Chapter 135

Right after that, I saw Hayden tighten his grip on the steering wheel. The blue veins on the back of his hand bulged. My goodness, he looked furious. Strangely, instead of feeling hurt, I felt a pang of sadness for him.

Hayden was silent for a few seconds. Then, softly, he said, “What’s between Joanna and me isn’t what you think.”

I was taken aback. My sympathy vanished instantly. They even have a child! How could he deny it?

I offered a cold smile. “Men are strange. Even in this situation, they deny it. But honestly, it doesn’t concern me anymore. In three months, our agreement ends. Once you sign it, I leave.”

A flicker of coldness flashed across Hayden’s charming eyes. He asked, “Leave? Where are you going?”

“That’s none of your business,” I said coldly, staring at the endless stream of cars. “After everything, do you really think I can stay here?”

My husband was cheating on me, but it didn’t matter. If I stayed in Elysiumville, my father would undoubtedly pester me. After my mother’s death, I had no reason to remain in this city. I’d heard people leave their cities after breakups—it seemed dramatic until I experienced it myself. I wasn’t running away; I simply felt… nothing.

While I nursed my wounds, Hayden said, “Rosy House is your home. You don’t have to go anywhere else.”

I laughed, looking out the window. “Are you trying to appease me with a house? The Hayden family has a reputation for handling things this way!” Xander and Deborah had both tried the same approach. But how could past wounds possibly heal? At least, not mine.

Luckily, Hayden said nothing more. He drove silently. The half-hour journey felt endless.

When we returned to Rosy House, it was quiet. Laura wasn’t back. Rita had stopped by but left. Most servants were asleep. I glanced at Hayden; he was getting out of the car, heading upstairs.

I wondered if he’d gone back to retrieve something. The elders were gone; he had no reason to be there. I didn’t understand why he didn’t leave immediately. I expected him to drop me off and go, perhaps retrieving something before he left. But an hour later, his study light was still on.

Feeling uneasy, I locked my bedroom door for a peaceful night.

Late that night, Nevin returned to his apartment, but couldn’t stop thinking about his brother. He hurried to Rosy House. He reached the study door, determined, then hesitated, a coward. He repeatedly tried to enter, only to step back.

After much hesitation, he sighed and turned to leave. Just as he took a step, someone said, “Who are you?”

Nevin froze. He’d been discovered. He turned and entered the study. Noticing his brother’s disappointment, he said, “Hayden.”

Hayden’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. He thought it was Yvonne. The disappointment made him restless, but he appeared calm. “What’s going on?”

Nevin murmured, “I…” He opened his mouth but couldn’t speak.

Hayden found him odd and put down his document. With displeasure in his eyes, he said, “Did you get into trouble again?”

“No, no,” Nevin quickly shook his head. “I didn’t do anything, really!”

Hayden stared at him, then felt relieved. “Then why are you here? It’s so late.”

Nevin said cautiously, worried about being scolded, “I want to ask you what’s going on with you and Joanna. I heard from Sophia and Joanna that it was their plan.”

Hayden squinted, rubbing a teacup. “What did they say?”

Nevin hadn’t heard everything, so he fabricated: “Sophia said it was because you’d been playing with Joanna. They were worried, thinking it might push you to marry her. That’s basically what she meant.” But the core information was correct.

Hayden knew it was their scheme. He smiled coldly. “Quite scheming. Remember, nothing ever happened between me and Joanna.”

Nevin was stunned. “What?” He couldn’t believe his brother explained it, even if nothing had happened.

Nevin had many questions. “Hayden, you used to…”

Hayden said, “I thought she was taking care of me when I was abroad.” He was rarely patient in his explanations; it was all because Yasir had once told him that if he wanted to be with Yvonne, he had to deal with everything. If it needed handling, it should be handled well.

Nevin asked, his eyes twitching, “That’s the reason? So, Yvonne was the one who took care of you back then? So, you love her?” He felt Hayden’s feelings were superficial; he would love whoever took care of him.

Hayden hesitated. I love her? Perhaps. He did care about Yvonne more and more.

Nevin waited, receiving no reply. He became anxious. “Really? Do you really love that girl? Didn’t you hate her?”

His words annoyed Hayden. He stood up and snapped, “She’s your sister-in-law! Show some respect!”

“No!” Nevin stomped his foot. “Be honest! Did you fall in love with her long ago? When you were students, I saw you kiss her!”

“Shut up!” Hayden fumed. “Don’t mention the past!”

Nevin pouted. “You’re partial to her!”

He ran from the study. Hayden didn’t chase him. Nevin’s words brought back memories of his teenage years. Yvonne had appeared in front of him daily, watching him play basketball.

She’d said, “Hayden, you’re so good at this!” “Hayden, are you tired? How about some water?” “Hayden, come for a walk!” She was a constant chirp. To his surprise, he still clearly remembered her words.