50
As Jessica stepped into the grand restaurant, she couldn’t help but notice its vast emptiness. It took only a moment to realize the reason—Ryan had reserved the entire venue exclusively for this dinner.
“Ms. Thomas,” Ryan greeted warmly as he approached her.
This evening, he was the epitome of sophistication, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with every detail of his appearance meticulously attended to. His polished demeanor exuded the charm of a gentleman, offering Jessica a seat with practiced ease.
To an outsider, Ryan might have seemed like a cultured and refined man. Yet, as her eyes briefly flickered with contempt, Jessica’s true feelings about him were unmistakable.
Once she was seated, Ryan snapped his fingers, signaling the servers to bring out the starters. A stream of exquisite dishes appeared in moments.
“Please, enjoy,” Ryan said, gesturing graciously toward the food.
Jessica began her meal with deliberate ease, picking up her fork and knife. As she sampled the carefully crafted dishes, she casually inquired, her gaze steady on Ryan, “Mr. Adams, wasn’t your cousin once involved with Ethan?”
Ryan’s and Emily’s familial connection was no secret. Their mothers were sisters, though their lives had taken drastically different paths. Emily’s mother had married into the wealthy Adams family, while Ryan’s aunt had settled down with a high school teacher, marking a stark contrast in their fortunes.
Ryan’s expression flickered briefly, betraying his sharp awareness of the question’s subtext. Was Jessica prying out of curiosity—or something more?
With a nod, he replied, “Yes, Emily, my cousin, was Ethan’s girlfriend and remains the love of his life.”
Jessica’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Interesting. Though, as I understand it, Ethan is married. And his wife isn’t your cousin, is she?”
Ryan’s face darkened instantly, the tension in his demeanor palpable. “Ethan’s wife?” he sneered. “She’s nothing. A nobody. Overweight, with an unsightly birthmark on her face. Ethan married her only to protect Emily. When Emily returned three years ago, Ethan immediately sought a divorce, but the woman was too cunning and fled overseas. Otherwise, Emily and Ethan would already be married by now. Ethan has reassured Emily time and again—they’ll be married the moment that woman is out of the picture.”
Jessica’s hand tightened around her fork as Ryan’s words sliced through her composure. Even though she had carried this burden for years, hearing it spoken aloud with such venom felt like a fresh wound.
Ryan noticed her subtle change in demeanor. Narrowing his eyes, he leaned in slightly and continued, his tone taking on an air of smugness. “And, of course, there was another reason behind Ethan’s choice to marry that woman.”
Jessica raised her gaze to meet his, her curiosity piqued despite the rising tension.
Ryan’s lips curved into a cunning smile. “Ethan’s father originally intended for him to marry Miss Perez, a lady from the esteemed Perez family—one of the most prominent elite families. She was stunning, intelligent, and highly accomplished. But such a match would have devastated Emily. Miss Perez’s beauty and distinguished background would have made Emily feel completely overshadowed, insecure, and afraid of losing Ethan’s affection. So, Ethan chose the lesser-known daughter of the Wright family instead. That way, Emily wouldn’t feel threatened.”
Jessica’s face drained of color, her throat tightening as if a stone lodged in it. Each breath and swallow became an effort. Internally, a storm of emotions brewed as she grappled with the depth of Ethan’s choices for Emily’s sake.
Ryan, feigning concern, tilted his head and asked, “Ms. Thomas, are you feeling unwell? You’ve gone quite pale.”
Jessica clenched her teeth, willing herself to stay composed despite the turmoil raging within.
