Chapter 13
Joanna’s words made it plain as day–she was on the fast track to becoming a Parker.
Richard’s eyes flickered, and he looked at me with a hint of pity. He likely felt bad for me—it wasn’t a great look for a legitimate wife to be challenged by a mistress like this.
- didn’t sting anymore.
If I still harbored feelings for Hayden, Joanna’s words would have hit me hard. But I’d already moved on, so they di
I smiled at Joanna and said, “Really! But why won’t Hayden divorce me then? How does he plan on keeping his promise to you?”
Joanna’s face clouded over, and she went quiet,
I turned away, done with the conversation, and got down to business with Richard. “Where’s my desk? What are my main responsibilities?” If I was going to be here, I might as well do my job well
Richard blinked in surprise for a moment before snapping into action and guiding me to a desk. “Your spot is right here. Your main job is to manage Mr. Parker’s schedule and handle his needs.”
frowned. It seemed he just wanted me to serve him. Was Hayden trying to act like a king?
After spending the morning getting the hang of things, I noticed Joanna had vanished. I couldn’t help but wonder if she had gone to complain to Hayden.
Just then, my phone vibrated. I glanced down to see a bunch of links from Lucy,
They were all about the latest buzz [Parker Group’s CEO Returns Home, Wife Joins Him], [Mr. Parker’s New Flame vs. Old Flame: Who Will Win] and Yvonne Jackson’s Hidden Talents: A New Song Takes the City by Storm]
What on earth was happening? I wondered and felt a chill run down my spine
Lucy quickly sent another message You’ve become famous! How does it feel on your first day at work?]
[Pretty good.] I replied slowly, taking a moment to tell her that I was now working with my love rival.
I wasn’t surprised when Lucy flooded my phone with shocked emojis [Has Hayden lost his mind? Did he really make you two work together? One of you is going to get totally consumed, isn’t it?!
I sighed lightly. [Who do you think will end up being consumed?]
[Uh, it’s probably you. Lucy replied after a brief pause.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling it was definitely a possibility: After all, Joanna was the apple of Hayden’s eye now, and being in the middle of that was no walk in the park.
As I tried to think of a way to break the tension, the phone in the office rang. Since I was alone in the secretary’s office, I had to answer on speaker. “Richard, bring in the proposal for Horitan International. Hayden’s icy voice came through the line.
“He’s not here,” I replied coolly.
There was a pause on the other end before he continued. “You bring it in,”
1- Before I could
1 protest, Hayden the jerk had already hung up.
Though I was fuming, I had no choice but to find the proposal and bring it to him. I had something to discuss with him
anyway.
I tapped on the CEO’s office door and, from afar, spotted Hayden hunched over his desk, sifting through a stack of papers. Sunlight poured in through the window, bathing him in a golden halo. For a fleeting moment he almost looked like an angel
I couldn’t help bat be swept back to our school days. We attended the same school, but he was two grades ahead
During breaks, I’d often find my way to his classroom just to catch a glimpse of him. I remember watching him from the doorway, sitting by the window in a crisp white shirt, looking fresh and radiant–the very picture of my dream guy
I had spent ten years of my youth hanging onto moments like that But now, even though he was still here, my feelings had changed completely. The heart that once admired him so passionately was now battered and bruised,
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Chapter 13
“What are you staring at? A cold voice snapped me back to reality.
I looked up to find Hayden’s gaze fixed on me. Back in the day, when I’d call him from the classroom door, he’d always look at me like this, with a clear sense of impatience.
My heart tightened, and I instinctively wanted to pull away. I lowered my gaze and walked over to set the documents on his desk. “Why did you pur Joanna and me together?” I asked
“She wants to be a secretary, Hayden replied curtly.
“Isn’t it just to humiliate me? I scoffed. “Why don’t you just divorce me? Once I’m out of the way, you can be with her openly. Why keep me here, forcing me to watch your liule romance?”
I really couldn’t fathom why he’d make such an arrangement. Anyway, I’d never been good at reading his heart.
Hayden suddenly stopped flipping through the papers, his handsome face darkening. If it weren’t for Grandpa’s wishes, do you think I’d bring you to the company! Don’t think I’m clueless about what you’re up to.”
I laughed out of anger. “What scheme could I possibly have? I’m practically handing her my husband?”
Besides, even if I wanted to make a move, would Hayden even give me the chance! I stared at the face I used to dream about, feeling my heart grow
coll.
After a long pause, Hayden finally said, “Joanna isn’t what you think. She just wants a
nts a job”
I fraze in place, speechless. Did he see Joanna as pure and perfect while painting me as the villain?
Right on cue, Joanna’s voice cut through the air from the doorway “Mr. Parker, she began, but when she caught sight of me, she faltered
I wasn’t in the mood to chat with Hayden anymore, nor did I want to hang around watching their lovey–dovey conversation. I turned and left, but even as I walked away, I could still catch Joanna’s gentle voice asking, “Did I upset Yvonne?”
Hayden’s cold reply followed, “Just ignore her.”
I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat, managed a cold smirk, and walked
Back in the secretary’s office, I saw Richard sitting awkwardly to the side. He must have known what had happened earlier and had intentionally stepped away for a bit.
Catching sight of me, he flashed a guilty look. “Mrs. Parker, you alright?
“I’m fine,” I replied, shaking my head. “Just keep my work separate from Joanna’s in the future. As you can see, we can’t work together”
Richard froze for a moment before nodding “Yes, Mrs. Parker”
I had just sat down when a thought struck me. I asked, “You’ve been with Hayden for many years, haven’t you?” I recalled that ever since Hayden graduated, he’d always had a secretary.
“It’s been live years, Richard replied.
Then you must know how he met Joanna, right?” I pressed on, my curiosity piqued by what Lucy had mendoned earlier–how did Hayden fall in love with Joanna?
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