Chapter 32
Debbie sighed, got down from the stool, and went to her friend.
“Look, babe, I understand your refusal and that you have your babies’ best interests at heart, but you really need to do this!” “Of course, I can’t. My lawyer just served him a restraining order and the divorce papers today. Everything is almost settled; why would I ruin that?” “You actually did that!” “Stop acting shocked, babe. I told you I was going to.” “Yes, you told me. But I had no idea you really meant it or that it would be this fast.” “I realized the quicker I got him out of my life, the better I’d move on.” Debbie heaved a deep sigh. “You need to revisit your decision, babe. If not for yourself, then do it for your boys. Please.” “You know I can’t live with myself if anything were to happen to my boys. I literally escaped death by a hair’s breadth; I can’t allow anything to happen to them.” “Nothing’s going to happen to them, babe. I need you to loosen up a bit.” “I know this isn’t what you planned, but now that things have changed, you need to be a bit more flexible.” “You don’t have to forgive Cole or be with him if you don’t want to. But please give him a little slack with the kids.” “You can start slowly. Let him come over once a week, probably on weekends, to see the twins.”
Hailey said nothing.
“Just remember you’re doing this for your children’s happiness, not his.” “I hate how unfair life can be,” Hailey mumbled, wiping her hands with a towel. “I get to suffer the most, and Cole gets easy access to me?” “Is there something you’re not telling me?” Debbie asked. “Are you purposely keeping him at arm’s length because you’re afraid of falling in love with him again?” “You don’t know Cole like I do. If he’s good at anything, it’s crawling into someone’s heart and destroying them.” “Remember, I married him to save my father’s company. The marriage was rushed and haphazard. Only his father and a random stranger were witnesses. I promised myself I’d never sleep with Cole, but guess what? I got pregnant. I could have refused when he carried me bridal style to the bedroom, but I was glad it was happening. I married him hating him; he never gave me any attention, but my dumb self fell in love with him despite him not loving me.” “I hate to say this, but even though I feel nothing but hate for him, there’s this feeling bottled up inside me that I’ve been ignoring for four years. Cole Mathis is a manipulator, and I don’t want him around me.” “I understand, sweets. But what if you set strict rules? You don’t have to be close when he’s around. You can just watch them from afar!” “God! You’re not going to give up, are you?” Debbie shook her head.
Cole stormed out of the hospital, took his phone, and called Jessica, who answered immediately. “Hi, boo! Please tell me you’ve gotten rid of that bitch!” Jessica said. “Have you started working on the orders? I want you to serve her right now!” “What’s going on? And why does it sound like you’re outside? Aren’t you supposed to be resting indoors?” “I’m outside the hospital.” “Which hospital? Why?” He could hear the fear and concern in Jessica’s voice. “That bitch cut herself with a knife because I refused to promise to marry her. She passed out, and we rushed her to the hospital. They tested her, and she’s pregnant.” “I can’t believe Vanessa would look me in the eye and tell me she’s fucking pregnant!” “You didn’t sleep with her, did you?” “Come on, Jess. Not you too doubting me.” “I need to ask so we know what to do. You two used to be together, so I wouldn’t know what happened behind closed doors!” “Of course, the baby isn’t mine. This is proof she’s whoring around while claiming fake love for me.” “You need to be careful, Cole. You have a lot on your plate, and the last thing you need is drama from Vanessa and her family.” “I hate that I wasn’t stricter with her from the beginning,” Cole cursed. “It’s fine. I trust you. Please stay calm; I’ll do everything to make sure the orders reach her soon. I’m about to meet with Hailey’s lawyer.”
Two days later:
Cole had been inexplicably awake all night, so he slept late, waking up around noon. Slowly opening his eyes, he reached for his phone and saw a text from an unknown number:
“Good morning. Are you free for lunch? I’d like to talk about the twins. If you are, please meet me at ENROL cafe at 2 pm.”
Cole shot up from bed, grinning. He checked the time the message was sent (6:42 am) and mentally facepalmed at the delay. With shaky hands and a huge smile, he replied:
“Good morning. Yes, I’m free. See you at 2.”
Immediately, he called Jess, who answered after a few rings. “Am I speaking to the best lawyer in town?” “Wow! You’re in a good mood. What’s up?” “What do you mean? Don’t I deserve to be happy?” “Of course. But I’m lost. What’s going on?” “Thank you!” “For what?” “I don’t know what you did, but it worked!” “I’m confused, Cole. Get to the point. What am I getting credit for?” “I woke up to a text from Hailey. She wants to meet at 2 to talk about the twins. This is the best news ever.” “Are you sure?” Jess asked. “Of course, why would I say that?” “It’s good news, and I’d love the credit, but I don’t think I had anything to do with it.” “Why? Aren’t you talking to Hailey’s lawyer?” “Yeah, but she’s a handful. She was adamant Hailey wouldn’t change her mind. I don’t know what’s happening, but this is good news. Hailey probably thought it through and decided to give you a chance.” “Yes, I think so.” “Go to lunch and be on your best behavior. This might be your only chance to prove yourself.” “Yes, I will. I’ll get ready.” “Okay, dude. Talk later. I have a client.”
Chapter 32
Hailey was reviewing a document when there was a knock. Her assistant entered.
“You have a visitor, ma’am.” Hailey frowned. “A man?” “No, ma’am. Two women.” She frowned. “I’m not expecting anyone. What are their names, and why are they here?” “They said their names are Ella and Beatrice, and they want to see you.” “I don’t know anyone with those names. Where are they?” “At reception, ma’am.”
Hailey checked her tablet. The building had CCTV, and she could monitor her floor.
“What the hell? That’s Vanessa and her mother. What are they doing here? They’re banned from this building.” “They lied, ma’am. They used fake IDs.” “I’m sorry, ma’am. I can ask them to leave. I’ll call security.” “No. They’ve messed with the wrong person. I’ll handle this.” Hailey went to reception. Fortunately, they were alone.
“Coming here with fake IDs? You’re both pieces of shit!” She glared at them. They rose to their feet.
“Because she has money, she thinks she can yell at us,” Vanessa said to her mother. “That’s the problem with you two. You do wrong and expect exemptions. Who are you to disturb my company?” “We knew you’d have security, so we brought our IDs.” “I have things to do. Leave.” “You have a nice company. Bigger than Summer Incorporations. Are you sure it’s yours? We know you can’t afford this, no matter how smart you are.” Connie smirked. “Whatever. Your secret will be out soon. Enjoy it while it lasts,” Vanessa said. “Leave, or I’ll throw you out!” “Money gives power, doesn’t it? You couldn’t look us in the eye before, but now you’re chasing us out.” “Don’t worry, we’re not staying long. We’re here to put you in your place.” Hailey scoffed. “Say what you have to say and get out of my company!!!” Hailey yelled.
Connie signaled to Vanessa.
“I’m here to warn you to stay away from my man!” “You’re in the wrong place. You should be saying that to him, not me!” “Stop pretending! Everyone knows you love Cole. You communicate with him secretly; that’s why he’s chasing you!” Connie said. “You’re psychos! How is it my fault he doesn’t want you?” “Because you’re still in the picture!” Vanessa said. “I’ve had enough. I’m calling security.”
Before Hailey could call, Vanessa spoke.
“I’m pregnant, and Cole is the father.”