Chapter 324 Hide now, and you might never resurface
Chapter 324 Hide now, and you might never resurface
Off in the distance, two black sedans were driving away, growing smaller until they blended into the wintry landscape.
"Miss, those two cars belong to Mr. Tang," the housekeeper said, following Hayden, who watched the vehicles intently until they faded away. The housekeeper couldn't help but speak out.
Hayden's mouth opened, but she found herself voiceless; she nodded in acknowledgment.
The housekeeper felt sorry for Hayden when she saw how she looked. Realizing Hayden wanted to be alone, the housekeeper bowed and left quietly.
Once the cars had vanished, Hayden stood there for an immeasurable time before finally withdrawing her gaze. She caressed her belly, finding her voice again to speak to her unborn children, "I'm so sorry. I'm afraid that Dad won't be happy to see you, that he might not want you to stay."
William had been harsh, going so far as to recommend an abortion before.
He was genuinely scared, scared that he had come to force her into terminating the pregnancy.
Because she had heard that he and Michelle were going to announce their engagement soon.
She let out a laugh mixed with a sense of giving up as tears started rolling down her cheeks unexpectedly.
"William, I wish you happiness in your engagement."
The moment was interrupted by Hayden's phone buzzing on the table behind her.
The phone had been brought and set there by the housekeeper just before.
Believing it might be a work call, she hurriedly wiped her tears, regained her composure, and reached for her cell phone.
Surprisingly, it was Teresa calling. Hayden took a deep breath, calmed her emotions again, and answered the call.
"Hayden, how have you and the little ones been these past few days?" Teresa's voice came through, filled with concern.
Hayden had been wrapped up in work and her issues with William lately, neglecting to keep up with the local news. Oblivious to Teresa's injury and hospitalization, Hayden didn't sense anything wrong in her voice. Without any suspicion, she responded with a forced smile, as she usually would, "Don't worry. With so many housekeepers and specialist doctors and nurses all keeping an eye on me, how could the babies and I be anything but okay?"
"That's good to hear. You have no idea how much my parents and I want to see you. I really miss my niece and nephew!" Teresa chuckled on the other end of the line, her tone betraying no hint of weakness.
"The kids aren't even born yet. What's there to see?" Hayden caressed her swollen belly and looked down at her unborn children, and a tender, radiant smile once again filled her beautiful features.
The recent disturbance was just a small setback. She had already come to terms with her decision and was ready for whatever came next. The children were hers; they would bear her name, and she would care for them. William had no role in this.
Moreover, with Teresa and the Bennett parents firmly in her corner, Hayden felt genuinely content.
"I just want to see them! Hayden, when are you coming back?" Teresa's voice turned whiny. "If coming back to the Capital is inconvenient, then come stay in River North. I promise you won’t be bothered by anyone you don’t want to see there."
"Including your brother?" Hayden suddenly threw back, the recent event flashing before her eyes.
"Hayden, actually, there's something else I wanted to discuss. My brother went out of state a few days ago and hasn't been in touch since. He's not even contacting the family, and I think he might be looking for you," Teresa's voice faded, her tone reflecting guilt on behalf of William, who she felt had wronged Hayden.
"Yeah, he did come to see me," Hayden admitted candidly.
"How's it going? Have you two met up?" As Teresa lay on her hospital bed, excitement poured through the phone. Gabriel, sitting on the couch next to her, observed her guilt-ridden expression transform into eager anticipation. This stirred an impulse within him to grab the phone from her and confront Hayden on the other end.
Both William and Hayden were getting older, their ages adding up to 60, yet they were still caught up in tormenting each other and involving Teresa in their problems. It left Teresa feeling tangled up with worry over their mess!
"No," Hayden replied with disarming honesty.
The once buoyant Teresa deflated instantly, her face drooping, "Hayden, are you still holding a grudge against my brother? Can't you two sit down, calmly discuss things, and clear up any misunderstandings?"
Teresa was convinced there was some colossal misunderstanding wedged between Hayden and William; otherwise, why couldn't these two people, clearly in love, accept one another?
"Sit down and talk? How?" Hayden uttered with a wry laugh, looking down, "Your brother's about to get engaged to Michelle. He won't accept me, let alone the child."
"That's not true, Hayden." Teresa's heart ached at his forlorn words. "You don't understand, Hayden. My brother still cares deeply for you. You missed the way he reacted when I showed him your picture – his eyes welled up. He's looking for you, no doubt, to bring you and the child back."
Gabriel couldn't take it anymore. He left the documents he was looking over on the couch and approached Teresa's bedside, resisting the urge to snatch the phone away, his dark eyes focused intently on her.
Teresa was speechless as she met his disapproving stare.
"How can you be so sure of his feelings? You're not him," Hayden argued back before lapsing into self-mockery, "I know I've done some terrible things in the past; your brother can't forgive me."
"Hayden, the one in my brother's heart is you, no question about it. He's never loved Michelle. Please come back, clear up the misunderstandings, or at least tell me where you are so I can send my brother to find you." Teresa pleaded.
