielded you. What about you if you give it to me?”

"Haley can get me a new one," was Kieran’s kind but condescending response. "No matter what it takes, she always gets what she wants. You are what counts to me right now."

Lydia’s tone became softer. "You're quite kind to me, Kieran. I adore you. When I'm with you, whatever Riley and I go through is worthwhile."

Kieran drew them both into his embrace.

"You and Riley are my real family," he said. "I'll take care of you both—give you everything you need." His voice trailed off and became harsh. “However, you must use caution. Never let Haley see anything I give you.”

Something sparked in Lydia’s eyes for a moment-Perhaps disappointment.

Then she grinned once more, charming and submissive. "I understand. I'll exercise caution. She won't ever find out."

Haley sat motionless, her face completely devoid of blood.

She observed the three of them together, leaning into one another and laughing, through the carved perforations in the booth. It was painful to watch how joyful they appeared.

Tears burned in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall.

She stood up and walked out of the restaurant without turning around since she could no longer listen.

She ripped the diamond brooch off her coat and threw it in a garbage can outside.

Her finger was cut by the jagged edge. Blood dripped and beaded.

Her phone chimed at that moment. Kieran’s message.

[The company's system crashed, honey. I'll spend the entire night here. Don't stay up late; go to bed]

Haley was aware that he would stay the night with his "real family," but once more, he was deceiving her.

She texted back, her hands shaking: [All right. Make sure to sleep. Don't put in too much effort]

Kieran answered right away, perhaps taken aback by her lack of inquiries.

[Okay, honey. I love you]

Haley watched through the glass as Kieran put his phone in his pocket and kissed Lydia’s lips directly in front of Riley.

He made the move with ease and casualness, as if he had done it a thousand times. It struck Haley more forcefully than a slap could have.

Her knees trembled from the intense onslaught of nausea.

Her entire body trembled as she bent over the trash can and puked.

A chilly voice spoke above her as she eventually caught her breath.

"Are you finished, Miss? For some time now, you have been obstructing the entry."

Dazed, Haley looked up.

In front of her stood a young man who was well-groomed, and wearing an elegant, pricey suit.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with a well-fitting coat stood behind him. His face was obscured by a hat brim, making it difficult for her to see his features, but he was clearly there, exuding the kind of power that caused others to back off without being asked.

He appeared to be a significant person.

Haley looked around and saw that she was not at all squeezed into a corner. "I'm sorry," she muttered instinctively as she attempted to straighten up while obstructing the parking lot entrance. "I didn't mean to—"

But the next moment, she felt a surge of lightheadedness, and the edges of everything turned black.

Before she could fall to the ground, a powerful, sturdy arm grabbed her and pulled her firmly against a solid chest.

"Sir, she's passed out, shall we—"

"Take her to the hospital."

“Okay sir.”

*****

Due to her acute anemia, Haley was prone to fainting under stress.

She awoke slowly, perplexed. She felt dry and clean now that someone had changed her clothes.

The air was heavy with the smell of disinfection. She was so tired that she was unable to open her eyelids. That little effort seemed insurmountable.

Then she heard the familiar voices.

"Kieran," Lydia said in a low voice as the sound ran straight through her and made her stiffen. "Do you think... could we have the doctor remove her uterus while she's unconscious?"

She stopped, then went on in the charming, convincing voice Haley was so familiar with. "We'll explain that it was medically required when she awakens. That would be simpler for everyone, wouldn't it?”

Haley gripped the bedsheet tightly. She listened with her eyes closed.

"No, Lydia," Kieran replied calmly, maintaining that comforting warmth. “That would be too harsh.”

"Cruel?" Tears broke Lydia’s voice. “But, she continues to discuss getting pregnant. What would happen if she did? This baby will arrive shortly, and Riley is growing up. Do you really believe Haley will be concerned about my child if she has her own? They will never be accepted by her.”

With a matter-of-fact tone, Kieran stated, "She has severe anemia. She is not safe during her pregnancy. I am aware of that. You don't have to be so worried.”

"But what if things don't always work out so conveniently?" Panic rose in Lydia’s voice. "What if she carries it to term the next time? What about Riley, Kieran? I can't keep our kids concealed indefinitely."

"She won't," Kieran said in a chilly tone. "I have been substituting birth control for her prenatal vitamins. for several months now."

Haley was struck physically by the words. She opened her eyes and fixed them on the two figures beside the window.

They were unaware of it.

Lydia’s voice was filled with relief as she melted into Kieran’s arms. "You're quite kind to me, Kieran. I adore you.

"Of course," Kieran whispered as he dipped his head and gave her a gentle forehead kiss. "You and I—we're the real family here."

As Haley watched them embrace, they appeared to be so engrossed in their moment that they forgot she was there. Her face lost its color.

Anger rising, she began to push herself up, but dizziness struck again, more forcefully this time.

She fell as the globe tipped.

*****

Haley was freed a few days later because she had received prompt medical attention.

She was picked up by Kieran, Lydia, and Riley.

Riley rushed over with a large arrangement of white flowers and embraced Haley as soon as she saw her.

"Aunt! You're alright now! I was really concerned about you.”

Haley’s voice was flat as she gazed down at her. "Were you?"

"Yes!" Riley furiously nodded. "Every night I talked to the stars and asked them to make you better!"

"She's telling the truth," Lydia murmured warmly as she sat elegantly next to the bed with the soft grin Haley was so familiar with. "Riley has been quite concerned for you. She insists on staying with you until you're fully recovered. You two have such a unique bond.”

"Oh?" Haley said as her claws sank into her palms inside her sleeves. "You want to live with me, Riley?"

"Yes! Me and mommy,” exclaimed Riley. "Mommy and I will look after you! We'll stay till you're all better, okay? Mommy makes the tastiest meals, and I'll sing songs for you.”

Haley felt the last of her remaining power evaporate.

She glanced up at Kieran, who had remained silent the entire time. "What do you think, Kieran?"

Kieran moved in closer, taking Haley’s hand in his cozy one."Lydia has good intentions," he said with ease. "Riley also loves you. Given how weak you’ve become, I believe it's a fantastic idea."

Of course Kieran was going to agree!