CHAPTER 024
AVA’S POV
I had just finished my bath and was getting ready for Jason’s grandfather’s 70th birthday dinner who
dress laid out on the bed.
I noticed a
It was a stunning silly emerald green dress and a knot formed in my chest realizing Jason must have picked it for
- me.
But why would he do that?
Was this his way of apologizing after everything he had pune through? Does he think a dress could fix what he had broken between us?
My heart ached, tom between wanting to believe he cared Upt deep down I knew action spoke louder not some fancy gift.
Since I didn’t have a new outfit for the celebration, I decided to wear it. Rejecting such a beautiful dress would be a
waste after all.
I slipped on the dress, and it fit perfectly, bringing out my figure. I glanced at myself in the mirror, and I looked beautiful, but inside, I felt empty.
Jason’s voice pulled me back to reality. “Are you ready?”
I turned to him without saying a word, making it clear that hadn’t forgiven him.
He stood at the doorway in a sharp gray suit, his expression one which I couldn’t read.
“You look beautiful,” he said quietly, almost as if he regretted saying it.
I nodded curtly. “Thanks.”
He offered me his arm trying to act like a perfect husband, and for a brief moment I considered taking it but his accusations flashed through my mind.
My chest tightened, and without a word, I rejected his arm and walked past him heading toward the car.
He must be a joker to think getting me a dress and offering a small compliment would make me forget how he disrespected me the other day by accusing me of cheating.
The ride to the Campbell mansion was suffocatingly silent, if a feather dropped it could be heard.
When we arrived, the huge house looked as intimidating as always. Its grandeur always made me feel like I didn’t belong.
I clutched my bag tightly, trying to calm my nerves because I knew what awaited me inside.
“You alright?” Jason asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m fine,” I said, though my voice wavered.
Inside, the mansion glowed with luxury. Laughter and chatter came from the dining room, showing that everyone else was already there.
-The maid led us to the dining room, and my heart rate increased with each step I took.
I should be happy because I’m in my in–laws‘ house but whenever I come here for a family gathering, I’m always counting the minutes until we leave.
בנד
CHAPTER 024
+25 BONUS
I took a deep breath as we arrived at the dining room. The room went silent and all eyes turned to us, their gazes heavy with disdain.
My stomach twisted, but I forced a small smile, gripping my bag g
“Well, look who decided to show up,” Richard, Jason’s father sald, leaning back in his chair.
His sharp eyes flicked over my dress, and a sly grin spread across his face. “That’s a nice dress, Ava. Expensive, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I guess so, Jason picked it out for me,” I replied lightly.
“Of course he did,” Miranda Jason’s cousin cut in, her tone cold. “There’s no way you could afford something like that on your own, is there?”
The words hit me like a physical blow, but I kept my face calm and didn’t utter a word.
She gave me a look of disgust. “Well, it’s a good effort. But don’t you think that no matter what you wear, you still … you know, carry that air of struggle?”
1 froze, her words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.
“She means you still stink of poverty,” Richard said bluntly, stirring his tea as if he hadn’t just insulted me.
My cheeks burned, and my hands tightened around my clutch.
All this time, Jason just stood silent and didn’t even defend me.
“Richard Campbell!” Grandpa’s voice suddenly boomed from the doorway.
His presence filled the room, and he strode in, his eyes narrowing at him. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Richard shrugged, unbothered. “I was just being honest, Father.”
“Keep your honesty to yourself,” Grandpa snapped.
He turned to me, and his expression softened. “Ava, don’t listen to them. You look lovely.”
I managed a small smile, blinking back the sting of tears. “Thank you, Grandpa,” I said softly.
Grandpa shook his head and turned back to the others. “You all ought to be ashamed of yourselves. This is a celebration, not a place for little insults. Act like a family.”
His words silenced the room, and I exhaled shakily. For a moment, I felt a sliver of relief, though their insults still pressed heavily on my chest.
As we moved to take our seats, Grandpa gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You belong here, Ava. Don’t let them make you feel otherwise.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Grandpa,” I whispered. “And happy birthday,” I said, handing him a small gift.
He opened the box eagerly, revealing the vintage pocket watch I’d spent weeks finding.
His eyes lit up. “This is perfect, Ava.”
“Only the best for you, Grandpa,” I said, feeling genuine warmth for the first time that evening.
As dinner was served, Jason’s Aunt Evelyn arrived, her presence as commanding as ever. She scanned the table before her eyes landed on me.
CHAPTER 024
+25 BONUS
“Ava, how are you?” she asked, her voice firm but polite.
“I’m fine,” I replied, managing a small smile, though her sharp gaze made me uneasy.
Evelyn sat down next to me, and as the evening went on, I couldn’t help but notice her eyes on me.
She was a well–known gynecologist, famous for her keen observation skills, and tonight, it felt like all of that focus was directed at me.
Her glances weren’t casual. They lingered too long, darting from my face to my stomach and back again.
My heart started to race, and my palms turned clammy. Did she suspect something? Could she tell? Was I showing already?
Without thinking, my hands moved to my stomach, trying to calm the growing anxiety bubbling inside me.
The gesture felt small, but to someone like Evelyn, it might’ve been a confirmation.
?“her
As the plates were cleared, Evelyn leaned slightly toward me. “Ava, are you pregnant?” her voice was loud enough to cut through the hum of the room.
The room fell silent, and every pair of eyes turned to me.
My throat went dry, as I struggled to come up with a response.
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