Chapter 31

Yosef's gaze shifted uncomfortably. "Well, Yvonne's mother never really liked large events, so we didn't hold a big funeral."

I snapped back to reality, a smirk playing on my lips. The truth was, since my mother had taken her own life, the Jacksons feared the repercussions of a public funeral.

It was sad; my mother had devoted her life to this family, and in the end, she was buried alone.

Sophia sensed my unease. Touching her belly, she sighed. "I suppose I'm partly to blame. This little one is so active. The doctor says I need rest."

Yosef immediately offered comfort, wrapping his arm around her. "Don't say that. It's not your fault."

"But..." Sophia choked up, quietly wiping away tears.

Their affection churned my stomach. Thankfully, I'd already vomited my lunch.

Hayden, beside me, spoke. "Since it's inconvenient for you to arrange Yvonne's mother's funeral, the Parkers will take care of it."

Startled, I turned to him, seeing only his profile—strong features and a firm jaw. He seemed different. He'd always been cold; once, at school, he'd ignored a classmate bullying me. This offer felt utterly out of character.

Joanna, noticing his attempt to help, grew angry. "It's been so long. Can we still do this?" she asked, feigning concern.

"Exactly," Sophia chimed in. "She's already buried. Wouldn't another service disturb her?"

Yosef, after a moment's hesitation, added, "Yeah, it's all in the past. Maybe we shouldn't bring it up again." He hadn't arranged a funeral for his wife; letting the Parkers handle it avoided potential scandal.

Hayden disagreed, turning to me. "Yvonne, what do you think?"

I met his gaze, momentarily unable to decipher his intentions. A delayed funeral was my wish, but I didn't want him involved. Further entanglement would only complicate a future separation.

"I can handle this myself; no need to bother everyone," I replied casually.

Hayden's gaze was intense. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Okay," I nodded, looking away. His kindness felt like a performance for my father, and I wouldn't take it seriously.

Sophia visibly relaxed.

After some conversation, dinner was served. We moved to the living room. Passing the stairs, a black grand piano came into view. Even Hayden glanced at it, as Sophia had hoped.

"Joanna's loved playing piano since she was a child and has practiced hard for years. I'm so proud of her," Sophia said, prompting compliments.

Joanna felt awkward; she'd only recently started and could barely play simple tunes. Sophia's comment aimed to convince Hayden of Joanna's supposed talent.

Hayden remained silent, his eyes narrowed.

Unaware of the mother-daughter scheme, Yosef remarked, "Yvonne also plays the piano well, like her mother."

Sophia froze, almost grinding her teeth. She'd invested heavily in the piano and invited Hayden to showcase Joanna's talent. Yosef's comment was disastrous.

"I've heard it before," Hayden replied, turning to me.

I was utterly confused. Why had he been acting so strangely?

Before I could process this, Joanna shot me a furious glare. Hayden added, "Not as good as Joanna."

My heart leaped. Of course, to Hayden, Joanna was superior. Had his help been an act?

His words diffused the hostility. Joanna stopped glaring, gazing at Hayden, her face alight with joy.

"Hayden," she whispered, careful not to be overheard. This only intensified his affection.

Sophia shot me a scornful look and guided the others to their seats. I followed, feeling like a zombie. Yosef glanced back but said nothing; his silence felt like tacit approval.

Dinner was tasteless. Afterward, Joanna insisted on seeing us off, clearly eager to spend more time with Hayden. I entered the car, still hearing their conversation.

"Hayden, did you like the food? I noticed you barely ate. What if you get hungry later?"

"I'm not hungry. It's chilly; you should go inside." Hayden's voice was dripping with a tenderness I found irritating. I glanced back to see Joanna clinging to his arm, inseparable.

Richard, unable to endure it, suggested, "Mrs. Parker, the wind's picked up. Close the window?" He wanted me to stop staring. I smiled coldly. "No need. A little chill is fine." This way, I could see Hayden's true nature more clearly. His kindness had been an illusion.

Joanna and Hayden chatted, then Joanna leaned into my window. "See you, Yvonne. Come back soon, and I'll cook for you." Her innocent smile was hard to reconcile with her harshness when alone.

Hayden entered the car. Noticing my silence, he said seriously, "Joanna's talking to you."