Chapter 19

Joanna’s reaction only deepened my suspicion. But I knew that pushing too hard would make her defensive. I opted for a more relaxed approach.

“Don’t get me wrong,” I smiled. “I’m just trying to figure out how much credit you deserve, so the Parker family can give you a proper thank-you later.”

As expected, the tension eased from Joanna’s face, though she remained wary. “You’re just full of goodwill, huh?”

“Well, the Jackson family’s future is in your hands,” I replied, keeping my tone light.

Joanna gave me a long, hard look before letting out a dismissive snort. “Yvonne, don’t try to deceive me. Seeing me with Hayden must be driving you crazy with jealousy, isn’t it? Your niceness… please.”

“Jealous? Not even close,” I raised an eyebrow. “Hayden and I are ancient history. It’s nice of you to look after him for me,” I said nonchalantly.

Joanna seemed unconvinced, but she had no immediate retort.

Just as I was about to broach the subject of the coffee, she brought it up. “Since you’re being so generous with your goodwill, tell me, why did you take the coffee I left in the break room?”

“How could you be so sure it was me?” I retorted, squinting skeptically. “Besides, it’s just coffee. Why are you so worked up? Was it not regular coffee?”

Joanna fell silent, glaring. “Of course, it was regular coffee. It’s just that I make mine very strong—most people can’t stomach it. You didn’t happen to drink my coffee, did you?”

“I threw it out,” I said with a casual shrug, omitting Hayden’s consumption. I didn’t want outsiders knowing what happened in the car. After all, what if Joanna was just seeking excitement with Hayden?

Joanna’s eyes widened. She glanced at Hayden, who remained unconscious. “If it hadn’t been for that drug… how did he end up like this!”

Following her gaze, I asked, “You mean drinking your coffee would make Hayden pass out?”

“No, I didn’t mean that,” Joanna quickly backtracked, panicked. She figured that with the coffee gone, it was best to pretend nothing happened.

Even though Joanna said little, I saw through her. The coffee was hers, and so was the drug. I’d been dragged into her and Hayden’s messy game. How pathetic!

Then, a phone rang. It was Lucy. I stepped outside to answer.

Joanna sighed with relief. “So close. Thank goodness I kept my mouth shut.”

At that moment, a faint rustle came from the hospital bed. She spun around; Hayden was stirring.

“Hayden, you’re awake!” Joanna exclaimed, rushing to his side, tears streaming down her cheeks, as if she’d been waiting for this moment forever.

As Hayden opened his eyes, he felt pressure on his chest and frowned. “Where am I?”

“It’s the hospital,” Joanna said, wiping her tears, her voice shaky. “You’ve been in a coma for so long. Do you feel any pain?”

“Who brought me here?” Hayden asked. His memories were hazy. He vaguely remembered being in his office, drinking coffee, and then everything became blurry with Yvonne. But now, she was gone.

Joanna, knowing it was Yvonne, replied, “I don’t know. The hospital called me.”

“Yvonne isn’t here!” Hayden frowned. His thoughts kept returning to Yvonne.

Joanna felt a surge of frustration. “She’s not here,” she said, shaking her head. “Do you miss her? Should I call her for you?” she added, her voice trembling.

Chapter 19 (Continued)

Only then did Hayden snap back to reality. “No need,” he said quickly.

Joanna dropped her gaze, swallowing hard. “I’ve been looking after you all this time,” she murmured. “But I guess I’m not doing as good a job as Yvonne, am I?”

Who wouldn’t be moved by that? Hayden’s tone softened. “What are you talking about? You’re doing just fine.”

I’d just hung up the phone and was about to open the door when Hayden’s words reached me. I stopped.

Through the crack in the door, I saw Joanna nestled against Hayden’s chest in an intimate embrace. I felt like a third wheel.

I leaned against the wall, eyes squeezed shut. Their laughter filled the ward—Joanna’s giggles intertwined with Hayden’s soothing voice—each note felt like a dagger.

Not wanting to stay, I left the hospital. With Hayden awake, I had nothing left to do there.

Earlier, Lucy had invited me to a gathering. I’d declined, unsure when Hayden would wake up.

I called Lucy back. She was more excited than I was. “Come on and have some fun, Yvonne. You deserve to let loose and forget about that cheating couple,” she declared indignantly.

I knew venting wouldn’t change anything, but I chuckled. “Alright, I’m on my way.”

I went home to change before going to the event. Lucy had texted me the location. It was a class reunion, and I instantly wanted to leave.

But Lucy was waiting at the door. She grabbed my arm. “Why would you leave? We haven’t even had dinner yet.”

I frowned. “You didn’t say it was a class reunion. You know how those people love to make fun of my old crush on Hayden. Now that I’m about to divorce, they’ll love to laugh at me.”

Honestly, I wasn’t worried about their gossip. What I dreaded was facing the version of myself obsessed with Hayden.

I’d convinced myself it was love—grand and passionate—but once those feelings faded, I saw the truth. I looked ridiculous. Lucy rolled her eyes. “Why do you care about them? Seriously, what’s the big deal about divorce these days?”

“You’re the one who dumped Hayden, and it’s time to reclaim your pride. Plus, that guy who had a crush on you is here tonight. Go inside and see for yourself.”

She nudged me playfully. “He’s tall and gorgeous. Trust me, one glance at his waist and you can tell he’s strong.”

I sighed. “Can we be serious for a second?”