Chapter 26

"Damn!" Cole exclaimed, seeing Hailey fall to the floor. He freed Tyler, then ran to her, crouching.

"Babe, are you okay?" "Don't you dare touch me!" Hailey glared at him, hissing in pain. Tyler was beside her, saying, "I'm really sorry, Hailey. Let me help you." "You both should get away from me." "I'm so sorry, babe, he started it!" Tyler defended, glaring at Cole. Hailey had managed to sit up. "You dare blame me? Don't you understand you're to stay away from my wife!" "I am not your wife!" Hailey shouted, rejecting both men. "Come on, babe. I thought we settled our differences." "She doesn't want you. Leave." "I'm not going anywhere, and don't interfere in our conversation."

Ignoring both men, Hailey stood, then realized she'd injured her elbow. "I'm so sorry, love. Let's go inside so I can treat that," Tyler offered. "Stay out of my life forever! I never want to see either of you again!" Hailey stormed into the house, slamming the door.

In the living room, she called the head security guard. "Good evening, ma'am." "Get those two men out of my home in five minutes, or you're fired!" Hailey said, ending the call.

After securing the house, she went to the bathroom. Hailey splashed water on her face, treated her bruised elbow, bandaged it, and changed into a nightgown.

Back in her room, Hailey called Debbie.

Chapter 26

"Sleeping?" "No, just scrolling through social media. How are you?" "I just returned from a war." "What do you mean?" Debbie asked curiously.

Hailey sighed, put her phone on speaker, and crawled into bed. "The twins and I were watching TV when the doorbell rang. It was Cole." "Holy shit! Shouldn't he be in the hospital? Did he see my godbabies?" "He was the one who tucked them into bed." "Damn!" Debbie exclaimed. "And Tyler came too. They fought. I tried separating them, but I ended up with a wound on my elbow." "So sorry, Hailey. Do you need me to come over?" Debbie's concern was evident. "It's fine, I think I can manage. I just needed someone to talk to." "So what now? Both men want you, and the twins know about Cole." "I don't know how Cole got my address." "Did security let him in, or did he come in illegally?" "I don't know what he said, but they let him in. He's manipulative; I'm sure he lied." "I did everything I could to make him leave, but I had no luck." "I made it clear I didn't want him, but he kept pestering me." "Of course, he didn't believe me when I said the twins weren't his." "The boys are Cole's replica. No one would believe they're not related. Security probably noticed the resemblance." "He requested a DNA test." "You're going to let him?"

Chapter 26

"Of course not! I don't want him near my babies. I don't trust him, and I don't want him in our lives." "I understand, but I don't think he'll back down. He didn't give up before he'd seen the twins. Why would he now?" "I don't know what I'll do, but he has to stay away." "What if the twins want him?" "No!" Hailey shook her head. "They're just kids. They'll forget by morning." "I want things to go well for you, Hailey, but you underestimate the power of a biological bond." "What do you mean?" "I can't believe you think the twins will forget their dad was here." "What's the worst that can happen?" Hailey asked. "I think you're underestimating this situation, babe." "No, I'm not. Getting rid of Cole is the hardest part. The twins are little; they'll adapt." "This isn't about my relationship with Cole, or being selfish. I haven't accepted him, and someone already wants me dead. I can't put my kids in danger. They're my life." "I understand. I hope Cole stays away forever." "I don't know how, but I'll make sure of it. I'll get tighter security." "One last question: You're certain you don't want Cole anymore?" "No, I don't." "Your feelings?" Hailey shook her head. "I don't want those feelings to control me anymore. I deserve better." "You do. So, will you give Tyler a chance? I thought he'd never bother you again. He can't get over you." "Yeah, I didn't expect him to show up, especially tonight. If I marry Tyler, it'll be out of pity, at least for now. I'm so drained; I can't love or trust anyone." "Don't think that way. Everything will be fine. I promise." "I'm so done, Debbie!" "No, don't say that. No one is destined to be alone." "I'm not alone. I have my kids." "It's not the same as having a man." "You need to let go of the hate and worry, then everything you want will come to you."

"Why did you have to show up?" Cole glared at Tyler. "Stay away from my woman!" Tyler said possessively. "Hailey is mine! I'm the father of those boys. They love me, and we'll be a big, happy family," Cole said possessively, ignoring his arm pain. "Where were you when Hailey needed a shoulder?" "Where were you when the boys needed a male figure?" "I don't care about your past with Hailey. She doesn't want you. You ignored a good woman. This is the price you pay." "I'll give Hailey time, but she'll pick me over you." Cole shook his head. "That's not going to happen!" "We'll see about that!" Tyler glared at him and stormed off.

THE NEXT DAY

It was past 9 a.m. Cole was having tea while a nurse dressed his wound. His housekeeper, Matilda, interrupted, holding a large white envelope. "This came for you, sir." Chapter 26

"Who sent it?" Cole asked, curious, as mail usually went to his office. "It was in the mailbox."

The nurse finished, and Cole took the envelope. He opened it to find divorce papers and a restraining order against him, Hailey, and the twins. "What the hell!?" Cole exclaimed in anger and confusion.