Chapter 36

• KeithWho the fuck do they think they are, keeping her from me and what about Hayley... saying she doesn’t want to speak to me. The stuff that went down between us was a long time ago. There was a time she begged me to see her. It’s not the first time I feel regret when it comes to her. The first time I saw her at work I was attracted to her. Mina, my girlfriend was on holiday with her family and I'll admit I’ve never been the best person, I just wanted to fool around with Hayley. Choosing someone I work with wasn’t my wisest moment but I can’t bring myself to regret the time I had with her. What started of as a game quickly changed the more time I spent with her. She was different. She truly fucking cared about me. She trusted me and I screwed everything up. I knew I would have to choose between her and Mina. I just couldn’t make a decision. My heart wanted Hayley but Mina and I had been dating since high school, we were together forever and engaged. Then I found out Mina was pregnant and I didn’t have a choice but I still couldn’t let go of Haley. The day Hayley found out about my double life was the day I realized how much I love her. I had to be an arse to her. I knew no matter what I did or said Hayley would never get past my cheating. I had to harden my heart and turn my back on her tears because that’s the coward I am. If I could go back and do things differently, I would. I swear I would. There isn’t a day I don’t think of her and what I did to her but I’m stuck. I’m married. I have a kid. A whole different life now but I still want her. I’m losing my mind. I don’t even know how to make this work but I know I have to talk to her. I should be happy she’s with someone that’s protective of her. Happy for her, but I can’t be. She’s mine. Not his. Not anyone else’s. Mine. Fuck what am I going to do? I have to find a way to get her alone. She won’t answer my calls or texts, I don’t have a choice. I grab my phone of the dash and look for Natasha’s number. I know the bitch has ulterior motives but I don’t care. I just need her to get me close to Hayley. I’ll do the rest. I dial her number. She answers after a few rings. “Keith, hello.” “Hi Natasha, hope I’m not bothering you but I need a favour.” “What kind of favour?” “I need to see Hayley. She won’t take my calls and her husband and his bodyguards are always around her... can you help me?” “How?” “Arrange to meet her for lunch or a girl’s day, whatever you want and tell me the details. I’ll bump into her wherever you guys are and take things from there. Can you do that for me?” “I can do that. Let me see what I can come up with”. “Great.” NatashaI didn’t think I would have to do everything when I called Keith, but it seems the idiot needs more help than I anticipated. I haven’t seen Hayley much since she got married but it still stings that she managed to snag a billionaire. I don’t know how she managed to do it. II'm not delusional. I know that it might be too late because they are already married and Xander’s grandmother seems to adore Hayley but I’m convinced that if Xander spent time with me he would be attracted to me. I’ve heard about how generous he is with her. If I could just be with him even as an affair, I don’t care, I know he’d be generous... and that body, don’t get me started. But I’m a realist and even if nothing happens, I still don’t want Hayley to have him. Call me spiteful. I don’t care. I will help Keith stir a little trouble and hopefully be there to stir the pot with Xander and Hayley but that means I have to spend more time with Hayley. She can give me access to Xander. I don’t have a clear plan right now but I know one will come to me. HayleyI am binge watching old episodes of The Originals in my room before I have to get ready for work. I woke up late today and I honestly don’t have the strength to workout. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Sebastian and the girls are with me. My phone rings and I check the caller ID to see its Tash. Hmm... she never calls. I wonder what’s up. “Hi Tash". “Hey Hayley, how are you?” “I’m good and how are you?” “Good thanks. I haven’t spoken to you since the wedding. I thought we could catch up over lunch maybe tomorrow?” “I'd love to catch up, just not his week. I’m working late shift. You know how hectic that can be. Can we maybe make it next week instead?” “Sure. Let me know when you’re free.” “Will do.” “Well I don’t want to keep you. I'll see you next week?” “Sure. Bye Tash.” “Bye Hayley.” A girl’s day next week. I guess I could use that especially since Xander’s away. I need something to keep my mind off how much I miss him. He has such a presence that I feel his absence. The whole house does. I get out of bed and go to check on Gran. She’s not in her room and I find her outside in the garden with chef. The both of them happily dosing off in the sunshine. “Hey guys.” “Hayley dear! Come sit with us” says Gran as Chef smiles. I take a seat on the other side of Gran and kiss her cheek. “I’m glad to see you looking better today. How are you feeling?” “Much better darling. So how is married life to my grandson treating you?” I blush “Your grandson’s about as perfect as they come Gran. He's really giving our relationship a chance, which surprises me given the contract”“Has he mentioned the contract again?” “No. He just said he wanted to give us a try. He never mentioned the contract.” The fact that we haven’t spoken about the contract and just carry on like marry couple does worry me a little but I don’t want to over analyse things. Things are going well, why borrow trouble I don’t need? “Probably because he considers it null and void.” “Maybe...”