The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 29

No sooner had Sean Yates left than his fiancée, Bianca White, strode into the café with an air of arrogance. She marched straight to Joanna Taylor's table, her eyes brimming with disdain and hostility.

"Well, well, if it isn't the walking bad luck charm," Bianca sneered, her shrill voice shattering the café's peaceful atmosphere. Nearby patrons turned their heads, curiosity piqued.

Joanna frowned, anger simmering inside her, but she forced herself to stay composed. She wouldn't stoop to Bianca's level in public.

"Watch your mouth, Bianca," Joanna said coldly.

Bianca scoffed. "Oh, did I strike a nerve? Face it—you're the reason your daughter and grandmother are dead. If Sean stays with you, he'll end up the same way."

Joanna's face paled as painful memories flooded back. Without thinking, she stood and slapped Bianca with all her strength.

The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the café, drawing gasps and whispers. Some even pulled out their phones to record the scene.

Bianca clutched her cheek, venom flashing in her eyes. "You dare hit me, you bitch? You'll regret this." With one last glare, she stormed off.

Joanna watched her go, unease settling in her chest. Bianca had left too easily—was she plotting something worse?

Distracted, Joanna headed home. But as she turned into a quiet alley, several strange men blocked her path.

Her pulse spiked. "Who are you? What do you want?"

A blond-haired man smirked. "Doesn't matter who we are. Someone paid us to teach you a lesson." He leered. "Pretty face like yours… shame to ruin it. Maybe we'll have some fun first."

Joanna's stomach dropped. Bianca had sent them.

She spun to run, but the men grabbed her, dragging her deeper into the alley. "Let me go! Help!" She fought desperately, but their grip was too strong.

"Get your hands off her!"

Sean's voice. Tears streamed down Joanna's face as his bodyguards rushed forward, engaging the attackers. Sean pulled her into his arms.

"Joanna, are you hurt? Why didn't you wait for me at the café?"

She stayed silent, unable to meet his eyes.

Sean's heart ached with guilt. "I'm sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn't have left you alone."

Just then, his phone buzzed. A text flashed on the screen:

"Sean, Joanna's leaving the country. Is defying your parents for her really worth it?"

His gaze snapped to her. "You're leaving?"

Joanna's chest tightened. She couldn't explain—not now. Swallowing her tears, she forced indifference into her voice.

"Sean, there's no future for us. Stay with Bianca. I'm done with this." She gestured to the alley. "Every time I'm with you, it's either kidnappers or insults. I've had enough."

"Your parents, your world—they'll never accept a divorced single mother like me."

Sean gripped her shoulders, his eyes wounded. "None of that matters. Just tell me you love me. Please, don't go."

Joanna shoved him away. "I have my own dreams to chase."

Without hesitation, she turned and walked away.

Sean stood frozen, watching her retreating figure.

If this is what you want… then who am I to stop you, Joanna?