WRATH OF ELIJAH WEST

YOUR HUSBAND IS GONE

As Hayley maintained her silence, Old Mrs. Greene decided not to dwell on the matter and instead cut to the chase. "The reason why I called this meeting today is because business has been struggling lately, and we urgently need to secure some new contracts to revive the company and propel it towards success."

Greene Industries was a clothing production and supply company. Unfortunately, after the passing of Hayley's grandfather, who had been the previous family head and Old Mrs. Greene's husband, the company began to face a downward trend. Despite the challenges, Old Mrs. Greene worked tirelessly to manage the company and prevent it from collapsing. Hayley, a business administration graduate and the head of the marketing department at Greene Industries, played a crucial role in this effort, introducing various plans that gradually stabilized and advanced the company.

Feeling the weight of the situation, Daniel, who was present at the meeting, eagerly raised his hand, expressing his desire to contribute an idea. With enthusiasm, he addressed Old Mrs. Greene, "Grandma, I have an idea I'd like to share."

"Of course, Daniel. We're all ears," Old Mrs. Greene replied, encouraging him to speak his mind.

Daniel recounted the recent events to the group with a knowing glint in his eyes. "A few of our workers tried to negotiate with Mr. John, but he turned them all away. It wasn't until I met with him that he finally revealed his desires and what he wanted before considering any deal." His deliberate pause heightened the tension in the room, piquing everyone's curiosity.

Old Mrs. Greene couldn't resist the suspense, so she asked directly, "What does he want?"

Daniel looked at Hayley with an unusual smile aimed at her. The smile alone sent a shiver down her spine and caused her to have a bad feeling. It was evident that something unexpected lay ahead.

Looking back at Old Mrs. Greene, Daniel finally unveiled the unsettling truth, "He wants Hayley."

A female voice immediately interjected, tinged with anger and jealousy, "That bitch is already married. Why on earth would Mr. John want her?" The one who spoke was Tory Greene, Hayley and Daniel's cousin. However, she had always harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Hayley and had a closer bond with Daniel.

Hayley was praised as one of the top three beauties in Georgia. She was praised as kind, charming and intelligent. Furthermore, she was not promiscuous and also a virgin which made every man want her. And wherever Hayley was, Tory always felt overshadowed by her so she never let go of any opportunity to bring Hayley down.

Daniel's smile took on a sly edge as he retorted, "Oh, he never mentioned anything about wanting to marry Hayley. He just requested her presence during the proposal." Yet, the implications of his words were crystal clear to everyone present.

But Daniel didn't stop there, adding, "And even if he did want to marry her, what's the harm? We all know she's married to a complete fool who has never laid a finger on her. Unlike Mr. John who is a wealthy and sane man. Marrying him will be beneficial to our family."

Hayley's temper flared, and she spoke up sharply, "Watch your words, Daniel!"

"Or what? Isn't he telling the truth? Who can say for sure if you're truly a virgin, or if you're just putting on an act to please everyone?" Tory retorted on behalf of Daniel.

As the heated discussion continued, Old Mrs. Greene refrained from intervening, allowing them to talk Hayley down. However, it was evident that she, too, held a grudge against Hayley, disapproving of her marriage to Elijah. Despite several attempts to convince Hayley to divorce him, Hayley staunchly refused to heed her advice.

With a heavy sigh, Mrs. Greene finally decided to voice her concerns. Addressing Hayley, she empathetically said, "Hayley, don't you think it's time to consider divorcing Elijah? You're a beautiful and intelligent woman, and you shouldn't have to suffer for the rest of your life. Look at your other female cousins; they're all happily married to good men. Don't you envy the stability and happiness they enjoy?"

In response, Hayley looked pained but determined. "Grandma, Grandfather made me promise on his deathbed that I wouldn't divorce Elijah until three years have passed."

Mrs. Greene's eyes softened with understanding, but she remained resolute. "Your grandfather was my husband, and I loved him dearly. But when my time comes and I join him, I will explain my actions to him. I'm only doing this because I want you to have a better life, my dear. Besides in one week's time, it will be three years. So there's no difference between now and the end of the three years."

Hayley remained steadfast in her refusal, firmly stating, "Grandma, three years is three years and like you said next week will make it three years, so I'll wait."

Old Mrs. Greene's face turned gloomy upon hearing Hayley's response. With anger in her voice, she said, "Fine, I don't care what you do, but I want you to get the contract from Mr. John in two weeks, or else prepare to get out of the company." She got up from her chair and left the room.

As members of the Greene family, some indirectly mocked Hayley, while others, like Tory, were more direct in their taunts. "If I were you, I'd start searching for a new job now unless you can convince Mr. John," Tory laughed as she walked away.

When everyone else left, the meeting room emptied, leaving Hayley alone with her thoughts. She couldn't help but shed a few tears, but she quickly wiped them away and decided to head back to the hospital.

As she entered the hospital, her mind was preoccupied with stress from family conflicts, work issues, and the responsibility of taking care of her husband who had mental issues. The thought of giving up on Elijah and marrying someone else lingered in her mind, especially after the recent incident at the family's company, which intensified these feelings.

Lost in her thoughts, she walked absentmindedly into the ward and was jolted back to reality when she saw him, covered fully with a white cloth, while the machines indicated that his heart was no longer beating.

With a heavy heart, a nurse approached and gently broke the devastating news, "I'm sorry, your husband is gone."