Chapter 5 Overshadowed
Under the dazzling chandelier, Judith was the undeniable focal point of the evening. She wore a lavish, light purple mermaid gown that hugged her slender figure, the sequins shimmering like fish scales.
Every eye in the ballroom was fixed on her. Austin, standing by her side, was no exception. His gaze, usually cold and predatory, was imbued with boundless tenderness as he introduced her to his business partners.
Standing in the shadows, Ella lowered her eyelids, a faint, icy smile curling upon her lips.
He didn't need her here to squash rumors. He needed her here as a prop, a stepping stone to elevate his true love's status on her birthday.
Ella glanced at her watch. 8:15 PM. Her flight was at 1:00 AM. She just needed Austin to see she had obeyed his order, and then she could vanish.
But fate, it seemed, wanted one last performance.
"Ella? What a surprise! You're actually here?"
Ella's spine stiffened. Like a nightingale, the melodic, soft voice oozed a false sweetness designed to sicken. She turned to see Judith approaching, a glass of red wine in hand, her cheeks tinted with a triumphant flush.
"Austin went to greet some investors," Judith sighed, feigning helplessness. "You know, several people just mistook me for his wife. It was so awkward having to explain."
Judith covered her mouth, her eyes sparkling with unmistakable provocation.
Unmoved, Ella checked her watch again. "Oh. How embarrassing for you."
Taken aback by her serene response, Judith dropped the innocent act. Her gaze turned cold, flashing with arrogance. "What are you pretending for? Clinging to the title of Mrs. Raymond, do you really think you're the wife he wants? You know he only married you because of his grandmother. If you don’t want to humiliate yourself further, you'd better sign the divorce papers and get out."
"Don't worry," Ella replied calmly, her hand resting protectively over her flat stomach. "I left the title on his pillow."
Before Judith could process those words, a familiar, chilling presence approached from behind.
"Ella." Austin’s deep voice cut through the tension. He strode over, his brows furrowed in deep displeasure as he looked between the two women.
Seeing Austin, Judith instantly morphed back into a fragile bird. "Austin... I was just telling Ella not to be mad about the misunderstanding earlier..."
Austin abruptly grasped Ella's wrist, his grip tight and warning. "Ella, don't be unreasonable. I told you to attend as my companion, not to cause a scene and harass Judith on her birthday."
Ella looked at the man holding her arm. A sudden, vivid memory flashed in her mind.
Years ago, when Austin was paralyzed and wheelchair-bound, a rival executive had mocked him, calling him a useless cripple. The usually gentle Ella had been so furious she stormed into the man's office, slapped him, and ended up in the police station. She had fought the world for Austin Raymond.
How much she had loved him then. How ridiculous it seemed now.
"Let go of me, Austin," Ella said, her voice devoid of any warmth.
Austin frowned deeper. He expected tears, jealousy, or a bitter argument. Her dead, empty eyes sent an inexplicable, restless panic through his chest. "Ella, provoking me will do you no favors—"
Suddenly, a gasp interrupted him.
Splash.
A glass of dark red wine was hurled directly onto Ella’s chest, staining her elegant black dress and dripping down her pale skin.
"Oh my god!" Judith cried out, her face flushed with feigned shock and helpless apology. "Ella, I am so sorry! My hand slipped! I didn't do it on purpose!"
