Chapter 100

“How can? Why would you…?” Cole began, but trailed off, unable to find the words.

“Babe, let’s get out of here, please,” Cole said to Hailey, feeling utterly disgusted.

“You knew they were related before you had anything to do with them?” Hailey asked.

“Of course she knew! I knew she was seeing other people, but I didn’t expect her to be this wild—fucking cousins?”

“They are step-cousins,” Vanessa’s hoarse voice interjected.

Cole glared at her. “You should be ashamed, not defend yourself. Step-cousins or blood cousins, they are still family. Your actions could destroy their bond. Garry is married, but he spoke of how much he loved you and was willing to do anything for you. Leyis, on the other hand, is a well-known playboy! Just think of what Garry will do when he hears this. How are you even going to repay him? Are you even going to tell him the truth?”

“I regret it. I know you may not believe me, but I want you to know that I regret it all.”

“Connie cleared my account. I hope they find her. She will produce the money and refund Garry. I will let him know I lied about the baby.”

Cole sighed deeply, weary of his surroundings. “Let’s get out of here, babe,” he said again to Hailey.

This time, Hailey didn’t argue. She was starting to feel dizzy and knew she needed to care for herself and the baby. She accepted Cole’s hand. They were almost at the door when Vanessa’s voice stopped them. “I’m sorry for everything I did. I don’t care if I have to spend the rest of my life paying for my sins. I hope you all find it in your hearts to forgive me,” Vanessa cried.

Cole rolled his eyes, ushering Hailey out of the ward. They saw Ludacris talking to Jessica. Both were standing. He saw Hailey and approached her. He was about to hug Hailey when Cole’s nasty glare stopped him.

“Cole, this is Ludacris, my lawyer.”

“Cris, this is Cole, my…” Hailey began, then faltered.

“She’s mine,” Cole finished, slipping his arm around Hailey’s waist.

Jessica giggled quietly.

Cris smiled. “I apologize, but that was only going to be a friendly hug.”

“No, it’s fine,” Hailey explained.

“Oh, please, I would do the same if I were in his shoes.”

Cole rolled his eyes at Cris. Though he’d heard Ludacris’s voice on the phone, he hadn’t expected him to resemble Tyler. “And that’s Jess,” Hailey introduced, despite having already seen them talking.

“Yeah, Jess and I are familiar. I was here earlier with the police, so we saw each other. I hope Vanessa didn’t give you a hard time in there?”

Hailey shook her head. “Not at all. Just some weird confessions.”

“I’m sorry she lost the baby,” Cris said. “I know you have nothing to do with that, but you both share your father’s blood and have good hearts, so I know you’re not happy about it regardless of the situation.”

“Yeah, thank you. It’s probably for the best. I’m not against her being a mother, but she might pollute the mind of an innocent child.”

“What about Eric? Will he be released now?” Hailey asked.

“Yes, he was released hours after Vanessa was found. He might try contacting you. He said he wants to see you.”

“I hope he doesn’t. I want nothing to do with him. I really hope they find Connie. She’s the mastermind behind the evil happening to us.”

“The police have checked airports. She hasn’t left the country legally. Her bank accounts and assets are frozen. I believe we will find her soon. You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Ludacris assured.

Hailey nodded. “Thank you for everything.”

“You too, Jess.”

“It’s fine. Vanessa has been an asshole to me too. So it’s my pleasure to bring her down.”

“She despised you?” Hailey asked incredulously.

“Yes. She didn’t like that I was close to Cole and that I had some influence on him not to give in to her.”

Chapter 100

“It’s so crazy how one can live a life filled with bitterness,” Hailey mumbled.

“I believe she was well aware of what she was doing. She chose to be evil, so she’s going to pay for the consequences of her actions,” Jess responded.

Hailey talked with Ludacris while Cole stepped away with Jessica, giving them space.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous of Ludacris. You’ve been glaring at him since you saw him,” Jess said with a knowing smile.

“Not my fault. He reminds me so much of Tyler.”

“Oh, you mean you’re jealous of him?”

“No,” Cole said, putting his hands in his pockets and glancing at Ludacris and Hailey. “I’m just protecting what’s mine. Plus, I never expected him to look like Tyler.”

“You mean, hot, sexy, amazing body…”

Cole cut her off, rolling his eyes. “Please stop. She’s his lawyer. I just didn’t expect them to be friends. I was expecting a cordial business relationship.”

“You have nothing to worry about. Ludacris has a wife he’s betrothed to.”

“Whatever!” Cole whispered.

“So, what do you want to tell me? And when are you going to get yourself another phone?”

“We’ll stop by a phone store on our way back.”

“Yeah, what I want to tell you is good news, but I don’t think here is the right place.”

“Oh, please just say it. I’d love to hear anything that would lighten my mood.”

Cole nodded. “I’m going to be a father again.”

“Holy shit, are you kidding me?” Jess whispered, trying to avoid a scene.

Cole blushed.

“Are you serious?” Jess asked again, this time in a whisper.

“Don’t tell me you’re about to cry! I thought you were stronger than that?!” He teased, seeing Jess tearing up.

Chapter 1

“Fuck you!” Jessica mumbled, playfully shoving him.

Cole chuckled, hugging her back. She pulled away, staring at him as if he had horns. “I’ve always wanted you to have a happy family. I just never imagined you with three kids. You really surpassed my expectations, and I’m so happy and proud of you.”

Cole smiled. “Thank you. I’m happy I get to experience the step-by-step process of bringing a child to life. I’m grateful for this second chance.”

“I’m so happy for you and Hailey. How did you react when you found out? I can see you almost passing out.”

Cole chuckled softly. “I don’t know, honestly. I think Hailey would be in the best position to explain that. But I wasn’t expecting it. At least not yesterday when we were thinking of how to handle Vanessa.”

“She’s been having those symptoms, but it never occurred to us that she could be pregnant.”

“I’m so happy for you both. You’re my favorite couple, you know that, right?”

Cole playfully rolled his eyes. “Jess, please.”

She scoffed. “I don’t know how you think I’m joking.”

“Well, thank you. I’m really excited. I know Hailey and I are going to have our hands full, but I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

“I sort of took your advice and made plans.”

Jess frowned. “What plans?”

“I asked Hailey if she would go on vacation with me this weekend.”

Jessica smiled, understanding Cole.

“So why do you seem so nervous if you’ve got everything planned?”

“I don’t want her to think I’m doing this because of the baby.” He fidgeted, glancing at Hailey, who was listening to Ludacris.

“No, don’t think that way. You’re about to take a big step in your life. It’s normal for these thoughts to bother you, but don’t let them. Besides, I don’t think Hailey would think that. She knows you love her genuinely.”

“What if she says no? Do you think it’s the right time? I mean, everything has been happening back to back. Do you think she needs more space?”

“There’s no such thing as a perfect moment. And you won’t know her reply unless you ask. I know things have been happening back to back, but you shouldn’t let circumstances stop you from chasing your dreams.”

“Trust me, a good vacation would do Hailey good now more than ever. Just give it a try!”

“Give what a try?” Hailey’s voice cut in as she approached, staring suspiciously at them.