Chapter 6

Yasir paused before continuing. “Nevin mentioned everyone in town knows Yvonne was kicked out of her wedding room. You’ve been gone a year, and now you return with another woman. Do you think people will be easy on her?”

Hayden remained silent. He hadn’t known about Nevin’s actions. So Yvonne was seeking a divorce because of this? he wondered, recalling Yvonne’s resolute expression from the previous night. A flicker of unease crossed his usually composed eyes.

Yasir didn't press further. He casually added, “It’s time we go. The party starts soon.”

Hayden nodded, rose, and left.

Since returning from the Parker residence, I had been standing at the doorstep of Rosy House, where I’d moved after marrying Hayden. The estate sprawled across 600,000 square feet, boasting pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and ponds. The rose grove was especially lovely, a riot of blooms in May, which had given the estate its name. Once, I’d thought I would live here forever, but in just a year, it had become a cage I longed to escape.

As I braced myself to enter, Rita Linton, the housekeeper, approached with several servants. “Mrs. Parker, it’s time to change for the dinner party.”

“Dinner party?” I asked, bewildered.

“Mr. Parker informed us of a gathering and requested your presence. Your attire has arrived, and the car awaits,” Rita replied deferentially.

It clicked. Hayden had just returned, necessitating attendance at social functions, usually organized by the elite; he needed his wife, in name only, present. Otherwise, he would likely have brought Joanna.

“I’m tired. Tell him to take someone else,” I said calmly, deciding to give Hayden and Joanna their moment.

Rita looked surprised. After a pause, she sincerely advised, “You’ve waited so long for Mr. Hayden Parker. Now that he’s back, you should seize this chance.”

My throat tightened—winning Hayden’s heart wasn’t merely a matter of wanting it. I offered a bitter smile, prepared to refuse again.

Rita persisted, “Tonight’s party includes an auction. Perhaps you’d like to see the jewelry? There might be paintings, even a Steinway piano.”

“A piano?” I vaguely remembered my mother mentioning a piano being auctioned before she passed. Could this be it? “Yes, Mrs. Parker,” Rita said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “With your stunning looks, dressed up, you’ll outshine the other woman.”

My expression froze, and she quickly corrected herself. “I mean, Mr. Parker will surely be pleased to see you.”

Perhaps because I’d always catered to Hayden’s tastes, Rita seemed anxious. But I had no intention of explaining my feelings for Hayden were a thing of the past.

I glanced at the dress held by a servant—a light, off-the-shoulder evening gown in a moonlit hue. It was the epitome of simple elegance, exactly Hayden’s preference. After a decade of dressing to please him, I still hadn’t won his heart.

Frustration welled up. “This won’t do. Fetch some more vibrant evening dresses,” I said firmly. Why was I still trying to impress Hayden? It was time to be true to myself.

“Mrs. Parker,” Rita hesitated, incredulous.

“If we don’t hurry, we’ll miss the party,” I reminded her. She quickly turned and led the servants upstairs.

Half an hour later, I slid into the car, wearing a stunning bright red off-the-shoulder gown. With a smooth purr, the engine started, leaving the servants staring in surprise.

At the entrance, I saw Hayden escorting Joanna inside. She wore a flowing white dress, looking angelic. She smiled radiantly at him, and he stood beside her like a knight.

Honestly, they seemed perfect together. I watched quietly, a pang of pain shooting through my chest. If Hayden had Joanna, why invite me? Was it to embarrass me?

“Yvonne, you actually came! Hayden already has a date. Why are you shamelessly here?” A mocking voice cut through the air.

I turned to see Nevin’s smug face. “Did you tell Rita to send me?” I narrowed my eyes.

“What did you expect? Did you think Hayden would bring you? Stop dreaming. He’d never fall for a schemer like you,” Nevin laughed triumphantly.

It clicked—Nevin was seeking revenge. I wasn’t about to sit idly by. Without a word, I pulled out my phone and dialed a number.

“Jamie? It’s Yvonne,” I said with a chilling smile. “Regarding Nevin’s actions, you can sue him whenever you’re ready.”

Nevin’s face darkened. He lunged for my phone, yelling, “Yvonne, have you lost your mind? End the call!”

I stepped back, evading him, and hung up after hearing Jamie Lewis’s faint response. Then, I turned to Nevin, saying coldly, “I told you, don’t mess with me.”

Nevin exploded with rage. “How dare you let Jamie sue me? Hayden won’t stand for this.”

“Then hope Jamie lets you go first. You stole his girlfriend and broke his bones. Get ready for a long time in jail,” I sneered. Without another glance, I walked toward the party hall.

“Yvonne Jackson! You crazy woman!” Nevin’s shouts echoed behind me, but I didn’t falter.

Crazy woman! This was just the beginning, and it would only get crazier. A cold smile played on my lips. As I took a few steps, a man blocked my path.

“You’re Yvonne? You don’t seem to match the rumors,” the man remarked, his voice a deep rumble.

“And you are?” I raised an eyebrow.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his tall silhouette obscuring his face. His finely tailored suit spoke of wealth and power.

I knew most powerful figures in the city, yet this man was a stranger.

He turned, his eyebrows slightly lowered. “You don’t recognize me?”

I shook my head, confused.

“Never mind,” he sighed. “Remember my name: Marlon Warner.”

I was stunned—he was from the Warner family, known for their secretive wealth. They avoided large gatherings. Why was Marlon talking to me?

“And what brings you to me?” I asked, maintaining my composure.

“I heard you want Nevin in jail?” Marlon raised an eyebrow, amused. “It’s said you’re smitten with Hayden. Nevin’s his brother. Are you really ready to do this?”