Chapter 61

She stood by and watched as his car drove off. Almost immediately, she saw Debbie's car pull into her driveway.

Once her car was parked, she got out and ran toward Hailey, hugging her tightly. “Gosh, I missed you so much! I’m not letting you leave me again.” Hailey chuckled as Debbie pulled away from the hug. “You were the one who shooed me away and said a week was nothing.” “Yeah, I thought it would be nothing. But it was hell!” “And I promised myself I wouldn’t call while you were away because I wanted you to bond with your man.” “I just couldn’t wait until tomorrow to see you; that’s why I’ve been tracking you from the airport.” “Let’s go inside. You’re going to tell me everything that happened.” Debbie reached for Hailey’s hand and pulled her inside.

They went to the living room and sat beside each other on the sofa, Debbie facing Hailey and grinning. “You’re glowing.” Hailey blushed. “Of course, I have to glow. I just got back from another country.” Debbie shook her head. “Not that type of glow. You and Cole…” Hailey blushed even harder before Debbie could finish her sentence. “God! Finally! I’m so happy for you both.” “Lower your voice. You’ll wake your godsons.” “Don’t you dare stop me from celebrating! I’m sure my boys are fast asleep.” “How was it? Who made the first move?” “You’re not going to ask for every detail, right?” Hailey asked shyly. Debbie shook her head. “I respect you and Cole too much to pry into your privacy. I just want to know who made the first move.” Hailey shrugged, still smiling. “It just happened. I don’t know how, but it just happened, and now we’re good.” “Everything feels right, and I don’t regret it. For the first time in my life, I felt I had the kind of family I craved. The kids were happy. Cole took care of us, and a part of me wished the week wasn’t over. He assured me we’d be having another mini vacation very soon.” Debbie intertwined her hands with Hailey’s and gave them a light squeeze. “I wish you could feel what I feel right now. I’m so happy for you, Cole, and the twins.”

“Thank you for motivating me to go on the trip. You helped two stubborn lovers fix things up.” “No, no, I get no credit. You all did that yourselves. I’m just so excited for you all.” “So, does that mean we’re getting a baby soon?” Debbie grinned.

Chapter 61 (Continued)

to pick up our sweethearts from school. I’m so sorry I’m late. The meeting took longer, but I’ve cleared my schedule for the rest of the day. I will have lunch with them, then we’ll visit the park. I love you and I miss you, take care.

By the time Cole finished recording the voice note, he was at his car. He sent the message to Hailey, then got in and drove straight to his children’s school.

Almost 15 minutes into his drive, Cole heard sirens nearby. He maintained his speed limit but was surprised when a car pulled in front of him.

Hailey was reviewing documents when her phone buzzed on the table. She smiled, hoping it was Cole.

Her smile faded when she saw the caller ID.

“Hi boo!” “Hailey, where are you?” The worried voice made Hailey frown. “What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” “Do you have access to a TV? Check the news.”

Hailey rose, went to the entertainment area of her office, picked up the remote, and turned on the TV. She switched to the news channel, and her heart sank at the headlines and video on the screen. Painful tears welled up in her eyes.

The headline boldly stated, “Famous Billionaire, Cole Matthis, Arrested for Assault and Attempted Murder against Pregnant Fiancée, Vanessa Summers.”

What hurt Hailey most was seeing the police handcuff Cole and take him to their vehicle. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Babe, are you there?” Debbie’s worried voice came through. “Yes!” Hailey sniffled, wiping her tears. “What are we going to do?” Debbie asked. “Please help me pick up Ollie and Enzo from school. They’ll ask you questions because they expect their father to pick them up. Please come up with a good excuse. I don’t want them to suspect anything.” “Okay, I will handle it. What about you? Are you okay? Do you need me to come over?” “No! I can’t remain quiet while evil people mess with me. Vanessa crossed the line by messing with my family, and I’m going to teach her a lesson she’ll regret for life.” “Please be careful, Hailey. That woman is a manipulative witch. She sets people up and acts like the victim. Please be calm. We’ll get this sorted. We’ll prove she’s lying, and Cole will be set free.” “No! I’m not taking this the easy way. I’m taking matters into my own hands. Domestic violence is a big deal here, and she just trashed Cole’s reputation.” “Vanessa has bullied me my whole life, and I’m ready to end it. I’ve tried to overlook everything,

Chapter 61 (Continued)

but I can’t anymore. As long as we’re both alive, neither of us can be happy, so one person has to die. It definitely can’t be me, so it has to be her. Today’s going to be an eye for an eye.” “Hailey.” “I’ll be fine. Please just keep my children safe.” Hailey ended the call.

She went to her desk, picked up her car keys and phone, put them in her handbag, and stormed out of her office.

(Note: The repeated section at the end of your submission was removed as it was a duplicate.)