Chapter 37
“What?!” Connie’s voice came through.
“And you too,” Eric said, turning his attention to his wife. “Stay away from Cole and his family.” “What do you mean by that? Are you choosing Hailey over Vanessa?” “Why do you always think so negatively? I disowned one daughter already. Do you want me to lose the other to the cold hands of death?” “No one is dying. You’re making harsh judgments. Cole is just overreacting. I’m sure he’ll come around and ask for our forgiveness.” “Until then, I forbid you both from contacting him or his family.” “That’s impossible! If we leave him alone, he’ll choose Hailey over our daughter, and we can’t let that happen.” “Cole is wise enough to know who he wants. If he keeps pushing Vanessa away, we should get the message.” “I knew it, you bastard! You want him for your daughter. She called you to report the scene, didn’t she? That’s why you’re saying these nasty things.” “What the hell are you saying? Because I support you both, I disowned Hailey. She wants nothing to do with me. And you’re spewing nonsense because I’m trying to protect Vanessa. Can you, for once, forget about greed and focus on your daughter’s future?” “You call my efforts for the man my baby will marry greed?” “What efforts have you made to ensure she ends up with the love of her life? It’s just me, doing everything, and you doing nothing.” “Enough!” Vanessa commanded from her seat.
“As I said, have some dignity and stay away from Cole. Even if your mother gives you silly advice, you’re old enough to know better! Why take stupid actions that led to the man you love coming into my house, hitting your mother, and almost killing you? Do you think that’s love? Why throw away your dignity and integrity?”
Connie rolled her eyes at her husband’s speech while Vanessa stared at her father, speechless.
“Do as I say and stay away from Cole. Once the child is born, we’ll get a DNA test.” “I’ve called Moore to warn his son to stay away from us.” “Why would you do that?” Connie moved closer and hit him on the arm. “Get the fuck away from me!” He pushed her onto the couch beside Vanessa, then turned to his daughter. “If you disobey me, I’ll disown you and cut you off from your inheritance!” “No, you wouldn’t!” Connie stood, challenging him.
Chapter 37
“Oh, you all should disobey me first, and I’ll show you what I’m capable of.” “Oh, fuck you!”
Eric ignored his wife and stormed out.
“What are we going to do, Mom? I don’t want you and Dad fighting because of me.” “Please don’t cry. Leave your dad to me; I know how to handle him.” “I can’t stay away from Cole,” she sniffled. “I want us to be married before the baby is born. People will gossip if I’m pregnant and unmarried. I don’t want that life, Mama.” “Stop overthinking. That’s not going to happen,” Connie assured, sitting beside her daughter. “I don’t know what’s going on with these men, but they’re going crazy. Leave your father to me. He has no right to tell you to stay away from Cole. I’ll talk to Moore too.”
Debbie contacted ENROL’s manager, who confirmed Hailey wasn’t in the office. Debbie got permission to leave work early and, within an hour, arrived at Hailey Riley’s home.
Her heart sank when she saw Hailey on the couch, wiping tears from her eyes. She was still in her work clothes.
Debbie rushed to her best friend, kissed her forehead, and sat opposite her.
“This hurts so much,” Hailey whispered, trying to hold back tears. “What hurts? Tell me.” “Everything! How am I going to explain this to the twins?” “I feel so betrayed. I expected more from Cole. And the way those two bitches mocked me, I felt so embarrassed.” “You’re not being fair to yourself.” “How?” Hailey asked, sniffling. “You haven’t seen Cole, and you’re crying over unknown thoughts.” “You want me to see him when he’ll lie to my face?” “I spoke to him. He promised he’s not the father of Vanessa’s child.” Hailey scoffed. “And you believe him?” “I know what you’re doing, babe.” “What?”
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“You’re using this as an excuse because you want nothing to do with him. You’re not ready to forgive Cole completely and let go of the past.” “That’s not it. I hate that I still feel something for him despite everything. And, honestly, Vanessa’s confrontation is doing more damage than you can imagine.” “At this point, it doesn’t matter if Cole is innocent or not. I don’t want to bring my kids into this mess. Imagine what those witches will do when they find out about the twins. We both know Vanessa was involved in my accident. She’s not in jail because there’s no direct evidence. I can’t risk my kids’ lives.” “I still think you’re being cruel.” “Why? I’m the one hurt here.” “You’re punishing Cole. You care about the twins’ safety; I assure you Cole wouldn’t want anything to happen to them either. He obviously wants you, but those two witches don’t want him to come to you.” “They kissed in front of the media four years ago. Cole and I have been apart for four years. Who knows what they’ve been doing behind closed doors?”
Debbie sighed. “I hate seeing you like this, but I don’t know how to help.” “You seem to have a biased perspective on Cole; nothing I say will change that.”
Hailey said nothing, wiping tears from her eyes.
“I’ll get over him. I just need time.” “You’ve had four years, Hailey. What if you take a different approach?” “What approach?” “Fight for the man you love. What better revenge could you give those two witches than winning?” “I spoke to Cole today, and my heart went out to him. He sounded devastated. I know he regrets what he did, but you’re not giving him a chance. Then there’s Vanessa and her evil mother. Go easy on him, babe. He’s human, and he’s Ollie and Enzo’s father. He’ll always be an important part of your life.” “I’ve already sent the divorce papers,” Hailey reminded her. “You think he’ll sign them?”
Hailey sighed, running a hand through her hair.
“You’re my best friend, and I’ll always support you. I love you, and I want what’s best for you.”
Chapter 37
“You don’t have to make up with Cole now. Just don’t deny him access to the boys. They’d be crushed. You’re an amazing friend and mother. I don’t want my godchildren to see you otherwise.”
Debbie was about to speak when Hailey’s phone buzzed. The screen was facedown.
“You’re not going to answer it?” Hailey said nothing. Debbie sighed, picked up the phone, and flipped it over. “Asshole” was displayed on the screen. “Cole?” Debbie asked. Hailey’s silence confirmed it. She handed Debbie the phone. “Talk to him. Please!” Debbie pleaded.