Chapter 2

“Yonne, you’re here,” Xander’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the present. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever shown me kindness. But why had he suddenly summoned Hayden and me? Moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me?

Before I could unravel my thoughts, Xander continued, “You’ve been away too long. Time to return to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves.” His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I remained silent, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden’s flat response: “Yes, Grandpa.”

Hayden always complied with Xander’s commands. Even when Xander had insisted Hayden marry me, he’d been this calm. But just a day after our wedding, he’d left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration welled up inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to speak.

Just then, Xander said, “Yvonne, I’ve been craving your pasta. How about you demonstrate your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It’s late, so I’ll have Luke prepare a room for you and Hayden. You two should rest.” I paused—was he expecting us to stay? Despite my internal protests, I breathed deeply and replied, “Okay, Xander.”

As I left the study, Xander’s chilling voice cut through the air, “So, how much longer will you keep that…?” It seemed he knew about Joanna. I sighed, realizing he was likely trying to reconcile Hayden and me. But honestly, Hayden meant nothing to me anymore.

As the door clicked shut, Luke Mosley, the butler, approached. “Mrs. Parker, it’s been a while since your grandfather and mother passed. You’ve lost weight. You should take better care of yourself.”

“Thank you for your concern,” I murmured, my gaze falling to the floor. But once alone in my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop a testament to my sorrow.

Two months ago, I’d gone abroad to care for Hayden, who’d fallen into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I’d missed my mother’s final moments, and upon my return, I found only a cold grave. Within a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my now-alien home.

As days passed, the truth emerged: my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. I’d been so consumed with Hayden that I hadn’t noticed my mother’s declining spirits. In what felt like an instant, my once-happy home had shattered. Only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I’d lost everything precious in my life.

And him? Instead of compassion, he paraded his new romance, leaving me humiliated and discarded. How foolish I’d been—sacrificing love, family, and happiness for a man who showed so little loyalty after ten years. But now, the dust settled, and I knew it was time to reclaim my life.

Hayden returned half an hour later. His icy gaze scanned me, devoid of warmth. “It’s only been a year, and you’ve managed to win over Grandpa. You’ve got some tricks up your sleeve!”

I frowned, sensing the accusation that I’d told Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? It no longer mattered. I forced a smile and retorted, “When are you planning to divorce me?”

Surprise flickered across his face, quickly replaced by darkness in his sunken eyes. “Yvonne, what’s the angle? What game are you playing?”

Bitterness churned within me. I’d once clung to him desperately, using every tactic to win him. Naturally, he suspected ulterior motives in my desire for a divorce.

“Don’t you hate me?” I asked calmly. “You have another woman; it’s only fair I step aside.” My gaze met his, clear of its former love, revealing a vast ocean of sorrow.

He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. “Step aside? By crying to Grandpa and talking about divorce? I don’t have time for your games. Stay, and the Parker family will take care of you for life.”

Hayden left for the bathroom. I stood dazed until the sound of running water broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for life! Right. I'd married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I’d always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed I'd need Xander's approval before divorcing Hayden.

So, for tonight, I’d make do. I grabbed a blanket and curled up on the couch. When Hayden emerged, I feigned sleep. In the darkness, I heard his lingering footsteps. He probably couldn’t believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now giving him the cold shoulder.

The next morning, I awoke in bed, surprised to find Hayden absent. With a flicker of melancholy, I went downstairs to prepare breakfast for Xander before heading out. My father had called, asking me to come home that afternoon.

Approaching the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly encountered Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack casually. I’d heard he was in college, a bit of a loner. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't speak.

A familiar car hummed to a stop beside me—a Rolls-Royce. Seeing the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden’s car? Before I could process it, the door swung open, revealing Joanna, followed by Hayden. Surprise flickered in their expressions.

“Joanna, what brings you back?” Quinn asked, hurrying to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship?

“I came to see you,” Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking between Quinn and me. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Ms. Jackson.”

“This is my home,” I replied, meeting her gaze with cool defiance.

Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, “Mom married Yvonne’s father, Phillip.”

I discovered Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both Sophia’s children. Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had taken my mother's.

Then, I felt Hayden’s intense gaze. I turned to find his piercing eyes locked on mine. I was the one who’d caught him and Joanna, yet he looked angry! Did he think I’d spoiled his night?

“You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?” I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably didn’t know—despite our marriage, he’d never been here. Then again, he never cared about me or my family.

Hayden frowned. Before he could respond, Joanna intervened, “I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride.”

“Is this your boyfriend?” Quinn asked, breaking the moment. Joanna’s face hardened, and tension filled the air.