Gilded Lies

"Twice? That's nothing, there are like a dozen guys at a time. The math is insane! He's being cheated on with everyone. How blind could he be to fall for a woman like that? She'd make anyone sick to their stomach to even sleep with."

"Who knows if she was forced or if she wanted it? She might not be any better herself. Otherwise, why does trouble always seem to find her on such a big yacht? And now the kid is gone too. That poor child was unlucky to have her as a mother."

***

I stood there, barely able to keep myself upright. Jordan heard the commotion outside. When he stepped out, this was the scene he walked into. His face turned deathly pale. Just before I collapsed, he caught me in his arms. "Willa? What are you doing here? Are you feeling unwell? Let me take you back."

I didn't respond. My gaze shifted past Jordan, landing on Jade. He feared I would misunderstand and quickly explained, "Don't overthink it. Jade just got back from overseas. I happened to run into her and came over to check on her. It's been five years since that incident. Jade was afraid you'd be mad, so she stayed abroad all this time. Now that she's finally back, we're family after all. Maybe we should ... Don't worry. As long as I'm here, that bastard Jasper will never step foot in this house."

"Hmm, it's all in the past. I won't bring it up again." I knew exactly what he wanted to say. Rather than letting myself be backed into a corner, I could take the initiative. At least I could keep a little dignity. The onlookers who had been mocking me moments ago scattered as soon as Jordan appeared.

"Willa, long time no see." Jade greeted me with a smile, subtly showing off the limited-edition luxury bracelet on her wrist.

I nodded silently, swallowing my grievances as I spoke. "I just stepped out for some fresh air. Since you're busy, I'll head back first. I wouldn't want to cause you any trouble."

Thinking I was upset, Jordan chased after me all the way back to the private room. His eyes were red, full of pity. I found this act amusing as I watched him perform it, his lingering desire still visible in his eyes.

To make way for Jade, he had drugged me and ruined my life without hesitation. Now that he got what he wanted, leaving me to drown in humiliation, who was he pretending for? "Don't worry. It's been five years. I've long forgotten about it. It's just that the private room felt stuffy and stepping out brought back some unwanted memories."

Jordan let out a breath of relief. He gently wiped away the tears at the corner of my eyes. After feeding me some medicine, Jordan left again. This time, he headed towards the dining area. Ten minutes later, a waiter slipped an invitation to a banquet through the door crack. I knew it was Jade's doing, but I still went. Before leaving, I threw my suitcase into the sea.

At the banquet, Jade appeared in a haute couture gown, radiating elegance. She was introduced as Mrs. Griffin. Everyone was speculating about her relationship with Jordan and whispers filled the room. People gathered around, raising their glasses and praising them as a perfect match.

Jordan arrived soon after, busy socializing and oblivious to my presence. Jade, however, approached me and led me outside the private room. Her eyes lingered on the bruises on my neck. A smile played on her lips. "Willa, five years and you're still a good-for-nothing. How does it feel to be dragged into a room like that? Couldn't protect the Schmidts back then, can't protect your own child now. You're a joke. You don't know, do you? Those men weren't an accident. Your beloved husband arranged it all. He was watching when they stripped you bare. I almost feel sorry for you!"