Chapter 38

Cole fumed throughout the ride home. He couldn't believe that today, meant to be one of the best days of his life, had ended so sourly.

He had experienced many heartbreaks, but none had brought the pain he felt now. Perhaps it was because his children were involved.

His phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts in the back seat. He glanced at the screen and rolled his eyes; it was his father.

The phone stopped ringing, then immediately started again.

Cole mumbled something inaudible before answering.

"What the hell, Son? What have you done?"

"Look, I'm not in the mood, Dad. Let's talk later."

"No. You're not hanging up on me. We'll discuss this now, and after my meetings, I'm coming to your place to discuss it further."

"How dare you lay your hands on Connie and Vanessa, your soon-to-be wife? What the hell is wrong with you?!"

"You're not telling me how to behave, Dad. This is my life, my business. Stay out of it, and don't call that bitch my wife. I'm married to Hailey, remember?"

"Wait, that's what this is about? Hailey? Last I heard, she wanted nothing to do with you. Vanessa is carrying your child, the heir to everything we have. It could be a boy, you know. Why are you acting like an asshole?"

"This is when Vanessa needs you most. Be there for her and your child, make them feel loved, not threaten and scare them away."

Cole sighed, massaging his temples. This was supposed to be a day to show off his twins, but their safety prevented it.

"What now? So you trust strangers more than your son?"

"Don't make this difficult, Cole. I'm concerned. You're old enough to make your own decisions, but you're acting absurd! Isn't this what you always wanted? To marry Vanessa? Now she's expecting your baby, and you want to throw everything away?"

"Dad, you're blinded by your friendship with the Summers and your fondness for Vanessa, but I'm not the father of that child."

"How can you say that, Cole? Everyone knows you and Vanessa are a couple."

"That's the point. Vanessa isn't the saint everyone thinks she is."

"That still doesn't justify almost killing her and being rude to her mother."

Chapter 38

"Hearing you say that, I honestly wish I'd done something worse to them."

"Keep calm, Cole, and don't let your anger make you do something you'll regret."

"Enough lecturing, Dad. You're not in my shoes, so you have no idea what I'm going through."

"I understand you doubt the paternity. Be good to her, and when the baby's born, you can always request a DNA test."

"Are you that desperate for a grandchild?" Cole's irritation was evident.

Cole's father was about to respond when Cole interrupted. "I'm done. Stay away from me and my home. Only call me for business." Cole ended the call. He almost tossed his phone, then changed his mind and called Jess, who answered immediately.

"Been waiting for your call. How did it go?" Jess's excitement was noticeable.

"Terrible, Jess. Very terrible."

"It wasn't about making peace?" Jess asked, confused.

"I didn't even see her. Apparently, Vanessa and her mother told Hailey she's pregnant with my baby."

"Holy shit. I'm so sorry, dude."

"I just left the Summers' home."

"What did you do, Cole?" Jess panicked, knowing his anger brought out his worst behavior.

"I wish I'd killed them both."

"I hope you didn't do anything stupid, Cole."

"Those bitches hurt me so bad. They ruined my happily ever after."

"I know, Cole. I understand, but be careful. Those women are brutal. They'll stop at nothing to get what they want, do evil, and then use your retaliation against you."

"Please tell me you didn't touch them."

"Of course I did! That's why I went there. I almost choked her to death if not for the security guards."

He heard Jess sigh.

"She could sue you for assault, Cole. She could take advantage of this."

"Now you're making me regret I didn't kill her."

"Who cares if she sues? That's why I'm your lawyer."

"I know, Cole. Vanessa plays dirty. You have two little boys who look up to you. Your reputation matters to them and Hailey, who still doesn't believe you're innocent. More accusations will wear her down."

Cole sighed, knowing Jess was right.

"I'm not blaming you. Vanessa went too far and needed a lesson. If you'd called me first, I would have advised against it."

"But don't feel bad. Vanessa will get what's coming to her."

"I'm sorry things with Hailey didn't work out today. I'll negotiate with her lawyer today, and I'll see you after work."

Cole ended the call defeated.

"At this point, I think I'm a nuisance," Debbie mumbled, putting Hailey's phone on the couch. It had stopped ringing, and Hailey refused to answer Cole's calls.

"No, you're not. I appreciate everything you do for me."

"But it doesn't matter anymore! You don't take my advice, so I'm staying out of it."

"Are you mad at me? Giving up on me?" Hailey asked, heartbroken.

"We're still best friends, but I'll mind my business regarding Cole. It's clear you want nothing to do with him, so there's no point in advising you."

"I'm sure you'll figure out what to tell the kids."

Hailey said nothing, staring at her hands. They sat in silence for a minute.

Hailey's phone rang again. It was Ty.

Hailey answered.

"I should go. Take care, and if you need anything, I'm a call or text away," Debbie said, giving Hailey privacy.

Debbie had barely left Hailey's home when her phone buzzed. It was Cole. She answered as she approached her car.

"Hi, were you able to talk to Hailey for me?" Debbie felt Cole's pain.

"She's upset and worried about the twins' safety. Give her time, try again. If she still ignores you, you'll have to move on."

Later that day, Chapter 38

"One mistake can cost you everything. I don't know what to do."

"I don't know what to say either. I'm so sorry this is happening," Jess said, sitting beside Cole on his couch.

"I spoke to Hailey's lawyer. She wants you to sign the divorce papers."

"If that's what she wants, maybe I will."

"What? Why?"

"What's left to fight for? She clearly doesn't want me."

Jess sighed. "It's okay to take a break, but don't sign those papers. Hailey probably just needs time."

Cole shook his head. "You don't know Hailey. She's stubborn. She's probably moved on, and I'm forcing myself on her, making her hate me more."

"Think of your kids, Cole."

"Exactly! The twins are the only reason I've been pushing. It's probably best they stay with their mother. And I hope Hailey will tell them I was pushed away."

"The past few weeks have been insane: restoring my company, board duties at Summer Incorporations, Hailey's reappearance, the twins, divorce papers, restraining orders, Vanessa's bitchiness, and my healing arm."

"Sometimes I feel crazy, or maybe happiness isn't for me. I can let Hailey go, even though it will be the hardest, most painful thing I've ever done. The pain of knowing I had a good woman and let her go will always be there."

"I'd fight for custody, but that means exposing them to the spotlight. I'm famous, and Hailey doesn't want that for them, at least not now."

"I want Hailey so badly, but her heart isn't with me. I have no choice but to let her go."

"Are you sure?" Jess pleaded.

"Why give me hope when there's none?"

"Because I have hope for you both."

Cole shook his head. "It doesn't matter. Time to face reality and move on. I can't wait to get back to work; it will keep me busy and keep my heart from hurting."

"I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do."

"It's fine. Love can't be forced. I chased Hailey because I wanted her back. It's no one's fault if she can't reciprocate the same love. I'm definitely not worthy of her."

"And don't give me that pity look. You know I hate it."

"I think I'll go to a bar tonight."

"You're on medication. Stay away from alcohol if you want your arm to heal."

"I need something strong. I need to forget her."

"No. Stay home. Remember you make silly decisions when you're angry."

"Your phone's been buzzing. You won't answer?" Cole asked.

Jess sighed, reaching for her phone.

"Cassie. What now!" She frowned, unlocking her phone.

"Holy shit!" Jess mumbled, her frown deepening.

"Your client did something shitty?" Cole asked, concerned.

Jess looked at Cole.

"Where's your phone?"

"In the room. Why?"

Jess sighed, handing Cole her phone.