Chapter Thirty Three - Beginning of Challenge

Hailey's POV

After thoroughly going through Adian's proposal, realizing that I could not have done such a great job.

Okay I've nothing to lose except my pride, because Adian wants to see me fail, but I'm determined to succeed.

Unknown to anyone at Sullaknights, I secured a lunch appointment with Mr. Simons of Fantasy Shippings and letting Jerry think that I'm going shopping with Basil is my way out without questions asked.

This morning the coffee guy from yesterday came, to drive me to the children's home where he and I joined the kids for a great breakfast. From the little that I have learnt this morning, it's that Gerard works for Adian and he is Adana's and my driver.

I've only told sister Ally about what's changed in my life and the possible connection that my new family has, with my late parents.

Since I've been to Adian's home, I haven't seen or heard anything to help me find out about my mom and my dad or the lady on top the stairs and the man running down the stairs to help my mom.

Smiling sadly because I haven't seen Adian since my first night in his home. I don't even know why I would want to see him when he clearly hates me. Maybe, it's because I caught the caring side of him when I had my meltdown on Monday, and seeing his close, caring relationship with Adana.

I want something like that in my life and the knowledge that he's my husband cause me to go soft when he's around. I lose my confidence and feel like I'm a brittle doll around him, when that is clearly not who I am.

I will show them all that I have the balls to accomplish what I set my heart to.

Putting the Simon's file into my handbag. I just sat twiddling my thumbs while I await Basil who's unusually late.

Taking out my personal phone, I message him again

Me: hey, I'm waiting, impatiently

After a three minutes wait

Basil: your hubby is keeping me back. Leaving now.

Me: Oh f**k, don't tell him we are going out.

Basil: I already did

Me:What? maybe we shld re-scheduled

Basil: nah, it's all good, left already

Nervously, I waited, hopefully he didn't say anything. Then again, all Basil know is that we're going shopping.

Me:I'll be waiting in front the lobby.

Not waiting for a response from him, I took my handbag, picked up my phone and keys, securing my office.

Walking down the corridor was another ordeal. As I walk by my coworkers, I sang the word 'good day' without getting any response.

It saddens me that no one has taken the time to even say hello but have already made up their mind that I'm the enemy.

Deep in thoughts I didn't realize that I'm already in the lobby.

Increasing my pace I greeted everyone that I pass by, continuing because I expected no answer from anyone.

I smiled greeting the security at the entrance who greeted me with a warm smile.

Instead of Basil's SUV, to my horror it was Adian's Benz that pulled up on the sidewalk in front of me.

I immediately turned walking back inside the building, cussing myself. Why did I ask Basil to take me? I could have gotten a taxi and be at my lunch meeting already.

I pulled out my phone quickly dialing a taxi service, while making the request, I felt someone behind me, I turned to see Basil standing with a frown.

"Are you okay?" Basil asks with concern, while I glared angrily at him. My five foot two on heels giving me extra advantage.

Looking beyond him to see if Adian was there, turning back to him with a questioning look.

Adian walked up to us glaring at me, shoving his keys at Basil before storming off towards the elevator.

Feeling a bit intimidated, I looked around to see many pair of eyes on us, on me.

"I have a taxi waiting" I told Basil. "Maybe I'll see you after work" I asked, while walking away.

I walked out without looking back towards the waiting taxi, smiling a thank you to the security who opened the door for me.

Giving the driver the address that sounds vaguely familiar. I leaned my head back in the seat, hoping Mr, Simon doesn't leave.

I arrived at the location Mr. Simon chose. It was a small diner near the park that I frequent with the kids at the home.

Paying the driver, I exit the vehicle, opening my bag to retrieve my phone, checking my message alert.

Basil: what the f**k was that? why u run off?

Me: I didn't run. I bolted, in style

I type while I slowly walled towards the diner.

Basil: yr hubby is angry

Me:;stop calling him that

Basil: call me. I'll pick u up wen u ready. I hv to pacify yr hubby.

Me: k. later

I open the diner door, while shoving the phone into my handbag. Standing inside the door, looking around, suddenly aware that I have no idea what Mr. Simon looked like.

Darn! I caught the eye of someone that I know, Mr. Peter who is a regular at the children's home so I walk towards his table as he stands giving me warm welcoming smile.

His dark face crinkled, as he reaches out to embrace me.

"Hailey" he greets as I hug him.

"Hey what are you doing here?" I ask as we stood smiling at each other.

Looking at his watch, "oh I have a meeting with someone but maybe they ran when they saw this place" he chuckles.

Gazing around appreciating this diner that is a little like home to me. "Now who wouldn't love this place, where the food not only smells good but taste great." I told him, chuckling.

Huffing, "a new big shot lawyer at Sullaknights investment." he sighs.