Chapter 24
All Hayden got in response were Yvonne’s sad sobs. His brow furrowed as he propped himself up, reaching zout to comfort her.
But suddenly, she sat up, slipped out of bed, and drifted toward the door, tears streaming down her face as if he weren’t even there.
Hayden hesitated for a beat before realization dawned on him–she was sleepwalking. He’d only ever heard stories about it; seeing it firsthand was a whole different experience.
Yvonne reached the door and fumbled with the handle. But it had been locked from the outside, and she couldn’t budge i
Hayden’s eyes narrowed as the pieces fell into place–Deborah had really pulled out all the stops to get him and Yvonne in the same room.
He then turned back to Yvonne, who was now trapped. Her fists clenched as she pounded the doorframe a few times before sinking down beside the door, her sobs subsiding into quiet heaves.
Hayden had never seen Yvonne so vulnerable and lost. He approached her cautiously, aware that it wasn’t advisable to startle a sleepwalker.
In the dim light, she huddled by the door, her baggy pajamas swallowing her thin frame like a forlorn little creature, evoking a deep sense of compassion within him.
Hayden’s gaze intensified, as if something inside him was unfurling, winding around his heart. After a moment of silence, he sat down beside Yvonne on the floor behind the door.
In his mind, Yvonne had always been assertive and demanding, willing to go to any lengths to get what she wanted, with a host of bad habits. She had shown no restraint, always hovering around him, seemingly directionless in life.
And yet, be had agreed to marry her. Partly because of his family’s wishes, and partly…even he couldn’t quite put his finger on why.
When he returned home this time, he had expected things to revert to the old ways. But Yvonne had changed. She no longer hung on his word, and barely seemed to care about him.
every
“Could someone really change that quickly? he wondered. I was as if he was getting to know her all over again. She was knowledgeable about the company’s projects and played the piano beautifully
When he was drugged, she had stayed by his side. Even though she later denied anything had happened between them, a seed of doubt remained in his heart—had nothing really happened?
If it had been the old Yvonne, she would have insisted they’d shared a moment, even if they hadn’t. But today’s Yvonne was
was different in every way.
Hayden looked at her tear–streaked face, wondering what was really going on behind those eyes. For the first time, he felt a sense of distress like Dever before.
That night passed, feeling neither too long nor too short.
The next morning, I woke up to find my eyes a bit swollen–had I cried in my sleep again! I rubbed my face, thinking at least I was in bed when I woke up. So maybe I didn’t sleepwalk, right
After a bit, Rita knocked and entered. “It’s time to get ready. Mrs. Deborah Parker is waiting for you for breakfast”
I jolted, suddenly remembering Deborah was here. “Okay, Ill get dressed right away,” I replied, leaped our of bed, grabbed some clothes, and started on my makeup
Deborah always stressed good manners and a tidy appearance when meeting others. Plus, I needed makeup to hide my puffy eyes; if she noticed, she’d think Hayden and I had a fight.
Once ready, I headed downstairs and found Hayden already seated with Deborah in the dining room. They both sat ramrod straight, and the atmosphere was a bit tense. I approached hesitantly, “Good morning, Deborah
“Good morning, dear. Have a seat, Deborah said, not upser that I’d overslept. Instead, she looked at me kindly and added, “From now on, you don’t need to wake up early. If you’re running late, just have a servant bring your meal to your room.”
I was a bit taken aback. When had Deborah become so lenient with me!
Before I could respond, Deborah continued. “Hayden told me you were tired last night.”
Right away, the servants covered their mouths to hold back their laughter.
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Dreame–Read Pomenes
Chapter 24
I quickly realized what they were laughing about and shot a glare at Hayden. What had he talked about?
However, Hayden calmly ladled some soup and placed it in front of me. “Eat a little more
Even Deborah couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
I gritted my teeth, feeling like the veins on my forehead were about to burst.
“I’m glad to see how close you two have become. I’ve heard from Henry about what happened at the hospital yesterday. Now that you’ve shared some intimate moments, make sure to get along well in the future. Don’t fight like kids anymore. Deborah advised earnestly
Some things really weren’t her place to say, but Hayden and Yvonne really worried her. If she didn’t make it clear, they might p understand.
pretend they didn’t
1 had been feeling embarrassed. But when I heard Deborah’s words, I froze. Henry! The director? What had he told Deborah? Intimate! How could he bring that up?
I quickly glanced at Hayden, and as expected, his expression had changed. Oh no, was he starting to get suspicious? Worried he might catch on, 1 quickly lowered my head and sipped my soup–that Henry really caused me trouble.
The more 1 worried about it, the more it seemed to escalate. Soon, I heard Hayden asking, “Grandma, what exactly did Mr. Hoffman tell you?” “He told your grandpa and congratulated us that we’ll be having a great grandchild soon. Deborahs replied cheerfully, turning to look at me. Now I understood why her attitude toward me had softened; it was all because of this. Unfortunately, my relationship with Hayden was nowhere near as good as they thought.
Hayden didn’t ask any further, probably too embarrassed to discuss details. But he definitely looked suspicious.
I quickly changed the subject. Deborah, why did you come back without telling us? Hayden could have picked you up.”
“Once I heard about the great–grandchild on the way, I couldn’t stay at the church any longer. From now on, I’ll be living with all of you here. Once you’re pregnant, I can take care of you,” Deborah replied.
I suddenly dropped my spoon, my mind going blank. If she stayed here for a day or two, Hayden and I could still pretend. But living here permanently! The truth would come out eventually
“Yvonne and I should be the ones taking care of you, Grandma. The Rosy House is nice, but it can’t compare to the Parker residence, so maybe we should- Hayden started to say.
Deborah waved her hand dismissively, interrupting him, “Don’t worry about me. I think this place is lovely–there are roses to admire. You young folks can live your lives. I won’t bother you,”
I felt my eye twitch–clearly, Deborah had made up her mind. Anxious, I racked my brain for a polite way to decline.
But just then, Hayden agreed. “Alright then, Grandma, do what you wish
I stomped on his foot What was he thinking? This was far from ideal!
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