Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear

Chapter 7 Theres a rumor that youre as elusive , rarely seen in public .

Honestly , Im starting to think its all just idle chatter .

I met his gaze with a small smile .

maintaining my composure .

Marlons eyes deepened , as if he hadnt expected such a retort from me .

After a beat , he returned the smile , Youve got me there .

But dont you want to fight back ? Fight back ? I echoed , a flicker of bewilderment clouding my expression .

Get inside with me , and no one will dare to mock you , Marlon said confidently .

I felt a bit taken aback was he genuinely extending a hand to help , or was this just a ploy to strike at Hayden Business was like a battlefield with hidden agendas .

He might just want to use me to tarnish Haydens reputation .

After a moment of consideration , I shook my head gently .

I appreciate your kindness , Mr.

Warner , but Im not bothered by other peoples jokes .

With that , I turned and made my way into the venue alone .

Over the past year , Id grown accustomed to the ridicule .

Marlon didnt try to stop Yvonne .

Instead , he narrowed his eyes , a thoughtful smile tugging at his lips as he watched her retreating figure .

It appears shes not as smitten with Hayden as the grapevine suggests .

Could this be my opening he mused to himself .

As expected , the moment I entered the hall , I became the center of attention .

All eyes swiveled towards me as if I were under a spotlight .

Before long , hushed murmurs began to circle me like a current .

Look ! Its Yvonne .

Shes here too ! But didnt Me.

Parker just arrive with another woman ? This is going to be entertaining .

By the way , Yvonne looks absolutely radiant .

Her delicate skin and figure are so captivating Why would Mr.

Parker leave such a gorgeous wife alone ! The woman he came in with looked quite ordinary ! Maybe shes got more going on between the sheets ? Instantly , the crowd erupted into stilled laughter .

They were merciless , voicing whatever thoughts flirted through their minds 1 scanned the room , relieved to find that Hayden or Joanna were nowhere in sight .

As I pondered where the auctions Steinway piano might be placed , Lucy suddenly dashed toward me through the crowd .

Youre here , Yvonne Lucy exclaimed , her eyes wide with surprise .

She was a vision in a dazzling silver mermaid dress , with a matching clutch that caught the light just right .

I couldnt help but grin back at her , You look absolutely stunning today .

Is that dress a custom made from Frisyia ? Youre still in the mood to admire fashion ? Arent you here to catch Hayden and that wornan red handed ? I just spotted them .

Come on , lets go , Lucy said , her grip on my arm firm with resolve .

I quickly held her back .

Forget them .

Do you know where the piano for the auction is ? Id love to take a look .

Lucy paused for a moment .

Youre telling me you actually came here for the piano ? Of course , what else ? I replied with a playful raise of my eyebrows .

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Lucys face , but in the end , she decided to lead the way .

When we arrived , it all made sense Hayden and Joanna were there as well .

I shot Lucy a sidelong glance .

Why didnt you fill me in that theyd be here ? She shrugged .

You said to ignore them .

I was momentarily speechless , redirecting my gaze awkwardly .

Meanwhile , Hayden and Joanna seemed completely absorbed in their conversation , oblivious to me and Lucy at all .

Do you like it ? I had on it for you later , Hayden said , his voice soft and tender .

1/2 2:29 PM Chapter 7 The piano mentioned likely cost a fortune , yet he spoke about it as if it were a casual gift .

It was painfully clear how his treatment of Joanna was a world apart from the cold shoulder I got .

Lucy caught the exchange too , her face twisting in disbelief , probably feeling chills .

She turned to me , her wide eyes seeming to say , How can you stand this I managed a weak unile , though it was laced with bittemen To my surprise , Joanna seemed to hesitate .

Isnt this too valuable , Mr.

Parker ? You know Im not doing those for that kind of thing Truth was , she couldnt play the piano at all If she took it , the cat would be out of the bag in no time .

Plus , Hayden hadnt invited her to this party .

It was Nevin whod unexpectedly showed up with a dress , saying it was Haydens idea .

Shed been over the moon , slipped into the gown , and hurried over .

However , when she met Hayden at the entrance, she saw the surprise on his face .

Luckily , he wasnt mad ; he just escorted her in .

But if shed known about the piano , she would have stayed home , no matter what Hayden curved his lips into a gentle smile .

How could something so precious not be for you ! Joanna felt like her heart was filled with honey , so sweet she could hardly think straight .

Thank you , Mr.

Parker : tuned into their conversation , a chill smirk rigging at my lips .

Lury had reached her boiling point and let loose .

Hayden Parker , arent you laying it on a bit thick Sucking up to someone else right in front of Yvonne ? Its like you want everyone to know youre playing away from home She had a temper and wasnt one to hold back .

As my friend for years , she was definitely in my corner .

In another scenario , shed have marched over and given those two the what for .

Hayden and Joanna spun around at the sound of Lucys voice .

Joanna put on a show of being scandalized and reflexively edged closer to Hayden .

Haydens face turned to ice , and he shot me a chilling glare .

But when our eyes met , there was a brief pause .

The fiery red dress I had on tonight was most definitely not to his taste .

Lucy , lets get out of here , I said , quickly averting my eyes from his and mugging Lury to leave with me .

Are you two also keen on this piano Yasir interjected .

Hed come to the party for the drama , and if the main anraction left , thered be nothing left to gawk at Hmph Who in this town doesnt know Yvonne cant play a note ? Her at the piano ? Please ! Nevin sneered as he sauntered in from the entrance .

casting a disdainful look my way .

He was seething apparently , hed found someone to handle Jamie .

a live Nevin swiftly turned his attention to Joanna , offering her a datering smile .

You sure know how to play the piano .

How about giving us a performance to show someone what shes missing ? He knew the story of how Hayden had been roused from a coma by the sound of Joannas piano playing , and he saw this as the perfect opportunity for her to shine .

But , unbeknownst to him , his suggestion almost plunged Joanna into despair .

Her face drained of color , and she hit her lip so fiercely it looked like she might draw blood .

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