Chapter 63

Hayden was still getting used to his own change of heart when Yasir called.

“Let’s hit the pub! The usual hangout,” Yasir said, a man who could never go a day without a drink. He didn't usually bother Hayden, but tonight, after hearing about the dinner party, he figured Hayden could use a drink.

“Yvonne passed out,” Hayden said, the words tumbling out.

Yasir shrugged. Not that he was cold, but over the years, Hayden had never shown much interest in Yvonne. He thought Hayden would hardly notice if Yvonne wasn't around. He was puzzled why Hayden was bailing on drinks now that she had fainted. His gut told him something was going on between them.

“Yvonne fainted? I’m coming over!” Yasir said urgently.

Hayden was about to refuse, but the line went dead. He tossed his phone onto the couch and found his gaze drifting upstairs, wondering, “What am I supposed to do with you, Yvonne?”

Forty minutes later, Yasir arrived at Rosy House with a bottle. Hayden had been living there since marrying; all their friends knew the place. But Hayden used to be a rare visitor; now, it seemed he was practically living there.

It was late, and Yasir didn't think it was the best time to check on Yvonne, so he persuaded Hayden to join him for a drink.

On the cherry wood counter, two crystal glasses caught the chandelier's light, casting a rainbow glow that highlighted Hayden’s ruggedly handsome face. In the dim light, he seemed melancholy.

Yasir poured him some brandy. “What happened to her? She was fine the last time I saw her,” he said, remembering Yvonne’s vibrant energy, which used to irritate Hayden. Now, just days later, she had fainted.

Hayden lifted his glass and took a small sip before summarizing recent events.

Yasir’s eyes widened. “You’re telling me Yvonne almost got killed by Nevin, and then she saved him?” If it had been him, he would have retaliated. Yvonne seemed either incredibly foolish or genuinely good-hearted.

Hayden nodded slowly, then unexpectedly asked, “Do you think Yvonne’s different now?” He’d never mentioned this to anyone. If Yasir hadn't shown up unannounced, he probably wouldn't have brought it up.

Yasir looked at Hayden intently, propping his chin on one hand, his eyes narrowing. “She is different. Yvonne used to be all about ‘Hayden this’ and ‘Hayden that,’ always tagging along. Now…” Yasir trailed off.

Hayden’s gaze hardened. “Finish your thought.”

Yasir grinned, surprised that anything could make Hayden anxious, especially something to do with Yvonne.

“Yvonne just doesn’t seem that into you anymore,” Yasir said bluntly.

The moment the words left his lips, annoyance flashed in Hayden’s eyes. The atmosphere chilled. Yasir shivered and rubbed his arms.

Feeling Hayden’s glare, Yasir quickly added, “Maybe it’s a new trick… Playing hard to get! Yeah, she’s probably trying to reel you back in.”

If Yvonne were to hear this, she'd be furious.

The irritation in Hayden’s eyes faded slightly, replaced by a seriousness that made Yasir feel exposed. “Really?”

That look made Yasir uneasy; he wasn't sure himself. Yvonne had changed, seeming less enthusiastic about Hayden. Usually, after a peak, things dip. Yvonne’s love for Hayden had burned hot for years; it was about time it cooled down. But he didn't dare tell Hayden that; his eyes were too piercing.

“Come on, think about how much Yvonne was into you. She pleaded with her grandpa for three days straight just to marry you! Where else can you find that kind of devotion in regular folks?” Yasir said, trying to sway Hayden.

Hayden fell into thought. Fearing Hayden would find flaws in his argument, Yasir quickly changed the subject. “Enough about Yvonne. How come you’ve been so concerned about her lately? What about Ms. Charlotte? Did you take her to the dinner tonight?”

Yasir initially thought Hayden was into Joanna. But seeing how concerned he was about Yvonne, he hesitated. He wondered why Hayden had taken Joanna if he didn’t like her. He still couldn’t figure out who his friend really liked.

Hayden’s expression darkened. He took Joanna because of Yvonne’s provocation. He felt Yvonne deliberately wanted him to take Joanna, so he obliged.

Yasir waited a long time for an answer and couldn’t contain his curiosity. “How did you meet Ms. Charlotte?”

Hayden took a sip of his drink. “I had a car accident abroad and was unconscious; she took care of me.”

“And I didn’t know that! So you’re paying her back?” Yasir was shocked but quickly pieced it together.

He had always wondered why Hayden would be interested in Joanna, who wasn’t as pretty or fit as Yvonne. It turned out there was a debt of gratitude involved.

Hayden didn’t respond. Yasir added, “Paying back a favor and liking someone are two different things; you’ve got to keep them separate.”

He knew his friend well. As a child, Hayden was weak and sickly, and the Parker family, fearing he wouldn't survive, had sought a master from the church for a rosary bracelet he wore for over a decade. Since then, Hayden had been celibate, avoiding close relationships with women. Speaking of which, Yasir noticed Hayden’s wrists—bare of bracelets or watches.

Yasir was so shocked he could hardly speak. After a while, he jumped up. “Your rosary bracelet! Where is it?” This was unbelievable.

Seeing his reaction, Hayden wearily pinched the bridge of his nose. “It broke, so I stopped wearing it.” It wasn’t a big deal; he didn’t care, but everyone else was making a fuss.

“Broke?” Yasir stared in shock. “When did this happen! Didn’t you say the master from the church said the rosary bracelet was to protect your life! How have you been feeling lately! Are you okay!”