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“And Hailey? Did you pay her extra to fuck you?”
“Watch your tongue, Susan!”
“I won’t!” She stamps her foot on the ground. “I have held my tongue for so long I might as well be mute by now. I have worked with you for ten years, but you have not given me as much as a kiss on the cheek. But you didn’t mind sleeping with that slut, Hailey, less than a month of her working here.”
Wait! Was Susan trying to say she wanted me to sleep with her all these years? Oh my God! I gape at her with a mixture of astonishment and confusion.
As if reading the question in my eyes, she sighs, and her eyes glisten with tears. “I have loved you all these years, Gareth. I stood by you through it all, your marriage to Linda, when you almost lost your company, your divorce, and bringing your business to the success it is today. I have given you my love and shown you repeatedly that I can be loyal and faithful to you.
“I was patient during your marriage to Linda because I knew you’d eventually see she’s a scheming bitch. I didn’t mind your secret mistresses because they were one-off affairs. I was sure that someday you would realize I’ve been here for you all along and I’m the woman for you.
“But then came Hailey, and you were not only fucking her here, but you were also spending the weekends at her place. I wasn’t willing to let this slide because I knew this time it was different. You didn’t mind staying with her, and you even went on a vacation with her. You never did that with any of your mistresses. That was the last straw for me.
“So when Linda, who knows I’ve always loved you, came to me with an opportunity for revenge, I gladly took it. Yes, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. We bugged your offices and Hailey’s apartment, and I’m not sorry I did it. So, don’t think I took a cent from Linda. In the past, there’s no amount of money she could have offered me to betray you.”
Tears spill down her face. “You mean that much to me. How do you think I felt when I returned to the office one night after I forgot my keys and caught you fucking Hailey on the sofa? Both of you were so engrossed that you didn’t even notice I opened the door.” Her face twists with disgust. “You and I worked late many times, and even though I repeatedly gave you the green light… you never took the hint.”
“And it never occurred to you that it’s because I don’t fancy you that way?” I cut in sharply.
“And you fancy Hailey, who is seventeen years younger than you? I’m thirty-five years old, Gareth. I would have been a better fit for you.”
“And yet I didn’t want you.”
“That’s because you’re a typical man who lusts after younger women.”
I’m tired of this conversation. “Given the years you’ve diligently worked for me, I won’t call the police. Clear out your desk.”
She lets out a huge gasp. “You can’t fire me.”
“I just did.”
“Damn you. I’ll go to the press. I’ll file a suit against you.”
“Great! Do that so I can throw away my leniency and have you arrested for what you did to Hailey and me.”
“She deserved it and more. She’s nothing but a gold-digging slut who—”
I slam my hand hard on the table, and she jumps. I push to my feet and stab a warning finger in the air. “Don’t you dare talk about my future wife in such a derogatory manner!”
Irritated and exhausted, I call for security.
“Escort her out of the building. She ceases to work here as of this minute. If she’s ever seen on the premises again, call the police.”
“No! Gareth, you can’t do this to me. Please. I love you,” Susan screams like a banshee as she’s taken away. Even outside my office, I hear her shouting and pleading, causing a scene.
I shrug off the unpleasant incident because she’s the least of my worries. I’ll deal with Linda by taking Amber away from her. Hunter will be made to print a retraction. These are easy things to do. The hardest will be going to Wyoming to beg Hailey for forgiveness.
When you find out the truth, don’t come looking for me.
With those words, I should have known she was telling the truth. I was so caught up in my rage that I didn’t stop to listen. Will Hailey accept my apology and take me back, or have I already blown my chances of a happily ever after?
CHAPTER27
HAILEY
Humming to the rhythm of a Taylor Swift song playing on the radio, I remove the apple pie from the oven. The small kitchen is filled with the aroma of pastries I’ve been baking. It’s a week before Christmas, and my sister will be home in a few hours. I can’t wait to see Melissa. It’s been too long. She wanted to come home when she heard I was back, but she had exams. She couldn’t even make it for Thanksgiving.
“Mom, I’m done,” I yell as I put on the kettle. A slice of apple pie and a cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows will surely make my day. Maybe it will help me to stop thinking about Gareth. I shake my head. Nothing can stop me from thinking about the man who broke my heart into a thousand pieces three weeks ago.
