Chapter 59

I bit my lip, quietly fiddling with the ice pack. The ice numbed the pain on my face, but the hurt in my heart remained. Lost in thought, Dylan broke the silence. “I heard from Lucy that you’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, even sleepwalking?” I was caught off guard. I hadn’t expected Lucy to share that. Since he knew, I didn't see the point in hiding it.

“I have some nights where I sleep poorly,” I admitted slowly, suddenly remembering I’d actually slept well last night and hadn't sleepwalked. Dylan’s expression shifted to concern. “Have you seen a doctor? Sleepwalking can be serious.”

“No need,” I said, shaking my head. “I have a lot going on.” I wasn’t going to the hospital for something so minor. Besides, I had too much to deal with. If the media found out I was seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, they’d invent stories. They might even say I’d lost my mind because of Hayden’s mistress.

Dylan sighed. “If only I’d studied medicine, I could help you.”

My fingers twitched, and I smiled. “Just focus on your studies. Don’t worry about me. You’ll have your own headaches when you start working.” I felt a twinge of envy for his carefree life, forgetting I was only two years older.

Dylan changed the subject. “Yvonne, have you been visiting your family less often lately?”

“Huh? Why do you want to know?” I raised an eyebrow, confused.

“I heard from Quinn. Is that guy giving you a hard time?” Dylan pressed.

I was shocked. “You know Quinn? Isn’t he still in high school?” Dylan was in college, so I was curious about their acquaintance.

“He’s working as a ball boy at the tennis court. We met by chance,” Dylan explained casually.

I thought I’d misheard him. “He works as a ball boy?” I couldn’t believe Sophia would allow that, especially now she was pregnant and Yosef spoiled her. Money shouldn’t be an issue. I couldn’t understand why she’d let Quinn take that job.

“It seems he’s earning his school fees in his spare time. He doesn’t want to use his mom’s money,” Dylan added.

I was completely taken aback. This Quinn was nothing like I’d imagined. I wondered if he genuinely believed his mother’s earnings were tainted.

Dylan returned to my health. “Yvonne, tell me if you’ve noticed any changes. I know a great doctor; I can ask for advice.”

Seeing his sincerity, I couldn’t refuse. I briefly described how I’d been feeling.

Dylan patted his chest. “Yvonne, don’t worry. I’ll find a way to help you!”

“Sure,” I said, smiling, but deep down, I didn’t take his words seriously. He wasn’t a medical student; he couldn’t help me.

Just then, Lucy returned, ending the conversation.

I met Marlon in the evening. He’d spontaneously changed our hangout to a Southern food restaurant.

“Hey, what’s with the last-minute change?” I asked, not too bothered. It had been ages since I’d had Southern food.

“Word is the head chef, who’d been gone for years, is back tonight, and there’s this beef patty we have to try,” Marlon said with a grin.

For some reason, I felt tonight wouldn’t be a simple dinner. Marlon wasn’t the type to drive across town just for a meal.

But seeing his excitement, I went along. As we reached the second floor, I heard a familiar voice. “Mr. Schneider, it’s been ages! Here’s to you!”

My throat tightened as I recognized Hayden’s voice. I wondered if this was the thank-you dinner place he’d mentioned.

I glanced at Marlon, but he just smiled. “You didn’t know Hayden was here, did you?”

I didn’t reply. I spotted a packed dining table. The most striking pair was Hayden and Joanna; she sat beside him like a shy child. He really brought her. I was unsure whether to be pleased by his obedience.

At that moment, the elder Hayden had toasted looked at me. “Yvonne? I never expected to see you here! Come over!”

It was Hunter Schneider, a renowned oil painter with connections to my grandfather. His wife was a world-class pianist who’d once given my mother tips. I’d heard he’d gone abroad and didn’t expect him back. After all these years, he still recognized me.

With Hunter’s question, Hayden and Joanna looked at me. Hayden’s eyes showed surprise; Joanna’s teeth were clenched. What a small world. I’d bumped into the people I least wanted to see.

“Hunter,” I took a deep breath and walked over gracefully.

“I knew it was you! You’ve grown so much!” Hunter looked at me kindly, his gaze slightly distant.

I smiled. “Hunter, when did you get back?”

“My wife missed home, so I came back with her for a visit,” Hunter said, sighing, recalling memories. He added, smiling, “She often talks about your mother, saying she was a talented girl with amazing piano skills. How about you? Have you been learning from your mother?”

“I play now and then,” I answered casually, meeting Hayden’s gaze. His eyes were slightly narrowed, deep as a wolf’s. “Why are you here?” Hayden asked.

Before I could answer, Hunter frowned. “You two know each other?”

Someone teased, “Mr. Schneider, don’t you know? Yvonne is Mr. Parker’s wife! They got married a year ago!”

Hunter was shocked, looking at me, then Hayden, then the pale-faced Joanna. “Then who is she?”

I thought that was a good question, and I, along with everyone else, waited for Hayden’s response.

Hayden showed no nervousness. “Her name is Joanna, and she admires your painting skills and wishes to learn from you, Mr. Schneider.”

That was Joanna’s reason for coming. Hearing this, Joanna stood, nodded, and said, “Yes, Hayden cared about me and said he could introduce me, so I came.”

Her words made everyone pause. Many who knew the inside story laughed. Hunter, being experienced, picked up on the vibe.

His face darkened; his look at Hayden grew colder. “I can’t be your mentor! I thought you were bringing your wife, but who would have thought…” His disdain was unconcealed.

I knew Hunter was loyal and dedicated, having spent his life with his wife. Seeing Hayden, who was unfaithful, he definitely looked down upon him.

However, I glanced at Marlon, leaning against the wall, watching the drama unfold, and my doubts grew. I wondered how he knew about this; it was clear he’d set up tonight’s scene.