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2678164	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561144	1749979676		2430																										website.novelbars.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://website.novelbars.com/share/middle_new/o5tpgw0cagvadq1d0gnbtvu1?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.2629672389039E+14	Novelbar	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475425301_477408305412349_4224490519340727243_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=a0sEKX4Yhk0Q7kNvgE5VRAp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYCGlqYyCfOOttSFqBndPb2jJMuwKYTy0u-2cZChxppDlg&oe=67A60E0D	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Novelbar		620	https://www.facebook.com/61563955556860/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2678182	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561149	1749979676		2430																										spiritlibrary.online	Download			IMAGE	🐾 The Ultimate Guide for Vet Tech Success! 📚	Master all the animal care duties of a veterinary technician! McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses, 10th Edition provides a solid foundation in every aspect of veterinary technology, including care of small and large animals, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Proced...	https://spiritlibrary.online/product/mccurnins-clinical-textbook-for-veterinary-technicians-and-nurses-10th-edition/?fbclid=fbclid			5.308945101051E+14	Veterinarybooks	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475793208_605031845475833_935138371871190875_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RC1U2ZRju0YQ7kNvgEuz32q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYCzNrFVYZMa7QBVyvsvTC5x3gt3d6leR2ejYKE5LJhU8w&oe=67A62E37	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		📚 Attention Veterinary Technicians & Students! Your Ultimate Guide to Clinical Success is Here! 🩺🐾 Are you a veterinary technician, nurse, or student struggling with: ✅ Complex medical procedures? ✅ Preparing for the VTNE® exam? ✅ Handling multiple animal species confidently? McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses (10th Edition) is your all-in-one solution to mastering veterinary care! 🔹 Step-by-step clinical procedures to eliminate guesswork 🔹 Case studies & real-world applications to sharpen decision-making skills 🔹 Comprehensive coverage of small & large animals, exotics, birds, and reptiles 🔹 1,000+ full-color images & illustrations to simplify learning 🔹 VTNE® exam prep material to boost your confidence & success ✨ What Vet Techs Are Saying: "This book was a game-changer for my VTNE prep! Clear explanations and real-life cases made studying easy." – Jessica L., Certified Vet Tech 🚀 Get the knowledge, confidence, and skills you need to excel in veterinary medicine! 📖 Download your copy today! https://bit.ly/3PYMWua		Veterinarybooks		5	https://www.facebook.com/61571216671913/	0		DOWNLOAD								View Edit Delete
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2678168	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561145	1749979676		2430																										website.novelbars.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://website.novelbars.com/share/middle_new/o5tpgw0cagvadq1d0gnbtvu1?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.2629672389039E+14	Novelbar	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475319417_1267350791403893_1185431944172717203_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=m_ME2UovJPsQ7kNvgHuy5XA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYADiF0goO9DU2PwT5PT8Ie5Hi8MaDB8qdAkyvlto23Pww&oe=67A63974	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Novelbar		620	https://www.facebook.com/61563955556860/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2678165	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561145	1749979676		2430																										website.novelbars.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://website.novelbars.com/share/middle_new/o5tpgw0cagvadq1d0gnbtvu1?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.2629672389039E+14	Novelbar	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475305349_4065799357073676_1385076676312098204_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=53GHbb4zFj4Q7kNvgE75Jhu&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYC-HnWnfi2WvQWXx29fEyrTW5EUOcnMLTEIx7vda6bcVg&oe=67A6261E	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Novelbar		620	https://www.facebook.com/61563955556860/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2678167	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561145	1749979676		2430																										website.novelbars.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://website.novelbars.com/share/middle_new/o5tpgw0cagvadq1d0gnbtvu1?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.2629672389039E+14	Novelbar	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475097665_958479676346935_7942915986252548455_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NuAcf_dFl0gQ7kNvgHcMAx1&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYBh15zU6tKGUYmkN9wlZiUoh8ivgLzzpA3_HWcNKyN3-w&oe=67A62F33	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Novelbar		620	https://www.facebook.com/61563955556860/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete
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2678169	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561145	1749979677		2430																										atproperties.com				IMAGE	Just Listed	Dynamite opportunity to own in highly desired Saddlebrook subdivision! This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features a two story foyer, large room sizes, newer kitchen with hardwood cabinetry and granite countertops, full masonry fireplace in family room with soaring ceilings. A first floor en suite with d...	https://www.atproperties.com/12274589/3105-38th-street-oak-brook-illinois-60523-nei?utm_campaign=real_estate&utm_source=Adwerx&utm_term=Corporate			1.1215746492451E+14		https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475057336_1133465117875559_3196323378811093277_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cFbwAqj4-ygQ7kNvgFlBibf&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYBjih0S7fVgPnx5uRCSYZt2ZqWZT7mEaxkwhoRKwvFhXA&oe=67A61C0B	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		3105 38TH STREET, OAK BROOK				3	https://www.facebook.com/100089908513531/	0										View Edit Delete
2678166	1	active	2/2/25, 11:39 PM	6/15/25, 4:27 AM	1738561145	1749979677		2430																										website.novelbars.com	Learn more			VIDEO	🔞🔥Click to Read more about📜Ex-Husband Got Crazy When I Disappear📜		https://website.novelbars.com/share/middle_new/o5tpgw0cagvadq1d0gnbtvu1?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}			4.2629672389039E+14	Novelbar	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/475033032_1284150915977069_1901791140754864518_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cRQPWa09tG8Q7kNvgEWIGVY&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AQYpv3ZQ1VUjcDdWBGupkzC&oh=00_AYCXkv7EwCYUUK9ZaemjMhQK-C-_nebI2FyVLB-N6Egwyg&oe=67A62EFA	PERSON_PROFILE	0					0		Chapter 1 His New Flame The day had finally arrived—Hayden Parker was coming back. His friends had all but dragged me, his so-called wife, to the welcome party. I could tell they were just waiting for the moment I would embarrass myself. Whispers of Hayden's newfound romance overseas had buzzed through the air, a reminder that he was likely returning to sever the last ties of our fraying marriage. "Do you think Hayden would go through with the divorce? Yvonne Jackson's grandpa practically forced him into this marriage," a voice sneered. "Ugh, just thinking about that spoiled, clueless Yvonne clinging to Hayden for all those years gave me chills," another chimed in. "I heard that on their wedding night, she stripped down and jumped into Hayden's bed, only to be kicked out. How humiliating!" the third scoffed. Their cruel laughter reverberated around the private room, each chuckle piercing my heart like a shard of glass. I clenched my fists, tears threatening to spill. Yeah, they were right. A decade of my life had been devoted to Hayden—I had poured out my youth and even sacrificed my family. Yet, in the end, I had become little more than a joke in the whole city of Elysiumville. For a moment, an invisible weight pressed down on my chest, tightening around my heart like a vice and making each breath feel laborious. "Yvonne, why are you just standing there?" A voice cut through, jolting me back to reality. I turned to find Nevin, Hayden's younger brother. He had always believed my marriage to Hayden was a catastrophic mistake and had made it his mission to make my life miserable the past year. "Hurry up and come in. Hayden's almost here, and the show's about to start," Nevin urged, and without waiting for my response, he swept into the private room, with a crowd moving in behind him like a relentless tide. Left with no choice, I steeled myself and stepped in after him, the uncertainty swirling within me like a storm. As I entered the room, the lively chatter fell abruptly silent. A few people managed to be polite, standing up to greet me with a friendly nod. I returned with a faint smile, walked over, and settled into a chair. Just then, a booming voice erupted from the entrance. "Hayden, you're finally here. The guys have been waiting." Instantly, my heart plummeted, a heavy stone sinking into my chest. "I got held up," came Hayden's deep voice, smooth and steady, just like I remembered. But then, a sweet, cheerful voice followed, completely catching me off guard. "It's totally my fault. I dozed off the whole way on the plane. But just as we landed, I felt hungry, and he stayed with me to grab a bite," the woman explained, her tone playful and joyful, laced with a hint of pride. A lump rose in my throat—so, this was Hayden's new girlfriend? He had actually brought her here. Suddenly, Nevin's earlier comment about "the good show" clicked into place. "Wow, looks like your new girlfriend is quite the priority, Hayden. We've all been waiting here starving," Nevin chuckled, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. His words cut deep, sending a sharp ache through my heart. Despite all the time I had spent with the Parker family, Nevin had never truly acknowledged me as Hayden's wife. The air was thick with suppressed giggles, and an odd tension settled over the room. Before Hayden could respond, the woman chimed in again, "Come on, Nevin, enough with the jokes. I hardly deserve to be called Hayden's girlfriend." Though her words seemed awkward, her tone told another story. "Nonsense," Nevin shot back, a playful smirk on his face. "Hayden mentioned you took care of him when he was out cold. How could you not be worthy?" Yet, his words barely registered in my mind because. At that moment, Hayden walked in. The crystal chandelier above cast a warm glow across his tall figure, illuminating him like an ethereal vision. He appeared a touch leaner, the angles of his jaw—already striking—were now even more pronounced. His brows bore a newfound intensity that made him the undeniable focal point of every gaze in the room. A black rosary bracelet dangled from his left wrist, dark and mysterious, catching the light with an alluring gleam. In that breathless instant, I felt unmoored. This was the man I had once pursued with relentless passion, the one I would have sacrificed anything for, even my very life, just to be by his side. Yet now, he appeared so distant and cold. The indifference he had maintained over the past year had long since dulled the once-bright love I had felt for him. Just then, Hayden's gaze found me across the room. We weren't too far apart, but the distance between us seemed to stretch like a chasm. There was an inscrutable depth behind his eyes, a flicker of something I couldn't quite decipher. As I tore my gaze away, my attention was drawn to the woman by his side. A wave of instinct nudged me to assess her, and I couldn't help but compare us. She was striking—vibrant eyes that sparkled with life, a radiant smile that could light up the dimmest room, and skin that seemed to glow with an ethereal perfection. No wonder even someone as composed and aloof as Hayden appeared captivated by her charm. With a sigh, I stole a glance at my reflection in the nearby window. My cheeks were pale; the toll of missed meals and sleepless nights had morphed me into a mere shadow of my former self. Honestly, if I were Hayden, I'd probably pick her too. "What are you doing here?" Hayden asked, his voice striking with an icy edge. The harshness of his words landed like a blow, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had held onto for us. After all this time apart, here he was—flanked by another woman—and his first words weren't even a greeting or an explanation. Instead, he launched that indifferent question, tinged with annoyance, as if my presence were an inconvenience. I forced a brittle smile. "I came to welcome you. Nevin set it up." Hayden's eyebrows knit together slightly, and just as I had expected, he cast a frosty glare in Nevin's direction. Caught off guard, Nevin immediately recoiled, stammering, "I... I didn't think it would be like this." Actually, he had orchestrated the entire scene, eager to see me unravel. In the past, I had been fiercely possessive of Hayden—just a single glance from another woman in his direction would have sent me spiraling. Yet here I was, neither crying nor throwing a tantrum. Instead, I managed a calm smile and said to Hayden, "So, this lovely lady is your new flame?" A gasp rippled through the crowd, and I could sense their curiosity swirling—was there an epic showdown to erupt? Hayden's expression shifted, more intense than I had anticipated. Joanna Charlotte, the woman by his side, suddenly seemed nervous as she stammered, "Yvonne, please don't get the wrong idea. It's not what it appears to be between me and Mr. Parker. We..." Her faltering words only hinted at a deeper connection with Hayden, making the scene even more awkward. In another time, I might have charged at Joanna, tugging at her hair, and lashing out for being the other woman. But now, I simply pasted on a smile and said, "I'm not misunderstanding anything. I'm just relieved to know you're taking care of Hayden." Joanna's jaw tightened, and she retreated a step, seeking refuge behind Hayden's broad shoulders. Hayden's face darkened in an instant. "Have you said enough?" he questioned, his voice a low rumble filled with an unmistakable edge of warning. I already knew Hayden held no affection for me, and he probably resented me for pushing him into marriage. But as he defended someone else and unleash his harsh words upon me, the last remnants of my heart that I had desperately clung to shattered. A decade of unrequited admiration had culminated in nothing but his disdain. A deep sadness washed over me and my vision began to blur. I fought to hold back tears and kept my smile. "Looks I'm not welcome here. You guys can catch up. I'll just take my leave." With that, I turned and walked out of the room without daring to look back. As soon as I reached the stairs, my phone buzzed to life. It was Lucy Coffey, my best friend. "What? Hayden brought another woman back? What a jerk! You've loved him for so long, and just two months ago, when he was in a coma from that accident, you even went abroad to care for him. "Does he have any conscience at all?" Lucy's voice crackled with disbelief and anger on the other end. "Lucy..." I started, but the words faltered, choking in my throat. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't suppress the wave of sadness that washed over me. Lucy picked up on it right away. "Okay, Yvonne, don't cry. Just divorce him. You deserve so much more! There are plenty of younger guys out there, and I hear a freshman has his eye on you." "I can't even think about that right now," I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples as if to will away the mounting emotions. I had pleaded with my grandfather to allow this marriage for three days. I had believed it was something to cherish, always prioritizing Hayden's happiness above my own. But now, I found myself wishing for nothing more than for him to ask for a divorce. "I feel so sorry for you, Yvonne" Lucy sighed. "Well, since you're free for the evening, how about we grab a drink together?" A drink sounded like exactly what I needed—a little liquid courage to drown my sorrows. But halfway, Xander, Hayden's grandfather, called me back. As I entered Xander's study, I was surprised to find Hayden there as well. A tangle of confusion tightened in my gut—wasn't he supposed to be with his new flame at this moment? Chapter 2 When Are You Divorcing Me? "Yvonne, you're here." Xander's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts, grounding me in the moment. I nodded, offering a smile. In the Parker family, Xander was the only one who had ever treated me with kindness. But why would he suddenly call me and Hayden back? Moreover, just moments ago, Hayden had been at the welcoming party—how had he arrived here before me? Before I could untangle my thoughts any further, Xander continued, "You've been away for too long. Time to get back to reality. Yvonne is a good girl, and you need to treat her with the respect she deserves." His words were clearly directed at Hayden. I stayed quiet to the side, my gaze dropping to the floor. After a moment, I heard Hayden respond in a flat tone, "Yes, Grandpa." Hayden always seemed to go along with Xander's commands. Even when Xander had insisted that Hayden marry me, he had been calm like this. But just a day after our wedding, he left for another country and hadn't returned until now. Frustration bubbled inside me, and I bit my lip, wanting to say something. Just then, Xander spoke up, "Yvonne, I've been craving those pastas you whip up. How about you show me your culinary magic tomorrow morning? It's getting late, so I'll have Luke get a room ready for you and Hayden. You two should catch some shut-eye." I paused—was he expecting Hayden and me to stay over? Despite all the protests in my mind, I took a deep breath and managed to reply, "Okay, Xander." Just as I stepped out of the study, the chill in Xander's voice cut through the air behind me. "So, how much longer are you going to keep that woman around?" It seemed Xander knew about Joanna. I sighed softly, realizing he was probably trying to set me up with Hayden. But honestly, Hayden didn't matter to me anymore. As the door clicked shut, the butler, Luke Mosley, approached me. "Mrs. Parker, it's been long since your grandfather and mother passed away. You've lost quite a bit of weight. You really should take better care of yourself." "Thanks for your concern," I murmured, nodding slowly as my gaze fell to the floor. But once I was alone upstairs and stepped into my room, the floodgates opened. Tears streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying the weight of my sorrow. Two months ago, I had gone abroad to care for Hayden, who had slipped into a coma after an accident. In my absence, I missed my mother's final moments, and upon my return, all that awaited me was a cold grave. In less than a month, my father remarried. Sophia moved in, bringing her son, Quinn Walton, into my home which now felt foreign and unwelcoming. As the days passed, the truth began to claw its way to the surface, and I discovered my father had long been having an affair with Sophia. But I had been so obsessed with Hayden that I hadn't even noticed the declining in my mom's mood. In what felt like the blink of an eye, my once-happy home had splintered, and only then did I realize that in loving Hayden, I had lost everything precious in my life. And what of him? Instead of showing me compassion, he paraded his new romance in front of everyone, leaving me feeling utterly humiliated and discarded. How foolish I had been—sacrificing love, family, and even my own happiness for a man who showed me so little loyalty in return for over ten years. But now, as the dust settled around me, I knew it was time to reclaim my life. ***** Hayden returned half an hour later. His eyes, cold as ice, scanned me up and down, not a hint of warmth in them. "It's only been a year, and you've managed to win over Grandpa. You've really got some tricks up your sleeve." I frowned slightly, sensing the underlying accusation that I had confided in Xander about Joanna. Did he think so little of me? Anyway, it didn't matter anymore. I forced a smile and shot back, "When are you planning to divorce me?" Surprise flashed across his face, but it was quickly overshadowed by the deepening darkness in his sunken eyes. "Yvonne, what's the angle here? What game are you running?" Bitterness churned in my heart. I had once clung to him with desperate fervor, employing every tactic I could fathom to make him mine. Naturally, he would suspect that I had ulterior motives for wanting a divorce now. "Don't you hate me?" I asked, my voice calm. "You have another woman now, so it's only fair that I step aside." My gaze met his with a newfound clarity, stripped of its former love, revealing instead a vast ocean of sorrow. He seemed to sense the change in me and looked at me with disgust. "Step aside? By going crying to Grandpa while talking about divorce? I don't have time for your foolish games. Just stay where you belong, and the Parker family will take care of you for life." With that, Hayden turned and headed to the bathroom. I stood there, dazed, until the sound of water rushing from the tap broke the silence. A deep sigh escaped my lips—take care of me for a lifetime? Right, back then, I had married into the Parker family with the Jackson family business backing me. Xander had said I would always be his granddaughter-in-law. It seemed that I'd first have to earn Xander's approval, before divorcing Hayden. So, for tonight, I'd have to make do here. I grabbed a blanket, and curled up on the couch. When Hayden came out, I played possum, pretending to be fast asleep. In the darkness, I heard his footsteps linger for what felt like forever. He probably couldn't believe that I, who once shamelessly climbed into his bed, was now the one giving him the cold shoulder. The next morning, I awoke hazily, surprised to find myself in bed. I quickly glanced around... Thank God, Hayden wasn't there. Otherwise, I could just picture him giving me a hard time for trying to sneak into his bed. With a flicker of melancholy, I rose and headed downstairs to whip up breakfast for Xander before heading out. My dad had called, asking me to come home later in the afternoon. As I approached the grand front door of the Jackson residence, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sophia and Quinn. Quinn was tall and well-built, carrying his backpack over one shoulder like he didn't have a care in the world. I'd heard he was in college, a bit of a loner, not really into the whole social scene. Our eyes met briefly, but we didn't say a word. Suddenly, a soft hum of an engine broke the stillness, and a familiar car pulled up beside me. It was a rare Rolls-Royce, and when I caught a glimpse of the license plate, my heart sank—was that Hayden's car? Before I could think it through, the car door swung open, and Joanna stepped out, followed closely by Hayden. The moment our eyes locked across the distance, surprise flickered in their expressions. "Joanna, what brings you back?" Quinn, who'd been silent until then, hurried over to her side. My heart skipped a beat. Quinn knew Joanna? What was their relationship? "I came to see you," Joanna said softly, her eyes flicking from Quinn to me. "Didn't expect to run into you here, Ms. Jackson." "This is my home," I replied, meeting her gaze with a cool defiance. Quinn leaned closer to Joanna and whispered, "Mom married Yvonne's dad, Phillip." As the day unfolded, I discovered that Joanna and Quinn were half-siblings, both sharing Sophia as their mother. What a twist of fate—Joanna had taken my husband's heart, and her mother had done the same to my mom's. Just then, I felt a heavy gaze boring into me. I pivoted to find Hayden's piercing eyes locked onto mine. I was confused. I was the one who'd caught him and Joanna together, yet why did he look so angry? Did he think I spoiled his night? What a piece of work. "You remember this is the Jackson residence, right?" I challenged, a hint of defiance in my tone. He probably indeed hadn't a clue—after all, despite our marriage, he'd never once stepped foot here. Then again, he never cared about me or my life. Hayden frowned, his expression heavy. But before he could respond, Joanna jumped in to his rescue. "I was eager to see my brother, and Mr. Parker kindly offered me a ride." "Is this your boyfriend?" Quinn piped up, cutting through the moment. Joanna's face turned to stone, and suddenly, the air grew thick with tension. Chapter 3 A Wish For The Other Woman Instinctively, my eyes flicked to Hayden, and I wondered if he would snap back at Quinn. Or he had completely forgotten he was still wearing a wedding band? Joanna quickly stepped in to clarify, her voice tinged with a subtle edge of frustration, "Quinn, don't talk nonsense. This is Ms. Jackson's husband." Quinn's face went blank, his eyes wide with shock as he turned to look at me. I ignored him and replied coolly, "Not for long." Joanna's eyes bulged, her surprise evident. Hayden must have felt the shift in me. His eyes held a piercing scrutiny as they bore into mine. "Yvonne Jackson," he intoned, his voice a deep rumble, almost a warning. Back in the day, his anger would have sent shivers down my spine. But now? I just smirked. "I'll draft the divorce agreement tonight, and you can let your girlfriend take my place." With that, I turned and strode through the gates, not giving a second glance to Hayden's reaction. Though it had been summer for a while, a biting chill rode the wind, stinging my skin. I raised a hand to touch my cheek and realized it was damp. Stepping into the living room, I found Yosef was engaged in conversation with Sophia, whose gaze was full of hostility the moment it fell on me. Sophia was a striking beauty with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes. She favored bold makeup that sometimes bordered on garish, yet her vivid hues seemed to captivate my father's attention. I simply greeted them and followed Yosef into his study. "What? You want a divorce?" Yosef gaped at me, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, as if I'd suggested something utterly preposterous. He continued, "Have you forgotten that our family's fortune is tied to the Parkers? If you split from Hayden, what are we supposed to do? "And don't forget how you pleaded with your grandfather to marry him in the first place. You made a fool of us all, and now you're talking about ending it?" His words felt like a sharp knife, slicing through the tender wounds on my heart, leaving me feeling as if my very lifeblood was draining away. "I made a mistake, and now I'm trying to correct it. Trust me. Once Hayden and I part ways, he'll end up with Joanna, and your wealth and status will remain intact," I said, my voice steady. "Joanna? How could she and Hayden..." Yosef paused, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a realization hit him, and his eyes widened in disbelief. "They..." I looked up at him. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? Remember how Sophia took you away from my mom?" It was like I'd hit a raw nerve. Yosef's face clouded over, and he snapped, "What nonsense are you spouting? Sophia and I were just friends—nothing more!" "Oh, really?" I scoffed. "You remarried less than a month after my mom passed away. Quite the swift rebound, don't you think?" "Don't you dare!" Yosef's hand shot up as if to strike me. But after a long, tense moment, he hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air. "From now on, you don't need to reach out. I won't disturb your family anymore," I stated firmly, drawing a clear line in the sand. He seemed shocked by my resolve. "You're not coming back? You mentioned divorce, but where else can you go?" I didn't say a word. Instead, I turned and walked straight out of the study. The world was vast—surely, I could carve out a spot for myself. As I descended the stairs, Sophia and Quinn had vanished, and Hayden was conspicuously absent—perhaps he never even stepped inside. The only person I encountered was Joanna. Truth be told, I'd never had a one-on-one conversation with her before. "I didn't expect your father to be Yosef," Joanna said first, her tone stripped of the deference she showed around Hayden, now tinged with a subtle scorn. "Same with me, considering your mother is Sophia," I replied nonchalantly, and with that, I turned to leave. Joanna stepped in front of me, blocking my way. "Don't you have anything to say to me?" I met her challenge head-on. "What would you like to hear? Should I beg you to leave Hayden and spare my marriage?" For a moment, Joanna seemed taken aback. "Or perhaps you'd prefer if I threw a punch as Hayden's lawful wife?" I added, a smirk playing on my lips. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "You want to hit me?" "Nah, that'd mess up my hands," I dismissed with a casual shake of my head. "You!" Joanna spat, her jaw tight as she glared at me as if she wanted to swallow me whole. "Hayden doesn't love you at all. He married you because of his grandfather." "I know," I replied, unfazed. "Are you trying to say his true love is you? Well, I wish you both a long and happy life together, with a house full of kids." Joanna looked shocked, probably because she had never met a wife like me before—I wished the other woman good luck in starting a family with my husband. Just then, Sophia sauntered over, her hips swaying. She cast me a sidelong glance and let out a mocking sneer, "Joanna's definitely expecting soon—unlike someone who's been married for a year and still doesn't have any news." Joanna's spirits lifted. "Mom, I heard Hayden hasn't even laid a hand on her." In an instant, the mother-daughter duo erupted into peals of laughter. My jaw clenched tight. I couldn't believe Hayden had shared that with her. Was he trying to show some twisted sense of loyalty? That jerk! What had I ever seen in him in the first place? Taking a deep breath, I turned to Sophia and asked, "So, you married my dad only after you got pregnant with his kid?" Sophia's smile broadened as she gently caressed her belly. "Or what else would make your dad so eager to marry me? Your mom couldn't even give him a son, so why keep her around?" I narrowed my eyes, the truth starting to sink in. No wander Yosef had been so eager to marry Sophia. They must have been entangling for a while. Suddenly, a thought struck me, and I scrutinized her. "How can you be so sure it's a boy? What if it's a girl?" "Shut up! I'm definitely having a boy!" Sophia yelled, her gaze sharp as daggers. I forced a sad smile. She acted all high and mighty, but she saw herself as nothing more than a baby-making machine. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Sophia trembled with rage. "That little brat! Just like her mother—so annoying! Joanna, how are things going with Hayden? Hurry up and get pregnant." She believed as long as Joanna had a child, Hayden would definitely divorce Yvonne. After all, Sophia had wormed her way into the Jackson family so fast just because of that little bun in her oven. "Mom..." Joanna's voice faltered, her face clouding with uncertainty. "Hayden's always got that rosary bracelet on. Everyone knows he's abstinent. I..." Sophia couldn't tolerate Joanna's timidity. She raised her voice abruptly. "What's got you so scared? I've pulled strings to send you overseas to get close to Hayden, and you're almost there. Stay focused. With your looks, he won't stand a chance." Joanna's eyes flickered with anxiety, but she didn't dare to argue. "But Mom, what once woke Hayden from his coma was a piano piece, and he's asked me about it. The problem is, I can't play the piano at all." "Then go learn!" Sophia interrupted sharply. "Don't even think about bringing this up again. The one who revived Hayden must be you." ***** As twilight descended, I made a brief stop at the law office before heading home. After a discussion with my lawyer about the divorce details, I drafted the agreement. They were just a few flimsy papers, yet they weighed on me like a ton of bricks. Chapter 4 Hayden Carried Me? For the past ten years, I'd been madly in love with Hayden. I never imagined that I'd have to end this relationship now. When I got home, I saw Hayden's car parked in the driveway—he was back? It had been a whole year, and I'd hoped every day for his return, only to be let down time and again. But now that he was actually here, I wasn't feeling the joy I thought I would. Instead, I felt an even heavier load on my shoulders. As I walked into the living room, I found Hayden sitting on the sofa. He had his phone in his right hand and seemed to be talking to someone. A half-smoked cigarette burned between his left index and middle fingers, the smoke curling up and clouding his strikingly handsome face. The rosary bracelet on his wrist stood out against the haze. "Yeah, I see. You should get some rest, too. I'll pick you up in the morning," Hayden said, his voice gentle. Instantly, it struck me that he was probably talking to Joanna. A sharp pain shot through my chest—he had never spoken to me with that kind of tenderness. Just then, Hayden ended the call and gave me a frosty stare. "If you have an issue, come to me. Don't bother Joanna." For a moment, I almost couldn't catch my breath, as if my heart was breaking. But instead of tears, a bitter laugh slipped out. "When have I ever given her any trouble?" "She's had a hard life with her mother and brother. Just when things were finally looking up for her, you had to mock her?" Hayden glared at me like I was a scum of the earth. I choked back tears and tightened my grip on the divorce agreement. "You pity her for her hardships, but what does that have to do with me?" I shot back, my voice trembling before I even realized it. Who could grasp the struggles my mom and I went through? Thanks to Sophia, our picture-perfect home had been shattered into pieces. My mother jumped to her death on that cold, dark night, and I couldn't even fathom the despair she must have felt. Now, my husband was about to be taken from me too. Didn't our pain mean anything compared to Joanna's? I didn't expect Hayden to say anything. I stepped forward and placed the documents in front of him. "Sign it. From now on, you can care for her however you want." Hayden's expression darkened, and the air around us thickened. It felt like a heavy weight pressing on me, making it hard to breathe. "Yvonne Jackson, what exactly do you want?" His voice was low but laced with threat. I took a breath and smiled, trying to stay calm. "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Hayden, let's get a divorce. I'll give you your freedom." I thought he'd agree and scribble his name on the agreement right away. But he didn't even look at it. Instead, he tore it into pieces. And suddenly, he stood up and stepped toward me, his tall figure casting a dark shadow over me. "This marriage isn't a playground where you can just do as you please, Yvonne. What do you take me for?" Hayden's voice boomed with fury, his eyes boring into me as if they could set me ablaze. I wasn't scared, not even a bit. If anything, I felt like laughing. "And what do you take me for? You bolted overseas right after we got married, and now you come back with another woman. Are you even aware that you're cheating with Joanna?" Mentioning Joanna seemed to hit a nerve. Hayden's gaze faltered for a moment before he replied, "Grandpa won't agree." "I'll talk to him about it," I said coldly, addressing his concerns. "Have you lost your mind?" Hayden frowned. "Probably," I murmured, pasting on a weak smile and casting my gaze downward. No one was privy to the hell I'd been through over the past year. I lost my cherished grandpa and my mom, one after the other. I used to be surrounded by so much love, but all of that vanished after I married Hayden. I lost my family, and even though I had a marriage certificate with Hayden, I had never really felt like I belonged in his life. I had been even the butt of jokes in Elysiumville. On countless cold, dark nights, I'd asked myself why I loved Hayden so deeply. Now, I woke up to the truth—he wasn't worth my love at all, and I had to end this marriage. Hayden stared at me, his deep eyes devoid of emotion. After a long, heavy silence, he turned and walked away without saying another word. I looked down at the torn divorce agreement scattered on the floor. It wasn't until my legs ached that I let out a soft sigh and made my way back upstairs. In the mirror, I saw a woman with tear-streaked eyes and a pale face, looking so hurt and sorrowful. Ten years of love, reduced to just a few sheets of paper... How pathetic. The next morning, I woke up with eyes so puffy they were almost sealed shut. I quickly iced them to reduce the swelling and put on some light makeup before heading to the Parker residence. As soon as I saw Xander, I laid out my intention straight away. His expression turned serious, his brows knitting together. After a long silence, he sighed, "Yvonne, I can see you're hurting. Hayden really messed up. But you've barely been married. Divorcing now would be such a pity." "I made a mistake, and I don't want to keep repeating it," I said, my teeth clenched just a bit. Sometimes, it took real guts to right the wrongs of the past. Xander stayed quiet for what felt like forever, his gaze on me distant, as if he were seeing someone else through me. "Phillip and I had a life-or-death friendship, and he entrusted you to me. I was supposed to take care of you. But now..." He sighed deeply, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. In Elysiumville, everyone knew about the unbreakable bond between Xander and Phillip. I lowered my gaze, trying to push the past aside. "Xander, for my late grandpa's sake, please support my request." Xander sighed again, knowing he couldn't argue further. Wearily, he rubbed his eyes. "For what Hayden did, the Parker family owes you an apology. But divorcing just like this is really a pity. "You and Hayden haven't spent much time together since the wedding, right? How about you join the company and work alongside Hayden. Give it three months, and if you still want a divorce after that, I won't stand in your way." "Work at the company?" I asked, taken aback. "Yeah. Phillip has left you some shares, so consider this carefully," Xander added. Suddenly, it clicked. One reason Hayden had to marry me was because the Jackson family shared crucial tech from their electronics business with the Parkers. If I divorced Hayden, the assets would definitely be on the line—Xander was trying to keep me in the picture. But I'd already waited a whole year, so what were three more months? "Okay," I nodded. Anyway, in just three months, I'd be able to cut all ties with Hayden. Before I left, I went back to my room to grab the clothes I had worn two days ago. In the hallway, I bumped into a servant. "Mrs. Parker, are you staying for lunch?" she asked. "No," I shook my head. "I've misplaced one of my hairpins. Any idea where it might be?" "It could be in the guest room," she replied, her hand over her mouth as she chuckled. "You dozed off there the other night, and then Mr. Hayden Parker carried you back to your room." I stood frozen—Hayden carried me?		Novelbar		620	https://www.facebook.com/61563955556860/	0		LEARN_MORE								View Edit Delete

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