“I didn’t know you were so interested in my personal life.”
“Not really. There’s nothing interesting about it anyway,” Christian said, dismissing him as he walked toward the exit.
Kyle felt the urge to punch him but held himself back. “Rude as always. I wonder how your wife is going to cope with such a cold…” he muttered, but Christian ignored him. “Is it that she’s not beautiful enough for you to stay over for your wedding night?”
“Far more beautiful than your fiancee,” Christian shot back.
“Oh? Are you admitting my fiancee is beautiful?” Kyle laughed, “Did you have eyes on her?”
Once again, Christian didn’t respond.
“I can understand though,” Kyle continued, his tone mocking. “I pity your wife. She must have felt so sad, frustrated, and lonely that her husband left their bed to attend to business on their honeymoon. Tsk, tsk, tsk,” he said, shaking his head, walking away with a grin as he noticed Christian’s facial expression change.
Cyrus glanced through the mirror at his boss and noticed the disturbed expression on his face.
Why is the boss looking disturbed? he wondered to himself, but started the car by pressing the start button.
“Cyrus,” Christian suddenly called.
“Yes, sir,” he responded, stealing a quick look through the mirror.
“Is it true she might feel lonely and upset that I left?”
“Who?”
“Never mind,” Christian replied, looking away. His words left Cyrus confused, but he shrugged it off and refocused on driving.
“Okay, my wife,” Christian added as Cyrus shrugged it off.
“Your… your wife?” Cyrus repeated, remembering. Oh yes, the boss is married, I haven’t gotten used to that yet, he thought to himself.
“She was sleeping when we arrived at the resort, so I couldn’t bid her goodbye before coming to the meeting.”
“Was it her honeymoon?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, of course, sir. She would be pissed. You didn’t even tell her before leaving her alone at the resort, and which husband leaves his wife on their wedding night to go to work?”
Christian glared at him. Although Cyrus was speaking the truth, he didn’t want him to be so blunt, at least not in this moment. But Cyrus wasn’t done.
“It’s only a terrible husband that would do that. Were you forced to marry her? Well, I can understand, but at least you should have informed her. I’m sure, if she’s not feeling angry, she’s probably feeling bad, unwanted, and lonely…”
“Cyrus!” Christian snapped sharply, bringing him back to his senses. He was talking to his boss.
Cyrus became nervous, worried he had over-spoken, and anxious about whether he was about to get fired. He had always maintained a well-mannered attitude and had managed to keep his job for a long time. A young man in his mid-twenties, he couldn’t afford to lose it now.
“Just drive,” Christian said coldly, turning his gaze away.
“Yes, sir,” Cyrus replied nervously.
Patricia laughed out loud and joined in taking pictures with the group. She was having a great time, enjoying herself at the party. It was finally the club members’ event, and she was all dolled up, looking absolutely gorgeous. The news of her daughter marrying a top billionaire had already spread through the group, bringing her even more attention, and more people wanted to connect with her. As she handed one of the women her contact information, she spotted her friends and excused herself to join their table.
“I’m so happy for her,” Merissa said in amusement. “Her status in society is going to skyrocket now. I heard her husband is working on a project worth trillions.”
“I envy her so much. She’s so lucky.”
“What’s so enviable about her?” Moraine asked nonchalantly.
“Everything, of course! She’s so lucky that everything is working out for her,” Merissa replied, her voice tinged with jealousy.
“I still don’t get what’s enviable about her,” Moraine shrugged and sipped her wine.
“Come on, Moraine,” Leila scoffed. “We know you also feel jealous. I mean, who wouldn’t? Out of the four of us, she’s the luckiest. She managed to marry off her daughter to a very wealthy family. Think of all the wealth and connections she’s enjoying…”
“Hi, ladies,” Patricia interrupted, arriving at their table. They all immediately greeted her with smiles and giggles.
“Look who’s here-Queen Patricia herself!” Merissa said, adoring her.
“Yes,” Patricia turned around slowly, showing off her grace, while Moraine rolled her eyes.
“I’ve been asking for the secret behind your glowing skin, and you still haven’t told me, even though you said I’m your friend,” Leila said, faking a pout.
Patricia chuckled as she took her seat with her cup of wine. “I don’t know if I should take that as a compliment or if you’re honestly curious about my skincare products.”
“Are you sure your glow is from skincare products, or is it because you’re on cloud nine?” Merissa eyed her playfully.
“Oh, cloud nine?” Patricia laughed. “And who took me there?”
“You look so happy, like you’re on cloud nine. I’m sure that’s what she meant,” Moraine answered.
“Yeah,” Merissa nodded in support. “You look so happy, and your skin is glowing. Of course, it should! Congratulations!” She suddenly grabbed Patricia’s hands, startling her for a moment. “Congratulations! I heard your daughter married a very wealthy man, and I’m so happy for you. I even heard that the rumors about him were all lies.”
Of course, Patricia grinned, tossing her hair and composing herself, trying to send the message that her level and status were higher than theirs. “We now have more connections and money. If you need any help, whether your children need employment or anything, just let me know. I’ll try to help. I’ll also let you meet Sharon soon. You can join her club together with me,” she said to Merissa.
“Can I join as well?” Laila quickly asked, giving Patricia a puppy face.
“I’ll discuss it with her, and considering our connection, I’m sure she’ll allow me to bring two more members.”
“Yes!” they both jumped up and hugged her in excitement, but then Patricia noticed Moraine’s nonchalant attitude.
“I’ll also put in a good word for you, Moraine,” Patricia said, trying to get her attention. Moraine was about to speak, but Patricia cut her off. “It’s nothing, you don’t have to thank me. But anyways, you’re welcome,” she said, dusting off her purse as she stood up. But Moraine’s loud laughter stopped her, and they all looked at her with questioning expressions.
“You’re so funny, Patricia,” Moraine said, laughing again.
Leila, who was sitting close to Moraine, tried to pinch her to get her to behave, but Moraine moved her away.
“Was it really your daughter who got married?” Moraine suddenly threw the question at her.
“What do you mean?” Patricia asked, frowning.
“I mean, as far as I know, Alice is still single.”
“So, have you forgotten I have two daughters?” Patricia responded, clearly irritated.
“With my knowledge and memory, you only gave birth once,” Moraine retorted.
“I have another daughter, Clarisse. She’s my husband’s brother’s daughter.”
“Oh, you mean the one you never treated as a daughter?” Moraine asked. Patricia went quiet for a minute. She was boiling with anger, wanting to shut Moraine up for good. She never really liked her; Patricia always felt Moraine acted like she was better than everyone else.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. She’s my daughter, and I treat her like my daughter,” Patricia said.
“Oh, that’s why she never attended any school nor was ever in any social gathering,” Moraine said, looking directly into Patricia’s eyes. Patricia was about to speak but was cut short. “Also, does she see you as her mother? Because the girl I’ve seen doesn’t even see you as an aunt.”
“How do you know when you don’t live with us?” Patricia asked, her voice laced with irritation.
“But I’ve visited quite a few times,” Moraine replied with a sigh. “Stop dreaming, Patricia. It wasn’t your biological daughter. It was as good as getting rid of a girl with no incentives. Don’t expect any connection or familiarity from them; you’re of no importance. I’m sure she’s going to get back at you, so I advise you to stay away from her.”
With that, she walked away, leaving them in awkward silence.
Leila and Merissa, realizing the tension, slowly stepped back.
Patricia stood frozen, boiling with rage inside, but at the same time, she began to reflect on what she had done. The big mistake she had made. “I shouldn’t have,” she muttered under her breath. “But it’s never too late.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.