| Body |
Chapter 1
Scented candles, champagne, and rose petals… check!
Haley strolled across the bedroom.
A crimson silk gown hugged her curves, flowing down her ankles, with a daring slit that revealed a glimpse of her slender leg.
In the background, a soft melody played, lulling her to give in to the exhaustion from spending the whole day getting ready.
For twenty-nine days, she'd been anticipating and preparing for tonight.
Liam rarely came home.
They'd been married for three years, but their relationship was nothing more than a distant coexistence.
Her husband was always conveniently busy with work, hardly having time for her. The only proof of their relationship was the intimacy they shared once a month.
Tonight marked their third anniversary.
As one of the few nights Liam would get intimate with her, everything must be perfect.
If only he'd come home now. The business trip should be over. His assistant told her Liam's plane landed an hour ago.
Did an emergency come up at his company and he needed to take care of it?
Bored, she picked up her phone, checking into her tiktok to kil-l time.
Just then, a piece of news popped up, featuring NK Enterprise, her husband's company.
Excited, Haley tapped into the news; "William Nash, Famous CEO of NK Enterprise, Checks Into Hotel With his Mystery Girlfriend, Relationship Revealed"
William?
Her Liam?
Haley stood up, her eyes glued to her phone's screen, shock and disbelief taking over. Angry as well when she saw the image of her husband walking into the famous Eden Suites Hotel, his arm snaked around a woman's waist.
And when the woman's face was revealed, so many thoughts flooded Haley's mind at once.
Disbelief, fear, and uncertainty.
Leah!
The girl who looked a lot like Lisa, Liam's Ex.
Leah was a mere receptionist at NK Enterprise until one day, Liam noticed the similarities she shared with his Ex.
Not a week went by before he promoted her to the secretary position.
Rumors were flying around at that time that William Nash had a soft spot for his secretary,
Rumors Haley found hard to believe. Liam might be cold and unromantic with her, but he wasn't the kind of person she believed would have an affair, talk more with his secretary.
But what was this news about?
Liam must have gone to the hotel with his secretary for some business dealings, right?
Still, what was with holding Leah's waist?
Sinking in confusion was pointless. Haley dialed his number.
He didn't answer the phone, heightening her anxiety. On her third trial, he finally picked up.
“What's up?” His deep voice, heavy with tiredness, murmured through the phone.
Haley inhaled deeply, controlling her emotions. “Liam, where are you? Today's our third anniversary, remember?”
“So?” From his careless tone, Haley couldn't help but imagine him rolling his eyes. “Not coming home. Sleep by yourself.”
Knowing what she wanted, he still rejected her brutally, his voice holding no remorse, a gut-wrenching punch to her pride.
Just then, a female voice, soft and seductive, came on the phone. “Willy, I'm thirsty.”
Willy?
Even Haley wasn't allowed to call him that.
He truly was with a woman!
At this hour, her husband was with a freaking woman!
The phone beeped. He hung up the call.
Dazed, Haley's gaze fell on the decorations; her hard work. She sank onto the bed, her thoughts spinning and that voice echoing.
Leah.
That was Leah's voice.
What was happening? Did she misread Liam's lack of displaying affection for her as a part of his cold personality?
Sleep departed Haley's eyes, and her throat was suddenly dry. She longed for anything to distract her from the confusing and heartbreaking thoughts, so she gulped down the champagne, wishing it'd wash her sadness away.
Why did he love to hurt her feelings?
During the times he never returned home, was he really with his secretary as the rumors had it?
Haley stirred in the middle of the night, drowsy and starkly aware of the strong hands fondling with her gown.
She found Liam hovering over her, trying to undress her. Haley blinked. Urgh! Why was she dreaming about this man who only knew to break her heart?
Yet, as his fingers grazed her body, goosebumps spread across her skin, and she winced.
“Hey, wait…” Haley stopped him, her voice hoarse from crying, still wanting to confirm if she was dreaming.
Liam smirked. “You called me back. Isn't it for this?”
Haley blushed.
He came back. Maybe she'd misunderstood again.
“I've got you our anniversary present. Wanna see it?” She asked.
“Boring.” He trailed kisses down her neck, pulling her nightgown down.
“Uhm, Liam…”
Irritation flashed in his eyes when she interrupted again.
Haley gulped, summoning courage, grateful for the whole bottle of champagne she'd emptied in her stomach. “C- Can… Can you not wear it tonight?”
Liam halted.
His dark eyes bore a hole through her heart, his expression frosting over.
The atmosphere became so stale and suffocating, and her breathing hitched when he pushed her away.
“You're always okay with me wearing protection.” His dark voice made her shudder. “Why not now?”
Haley cowered to the bed's headboard, flushed and embarrassed.
She looked down. “It's your Grandma. She laments every day about us not having a baby.”
“Grandma, huh?” He scoffed, pinning her with a glare. “More like you're desperate to have a child to keep the title of Mrs. Nash in this family!”
His mouth spat venom.
Haley held back her tears and clenched her fists, the bitterness in his words spreading from her heart and numbing her whole.
Chapter 2
She loved him and wanted to have his baby.
Was it a crime to ask?
A marriage was supposed to be a union of mutual consent where the couple lived harmoniously. But she didn't even have a right to voice out her heart desires.
His words fell over her like chilled water, dousing the wine's effect, and dampening her hope.
Haley sobered up immediately, grief clutching her heart. “Liam, do you think I married you just for money?”
Haley didn't see those words coming from him.
Through her actions, her genuine love was obvious.
While he spent most nights outside, she maintained a perfect home for him to return to.
She neither complained nor demanded his affection, just giving and never taking.
Why couldn't he see it?
The suspicion in his eyes as he stared at her hurt more than daggers piercing her heart.
If only she could read his thoughts- his mind.
“What else do you expect me to think!” Liam spat out, unaware of the poisonous effect of his words on her heart. Or maybe he was aware. “Haley Nash, don't overstep your limits. I'll never have children with you. Don't forget how you plotted to marry me in the first place!”
His words weren't only insulting, but also heartbreaking, reducing her to a desperate woman eager for his affection.
Where did she go wrong?
She gave him her heart, and he didn't have any trouble with crushing it at every opportunity he got.
“You're still not over Lisa, are you?”
Haley shouldn't have asked the now obvious truth.
Back then, Lisa had been the only obstacle to her happiness; the man she loved.
While she'd desperately longed for him, he never spared her a glance. His eyes were only for Lisa.
However, didn't Leah share a great resemblance with Lisa, his Ex?
Instead of acknowledging Haley's feelings, he'd transferred all the love he had for his Ex to Leah.
To him, Leah was a mirror, reflecting his first love, Lisa.
Liam didn't answer her question, his dark eyes narrowing into slits, the emotions in his eyes unreadable. He left the room, slamming the door.
Desperation fueling her grief, Haley scurried off the bed and went after him. Wiping her tears furiously, she hurried to catch up with him.
“Let’s get a divorce,” Haley blurted out.
Liam halted in his steps. His back facing her, his body went rigid.
A moment of silence went by, filled with tension. Haley watched him with bated breath, her heartbeat picking up.
“Fine.” He moved.
Without a glance in her direction, the man walked away.
Fine.
Just fine?
Haley chuckled, her laughter mixed with tears.
For three years, she'd overworked herself beyond measure only to please the man she loved.
She was the perfect wife, the best daughter-in-law. Whenever he came back home sick, she stayed up all night nursing him.
While she always hid her illness from him so as to not bother him. She might look pale and fragile, but he never cast her a glance talk more of asking how she was feeling.
Despite that, Haley never complained. She only wanted to be perfect for him, to melt his cold heart someday.
Yet, her divorce proposal was only received with a single word, almost insignificant. 'Fine.'
It showed he never cared, and would never.
If only she'd realized that earlier.
On the first day she saw him in college, he stole her heart.
That was the most bizarre thing that had ever happened to her.
At that time, he was with Lisa. She dared not be the third wheel.
Haley had been bold enough to confess her feelings when Lisa left and dumped him. She'd offered him comfort, striving to mend his heart.
She worked hard to get his attention, getting into his family's good books, and sacrificing her own family’s happiness.
Her hard work paid off as Liam eventually noticed her. Thinking he'd forgotten Lisa, Haley married him happily.
But the nightmare began on their wedding night.
He set rules for her;
Their intimacy would only happen once a month.
She wasn't allowed to call him with any endearing name.
She wasn't allowed to cook his food or touch his things.
She wasn't allowed to ask more than he gave her.
She was never allowed to make their relationship public.
Thinking he only needed time to adjust to her, she'd had no objections.
Tears blurred Haley's vision.
She leaned by the wall, blinking at her phone's screen that suddenly lit up.
A message notification appeared. Wondering who was messaging her this late, she clicked on the message.
[I'm pre-gnant. It's time for me to become the new Mrs. Nash.]
A message from his secretary. To put it accurately, his mistress, Leah.
Haley gripped the phone, her body trembling.
Accompanying the message was a screenshot of a pregnan-cy test result.
It turned out, Liam didn't hate babies after all. He just didn't want to have one with her!
How disappointing that she'd wasted her time thinking he only disliked having babies.
What's the point in sticking with a man who wouldn't value her?
Haley wiped her tears.
She'd been having second thoughts whenever the decision came to her mind to just leave the man, because a part of her mind always held hope for a better future for them.
But right now, the future seemed ridiculous, almost laughable.
Even Leah whom he only hired three months ago was now pragnant with his child.
The more Haley clung onto this man, the more he'd enjoy breaking her, reveling in her misery.
That night, Haley retrieved the document she'd hidden in a dark corner of the closet.
Staring at it, her heart throbbed tremendously, a part of her dying in that moment,
A pain brought by watching her years of hard work crumbling right before her.
She took in a deep breath, sniffing back the tears she now hated more than anything,
Tears that reminded her of how weak and helpless she'd reduced herself to all in the name of begging for love.
Never again.
Chapter 3
The Next Morning.
As Liam ate breakfast in the dining room, the atmosphere was stale and somehow still as if something was amiss.
He glanced at the empty chair across from him now and then, his thoughts wiring back to last night.
Where was that crazy woman?
Was she still inside the bedroom shedding crocodile tears?
Spending the whole night in the study room was enough to teach her a lesson.
At least, she'd lost the chance of him touching her this month. She would never bring up that ridiculous topic again.
Yet, halfway through eating, Liam's indifference turned into a small frown that formed on his face, his eyes darting upstairs.
Did she think that starving herself would make him give in and grant her wish?
How silly.
Liam summoned the maid. “Why isn't Mrs. Nash coming down? Go and get her.”
But the maid lingered, her fearful gaze avoiding his eyes.
With a hesitant look on her face, she extended a gift box to him. “Actually… M-Mr, Nash. Mrs. Nash left the house an hour ago. She left this box for you.”
Liam's frown deepened.
What was that woman up to?
He took the box impatiently, and his eyes caught the tag on it.
“3rd Anniversary Gift”
“How childish.” The corner of his li-ps twitched mockingly, a subtle smile forming.
Liam tore the wraps around the box, wondering if this was the present she insisted on giving him last night.
Once he revealed the content of the box, however, he narrowed his eyes at the white document with the word “Divorce Agreement!” boldly written at the top.
Liam smashed his fist on the table and shot to his feet.
He snat-ched the papers.
Divorce!
Was she serious last night?
His nerves rippling with rage, he flipped through the papers, his eyes widening more seeing her signatures on each section.
[Reason for Divorce: Disharmony in se-x!]
His anger hit the ceiling when he saw that. The words sounded more like he didn't satisfy her enough in bed.
How dare she mock him in such a demeaning manner?
She was becoming bold, huh?
Dramatic!
Liam grabbed his phone, clutching it. His breathing ragged, he dialed her number.
“Where the hel are you!!!”
“Just sign the divorce, William Nash.” Her calm voice was devoid of the desperation from last night. “Then you're fr-ee to have kids with any woman you want.”
She hung up instantly, leaving him in a daze.
For several minutes, Liam stood in the same spot, staring at the papers, not believing his eyes.
Was she really serious?
Then a thought came to his mind and he snickered.
After trying all possible means, she resorted to this silly trick to get his attention.
That crazy woman never ran out of ideas.
Well, an hour was enough for her to return to her senses.
She'd soon beg him and claim it was a joke.
With that in mind, Liam got ready and left for his company.
In the afternoon, he found himself thinking about her tantrum, unable to finish any work.
So he took his phone and called the house's telephone, knowing she'd answer it.
But instead of Haley, the maid answered the phone. “Mr. Nash, is there something you need?”
“Where's Haley?” Liam gritted out.
“Uhm, Mr. Nash… Mrs. Nash hasn't come back,” the maid answered with a sigh.
Liam cut the call brutally!
Haley! What was she still doing outside? Did she go to his Grandmother to complain about him?
When evening approached, Liam dialed the house's telephone again, ready to lash at her.
Yet, it was the maid who answered the phone again. “Mr. Nash, Mrs. Nash didn't return.” She sounded worried. “She has never left the house for this long.”
Liam cut the call.
He tugged at his necktie and began pacing in his office, his emotion a mix of anger and disbelief.
Haley was going too far.
She'd better end this prank before he extended her punishment.
While he was walking back and forth, his assistant, Joye, came in with some documents. “Mr. Nash, these are from the HR-”
“Check the money on Haley's card. Is there any change from yesterday?” Liam interrupted him, his voice sounding desperate.
Danmit! Was he desperate?
He just wanted to find more reasons to punish that woman in case she spent his money recklessly.
“Right away, Mr. Nash!”
Joye returned later, the look of horror on his face making Liam wonder if someone died on his way back.
“Mr. Nash- Mr. Nash, you won't believe this!” Joye barged into the office.
Liam was impatient. “What is it!? And where's the task I gave you?”
Joye opened his mouth wide, looking as if he'd seen a ghost. “It turns out Mrs. Nash has never touched a single penny on her card! Isn't that strange?”
That was impossible.
It was hard to believe.
If Haley had never spent a single penny on his card, where did she get all the money she used to bu-y meaningless gifts for him?
Those expensive wristwatches, the cufflinks made of gold, the expensive neckties and designer shoes… and also the expensive perfumes she'd stacked inside his closet, not to mention the limited edition sports car she got him as a birthday gift two months ago!
Weren't they all bought with his money?
Did she swindle them from his Grandmother?
After all, she'd always pretended to be nice to his clueless Grandmother in or-der to get close to him.
“Erm, Mr. Nash…” Joye said, snapping him from his thoughts. His assistant scratched his head nervously, giving him a worried look. “You look pale and you're sweating… is everything alright?”
Liam threw him a glare. “It's nothing.”
“Uhm, but, Mr. Nash, if you feel sick, I can call the Madam as always,” Joye suggested. “By the way, isn't she an amazing woman? All women out there would lavish your money, but she-”
“Go away.” Liam chased the noisy guy out.
For the first time, he was a bit flustered. But as he sat on his chair, he whispered to himself, “Well, she's a nobody without me. She'll soon run back and apologize.”
Chapter 4
At IvoryRains Apartment Building, located downtown.
Haley settled in her new apartment, the small and cozy interior a stark contrast to the luxury and glam of Liam's Villa.
Yet, in this mini apartment, she felt somehow at peace with herself. Her mind, once clouded with thoughts of Liam alone, was now clearing up.
Every minute of her life had been filled with thinking about him, brainstorming different ways to make the man happy.
Even though she loved Liam, it was worthless to live in a marriage with three people in it.
Haley could stomach anything the man threw at her, but not a betrayal as big as having an affair and impregnating another woman.
Lost in her thoughts, the sound of her phone's ringtone snapped her back to the present.
Haley picked up the phone from the small table stand, staring at the contact display name.
She'd developed this habit of shuddering in fear whenever her mother-in-law called, and now she found herself repeating the same thing.
‘Habits die hard, don't they?’
Bracing up herself, Haley pressed the answer button, knowing too well not to put the phone any way close to her ears, lest she risked losing her eardrums.
“What's keeping you from coming, you stup-id insignificant girl!” Vera Nash seemed to be in a very bad mood, as her voice blared like a trumpet through the phone. “Why don't you come and help me clean today! Did you forget it's Monday!?”
Haley pursed her li-ps.
Indeed, she used to go to Liam's mother's place every Monday to do house chores for her every week, under the woman's stern command.
Haley replied, “I won't go there today.”
“Eh? Not coming!?” Vera shouted, disbelief ebbing her tone. “Do you know who's speaking, Haley? How dare you talk to me like that when you're a barren woman? You should be happy I even let you stay with my son!”
And so began her train of insults. Vera never missed any opportunity to tell Haley how useless she was without a child in the Nash family.
Haley digested the insult, always keeping a perfect attitude in 0rder not to anger her mother-in-law.
But right now, she felt abu.sed, the woman's insult angering her so much that her body was shaking. “Vera Nash, soon there will be someone to help your son have a baby.”
Haley cut the call, something she'd never done before. But it felt so satisfying to hang up on the spiteful woman.
She couldn't live like this anymore. Years of hard work didn't get her recognized by Liam's parents.
Even if Haley hanged herself someday in the name of her love for the man, she doubted if Liam and his parents would even bat an eye.
Why should she live her life for others when she could be herself?
With that in mind, Haley unpacked her belongings.
She spent half of the day cleaning the apartment, decorating it to her liking, and hanging her clothes on the rack.
As the evening approached, Haley left the apartment building, heading to DG Jewelry Corp., her favorite jewelry company.
They had recently opened up vacancies for physical applicants.
With her portfolio in handy, Haley spent more than an hour in the HR Department, undergoing the initial interviews and some physical tests.
“Although we're open for applications, this company is top-notch among Its competitors. Don't think you can get in so easily, Young Lady,” Seemingly amazed by Haley's confidence, the manager warned.
Haley only smiled, her rapt attention fixed on the pieces of gemstones scattered on the desk in front of her.
Carefully, she picked each one with a holder, crafting an intricate design on the plain golden necklace.
It was only a demo that lasted for thirty minutes, yet, the outcome had all the employees gathering around, their widened eyes gleaming with awe and astonishment.
“Oh my Gosh! I can't breathe.”
“It's perfect! How did she even do that in such a short time?”
“She must have years of experience to be able to pull it off so effortlessly without a single mistake.”
“Who's she? Can we see her portfolio?”
However, the manager in whose hands was her portfolio looked a bit pale, his hands shaking.
His voice cracked as he spoke, his gaze darting from Haley to her portfolio. “So it's you…”
Haley raised an inquisitive brow, smiling. “I beg your pardon.”
“Scratch that! You've been approved, Young Lady. Go ahead and meet the CEO while I forward him your documents!”
The Manager's action surprised other employees. Haley wasn't a bit astonished but relieved that the man was quick-witted enough to grasp the situation and hid her secret.
The first floor was the fine jewelry customization area and the fifth floor was the designer's office.
She lingered by to admire the pieces of jewelry each encased inside a glass stand.
Wowed by the glittering objects and inspired by many designs, she lost track of time admiring the jewelry.
Some of the jewelry looked very familiar, and for the first time, Haley was happy, seeing the jewelry on display.
For a few minutes, she forgot the chaos and the heartache caused by Liam's betrayal.
Knowing it was near closing time, Haley proceeded to the fifth floor.
She was about to take the elevator when she heard the most annoying voice.
"Haley, what are you doing here? It's such bad luck."
Chapter 5
Turning around, Haley came face to face with Leah.
Her good mood plummeted instantly, replaced by irritation and disgust when Leah all but flashed her a sweet smile, rubbing her flat tummy.
“Do I need to tell you where I'm going?” Haley replied. “You're just a mistress.”
Leah's eyes dimmed, and her smile faded into a deep scowl. “I might be a mistress now, but not anytime soon.”
Her tone filled with arrogance, she eyed Haley from head to toe. “As you can see, I'm here to pick out mine and Will's wedding rings.”
“Ow?” Haley put on a surprised look, feigning happiness. “Finally, someone to pack off my garbage. Congrats, and please talk to Liam and let him sign the divorce papers soon. Or you will still be the mistress.”
Her tone light and full of mockery, Haley was surprised at her own calmness as she stood in front of the woman who literally seduced her husband.
Forget it. Liam was no better.
Leah's expression switched from white to green, her fingernails digging into her palms. She breathed heavily. “I know you're jealous because you can never give Willy even a single child. Doesn't he hate you?”
Leah went on caressing that spot in her ab-domen, giving Haley a taunting look. “Forget it, I won’t waste my time with you, after all, I'm pragnant now, it's not good for the baby to be angry.”
Disgusted, Haley felt like vomiting. Just how morally twisted Leah was to flaunt an affair in public?
They'd only met a few times in the past.
Haley once visited Liam's office to deliver his launch to pave the way for their closeness. While the man chased her out, Leah was there and had a triumphant smile on her face.
Haley disregarded it. To not irritate Liam further, she avoided getting into a fight with any of his employees.
But one day, Liam brought her home for dinner with the excuse that they were just back from a business gala.
It had been evident in Leah's eyes that she wanted to covet her husband but Haley didn't mind because she trusted Liam.
Very funny!
The two deserved each other.
Deeming standing there a waste of her time, she turned to walk into the elevator when Leah screamed at her.
“Stop right there!” Leah trotted forward on her high heels, blocking Haley's path. “Did you bu-y jewelry here using Will's card, poor bit-ch? You're such a greedy woman, you're getting divorced and you still spend his money.”
Haley pushed her out of the way. “Tsk, a cheating man deserves a dumb woman. Who said I came here to bu-y jewelry? I came here for an interview, duh!”
Waving her portfolio at her, Haley snickered.
She didn't waste time to watch the dumbfounded look on Leah's face, and she walked into the elevator which took her to the fifth floor.
There… A stream of other applicants was waiting for the final round of interviews.
Haley found an empty spot and sat on one of the waiting chairs. She glanced at her wristwatch nervously, tapping her feet on the floor.
With this many applicants waiting in line, it would take a miracle for her to get the final interview.
“Gosh! I'm so nervous!” A female sitting beside her shuddered.
“I heard the chairman of the design department is so strict!” Another female whispered.
“He's not only the chairman, but also the CEO of the DG Group,” said the guy sitting by her right.
“Awwwn, Andrew Woods. I heard he is handsome and charismatic. Lavishes money on his women mercilessly!” Said the girl sitting close to Haley. “I've pulled many stunts to get to this final interview! I have to get this job!”
She added with resolve which made Haley chuckle a bit.
“You're quite ambitious, Amby. Rumor has it that he's married. Can you afford that?”
“So what? As long as he's willing-”
Haley shook her head. It turned out not all applicants were here for the job.
Her gesture caught the girl's attention. She eyed Haley, a look of displeasure evident in her eyes. “You're not also here to covet Andrew Woods, are you?”
“Believe me, I'll pass.” Haley chuckled.
“Is she crazy?”
“I bet Andrew Woods will glance at her twice because she's pretty. Isn't he only into pretty women?”
“I think she's just arrogant. Let's see if she even gets the job.”
The females whispered among themselves, making Haley the center of attention.
The guy sitting by her right sighed. “It's hard to believe that you're not interested in the god of money, Andrew Woods.” He lowered his voice. “You just earned my respect, Young Lady.”
“You never know what's inside someone's mind,” said the girl called Amby. “Don't believe her so easily, she might have a trick up her sleeves just like we all do.”
“Another thought. She's giving up early because she knows she'll never stand a chance!” The second female rolled her eyes.
“Yeah. From the looks of it, she comes from a poor background.” Laughed the third female.
Their words fell on deaf ears because, at that moment, the secretary came out and called Haley's name.
“Mr. Woods requests to see a lady called Haley. Is she here?”
Haley raised her hand and stood up.
“Please follow me, Young Lady.” The secretary smiled warmly, leading the way.
As Haley followed her into the office, the whispers behind her increased, their voices filled with disbelief and suspicion.
Haley stepped into the office.
Sitting across the wide mahogany desk was the strong man.
The air around the office seemed to thicken, his intimidating presence capable of snatching anyone's breath away.
Not Haley's breath, though. Her heartbeat was intact.
The man didn't didn't look up, his eyes fixed on the computer screen in front of him, concealing his face.
Haley could only imagine, her heart sinking in gloom as she fiddled with her fingers, a slight guilt tugging at her heart.
“Please introduce yourself,” he murmured deeply, his tone lacking patience.
Sighing, Haley cleared her throat, her voice crisp and nervous. “I'm Haley, here to interview for the designer position.”
Instantly, the man lifted his head as if compelled by a rapid force, and Haley saw his face.
Chapter 6
The man's expression was masked by surprise for a few seconds, then he laughed. “What took you so long to visit my company?”
Haley loosened up. Her li-ps pulled into a happy smile and she ran over and hugged him. “I'm finally here, Brother. How's life treating you?”
“Fantastic!” He stood up and lifted her in the air, his laughter resounding in the office walls. “It was boring all day long before you appeared. What a huge surprise!”
Seeing the happiness in her brother's eyes as he welcomed her warmly, Haley's guilt expanded.
She pursed her li-ps and sighed as he put her down.
“Why the gloomy look? Lemme guess, you miss your husband already just after arriving here.” Her brother pinched her cheek, taunting her.
Then his brows pulled together in a displeased frown. “You've lost a lot of flesh. What's with the skinny look? Are you on a diet?”
Haley shook her head.
It was true that she'd lost a tremendous amount of weight in the past few years. Ever since she married Liam, Haley couldn't help but notice that.
The years of house chores had greatly worn her out.
“Big Bro…” she tugged at his jacket sleeve, acting spoiled. “The truth is… I'm divorcing Liam-”
“What!?” Her brother didn't let her finish speaking.
Looking flabbergasted, Andrew Woods sank into his chair. “You're pulling my legs. That is the most ridiculous joke ever! Don't you love that guy like your whole life depends on it?”
It hurt to be reminded of how silly she'd been.
“You even went against us, your family, to marry him, remember?” He reminded her. “So stop cooking up lies. As your Big Bro, I won't punish you for running off to marry him in secret.”
Blinking her eyes, Haley fought to hold back her tears. She sat beside him on the chair's armrest and narrated everything to him.
“So you see, it's not worth living in a loveless marriage…”
Haley was afraid she would run mad someday because of that heartless man. She was even happy she survived the torture of those three years.
After hearing her story, her brother sighed. “Three years ago, you left us to marry William. I thought you could live happily with him. I didn't think he'd dare bully you.”
Haley had been so blinded by love that she refused to listen to any word her family said.
She ended up getting disowned by her own parents.
“How about forgetting that as-shole and coming home with me today? Mom and Dad miss you,” her brother suggested.
Haley would jump at the opportunity, but… "I'll definitely go back, but not now. As soon as Liam signs the divorce papers, I'll move back home.”
She couldn't meet her parents at the moment.
What was she gonna tell them?
How was she gonna apologize?
Would they be able to forgive her?
Her Brother was kind and understanding enough, but sometimes Haley couldn't understand her parents who had a bad temper.
Crossing them was one of her biggest mistakes.
"In the meantime, how about taking me in as a designer in this company?" Haley asked. "I'm using my first name anyway, people won't know you're my brother."
Andrew's eyes shone with happiness. “You want to work here? As long as you are willing, the whole company can be given to you."
“Haha! That's too much to ask, Bro.” Haley laughed.
“Look at you being picky.” He ruffled up her hair. “If it's the DG Group you want, I'll hand it all over. You're my only Sis anyway.”
But Haley denied. “I just want to work as a designer.”
Disappointed, Andrew nodded. "I don’t understand. Why don't you let me announce you to a higher position in the company?"
That would be too much.
Knowing her brother well, he'd insist on giving her the best. So Haley changed the topic. "Actually, I've been working with this company for a long time."
Her brother looked pale immediately. “Wait, what do you mean?”
“Do you like last month's newest necklace "Treasure"?” Haley asked.
Her brother was speechless. ”So you are “Crystal”? The most mysterious jewelry designer?”
Haley smiled and nodded.
Andrew looked thoughtful. "I wondered why Crystal is willing to work with our company, it's you!!!”
Haley flushed in embarrassment. "I just want to start as a new designer in this company, so I don't need to let anyone else know who I am.”
“Why though?” The frown returned to Andrew's face. “You're an exceptional designer! Everyone's dying to meet “Crystal” and I can't wait to boast about you!”
The more he spoke, the more embarrassed Haley felt. “Come on, Bro… let's keep this our little secret.”
She added, “I'm confident that I can prove myself, and I don't want to attract Liam's attention.”
Under the alias “Crystal” Haley had designed countless jewelry and sold them out at huge prices.
She wanted to feel confident about her love for Liam, so she worked hard to afford the gifts a powerful man like him would appreciate.
But instead of appreciating those gifts, Liam left them to rot.
The only sensible thing he'd ever done was hand over the sports car she'd bought as his birthday gift to charity.
“You've suffered all these years…” Andrew patted her hair gently. “I'll help you get revenge and teach that heartless man a lesson.”
Haley shook her head and whispered, "No need, it's not worth wasting energy on unimportant people.”
“Have you really let go?” Andrew asked worriedly.
Haley nodded. “The future is bright. I'll never look back.”
“You've matured a lot.” Her brother stared at her proudly. “Since you've said so, I'll let him off. Just promise me you'll always be happy.”
Haley hugged him again. “I promise.”
Three years of hardship was enough for her to mature. She would never be stu-pid again.
Haley's phone rang, disrupting the silence.
Seeing Liam's name blinking on the screen, her eyes dimmed.
“Have you made enough of a scene? Now come back home!” The first words he said when she answered the phone.
Haley almost laughed out loud, but his words weren't funny.
For three years, she'd gotten used to his authoritative voice always 0rdering her around, but now it sounded foreign in her ears.
“William Nash, I told you to just sign the divorce papers. Leave me alone,” she replied, her low voice calm.
Haley had been so used to him yelling at her but not anymore.
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