Chapter One Hundred and Sixty Nine- Can't Afford to Fall

"Please, not right now, just drop me off at home!" I insisted, when the security tried to open a conversation with me after I was secured in the back of the SUV.

"Sorry ma'am" the security apologized, but all I wanted to do was curl up in my own bed and cry, but I couldn't.

The drive to Adian's penthouse was a quiet one and since Caleb mentioned earlier about Adian's mood, I also knew that he would know where I am heading instead and what transpired, during lunch with his mother and the mother of his unborn child.

As the driver neared our building, I asked the driver to drop me off in front the building, instead of escorting me upstairs.

"Mrs. Knights, I don't believe your husband would approve," the security started to explain but I couldn't comprehend anything other than my need to be alone.

Turning to the security, with the same bland expression I've been wearing since I heard my husband's ex-girlfriend is expecting his child.

I want to scream, but I couldn't, not now.

Amelia wants to prove me mentally imbalanced and I cannot afford to fall into her trap. If I do, I could also lose my own baby and I won't, not now, not ever.

Amelia took my baby brother away and I'll be dammed, if she takes mines.

"I'll be fine and I promise, my husband won't be upset with you." I lied, but I will ensure the security job doesn't go on the line because of me.

The security responds with a smirk, clearly not believing me.

"Thank you" I said and climb out of the vehicle waving him off before heading inside the lobby and Adian's apartment to start my pity party.

What's a pity party with alcohol?

I've got to substitute with cake and ice cream!

As I await the lift in the lobby, my phone beeped.

I ignored the message believing it was either Caleb or Adian and I'm still angry at Caleb and I am not ready for Adian.

The phone started ringing and I reluctantly pulled my phone out of my handbag only to see it was Mr Simon Peters of Fantasy Shipping.

I missed the call because I was busy staring at the phone screen so I immediately returned his call.

"Hailey!" Mr. Peters answered on the first ring.

"I'm sorry I missed your call. How are you?" I greeted him in return, forcing an enthusiasm, I didn't feel.

"I mention to Adian earlier today that I needed you to sign of on the documents for Reel Connections" Mr. Peters explained his reason for calling.

"I was just on my way home, maybe I could meet you at the coffee shop on seventh?" I asked because it was within walking distance, to and from Adian's apartment and it was a few blocks away from his office.

"Yeah, I can be there in twenty minutes and I haven't had lunch, so it's perfect." Mr. Peters readily agree, before hanging up.

There goes my pity party, I thought as I walked out of the building and started my ten minute trot to the coffee shop.

The afternoon was extremely cool and if I wasn't on the clock, I would have slowed down and enjoy the scenery.

Arriving before Mr. Peters was an advantage since I got to relax my feet, already hating my walk back home.

Unsure of what to order for Mr. Peters and winning the battle with my fight against coffee, I ordered a bottle water for myself, chuckling at the waitress frown at my choice of beverage and I ordered a chocolate cheesecake to nibble on, until Mr. Peters get here.

As I sat scrolling through my phone, I felt saddened because there were no messages from Adian.

When did Adian hook up with Samantha last? Why didn't he mention her to me and how does he feel about having two babies at the same time?

There are so many questions that only Adian could answer, but here I am, beating myself up and not reaching out to him.

Putting on a brave front, I sent Adian a quick message letting him know my whereabouts and whom I'm meeting with, holding my phone in front of me, so I won't miss his response.

"Hailey sweetheart, it's so good to see you" Mr. Peters voice echoed through the coffee shop as he made his way through the closely pack tables, to mines.

I stood up with open arms to greet him, a man who has been a positive influence in my life since my early teens.

As he hugged me, I felt my tears threatening to expose my true feelings and I couldn't have that, I couldn't do that to Adian, I couldn't do that to my baby.

As Mr. Peters drew away, I lowered my eyes quickly blinking the tears away.

I wave to the waitress as Mr. Peters and I took our seats opposite each other.

"I didn't know what to order since you missed lunch, so I ordered a snack for myself in the meantime." I started to babble nervously. "So we can make our order now" I continued, with my eyes focused in the waitress as I spoke.

Silence greeted me across the table, before Mr. Peters finally broke it. "Relax Hailey," Mr. Peters, said softly, before speaking to the waitress and ordering sandwiches for the both of us. I didn't have the heart to tell him I just returned from having lunch with my horrible mother in law and my husband's pregnant ex.

"So" Mr. Peters starting speaking, as he placed a hand over mines on the table. "What's bothering you?" He asks softly, his voice edged with concern.

Forcing a smile, I shook my head. "It's just a ghost from my childhood, that won't go away." I admitted to him.

With his eyes on mines, he stared at me thoughtfully and nods before leaning back.

"Then, let it go!"