Chapter 73

“That man is violent! He almost killed me, and they let him back on the streets? What if he kills someone else?” Vanessa said, pacing and massaging her temple.

“Damn it, I showed them all the evidence! I wonder what went wrong!”

Connie entered the living room in her nightdress, carrying a cup of tea. “Honey, it’s late. Who are you arguing with?” she asked, settling into a chair.

“Fine! I’ll talk to you later,” Vanessa said, ending the call.

“What’s going on? You look furious.”

“Cole! Argh!” She kicked the couch.

“Easy, Vee. You’re pregnant, still in your first trimester.”

“Mom, please. I worked so hard to make Cole pay, and now he’s free!”

“Cole is free?” Connie asked, setting her tea down.

“I don’t understand! I gave them all the evidence. I was assured he’d be in jail for life unless I withdrew the case. The plan was perfect. He was supposed to seek my forgiveness, or his father would. Now he’s free, and no one will believe me.” “Please, just stop pacing!”

Vanessa stopped before her mother. “I can’t, Mom. My life is ruined!”

“I’m trying so hard to make him mine, but it feels like I’m doing nothing! He always downplays my efforts!”

“I know you’ve put so much effort into this baby, and I’m sorry things ended this way. But we’ll figure it out. You’re smart. You’ll come up with a plan.”

“No! I’m losing everything! Hailey must be laughing. She threatened me, but they still won.” “Remind me how much of a loser I am.”

Connie approached her daughter, who had a bandage on her forehead.

“You’re not a loser, honey. Your plan was strong, but Cole is a reputable man. He has that high-powered lawyer; she’s one of the best in the city.”

“I hate her,” Vanessa said through gritted teeth.

“And he’s rich. He probably has other ways, too. Hailey probably helped him; she’s rich and influential now.”

“It’s so unfair! I put in so much effort, and Hailey wins effortlessly.”

“Mom, what if they’re together, laughing at me? Why am I so unlucky?” she cried.

“Don’t say that, my love. We’ll do something.”

“When? I’m losing hope. I wanted my dream wedding before showing, but my belly’s starting to show.” Vanessa looked down at her belly. “It’s just bloating, but…”

“How will I fit into my dress? People will mock me if I have this child out of wedlock. I’ll lose all respect!”

“Calm down, sweetheart. We still have time.”

“You never know what it means to give up, do you?” Eric entered, looking angry.

“And what gives you the right to order us around?”

“Do you discuss anything besides Cole and Hailey?” Eric approached them. He turned to Vanessa. “Aren’t you tired of plotting against someone who doesn’t care about you? Isn’t it time to move on?” Vanessa shook her head. “I’m not being shitty! I’m fighting for my family.”

“Really? By accusing the man you claim to love of a serious crime? Do you think he’ll want anything to do with you now?”

“Is this the kind of manipulative behavior you’ll teach your baby? Imagine your child coming home crying because he was bullied because his mother sent his father to jail.”

Connie rolled her eyes. “Enough with the future hypotheticals. Couples fight.”

“I’m not surprised you’re enabling her.”

Eric turned to Vanessa. “You’re ruining your life.”

“No, you’re insensitive. She’s trying to be with Cole. He’s her husband, not that slut!”

“Cole can be with whoever he wants. And he’s married, which wouldn’t have happened if you’d married him instead of bringing Hailey into it.”

“Real people accept their mistakes, Vanessa! You threw away your life with Cole because you thought he was poor. Accept the truth and heal!” Vanessa stared sadly.

“Don’t raise your voice at her. She’s been through a lot.”

“You should be thankful Cole was released without you being charged with fraud or murder.”

“Hailey has no proof. It was all lies,” Connie countered.

Eric scoffed. “You should be grateful Hailey has a good heart like her mother. Despite everything, she’s kept her distance.” “But the quiet ones strike back, and it will be bloody. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Tell Hailey to leave Cole for me!” Vanessa yelled.

“Or tell Moore to talk some sense into his son! Then everyone will have peace!”

“You should be ashamed, Vanessa. Would you want your only son with someone as psycho as you? You ruined Cole’s reputation, and his father’s too. You expect pity?”

“Our bond is destroyed because of you. I saw him today, and I was ashamed of your actions.”

“You make selfish decisions, hurting everyone. The more evil you are, the unhappier you become.”

Eric shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re my child.”

“Then go cuddle your disowned child! Cole is mine, and I’ll fight for him!” Vanessa stormed off.

The Next Morning.

Hailey smiled in her sleep as Cole’s arm wrapped around her waist, caressing her buttock under the duvet.

“I wish every morning started like this,” Cole murmured.

Hailey blushed, burying her face in his chest.

Cole smirked, caressing her breast and nipple. “I love how you respond to my touch.”

Hailey moaned, pressing closer.

“You want something?” he asked innocently.

“It feels so good,” she moaned.

Cole got under the duvet, repositioned her, and climbed on top. He suckled her nipple, parted her legs, and rubbed her clitoris.

“Fuck, yes!” Hailey moaned, throwing her head back.

Cole positioned himself and entered her, still suckling her nipple. Hailey’s eyes rolled back, her toes curled, and her hands gripped the sheets. Cole began thrusting, but the door opened, and familiar voices called out.

“Mommy!”

“Holy shit!” Hailey cursed, covering herself.