Chapter 12
“She’s challenging me because she has some money now,” Connie said to her daughter. “I think ‘jealous’ is the right word,” Hailey replied. “Oh, please! There’s nothing to be jealous of. You’re obviously living a fake life. Don’t let this temporary fame get to your head, because I’m going to reveal all your secrets soon,” Vanessa glared. “Life must be so painful for you, seeing the person you tried to ruin succeed.” “Oh, please, no one ruined you.” “Did you tell your mother how you almost killed me? Did you tell Dad or Cole?” “I’m proud of her, and you deserved what she did. Your disappearance was the best thing that could happen to us.” “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, right? I’m only in your shitty lives because of Grandpa. The company won’t fail under my watch. And don’t think I don’t know about the money you’ve been stealing. I have proof. One more act of disrespect toward me or the company, and I’ll make sure you all spend the rest of your lives in jail.” “You twit!!!” Vanessa lunged at Hailey, but Connie restrained her. “Oh, poor kid!” Hailey mocked. “Today’s not like last time. Touch me, and I promise you’ll be behind bars for a long time. Sadly, your parents are poor now and can’t bail you out.” Vanessa, glaring at Hailey, stormed off. “This isn’t over! You’ll regret being rude to us!” Connie glared at Hailey before following her daughter.
“Are… are you alright? Did they bother you?” Hailey heard her father, Eric Summers. She turned and saw him.
Amused that her father was engaging in a personal conversation after four years, she said, “I think this is your moment to hear their side of the story, then come back and blame me for being a nuisance.”
Eric sighed in shame. “I’m not trying to humiliate you, but this is your pattern. You never let me defend myself. Your wife and daughter always come first. What’s changed?” “Hailey, I’m deeply sorry.” “I don’t want your apology. I want to know what changed. I’ve never been your favorite. Or do I need to remind you that you disowned me, leaving me homeless and penniless?” “You had Cole!” “Spare me that bullshit, Dad! I never loved Cole. I married him to please you and save the company. But you still didn’t care about me.” “I’ve moved on from the idea of having a father. You should too. You never cared if I lived or died, so don’t pretend to care now. From now on, I only want work-related conversations.” Hailey grabbed her purse and left, ignoring his remorseful look. She said goodbye to a few people and exited the venue.
Hailey was walking down the hallway, about to call her driver, when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into a room.
Before she could scream, she was pressed against the wall, and his lips were on hers. Even before seeing his face, she knew who it was by his touch. The room was dimly lit, but she recognized his features. Though they hadn’t kissed often, she recognized his taste—with the added taste of alcohol this time.
Regaining her senses, Hailey pushed him away and tried to hit him, but he quickly grabbed her hands, preventing her escape. “Why have you been avoiding me all night?” The pain in his voice was evident. “You’re drunk. Let go of me.” She struggled. “I’m not letting go until you talk to me.” “I wasn’t avoiding you.” “Liar!!” “Aren’t you afraid of touching another man’s woman? Let go of me!” “You’re my wife, Hailey! I have our marriage certificate to prove it.” “Don’t say that! You wanted a divorce, and I agreed. You said you loved my sister more, and I freed you to be with her.” “I didn’t mean those words. I was out of my mind.” “Oh, please. I don’t believe you. Why are you suddenly interested in me? For three years, we lived together, and you never looked at me twice.” “Is that why you had another man’s child?” “What?” Hailey stared in shock. Her heart pounded. “Stop pretending. I know you have two children. You were married to me and slept with another man and had children with him. Not one, Hailey. Two!!! Two fucking children!!!!”
Hailey was shocked. She didn’t know whether to be angry that Cole thought so little of her or happy that he didn’t know he was the father of her babies. She didn’t want him near them.
“I’ve got nothing to say. Let me go.” “Why? Why did you hurt me so much? I’m not over you having a boyfriend and now two kids with him?” “You mistreated me for three years. Do you think I’d spend my life with a man who didn’t value me? Four years is enough to move on from my horrible past.” “I admit I wasn’t the best partner, but that didn’t mean I didn’t like or respect you.” “Stop with the fabricated stories. I begged for your attention, and you ignored me. What would you have done in my shoes?” “You said you wanted a divorce, that I should leave your office, home, and your life. Now you’re mad I have kids and a boyfriend? You’re the most confused person I know.” “Everything I said that day was a lie. I’ve always loved you, and it terrified me. Blaming you for the one-night stand and bringing up Vanessa was cowardly. I didn’t want to admit I was falling in love with you.” “I know it’s my fault. I didn’t have my phone after you left the office. I buried myself in work to avoid thinking about you. I got your message, but all your belongings were gone when I got home.” “Oh, please. After you and Vanessa went public? You think I didn’t see the news?”