CHAPTER 7 matchmaking
1438 Words
Feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, Hailey left Alexander's office, her mind racing with conflicting emotions and thoughts. She knew she had stood her ground, but the weight of the situation weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Hailey had a sleepless night, feeling utterly bewildered. The decision she faced was daunting, if she declined Alexander's offer, she risked losing both her job and her grandmother's crucial hospital treatment, which was fully funded. Without her job, she is worried about how she could provide for her grandmother. On the other hand, accepting Alexander's proposal and keeping her job seemed like a reasonable option. However, the thought of Alexander believing he had won was gnawing at her.
..............
Hailey was anxious as she made her way into the Miller enterprise. She made up her mind to visit her father today. The weight of guilt had been pressing on her ever since her stepmother revealed that her sister had attempted suicide. Plus, she hadn't had the opportunity to talk to her father since the engagement party.
"Hey there, do you know where I can find my dad?" Hailey asked one of the workers.
"He's in his office, ma'am," he replied.
"Great, thanks!" she expressed her gratitude and made her way towards her father's office.
"Good morning, Dad," Hailey greeted as she walked into her father's office.
Mr. Miller looked up abruptly upon hearing her voice. They hadn't spoken since the party. Initially, he was angry at how she had embarrassed him in front of his guests. However, his wife had informed him that Hailey didn't show any remorse after learning about Lilly's situation, which hurt him even more.
"What are you doing here, Hailey? Aren't you tired of causing so much pain to this family?" he questioned, his tone filled with frustration.
"Dad, I'm truly sorry about what happened to Lilly. I never intended for things to escalate this far," Hailey replied, showing genuine concern. She knew her stepmother might have filled him in on what transpired between them at the hospital and she didn't even want to tell him that his wife attacked her. She simply wanted her father to understand that she was sincerely sorry and that she never wished harm upon anyone.
"If you had just listened to me, none of this would have happened! You took matters into your own hands, and look where it's gotten us!" Mr. Miller yelled in anger. "My company is crumbling, investors are pulling out, the Greens are after me, and your sister is fighting for her life in the hospital, Hailey I am tired and I have no one to turn to and it's all your fault"
Things had taken a turn for the worse for Mr Miller since the incident that played out at the engagement party. The Greens had been sending him threatening messages, accusing him of using his daughter to tarnish their reputation, and his doctor had advised him to take a break from work, due to stress.
"If I had listened to you, I would be married to a monster! Doesn't that count for something?" Hailey retorted, her voice filled with exhaustion. It felt like a war was raging, and she was stuck in the middle of the battlefield.
"Hailey, I'm tired of your nonsense. I'm cutting you off until you realize the damage you've caused," Mr. Miller threatened.
"What? Why are you treating me like this? I'm your daughter! Do you hate me now?" Hailey asked, tears streaming down her face.
"I tried, Hailey. I gave you the best education and a good life. I tried my best to be a good father to you, but you were never a good daughter. You just went cold on me after your mother died, I don't just understand" Mr. Miller said, his voice tinged with sadness. "I don't hate you. I could never hate you, but I want you to realize that sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the good of everyone," he continued, his tone filled with sadness.
Hailey stood there, stunned. A sense of emptiness washed over her, as if a part of her had gone missing. The relationship between her and her father had always been rocky, but she never expected it to end like this. It made her realize that she was on her own now, with no job and a sick grandma to take care of. However, she knew that just one phone call could change everything.
...............
"Good day Sir, I am sorry to bother you but the lady from yesterday is back again," Alexander's personal assistant said.
"Let her in" Alexander responded. He was surprised Hailey came back so soon, wondering what made her change her mind so fast or if she was here to make another scene.
"Ok sir," he said and left immediately
"I am going to take up your offer but I also have some conditions," Hailey said as soon as she walked inside his office. She has decided to accept Alexander's offer but on her terms and conditions.
"Don't you know how to greet at least" Alexander teased with a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"Well, I don't know you fancy greetings, but don't worry next time I'll come prepared with an opening speech," Hailey replied sarcastically.
"You're lucky I have some time to spare. So, go on, what are your conditions? Normally, I don't do business this way, but I'm willing to make an exception," Alexander said eagerly, waiting to hear what she had come up with.
"Oh wow, I am so lucky" Hailey responded sarcastically." I am going to drop my other patients except one, my grandmother, she is my number responsible, plus her case doesn't require much attention so it won't be a problem" Hailey replied.
"Fine, as long as you pay special attention to grandfather. Do we have a deal?" Alexander said stretching his hands for a handshake.
"And who says I'm done?" Hailey said, casually tucking her hair behind her ear and completely ignoring Alexander's hand. "You're not going to be around during the treatment process unless I permit it," Hailey stated firmly.
"That's ridiculous! Why can't I be around?" he asked, his fury evident in his tone. He knows that there is no reason why he shouldn't be around during the treatment, she is just trying to get back at him.
"Because, Alexander Walker, I don't like you. And I don't enjoy having people I don't like around when I'm on duty. Someone else can be there, just not you. I hope that's clear enough," Hailey replied, her tone laced with a hint of annoyance.
"Alright, fine. I don't want to be around you either. We have a deal," Alexander said, reluctantly accepting her conditions. Despite not liking some of them, he had no choice but to agree, considering his grandfather's worsening condition.
"You're welcome," Hailey said, a smile playing on her face and a sense of satisfaction evident in her eyes. It seemed like she had finally gained the upper hand.
..........
"I was coming back from my daily walk routine, so I decided to check up on you because I haven't been seeing you around," Mrs. Parker said to Mr Walker who was lying on the hospital bed.
"Thank you, Mrs Parker, the doctor said my condition has gotten worse so I had to limit anything that is going to stress me" Mr Walker replied. The doctor had told him earlier about his condition and how there is a high risk of complications if he undergoes surgery.
"That's so sad to hear, I hope you get better soon," Mrs. Parker said with genuine concern written all over her face.
"My grandson assured me not to worry. He found the best doctor for my case," Mr. Walker said. Alexander had told him earlier about the non-surgical option and that he had found him a good doctor specially for his treatment.
"Oh, wow! That's great news. You know, my granddaughter specializes in taking care of older people too. But she's quite busy, otherwise, I would have asked her to take up your case," Mrs. Parker said, a hint of pride in her voice.
"Our grandkids are doing so well in their respective fields," Mr Walker said, beaming with pride. "I think I have an idea!" His eyes widened as if he had just realized something.
"What could that be, Mr. Walker?" Mrs. Parker asked, curiosity piqued.
"Why don't we play matchmaker and set up our grandkids since they're both single?" Mr. Walker suggested, a happy expression on his face as if he had just solved a puzzle.
- Writer
