I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 419

Zoe didn't know how to explain herself.

Beatrice had weathered countless storms in her lifetime; how could she not see right through Zoe?

For the past five years, whenever Zoe mentioned Hayden, her eyes would light up with shy adoration, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.

Even after years of marriage and a child, she had always looked at him with the pure, unwavering devotion of a first love.

Now, looking at her, any mention of Hayden elicited absolutely no emotional response.

Beatrice let out a long, heavy sigh. "Fine. If you've truly made up your mind, then I have nothing more to say."

That evening, Beatrice insisted Zoe stay for dinner. To Zoe's surprise, Hayden showed up as well.

This time, Sienna was nowhere to be seen.

Zoe's gaze swept over him indifferently before she took a seat right next to Beatrice.

Lily noticed Hayden too. Perhaps sensing the reason Beatrice had summoned him, he did something entirely out of character. He walked straight over to Lily and scooped her up into his arms.

Lily wasn't used to this sudden display of affection, and she was still a little intimidated by him.

"Aren't you going to say hello to your dad?"

Hayden stared down at the soft, chubby little girl in his arms. She was so tiny, practically a miniature replica of Zoe. His heart stirred slightly as he glanced over at the woman in question.

Zoe didn't even bat an eyelid, focusing entirely on helping Beatrice with her meal.

Lily squirmed uncomfortably in his grasp. Her sweet, childish voice chimed, "Can you put me down, please?"

Seeing her clear reluctance to be held, Hayden had no choice but to set her down on her feet.

Beatrice shot him a withering glare.

"Your own daughter doesn't even want to be near you. What kind of father are you?"

For once, Hayden accepted the scolding without a single word of protest. Without a shred of shame, he pulled out the chair directly beside Zoe and sat down.

Zoe subtly shifted her weight, scooting closer to Beatrice, but Hayden smoothly closed the distance, pressing himself right back against her side.

Zoe shot him a heated glare, but he completely ignored it. Grabbing her plate, he played the role of the perfect, loving husband and father, generously serving both her and Lily a bowl of soup.

"Hmph. Stop putting on an act. Where was this attitude before?"

Beatrice scoffed, but Hayden remained silent.

"I asked her. She's the one who wants the divorce."

Beatrice abandoned any attempt at mediation. Hayden gave a solemn nod, his long fingers lightly tapping the table as he spoke in a flat voice.

"It was her idea. I simply agreed to it."

Beatrice glared at him. "I wasn't asking you. Shut up."

She turned her sharp gaze back to Zoe.

"Are you pregnant?"

Zoe had been looking down, chewing on her vegetables and completely ignoring the soup Hayden had poured. The sudden question nearly caused her to choke to death.

Assuming Beatrice had figured out her secret, a cold sweat broke out over her palms.

Beatrice softened her tone. "Zoe, if you want a divorce, I won't stop you. But give Hayden a son first. Give us an heir for the Thorne family, and I'll personally handle the divorce. I'll make sure he leaves with absolutely nothing."

Hayden took a slow, unhurried sip of his soup. A faint, unreadable smirk played on his lips as he cast a sidelong glance at Zoe.

It was an old trick.

She had run all the way from the Kendall estate to Thorne Manor just to use his grandmother as a shield to avoid the divorce. She really was going through a lot of trouble.

"I... no—"

Zoe stammered, overwhelmed with guilt.

Beatrice smiled brightly. "Don't worry, you know me. I always keep my promises. Just sleep with him one more time, have the baby, and you will permanently be my granddaughter. Your son will be the rightful heir."

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