Chapter 42

The gentle tremor in his voice betrayed helplessness and emotions I couldn't quite decipher. Perhaps the hot spring's warmth muddled my thoughts. How could Hayden be helpless? He probably felt triumphant enough to set off fireworks!

"Tomorrow?" I seized the opportunity, deeming it wiser to ask now than later.

Hayden snapped back to attention, his charming eyes hardening. "If my grandfather agrees, I have no objections."

I froze. Xander would never agree. It was merely a matter of timing. I quickly nodded. "Alright, then we'll wait two months and nine days."

Time flew. Since letting go of my feelings for Hayden, my concern for him had waned. With only two months remaining, I needed to formulate my exit strategy.

Since we were on the subject, I casually inquired, "By the way, what's going on between you and Zachary?"

"Why bring him up? Did he contact you?" Hayden shot back.

"Yes. He wants me to team up with him to bring you down, even promised me the CEO position at Parker Group afterward. I explained Sean's plan."

I'd conceived this the moment Marlon revealed his unwillingness to collaborate with Zachary. His refusal eliminated the need for deception. Besides, I was curious about Hayden's reaction. Was this all part of his plan?

Then, I saw shock flicker in Hayden's eyes.

"You didn't agree?" he asked.

I quickly realized this had nothing to do with him.

"Nope," I shook my head, casually leaning back. The tension eased, and I almost forgot I was supposed to be submerged.

"Why not?" Hayden moved closer, preventing my escape.

I frowned. "Even if we're divorcing, it doesn't mean I have to betray you." Love hadn't worked out; there was no need to become enemies. Hatred was no better than love; I'd given him everything I had. I was exhausted.

Hayden's gaze darted around as he scrutinized me.

In the ensuing silence, my phone rang. Looking down, I saw it was Lucy. Without hesitation, I rose from the water to retrieve it from the counter.

I'd forgotten I was wearing a sultry black swimsuit, transforming my appearance. The lace, clinging to my wet skin, accentuated my curves in a decidedly tempting way.

Hayden froze, his calm eyes sparking with an unfamiliar fire. He felt his body heating up. He understood what was happening and quickly averted his gaze, refusing to look at that captivating sight any longer.

What's wrong with me today? It's broad daylight, and yet I've felt butterflies for Yvonne twice! This has never happened before. What kind of spell has she cast on me to make me feel so unlike myself! And right now, I could still hear her voice, Hayden thought.

"Lucy! What's up?" I remained oblivious, absorbed in my conversation.

"I was bored and wanted to talk. What are you doing?" Lucy asked.

"I'm soaking in the hot tub," I replied.

"You really know how to enjoy life! By the way, have you contacted Dylan again?" Lucy inquired.

So, Lucy's gossipy instincts were at it again…

"Nope," I answered calmly. I hadn't even considered dating a younger man.

"Seriously, what a waste! A good-looking, loyal guy is way better than that jerk Hayden! You're not still hung up on him, are you?" Lucy pressed.

"I've totally moved on," I said impulsively.

Did I even have the energy to love? Simply surviving was enough. Honestly, I'd completely forgotten Hayden was still behind me.

"Maybe Marlon isn't such a bad option either? He was really nice to you and took care of you in the hospital," Lucy suggested, genuinely trying to help.

I sighed. "It was just a coincidence."

Before I could finish, my phone was snatched! I jumped, whirling around to meet Hayden's furious gaze. The scene was more shocking than any horror movie climax.

On the other end, Lucy, unaware of the unfolding drama, continued. "It's obvious he likes you, okay? Honestly, I think Marlon is great! Devoted, handsome, and sweet to you. Doesn't that make you feel anything?" Years of experience allowed Lucy to instantly recognize a man's affection.

My heart nearly stopped. Hayden's handsome face was grim as he coldly interrupted. "Yvonne wouldn't dare cheat in her marriage." He hung up, tossing the phone several feet away, shattering it with a loud crash.

I gasped. "Are you crazy? You owe me a new phone!" I tried to circumvent him to retrieve it.

But a strong hand seized my wrist, yanking me back. Off balance, I crashed into Hayden's chest. The impact left me dizzy.

"Do you have a thing for Marlon?" The devilish question descended from above.

Dazed, I only recalled his words, Yvonne wouldn't dare cheat in her marriage. Was he truly so sure?

I felt provoked and decided to play along. "Yeah! I totally like him!"

"So you're eager to divorce me?" Hayden's teeth seemed to grind, radiating fury.

I smirked. "Wow, you really know how to turn the tables. Wasn't it you who cheated first? Am I just supposed to accept that?" Hayden was clearly unsatisfied. He tightened his grip. "You want to marry him?"

Hayden's mind whirled. He'd always believed I revolved around him, that I only had eyes for him. How could I possibly be interested in another man? Was I really willing to divorce him for Marlon? All these recent changes in my behavior… it was all for Marlon!

"Yeah! Are you happy now? You're planning to marry Joanna too, right? You act like you've been so hurt, but didn't you just want me out of your life? Let go of me, Hayden!" Anger surged. I'd never felt this desperate to leave him before.

The usually calm Hayden had transformed into a raging bull. I wondered if he'd taken some medication. He didn't release his grip. In my struggle, my foot slipped, and we tumbled into the hot spring!

"Splash!" Water erupted, showering the room. As I hit the water, I felt a powerful arm encircle me tightly.