Chapter 29

Sean seemed to be watching Hayden and me closely. His earlier words sent a shiver down my spine. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me. I doubled over, gagging, my stomach twisting. Ignoring everything, I covered my mouth and ran to the bathroom.

Pushing through the crowd, I overheard snippets of conversation:

“What’s wrong with Mrs. Parker? She looks like she’s about to throw up.” “Could she be pregnant?” “Wait, didn’t Mr. Parker just get back a few days ago! That’s fast.” “What do you expect! They’re married, they can get busy whenever.”

The crowd erupted in laughter, causing Hayden's expression to darken. How could she be having a baby so soon? And if she says it's mine... he thought.

I stumbled into the bathroom and emptied my stomach. The discomfort momentarily distracted me from the office turmoil. After wiping my mouth and fixing my makeup, I stepped outside to find Richard waiting.

“Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker wants you to go to the hospital for a check-up,” Richard said, his eyes downcast.

“I’m fine. No need for that,” I replied, hesitant. I knew my body well enough to know if something was seriously wrong.

But Richard persisted. “Mr. Parker is waiting downstairs.”

Only then did I realize I had no choice. But Hayden coming to the hospital with me? That was unexpected.

Downstairs, I found Hayden waiting in the car, looking pale. I was the one who’d been sick, but he seemed worse.

At the hospital, I expected a stomach exam. Instead, Hayden took me to the obstetrics department. Then it hit me—he suspected I might be pregnant. No wonder he’d come for the check-up.

“What? You think I’d cheat on you?” I snapped. I’d been faithful for so long, yet he doubted me. The sting was sharp, and I wondered how I’d ever fallen for him.

Hayden gave me an icy glare. “Just get the examination done,” he said.

I had no reason to refuse—it was the easiest way to clear my name. But they ran numerous tests, checking my entire body. Confused, I asked, “Do you need all these tests just for pregnancy?”

“We are considering your overall health,” the gynecologist replied politely.

Taken aback, I decided not to question it further. They probably felt they needed a thorough examination to satisfy Hayden. Who would want to cross him?

The final results were clear—I wasn’t pregnant. I tossed the report at Hayden. “Are you happy now?”

His face remained unchanged, but his gaze intensified. The silence stretched, my patience wearing thin. “Can I go now?” I asked.

“Go see the digestive department,” Hayden instructed, walking away.

I glared at his back, my teeth clenched.

After more tests, the doctor frowned at the results. “Why are you so thin? You haven’t been eating much lately.”

“No appetite,” I admitted.

“Not eating well could have upset your stomach,” the doctor explained. At lunchtime, I’d eaten a little more, not wanting to waste it. It seemed fine at first, but then Hayden gave me a piece of fatty meat, making it worse.

While I spoke to the doctor, Hayden interjected, “You haven’t been eating enough!”

I didn’t answer, and the room fell silent.

“Yvonne Jackson,” he said, his tone a warning.

Seeing the doctor’s hand freeze, I sighed. “Didn’t I say I have no appetite?”

Hayden frowned at the doctor. “Prescribe her something to help with her appetite and digestion.”

“Okay, I’ll do it right away,” the doctor said quickly, wiping his brow.

I glanced at Hayden, confused. Considering his dislike for me, shouldn’t he be mocking me instead of taking charge?

After leaving, Hayden told me to get in the car first, saying he had matters to attend to. I was speechless. He had things to do, but I couldn’t leave first? I had to wait?

Noticing my boredom, Richard offered, “Is the cafeteria food not to your liking? Tell me what you want, and I’ll have it delivered.”

His kindness warmed me. “No need. It’s just an old issue,” I replied.

Then it struck me—Hayden had eaten in the cafeteria too. I asked, “Does Mr. Parker often eat at the cafeteria?”

“Not really,” Richard shook his head. He knew Hayden usually avoided it. But today, knowing I was there, he’d made an exception.

I was puzzled. Why would the quiet Hayden choose the cafeteria? An image of him chatting with Joanna flashed in my mind. He must have gone to see her. He was so devoted to her.

I bit my lip and looked out the window. I spotted Hayden on the third-floor balcony, talking to the gynecologist. Was the matter he mentioned just about seeing the doctor? Was he unhappy with the results? My dislike for him intensified.

What Hayden was actually asking the doctor had nothing to do with pregnancy. “Did she actually do it yesterday?” he asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

The doctor lowered his head. “Yes, and it was the first time. The tearing was quite severe.”

Each word hit Hayden hard. He’d suspected it. But why would Yvonne lie? Does she truly want a divorce? Or is there another scheme? he wondered, struggling to understand her true feelings.

Ten minutes later, I was half asleep when the car door opened. A cold breeze rushed in. I wrapped my arms around myself and saw Hayden sitting beside me.