The pent–up resentment inside me dissipated, and I cried uncontrollably, fainting in his embrace.
A year later, Joshua and I moved away from that house.
Our new neighborhood was much quieter, with security personnel patrolling twenty–four hours a day. That day, I finished work early and bought a cake, eager to share some good news with Joshua.
As I drove into the garage, my car suddenly collided with something and came to a screeching halt.
I got out to investigate and discovered that someone had placed a giant doll in the middle of the garage.
I pulled out my phone to call security to have it moved when a sharp object pressed against my lower back.
“Didn’t expect this, did you, Hailey? I’m back for you!”
Hearing that familiar voice, I forced myself to steady my nerves.
“Olivia, I won’t hold the past against you. But what do you mean by bringing a knife here to threaten me?
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 8
“Planning to end me? You won’t escape. You know that right?”
“Who said I wanted to kill you?”
She stepped closer, her eyes dark and menacing. “As long as I slash your face, Josh will love me again!”
Taking advantage of my momentary shock, Olivia raised the knife and lunged at me. I barely had time to react, instinctively shielding my abdomen.
Seconds passed, but the expected pain never came.
When I looked up again, I found myself cradled in a strong embrace.
“Joshua?”
Joshua offered me a reassuring smile before turning to fix his gaze on Olivia.
“Josh… how did you get here? I thought I…”
“You thought you could mislead me with false information and send me away, didn’t you?
“There’s no escaping this time, Olivia.”
A flicker of panic crossed Olivia’s eyes. “I was just joking! Please let me go, Josh. I promise I won’t show up here again!”
“You can save those words for the police!”
A few minutes later the community patrol took Olivia away
Joshua turned to me, his expression filled with concern. “Are you okay, Hailey?”
I shook my head and asked how he knew I was in trouble.
He gently scratched my nose. “Your husband won’t make the same mistake twice!”
It turned out that not only had the Wylde family gone bankrupt, but they were also burdened with massive debts.
Accustomed to the life of a wealthy young lady, Olivia couldn’t bear the hardship. She recalled the substantial insurance policies she had taken out for her parents.
Not long after, the bodies of Olivia’s father and mother were discovered floating by the river.
The police were suspicious of the cause of death and launched an investigation.
Unable to wait any longer, Olivia had set her sights on me once again.
“So, you’ve had someone following me all along? That means you knew…” I asked Joshua.
“I knew. We have another shot at this!” he said, his eyes sparkling.
Joshua kissed me and I nestled into his embrace, holding him tightly.
Ten months later, Olivia was sentenced to death for premeditated murder.
My son was born safely.
Joshua and I exchanged a smile as we gazed at his chubby little face.
A life full of promise lay ahead of us.
