Hailey’s POV

«OUTSIDE THE FRENANDRO MANSION.“

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I stepped out of the mansion.

There was no tears sliding down my cheeks as I would've expected, all thanks to the Frenandro family's eye opener.

I was hurt and a pabg of regret hung on my chest.

I picked out my phone and dialled grandfather’s number. It's been exactly two years since I cut all connections with my grandfather.

“Grandpa, can you send your driver to pick me up from the house?” I said in between sobs. I had missed the old man, hearing his voice triggered the softness in me.

“Alright” grandpa replied sharply before ending the call.

After I returned the phone into my wallet, I strolled over to the bench not far from me, my eyes misty with tears. A wave of realization hit me and I realized how stupid I had felt for so many years loving the wrong person.

Was there really something called true love? I had always expected to love a normal simple life and be with the man I love watching him cherish me and loving me back.

Turns out all this was just my dream, what a fool I was!

Just then a BWM car pulled up in front of me, distracting me from my thoughts.

The driver rushed out swiftly to open the back door, I rolled my eyes seeing my older brother, Brandon, step out of the car.

A surge of affection rushed through me as I hurried into his arms. Brandon enveloped me into a warm hug,caressing my back gently.

“What have they done to you?”he asked softly.

I sniffled, hot tears sliding down my cheeks. My lips seemed sealed as I could only cry.

“Let's take you home first” Brandon said, as he swept me off my feet, lifted me into his arms and took me into the car.

Just then, my eyes caught a glimpse of the family sulking at the door as the watched my figure disappear.

I sat up in the car and gulped down the bottle of water handed to me by my brother.

“I thought I knew him, and thought if I helped him become the best then he’ll still stay even without knowing my identity, who could have thought he was just faking it.” I murmured,taking a sip from the bottle 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 broke into a smile.

“Ohh right, brother, don’t cancel the cooperation yet. I want to be the to do that myself. I gave it to him and I’ll be tearing it apart in front of him.” I said, my eyes shining with mischief beneath it.

“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.

*****

“Princessa, Norway's hieress.” I heard brother’s voice praising me from afar, I yawned as I slowly stood up. I took a look around the familiar mansion and realized we were already at the mansion.

I stepped out of the car and stared for a while looking at the wealth, peace and love, I had abandoned three years ago, ohhh 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 grandfather sitting on the couch while 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 don’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 tight.

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 returned back 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 wasn’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.” Mom rolled her eyes like a baby.

The both of them started flirting which made grandfather and I including brother to excuse them. That was how they do, flirts, go on vacation and shopping together.

That was why the company was handed over to brother and I at an early age because the both of them were not interested in the company.

“Ohh 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, my little princess. 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 brother is already doing a good job managing it.

“Grandfather, I have my own company now. Both abroad and home. It’s the top one designer company producing the best products and you also know.”

“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’ll bring it back up, 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 foresee this.” He said.

I breathed in thinking long. It wouldn’t be bad having 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 had already been set up for the 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 guessed mom could have delivered it for me to dress up for the date.

I changed into my clothes and wore the 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.

“Thank grandpa.” I waved goodbye walking towards the car, the driver helped me to open the door and I entered.

He entered the driver seat and started the car.

*****

The car stopped in front of the giant five star restaurant, I stepped down and adjust my gown, holding my purse on 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 bow 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 was really familiar to me.

Just then he turned, smart, tall, confident, aura, and the way his face speaks even without talking. It gives out domineering.

“It’s been a while Hailey Norway.” Kingsley greeted, taking my hand and pecking it like a gentle man.

Hailey’s POV

It's a pleasure meeting you, Kingsley, I responded, taking my hands away from his.

I rolled my eyes, “Don’t start the day with such a boring introduction.” I expected him to react to what I said but he ended up chuckling a little bit.

He drew out a chair for me and I sat down before he went to his seat. A waiter came to take our order prior to when our conversation started.

“So why didn’t you call off the engagement years ago. You could have to chose to cancel it when I said I wasn’t interested, why wait?” I asked him the question that bothered me so much.

“I just wanted to.” His reply was simple and fast. I glanced intently at him, studying his composure and mannerisms which captivated me.

I couldn’t tell if he was nervous or his expression was just calm. Indeed, worthy to be called the wealthiest man in his USA.

“A deal.” I proposed. He was looking at me and I felt uncomfortable under his stare so I cleared my throat.

“A deal is all I needed. We’ll fake a marriage to the crowd and grandfather. We'll create a perfect couple but once we are out of where camera is, no one is to interfere with each other.” I thought I saw his calm expression shift, replaced by hurt for a while but it was covered up quickly.

“Our private life will be different from one another and we can’t interfere in each other business, do you agree?” I asked him, biting my lips anxiously as I waited for his response.

There was silence at first and I thought he wanted to disagree but he said something else, “So what’s in with the deal for me?” Of course I knew he’ll ask.

I smiled at him.

******

It was already weeks since I knew of Kingsley and I could say he loooked mysterious and interesting to me, I wanted to know more about this man.

The engagement day was purposely set to be the same date with the cooperation with the Frenandro family.

I planned to reveal my identity and cancel the plans given to them. Since Lillian loves taking credit so much then I’ll give her one.

I slipped in the long white ball gown sent to me by Kingsley into my body. The waistline fitting perfectly on my body. I adjusted the hand and let down my hair letting it flow down reaching her shoulders.

I applied lipstick a bit to moist my lips more before standing up straight. I took my purse and took my phone, I slipped into the heels beside my bed stand then I smiled walking outside.

Everyone already left for the party but I stayed a bit because I had something to do. I went into the car and the chauffeur sped off out the mansion.

The car stopped in front of the banquet venue and I stepped out majestically after the chauffeur opened the door for me.

Coincidentally, Tyler and Lillian both came out of their own car also, “What a rare sight to see.” I thought.

I walked towards the entrance but was stopped by them as Lillian came forward.

“Sister, what are you doing here?” She asked me. I hate green tea bitches the most.

“Firstly, I’m the only daughter of my parents, we aren’t two.”

“Secondly, I really hate green tea bitch especially bitches like you who think acting all bitchy is everything needed to control a man.” I said and tried going but Tyler stopped me.

“I never said you could go yet.” He said. “You are just one lowly delivery woman, so why are you here? Have you hooked up with one of those old men just to get inside of here.” He blurted out which made me laugh.

To be honest, I didn’t think I really fell in love with a wolf hearted man like this. “If you try stopping me one more time then I’ll really show you the power of those old men.” I boasted back to him.

I showed my invitation to the guard at the entrance before walking in. There were a lot of celebrities and wealthy businessmen attending the banquet ceremony.

Just when I sight grandfather and tried walking to to him, Lillian lunged forward to me unexpectedly, tripping over me and making me lose my balance that I almost fell.

The guests stares were on us, every single eyes inside the banquet. “Do you think by attending this party, you could rise from peasant to a phoenix?” She asked. Her hand placed on her side waist.

I thought she had a little brain left and now I could see she didn’t. “Tyler, why don’t you train your dog more effective so she’ll know when to bark or not.” I rolled my eyes at them with a smirk plastered on my face.

I knew that will annoy her a lot, “What did you just say?” She asked. Her eyes red with anger as she stared at me like she was ready to pounce on me.

“I don’t want to think your ears are starting to malfunction also right. Oh my goodness, what a pity.” Everyone in the hall laughed at what I just said.

“You are just one old cleaning housewife my husband doesn’t want again. If it wasn’t because you had slept with some old men to get here today, do you think you’ll be here.” She blurted out.

I was thinking to wait until my identity was announced before canceling their cooperation with the company but their irritating appearance was starting to annoy me.

“Do you think everyone will be like you wishing to be a mistress and destroying homes everywhere like a dog.” I pushed her back and landed her a slap on her right cheek.

Everyone in the hall knew me since it was specially sent to everyone in the high socialites circle who knew of my true identity except for this two scum bags, I can’t wait to see the look of surprise plastered on their faces.

“How dare you push me? Who do you think you are.” She tried to attack me, she was holding the bottle of wine in her hand and threw it at me.

Her movements were so swift and fast thst I had to close my eyes in shock as I frozed in one place. I opened my eyes when I felt nothing touch me.

All I could hear was the loud crunch from the glass as it hit the floor, echoing in the hall.

I opened my eyes widely to find myself being sheltered by Kingsley.

He protected me from the scheming couples.

I felt a liquid dropped on the floor and checked, it was blood. “You are bleeding Kingsley.” I said, worried about him even though I couldn't figure out why I was so worried.

“It’s nice seeing you worry about me again but I’m fine.” He smiled affectionately and pecked my forehead. I couldn’t tell if he was doing it because of the deal or because he was being real.

“You need to go to the hospital.” I tried to make him but he stopped me.

“I’m fine.” He muttered. He held my hand and faced them, Tyler was the first to talk.

“Sir, why did you protect this woman, I’m telling you, she’s nothing but a slut…” Kingsley interrupted him by kicking him with his leg.

Tyler fell to the ground groaning in pain. “How dare you call the heiress of Norway group a slut? And who do you think you are to open your mouth and insult my fiancée, the fiancé of I, Kingsley Geralt, have I really been too nice to people these days?” Kingsley said.

“What do you mean? Heiress… Norway… Fiancée…” Tyler stuttered in shock, his eyes threatening to fall from their eyeballs.

Tyler was looking extremely shocked while staring at me. “Impossible, I was her husband for three years and she has never mentioned it to me.” He screamed but no one listened to him.

Kingsley was about to talk but I stopped him, “I’ll do this myself.” I walked towards him slowly and stopped in front of him intentionally pressing his fingers.

“Have you ever thought about why an incompetent person like you could get a cooperation with the Norway group, or why your company would get better and better with different big contracts. Or why you could go public in just a space of two years.”

“You could have learn to cherish what you have without being a scumbag.” I kicked him and tried to walk back to Kingsley.

“Wait, Hailey, I’m really sorry.”

“She actually seduced me, you know I really love you, I was just confused for some moments, please give me another chance.” His words were deafening to me.

I was emotionally tortured for three years just because he had his first love that he was still holding on to.

“You are really a scumbag.” I spat at him. Brother signaled the guards to take the two of them out with Tyler screaming my name sbd begging for mercy.

I rushed to Kingsley's side worried, “Kingsley are you okay?” I asked immediately, he nods his head but I knew that was a lie.

Hailey's Pov

“This” Kingsley’s knees hit the hard marble floor.

The sound is dull, faint - covered my the gossips of the guests.

The hall fell silent as everyone stood in shock. No one could react as they watched Kingsley heaving heavily on his knees,his face twisted in agony and pains.

And then his body followed abd he laid on the cold floor, struggling to breath.

Subconsciously, I moved to his side,and crouched down to pick him up from the floor.

I placed his upper body on my laps as I fanned him vigorously.

Amidst the emergency, the media teams were flashing their bright camera light, ok and off, taking pictures of the incident until they blur at the edges of my vision.

“Kingsley.”

My voice doesn’t sound like mine. It’s stripped bare, sharp, unpolished.

I reach for him and my hands sink into warmth.

For a moment, my mind refuses to understand what I’m touching. Then the smell hits me—metallic, unmistakable—and my fingers come away slick and dark.

Blood.

Too much of it.

I press my hands back down, harder this time, instinct overriding my thought. My palms slide against his side, trying to find where the damage ends and where he begins. The silk of my gown darkens instantly, soaking up the evidence of something that was never supposed to happen.

This wasn’t part of the deal.

“Don’t move,” I say, though he isn’t moving at all. “Don’t—just—”

My words fracture as his breath stutters beneath my wrist. It’s shallow, uneven, but it’s there. Relief crashes into my chest so hard it almost hurts.

“There,” I whisper. “That’s it. Stay with me.”

The banquet hall dissolves around us. It becomes noise without meaning—voices overlapping, shoes scraping, glass shattering somewhere behind me.

Brandon’s voice cuts through it all, calm and commanding, sharp enough to carve order out of chaos.

“Seal the exits. Phones down. Anyone filming gets escorted out.”

Security surges forward. Guests protest, then quiet under firmer hands. Someone kneels near me, saying something I don’t register.

I didn't look up.

Kingsley’s face has gone pale, the color draining from him in a way that feels unnatural for someone who stood so solidly moments ago. His lashes flutter, but his eyes didn’t open.

“Hey,” I say, leaning closer. My breath shakes against his cheek. “You don’t get to do this. Do you hear me?”

His jaw tightens faintly. A sound slips from him, low and involuntary, and my fingers curl reflexively, as if I can hold him here by force alone.

His dry, colourless lips broke into a thin smile for a brief second.

Paramedics finally push through the crowd. Hands replace mine, gloved and efficient. Someone tells me they’re taking over.

I hesitated.

For one stupid, irrational second, I didn’t want to let go. My hands feel like the only thing keeping him tethered to this side of the room.

Then I pulled back.

The air feels colder immediately.

They lift him onto the stretcher. The movement pulls a sharp sound from his throat, and my chest tightens in response, my body echoing his pain without permission.

“I’m here,” I said, walking alongside them. “I’m right here.”

The ambulance doors slam shut behind us, and the world shrinks to white walls and harsh light.

The siren starts up, a wailing scream that vibrates through my bones. I sat rigid on the narrow bench, knees pressed together, hands clasped so tightly my fingers ache. Across from me, the paramedics move with practiced urgency—cutting fabric, calling numbers, snapping instructions back and forth.

They cut away Kingsley’s shirt.

The sound of scissors is obscene in its calmness.

Fabric falls open, exposing skin already bruised and bloodied. Electrodes are placed. A mask covers his mouth. I watch his chest rise and fall, too shallow, too fragile for someone who looked untouchable standing under ballroom lights.

“Are you his wife?” one of them asks without looking at me.

“No,” I answer too quickly.

The word echoes in the small space.

Then, after a pause I can’t seem to shorten, I added, “Fiancée.”

It feels unreal in my mouth. It felt heavy, Like something borrowed but my heart skipped excitedly when I pronounced those words.

This was supposed to be simple, Strategic. He was supposed to be a name beside mine, a shield in boardrooms and headlines—not this. Not a body bleeding because he stepped in front of something meant for me.

The ambulance swerves. My shoulder hits the wall, but I barely feel it. My eyes are fixed on him, on the way his brow creases faintly as if even unconscious, he’s still fighting something.

As they peel back the last of the fabric, something else catches my eye.

A scar.

High on his collarbone, thin and jagged, silvered with age. It doesn’t belong to tonight. It’s old—old enough to have faded into the story of his body.

My breath stutters.

I know this.

Not logically, not clearly. But the recognition hits like pressure behind my eyes, sudden and disorienting. My hand lifts before I realize I’ve moved, fingers hovering inches from his skin.

I didn’t touch him.

Heat radiates off him, palpable even through the air.

For a split second, something presses at the edge of my mind—sunlight, dust, a voice calling my name—but it fractures before it can form. Pain pulses briefly at my temples, sharp and insistent, then fades.

I lower my hand slowly, curling my fingers into the bloodstained fabric of my gown.

Who are you?

The thought isn’t a question. It’s a realization.

I don’t know the man I just agreed to marry.

The siren cuts off abruptly as the ambulance slows. The sudden silence rings in my ears. The doors are thrown open, cold night air rushing in, followed immediately by the bright, sterile light of the emergency bay.

Everything moves fast again.

Shoes squeak against tile, Voices overlap. The gurney is rolling before I fully register it, my body following automatically, step for step, as if proximity alone might keep him from slipping away.

We reach a thick red line cutting across the floor.

A doctor steps into my path, hand raised—not aggressive, just final. His eyes flick to my ruined dress, to my hands still faintly stained despite the hurried wipe in the ambulance.

“Ms. Norway.”

My name lands with weight.

I look past him, watching Kingsley disappear deeper into the ER, swallowed by blue and green scrubs, by swinging doors that don’t wait for permission.

“I’m going with him,” I say.

The doctor doesn’t move.

“His vitals are dropping,” he says quietly. “We need to operate now. You cannot come any further.”

The doors swing shut in my face and I stood there staring at the closed door that separated me from Kingsley.