Chapter 16

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” her voice trembled.

“Don’t you dare play that game with me! You didn’t want me, so you got me drunk so I’d sleep with your sister. Then you faked depression to be sent abroad, while I had to marry her!”

A tear rolled down Vanessa’s cheek. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Yes, I gave you a drink, but I never spiked it. I told you to wait for me in the guest room, but you were in the wrong room. Hailey is evil. She’s not who you think she is. She’s the one who planned all of this. She’s always secretly wanted you.”

“You should be ashamed of yourself for lying to me. Why do you hate your sister so much? What did she ever do to you or your mother?”

“You talked to Hailey, didn’t you? That bitch has filled your head with lies!”

“No, I didn’t. Unfortunately, Hailey wants nothing to do with me. The truth is, I messed up. I had her in my home for three years, but I failed to treat her right.”

“I curse the day I called you and said I wanted us to be together again.”

“I said that not because I loved you or missed you, but because I was a coward. I’d fallen deeply in love with Hailey, and I was too afraid to admit it.”

“I still love her, and I always will.”

“You drugged me, and because of that, I’m still married to Hailey. We were separated for four years, but we’re not divorced. Why the hell are you trying to marry a legally married man?”

Vanessa sniffled. “You’re angry at me; that’s why you’re saying all this, right?”

“I know you don’t love Hailey. You’re only saying this because I asked for a big party.”

“But it doesn’t matter. No one knows you were married.”

“But the law does. She bears my name.”

Chapter 16

“You need to grow up, Cole. Hailey doesn’t care about you. She’s thrilled to be a gold digger, taking money from men for her company.”

“And there you are, trying to convince me to give you a huge wedding I can’t afford right now. If she’s a gold digger, then you’re no different. But fortunately, she isn’t, and all I see in you is a jealous woman who’ll stop at nothing to destroy her sister.”

“You told my mother you were going to marry me. Why take me on a date in disguise and insult me, comparing me to that bitch?”

“Your mother manipulated me into saying yes, and now you’re pushing me to give you the best wedding ever.”

“And do I need to tell you that no one will marry us unless I’m successfully divorced?”

“That’s not a big deal, Cole. Hailey doesn’t want you, so I’m sure she’ll sign the divorce papers in less than a day, and we can have our dream wedding.”

Cole scoffed, staring at her with pity. “You don’t get it, do you?”

“I don’t love you, Vanessa. I don’t even feel half what I feel for Hailey, for you. How do you expect a one-sided relationship to work?”

“I promise you don’t love Hailey. You’re just in shock because she’s back. I promise I’ll be a good wife. I’ll do everything I can to help you forget Hailey.” She placed her hand on his lap, but he shrugged it off.

“Your mother wouldn’t stop bothering me, so I said yes. But deep down, I know what I want, and it’s not you,” Cole said, tearing his eyes away from Vanessa, and started the car.

The rest of the ride was silent until they reached the five-star restaurant.

“What’s going on here?” Vanessa asked as they entered. Everyone seemed to be watching something.

“Oh, there’s a sweet proposal happening!” the waitress giggled, pointing to where the proposal was taking place.

Chapter 16

Cole’s face turned red when he realized the person being proposed to was his wife.

“Thank you for this little getaway. I really needed this,” Hailey smiled at Tyler. They had just finished dessert.

“Well, this was long overdue. Thank you for having dinner with me.”

“You don’t have to thank me. I love spending time with you.”

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Hailey blushed, picking up her wine. She wasn’t thirsty; she just needed something to hold.

“You’re so gorgeous and perfect.”

Hailey nearly choked on her drink.

“You see me almost every day. What’s so special about tonight?”

Tyler shrugged, smiling. “I’m glad I know you, and that I found you.”

“You definitely know how to flatter me.”

“I mean every word.”

Blushing, Hailey mumbled, “I believe you.”

She was about to speak when a waitress approached with a white plate, placing it before Hailey.

“Sorry, I didn’t order…” she began, then saw the plate’s contents.

It was a proposal plate with the words “Will you marry me?” engraved on it, along with a cupcake-sized velvet cake with her favorite toppings. Hailey’s heart stopped.

The waitress left.

Chapter 16

She looked up from the plate and saw Tyler rise. He took a square-shaped box from his pocket, opened it, and revealed a beautiful diamond ring.

Hailey’s lips parted, but words failed her as Tyler slowly approached. She watched as he knelt. She could see people staring and cheering.

“Words can’t describe how much I love you and want to be with you, Hailey. You’re the woman of my dreams, and I want nothing more than to spend forever with you and the most adorable little boys in the world. I promise to spend the rest of my life making you all smile. Hailey, will you marry me?” Tyler stared at her with pleading eyes.

“Where the hell are you going?” Vanessa grabbed Cole’s arm as he was leaving.

He shrugged her off in irritation.

“To get my wife back!”