Chapter 10

I watched Hayden approach, surprised Joanna wasn't with him.

"I'll take care of the piano. Your generosity isn't needed, Mr. Warner," Hayden declared, his thin lips curving into a tight line, his icy voice cutting through the air.

So, this was his reason for being here! I couldn't help but sneer silently.

Marlon smiled, but his words cut deeper. "So, who are you buying this piano for?" Everyone, including Marlon, had witnessed Hayden and Joanna's earlier intimacy.

"Are you going back on your word?" I frowned, glancing at Hayden. Considering his devotion to Joanna, I suspected he might.

Hayden's face clouded. "If you want it, I should buy it for you," he stated, then shot Marlon a venomous glare.

Marlon, noticing the shadow crossing Hayden's face, sneered. "You really have a big heart, Mr. Parker. Just now, you were gifting the piano to another woman, and now you suddenly remember your wife?"

"My family matters are none of your business," Hayden shot back coldly, each word dripping with threat.

It finally clicked. Hayden didn't want Marlon to gift me the piano. Perhaps he feared it would tarnish his reputation? What a double standard! He could be close to Joanna, but someone else showing me kindness was a problem for him.

Ignoring Hayden, I smiled at Marlon. "I'd be happy to accept your kind gesture. Could you please send it to Easaline Road?"

"Sure," Marlon replied, nodding.

Hayden frowned. "Not Rosy House?"

"That's not my home," I interjected, turning and walking away.

I found Lucy finishing drinks with a group. She handed me a glass. "So? Who sent you the piano?"

"Marlon," I replied.

Lucy's eyebrows shot up. "The one from the Warner family? When did you two meet?"

"Just now."

Lucy paused. "So, what's the deal? Why such a lavish gift? Does he like you?"

"No way," I whispered, rubbing my forehead. "He's looking to collaborate with me."

"That's great! Collaboration means more meetings, and familiarity breeds fondness," Lucy chuckled, her eyes sparkling with romantic daydreams. I felt helpless. "Do you really want me to cheat that badly? I'm not even divorced yet."

"Hayden's already been out of line, so why hold back? Besides, it's just a meeting—not like you have to do anything crazy. What are you so afraid of?" Lucy reasoned.

I wasn't scared; I just wasn't in the mood for romance. "Where's Joanna? Doesn't she usually stick close to Hayden?"

"She left with Nevin," Lucy said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Speaking of, how did she hook up with Hayden? I thought he kept his distance from women. How did she pull that off so quickly?"

"Maybe it was love at first sight," I replied, a twinge of bitterness in my voice. Love was a funny game—a decade couldn't spark true feelings, but one glance might.

Lucy pondered. "That woman isn't all that beautiful. It definitely isn't love at first sight. Maybe she used some kind of trick. You better watch out—she isn't as simple as she seems."

"Trick?" I echoed, recalling Sophia's machinations to marry into the Jackson family. Joanna might have similar tactics.

I shrugged. "It doesn't matter anymore. I've already asked Hayden for a divorce."

"What?" Lucy's eyes widened. "Did you really ask him? What did he say?"

"I think he agreed. But Xander wants me to wait three months before proceeding with the divorce," I replied, mentioning my new job at Parker Group.

Lucy sighed. "Three months? By then, she could be pregnant."

My heart skipped a beat—it wasn't impossible.

Leaving the party, Hayden's car pulled up beside mine. Since our divorce wasn't final, I had to ride with him.

The driver remained silent, and a heavy quiet filled the backseat.

My mind drifted to our wedding day. He'd sat beside me, radiating a chilling coldness, but I'd been too caught up in marrying him to notice.

Only now did I see how foolish I'd been. Why had I clung to a man who didn't love me?

"What's your relationship with Marlon?" Hayden asked, snapping me from my thoughts.

"Nothing," I replied, my voice clipped. I didn't want to talk to him.

Just a year ago, I'd craved his closeness, but now, I lacked the energy for conversation. Only I knew the sorrow and disappointment it took to let go of my feelings.

Hayden looked surprised and turned to me. "The Warner family are no saints."

"I can judge for myself. Just focus on your new love," I retorted. "Why are you here with me instead of seeing Joanna off?"

I thought my attitude would deter him, but he asked, "When will you pick up the piano?" with a hint of sarcasm. Why was he here?

I glanced at him, puzzled. In the soft car light, his handsome features were stark, as if sketched in charcoal. He seemed distant, yet different. The Hayden I knew wouldn't speak to me; what was with his sudden talkativeness?

I cut to the chase. "What's really on your mind?"

"I've never heard you play before," he said slowly, his voice softer than I remembered.

I laughed coldly. "Before? Were you even paying attention? You want to give the piano to Joanna, right? Sorry, but my mother wanted it before she passed. I can't give it to you."

"Your mother passed away?" Hayden looked up, his eyes wide with surprise.

I was speechless. As my husband, he hadn't known my mother had died. He'd never cared about my feelings. A cold shiver ran through my heart.