Julia was an elegant woman. Although she was in her middle age, she still looked her prime. The dimples on her cheeks showed when she smiled shyly at Gordon. “Of course I remember what you said. You said you’ll stay with me forever.”
It was not until then that I realize that walnut cookies had a special meaning to them. I took a look at Christopher and was stunned when he winked at me as if I owed him a big one this time. He took a cookie from the box and ate it.
“Hm, it really tastes nice. It’s just as sweet as how you two are right now,” he said playfully looking at his parents before taking up another cookie. “Here’s to more happiness in your marriage. May both of you live to a good old age.”
His childish behavior almost made me laugh. He had given me an unexpected gift this time around, but when my gaze settled upon Monica who was beside him, any urge to smile that I had vanished instantly.
I had to admit that I felt jealous. I was married, but my marriage was not a successful one. My husband had another woman, and all the outsiders thought I deserved such a pitiable fate. I knew how it felt to be in an unhappy marriage, as such, I would never be a homewrecker.
Besides, someone as perfect as Monica deserved a good marriage.
Julia looked up at me and nodded. “Thank you. This means a lot to me.”
“This is the best gift I’ve received tonight!” Gordon remarked before laughing heartily, yet I felt even if he did not like it, he would still stay courteous and thank me for the present. After all, he looked like a man with a good heart.
“I’m glad you like it, Mr. Lane.” I smiled at him. When I saw Christopher raising his brows at me trying to get a compliment, I shifted my gaze swiftly. There was no way I could look at him and still stay calm.
That being said, when I saw Crystal and Nathan’s faces, I felt exhilarated. These two cunning souls had brought this on themselves, but guilt soon budded in my heart.
Nathan was my father. I should not gloat over his misfortune, but when I ponder about it further, he only had himself to blame after all he had done to me. I was not obliged in any way to feel bad for him.
After my narrow escape from a situation that could have been utterly shameful, Julia gestured at me to go over. I reckoned she must really like my gift a lot.
I went over nervously, thinking what I should say to her. There were a few other young women who wanted to speak to her while we talked, but she kindly turned them away.
Social events like this had always made me tense. I was always looking over my shoulder because I was afraid Crystal would do something nasty. I was scared that people would make a laughingstock out of me, ripping off the last shreds of my dignity.
Julia observed the tiredness on my face and asked me to take a rest. I excused myself politely and went to sit down, but before I could even take a seat, the person who was the crux of all my problems came over again. “How did you know you should bring walnut cookies? Did Christopher tell you that?” Lyle sounded testy as if he was interrogating me. It could also be that he was tired after waiting for me for some time.
“So what if he did? It’s not like this has anything to do with you. Don’t channel your anger toward me if someone else steps on your toe. Just leave me in peace. I just want to get this party over with and go home, so stop following me around.”
I could tell Lyle was already trying to sound friendlier, but my reply was not helping at all. “Don’t you dare talk to me like that! Who do you think you are?”
“Who I am is none of your business,” I said tritely, scanning the crowd of attractive women. “The woman you love is not here, so stop bugging me and get lost.”
I shook off his hand and fled before he could do anything. I wondered who Lyle thought he was. He spurned me, yet he expected me to still love him like I used to. Does he really think he’s a king? Why should I accept everything he does?
