"L- Leonardo?" Hayley gasped out, her eyes widened in shock, still staring at him in disbelief. She absentmindedly pulled Daisy close to herself like she had seen a ghost, trying to shield Daisy's eyes with her hand so she wouldn't see him.
"Damien?" Hayley heard Clara call out, heading towards them with her focus solely on Leonardo. Hayley watched her as she approached them. "Damien?" Hayley repeated in her mind, as if she didn't hear Clara right the first time. "Damien... Oh my God, it's really you!" Clara exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement as she recognized Leonardo, Hayley's ex-husband! Damien?? Who the fuck is Damien? Hayley asked inwardly, staring at the two of them confused, as they exchanged pleasantries. They seemed to be familiar with one another and it fazed Hayley even more. "Oh my God, I can't believe this!" Clara exclaimed, addressing him cheerfully, "You were the stranger who found the kids?" Before her very eyes, Leonardo nodded his head in confirmation, a charming smile gracing his features as he conversed with Clara. Hayley watched them, still in a daze of what was currently going on. On second thoughts, she started wondering if this man standing before them was truly her ex-husband or she was just hallucinating him to be the one, but she immediately recalled that he had called her 'mi reina', a sweet name only Leonardo used on her. What was going on? "Nina," Clara turned to Hayley with a beaming smile, breaking Hayley out of her thoughts. She looked at Clara with a blank expression, uncertain of what to say. Clara gestured friendly, "Meet Damien, the stalker I told you about that won't leave me alone. It's a good thing his stalking made us find the kids again." Clara innocently introduced. Stalker?? Is Clara joking or what? Her ex-husband was the stalker she had told her about? If Hayley recalled correctly, Clara told her she had a secret admirer/a stalker who had been pestering her for the past three months. She mean to tell her that man was Leonardo?? Leonardo had been in Kleeton City for about three months? Was this a joke!? "Damien, meet Nina. My best friend and the mom of the baby girl you found alongside my kid." Leonardo turned to face Hayley. Instead of shaking hands, their eyes were locked in an intense stare. Hayley could see a hint of smirk on his face, it might have been invisible to Clara, but not to her. Staring at him, flood of memories from the past came rushing back, taking her back to five years ago when Leonardo had rejected and left her. Hayley felt a surge of anger building up inside her, the dead part of her that wanted revenge coming back to life. Hayley was drowning in a whirlpool of emotions as she continued staring at him. "Uhmmm... Hello? Are you two going to shake hands or say hi or something?" She heard Clara's voice, abruptly snapping her out of her trance. Hayley wanted to refuse, but Leonardo stretched out his hand towards her. "I'm Damien. Nice to meet you, Nina..." There was something about the way he called her name that made her heart thud a bit. Trying to compose herself and not let her anger get the best of her, Hayley looked at his hand stretched out in the air towards her, then she looked at Clara, whose expression was a look of curiosity and a tingle of disappointment, and Hayley knew she was wondering why she was behaving the way she was. But Hayley couldn't bring herself to say anything. "Please forgive my friend, Damien. I don't know what's gotten into her, but trust me, she's not normally like this," Clara said in a conciliatory tone. Leonardo pulled his hand back, nodding in understanding. Assessing him with a skeptical eye, Hayley couldn't still tell if he was truly the one. She couldn't seem to feel the cold demeanor she was once used to, to see the dark, grey, aloof stare that once emanated resentment five years ago. In their place stood a handsome gentleman who bore a striking resemblance to her ex-husband. Rrrgg... Her phone vibrated in her hand, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced down to see the caller's name flashing on the screen: Adrian. "Hello," Hayley said, her gaze locked with Leonardo's in an unyielding stare. "Hey, love," Adrian's voice came through the phone, "Please forgive me for missing your calls, baby. I left my phone at the office before heading to the board room for the meeting." "It's alright." "How are you? Is everything okay? Did you miss me or was something wrong?" "The latter, but it's been resolved, you don't have to worry about it." "Are you sure? Where are you right now?" He asked, his tone held a hint of concern. "Still at the park, about to leave soon." "Please give me a few minutes, I'll be there. And what about our little angel?" "She's fine. She's with me." Hayley turned her gaze to Daisy, who was staring up at her. Hayley smiled at her, running my fingers through her lush blond hair fondly. "Okay, baby. I'll be there soon." "Alright, I'll be waiting." Hayley lifted her head, deliberately feigning ignorance to the faint jealous and inquisitive looks flickering across Leonardo's countenance. She ended the call, letting out a sigh. "Was that Adrian?" Clara asked. "Yeah," Hayley nodded, feeling a sudden cool breeze brush across her face, carrying the scent of Leonardo's cologne. Her spine tingled and goosebumps formed on her skin. What was this feeling? She couldn't still be in love with the man who shattered her, left her broken and on the brink of self-destruction five years ago, could she? Hayley's gaze shifted back to his, she found him staring back at her with an inscrutable expression etched on his face. Gradually, it dawned upon Hayley that this man was truly Leonardo. His grey eyes, intertwined with his sleek, all-black wavy hair, exuded a fierce yet irresistible charm that had once and still captivated her. Despite five years having passed, he still appeared remarkably younger and more handsome than ever. Hayley's eyes roamed over his figure, eventually settling on the pendant adorning his neck. It was a lion-head pendant. Those were the exact same pendant she had gifted him a few months after their wedding, as a token of her love and appreciation for him. She was taken aback at the sight of it. Leonardo had stopped wearing the pendant merely two years into their marriage, dismissing it as a cheap accessory unworthy of his neck. So why was he wearing it now? And why was he even here? Out of all the years that had gone by, why did he choose to appear before her now, just when she was finally beginning to move on from him and her past? After she had abandoned her plans of revenge and made the choice to let go. Hayley met his gaze, then looked back at the necklace. Leonardo must have noticed her surprise, as he touched it gently, caressing the pendant as he spoke. "It's a gift," he said, his smile widening, "From my darling wife." Hayley scoffed quietly, glaring at him. "That's a gorgeous necklace," Clara chimed in, her tone friendly. "Thank you." "..but you never mentioned having a wife...Are you married?" Clara asked, her curiosity piqued. Leonardo's throat bobbed as he held Hayley's gaze, struggling to form a response for Clara. Hayley watched his lips intently, anticipation bubbling within her for what he was about to say. "I..." He started. "Hey, baby." Adrian's arrival cut him off, effectively halting Leonardo's response. "Fuck!""Uncle Adrian!" Daisy exclaimed enthusiastically, freeing herself from Hayley's grasp and rushing over to Adrian.Adrian lifted her up and affectionately kissed her temple before carrying her in his arms.He gently patted her hair, "How are you, my little angel? Did you have a good time?"He gazed at Daisy with fondness.But Daisy shook her head sadly, "Not really. I got mommy worried."Adrian furrowed his brow at her, mirroring her sad expression."Why? What happened?"He turned to Hayley with curiosity, not even realizing Leonardo was behind him."What went wrong?" Adrian's voice was filled with concern.Hayley shook her head, "It's nothing, Adrian. Don't worry about it." Adrian frowned at her before turning back to Daisy."What happened, baby? Why was Mommy worried?"Hayley tried to convey through eye contact to Daisy not to tell him, but she couldn't understand.Daisy innocently told Adrian. "Luna and I got lost today. Mommy got worried."Adrian's eyes widened, his brow furrowin
"Who was that man?" He asked again when Hayley remained silent.An eerie silence descended upon them in the car as the question hung in the air.Annoyed, Hayley replied, "How am I supposed to know, Adrian? You were right there when Clara introduced him as the stranger who found the kids."Adrian's gaze shifted away from her towards the steering wheel, his grip on it tighter and tense. Hayley couldn't read his thoughts, but she could sense his sadness and anxiety. That was the first time she had snapped at him like that.After a moment, he let out a sigh. "It's alright. Let's just go home," he said, not wanting to escalate things between them.A pang of guilt washed over Hayley, causing her heart to constrict at the sad tone in his voice. But She was too angry and stubborn to apologize at that moment.They drove home in silence. Tonight was supposed to be their special date night, but Hayley had managed to ruin it with her rude behavior. He needed no soothsayer to tell him Hayley had
Hayley watched the phone ring incessantly and for a moment before the sound ceased."Hello? Who is this?" She heard Emily's dulcet yet demanding tone over the phone.Relief washed over Hayley. Her heart fluttered with gladness to hear her voice again after almost six years.Trying to calm her nerves, Hayley replied. "Hello, Em... It's me," She hesitated, "Hayley. Hayley Forbes."Silence followed. Hayley waited for her response, but two minutes ticked by with no answer."Emily? Are you still there?" Hayley asked, pulling the phone away from her ear to check if the call had disconnected."H- Hayley?" Emily stammered. The surprise in her voice was palpable. "You're alive?"Hayley let out a scoff, her heart melting at the same time. "Yes, I am alive. How have you been?" She asked, sidestepping the reason behind her sudden call after five years."I can't believe this..." Emily's voice cracked. "You're alive, Hayley. And I had no idea. It's been six years. I thought you were dead. I've been
As the door swung open, Hayley's gaze froze upon seeing the two familiar and bright bright grey orbs in front of her. Her smile dissipated, and her heart thudded against her chest in a state of shock.The excited voice of Daisy shattered Hayley's reverie and she blinked weakly, unsure of what to do in that moment. Leonardo stood before her, still holding Daisy in his arms.Reacting quickly and without second thoughts, Hayley reached out and pulled Daisy out of his hold, placing her down, her eyes darkening as she glared daggers at him.Their gazes locked, Hayley's insides brimming with anger and tension, while a smug smile played at Leonardo's lips."Angel!... Mr. Logan.." Adrian exclaimed, astonished.Hayley had almost forgotten he was still standing behind her. She turned to face him, composing herself to prevent him from being suspicious of her reaction.Leonardo greeted Adrian with a nod. "Mr. Lewis." They shook hands.Pretending to be oblivious to the silent scowls Hayley was se
Meanwhile..."Please have your seat, Mr. Logan." Adrian urged, circling to sit behind his desk as Leonardo took his seat in the plush office seat."Welcome to my office," Adrian said genially after taking his seat. He paused before continuing. "You want something to drink or eat or something?" He asked politely.But Leonardo shook his head. "No, thank you. I'm good."Adrian studied him for a moment before shrugging. "All right. If you say so." He continued, "But what kind of CEO would I be, if I can't give my guest a drink of the best wine in my office." He rose to his feet, walking briskly over to a small wine bar at the end of the office.Adrian picked a bottle of wine with two wine glasses before returning to Leonardo. He popped the wine and poured it into the two glasses before taking his seat. "Long time, no see, Mr. Logan. I was expecting you to come earlier, but to my surprise, you didn't. I was worried you had taken my fiancée's words to heart. Had you, Mr. Logan?"Leonardo f
"Yes. That's what Nina told me... Come to think of it," Adrian said, furrowing his brows at Leonardo as realization dawned on him. "Why am I even telling you this?"Leonardo was too stunned and dumbstruck to even form a meaningful response. He swallowed, slowly shutting his mouth that had dropped before after hearing what Adrian said.Leonardo felt his heart prick him painfully. Hayley really told her new lover that he was in prison? The father of her child? How could she be so heartless and nonchalant, but then again, He started it all. He was the root of his own problems. He brought these upon himself. But Leonardo was glad he was back now. He was back to make amends. To right his wrongs, no matter how long it takes. Hayley was his and his only. His heart warmed up when he recalled Adrian had said Hayley hadn't given in to him for five whole years. This meant there was still hope for him. He remembered the way Hayley had gazed at him the other day at the park. He could tell Hayley
Leonardo stood outside Adrian's door for a moment, his eyes darting to and fro, contemplating the right direction towards Hayley's office. He wanted to see her and talk to her before he left.After staring at the two opposite directions for a while, eventually, he decided to go left. He walked briskly, making his way through the series of office doors until his eyes finally caught sight of the one with a gold metal plate at the top of it, the word 'SENIOR CREATIVE ARTIST' was boldly inscribed on it. He didn't need anyone to tell him whose office it was. Hayley's.Leonardo took off his glasses. A smirk curved up his lips as he gazed at the metal plate for a while. Hayley had really come this far. She wasn't the weak and dependent lady he used to know. He was glad and proud of her growth.Leonardo's eyes slowly trailed down to the doorknob. He contemplated for a while before heaving out a sigh.Without knocking, he twisted the doorknob and opened the door.Hayley's eyes darted towards t
"E- Ex-husband?” Hayley stuttered, her knees growing weak.This was one of the days she dreaded_ Adrian finding out the truth about her or her past. She feared the day she would finally tell him the truth. But at that moment, Hayley wasn't ready to tell him shit. She had to navigate her way through this predicament as soon as possible.“Yes, Nina. Your ex-husband!” Adrian snapped, his tone demanding.Hayley blinked twice and regained her composure, her shocked expression wearing off. “What do you mean my ex-husband? Did you think Damian Logan is my ex-husband? The father of my child?” She questioned in denial.“Why. Isn't he? I'm tired of your lies, Nina. Tell me the damn truth!” Adrian walked over to her, staying by the doorway as they gazed at each other intently.So much for a dumb and slow-witted man, Hayley huffed inwardly recalling Leonardo's words. It didn't even take Adrian long before he found out the truth.“When have I ever lied to you, Adrian? I don't understand your accus