Her Secret Love

By Cassandra Stewart

Aspiring journalist Hailey Thompson is reserved, family focused, and ready to take on the world. Growing up in Nine Mile, St. Ann, Jamaica, she was completing her final year at the University of Technology in Kingston while preparing to travel to Harvard to obtain her masters degree in journalism. She is ready; she is waiting. However, someone has eyes on her . . .

Orie Daniels thought it was love at first sight, the woman he was long awaiting. She sat in his fathers office, and immediately after they were introduced, he knew she was his wife. Would his mother accept her, or would she accept him? There was only one way to find out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984530684

Cassandra Stewart

Cassandra Stewart is an island girl, hailing from Bonnett District in the cool hills of Guys Hill, Saint Catherine, Jamaica. Humorous and fun, she never likes a fuss. She is down to earth and carries a heart of gold. Lover of music and nature, Cassandra enjoys going for long walks while listening and singing along to many of her favorite songs. Cassie as she loves to be called finds pleasure in reading romance and mystery novels which has inspired her to write her own. She loves a good story and often plays detective when reading mysteries. Cassandra lives with her family in New York City.

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Copyright © 2018 by Cassandra Stewart.

Library of Congress Control Number:              2018906255

ISBN:                  Hardcover                     978-1-9845-3070-7

                            Softcover                       978-1-9845-3069-1

                            eBook                            978-1-9845-3068-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 06/13/2018

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

"Her Secret Love" is my first but will not be my last. Who knew writing a novel could be so tedious? It was quite a journey but through it all, I learned to be patient, I learned to persevere. With the help of Xlibris Publishing, I can reach you, my readers, as an audience.

If you are reading or have read this piece of work, I hope your journey was an exciting one. I appreciate you for getting acquainted with the characters of Hailey, Orie, Nalia and the others. I fell in love with each of them, and I hope you will too.

I thank you, but most of all, I thank God for giving me courage and strength to take this step. Enjoy!

PROLOGUE

Staring out her window upon the night sky, it was as though she was in a trance, the cold wind rustling through her hair. She shivered just thinking about him.

Vibrant, radical, and exuberant, 22years old Hailey felt mesmerized, a flood of thoughts rushing through her mind, what she wouldn’t do for this man. Letting out a deep sigh, she reached for her cell phone on the nightstand. It was minutes before midnight and finals were just a few days away. Four missed calls registered on the phone screen. Letting out a deep sigh she unlocked the device.

Having the phone on silent was routine when it came to her studies, no disturbance she would always say. A gleeful smile danced on her lips when she saw his number, an SMS also accompanied.

Sweetheart I know you are probably studying as finals are near, but I just wanted you to know how much I love you and I can’t wait to see you at the end. Keep focused and know that I’ll always be here. Sweet dreams pumpkin. XOXO.

Hailey felt loved. Only he understood her. Just he had the key to her heart. Sweet dreams my secret love she whispered.

CHAPTER ONE

May 2013

Finals were here. An aspiring Journalist, Hailey was yearning for adventure, she wanted to travel the world. Attending the University of Technology prove her strength. The daily tasks have often racked her bones, but she was determined to complete the final year, it was all going to be worth it in the end. She was overly excited because she would be able to complete her studies at Harvard, one of the most prestigious universities in America and what made it even more exciting was the fact that she got a full scholarship. Achieving her Graduate Degree was going to be a fight, but it was one she was determined to win.

We’ll begin in the next 30 minutes students, Professor Olster announced.

This is it, said Nalia. Hailey’s best friend since college reached over and touched her arm. Hailey smiled at her dearest friend oh yes honey, hope you studied hard.

As if, didn’t we study together Nalia responded.

Whatever Nalia. They both laughed in unison.

Three hours later, both girls exited the auditorium. How was it, Hailey?

Better than I expected.

I can’t say the same for me.

"You did great Nalia, stop sounding like a sourpuss.

Well, one down, four to go.

You’ll do great, stop doubting yourself, that’s my job, I’m the pessimist.

Laughing aloud, Nalia hugged her friend while they headed to the bus stop.

The bus is thirty minutes away Hailey announced.

Screw this bus system, Nalia squirmed, I can’t wait to move to New York.

And forget all about me?

Not in a million years, you’re my best friend until death do us part plus you’ll be near.

Near?? dismay in her voice, Harvard is all the way in Cambridge Massachusetts, come on Nalia.

I’ll come visit you spoiled brat.

Whatever Nalia.

Whatever Hailey.

The scent of his cologne caressed her nostrils. A touch on her hand, Hailey felt her pulses race. He smiled at her under disguised, Nalia chatting away on her phone did not take notice, she was never one to miss a beat. The smile that stopped her breath each time made her knees buckle. He walked away.

Why was he here? Where was his car? thought Hailey. Why didn’t he text or call? The bus came. Hailey and Nalia boarded. Looking out the window, Hailey saw him disappear around the corner of Mona Baptist Church. Wishing he could have stayed, she rode in silence to Papine Square, Nalia still deep in her conversation.

Standing six feet, 26 years old Orie’s full body length braced against the rough wall of Mona Baptist Church. What am I thinking? I can’t be seen in public like this. Why did I have to be engaged? he scolds himself. Covering his face with the palm of his hands, Orie thought about how much he cared. He loved her deeply and would do anything for her, but he was engaged. What will I do, he thought, my wedding is just four months away. Feeling despair, Orie walked to his car and reflected on the shock in Hailey’s eyes.

Getting off the bus, the girls walked to their rented apartment in Papine. Growing up in St. Ann most of her life, Hailey was still getting familiar with Kingston after four years, and she could never come to like this place. She couldn’t come to terms with what Nalia liked about the surroundings. Hailing from Guyana, she thought Kingston was a sanctuary, her Indian hair glistening in the afternoon sun. Four years was finally over Hailey thought, well almost, four exams to go. Walking to the door, they noticed a vase of red roses, a note attached. For Hailey, your secret admirer.

Whoa, Nalia chirped in excitement, who is he?

I don’t know.

Seems someone has a secret admirer.

I couldn’t tell.

Oh please, Hailey, who are you trying to fool?

No one, I seriously don’t know. Hailey felt terrible lying to her best friend, but she couldn’t say who he was, he wasn’t hers anymore. Unlocking the door, the girls entered the house, a wave of heat flushing their faces. Nalia quickly went to open the windows.

So what’s for dinner, it’s almost 5 pm?

We’ll just order in, Hailey replied, its Friday.

Oh sweet. Reaching for the phone, Hailey dialed the number for Leslie’s Seafood Restaurant.

I’m getting Salmon and Potato Salad, Nals what should I order for you?

Get me Salmon with rice and peas.

Ok.

Dinner was fantastic, Nalia beamed, I don’t know what you get from just eating such light potato salad.

Are you crazy? That is a lot of carbs.

Boo- hoo, don’t want to pack on the pounds? Nalia teased.

Unlike you Nalia, I’m watching my weight and most of all my health. In case you forgot, my dad died from heart failure.

The thought of her father bought a gloomy look on Hailey’s face. Consoling her friend, Nalia kissed Hailey on the forehead, I’m sorry hon.

It’s ok Nali Boo, it’s just one year, but it still hurts like hell. I had just gotten to know him. I didn’t even know I had other siblings.

With all those thoughts, Hailey wept in Nalia’s arms.

It will be ok hon, dry those tears and let’s talk about your secret admirer.

A smile appeared on Hailey’s face; one Nalia did not see. What secret admirer are you talking about?

The one who left you flowers, and not just any flowers, Red Roses, Red Roses Hailey, excitement in her voice, they say a lot girl, Roooommmmaaannnccee!!!

Hailey couldn’t help but laugh at Nalia’s term. What a way of putting it? Did you look at the keyword? secret meaning, I do not know, Hailey sounded defensive.

Whatever Hailey, you’re too secretive.

No, I’m not. Guilt flushed Hailey’s mind. When would she feel comfortable to tell Nalia about Orie, he wasn’t hers anymore. After all, she knew he is engaged and will marry in four months. It’s been 2years since they met.

Ok, I won’t talk about it anymore, when you are ready I will know.

Orie pulled into the driveway of his parent’s house in Jack’s Hill, St. Andrew. He could see his mom watching from the balcony. She waved at him. Entering the house, he skipped up the stairs