…
At IvoryRains Apartment Building, located downtown.
Haley settled in her new apartment, the small and cozy interior a stark contrast to the luxury and glam of Liam's Villa.
Yet, in this mini apartment, she felt somehow at peace with herself. Her mind, once clouded with thoughts of Liam alone, was now clearing up.
Every minute of her life had been filled with thinking about him, brainstorming different ways to make the man happy.
Even though she loved Liam, it was worthless to live in a marriage with three people in it.
Haley could stomach anything the man threw at her, but not a betrayal as big as having an affair and impregnating another woman.
Lost in her thoughts, the sound of her phone's ringtone snapped her back to the present.
Haley picked up the phone from the small table stand, staring at the contact display name.
She'd developed this habit of shuddering in fear whenever her mother-in-law called, and now she found herself repeating the same thing.
‘Habits die hard, don't they?’
Bracing up herself, Haley pressed the answer button, knowing too well not to put the phone any way close to her ears, lest she risked losing her eardrums.
“What's keeping you from coming, you stupid insignificant girl!” Vera Nash seemed to be in a very bad mood, as her voice blared like a trumpet through the phone. “Why don't you come and help me clean today! Did you forget it's Monday!?”
Haley pursed her lips.
Indeed, she used to go to Liam's mother's place every Monday to do house chores for her every week, under the woman's stern command.
Haley replied, “I won't go there today.”
“Eh? Not coming!?” Vera shouted, disbelief ebbing her tone. “Do you know who's speaking, Haley? How dare you talk to me like that when you're a barren woman? You should be happy I even let you stay with my son!”
And so began her train of insults. Vera never missed any opportunity to tell Haley how useless she was without a child in the Nash family.
Haley digested the insult, always keeping a perfect attitude in order not to anger her mother-in-law.
But right now, she felt abused, the woman's insult angering her so much that her body was shaking. “Vera Nash, soon there will be someone to help your son have a baby.”
Haley cut the call, something she'd never done before. But it felt so satisfying to hang up on the spiteful woman.
She couldn't live like this anymore. Years of hard work didn't get her recognized by Liam's parents.
Even if Haley hanged herself someday in the name of her love for the man, she doubted if Liam and his parents would even bat an eye.
Why should she live her life for others when she could be herself?
With that in mind, Haley unpacked her belongings.
She spent half of the day cleaning the apartment, decorating it to her liking, and hanging her clothes on the rack.
As the evening approached, Haley left the apartment building, heading to DG Jewelry Corp., her favorite jewelry company.
They had recently opened up vacancies for physical applicants.
With her portfolio in handy, Haley spent more than an hour in the HR Department, undergoing the initial interviews and some physical tests.
“Although we're open for applications, this company is top-notch among Its competitors. Don't think you can get in so easily, Young Lady,” Seemingly amazed by Haley's confidence, the manager warned.
Haley only smiled, her rapt attention fixed on the pieces of gemstones scattered on the desk in front of her.
Carefully, she picked each one with a holder, crafting an intricate design on the plain golden necklace.
It was only a demo that lasted for thirty minutes, yet, the outcome had all the employees gathering around, their widened eyes gleaming with awe and astonishment.
“Oh my Gosh! I can't breathe.”
“It's perfect! How did she even do that in such a short time?”
“She must have years of experience to be able to pull it off so effortlessly without a single mistake.”
“Who's she? Can we see her portfolio?”
However, the manager in whose hands was her portfolio looked a bit pale, his hands shaking.
His voice cracked as he spoke, his gaze darting from Haley to her portfolio. “So it's you…”
Haley raised an inquisitive brow, smiling. “I beg your pardon.”
“Scratch that! You've been approved, Young Lady. Go ahead and meet the CEO while I forward him your documents!”
The Manager's action surprised other employees. Haley wasn't a bit astonished but relieved that the man was quick-witted enough to grasp the situation and hid her secret.
The first floor was the fine jewelry customization area and the fifth floor was the designer's office.
She lingered by to admire the pieces of jewelry each encased inside a glass stand.
Wowed by the glittering objects and inspired by many designs, she lost track of time admiring the jewelry.
Some of the jewelry looked very familiar, and for the first time, Haley was happy, seeing the jewelry on display.
For a few minutes, she forgot the chaos and the heartache caused by Liam's betrayal.
Knowing it was near closing time, Haley proceeded to the fifth floor.
She was about to take the elevator when she heard the most annoying voice.
"Haley, what are you doing here? It's such bad luck."
Turning around, Haley came face to face with Leah. Her good mood plummeted instantly, replaced by irritation and disgust when Leah all but flashed her a sweet smile, rubbing her flat tummy. “Do I need to tell you where I'm going?” Haley replied. “You're just a mistress.”Leah's eyes dimmed, and her smile faded into a deep scowl. “I might be a mistress now, but not anytime soon.”Her tone filled with arrogance, she eyed Haley from head to toe. “As you can see, I'm here to pick out mine and Will's wedding rings.”“Ow?” Haley put on a surprised look, feigning happiness. “Finally, someone to pack off my garbage. Congrats, and please talk to Liam and let him sign the divorce papers soon. Or you will still be the mistress.” Her tone light and full of mockery, Haley was surprised at her own calmness as she stood in front of the woman who literally seduced her husband.Forget it. Liam was no better. Leah's expression switched from white to green, her fingernails digging into her palms. She
The man's expression was masked by surprise for a few seconds, then he laughed. “What took you so long to visit my company?”Haley loosened up. Her lips pulled into a happy smile and she ran over and hugged him. “I'm finally here, Brother. How's life treating you?”“Fantastic!” He stood up and lifted her in the air, his laughter resounding in the office walls. “It was boring all day long before you appeared. What a huge surprise!”Seeing the happiness in her brother's eyes as he welcomed her warmly, Haley's guilt expanded. She pursed her lips and sighed as he put her down.“Why the gloomy look? Lemme guess, you miss your husband already just after arriving here.” Her brother pinched her cheek, taunting her. Then his brows pulled together in a displeased frown. “You've lost a lot of flesh. What's with the skinny look? Are you on a diet?”Haley shook her head. It was true that she'd lost a tremendous amount of weight in the past few years. Ever since she married Liam, Haley couldn't
After hanging up the call, Haley switched off her phone. Beside her, Andrew looked terrified, staring at her as if he was looking at an alien. “Hey, is something on my face?” Haley joked. But her brother laughed. “I never thought a day would come when you'll talk back at that man. You were literally begging him on your knees to acknowledge you.”“Yeah, I was a fool.” Haley released a sigh. “Not anymore from now on,” Andrew said. “I'm proud that you're back to your senses. Hungry?”Haley nodded. Since morning, she'd not put anything in her stomach. If her brother hadn't even asked, she wouldn't remember as her brain was so occupied and food was the last thing on her mind. The secretary entered, knocking slightly. “Mr. Woods, the other applicants are waiting…”“You can dismiss them. It's late anyway,” Andrew replied. “Let them come back tomorrow.”The secretary stared at Haley suspiciously before nodding. “Then book me a dinner spot at LuxBites Hotel. Table for two,” Andrew adde
...At LuxBites Hotel.The five-star restaurant occupying half of the hotel screamed of luxury, a majority of the guests were the elite socialites and celebrities. While Andrew received a phone call outside, a staff member led Haley to a private room overlooking the city's skyline through the transparent glass walls. The dishes were already served. Seared foie gras, Wagyu beef steak with truffle mashed potatoes, Black truffle risotto, and Chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean ice cream as desserts.Her brother sure knew how to pamper her with food. Haley could hardly recall when she'd last eaten such an expensive combination of meals.What a pity.In the past, she'd always fantasized about such a dinner date with Liam-“Can you believe it?” Andrew joined her, looking a bit irritated. “They just informed me that the scumbag wants “Treasure.””Haley didn't need to ask what “Treasure” her brother was talking about, or the scumbag he was referring to. “Liam? What does he want with it?”
No one needed to be told the intent behind his question.Someone as powerful and successful as William Nash asking such a question couldn't be considered a joke,Not when any answer given by her brother could potentially decide the fate of his empire. Haley waited, holding her breath, her heart racing to hear what Andrew's reply was gonna be. Through the tense silence, her brother's laughter danced in the air, his lighthearted tone easing the tension. “William Nash,” her brother said. “Why ask that kind of question when we're both successful businessmen? No problem, you want “Treasure” right? Let's hold a charity auction.”Smart move!Haley released the air she was holding. Sitting under the desk, her shoulders loosened up. “An auction for “Treasure”? Not a bad idea. When?”His tone, neither lacking of arrogance nor anger anymore, Liam seemed to welcome that idea openly. “Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Don't be late.”As Andrew spoke, the sounds of high heels clicking on the tiled floor
“Haley!” Liam stood up, yelling her name. His thunderous voice was supposed to make her flinch, if not take to her heels and flee from seeing him, in fear. However, it had no effect on her as she remained sitting in the same chair, facing the stage calmly. If Liam didn't recognize her demeanor, he'd be convinced she was only another lady who shared a great resemblance with her.“The auction will begin now!” Came the voice from the microphone again. “The first bidding price… One thousand!”A price not even close to the initial price he'd bought the necklace with. What's the use of holding an auction then? Was Andrew Woods trying to mess with him?Liam's mind veered off the auction altogether. The auction could wait, because with this insignificant price, he doubted if anyone would outbid him. So he focused his attention on Haley, walking down the intersection, and heading to the front row where she sat. “Two thousand!” Liam paused for a moment when Haley spoke out loud, joining
Liam reached for his pocket, and he brought out nothing but a simple-looking necklace.At first glance, one would know it was handcrafted by local jewelry sellers. Was that what she was worth? Haley wanted to laugh, but she held it back as her emotions also threatened to soar. She held the necklace close to her chest. “You said this necklace is very important to Leah. What if it's also very important to me?” Did she need to ask? The answer was all written on his expression. His eyes dimmed with irritation as he accessed her as if she was a little child throwing a tantrum. “Haley, you're taking this too far. If you give me the necklace, I'll come home more often. Isn't that what you've always wanted?”Haley laughed out loud this time, unable to control herself. As her laughter died down, she accessed him with a cold look. “William Nash, I have no time to waste on you. Sign the divorce!”She turned to leave and he grasped her arm. “Where are you headed?”“None of your business.”“
Before Haley could catch herself, her feet had already slipped off the staircase.She gasped as her head was about to hit the stairs railings, but then someone caught her.Haley found herself back in Liam's arms, this time his hold on her didn't feel forced as he held her securely. “Are you alright?”Why did he care?Haley blinked at him, then her attention turned to Leah who covered her mouth, a shocked look registered on her face. “Oh, my gosh! Are you alright, Haley?”Leah asking the same question as Liam worsened Haley's mood especially when it was Leah who tripped her just now. “I'm fine, I guess… since you didn't succeed in making me fall.” Haley stepped in front of her, folding her hands. “What was that for, Leah?”“What are you talking about?” Leah put on a confused look. “Just because you hate me doesn't give you the right to pin the blame on me.”And Haley was the fool who would fall on her own. “Be grateful my body didn't touch the ground. You would have shared the same