Chapter 013

Aiden's POV I stepped into the house, guilt washing over me like a cold wave. Hailey wasn't in the living room; she must have retreated to her bedroom. I trudged up the stairs, my feet heavy with regret. As I passed the hallway leading to my room, the sound of muffled sobs drifted from Hailey's room, piercing my chest like a sharp blade. What have I done? I thought, wincing at the pain I'd caused. My hand hesitated on the door handle, torn between apologizing and giving her space. I couldn't bear the thought of her crying, and knowing I was the reason hurt me deeply. As I stood there, my mind flashed back to our argument. What if she still demands to know who the stranger was? I wasn't ready to reveal the truth yet, not until I'd done some digging. Maybe it's best to let her be for now, I thought, reluctantly releasing the door handle and retreating to my room. I collapsed onto my bed, the softness enveloping me like a warm hug. The temptation to surrender to sleep was strong, but I had work to do. With a sigh, I pushed myself up and headed to the bathroom for a rejuvenating warm bath in the jacuzzi. The relaxing soak helped clear my mind, and I emerged feeling more focused. I spent the rest of the evening working in my home office, losing track of time. Before I knew it, evening had fallen, and one of my maids announced that dinner was ready. My stomach growled in agreement, and I made my way to the dining room. Hailey wasn't there, so I ate quickly and asked the maid to prepare a tray for Hailey. I'd take it to her myself. As I approached Hailey's bedroom, I felt a pang of guilt. I knocked softly, but there was no response. I slowly opened the door and found her fast asleep, her face still etched with the lines of tears. My heart twisted, knowing she'd cried herself to sleep. I smiled softly as I gazed at her peaceful form, her pink lips and blonde hair a captivating sight. I gently adjusted the strand of hair covering her eyes and placed the tray of food on the bedside table. As I leaned in to kiss her forehead, her eyes flickered open, and I flinched, startled. Hailey's eyes snapped open, and she jolted upright, startled by my presence. The air was thick with awkwardness as our gazes met. "Food," I said, my voice shaky, "I brought you food." Her eyes darted to the tray on the bedside table, and she exhaled a sigh of relief. Her hunger seemed to take over, and she dug into the food with abandon. "Slow down, or you'll choke," I cautioned, trying to calm her down. But she didn't listen, so I gently took the tray from her. "I know you're eating for two, but could you please slow down? The little one inside you might need some space to catch their breath too." I said with a hint of humor. Hailey's expression darkened, and she glared at me. "Do you think bringing me food will make me forgive you for yelling at me? Please, Aiden, I don't have the strength for this right now. Just hand me the food." Her voice was stern, and I felt a pang of regret. I pleaded, "At least, allow me to feed you." But she turned her gaze away, and I sighed, feeling defeated. I sat on the bed with the tray on my lap. "Hailey, I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to lash out at you earlier. I was furious about what happened at my parents' house and the ice cream shop, and it got the best of me." Hailey's gaze slowly returned to mine, her Caribbean blue eyes piercing. "You still haven't told me what the stranger said. Only then will I forgive you." Her voice was firm, and I knew I had to tread carefully. I attempted to downplay the stranger's significance. "Like I said, Hailey, it's not important. He's probably a madman, like you suggested." Hailey raised an eyebrow. "I know, right? But he looked well-dressed to be a madman." She added, her eyes narrowing slightly. I countered, "Hailey, not only people with tattered clothes are mad; some well-dressed people can be mentally ill too." Hailey's brow furrowed in agreement, but I could sense her skepticism. "I'm truly sorry for what happened back there, Hailey. I'd do anything for your forgiveness," I added, my voice sincere. Hailey's expression transformed, a cunning smirk spreading across her face. "Anything?" she asked, her voice low and husky. I nodded, my heart racing slightly. "Yes... anything." Hailey's gaze remained fixed on mine, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I wondered what she was thinking. I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to see someone lurking behind me, but we were alone. "Hailey?" I asked, confusion etched on my face. "What's going on?" The smirk on her face grew wider, her eyes sparkling with amusement. I was intrigued, and a little intimidated, by the sudden change in her demeanor. I felt a surge of curiosity, mixed with a hint of trepidation. What did Hailey have planned? And what would be the cost of my forgiveness? As I sat there, frozen in anticipation, Hailey's expression softened. She reached out and touched my hand, her fingers sending a jolt of electricity through my body. "Aiden," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want you to tell me the truth. What did the stranger say to you?" I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. But Hailey's eyes held a deep intensity, a sense of longing that I couldn't ignore. "I'll tell you," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. "But you have to promise me one thing." Hailey's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "What's that?" she asked. I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "You have to promise me that you'll listen to everything I have to say, without interrupting or getting angry." Hailey's expression softened, and she nodded slowly. "I promise," she said. "I'll listen." I felt a surge of relief, mixed with a hint of trepidation. What would Hailey's reaction be when she heard the truth? And what would be the consequences of my revelation?