Page 60 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Hailey, it’s okay. We are going to figure this out. There is a definitive way to prove that she is lying.”
Hailey stares at me with a blank expression.
“A paternity test.”
Recognition colors her features as she registers what I’ve said.
“Why didn’t I think of that?” she finally says. “I’ve watched so much Jerry Springer!”
She throws her arms out and laughs as she shakes her head.
“Of course, of course. It’s so obvious! I can’t believe we didn’t do it sooner.” She nods to herself, and I wish that I could take a peek inside her brain, just to see what is going on in there.
“I’m going to go to her today and tell her that if she wants to continue to live with my mother, she’s going to have to take a paternity test. If I’m right, that will send her into enough of a panic that she’ll just back off and decide not to pursue it anyway.”
Hailey throws her arms around me and pulls me into a hug. I circle her and gently press my cheek to her hair.
“I think that in the meantime, I’m going to search for evidence that she is lying whenever I get the chance.” She pulls back and nods triumphantly.
“Hailey, no. You don’t need to get involved in this.” I shake my head, but she grabs my face and stares me in the eyes.
“Landon, I’m already involved in this. We are in a relationship, which means that your problems are mine, and vice versa. If Victoria is lying—Landon, don’t shake your head, I have to phrase it like that—If Victoria is lying, then I want to be a part of exposing her for the scheming snake she is. Your mom is too sweet for someone to manipulate her like that.”
I sigh heavily and pull her hands off my face.
“You can’t put yourself into this situation. You need to focus on school and your mom. You’re already stretched so thin between those two things alone, you don’t need to worry about the Victoria issue also. Seriously, I just want you to relax and take a back seat while I take care of this mess.”
I lean forward and put my forehead on hers. The face that she’s making indicates to me that she will definitely not be relaxing or taking a backseat. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to convince her to not get involved in something that she wants to be involved in. Truthfully, Hailey is strong, and a total spitfire. And while that’s a problem in this situation, it’s something I actually really love about Hailey over all. I don’t think I could be with someone that’s meek or timid.
“Landon, we’re supposed to go to dinner at your mom’s in a couple weeks. Will Victoria being there not make it completely awkward?” Hailey asks as she pulls back.
Shoot, I forgot about the dinner that my mom invited us to.
“I’ll call her and ask if she can make sure that Victoria is scarce during the dinner. Although, who knows how that will go. Mom is convinced that we will have to get used to Victoria being in our lives.” I grimace, and Hailey squeezes my hand.
“Well, hopefully we will be able to get a paternity test done soon and be done with this entire situation. I’ll be glad when I never have to see Victoria’s face again,” Hailey says.
I must be making a face because she says, “What?”
“Well, Victoria’s an heiress who is regularly on TV and magazine covers,” I say sheepishly.
Hailey groans before she responds.
“Of course she is.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Hailey
Thecarpullsupin front of an enormous, modern-style beach house covered in big glass windows. The gardens are perfectly manicured, with bluebeard shrubs lining the lawns.
“This is your beach house?” My jaw drops.
“Well, it’s the family beach house, not just mine,” he says as he turns off the Tesla and steps out of the vehicle.
I follow suit and take a big gulp of the crisp sea air.
“This is amazing!” I shout and Landon bursts into laughter.
