No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 861
"I thought you wouldn't show up," Haley said as soon as she arrived.
"So, what do you want to see me for?" I asked, eyeing her and reflecting on our shared history.
Some memories were already fading, but one thing remained crystal clear: she had changed my life forever.
Without her, I might have married Conrad by now, and we'd probably have a kid who'd be crawling around.
"Felicia, have you visited the Martins lately? Have you seen the kid?" Haley's question caught me off guard.
That child was once a pawn in her game. Once he was of no use, she washed her hands of him, never bothering to check in, not
even once over the past year. And now, suddenly, she was bringing him up.
"Yes, I've seen him. He's doing well," I replied honestly.
She nodded and smiled, "See, he's doing just fine without a mother."
"Stop trying to dress up your irresponsibility. What are you really getting at? You can't be thinking about claiming him as your own
now, can you?" I couldn't help but jab at her.

Haley chuckled mockingly, "I'm not that shameless. Besides, seeing me would probably just make him cry."
"At least you're self-aware. He's been fine without you, and he'll continue to be," I admitted, even though it was harsh. Given
Haley's past misdeeds, it was best the child never learned about his mother.
"The Martins aren't in the best shape. I'm afraid the kid won't have it easy with them," Haley said, staring at the table in front of
her.
She was right. Aiden's parents were getting older, and the loss of their son had hit them hard. They even needed a nanny to help
with the child now. Their pensions weren't much, and they had little savings. If they did, Haley wouldn't have left Aiden for a
wealthier life.
"Whether he's doing well or not, that's no longer your concern," I replied, knowing Haley was facing a lifetime in prison, if not
worse.

Haley fell silent for a moment, then leaned in, "Aiden had a stock account, and there's some money there. Transfer it to the kid."
I was taken aback. I never heard Conrad mention he invested in stocks.
I looked Haley in the eyes for a couple of seconds, and then it
. The money wasn't Aide

It
Haley's, hidden under name.
"That money won't raise any red flags, and it's enough for him to live comfortably," Haley mumbled.
She had never cared for the child, never played the role of a mother. Yet now, trapped in her own mess, she brought this up.
I was surprised, unsure of what to say.
Is this what they mean by even a beast won't harm its own cubs?
"Felicia, I know you don't like me, maybe even hate me, but do it for Aiden," Haley acknowledged.
"The money being clean-that's not possible," I pointed out.
Haley's expression shifted drastically, "Felicia, this is the only thing I can do for
him. Are you going to take that away too?"
"Your past is tainted. Do you want your child tainted too?" I asked gently.
Haley fell silent again. "Your
intentions are pure, so you don't have to worry. The funds will be surrendered, but I'll provide an equal amount to ensure your
maternal love doesn't go to waste."
Haley's eyes flashed with surprise, but it quickly turned to a mocking smile, "Being wealthy must be nice."
Her downfall began with money-she craved it, craved the lifestyle it promised.

In the end, she was left with nothing. Even the love she wanted to give her child came from the woman she despised.
Haley didn't say another word, not even a thank you, and got up to leave. Fremembered what Deborah had asked me to do,
"Wait, there's something else I need to ask you."