Jessica responded with a sharp laugh, her eyes glinting with derision. “You must be joking, Ethan. You were the one who didn’t show up that day. You set the time, but then you postponed it. Why should I wait around for you like some obedient servant? Do you really think you’re that important?”
Her words, laced with irony and defiance, caused Ethan to frown. His expression darkened, and he opened his mouth to speak, but Jessica cut him off.
“No need to explain, Mr. Clark. We’ll finalize the divorce tomorrow at ten. I’ll see you at the courthouse.” She hesitated briefly, glancing back over her shoulder with a smirk. “Try to show up on time this time. After all, we both know how valuable your time is.”
Without waiting for his response, she walked away, her steps steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
Rounding a corner, Jessica paused, her lashes fluttering as she blinked back the emotion threatening to surface. Her heart raced, and it took a moment for her to gather herself. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her dress and returned to the grand hall.
________________________________________
As Jessica re-entered the hall, a commotion erupted near the center of the room.
“Mr. Singh! Are you okay? Please, someone call an ambulance!”
“Oliver, wake up! Don’t scare me like this!”
Pushing her way through the murmuring crowd, Jessica caught sight of the source of the chaos.
Oliver Brooks, a middle-aged man, lay sprawled on the floor, his complexion an alarming shade of blue. His chest heaved as he struggled for breath, his condition rapidly deteriorating.
Ethan was already kneeling beside Oliver, his calm demeanor a sharp contrast to the panic around him.
“Ethan!” Hannah Mitchell, Oliver’s distraught wife, clutched her hands together as though Ethan’s presence alone could offer reassurance.
“Stay calm, Mrs. Singh. He’ll be alright,” Ethan said with steady conviction. Then, glancing over his shoulder, he barked, “Someone get Nathaniel. Tell him to bring the family doctor immediately!”
As Jessica approached, she quickly assessed the situation. Seeing Oliver’s worsening condition, she stepped forward, but her gown restricted her movements. Without hesitation, she reached down and tore the hem of her gown, freeing her legs to kneel beside him.
“Move aside,” she commanded, her voice clear and firm.