ONE NIGHT WITH THE CEO

Chapter 2: The Day After

Hailey’s POV:

I tried to get some sleep, I really did try. I looked towards the clock and it was already 5:30am.

I could feel my heavy eyes as I moved but I started on my children's lunch and went to Jack’s room to wake him, he usually left earlier than Sophia.

I knocked on his door.

“I’m awake mum.” His voice was raspy but loud, typical Jack.

“Oh good. I expect you down in 10” I replied.

“Mum, where’s Dad?” Sophia asked as I dried off her body while getting her ready.

I hated lying to my children but I wasn’t ready to tell them the truth. They probably wouldn’t understand anyway.

“He had some work to do so he left earlier.” I lied, if I didn’t, she won’t stop asking.

Jack went with the school bus and I drove Sophia myself. I got back home and the house was silent. I knew I had to talk to someone. I didn't feel good so I called Belly. Belly was my literal confidant and if anyone would know this first, it'll be her.

“Belly”. I said as the call went through.

“Are you free right now?”

“Uhmm I have some work to do but I can get back to it later”

“I need to talk to you.” I tried to not breakdown, at least not so quickly.

“Go on, I’m listening.”

“It’s Raymond.”

“What about him?”

“He…” I burst out crying, I couldn't hold it in.

“Hailey? Is everything okay?” She sounded worried.

“I found out he was cheating.” I managed to let it out.

“What? That bastard cheated on you?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m not okay Belly, I’m not.” I wailed.

“I’m on my way, please don’t do anything.” She said and hung up the call.

Knowing Belly, she never played about me, despite the fact that she was younger, she always showed up for me, countless times. She also didn’t stay too far so she was with me in a few minutes.

When I saw her, the little strength I held on to disappeared, I didn’t have to pretend with Belly. As she walked in, she came straight to give me a hug.

“Aw Hailey, I’m so sorry."

I didn’t speak, I just kept crying.

I tightened myself around her and she didn’t let me go either. She just comforted me.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Belly said, still in her embrace. Of course I wanted to talk about it.

I finally released myself from her but she still held my hands.

“He cheated." I never imagined myself saying that, not in a million years.

“How did you find out?”

“There were signs but I didn’t notice them early enough."

"That's not your fault."

“Did you confront him yet?”

“Yes, and he didn’t deny it.”

“Oh when I catch you Raymond.”

She seemed furious, no one messed with me when I had Belly, well except Raymond.

“And did he apologize?”

“He did, but it didn’t feel like he was sorry for cheating. It just felt like he was sorry I found out.”

“So what’s next? Have you thought of that."

“Not exactly, I didn’t have a conversation with him on what to do next but I know I’m not staying.”

“I wouldn’t advise you to”

“Is it okay if the kids stay with me while you figure this?” she asked.

“Yeah I think that’d just be best.”

She gave me a hug again and before she left, she made sure I had something to eat and slept too. I opened my eyes to still see her by my side.

“You said you had work to do”

“Yes, but you need me. I can always get back to it.”

She left after a few hours and promised to pick up the kids from school. I was home alone again and my mind wandered. I had almost nothing to fall back on as I stopped working years ago.

Whatever decision I make after now and how I choose to handle this situation is essential for myself and my children. I had to be careful and strong at the same time. I didn’t know how I would get through this but I knew I would if I stayed strong.

I thought about it for long and decided I was going to speak to Raymond first. I picked up my phone.

There were so many unread messages and missed calls from Raymond.

“We need to talk.” I texted.

My phone vibrated almost immediately.

“When and where?”

“Anytime before the day ends, at the house.”

After sending the message, I locked my phone and placed it on the couch. I leaned back and just laid there for a while and looked around the house.

I remember how excited we were when we got the keys. We spent so long furnishing the house because we wanted it to feel like home for us. I honestly didn’t know what it felt like again.

Belly had called to let me know the kids are with her and Raymond came in that evening.

He still had the key so he let himself in.

“Good evening, how are you?” He asked like he cared.

“How am I?, really?”

“I’m sorry Hailey, I really am.”

“Look Raymond, I didn’t call you here to listen to you apologize. I just need to know what’s next.” There was no need to deviate from the purpose of being here.

We both sat in the living room.

“What did you say her name was again?” I asked like I didn’t remember the name of the woman that literally ruined my marriage.

“Vanessa”

“Who’s she?”

“You don’t know her. We worked together before we met.”

“Oh”

“Does she know you’re married with children?”

“Yes, she does.”

“Oh that makes this more interesting, don’t you think?”

“Raymond, did you ever think about my feelings when you were doing this?”

He didn’t respond.

“You know what? Me aside, did you think of your children?”

“Did you think about their lives and how this would greatly affect their lives?”

“I genuinely didn’t think it would go this far Hailey, I tried to stop it.”

“Do you still love me?” I asked shakily.

“I care about you. I would always care about you but..”

“But what Raymond?”

“I’m not in love with you anymore.”

That stung me and I went silent like a child that had just been shut up.

“Well since you don’t love me anymore, there’s nothing left to fight for.”

He nodded.

I removed my ring and handed it to him.

“I think we should get a divorce.”