Chapter 29

“What?!” Cole, Connie, and Eric exclaimed in unison, their faces etched with confusion.

Dr. Telford frowned. “You all aren't aware?”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Cole demanded.

“You must be the husband, sir.”

Cole was speechless, but shook his head.

“He’s… he’s the husband of the woman in there,” Connie replied, ignoring Cole’s glare.

“I’m sorry to break this news to you like this. I thought you knew. We conducted a quick scan showing she’s pregnant, but I can’t determine how many months along she is until the test results are in. I believe she’s a few weeks along.”

“Her fainting was a result of stress, pain, and her blood phobia. Her blood pressure is very high, and she needs rest, so we’ll be keeping her here for a few days for observation.”

“My… my daughter is pregnant?” Eric mumbled, feeling numb.

“She is,” the doctor confirmed.

“Can we see her now?” Connie asked.

“Yes, but one at a time.”

“Okay, thank you!” Connie didn’t wait for them to decide who would go first. She immediately went in.

“I’ll be back with the test results!” Dr. Telford said, then left.

A few seconds of silence passed between Cole and Eric before Eric spoke. “Congratulations, son.”

“Sorry?” Cole frowned, hoping he’d misheard.

“You’re going to be a father, and I, a grandfather. That’s great news. Congratulations to us all.”

“I almost thought you still loved Hailey, because of that day at the meeting when you couldn’t stop staring at her. But if it’s Vanessa you want to be with, then that’s fine. She was the one you wanted to marry initially.”

Cole chuckled incredulously. “You’re congratulating me? What the hell? You must have a lot of faith in your daughter, don’t you?”

Chapter 29

This time, Eric looked confused.

“What do you mean?”

“You think the child your daughter is carrying is mine?” Cole asked, placing a hand on his chest.

“Why not? You’re the only man I know in her life. Everyone knows you two are eventually going to marry, so!” Eric shrugged.

“I’m sure this newborn will bring much joy and reconciliation to you both. I’m happy for Vanessa.”

“It’s a pity you think you’re being a good father right now.”

“What do you mean?” Eric asked.

“Did you ever love Hailey?”

“What does she have to do with this?”

“Because I’m pointing out your hypocrisy.”

“Did you actually believe Hailey seduced me?”

“Isn’t that what happened? We all saw you both in bed.”

“What if I forced myself on her?”

“But you said then that you had no idea how you ended up in bed with her.”

“So you believed a stranger over your own daughter? Over your own flesh and blood?”

“I don’t understand you, Cole. Why bring this up?”

“Because you’re a fucking hypocrite. You didn’t believe your first daughter when she said she knew nothing about that, and now you instantly believe Vanessa is pregnant.”

“You think she’s faking it?”

“That’s not the point! What hurts is that you thought I was in love with Hailey.”

“I’ve only loved one woman, and that’s Hailey. If I can’t have her, I’d rather remain single.”

“And she had nothing to do with what happened that night during my supposed engagement to Vanessa.”

“I don’t know how Hailey got into the guest room, but I’m sure she was tricked by Vanessa and that evil woman you call your wife.”

Chapter 29

“Vanessa drugged my drink and told me to go to the guest room. I got there, thinking Vanessa was Hailey, and made love to her.”

“I remember how Hailey cried, telling you she had no idea what happened. What did you do? You hit her and humiliated her.”

“Vanessa never wanted to marry me because I wasn’t one of the top five richest men then. Just like her mother, she’s a gold digger.”

“Look, I know you’re not happy with my daughter, so I won’t judge you for thinking this way.”

“What about Hailey? She’s not your daughter?”

Eric sighed. “That’s not what I mean. Everyone has a past, and we’ve all done things we regret. This baby could be a ray of hope, a new beginning, especially for you and Vanessa.”

“Is that all you got from what I said?” Cole stared at Eric in disbelief.

“I thought I addressed everything.”

“Why do you all resent Hailey so much?” Cole asked.

Eric looked away.

“Come on, answer me! You know I’m legally married to your first daughter, and now you’re pushing your second daughter on me.” Cole knew Eric didn’t know about the twins. He resisted the urge to tell him he was the worst father on earth.

“You’ve always preferred Vanessa to Hailey, haven’t you?”

“I’d appreciate it if we didn’t talk about Hailey.”

“Why? Because you feel guilty?”

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Cole. Why are you constantly interfering in her life?!” Eric asked, raising his voice.

“I’m her husband, and I have the marriage certificate to prove it. I have every right to be involved in her life.”

“Look, I’m not proud of my past actions or how I’ve handled things.”

“Favoring one child over another isn’t my nature. All the evidence pointed to Hailey then. It was just hard to believe.”

“Okay, so you chased her from the house. She married me to make you happy and save the company, but what did she get in return? You didn’t speak to her for years. You weren’t even concerned when she disappeared. What kind of father are you? She only has you as a parent, and you completely failed her!”

Eric was quiet for a few seconds. “If I could go back and make amends, I promise I’d act differently. I’m not a terrible person; I was just stuck. I’m not denying I made bad choices and handled things terribly.”

“I may seem normal, but I’m not at ease. No one sees how much I struggle with anxiety and sadness alone.”

“Julz, the lawyer, opened my eyes to the animosity in my family. But it was too late to make amends. I’m happy for Hailey and proud of what she’s accomplished.”

“I feel intimidated around her and can’t look her in the eye because of my past actions. Nevertheless, I’m glad she’s helping with the company. She’s always had a good heart. I know I can’t reach out to her, but my prayers are with her.”

“I’m sorry if I sounded insensitive. I know you and Hailey are married, but I heard from Vanessa that the divorce is almost finalized.”

“Hailey wants nothing to do with you, so I assumed you’d moved on. And I want you to know I have nothing against you and Vanessa.”

“What the hell makes you think I’m the father of that baby?” Cole shouted furiously.

“You two have spent time together in the past few years!”

Cole chuckled incredulously. “I just told you Hailey is the woman I’ll always love. You think I’d still have those feelings and sleep with Vanessa?”

“Wh… what do you mean?” Eric stammered, confused and embarrassed.

“If Vanessa is pregnant, the baby isn’t mine.”