Chapter 13

“If you saw the news, you would know that Vanessa did all the talking, and I was just there, lost in my feelings, not knowing what to do.”

“And it’s my fault for moving on? I shamelessly admitted I loved you. I was willing to go public, saying I was your wife and we’d been married for three years. But what was your response?”

“I know I’m at fault, and that makes me so mad at myself. If I could turn back time, I would definitely make amends. You said you loved me; why would you carry another man’s child?”

“Why do you care so much?”

“Because I still love you, and it makes me mad that I’ve lost all chance of being with you.”

Even though the room was dimly lit, Hailey could see tears in his eyes, but she tried her best not to be moved.

“Deep down, I’ve always wanted to have a baby with you. My parents are about to disown me because I haven’t given them a grandchild. I wanted everything with you—a beautiful family.”

“Please stop!” Hailey said loudly.

“You still feel something for me, don’t you?”

“I am really sorry for everything I put you through, Hailey. I’m ready to do anything you want. Please tell me we can make this work.”

Hailey shook her head, pushing him away. “I want nothing to do with you anymore. Just stay away from me!!!” She rushed out of the small room, slamming the door.

The ride home was silent. Hailey was lost in thought, trying hard not to cry.

She got home, went straight to her bedroom, showered, and changed into a silky nightdress. She crawled into bed and reached for her phone. She had three missed calls—two from Tyler and one from Debbie. She also had a message from Tyler apologizing for missing the event. Not wanting to talk to any men, she called her best friend instead.

“Hi, love. How did the party go?” Debbie’s cheerful voice asked.

“Started well, but didn’t end well.”

“Let me guess, those women were at their worst? I should have gone with you.”

“You don’t have to please everyone. We all know you loved your grandfather, but I don’t want you to sacrifice your peace and mental health to see those people.”

“What I mean is, you could delegate your position to someone else and work with them. That way, you’d avoid those people.”

“I’ll think about it. I’m okay seeing them occasionally because I know how to handle them. The only person I’m tired of is Cole. I want a restraining order against him.”

“Did he try to touch you again?”

“I was leaving the hall when he pulled me into a room I didn’t know existed.”

“Somehow, he knows I have two kids and accused me of sleeping with another man while still married to him.”

“I didn’t know whether to be mad or what. It’s good he doesn’t know who the fathers are—or that they’re twins. But it hurts that he thinks I’m a slut or a betrayer. He probably investigated, and all they told him was that I have two kids.”

“He said he didn’t mean to ask for a divorce. He was starting to like me, and that made him furious. He’s angry I have two kids, but he wants me back.”

“Forget Cole and what he says. Be sincere with me. What do you want? Do you still feel anything for him?”

“No!” Hailey replied immediately.

“Hales?!”

“Cole hurt me so much. There’s no way I’m going back to him.”

“I don’t want you involved with him either, but you need to be honest about your feelings. That’s why you and Tyler aren’t engaged.”

Hailey groaned. “Please don’t bring Tyler into this.”

“I have to. It’s time we addressed this. If you don’t forgive yourself and make amends, you won’t move on. I know you’ve said you don’t need a man, but we both know that’s a lie.”

“God! I hate myself so much!” Hailey facepalmed.

“You still feel something for that bastard, don’t you?”

“I don’t know.”

“I really don’t know.” She adjusted the duvet, got out of bed, and paced.

“I hate him. I promise I hate him. Cole never treated me right. I begged for his attention; he ignored me when I needed him most. I could have lost my babies.”

“But when he touched me today, it was more intense than a week ago when he cornered me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been celibate, but I’ve been with Tyler and never felt this way. Something’s wrong with me.”

“Stay calm, Hailes.”

“No, I can’t. How can I want to kill someone and still feel something for them? This can’t be happening.”

“He said he’s always loved you. Did he ever show it?”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Dee.”

Hailey exhaled deeply. “The night the twins were conceived, I came home late. I was surprised to see him home, since he usually comes home last. He made a romantic dinner, and we ate together for the first time since we got married. He said he liked me, apologized for his behavior, and promised things would be better.”

“One thing led to another, and we spent the night together. The next morning, he was gone—on a trip he hadn’t told me about. He didn’t return for three weeks, and wouldn’t reply to my messages. When he came back, he ignored me as if that night never happened. We’ve never talked about it.”

“Do you think talking to him might help you move on?”

“No, Debbie. That’s not an option. I want nothing to do with Cole. Talking to him would mean telling him about my twins, and I don’t want that. God, I hate myself. Why would I still feel something for someone who hurt me so much?”

“I’m sorry, but don’t be hard on yourself. Life is unfair sometimes, and you can’t control these feelings. Staying away from him is probably best right now.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m getting a restraining order.”

“But what if these feelings…”

“Four years, and it’s still valid.”

“So you’re telling me to go back to him?”

“Of course not. You know me. I always consider the best and worst outcomes. That way, nothing surprises me.”

“Cole hurt me so much. I’d rather be single than go back to him. Tyler’s a good man; it’s just hard to give him what he wants.”

“I hate myself right now.”

“You don’t need to say that, honey. Just stay calm and avoid sad thoughts. We’re all vulnerable; we make mistakes. But I believe what will be, will be.”

“Yeah, I need to sleep this anger off.”

“Sorry for the weird talk about my life.”

“No, you never bore me. I’m happy to listen, and I’ll always support you.”

“Thank you, Sis. Goodnight.” Hailey ended the call.

She was about to go to bed when she heard a knock. Frowning, she opened the door to find a sleepy Enzo. Hailey knelt down. Her face was filled with concern.

“Hi, baby? Are you okay? Do you need something?” She kissed his forehead.

“Can I sleep in your room?” he mumbled.

“Yes, baby,” Hailey responded, kissing his cheek. She helped him into bed, covered him with the duvet, and cuddled him.

“Did you have a bad dream, baby?” she asked, looking into his sleepy eyes. Hailey couldn’t help but notice his striking resemblance to Cole.

“No, Mommy, I just miss you.” She smiled, kissing his cheek again.

Silence fell between them for two minutes before Enzo asked a question that shocked her.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Do you think Daddy is going to come back for us?”