Chapter 124
His imposing presence completely enveloped me. The pain in my back acutely conveyed his anger. "Refused me so decisively, yet you're happily dancing with another man? Huh?" His low voice, laced with barely controlled fury, resonated in my ears. A hidden emotion flickered there, something I hadn't previously noticed, something intense.
I glared, my temper igniting. "Who I dance with is none of your business," I retorted sharply. Isn't it too late for him to be asking this now? I thought.
Hayden's captivating eyes burned with an unidentifiable intensity. His jaw tightened, his silence heavier than any words. "What does he want?" I wondered, frustration simmering beneath my skin.
"Move," I tried again, struggling to push him away, but he remained unyielding. Before I could speak further, he leaned down, his lips crashing against mine.
I had no time to react. The kiss wasn't gentle; it was fierce, demanding, almost punitive. I even felt a sting of pain! I froze in shock, feeling his teeth graze my lip. He captured my wrists, pinning them above my head as he pressed closer. The intensity of that moment was scorching, almost burning my soul. But it wasn't joy I felt; it was anger!
How dare he? Anger surged, and I bit down hard on his lip. Hayden winced, pulling back slightly, his hand brushing his mouth. In the dim light, I noticed a smear of blood. His expression darkened, his eyes sharp and menacing.
"Yvonne," he said icily, "are you a dog?"
I spat at his feet. "Hayden, you're disgusting! Kissing someone you don't even love—how low can you go?" He already has a child with Joanna and still tries to kiss me! The thought makes me want to throw up. Anyway, it's not the first time I've bitten him! I thought.
My words struck a nerve. Hayden's face darkened further, his voice sharp as a blade. "Isn't this what you wanted?"
I laughed bitterly, fury burning. "Wanted? Are you insane! I despise you! Get away from me!" I shouted, using all my strength to push him away, but he didn't move.
Unexpectedly, he lifted his free hand and slowly brought it to my cheek. I held my breath, uncertain of his intentions. The instant his fingertips brushed my face, I froze. His touch was feather-light, almost unreal, like the caress of a fleeting shadow.
"You hate me?" His icy voice resonated deeply.
I snapped back to reality, letting out a cold laugh. "Yes, I hate you."
Hayden's pupils seemed to flicker for a split second, though perhaps I imagined it, as he quickly regained his composure.
"Playing hard to get, are we?" he sneered, his smile darker and colder than mine.
"You're overthinking it," I said through clenched teeth. "I just want you to disappear from my life forever!"
Half my words were truth; the other half, pure anger. I thought my declaration would enrage Hayden, making him storm off. But I was only half right. Hayden was indeed furious, but instead of leaving, he grabbed me by the throat!
He leaned in close, our noses almost touching. "Back then, you knelt in the rain for three days and three nights, crying to marry me. Have you forgotten so soon?" His words were venomous, aimed to pierce my defenses.
"Do you really believe those rumors? I only knelt for a short while, not three days and nights. Don't flatter yourself." I mocked both my past self and him, reminding us that the Hayden I once idolized meant nothing to me now.
Hayden's face flushed, his grip loosening slightly as his hand drifted downward, lifting the hem of my dress. I realized his intention, my pupils contracting sharply. "What are you doing?"
"Your body is far more honest than your words," he said with a wicked smirk, his fingers moving as if they owned the space between us.
"You!" Overwhelmed with shame and fury, I shouted, "Are you planning to force me again, like last time?"
The moment those words left my mouth, Hayden froze. His entire body stiffened. I glared coldly, watching as he finally released me. Finally free, I staggered back, putting distance between us. Only then could I breathe again.
When did Hayden become so dangerous? I wondered, shaken. As I caught my breath, Hayden's voice, softer yet unidentifiable, came again. "Do you really… hate me that much?"
For a moment, I thought I detected grievance and loneliness. But that couldn't be true. He was Hayden, the proud and aloof man who always looked down on others—the same Hayden I'd pursued for ten years without success. How could someone like him feel hurt or aggrieved? It must have been my imagination.
Without turning, I replied thoughtlessly, "What is there to like about you? Hayden, I'm no longer the silly girl who only knew how to love you. I don't love you anymore." I left him with those words and quickly walked away.
The small hallway felt suffocating. Little did I know, as I disappeared around the corner, the proud man I left behind took a step back, his composure crumbling in solitude. The once aloof and unattainable figure had fallen from his pedestal into the mortal world.
After rounding the staircase corner, I rushed to the restroom. The mirror reflected a pale face, smudged lipstick, and disheveled hair—a pitiful sight. What is wrong with Hayden? I wondered angrily, silently cursing him as I reached for my lipstick.
Just as I was adjusting my appearance, faint voices drifted from outside. "…"It was Joanna's voice! "...Mr. Hayden…" "Yes, Ms. Charlotte," a woman replied. "...wine…" "Good. Put the item in first. Once it's done, I pay you double?" Joanna's voice sounded eager and generous. "...Room 303…"
Moments later, the conversation ended. Through the crack in the door, I saw Joanna washing her hands. Her expression twisted into something fierce. "I practiced the piano for two months, and you didn't even bother to look at me. Instead, you chased after that slut! Hayden, you must be mine!" She cursed and slapped the water, rage filling the room.
Joanna… Why would she go to such lengths, practicing the piano so hard, all for Hayden? I wondered, puzzled. Joanna suddenly turned, her gaze sharply directed toward where I was hiding. "Who's there?"