Not Yours to Control

I ignored Hayden's flushed, angry face and strode away.

I had not taken more than a few steps when he suddenly grabbed me. He questioned me in a cold voice, "Vivian, are you still putting on an act in front of me? You're my woman, so spending my money is only natural. Don't act like you don't care. I know better than you what you really want."

I met his gaze. "Do I need to remind you? We were over the moment you threw me out of our wedding three years ago."

If anyone truly knew me better than myself, it was William.

He never made a show of it, yet he remembered every little thing I loved.

I loved the scent of roses in the morning, so he always put a fresh bouquet by the window.

I preferred my coffee with milk, and his assistants had never once brought me the wrong cup.

I got cold easily. He quietly kept that in mind, always making sure I had a shawl and gloves before I could even ask.

If William knew another man was standing before me, boasting about how well he understood me, that man would have to start praying.

Hayden seemed to misunderstand. He glanced at Selena with a knowing smirk.

"Throwing another little tantrum, are you? Fine. The Fields Corporation is holding an annual gala in three days to welcome William back to the country. Every big name in the business world will be there. I'll take you with me and let you see how the real upper circle looks.

"But you'll need to ditch that dowdy outfit. Don't embarrass me."

I did not wait for him to finish and immediately declined. "No, thank you."

Upon being turned down once more, Hayden's irritation flared. He clenched his teeth so hard they rattled.

"Vivian, I see you've got a bit more bite these days, but you're still thinking way too small.

"If you won't go, I'll take Selena. Don't regret it!"

Selena's eyes lit up when she heard that, and she was quick to respond.

"Hayden, give me the card. I'll dress nicely, and I promise I won't embarrass you."

I did not want to waste another second on them. Turning on my heel, I left, letting a single, icy remark hang in the air.

"We'll see if you're still so confident in three days."

As I stepped out into the fresh air, the nausea that had been pressing on my stomach finally eased.

Three years ago, my parents arranged a marriage for me. Under the crushing pressure to settle down, I begged my boyfriend of seven years, Hayden, to marry me, planning to tie the knot first and explain to my family later.

Hayden had agreed.

I never imagined that on my wedding day, I would not just be waiting for Hayden, but also his childhood sweetheart, Selena.

"Selena's child needs a father. I'll marry her first. Once we've fooled her family, I'll come back and marry you.

"It's all for the child's mental health. Don't overthink it."

Watching him walk into the chapel hand in hand with Selena from behind, I felt my heart shatter into pieces.

That night, I accepted my parents' arrangement.

A month later, I married William, and a year later, I gave birth to our first child. Now, our second was on the way.

If not for returning to visit my parents, I would not have come back to this country or seen Hayden again.

…

Three days later, I put on a touch of makeup, slipped into loose, understated clothes, and went alone to the annual gala.

The moment Hayden saw me, his eyes lit up, and a smug smile tugged at his lips.

"You said you wouldn't show up, but your actions tell a different story.

"If you actually think you can win me back, the least you could do is learn some high-society manners. You should wear a gown to a fancy event like this. What kind of woman would show up here in pants?"

I ignored his sudden ego trip and made my way to my seat.

He blocked my way, his tone furious.

"Vivian, I'm talking to you. Didn't you hear me? Our white seats are right by the door. Where do you think you're going?"

I pulled my hand free and replied in a cold voice, "That's your seat. Mine is over there."

Following the direction of my hand, Hayden's gaze landed on the most prestigious golden seats in the banquet hall. His face darkened instantly.

Selena shot me a venomous look, then jabbed her finger at me and shouted,

"Vivian, how did you sneak in here? And how dare you wear a replica of Mrs. Field's diamond ring? You're here just to make trouble, aren't you?!"

Her voice rang out loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.