Chapter 15
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Terence knew when leaving that it would be much too easy for Halley to find him if she wanted. So, he wasn’t surprised to see her standing outside his door on the other side of the ocean.
He’d seen the news of the groom switch–she’d been as calm as always in the videos and pictures. included. She’d made Matthew stand with his back to the guests before calmly telling them the wedding needed to be cut short because she felt unwell.
As expected, she didn’t care about him at all.
Terence looked at Hailey as she leaned against her car. His gaze was calm and devoid of joy. “What are you doing here?”
He wore a gray suit and looked serious, unlike his casual and relaxed demeanor at home. For a second, Hailey found him unfamiliar. She said, “It’s time for you to come home, don’t you think? You’ve thrown this tantrum for long enough.”
Seemingly realizing she sounded too harsh, she added, “Grandpa’s been asking about you lately, and everyone is looking forward to our child’s birth.”
A tantrum? They were already divorced, yet she thought he was only throwing a tantrum.
Terence didn’t even bat an eye. He said indifferently, “We’ve already divorced, Ms. Rainer. I don’t want you anymore.”
Hailey looked like she’d just heard a joke when he mentioned divorce. “Divorce? How did that happen when I didn’t sign anything?”
She gr
want o.
d his hand. “I don’t have time for these games, Terence. Come home with me now. Or do you ild to grow up without a father?”
Terence didn’t budge. “You can head home and check my room if you don’t believe me. The divorce agreement is on the bedside table–your signature is on it.”
She stiffened and scowled. “This isn’t the time for jokes
He remained aloof, it didn’t look like he was joking. A trace of panic and fluster appeared in her eyes, but she didn’t release him. “When did I ever sign a divorce agreement? Even if I did, my family would never agree.”
Then, something occurred to her. She looked at her belly, her gaze softening. “Besides, I’m still pregnant. You can’t abandon our child, can you?”
Terence smiled faintly, but his words were still cold and stoic. “Our‘ child? How can I be sure I’m the father? Moreover, I’ve already seen your medical report. How could you have conceived my child when I didn’t touch you then?”
This was something he’d discovered on the day of his departure. Since the child wasn’t his, there wasn’t anything to hold him back
“When did you see it?” Hailey demanded.
“The night you went to see Matthew. I found it hidden in your bedside drawer. Do whatever you want with the child–it’s not mine, anyway.”
She grabbed his shoulders, her fingers biting into his flesh. “How dare you, Terence! How dare you!”
He watched as her face turned pale and steely. Her eyes, usually calm and indifferent, were filled with anger and torment.
Chapter 15
She was in pain, resentment, and rage, but he only felt vindicated. What did this matter when compared to the suffering he’d experienced over the past five years?
Terence pried her hands off and smiled brightly. “Why wouldn’t I? A child who isn’t welcomed or blessed will only suffer in life.”
He’d thought this through. Even if the child were brought into this world, he wouldn’t be able to face it. That was why a child that neither parent loved was destined to suffer.
“Don’t you love me? Why can’t you accept my child? You’re the only person it’ll know as its father once it’s born!” Hailey screeched.
Terence looked at her, his gaze mocking. “Why would care about a child who isn’t mine? Have you lost your mind. Hailey? Are you that confident I won’t give up on you no matter how you stomp all over my pride and dignity?
“So what if you’re pregnant? You can cast me aside to go to Matthew at the drop of a hat–you don’t care about putting our child in danger to go to him. I don’t want our child to ask me why their mother isn’t home all the time.
“I don’t want them to experience the pain and torment I went through. You have no right to be a mother, Halley, just as I have no right to be its father.”
Hailey felt strangled when she saw his red eyes. Bitterness spread through her, she couldn’t say a word as she slumped and released him.
After a long while, she said, “Matthew and I are a thing of the past, and I’ll get rid of this baby. So..”
“I’m glad to hear you’ve put everything behind you. Please don’t bother me anymore.” Terence turned to head hack inside, wanting to shut the door behind him
Just
a phone rang.