Chapter 64

Yasir looked at Hayden as if he were about to die. It wasn't that Yasir was being dramatic; ever since Hayden started wearing the rosary bracelet, his health had improved daily. At first, Yasir dismissed it as superstition, but now he was a believer. Without the bracelet, he felt…off.

Hayden shot Yasir a sharp look, silencing him. A chill ran down Yasir's spine. He scratched his head and looked away.

“I’m just worried about you, man. Didn’t the master say not to take off the rosary bracelet? It keeps you safe,” Yasir said.

“It wasn’t me. The bracelet broke,” Hayden said quietly. “That day, while I was struggling with Yvonne because of the drug…”

“Wait, it just broke?” Yasir said, a grin spreading across his face. “So, you’re free from celibacy? You can be with women now?” Hayden glared at him.

“Let’s get more drinks,” Yasir said, raising his glass. He’d always thought Hayden lacked romance, even wondering if he was truly a man to endure so much. But Yasir’s words made Hayden realize he’d been intimate with Yvonne since the bracelet broke. Before, he’d rebuffed any advances. Lately, however, he couldn’t ignore his feelings for her.

“Could it really be the rosary bracelet?” Hayden frowned, lost in thought. He couldn’t explain the sudden change in his feelings.

Picking up on the tension, Yasir leaned closer. “Did something happen?”

Hayden glared. “Aren’t you leaving?”

Yasir almost choked. “You’re kicking me out? After one drink? That’s cold.”

Hayden stood. “There’s a guest room downstairs. Help yourself.” He disappeared.

Yasir fumed, ready to crush his wine glass. He finished his drink, stood up, then paused. Something clicked. He changed his mind, swaggering towards the guest room. A good night’s sleep sounded appealing.

Upstairs, Deborah had been by Yvonne’s side until exhaustion overcame her. Rita finally convinced her to rest.

Yvonne was alone in the large bedroom. The balcony door was slightly ajar; the night wind stirred the white curtains, swirling them like dancers.

Hayden felt a pang watching the scene. Hands clasped behind his back, he stared at Yvonne, sleeping peacefully. Her face was unusually pale, almost icy.

Flashes of their recent encounters played in his mind. He’d been angry, his emotions seemingly at her mercy. His bare wrist was a constant reminder of their intimacy.

Yvonne murmured in her sleep, “Hayden.” Her soft, slightly tearful voice reached him.

The question that had plagued him found its answer. A hint of softness touched his usually cool demeanor. Instinctively, he moved to her bedside, gently soothing her. “I’m here.”

Yvonne, seemingly awake, reached for him. Hayden offered his hand. She clutched it tightly, pulling it to her chest.

The touch jolted him, then he relaxed, a faint smile playing on his lips. He perhaps didn’t notice the indulgence in it. He gently patted her shoulder, the movement awkward yet soothing. Her furrowed brow relaxed.

When he tried to pull away to reposition himself, Yvonne held him tighter, murmuring, “Don’t go.” The words melted his heart.

“Alright, I’m staying,” he said, surprised by his own agreement. He sat motionless.

One couldn't fake gut feelings. Tonight, Hayden realized his feelings for Yvonne had changed, or perhaps he’d never disliked her; he simply didn’t know how to interact with her. The rosary bracelet had blessed and imprisoned him for over a decade. Now, freed from it, long-suppressed emotions erupted. He still needed time to learn how to love, and the night was long and rough.

The next day, hunger woke me. I opened my eyes to see Rita crying, throwing herself at me. “Mrs. Parker! You’re awake! You’ve been in a coma all night!”

Dazed, I asked, “I passed out?”

“Yes, you fainted at the door last night, and Mr. Parker carried you back. It scared us all. Mrs. Deborah Parker stayed with you, but you didn’t wake up,” Rita recounted, her voice trembling.

I froze, my eyes widening. Hayden had carried me? I pinched my cheek; the pain jolted me. “Ah!” I cried out.

Rita panicked. “Mrs. Parker, what’s wrong? Shall I call a doctor?”

“I’m fine,” I said, glancing around the room. Hesitantly, I asked, “Where is he?”

“Who?” Rita asked.

I spoke with difficulty. “Hayden.”