Chapter 98

Hours Later.

Fortunately, Debbie returned on time, and Hailey convinced Cole to go to the hospital with her. They arrived quickly and found Jessica sitting outside the ward. A police officer stood beside her.

Jessica rose when she saw Cole and Hailey. She hugged Hailey, then Cole. They were both casually dressed.

"I hope getting here wasn't difficult," Jessica asked, concerned.

"No, just a few stares," Cole replied.

"How is she? Any news?" Hailey asked, referring to Vanessa.

"She just opened her eyes a short while ago. The doctor is with her. She lost the baby."

Hailey instantly placed her hand on her belly. Cole noticed and gently squeezed her shoulder.

"That's sad," Cole said. "But what caused this? And the bruise?"

"She was beaten, hence the bruise. Regarding the baby, the doctor said they'll run tests to determine if the miscarriage was caused by stress, a fall, or substance use."

"This is sadder than we imagined," Hailey said.

Cole shook his head. "Focus, baby. Sadly, she lost the baby, but Vanessa will pay for what she did."

"I know. I'm not thinking about her, just the child who suffered so much. And what will Garry think?"

"That's assuming Garry is the father."

The doctor and a nurse interrupted.

"How is she, Doctor?" Jessica asked.

"Can we see her?" Hailey asked.

"Yes. She's out of danger, but we need to monitor her. The test results will be ready soon, but she should improve with time. My condolences about the baby," the doctor said, then left with the nurse.

"I'll wait here while you two talk to her," Jessica said.

Hailey nodded and entered, with Cole following. Vanessa lay in the bed in the center of the medium-sized room. The bed was raised, almost as if she were sitting. Her face was bruised, and an IV drip was in her left hand.

"What do you want?" Vanessa asked, looking away as they entered.

Cole rolled his eyes, closing the door. They saw her wiping tears. She had clearly been crying, hence her reluctance to look at them.

Hailey went to her bedside. "My condolences about the baby."

"Stop pretending you care. I'm sure you're happy," Vanessa said, her voice low and sniffling.

Cole approached. "Even though you've been a bitch to us, this is genuine sympathy. We have issues with you, not the innocent baby. I don't mean to shame you, but I'm glad you're experiencing what Hailey felt when you hit and kicked her years ago, knowing she was pregnant."

Vanessa sobbed.

Hailey gave Cole a warning look.

"Trust me, my thoughts are worse than my words," Cole said. "Vanessa does evil without thinking. I'm glad she's getting a taste of her own medicine." He glared at Vanessa as she sobbed. "I feel no pity for you. If Hailey and I were weak, we'd have committed suicide long ago because of you. You keep doing evil, and see where it got you? You're miserable, you lost a child, and you're probably the unhappiest person alive. Just get well, because you're still going to jail."

"Cole," Hailey cautioned.

"No, babe, I can't touch her; she's bruised enough. I love you, but no one will stop me from speaking my mind, not even you."

"This fucking woman ruined us!" He pointed at Vanessa. "I almost lost you because of her. If she hadn't ruined us years ago, we wouldn't have spent so many painful years apart."

"Now tell me, who the hell was the baby's father? If you lie or say it's me, I promise I'll suffocate you with that pillow!"

Hailey facepalmed, unsure how to control Cole.

"Answer me!" Cole shouted, making Vanessa jump. Hailey also stared at Vanessa, waiting for answers. While her boyfriend was being harsh, she wanted the truth too.

Vanessa's lips quivered. "I don't know!"

"You're a goddamn liar," Cole accused.

"Does it matter? The child is gone! I'm sure you're happy."

"You were sleeping around, weren't you? And you think I'd be stupid enough to accept another man's child?"

Vanessa said nothing, wiping her face.

"Who is the father? Is it Garry?"

"GGarry? How do you know about Garry?" she asked nervously.