Chapter 1
Chapter 1 The day had finally arrived Hayden Parker was coming back .
His friends had all but dragged me , his so called wife , to the welcome party .
I could tell they were just waiting for the moment 1 would embarrass myself .
Whisper of Haydens newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air , a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage .
Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce ? Yvonne Jacksons grandpa practically forced him into this marriage , a voice sneered Ugh , just thinking about that spoiled , clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills , another chimed in .
I heard that on their wedding night , she stripped down and jumped into Haydens bed , only to be kicked out .
How humiliating the third scoffed .
Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room , each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass .
I clenched my fists , tears threatening to spill .
Yeah , they were right .
A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden t had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family .
Yet , in the end .
I had become linle more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville .
For a moment , an invisible weight pressed down on my chest , tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel Laborious .
Yvonne , why are you just standing there ? A voice cut through , jolting me back to reality .
I turned to find Nevin , Haydens younger brother .
He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year .
Hurry up and come in .
Haydens almost here , and the shows about to start .
Nevin urged , and without waiting for my response , he swept into the private room , with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide .
Left with no choice , I steeled myself and stepped in after him , the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm .
As I entered the room , the lively chatter fell abruptly silent .
A few people managed to be polite , standing up to greet me with a friendly nod .
I returned with a faint smile , walked over , and settled into a chair .
Just then , a booming voice erupted from the entrance .
Hayden , youre finally here The guys have been waiting Instantly , my heart plummeted , a heavy stone sinking into my chest .
I got held up came Haydens deep voice , smooth and steady , just like I remembered .
But then , a sweet , cheerful voice followed , completely catching me off guard .
Its totally my fault .
I dozed off the whole way on the plane .
But just as we landed , I felt hungry , and he stayed with me to grab a bite , the woman explained , her tone playful and joyful , laced with a hint of pride A lump rose in my throat so , this was Haydens new girlfriend ! He had actually brought her here .
Suddenly , Nevins earlier comment about the good show clicked into place .
Wow , looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority , Hayden .
Weve all been waiting here starving Nevin chuckled , his voice laced with playful His words cut deep , sending a sharp ache through my heart .
Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family , Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Haydens wife .
The air was air was thick with suppressed giggles , and an odd tension seisled over the ro Before Hayden could respond , the woman chimed in again , C Come on , Nevin , enough with the jokes , I hardly deserve to be called Haydens girlfriend Though her words seemed awkward , her tone told another story Nonsense , Nevin shot bark , a playful smirk on his fa is face .
Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold .
How could you not be Yet , his words barrly registered in my mind because .
At that moment , Hayden walked in .
The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure , illuminating him like an ethereal vision .
He appeared a touch leaner , the of his jaw already striking were now even more pronounced .
Hu brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room .
A black rosary bracelet dangled from his Dreame Read Romance Stories 44 FREE Installed Download Top Fiction Novels 2022 , Free Sors are Updated Daily Office Read Chapter 1 left wrist , dark and mysterious , catching the light with an alluring gleam .
In that breathless instant , I felt unmoored .
This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion , the one I would have sacrificed anything for , even my very life , just to be by his side .
Yet now , he appeared so distant and cold .
The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once bright love I had felt for him .
Just then , Haydens gaze found me across the room .
We werent too far apart , but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm .
There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes , a flicker of something I couldnt quite decipher .
As I tore my gaze away , my attention was drawn to the woman by his side .
A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her , and I couldnt help compare us .
but She was striking vibrant eyes that sparkled with life , a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room , and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection .
No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm .
With a sigh , I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window .
My cheeks were pale ; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self .
Honestly , if I were Hayden .
Id probably pick her too , What are you doing here ? Hayden asked , his voice striking with an icy edge .
The harshness of his words landed like a blow , snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us After all this time apart , here he was flanked by another woman and his first words werent even a greeting or an explanation .
Instead , he launched that indifferent question , tinged with annoyance , as if my presence were an inconvenience .
I forced a brittle smile .
I came to welcome you .
Nevin set it up .
Haydens eyebrows knit together slightly , and just as I had expected , he cast a frosty glare in Nevins direction .
Caught off guard , Nevin immediately recoiled , stammering , T … I didnt think it would be like this .
Actually , he had orchestrated the entire scene , eager to see me unravel .
In the past , I had been Bercely possessive of Hayden just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling Yet here I was , neither crying nor throwing a tantrum .
Instead , I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden , So , this lovely lady is your new flame ? A gasp rippled through the crowd , and I could sense their curiosity swirling was there an epic showdown to erupt ? Haydens expression shified , more intense than I had anticipated .
Joanna Charlotte , the woman by his side , suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered .
Yvonne , please dont get the wrong idea .
Its not what it appears to be between me and Mr.
Parker .
We … Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden , making the scene even more awkward .
In another time , I might have charged at Joanna , tugging at her hair , and lashing out for being the other woman .
But now , I simply pasted on a smile and said , Tm not misunderstanding anything .
Im just relieved to know youre taking care of Hayden Joannas jaw tightened , and she retreated a step , seeking refuge behind Haydens broad shoulders .
Haydens face darkened in an instant .
Have you said enough ? he questioned , his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning .
I already knew Hayden held no affection for me , and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage , Bit as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me , the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shuttered .
A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain .
A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur .
I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile .
Looks Im not welcome here , You guys can catch up .
Ill just take my leave .
With that , I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back .
As soon as I reached the stairs , my phone buzzed to life .
It was Lucy Coffey , my best friend .
a coma from What Hayden brought another woman back ? What a jerk ! Youve loved him for so long , and just two months ago , when he was in a co that accident , you even went abroad to care for him .
Does he have any conscience at all ! Lucys voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end .
Lucy I started , but the words faltered , choking i in my throat .
No matter how hard I tried , I couldnt suppress the wave of sadness that washed over 2/3 ell P Dreame Read Romance Stories 44 FREE Installed Download Top Fiction Novels 2022 , Free Stones are Updated Daily Offline Read Chapter 1 me .
Lucy picked up on it right away .
Okay , Yvonne , dont cry .
Just divorce him .
You deserve so much more ! There are plenty of younger guys out there , and I hear a freshman has his eye on you .
I cant even think about that right now , I sighed , pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions .
I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days .
I had believed it was something to cherish , always prioritizing Haydens happiness above my own .
But now , I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce .
I feel so sorry for you , Yvonne Lucy sighed .
Well , since youre free for the evening , how about we grab a drink together ? A drink sounded like exactly what I needed ! I a linle liquid courage to drown my sorrows .
But halfway , Xander , Haydens grandfather , called me back .
As I entered Xanders study , I was surprised to find Hayden there as well .
A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut wasnt he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment 3/3