Chapter 123

Marlon's sharp words left Hayden speechless. In the past, love was a concept he neither understood nor sought to express; confessing his feelings now felt impossibly daunting.

"I never expected Hayden to say anything kind," she thought, brushing off his hand with frustration. She turned and prepared to leave with Marlon. "It's just one dance," she mused. "Even if everyone's watching, what's the big deal?" But deep down, she knew lingering would only complicate matters.

Above, on stage, Joanna sat stiffly beside the pianist, John, as her mother, Sophia, had arranged. Her gaze darted through the crowd until she spotted Hayden gripping Yvonne's hand. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms.

John, noticing her distraction, leaned over and gently reminded her, "Shall we begin?" Snapping back to the present, Joanna's fingers grazed the keys, her movements hesitant and disjointed. From the audience, Sophia frowned, calling softly, "Joanna, focus!" Taking a shaky breath, Joanna began the performance. John's experienced hands danced across the keys, seamlessly masking her mistakes.

Meanwhile, Marlon took advantage of Hayden's momentary distraction, leading Yvonne to the dance floor. The lights swirled around them, reflecting the tension in the air.

Hayden, regaining his composure, tensed as Yasir approached with a teasing grin. "This isn't like you at all," he remarked casually.

"What is 'like me' supposed to mean?" Hayden retorted, his jaw tight with suppressed frustration. He could barely stand the sight of Yvonne in another man's arms.

Yasir smirked knowingly, tapping his chin. "You never cared what your wife did before. But now! You're practically seething with jealousy. Just a tip, though—jealousy isn't a good look on you." He added, "Everyone here tonight is either from the Parker Group or connected to them, so if this blows up, tomorrow's headlines are inevitable. Although these issues don't directly affect you, it's always better to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Hayden's gaze sharpened, focusing intently on Yvonne and Marlon. He muttered, "Jealous? Is this what jealousy feels like?" He thought, How dare Marlon have his hand around her waist! And she smiled at Marlon! Hayden clenched his teeth, feeling an unexpected spark ignite inside him, making him restless and uneasy. "So this is what jealousy feels like?"

Yasir arched a brow, amused. "Wait… are you telling me you're just figuring this out after being married so long?"

Instead of responding, Hayden countered, "Why am I jealous?"

"It's obvious," Yasir replied with a hint of exasperation. "Because you like her. If she didn't matter, you wouldn't be bothered." As he spoke, Yasir carefully observed Hayden's subtle expressions. He was curious how someone could be married for so long and not know what jealousy felt like. If anyone else had asked such a question, he wouldn't have believed them. But this was Hayden, after all. Having been bound by the rosary bracelet for so many years, it was quite possible he didn't know what love was. Yet, Hayden didn't ask anything more.

His focus remained on the dance floor, where Yvonne laughed and swayed effortlessly in Marlon's arms. The sight ignited a fire inside him, a flame that burned away every shred of logic. "I can't let this continue," he resolved, stepping forward with purpose.

Yasir was taken aback and quickly called out, "Where are you going? They're just dancing!" Unfortunately, Hayden couldn't hear him. His mind was in turmoil, consumed by a fire that grew stronger. Rationality escaped him; he only knew he had to win back his woman.

On the dance floor, Marlon twirled me around, each movement synced perfectly with the music. It was as if every cell in my body vibrated to the rhythm, a peculiar yet exhilarating sensation.

"I didn't expect you to be such a graceful dancer," Marlon murmured near my ear, his voice low and intimate. We were close. I felt a flicker of unease but quickly masked it.

"My mother adored waltzing," I replied softly. "She often danced with me. Over time, it became second nature." My mother taught me many things, some of which have carved themselves deeply into my soul, I thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips.

"Your mother did a remarkable job raising you," Marlon complimented, a genuine smile lighting his face.

"Remarkable?" I chuckled bitterly. "She raised a hopeless romantic. If anything, I must have been a disappointment." In the past, when love consumed me, it felt right. But now, looking back, I realize how foolish I had been. How naive and blind I was back then, I thought.

Before I could elaborate, Marlon interrupted my self-deprecation with unexpected reassurance. "Being a romantic means you love with purity, sincerity, and courage."

His words stunned me. I stared at him, my disbelief evident. Nobody had ever praised me for my unrelenting love. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Just as I struggled for a response, my eyes caught sight of Hayden striding purposefully towards us. What is he doing? I wondered, my mind racing with a hundred scenarios. Before I could react, Hayden had reached us.

With a cold, unyielding gaze, he grabbed my wrist and yanked me out of Marlon's arms. "Come with me," he commanded, his voice icy and simmering with anger. I barely had time to process his words before he pulled me away. Marlon, seemingly stunned, didn't stop him. Perhaps he, too, couldn't believe what he had just witnessed.

Who would have thought that the ever-composed and restrained Hayden would act so impulsively!

By the time Marlon snapped out of his daze and prepared to follow, Yasir appeared, blocking his way with a casual smile. "Let the couple handle their own matters," Yasir advised lightly. "There's no need for outsiders to interfere." He was Hayden's close friend, so of course, he'd lend a hand.

Marlon was a step too slow, and the two ahead disappeared onto the dance floor. Marlon frowned, his displeasure evident, but Yasir's relaxed stance made it clear he wasn't moving.

"You're telling me someone like Hayden actually has feelings?" Marlon sneered.

"Why wouldn't he?" Yasir shrugged, his tone tinged with amusement. "He's human, and humans have emotions. It's just that Hayden has always been… a bit slow in that department." Yasir coughed awkwardly. Alright, maybe more than a bit. He's a genius in business. But even geniuses have blind spots.

Marlon scoffed in disbelief. "Slow! Didn't seem that way when he was with Joanna. He was anything but slow."

"If he were truly clueless about emotions, how could he have strayed?" Marlon added, his voice laced with disdain.

Yasir hesitated, glancing towards the stage where Joanna was playing. Hayden had once mentioned her talent, but listening now, Yasir couldn't help but feel it was a little underwhelming.

In the narrow, dimly lit hallway, I finally stumbled to a halt, too exhausted to keep up with Hayden's pace. I yanked my wrist, trying to free myself. "Let go of me!" I demanded.

Hayden didn't reply. Instead, he turned abruptly and pressed me against the cold wall.