Chapter 110

Facing a heartbreaker like him, a strong scolding was the only satisfying response. With the rain pattering down, Hayden’s jaw tightened.

“She wants a divorce,” he said, enunciating each word.

Lucy laughed incredulously. “What? You won’t let her face reality? Yvonne has faithfully loved and waited for you for ten years. Even a cold stone would have warmed. If you don’t love her, let her go.”

Hayden remained silent. The word “love” held no tangible meaning in his thirty years. He only knew Yvonne had always been there, and she couldn't simply leave.

Seeing his silence, Lucy stated plainly, “Yvonne said she no longer loves you. You have someone new; letting go would be best for both of you.”

Hayden was stunned. His eyes trembled, though hidden from Lucy. He thought, Yvonne… doesn’t love me anymore? Those seemingly light words struck him like a hammer blow.

After a long pause, he asked, “Why did she go abroad to care for me?” It was perhaps his last clinging hope.

Lucy scoffed. “Back then, she still felt some infatuation. She stopped loving you when you brought Joanna back.” She sighed. “Forget it. This is pointless. You never cared about Yvonne. Even if she owed you in a past life, she’s repaid it. Leave her alone; even Nancy wouldn't want to see this.”

She would let Yvonne decide this time. Hayden's presence only broke Yvonne's heart further. Lucy left Hayden standing alone, walking towards Yvonne, who was weeping at Nancy's grave, comforted by Lucy.

Hayden recalled Yvonne’s wish not to see him again. A wave of pain washed over him. The rain intensified.

I stared at the black and white photo on Mom's tombstone, my tear-filled eyes blurring. “Lucy, do you think Mom would still be alive if I hadn’t gone to find Hayden?” I asked despairingly.

Lucy gently wiped my tears. “Yvonne, don’t dwell on this. Everyone has their fate. Even from the afterlife, Nancy wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

There was so much frustration and regret in the world; not all could be rectified. What was done was done. Clinging to the past was self-forgiveness denied.

Chapter 110 (continued)

“I was wrong, Lucy. I don’t love Hayden. I realize that now…” I threw myself into Lucy’s arms, sobbing. I could overlook past wrongs, dismiss wasted time as youthful folly… but my mother was gone, never to return. It was all because I loved Hayden and couldn't let go. If I could turn back time, I’d never have fallen for him. I never want to love him again.

Lucy held me close, weeping. “Yvonne, don’t be like this. It’s not your fault. You’re a victim too… It’s because of that horrible Hayden. And your cheating father. They’re all the same. Don’t blame yourself.”

“I didn’t protect Mom well enough…” Lost in sorrow, I didn't notice Lucy looking in a certain direction. Hayden, dejected, turned and quietly walked away.

I didn’t return to Rosy House that night. Lucy took me to her home.

“We haven’t lived together since graduation, right? You got married right after. Hmph, always choosing love over friendship,” Lucy pouted, drying my freshly washed hair in a robe.

Recalling our childhood, I smiled. “Those school days were the best – carefree and simple.”

“You can be carefree now,” Lucy said, sitting beside me. “Once your divorce is finalized, move in with me. I’ve talked to my parents about starting a business. Join me. We can make it big in Elysiumville!”

I was surprised. “Aren’t you the one who hates business most?” She was affluent and enjoyed fun but hated socializing and felt uncomfortable when people boasted. How could she want to start a business?

“Oh, it’s because I want to do it with you,” Lucy laughed, hugging me. I guessed she worried about my post-divorce feelings and wanted to involve me. I was touched, but…

“Lucy, you don’t have to do things you dislike for me. I… I want to leave Elysiumville,” I said earnestly, holding her hand.

“Leave?” She paused, looking upset. “Yvonne, are you leaving me?”

“No, no, I just…” I couldn’t articulate a reason. She continued, “I know, you want to get away from that jerk Hayden.”

“Damn it. Ten years of trouble wasn't enough, and now he wants you to leave everything? It makes me so mad!” Lucy slammed a pillow, as if it were Hayden.

I chuckled at her childishness. “Actually, it’s not just him. It’s also my father…”

“What’s wrong with your father?” Lucy tilted her head.

I sighed and reluctantly explained the shares issue. Lucy’s eyes widened. “So you’re the biggest shareholder of the Jackson Group?”

“You could say that,” I nodded, frowning. “My dad knows I’m behind this, and he won’t let it go easily. I probably can’t stay in Elysiumville much longer.”

Chapter 110 (continued)

“Don’t care about him. He betrayed your mom and married a witch so quickly. He’s shameless!” Lucy ranted, grabbing my hand. “Yvonne, where are you going? I don’t want you to leave. How about I go with you?”

Before I could answer, there was a knock. “Knock, knock, knock.” A gentle, refined voice followed. “Lucy? Mom heard your friend is here, so she asked me to bring some fruit.”