Chapter 34

“I know you’re angry, babe, but please don’t let that stop you from seeing the obvious. I think the best thing you can do for your peace of mind is to talk things out with Cole. Let him really know how hurt you are and why you’re officially denying him the right to see the kids.”

“No. I don’t want to see him.”

“Okay, you don’t have to see him. You have his number. Call him and hear him out, even if it’s just for a minute. I believe his side of the story is important.”

“No.”

“Hailey, please.”

“God, Debbie, I’ve never been so humiliated in my life. I was basically shamed by those two hypocrites.”

“I can’t believe they had the nerve to come see you.”

“At this point, it doesn’t matter if Cole is right or wrong; one thing is certain: I want nothing to do with him.”

“Hailey, please.”

“No, Debs. It’s obvious they don’t know about my kids, and I want it to remain that way. The police haven’t given a valid report about my accident. I can’t afford to put my twins at risk. I want nothing to do with Cole. I don’t know what I’m going to tell Enzo and Ollie yet, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something.”

“I’m so sorry all of this is happening, Hailey. Do you need me to come over?”

“No, no need.”

“You sure?”

“I know you’re at work, and I don’t want to disturb you. My life has been really messy lately, and I hate to admit that this friendship is becoming more about me and my issues. I’m so sorry; I’ll do better.”

“Don’t talk that way, babe. You’re not overburdening me. You’d do the same for me if I were in your shoes. I’m so sorry all of this is happening to you.”

“It’s fine, I’ll be okay. I’ll probably leave work early today if I can’t stand the trauma.”

“But you will still talk to Cole, right?” Debbie said with a pleading voice.

“I have to go.”

“Hailey, please.”

“We’ll talk later, Debs. I have to go.”

Chapter 34

Once Cole ended the call with Jess, he texted his driver to get the car ready and that he would be down in a couple of minutes. He fled to the bathroom to clean up, then took his time to select a casual outfit. He had no idea why he was excited, but he really wanted to impress Hailey. He got dressed in no time, styled his hair, and exited his room. He got into the car, gave his driver the address, and they started their journey.

Cole Matthis was glad that the lunch date was in Hailey’s company cafeteria. He had never been to ENROL Enterprise. He was excited to see the amazing piece of art the woman he loved most in the world built from scratch.

After what felt like forever, Cole’s driver pulled up before ENROL Enterprise. Cole couldn’t wait for his driver to open the door for him, so he got out himself and made his way towards the entrance, where there was a hefty security guard.

“Cole Matthis. I have an appointment with Hailey.”

“I’m sorry, your appointment has been canceled. You can’t go in.”

The smile on Cole’s face faded.

“Sorry?”

“Your appointment was canceled. I’m sorry, I can’t let you in.”

“No, there must be a mistake. I’m Cole.” Cole brought out his wallet, showing the security guard his ID.

“An appointment for Cole Matthis has been canceled. Please leave, sir.” Cole frowned, wondering what was going on.

He wondered if the text message he received was a prank. He reached for his phone and checked the chat again. He couldn’t believe it was a prank because no one else knew about his twins.

He decided to dial the number the text message came from. No answer. He dialed again; still no answer.

“I promise you, Hailey knows I’m coming. I don’t know why she’s not answering her phone. Please, can you let her know I’m here?” Cole said in distress.

“Please leave, sir.”

Cole sighed. He was about to plead again when his phone rang. He hoped it was Hailey, but it was a strange number. He answered anyway.

“Hi, am I speaking to Cole? The voice came through on the other end.

“Yes.”

“Cool. I’m Debbie. Hailey’s best friend.”

Chapter 34

“Good. Please can you tell her I’m down here? The security guard wouldn’t let me in.”

“I can’t believe Hailey still refused me, despite how much I pleaded with her,” Debbie mumbled.

“What do you mean?” Cole sounded confused. “I’m staring at other people going into the company while I’m not allowed in.”

“Hailey wanted to see you to make peace, but your girlfriend and mother-in-law ruined it.”

Cole’s anger rose.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. But do you mean Vanessa and her evil mother?”

“Yes!”

Cole groaned, running his fingers through his hair furiously.

“She told Hailey she’s pregnant with your child and you two would be married soon. She showed Hailey the results and told her to stay away from you. Hailey is really angry and wants nothing to do with you.”

“That bitch! I swear she’s lying. If Vanessa is really pregnant, it’s not mine. She just wants to ruin me!”

“I’m so sorry this is happening between you and Hailey. I really wanted you all to see each other today, if not for anything, for the sake of Enzo and Oliver.”

“Please can you tell Hailey to see me so I can explain?”

“She called me the moment Vanessa and her mother left. I knew she’d meet you at 2, so I called her to see if you’d met, but she’s not answering. I can’t even tell if she’s still at the office or at home; she sounded really upset.”

“God, I’m going to kill Vanessa and her mother when I see them! I was really looking forward to my meeting with Hailey, and these bitches ruined it!”

“I swear I am not the father of the bastard child Vanessa is carrying. How can I make Hailey understand that?”

“I honestly don’t know what can be done, Cole. Hailey is really stubborn. It took a lot to convince her to meet you, and now this has happened… I don’t know, honestly.”

Cole’s eyes itched with tears.

“Please talk to her for me, Debbie. You’re the only one I know who can help. Vanessa is doing everything she can to marry me. I’m so close to winning my family back; there’s no way I’d ruin it by messing around.”

“I don’t know, Cole, but I’m going to try my best.”

“Thank you. Please try your best. What am I to do now? The security wouldn’t even let me near the door.”

“Just leave. I’ll talk to her and let you know how it goes.”

Cole ended the call and stormed into the car, slamming the door.

Chapter 34

“Drive straight to Summer’s residence. I swear I’m going to kill Vanessa and her fucking mother the moment I see them!”

Out of fear, the driver started the car immediately. He had never seen his boss so angry.

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