Hailey’s POV
OUTSIDE THE FERNANDRO MANSION
I breathed out the air I had been holding in. There were no tears coming out, but I was hurt, and no words could explain that.
I picked out my phone and called my grandfather’s number as I told him to send his driver over to me, telling him the address.
After I dropped the phone, I walked over to the bench not far from me, my eyes drowsy with tears. I realized how stupid I was for so many years, loving the wrong person.
Was there really something called true love? I had always expected to live a normal and simple life and be with the man I love, watching him cherish me and love me back.
Turns out all this was just my dream. What a fool I was!
Just then, a BMW car stopped in front of me, the driver coming out to open the back door. I rolled my eyes seeing my older brother.
Brandon comes out.
I immediately rushed to hug him without caring about anything. "I just want to cry on his shoulders. ‘’What have they done to you?”
He patted my back gently.
I sniffed. I was not able to say anything and just continued crying. After some minutes, I stopped, and he escorted me back inside the car, handing me the bottled water there.
“I thought I knew him and thought if I helped him become the best then he'd still stay even without knowing my identity. Who could have thought he was just faking it?” I said, taking a sip from the bottled water.
“Some guys are like that; you don’t have to beat yourself too hard. "I promise they’ll pay for bullying you.” He assured me, which made me break into a smile.
“Oh! Right, brother, don’t cancel the cooperation yet. I want to be the one to do that myself. I gave it to him, and I’ll be tearing it apart in front of him,” I said, my eyes cleared from any tears.
“As you wish little sis.” He poked my nose gently. The ride back to the mansion was silent, and I had no idea when I slept off.
*****
“Sis, little sis.” I heard my brother’s voice from afar. I yawned, slowly standing up. I realized we were already at the mansion.
I stepped out of the car and stared for a while, looking at the massive wealth I had abandoned three years ago. Oh! Hailey, how stupid are you?
“The ride took a while,” I whispered to my brother. He laughed at me, and we both walked into the mansion.
As I walked inside, I saw my grandfather sitting on the couch while my mother walked around the sitting room anxiously.
I could tell they were both waiting for me, after refusing to see them for three years, because I didn’t want Tyler to suspect me or have any clue about my identity.
I smiled and walked towards them, “Mom.” “Grandfather.” I called out running to mom. She hugged me tightly.
Sweet mother. How much I’ve longed for her love and warm hugs. I disengaged the hug and went to grandfather, slowly bending down to his level.
“Grandfather, I’m sorry.” I said softly, my eyes feeling teary. He slowly hugged me, patting my back.
“You are still my sweet granddaughter, no one is above mistake,” he said, cleaning my tears with his thumb.
“A stupid mistake.” I chuckled. Everyone else in the room laughed along at my little joke. My face brightened up seeing my family in smiles.
“Brother, what about father?” I asked him. Just then I heard his voice behind me.
“I heard a prodigal daughter return home after being dumped by a scumbag,” he said. I turned back and saw him all smiles.
Everyone broke into laughter, including me. But I couldn’t stop the tears that followed. “This isn’t time for jokes, dad.” I said playfully as I hugged him.
“Welcome home daughter.”
I disengaged from the hug, and he gently pecked my forehead, alarming mom. “Tell her to look for her own husband and stop flirting with my hubby here.” She rolled her eyes like a baby.
The both of them started flirting, which made my grandfather and I, including my brother, excuse them. That was how they always acted.
Flirts, go on vacations and shopping sprees together.
That was why the company was handed over to my brother and me at an early age, because both of them were not interested in the company.
“Oh! Right, before I forget brother. Tyler wanted to frame me for a crime. I think it’s something related to Lillian. Can you check it out for me please?” I request.
“Of course, little sis. I’ll leave you and grandfather to talk. "You have a lot to catch up on.” He said, “Don’t anger him, his heart isn’t that strong anymore.” He whispered into my ears.
I nodded my head slowly and watched him leave. There was silence between us at first and it was a little bit uncomfortable.
“Will you now take up the family business?” He finally broke the silence. I had no intention of taking the business coming back home, as my brother was already doing a good job managing it.
“Grandfather, I have my own company now. Both abroad and home. It’s the top designer company producing the best products, and you also know it.”
“Let brother just continue managing the family business. He’s the best candidate for it,” I gently said, trying not to anger him.
“You are a lot more like your mother. And I’m always amazed at how you both picked your genes.” He laughed softly. “Your brother is enthusiastic and kind, soft at the same time making him the best chairman and the best replica of your father.” He completed.
“We could never be wrong.” The communication was going smoothly, and we both had an agreement after a long talk.
“There’s one more thing you need to do,” he finally said. I knew he'd bring it back up because it was the main reason I left home.
“The engagement you rejected 3 years ago is still available. Kingsley wouldn’t reject it no matter how much I tried to make him understand. I guess he had foreseen this,” He said.
I breathed in, thinking long. It wouldn’t be bad to have another strong alliance, but judging by the fact that I had just left a not-so-lovable marriage, I don’t think I’m ready to rush into another.
“Grandfather, I’ll decide once I meet him,” I said. If he’s truly someone worthy of being my partner, then so be it.
“A blind dinner date has already been set up for both of you at the 5star restaurant. He’ll be waiting for you at 6pm.” I nodded and walked out.
I went upstairs into my room; it was still ever sparkly and neat. I went to shower inside the bathroom and went back out after finishing up.
I saw the black short dinner gown on my bed with black heels. I guess mom could have delivered it for me to dress up for the date.
I changed into my clothes and wore my heels, proceeding to go out after taking my purse. Grandfather was the only one in the living room when I got there.
“Grandfather.” He looked back as I called him, staring at him, and a smile appeared on his face.
“How do I look?” I asked him, turning around. I faced him and sat beside him.
“You look beautiful always.” I pecked him on his cheek after hearing his review and headed out.
“Thanks grandpa.” I waved a bye, walking towards the car. The driver helped me to open the door, and I entered.
He entered the driver's seat and started the car.
*****
The car stopped in front of the giant five-star restaurant. I stepped down and adjusted my gown, holding my purse in my right hand as I walked inside the restaurant elegantly.
A waiter came to meet me asking for my stay. “I’m here for Kingsley Geralt,” I said politely. She bowed, guiding me to where he was.
He signaled to her to leave while it was just the two of us left. His back was facing me, but I felt he looked familiar to me.
Just then he turned around. Kingsley was smart, tall, and confident. And the way his face spoke, even without him talking, it gave out domineering.
“It’s been a while, Hailey Norway.”