Vivien’s eyes gleamed with pride as she added, “And that’s not even the best part. The hair accessories, earrings, and necklace she’s wearing? All designed by Emily too-together they cost thirty million.”
“Wow!” The group of young socialites exchanged an envious glance. “Raylan must really adore Paige.”
Vivien cast a cold, condescending glance at Elliana and sneered, “Elliana, didn’t you marry the richest man in the city? So why do you look so ordinary? No jewelry at all, and you’ve even covered the logo on your dress. Is life really so bad in the Evans family that you can’t even afford a proper outfit?”
Her words hit their mark, and soon, the others in the room began to notice Elliana’s simple appearance. Compared to Paige’s radiance, her outfit seemed dull and unremarkable.
The fabric of Elliana’s dress was decent, and the design was creative, but the absence of a visible brand label was telling. In this circle, it wasn’t just about looking good-it was about showcasing high-end brands. Without a prestigious label, something was simply considered worthless.
All around Elliana, women sparkled with diamonds and luxury labels, their appearances polished to perfection. In contrast, Elliana looked painfully plain.
Even a pair of earrings adorned her ears, making her stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Whispers of judgment rippled through the crowd, their faces filled with disdain.
“Seems like the rumors are true. Elliana has no real standing in the Evans family. They don’t even bother to make her look good. It’s clear she’s not treated like the lady of the house.”
“Exactly. She might’ve snatched the marriage, but what’s the use? She’s still living like an outsider in that house.”
“Paige is the real winner here. She didn’t marry into the Evans family, but look at her now-adored by Raylan, showered with gifts, living like a queen.”
Paige, standing nearby, couldn’t help but smirk. This was just what she had wanted-let the world see: even though Elliana had married into a powerful family, Elliana was still beneath her, always would be.
“Really, Elliana, we should thank you. If you hadn’t shamelessly taken that marriage, Raylan might’ve ended up stuck with you. What a tragedy that would’ve been-for him, of course.” Vivien let out a shrill laugh, tossing her hair dramatically. “Honestly, Elliana, just accept it-you’re stuck in a cold, loveless marriage while Paige and Raylan are living the dream. It must burn, doesn’t it?”
Elliana’s gaze turned cold as she looked at Vivien with a calm yet cutting expression. “Maybe. But even in a loveless marriage, I’m still Mrs. Evans. That title alone carries more weight than someone who’s been chasing after the Blakely name for years and still couldn’t get it.”
Vivien’s smile faltered.
Everyone knew about Vivien’s long-standing crush on Merlin. She’d thrown herself at him for years, but he had never shown an ounce of interest. Elliana had hit where it hurt the most.
Seeing the amused expressions of those around her, Vivien’s face flushed with embarrassment. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her eyes glistened with tears, but she said nothing.
Watching Vivien falter, Paige inwardly rolled her eyes. What a useless ally. Vivien can’t even handle a few words from Elliana.
Just then, Raylan’s gentle smile faded. His eyes darkened the moment they landed on Elliana. “Who let this disgrace in?”
Paige placed a delicate hand on his arm, her voice soft and sweet. “Raylan, don’t be mad… I was the one who invited her. She’s my sister, after all. I couldn’t just leave her out on a night like this. That would be too cruel.”
Raylan sighed and tapped her nose playfully. “You’re too soft for your own good.”
A rosy blush touched Paige’s cheeks. “Will you come with me to say hello? Just for a moment?”
Raylan looked annoyed. “Why bother?”
“My father’s watching,” Paige said gently. “I don’t want to make the family look divided on such an important day.”
Reluctantly, Raylan gave in and walked with Paige. His steps were confident, but his face showed clear disdain the moment they approached Elliana.
Paige was loving every second of it. The contrast between Raylan’s warmth toward her and his coldness toward Elliana made her feel victorious. Her smile was graceful, but her eyes carried a subtle challenge. “Elliana,” she said sweetly, “thank you for coming to our engagement party. Raylan’s been spoiling me so much-he picked everything for me, from the venue to the gown and even my jewelry. Everything’s perfect. I couldn’t be happier.”
Every word from Paige dripped with sweetness, but her smile carried the weight of a challenge. She, much like Kiara, waited with thinly veiled excitement for Elliana to cause a scene.
Elliana wasn’t fooled for a second. With her voice calm but pointed, she said, “Paige, isn’t it a little eager to get engaged to Raylan when the arranged engagement promise between him and me still exists?”
Raylan’s face turned cold in an instant. “Paige invited you out of kindness. I only tolerate your presence for her sake. So, think twice before you make a scene, or you’ll regret it.”
He wrapped an arm around Paige like he was shielding her from something dangerous, making a show of his loyalty for everyone to see. A sly smile crept across Paige’s face. Without saying a word, she lifted her hand just enough for the diamond ring to catch the light-and Elliana’s attention.
From the crowd, someone exclaimed, “That’s the famous Emily’s signature ring! I saw it online-it’s worth two million!”
“Two million dollars? That’s insane! Paige must be living the dream with how much Raylan pampers her. With a ring that expensive, the wedding’s bound to be nothing short of a spectacle!”
All eyes darted to Elliana’s empty hands. The silence was brief, but the judgment in their eyes lingered.
Kiara’s heart practically danced in her chest, though she kept her face as gentle and understanding as ever.
Kiara said, pretending to be concerned, “Elliana, although you took a marriage that wasn’t yours and are clearly unhappy, it was your choice. You can’t blame anyone else. Honestly, I’d be upset too if I were in your shoes. Paige just got lucky with someone who actually knows how to love.”
Raylan gazed at Kiara. “Mrs. Jones, don’t waste your time on someone like her. It’s time to get this ceremony started.”
Raylan reached for Paige’s hand and guided her as they walked off together.
Onlookers didn’t hesitate to put space between themselves and Elliana, treating her presence like something contagious.
“Elliana…” When Paige looked over her shoulder and spotted Elliana standing alone, something in her chest surged with smug satisfaction, though she kept her expression soft and sympathetic.
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.