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."

"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

"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

"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

"B–But, Sir— what about tomorrow?" Rosslyn said quickly."Tomorrow's the weekend," Kendrick reminded her and he heard a gasp. However, it wasn't the assistant. It was Hailey, whose expression had now turned to that of horror. "It will wait till Monday. We'll meet with the architects during the weekend." He finished speaking to the assistant who gave him a reply in a low-spirited voice. After hanging up and shoving the phone back into his pants pockets, Kendrick's eyes narrowed at the girl who seemed to have lost her tongue. Hailey stared at him with a far-off look, as if her mind was not there. And without waiting for her to return to her senses and demanding some ridiculous apology, Kendrick turned around and walked inside the house in large strides. When he got to the living room, the servants were busied around with work. And all turned to look at him in shock, their eyes fixed on his clothes. Even the Butler who was talking to a maid paused in his words and coughed. Treating