Chapter 58 A Beauty's Bid for Matrimony
Before Lilian could utter a word, the ward door was abruptly thrust open. York, standing in the doorway, addressed Jackson, "Wendy has been weeping incessantly. If this continues, her health will deteriorate. We've been unable to console her. Perhaps you should try?"
Lilian's ire flared at Wendy's constant provocations. Instead of extricating herself from Jackson's hold, she tightened her grip around his neck, nuzzling into him. In a hushed voice, she cooed, "Darling, it's been a week since we last saw each other. I need you here, comforting me. Otherwise, I'll weep for you to see," and she feigned a sob.
York's blatant disregard for decorum irked her. Any respectable adult would have excused themselves upon witnessing such an intimate scene. Yet, York not only feigned ignorance but also had the audacity to request Jackson's presence with his daughter. If York could be so shameless, why should Lilian concern herself with maintaining her dignity?
She nestled further into Jackson's arms, her petite hand firmly clutching his tie. Her actions were clear: if he dared to defy her, he risked being strangled by his own tie. The choice was his to make.
Jackson's hand rested on Lilian's waist, his posture relaxed. He glanced at York with a hint of helplessness. "Uncle, I beg your pardon. I am unable to manage this situation at home. Perhaps Terry could stand in for me?"
York's expression soured at the suggestion of a secretary's intervention. He shot a cold glare at the couple on the couch before storming out, the door slamming shut behind him.
Lilian's heart pounded in her chest, leaving her slightly dazed. Had she succeeded in securing Jackson's loyalty this time? He hadn't abandoned her... She realized her misunderstanding regarding the bracelet. It was a birthday gift, intended for her. But if that was a misunderstanding, what about Wendy's child? Jackson had never acknowledged the child as his own, had he?
Her heart raced as she lifted her head to question him, but before she could speak, he lifted her off his lap and deposited her onto the couch. He stood, leisurely adjusting his tie and straightening his disheveled shirt. His gaze was calm as he looked down at her. "Respect your elders. Don't repeat this behavior. Rest for a while, I'll return within half an hour. Wait for me."
The Sivan House and the Frane family had a strong relationship, their business dealings extensive. The fault today indeed lay with the Frane family, and Jackson didn't want to exacerbate the situation. As for Wendy's child, she hadn't willingly chosen to bear it; there absolutely couldn't be any complications.
Having said his piece, Jackson turned on his heel, opened the hospital room door, and strode out. Lilian sat on the couch, her body cold. After a moment, she chuckled lightly, laughing at her own forgetfulness and fanciful illusions.
"Sister Lilian, don't be upset. My brother was out of line. I know many handsome men; I can find you a new boyfriend!" Jeffery squatted before her, his face filled with indignation as he held her icy hand.
Lilian's heart warmed at his words. "Why aren't you wearing shoes? Get back into bed," she instructed, leading him back to his bed and gently rubbing his feet. Her mood plummeted as she realized that even Jeffery understood the gravity of Jackson's actions. The man's disregard for her feelings was becoming increasingly apparent. Ultimately, it was because he didn't love her.
Lilian couldn't possibly wait obediently in the hospital room for Jackson's return. As soon as she left, Jeffery retrieved his phone. He opened a group chat, selected a saved photo of Lilian dancing ballet on stage, and sent it with a caption. [Beautiful lady seeking marriage; my sister, beautiful and wealthy]
He was a student at the most prestigious international school in Miracalia, surrounded by classmates from complex and influential backgrounds. The group was an autonomous creation of the students, devoid of any teacher's presence. He was confident that his charisma would enable him to find an ideal brother-in-law for Sister Lilian. Suddenly, the sound of an incoming private message caused Jeffrey to kick his legs in excitement.
*
Jackson gently pushed open the door to the hospital room, revealing the expected sight of Wendy, still lying on the bed, her tears flowing freely. York and Rose were at her side, attempting to soothe her distress. However, upon Jackson's arrival, they silently retreated, leaving him alone with Wendy.
"Wendy, stop crying. Jackson is here," York said, relief evident in his voice.
Wendy's response was to bury her face deeper into the blanket, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. Her voice, hoarse from crying, was filled with despair.
"You're lying to me. Jackson won't come. He only cares about my sister. I envy my sister, being loved so much by Jackson... Leave me alone. W-w-when I cry, my hand and my heart don't hurt anymore..."
York shared a glance with Jackson before he and Rose quietly exited the room.
Jackson approached Wendy, his brows furrowed in impatience. "Alright, stop crying," he commanded.
Wendy's trembling body stiffened at his words. She took a moment to tidy her hair before looking up at him. But before she could speak, fresh tears welled up in her eyes.
Her eyes were bloodshot, her face pale, and her skin, flawless and delicate. Her pitiful appearance was a result of years of practice in front of a mirror. The most attractive angle, the perfect way to wet her eyelashes without looking disheveled - she had mastered it all in her quest for her parents' affection.
She looked at Jackson with a mixture of surprise and relief, a single tear trickling down her cheek. "Jackson, you really..."
But before she could finish, Jackson coldly interrupted her. "Why are you not strong?" His question took Wendy by surprise, leaving her frozen in place.
Jackson didn't spare her another glance. Instead, he hooked a chair with his foot and sat down, spreading his legs and leaning forward to bring his face closer to Wendy's.
Wendy held her breath, her heart pounding erratically as she stared at the man in front of her. Jackson fixed his gaze on her, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"You only shed tears when you're cared for. Otherwise, tears and snot are both annoying fluids, understand?"
Wendy felt a sharp pain in her heart, so intense she thought she might die. The nervousness caused by Jackson's proximity made her sneeze, producing a large bubble of mucus.
Embarrassed, she turned away, her face flushing as she avoided Jackson's disapproving gaze. Jackson, meanwhile, pushed his chair back forcefully, the scraping sound echoing in the room like a silent mockery.
Wendy's tears flowed more freely now, devoid of any pretense of beauty. She turned away in panic, her head spinning with anger.
Jackson's patience was wearing thin. He tossed a couple of wet tissues to Wendy and glanced at his wristwatch. He had promised Lilian that he would make Wendy wait for no more than half an hour. If Wendy continued to cry, they might not make it in time.
"If you really can't calm down, we'll discuss this another time," he said, standing up to leave.
But Wendy suddenly grabbed his hand. Jackson frowned, attempting to shake her off, but Wendy fell back onto the pillow, her face contorted in pain.
"Jackson, it hurts, my...my stomach hurts!"
Jackson's countenance subtly shifted. Rising from his seat, he lifted the blanket to reveal a vibrant red stain marring the pristine bedsheet. His eyes, once bright, now darkened with concern.
His initial instinct was to summon a doctor and extricate himself from Wendy's grasp, but she clung to him with a desperation that was almost palpable. Her face was ashen, her eyes, black as the night, bore into his with a steely determination as she gritted her teeth.
"You insisted on this child, and now I insist on your presence! If you abandon me, I refuse to bear this child!" she declared. Jackson's features contorted with discomfort, yet he remained motionless. Bending down, he pressed the call button.
"I won't abandon you. You need to find your calm," he reassured her. Given Wendy's precarious condition, Jackson found himself unable to leave. Upon his return to Jeffrey's ward, he discovered that Jeffrey had already been discharged and taken home.
Naturally, Lilian had already departed as well. Jackson retrieved his phone and began to draft a message to Lilian.
Jackson: [Did you run away? You failed to keep our appointment.]
After a moment's consideration, he deleted the message and started anew.
Jackson: [Where are you? I'll come to get you. I've brought back the foie gras you adore from France. Care to join me for a taste?]
He scrutinized the message before hitting send, only to be met with a notification on the screen.
[The recipient has enabled friend verification. You are not yet a friend of the recipient. Please send a friend verification request first.]
Jackson, unfamiliar with such a situation, stared at the message for a moment before responding. A chuckle escaped his lips as his slender fingers navigated the phone, following the instructions to resend the verification request.
However, another notification appeared. [Failed to add contact. The recipient has added you to the blacklist.]
Jackson fell silent.
In the span of just three days, Lilian had been engrossed in dance practice and choreography, preparing for auditions, and finding time to work odd jobs. Her schedule was so packed that she barely managed five or six hours of sleep each day.
One afternoon, after visiting Max in the hospital, she was intercepted by Peggy. Peggy was there to deliver an invitation and a dress for Wendy's farewell dinner at the Sivan House.
"This dress belonged to our late mistress. If she were still with us, she would be delighted to see you in it," Peggy stated. Lilian ran her fingers over the fabric, her gaze softening.
The late Mrs. Sivan had always held a special place in her heart for Lilian. When she passed away, Lilian was still the cherished young lady of the Sivan House. This affection led Lilian to regard her as a beloved grandmother.
Lilian agreed to don the dress for the evening. However, upon entering the venue, she sensed something amiss. She and the evening's protagonist, Wendy, were wearing identical dresses.
Wendy was adorned in an elegant, figure-hugging emerald green V-neck gown made of velvet. She complemented it with a blood diamond necklace, exuding an air of grace and sophistication.
Lilian's dress, though of the same material and color, featured a complex ruffled collar design that seemed overly elaborate. Despite the dress not quite matching Lilian's figure and looks, it didn't look bad on her. However, when compared to Wendy, the style and taste of the dress seemed outdated and less fashionable.
"Look at what she's wearing. Isn't it out of style?" one guest snickered.
"A pretender will always be a pretender. Even after all these years with the Frane family, she can't cultivate a true lady's taste," another chimed in.
"Tonight is Wendy's big night. Who is she trying to impress? Isn't she just embarrassing Wendy? It's a pity she lacks good taste and has become a laughingstock. How hilarious!" another guest added.
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