Chapter 43

Is that Hayden? He was the only one in the hot spring pool. I choked on water, flailing briefly before Hayden dragged me ashore. He shook me vigorously, shouting, "Yvonne!"

I felt dizzy and weak, unable to speak. He seemed anxious, patting my cheeks. I frowned, thinking, Did you plan to take revenge? But before I could voice my thoughts, Hayden clasped his hands and pressed hard on my chest, nearly breaking my ribs.

I mustered my strength to yell, but as the words formed, he leaned over me. His shadow enveloped me, and then a soft pressure touched my lips. I froze, realizing he was performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Regaining some strength, I pushed him away forcefully. "Get away from me," I croaked, instinctively shifting, which caused me to choke on more water and cough violently.

Hayden stared, relieved. "You're not dead!"

Ignoring his apparent happiness, I snapped, "Sorry to disappoint you."

His expression faltered, but he didn't scold me. He placed a hand on my back, swept his other arm under my knees, and effortlessly lifted me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, weak and angry. Why was he so hands-on lately?

"Shut up," he retorted curtly, his handsome face resuming its usual indifference.

The servants gasped as he carried me toward the door. "Mr. Parker, Mrs. Parker…"

"Go call a doctor!" he barked, then sprinted to the bedroom, holding me close.

Leaning against him, puzzled, I studied his profile. With each stride, I jostled; even his hair dripped with water. I mused, Hayden, didn't you hate me? Why are you doing things that could touch someone's heart? I don't understand you. If you don't love me and detest me so much, why not stay cold and let me give up?

Back in the room, a maid changed my clothes, and the doctor arrived. After examining me, hours seemed to have passed; the sky was nearly dark. Luckily, there were no serious issues, but Rita was frantic. She insisted I rest in bed, bringing ginseng soup and chatting at my bedside.

"Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker has really changed. You should've seen how worried he was when he carried you back. After the doctor left, he even followed him outside to ask about your condition! He told me to take good care of you," she said.

I listened, viewing it as a joke. I didn't believe it for a second. Likely, Hayden was just putting on a show for Deborah. Believing he cared sincerely would be naive.

"Let's cancel dinner tonight. I want to rest," I said weakly, changing the subject.

Rita looked disappointed, but seeing my state, she acquiesced. "Okay, Mrs. Parker, get some sleep." She tucked me in before leaving.

Soon, a servant brought the items Hayden and I left by the hot spring: our smartphones. My screen was shattered, the corner deformed. Hayden's phone was fine. Infuriated, I wondered if Lucy was worried.

I wanted to use Hayden's phone to call her, but I didn't know his password. Bitterness washed over me: I must have been a stranger to him.

Just as I was about to toss the phone aside, Joanna called. I froze. No password was needed to answer—should I? Typically, I'd ignore her, but I answered. Maybe I was annoyed at Hayden and wanted to stir up trouble.

Joanna's sweet voice filled the phone. "Hayden, I got the piano you sent me! I wanted to apologize in person, but since you didn't come to the office today, I missed you a little…"

Maintaining a cold expression, I forced a smile. "The piano sounds great. I tried it out, and it suits you well."

Silence. I could imagine her stiffening. "By the way, Hayden has been with me all day. He's with me now."

Joanna would definitely confront Hayden. Serves him right for breaking my phone.

"You!" Joanna's voice sharpened. "Yvonne, are you deliberately trying to provoke me? So what if Hayden's with you? He's about to divorce you! Even if he stays with you, his heart is still with me!"

Like a cornered fox, she bared her teeth.

"I don't care where his heart is; I only know he's here with me now, and he's got his money with me too. What have you gotten?" I countered, defiant.

I was divorcing Hayden anyway, so why not act crazy? Why take their crap?

"How shameless! He doesn't love you!" Joanna retorted.

"Love?" I laughed. "What a ridiculous idea."

When I didn't care, Joanna had nothing to attack me with. I could hear her grinding her teeth.

"Hayden can betray me; he could just as easily betray you in the future," I continued.

"No, he won't!" Joanna said, flustered, speaking rapidly. "Hayden promised to repay me and take care of me for…"

"Repay you? Just because you babysat him for a day? Oh no… maybe not even that long!" I scoffed. What kind of favor required repayment?

Joanna paused, regaining composure. "What nonsense are you talking about! A day! I took care of Hayden for half a month!"

"Where's the proof?" I pressed.

"As long as Hayden knows, why do I need to explain it to you?" Joanna said quickly, wanting to drop the subject.

Hayden entered. Our eyes met; his gaze fell on the phone. I didn't hide anything. I shrugged. "Joanna's calling you."