Hailey's POV:
When we arrived at my house, Melanie invited Chase
inside and insist him to stay for lunch.
Chase agreed to have lunch with us when Noah gave
him his best puppy face making it impossible for Chase
to resist.
I followed mom to the kitchen and said "Mom did you
tell Chase to pick me up from college?".
"No, I didn't. He showed up on the door at half past
twelve and asked me to let him meet you and Noah".
She replied.
"You let him meet Noah when I wasn't around?". I
asked her.
"Yes, I let him meet his son under mine and your
father's supervision. When he asked me if he could take
Noah out for ice cream, I said yes". She said.
"Why mom? He came to pick me up with Noah and
there was Brittney she created a scene". I said
massaging my head.
"Hailey, you pushed him three years ago when he came
to explain himself with the promise that you'll give him
a chance again. So he is here now". Mom said
squeezing my shoulder.
"Mom he didn't try to talk to me in past three years. He
never asked about Noah. Now he is engaged". I said.
"Hailey, you told him not contact you until you contact
him yourself. He has been in touch with me for last
three years. He would ask me about you because he
cares for you honey. Whatever he has done in the past
wasn't right and I am not telling you to let him in. I am
just telling you to give yourself a chance. You gave me
chance when I was the cause of your pain". She said as
the tear trialed down from her eyes.
I wiped her tears and said "Mom please don't cry. I
forgive you and I love you. In past three years you were
my biggest support. You taught me how to be tough
and keep my head high in the world".
She hugged me and I rubbed her back.
Yes, she has changed in past three years. The woman I
knew in the past died when Emily left. This woman is
my mother, only mine and I love her.
In these past three years she did everything in her
power to build me a strong girl that I am today.
"I will give him a chance". I said pulling away from the
hug.
"Thank you, Hailey". She said and turned around still
wiping her tears.
Then mom and I started working on the lunch. I took a
quick glance at the lounge to make sure dad was not
trying to murder Chase.
I was amazed at what I was seeing, dad was watching
a t.v. and ignoring Chase presence in the room like he
doesn't exist which is better than the murdering
scenario I just imagined.
After my grandfather's death dad just become silent. He
would only smile when Noah is around.
I saw Chase sitting on the couch with Noah on his lap.
Chase was listening whatever Noah was telling him
about his favorite cartoons.
The smile appeared on my face while staring at them.
That's when mom decided to look at me. She caught
me smiling like a fool and her face lit up with the
teasing smile. I bit my lips to stop the smile and
straightened myself so I don't look like a complete fool.
She just raised her eyebrows at me and I shrugged my
shoulders at her.
"I am going to my room to freshen up". I said leaving a
dining room.
I was in the washroom when I caught my reflection in
the mirror. There was pink hue on my cheeks like a and
my dull brown eyes were shining and there seem to be a
permanent smile on my face.
I dampened the towel under the tap water and placed it
on my hot cheeks to make them look normal again. I
heard mom calling me for lunch.
Patting my hair and spraying some perfume I venture
down to the dining room.
Everyone was already settled on the chairs, leaving only
one chair empty that was magically beside Chase. Noah
was sitting on the right side and already filling his plate.
That brat forgot his mother the minute his dad showed
up in his life.
Mom saw me standing and said loudly with the smug
face "Hailey sweetie come take a seat".
I narrowed my eyes knowing what she was planning.
I'm sure she was the one who instructed everyone
where to sit.
Chase saw my hesitation and gave me a smirk like he
was challenging me to take a seat beside him.
I'm not a sixteen years old, shy girl that I used to be.
He has no idea what he is getting himself by
challenging me.
I settled on the seat without showing any signs of
discomfort and started filling my plate. I was enjoying
the lunch until I reach for the bowl of mashed potatoes
which was in the middle of the table and at the same
time Chase reached for it too.
His hand touched mine and griped the dish as well as
my hand.
We were both frozen, staring in each other's eyes. My
heart beat accelerated when he slid his hand down to
leave the dish. I looked at him and due to the intensity
in his my breath hitched.
Mom coughed loudly to brought us out from our la la
land. My grip on the dish instantly loosened and Chase
held it back.
I retreated my hand back and placed it on my lap. My
face flushed with embarrassment and I didn't take the
risk to glance at Chase.
Rest of the lunch went without anymore embarrassing
moments and I was glad for that.
I went with Chase to the door to see him out when he
said "Hailey I .....uh I want to take you and Noah out
for dinner that is if you don't mind".
"You don't need to take me and Noah out for a dinner.
If you want to meet Noah again you come here and
meet him I won't stop you". I said to him.
"I want to talk to you about something important.
Please let me take you both out on a dinner as a
family". He said.
I glanced at him with curiosity. Why does want to take
me and Noah out on the dinner?
Maybe he wants to tell me about his engagement with
Clara.
I smiled sweetly and said "Why? uh..I mean if you want
to tell me anything you can tell me right here. You don't
have to go through all the hassle".
After hearing me, he took the step forward and leaned
towards my ear "Did I tell you how beautiful you look
when you are angry and questions me?. Ask me
anything you want but tomorrow on the dinner. So
please be ready by tomorrow around eight".
I forgot how to talk and nodded my head.
When he was satisfied by my answer, he moved away
little creating a space between us and said "Goodbye.
See you tomorrow beautiful".
He whistled like he just won the damn Oscar by making
me agree on the dinner. Then he got in the car and
drove away to God knows where.
I went back inside and saw mom standing near the
window. She must be spying on us through the damn
window.
She gave me a teasing smile and asked me "So what
were you guys talking about?"
My eyes narrowed at her question and shook my head
at her eagerness. "Chase wants to take Noah and me
out on the dinner tomorrow at eight." I told her in the
most boring voice.
"Really..Oh that's great. So I assume you said yes".she
asked me hopefully.
Grumbling on my stupidity earlier I nodded my head.
The rest of the day went, listening Noah talking about
his plans that he made with Chase.
When night came I sighed in a relief after putting Noah
in bed. Then thoughts about Chase and the change in
his personality started to make me feel like I should give
him a chance.
I fell asleep with Noah beside me.
In the Morning:
Thump, Thump
Thump, Thump
I groaned hearing the loud slaps on the door.
Who the hell wants to take my door down?
I got up from the bed and opened the door. Then I
rubbed my eyes twice to clear the image but the person
standing in front of didn't disappear.
"Julia what the hell are you doing here knocking my
door in morning? It's good that Noah is heavy sleeper
or I would have killed you". I said making her roll her
eyes.
"Oh my sweet Hailey. It's eleven in the morning. I think
you have enough sleep to look fresh for your date with
your ex-husband".
I looked dryly at her and said "Really you know I love
my sleep. And who told you that I have a date. Chase
invited me on the dinner probably to tell me about his
engagement and it is not a date".
Julia frowned and said "The little birdy told me that you
have a date. Did you say he is engaged?".
"Yeah, I think so". I said scratching my head.
"If he is engaged it's not a problem. You can still make
him regret what he left". She said making me think how
childish she sounds.
"I don't want to make him regret anything. I'm happy
with my life and I am fine if he is engaged to another
woman. Because that's what he has always wanted.
Someone else then plain sixteen years old Hailey". I said
with the sarcastic laugh.
She shrugged her shoulders and said "Hailey I don't
want to hear your depressing talk. Get up and get ready
we're going out".
I know I can't do anything to stop Julia except Oliver,
her boyfriend, her neighbor and love of her life. But
Oliver couldn't safe at the moment from this devil of a
girlfriend of his because he has been in Florida for two
weeks, visiting his grandma.
I went inside the washroom did the routine work and
got change into my simple denim jeans and knit cream
color sweater.
I grab the sandwich mom prepared for me and left with
Julia.
She took me on the shopping and forced me to buy one
black dress which was too revealing for my liking and
floral printed knee-length dress with baby pink cardigan.
Then we bought matching stilettos.
Our next stop was spa, we both got manicure and
pedicure. Julia told the girl to curl my hair into the
loose curls which looked nice on me.
When we came back home it was already five in the
evening. Julia made me sit on the chair in front of
mirror because she wants to do my makeup. I tried
sitting still but it wasn't possible for me. I wiggled in my
seat few times and made weird faces in mirror to annoy
her.
After Julia was done I told Noah that we are going out
on a dinner He literally jumped up and down and did the
happy dance on the way to my room.
I changed him into the white pants and white shirt,
paired with black coat and black shoes.
Julia entered in my room again while stuffing her mouth
with cupcakes that I baked yesterday.
She told me that I should change into my dress.
I pushed them out from the room and hurriedly got
change into the black dress that I bought today. The
zipper was hard to reach so I called Julia inside.
When she was done zipping it I glanced at myself in the
mirror.
The dress was fitting my body perfectly showing my all
curves and lots of skin. It looked elegant yet sexy.
When I was done admiring myself I turned around to
find Julia holding my stilettos in her hands dangling
them in the air.
I took them from her hands and wiggle my feet in them.
My black stilettos with golden straps were matching
perfectly with my outfit.
The simple gold loop earnings was adorning my ears
and my gold charm bracelet was dangling in my wrist.
Mom looked at me with the lovely smile and Julia
winked at me.
We heard the doorbell and went to the door. I saw a
black sleek car parked in front of the house and a man
dressed in a driver uniform.
He walked to me when he saw me standing at the door.
"Hello ma'am. This is for you". He handed me a bouquet
of red roses and a card. I opened the card and read it.
Hailey I'm sorry for not coming to pick you up but I am
sending my driver. I hope you forgive me and still come
to the dinner. I'll be waiting for you.
Chase .
I smiled after reading his note and bid goodbye to mom
and Julia. Taking Noah's hand in my mine I settled
inside the car. The driver took us to the restaurant
where Chase was waiting for us.
When I arrived at the restaurant I got out of the car
with Noah. I entered in the restaurant and my breath
caught in my throat.
The restaurant was extremely beautiful and decorated in
vintage style with expensive Chandeliers hanging on the
roof glistening the whole place in magical shimmer and
light.
The lady from the reception came to me and said
"Welcome Mrs. Edwards. Sir is waiting for you in the VIP
section on the rooftop. Please follow me".
I didn't correct her when she called me Mrs. Edwards
because I was so engrossed in staring at the beautiful
place.
____________________________________
Chase POV:
I was waiting anxiously for them to arrive at the
restaurant. Glancing at my wrist watch every two
seconds. I hope she will like the idea of dining in open
because I have arranged the dinner on the roof garden
of the restaurant.
I heard the sound of elevator and my head turned in the
direction where elevator is. I saw Noah coming out from
the elevator and running towards me. I picked him up in
my arms and placed a kiss on his cheeks.
Then I saw Hailey striding towards in black dress that
fits her body like a glove and showing her beautiful
curves. Her hair was styled in loose curls settled on the
left shoulder. The sway in her walk made head turns.
She was looking magnificent and I want nothing more
than to kiss her at that moment. But I controlled my
stupid urge before I do something to make her leave me
again.
"Hi". She said. Even her voice sounds sexy.
My eyes got stuck on her cute plum lips which were
moving, saying something but I wasn't hearing her.
I placed Noah down on his feet and took the step
forward.
"You're looking gorgeous, Hailey". I said.
"Thanks". She said and took the step back creating a
space between us.
Then she saw Noah touching the vase and plucking the
flowers so she ran to stop him.
I realized that I was falling in love with her more with
every second.
I dared and took Hailey's hand in my left hand while
picking up Noah in my right arm. I took them near
railing to show them the mesmerizing view of the city.
After enjoying the view for few minutes we decided to
sit and order dinner.
I pulled a chair for Hailey. I picked Noah and put him on
the chair then we ordered drinks.
The waitress served our drinks and left us after taking
our order for dinner.
"You said, you wanted to talk to me about something
important". Hailey said staring at me.
"Uh.... Yeah I have planned something for Christmas for
us". I said feeling little uneasy under her scrutinized
gaze.
"Okay and that's it?". She asked me while sipping her
drink through straw.
And literally I wished that I was a straw so I could
touch her beautiful kissable lips.
"Yeah..... My friend have a cabin near the mountains
and Noah was telling me yesterday that he wants this
Christmas to be best. We could go there for a day or
two and spend Christmas near the woods in the middle
of mountains with beautiful view if you don't mind". I
said hoping that she will agree.
"Oh... I thought you wanted to tell me about your
engagement". She said with confuse face.
"No. I'm not engaged! Clara was just joking she
mistaken you for someone else". I said refereeing to that
incident.
"Really?". She asked me while trying to look nonchalant
about the question but I saw the glint of jealousy in her
eyes.
"She's just my friend, Hailey. I have no fiance waiting
for me back. I haven't been with any girl in last three
years". I said.
She stared at me like I am some puzzle that she needs
to solve.
I just smiled at her. Our food arrived and we enjoyed it
in a peaceful atmosphere. Noah was making small jokes
with his curious questions and sharing his dreams with
me. Hailey was smiling at Noah and staring at me with
her lovely brown eyes.
After we were done eating we decided to leave as Noah
seemed tired and sleepy. I picked him in my arms for
the whole time in the elevator while he kept his head on
my shoulder.
When we came out of the restaurant, I found my driver
waiting for me. I took the keys from him and told him
that he can go.
I placed Noah in the back and buckled him in his car
seat. I opened the door for Hailey, and she slide inside
the passenger seat. After getting in the car I started
driving in the direction of her house.
The ride to her house was peaceful and silent. When we
arrived at her house the lights were out indicating that
her parents were asleep.
I turned around to see Noah sleeping soundly. Hailey
opened the door and stepped out of the car. I followed
her and opened the backseat door pulling Noah in my
arms.
Hailey searched for keys in her purse and when she
found them she reached out took Noah from my hands.
I said " I can help you to take him to his room".
She looked ready to protest but then nodded her head
and opened the door.
She took the stairs and I followed her. Hailey told me
that Noah sleeps with her in her room. When we
reached to her room I laid him on the bed and kissed his
forehead.
When I turned around and Hailey was removing her
earnings while staring at herself in the mirror. The urge
to kiss her senseless came back again.
I moved towards her and she turned giving me a
confused look.
Before I could think about the outcome of my actions I
put the hands on her waist and pulled her closer.
Her breath hitched and she lifted her eyes to look at
me.
My head leaned lower towards her lips slowly to give
her time to push me away.
When she didn't push me away I planted my lips on her
soft buds. She tasted same like strawberries as I
remember.
At that moment I wouldn't complain if death comes and
take my life away.
Suddenly I felt the push and moved back.
"Chase what the hell are you doing?". She said looking
angry.
"I am sorry. I am leaving". I said turning around hiding
the pain in my heart.
"Isn't it what you have always done? It's just so easy
for you to leave or make people leave you?". She said
bitterly.
I didn't say anything to her letting her continue. I turned
back to her and saw her smiling bitterly.
"I'm not your wife anymore. You can't just walk in my
life and kiss me like nothing happened. I'm not a sixteen
years old silly girl who'll let you break her heart and
soul again. Do not try something like this again. I'm
giving you a chance to be with your son, Chase. But it
doesn't mean I'm giving you a chance to be with me
again. Keep that in mind". She said.
Her words were filled with so much hatred that I found
myself gasping as the walls in my mind started to
darken.
Her cries, her pleading eyes, her split lip because of my
mom slapped her and everything that happened in our
past started to dance around my brain.
She slashed my heart and soul with the way she was
looking at me like I'm the reason for destroying
everything.
Maybe I am?
I knew this will happen if I divorce her and she will
always hate me. But I did what I thought was right to
protect her and my son.
Maybe It was wrong thing to do and now it's too late
to correct it.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just.... It has
been three years and seeing you again today.....". I
tried. I really tried to explain her when she interrupted
me.
"I don't want to hear it, Chase! It has been three years
and it too late you should leave". She said looking at
me with anger.
After hearing her asking me to leave I didn't feel that
there was anything left to say so I left. Because that's
what I am pretty good at.
My brain was messing with me again. I was not driving
a car instead I was standing at the altar waiting for
Hailey to show up then I was suddenly in the party
where Hailey was dancing and next I was watching
Hailey with Noah in her arms, on airport leaving me.
The light flashed on my eyes and I took the turn on my
left saving the car that was coming from the right.
My car crashed on the tree making my head banged
against the side of the window.
The pain exploded in my head blinding me momentarily.
Then I opened my eyes and called James my driver and
told him to come him where I was.
I leaned my head on the steering wheel and the tears
brimmed in my eyes.
She hates me.
I lost my chance with her.
She will never forgive me and accept me again.
I should leave that's what I do best.
With those thoughts swirling around my head I lost my
consciousness.
_____________________________________
Chapter thirty
Hailey POV:
I woke up next morning with the stiff muscles. I
stretched my arms in the air and moved my neck left
and right to relax my muscles. Then I notice the culprit
of my discomfort, the couch on which I must have fallen
asleep last night.
Last night I wasn't able to sleep so I got up from the
bed and slumped down on the couch with my favorite
book in my hand. The kiss Chase and I have shared last
night made me so restless repeating in my head over
and over again.
I don't know why I reacted that way and said harsh
things to him. I saw the sadness on his face last night
and pain like I was breaking something inside him. Now
the guilt has been eating me alive for being insensitive
and rude to him.
Instead of using crude words I should have told him not
to kiss me again calmly.
I might have hurt him with my cruel words and actions.
I should apologize to him.
I was thinking how to apologize when Noah came
running to me saying in his baby voice "Mommy c'mon
get up. I'm hungry and don't you remember we need to
go park today".
I glanced at Noah with confuse face and asked
him"Noah why do we need to go park today, kindly tell
me ? ".
"Ugh mommy today is Saturday and I meet with Sammy
every Saturday in park". He said like he's the most
intelligent person in this world.
After hearing him the first thought came to my mind
was Sh*t I forgot about Sammy. Well after the last
night incident I think I'm allowed to forget few things.
"Noah listen baby. First you need to go and brush your
teeth. Then like a good boy go to your grandma she'll
make you breakfast". I told him so I could conform if
Ethan is coming with his nephew Sammy to play in the
park or not.
I dialed Ethan's number, after three rings he finally
picked. "Hi. Ethan I want to know if you are coming to
park with Sammy today?". I said as quickly as possible
because inside I know he can't say no to coming park.
He sighed and said "Yes. We're coming, see you there".
And ended the call.
Rude Much!
I got up and took the quick shower, okay I accept I took
half hour in shower. But it's quick if you consider it from
my point of view because my long shower consist of two
hours so half hour is considerably quick.
After shower, I wiggle my legs in the black high waist
jeans pairing it with my white crop top and black knit
cardigan. Grabbing my long black boots, I went
downstairs where I found Noah stuffing his mouth with
his favorite sandwiches.
I looked at my mother and father's smiley faces and
gave them kiss on both cheeks greeting with Good
Morning. I also started stuffing my mouth with
sandwiches, well they're not only Noah's favorite mine
too.
Melanie and dad rolled their eyes at me and Noah while
smiling.
After the breakfast, I helped Noah in lacing his shoes
and making him wear jacket at which he protested but I
gave him my angriest glare. He huffed and let me
buttoned his jacket and lastly I placed his cute Beanie
on his head which him look cuter. The weather is really
chilly so I'm taking precautions, don't want my son to
get pneumonia.
We walked to the park because it's two blocks away
from my house. Noah was running while I have my
earphones inserted in my ears listening songs. The
weather is lot more chilly today.
After 10 minutes of walk we entered in the park and I
have already seen Ethan's car parked outside. When
Noah found Sammy playing with fuzzy he ran to them
while I followed him in normal pace.
When fuzzy saw me coming he started barking happily
wiggling his tail. I pat him lightly on the back, rubbing
his ear and after that he ran away to Noah and Sammy.
I saw Ethan staring at me so I said "Hi." And he didn't
replied.
"Ethan please let me explain. I know you're angry but
you have to hear me out". I said more like begged. I still
don't have many friends and I don't want loose I have,
just because of some misunderstandings.
He gave me the bore glance then set on the bench
where we have a full view of kids and fuzzy playing. I
know it's his way of giving me a chance to explain.
So I started telling him my story
"Melanie used to treat me badly always discouraged me,
making snide remarks on my appearance. Emily hated
me for all I remember she never treated me like a
sister".
After hearing about Melanie he looked confused because
she has changed completely in past three years like
reborn person.
"My grandfather promised his friend that someday he'll
marry his granddaughter to his grandson. And his friend
was dying and claimed that promise. When Emily heard
about that she tried running away. And That same night
Melanie told me that she's not my real mother and my
mother died giving birth to me. I was the living proof of
my father's affair. But Melanie took care of me all my
childhood and forgive my father. When she asked me to
get marry instead of Emily and I said yes ". Now Ethan
looked furious so I put my hand on his in a calming
gesture.
"Because I was devastated after hearing the truth that
night. I wanted to getaway from that house and the
life". I told him while own eyes getting little blurry from
the tears I have been controlling from the memories.
"And I married Chase. During the time we stayed
married I fell in love with him". Ethan hand fisted under
mine and I shrugged it as a gesture and continued with
my explanation.
"But we were not happy together. After Noah's birth
Chase divorced me and I came back to Oakland to my
family and started a new life. Melaine was sad during
that time because Emily has run away again to make
her career in a modeling. Melanie was devastated but
she welcomed me and Noah with open arms. Forgetting
all the bad memories she become the best Grandma for
Noah and a mother for me that I have always wished
her to be". He sighed after hearing that.
"Julia knew about Noah and she told me that it's best
for my college years if this whole story stays hidden.
Because you know how Brittney wants to ruin me. I
didn't know that Chase will bring Noah to college that
day". When I ended my explanation Ethan looked ready
to murder someone which confused the hell out of me.
"Ethan say something ". He looked at me relaxed and
then hugged me. His hug just feels like Cameron,
relaxing and warm. Oh God I missed Cameron my best
friend and my brother.
Then he pulled away looking at me in my eyes, he said
"Hailey I also lied to you about something."
Now it's my turn to look confuse.
"When..we were playing truth and dare and Julia asked
me that if I love someone. I....uh said that I love you".
When he said that I remembered that night when we
played truth and dare. Just to chill after the long
combine study session we played that game. But I don't
get it why he's bringing it up now.
"What it has to do with our conversation?". I asked him.
"I didn't lied that night. I have been in love with you
from the day I saw you entering in the college in your
cute outfit, smiling at whatever Vanessa was saying. I
wanted to tell but I always stopped myself because I
thought you weren't ready. And you never took my
flirting with you serious. And I said I love I said it from
my heart not as a joke".
__________________________________
Chase POV:
I woke up and realized I was on the bed. Opening my
eyes I looked around to see I was back in my hotel
room.
I remembered what Hailey said to me last night and on
the way back to hotel I lost the control of my car and it
crashed on the tree.
I shouldn't have kissed her because I have lost that
right long time ago. And by kissing her last night I
might've ruined any chance for the future.
My eyes landed on James sleeping on one of the couch.
"James wake up?". I said.
He opened his eyes and stared at me "Sir, are you
alright?".
"Yeah, I am fine". I replied feeling the headache.
"How did I come back to hotel?". I asked him.
"I bring you back to hotel last night when you lost your
consciousness". He replied.
"Why did you sleep here? You could have gone to your
and slept comfortably". I said.
"Sir I didn't leave because I thought you might need
something". James said.
"Oh c'mon James you know how tough I am". I said
jokingly.
"But sir, you should take care of yourself more". He said
and my smile vanished.
James has no idea what a horrible person I am and how
better it would be for everyone if I'll just leave.
I told James to go to his room then I decided to go to
Hailey's place and
apologize to her again about last night . And to make
sure she won't band me from entering in her and my
son's life. I don't think I can endure her hate anymore.
I should take her out on breakfast and apologize. It will
give me chance to spend more time with her.
With those thoughts I got up from the bed doing all the
routine work then got changed into some jeans and
denim color button up shirt. I pulled my black leather
jacket from my closet and picked my car keys making
my way out.
I started the car with the thought of going to Hailey's
place and taking her and Noah out on breakfast. I hope
I'm not late or otherwise my plan will go down the drain
and chance of spending time with my two most favorite
people.
But when I arrived her house and conjuring up some
courage to get out the car I saw Noah running out from
the door and Hailey following him.
I was confused and thought they must be going
somewhere for breakfast so I followed them. They went
inside the park so I thought I should go to and play like
I was just walking here.
But when I went inside I saw Hailey sitting with some
guy and that made me hell of jealous. Then thought
came to my mind I think I saw him somewhere. So I
moved little closer and heard her begging him to let her
explain so I hid behind the tree and started
eavesdropping.
She told him everything about her life, skipping the part
how badly I treated her. But what that Ethan guy said
made me angry, hurt and weird kind of pain start
developing in my heart.
So I left the park getting in my car with one thought
rejection and jealous hurts like a bitch.
___________________________________
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