Chapter 101

He had already spoken with Nevin and learned why Hayden had begun treating Joanna differently: their brief fling abroad. But why was Lucy now saying Yvonne had also cared for Hayden? Had they met abroad? And why hadn't Hayden mentioned it? he wondered.

Lucy, her mind racing and chest aching from the seatbelt, muttered, "You're crazy; I'm never getting in your car again."

Yasir, clearly impatient, raised his voice. "Is what you just said true?"

"What?" Lucy blinked, startled by his tone. She quickly searched her memory for anything harsh enough to provoke such upset, then realized she'd said nothing offensive—only recounted what happened with Yvonne. It was the truth, so there shouldn't be a problem.

After a couple of coughs, she said, "Yeah, it's true. Hayden wouldn't just forget, would he? Joanna cared for him, and he was grateful."

"But Yvonne cared for him and he repaid her with cruelty? The world can't be this unfair, right?"

Yasir seemed to catch his breath. "But didn't Nevin say Yvonne completely ignored Mr. Parker?"

"Ignored him? When?" Lucy was taken aback.

Yasir's mind raced. He immediately restarted the car. "I need to talk to Parker."

"Talk to him about what! Just drop me off at home first!" Lucy cried, but the car sped away.

The night was cleaved by the car's swift departure.

At Rosy House, as I entered and started upstairs, the maid approached. "Mrs. Parker, Layla's here. She's waiting in the living room."

I paused, glancing toward the sofa. There she was, radiating a cold, almost menacing energy. Oh my, I thought, only she would arrive this late. Such a rude woman.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly entered the living room.

"It's late. Do you need something?" I asked, my tone calm and even, devoid of the obsequiousness I once displayed.

Layla looked up.

"Yvonne, don't think just because Mrs. Parker is backing you, you can do whatever you want," she began, her sharp threat instantly tensing the atmosphere.

I raised an eyebrow. I recalled Deborah's support at the Parker residence—the source of Layla's irritation.

"Mrs. Parker is just sympathetic. She doesn't want you all to keep bullying me," I replied with a faint smile, sitting down. The sofa was soft, but the person across from me was anything but.

"Imph, you shamelessly chased Hayden, tried to win me over, and now you've forgotten all about it?" Layla sneered, dismissing me with a contemptuous glance.

Her eyes irritated me, but I maintained my composure.

"I was wrong, and I'm trying to change," I said, my smile unwavering as I met her gaze.

"Such a sharp tongue," Layla muttered, shifting her posture. She crossed her legs, revealing long, slender heels. "But Hayden still doesn't care about you. You saw it yourself. He brought Joanna home. If you're smart, you'll leave and stop lingering around him."

I'd heard similar words for years; I was practically immune. I used to believe my happiness lay in marrying Hayden, unaware of what I was sacrificing. But now, a bittersweet pang resonated within me. It wasn't because I was still being belittled; it was pity for my foolish former self. For love, I'd abandoned my dignity.

I smiled, leaned forward, opened the small drawer under the coffee table, pulled out two divorce agreements, and tossed them in front of Layla.

"I've signed both," I said slowly, clearly, looking directly at her. "It's Hayden who's shamelessly refusing to divorce me."

Layla froze, then grabbed the papers. She stared for several minutes before looking back at me, dazed.

I decided to stop holding back. I sank into the couch, sighing. "Now, I don't even want him anymore. You better tell him to get lost and stop bothering me."

Layla's eyes widened.

It took her a moment to react, but then she jumped up, pointing, her fingers trembling. "You, you…"

"Calm down," I said, smiling, offering a friendly warning. "At your age, your blood pressure might rise too high, and your veins could burst." I found satisfaction in her fluster, remembering her past criticisms.

"You wait! I'll make sure Hayden signs the papers. You'll regret this," she snapped, grabbing the papers and storming out in her high heels.

I watched her go, a wave of relief washing over me. Is Hayden finally going to sign? Good. Then I can truly be free.

After a few moments, I stood and headed upstairs. "Tell Rita I'm going to take a bath."

Rita usually handled these things, and I'd grown accustomed to it. The maid followed. "Mrs. Parker, Rita is still at the Parker residence. I'll prepare it for you."

I paused. "No need. I'll do it myself." Others might not know my preferences. From now on, I would have to get used to living alone. The Parker family and everything about them were no longer my concern.

At Twilight Bar, Yasir drove recklessly, getting Lucy there as quickly as possible. When the car stopped, Lucy frowned. "Why did you bring me here? I told you to take me home!"

"I need to confirm something first. Get out of the car," Yasir said, exiting the vehicle. When Lucy didn't move, he circled the car and opened her door. "Get out."

"I'm not getting out," Lucy said, instinctively crossing her arms, suspicion etched on her face. "I'm Yvonne's friend. If you mess with me, you'll be sorry. Yvonne is the most loyal person I know."

It was late, and she was at a bar with a man she barely knew. She had to be cautious. Any mistake would be a lifelong regret.

Seeing her defensiveness, Yasir sighed in frustration, rubbing his forehead. "What's going through your head? Just get out of the car already."