Chapter 19
Joanna’s reaction only piqued my suspicion further. But I was aware that if I pushed too hard, she’d go on the defensive. So, I opted to take a more laid–back approach.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m just trying to figure out how much credit you deserved, so I can make sure the Parker family gave you a proper thank–you later, I smiled.
As I expected, the tension drained from Joanna’s face, though she still eyed me warily. “You’re just full of goodwill, huh”
“Well, the Jackson family’s future is in your hands,” I replied, trying to keep the conversation light
Joanna gave me a long, hard look before letting out a dismissive snort. “Yvonne, don’t try to pull one over on me. Seeing me with Hayden has got to be driving you crazy with jealousy, doesn’t it? You being nice! Please
Jealous? Not even close. I raised an eyebrow. “Hayden and I are ancient history. It’s nice of you to look after him for me,” I replied nonchalantly, like it was no big deal.
Joanna didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t have any comebacks at the moment.
As I was just figuring out how to broach the subject of the coffee, she brought it up “Since you’re being so generous with your goodwill, tell me, why did you take the coffee I left in the break room?”
“How could you be so sure it was me?” I retorted, squinting at her skeptically. “Besides, it’s just a cup of coffee. Why are you so worked up? Was it not just regular coffee!”
Joanna fell silent, glaring at me. “Of course, it was just regular coffee. It’s just that I take mine really strong–most people can’t stomach it. You didn’t happen to drink my coffee, did you?”
“I tossed it out,” 1 said with a casual shrug, omitting the part about Hayden actually downing it. I didn’t want outsiders to know about what happened in the car. After all, what if Joanna was just looking for some excitement with Hayden?
“I tossed it out. You didn’t give a Hayden? Joanna’s eyes widened. She glanced over at Hayden, who was still out cold–if it hadn’t been for that drug, how did he end up like this!
1 followed her gaze and asked, “You mean drinking your coffee would make Hayden pass out!!
“No, I didn’t mean that, Joanna quickly backtracked, panicking that her misdeeds might come to light. She figured that with the coffee gone, it was best to just pretend like nothing had ever happened.
Even though Joanna didn’t say much, I could ser right through her. The coffee was hers, and so was the drug. I’d somehow gotten dragged into the middle of her and Hayden’s messy hule game. How pathetic!
Just then, the sound of a phone ringing snapped me back to reality. It was Lucy’s call, and I stepped outside to answer it
Joanna let out a sigh of relief. It’s so close. Thank goodness I kept my mouth shut and didn’t let anything slip
At that moment, a faint rustle came from the hospital bed. She spun around instinctively and save chat Hayden was starting to stir awake
“Hayden, you’re finally awake!” Joanna exclaimed. She harried to his side, tears streaming down her cheeks, as if she’d been waiting for this moment
forever.
As soon as Hayden opened his eyes, he felt pressure on his chest and frowned slightly. “Where am I?”
“It’s the hospital, Joann said, wiping her tears, lier voice shaky with anxiety. “You’ve been in a coma for so long. Do you feel any pain or discomfort
“Who brought me here?” Hayden asked. His memories from before the coma were hazy. He vaguely remembered being in his office, drinking some coffee, and then everything got a bit crazy with Yvonne. But now, she was nowhere in sight.
Joanna, knowing it was Yvonne who had brought him to the hospital, replied, I don’t know either. The hospital called me and told me to come.
“Yvonne isn’t here!” Hayden frowned. It seemed like Joanna wasn’t on his mind at all. His mind kept circling back to Yvonne.
Joanna felt a surge of frustration–there she was, and Hayden kept asking about Yvonne. ‘She’s not here, she said, shaking her head.
“Do you miss her? Should I give her a ring for you!” she added, her voice trembling, on the verge of tears.
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Dreame–Read Romance Stories
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Chapter 191
Only then did Layden snap back to reality. “No need,” he said quickly
Joanna dropped her gaze, swallowing hard to keep her tears at hay. “Tve been looking after you all this time,” she murmured. “But I guess I’m not doing as good a job as Yvonne, am 11′′
Who wouldn’t feel their heartstrings tugged at a comment like that? When Hayden spoke again, his tone softened, “What are you talking about? You’re doing just fine
I had just hung up the phone and was about in open the door when Hayder’s words hit me. I stood there,
Through the slim gop in the door, I saw Joanita nestled against Hayden’s chest in an incredibly intimate embrace. At that moment, I felt like a total third wheel
I shumped against the wall, my eyes squeezed shut Their Laughter Bloated through the air from the ward Joanna’s sweet giggles intertwined with Hayden’s soothing voice–every nose felt like a dagger in my heart.
Not wanting to stick around any longer, 1 tumed and left the hospital With Hayden awake, I had nothing left to do there,
Earlier, Lucy had called to invite me to a gathering that evening. But since I had no idea wisen Hayden would wake up, I had turned her down.
I called Lascy again, and she sounded more excited than I was, “Come on and have some fun, Yvonne. You deserve to let loose and forget about that cheating couple,” she declared, her voler tinged with indignation,
I knew venting wouldn’t change anything, bai I couldn’t help ban chuckle. “Alright, I’m on my way.” I replied.
I headed home to change my clothes before going to the sport Lory had texted me. When I arrived, I found it was a class reunion, and instantly, I wanted to bolt.
But Lucy was already there, waiting at the door. She grabbed my arm and insisted I stay. “Why would you want to leave the moment you get here We haven’t even had dinner yel
I frowned. “You didn’t say it was a class reunion. You know how those people love to make a joke out of my old crush on Flayden. Now that I’m about to divorce, they’ll just be dying to laugh at me,
Honestly, I wasn’t too concerned about their gossip. What I wasn’t really for was facing the version of myself that had been so completely hung up on chasing Hayden.
1 had convinced myself it was love–something grand and passionate–but once those feelings faded, I saw the truth. I just looked ridiculous. Lucy rolled her eyes, not buying my excuse. “Why do you care about them? Seriously, what’s the big deal about a divorce these day
“You’re the one who dumped Hayden, and it’s time to reclaim your pride. Plus, that guy who hail a crush on you is here ton. Go inside and see for yourself.”
She gave me a playful nudge and a mischievous grin. “He’s tall and gorgeous. Trust me, one glance at his waist and you can tell he’s got some serious strength going on.
1 sighed, feeling helpless. “Can we be serious for a second?”
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