Chapter 23 Heartbreaking Realization
Jessica's world turned upside down, leaving her at a loss for what to do next.
Had Gabriel decided to bring Diana because he couldn't hold back any longer, ready to reveal her identity to everyone? And what about her? Where did that leave her?
Jessica's face went deathly pale, and with a sudden snap, the phone dropped from her grasp.
Charlotte scooped up what fell and rushed over, "Jessica, what's going on? You look terrible. Did Gabriel say something to upset you?"
Jessica numbly shook her head, "No, it's nothing. Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
At the sink, Jessica frantically splashed her face with cold water as if she had gone mad. After countless washes, when her cheeks turned ice-cold and her hands reddened from the chill, she finally looked up, brushed her hair back, and faced herself in the mirror.
There she was, dressed to the nines, her makeup perfect and gentle, adorned with the most expensive jewelry and necklace—yet, at that moment, she felt like a complete clown, utterly disheveled.
She had already agreed to herself, that after Xavier's birthday celebration tonight, she'd ask for a divorce the very next day. Just half a day. It was only half a day left; couldn't he wait?
Charlotte became worried when Jessica was in the restroom for too long, the water running non-stop.
Knocking on the door anxiously, Charlotte called out, “Jessica, are you all right?”
No answer.
“Jessica…?” Charlotte called again, more urgently this time.
Then Jessica opened the door, a gentle smile on her face, “I'm fine now, let's head back down.”
“Should we wait for Gabriel?” Charlotte asked.
Jessica shook her head, “No need, he'll be here soon.”
Plus, he didn’t need her to wait any longer.
Inside the restroom, Jessica debated a hundred times whether to go back down. She could refuse, but she decided to return. One reason was not to disappoint Xavier or leave his birthday with regret. The other reason was, if she faced it then perhaps it would bring her closure.
When the time came and Gabriel introduced Diana in front of everyone, when he denied Jessica's existence, maybe she would truly let go. Some pain is only felt when you witness it firsthand, then you can fully detach and leave for good.
When Jessica went back down, Xavier was ready, and most of the guests were there, with only two seats unoccupied. A quick glance told her that the empty seats were hers and Gabriel's. He hadn’t arrived yet.
Seeing Jessica, Xavier beamed, grabbing her hand, “Jessica, come, sit by my side.”
“Sure, Xavier.” Jessica nodded obediently and took her seat beside Xavier.
At that moment, Xavier caught sight of the empty seat next to Jessica and immediately furrowed his brow, asking irritably, "Where is he? Why isn't he here yet? What's he so preoccupied with?"
With a smile tugging at her lips, Jessica playfully tugged at Xavier's arm and sweetly replied, "Xavier, don't be too hard on my hubby. He had to rush off for some sudden emergency at the company."
"We all know how important your birthday bash is, Xavier, but if there's trouble at work, you wouldn't be happy either. After all, it's your life's work we're talking about." Jessica's words seemed to soothe Xavier, and his expression relaxed considerably.
"You always know just what to say. That kid opens his mouth and I'm halfway to a heart attack,” Xavier said.
Across the round table, Rou Walton watched as Jessica chatted up Xavier, managing to coax a beam of delight from the old man, and she could barely contain her fury.
When she realized Jessica was the very same person that she had spitefully pushed into the pool earlier, her anger soared to new heights.
Wendy Sackler tugged at Rou Walton's sleeve impatiently, "Rou… Rou, who is that person? I've never seen her before. How did she just waltz over and seat herself next to your Xavier?
"Look at you, as clueless as can be, as far away from Xavier as you could get. With such a prime spot open next to Xavier, within earshot, why didn't you take it? Instead, you let some outsider swoop in and snatch it up."
Rou Walton felt extremely wronged as she protested, "Mom, stop it. How could you possibly know whether I tried to sit there or not?"
"What are you saying?" Wendy Sackler sensed something was amiss.
"As soon as I saw where Xavier was sitting, I took the seat next to him to wait. But the moment he arrived, he shooed me away, saying the seat was reserved, and directed me to sit here instead."
"You just won't admit it when you're out of place. Isn't there another seat by Xavier's side?" Wendy remarked, her gaze locking onto the spot beside Xavier.
Rou Walton pouted in frustration, "Mom, what do you know? That spot is for Gabriel. Would you dare take his seat? And speaking of Gabriel, what's with him not having arrived yet? It's Xavier's birthday celebration, and he's late. Honestly, I could..."
Her rant was cut short as a joyful Gabriel bounded over, exclaiming, "Gabriel is back!"
In that instant, Gabriel, the scion of a wealthy family, made his entrance. Dressed in his earlier black suit, he navigated through the various tables and finally took the seat on Xavier's left.
Jessica was momentarily taken aback. Why is he the only one? Wasn't he supposed to bring Diana along?
The moment Gabriel arrived, the banquet began.
Xavier, despite always giving Gabriel a tough time on the surface, dotes on his grandson quite a bit.
And since he's the only grandson he acknowledges, who else would he spoil?
At the table, Jessica's meal tasted bland. A question lingered in her mind, ‘Where's Diana? Weren't they supposed to arrive together? Or maybe, was Gabriel planning to call her out after the banquet, once all the guests had left?’
The ping of a text pulled Jessica's attention to her phone. Gabriel had messaged her.
Gabriel: [You're so lost in thought, not eating.]
Jessica replied.
Jessica: [Thinking about Diana.]
Gabriel sent a puzzled emoji.
Finally, Jessica couldn't help herself and asked him personally, "Didn't you bring her? Why isn't she here?"
"Just focus on your meal. What kind of nonsense is filling that little head of yours, day in and day out? When did I ever say I'd bring her here? Who do you think is the fool, is it you or me?" Gabriel said, bewildered.
Jessica was at a loss for words. He never missed a chance to tease her.
Halfway through the meal, Rou Walton could no longer hold back, seizing an opening to speak up, "Gabriel, where's your wife? It's been two years since you've been married, and my sister hasn't seen her nor her shadow. Today is Xavier's 80th birthday. Isn't she going to make an appearance?"
Gabriel shot her a cold glance, his eyes brimming with warning.
If Rou Walton had any sense, she'd keep her mouth shut, and that would be that.
But she just had to go charging into the line of fire, "Gabriel, your wife's got no sense of propriety. That’s so typical of someone from a lowly background, showing no respect for Xavier. She’s downright embarrassing."
"We're just curious, isn't it fair to ask? Whether she's plump or slim, pretty or plain, just let us have a look to satisfy our curiosity!" Rou continued.
Wendy Sackler, seeing an opening, added fuel to the fire. She said, "Yeah, Gabriel, your cousin has a point. I'm dying to catch a glimpse too. I heard she was relentless in chasing after you, tsk tsk, simply shameless..."
Wendy Sackler's words were cut off abruptly as Gabriel set down his utensils with a clatter, his icy gaze shooting across like an arrow.
