Chapter 7

Mabel couldn't stop laughing. In the end, she looked at Lennon with an unfamiliar gaze and said, "Lennon, I feel sorry for ever having loved you. You really are a piece of trash."

Maybe her mixture of laughter and tears unsettled him. When they reached the elevator, Lennon finally let go.

Mabel stumbled against the wall, her back slamming into it painfully. She gasped in pain.

Lennon didn't seem to notice. He said coldly, "Mabel, I know you're just jealous. I'll let this one slide. Now, just wait for the wedding."

With that, he strode away, never mentioning the apology again.

…

With the wedding only three days away, Mabel was dragged to a Shepard family banquet.

Before entering the hall, she saw the supposedly "injured" Jessie.

Jessie wore a mermaid dress like hers, but Jessie's was clearly high-quality, while Mabel's looked like a cheap knockoff bought online.

A small Band-Aid sat on Jessie's forehead. She gave Mabel a bashful smile. "Mabel, did Lennon yell at you? He really overreacted. I already said I'm fine and told him not to go after you, but he insisted it was your fault I got hurt."

Jessie took Mabel's hand with a faint smile. "Mabel, you're so forgiving. I'm sure you're not angry with me, right?"

Mabel didn't miss the challenge in Jessie's eyes. She shook her head and replied, "No."

Jessie's smile deepened. "That's good to hear."

With that, she linked arms with Lennon and walked ahead into the hall, while Mabel followed behind like a tagalong.

It was almost laughable. Mabel had known Lennon for so long and had never attended a single one of his social gatherings. One reason was her busy schedule; the other was that Lennon said it wasn't convenient.

Around him were the wealthiest, most influential people, while she was just an ordinary person.

Before, Mabel had thought not having her attend was his way of protecting her from discomfort. Now, she realized it was probably because he thought she was embarrassing.

She listened as Jessie introduced people to her incessantly.

Lennon and Jessie looked like a perfect couple, drifting through the elite crowd with radiant smiles, while Mabel was met with looks of utter disdain wherever she turned.

Mabel had worked hard to become an excellent surgeon. She had always believed that life didn't need to revolve around wealth. She was content as long as she could be with the one she loved most.

But now, feeling those eyes on her, she fully realized the gap between herself and these so-called rich people. Their gazes were harsh, as if they were looking at a plaything.

And Lennon did nothing. He let them inspect her as if she were merchandise.

"Mr. Shepard, is this your secretary? She's quite pretty."

"Mr. Shepard, you already have a lovely lady with you. Why not introduce this one to us?"

Several men circled around, joking with Lennon.

Mabel fixed her gaze on him, but his expression was as dark as ink. He said nothing, only warning her with his eyes.

She didn't speak, acting perfectly obedient, like she'd follow Lennon's every word.

"Oh, come on, don't joke around. Ms. Judson isn't Lennon's secretary. She's my friend." Jessie stepped in and pulled Mabel closer. "Mabel, these are our friends. It's good to know them."