Chapter 61 – The Illusion of Strength

One hour before the event began, Jeslyn was still standing in front of the large mirror in her apartment bedroom. Her hands trembled slightly as she slipped into an elegant black gown that fit her slender frame perfectly. The dress was simple, yet graceful—off-shoulder with a low back, revealing the strength and vulnerability of a woman hiding her wounds beneath a flawless appearance.

She styled her own hair, brushing it to one side and pinning it with a silver rose clip. Her makeup looked flawless.

Several times, Jeslyn paused and took deep breaths, staring at her reflection with empty eyes.

“I can do this. I have to,” she whispered to herself.

Her phone buzzed once—an internal office group notification reminding her about the departure schedule for the Halder International event. She was instructed to join the main group directly from the lobby downstairs.

Jeslyn picked up her black clutch and spritzed her favorite perfume—a blend of roses and a hint of cinnamon. She rose from her seat and glanced once more at her reflection.

The woman in the mirror looked strong. But only Jeslyn knew how much effort it took to appear that way.

As she stepped out the door, the clicking of her high heels echoed softly on the ceramic floor. With each step, she tried to leave the pain behind.

When she opened her apartment door, she was startled to find Leonel already standing there in a sleek black suit. He looked as polished, elegant, and charming as always.

“You?” Jeslyn muttered in surprise.

“Why? Surprised to see me?” Leonel asked casually.

“No,” Jeslyn replied.

“Are you ready?” he asked, his gaze briefly sweeping over her stunning appearance.

“Yes, I’m ready. By the way, I got a message from the internal group saying we should meet in the venue lobby,” Jeslyn said. “So why are you here?”

“You're attending as my companion. What’s wrong with me picking you up?” Leonel asked in return.

Jeslyn inhaled slowly. She wasn’t sure whether to be touched or just more confused by Leonel’s unreadable gestures. His expression was calm, but behind that calmness was always a distance—one that made Jeslyn feel like a stranger in his life.

“Let’s go,” Jeslyn said shortly, choosing not to prolong the conversation.

Leonel simply nodded and gestured for her to go ahead. They walked side by side toward the elevator, silence trailing their footsteps. Leonel occasionally stole glances at Jeslyn, but she kept her eyes forward, maintaining both physical and emotional distance.

Inside the elevator, the silence lingered.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Leonel said suddenly, breaking the suffocating stillness.

Jeslyn glanced at him briefly and nodded. “Thank you.”

No smile, no warmth in her tone. Because compliments from Leonel, when her heart was still bleeding, felt like nothing more than hollow gestures.

“You don’t want to ask me anything? About the woman earlier, maybe?” Leonel asked, prompting Jeslyn to turn to him.

“That’s not my business,” she replied coldly.

“I see,” Leonel muttered. “Okay.”

Jeslyn turned her gaze back to the front. The elevator continued its slow descent, but every second felt heavy and endless. Her heart pounded erratically, though her face remained calm. She refused to show that his words had nearly cracked her defenses.

“If you really don’t want to know,” Leonel added in a flat tone, “then I guess you’ve truly distanced yourself.”

Jeslyn exhaled sharply through her nose, holding back a reaction. “Even if I asked, would you answer honestly?”

Leonel fell silent, as if weighing his reply.

“If you asked, I would.”

“It’s too late, Leonel,” Jeslyn said. “I’ve stopped expecting explanations from you.”

A soft chime signaled that the elevator had reached the lobby.

They walked out together, where a sleek black SUV was parked with a formally dressed chauffeur holding the car door open. Leonel motioned for Jeslyn to get in first. She entered wordlessly and sat gracefully on the right side of the back seat. Once Leonel was inside and the door shut, the car began to move, leaving the apartment building behind.

The ride was quiet. Only the soft hum of the air conditioner and the smooth whir of the wheels on the road could be heard.

Jeslyn stared out the window, watching the glittering city lights. In her mind, echoes of the past still played. Leonel’s words, the woman she saw at the office, and Jefran’s voice—offering her a way out, a chance to be strong on her own.

Leonel glanced at Jeslyn from time to time, but he knew no words could fix everything in a single night. So he said nothing, holding back whatever he wished to express. All that remained between them was the weight of silence.

After about twenty minutes, the car finally pulled into the Halder International event venue. A luxurious ballroom in the heart of New York, its grand entrance lit by crystal lights, with a red carpet rolled out leading into the main hall.

Guests had already begun arriving. Men looked dashing in formal suits, while the women dazzled in their elegant evening gowns.

As the car stopped, a valet immediately opened the door. Leonel stepped out first, then offered his hand to Jeslyn.

Jeslyn hesitated for a moment, but eventually accepted the gesture—more out of formality than affection. Together, they walked toward the main entrance.

Camera flashes from media photographers lit up their path. Leonel’s name was called out several times—he was one of Halder’s strategic investors. Naturally, the attention also fell on Jeslyn, the beautiful companion who had recently been at the center of an internal office rumor.

Inside the ballroom, glamorous decorations welcomed them. Soft jazz music played from a corner, waiters moved through the crowd carrying champagne glasses, and executives gathered in small circles, engaged in conversation.

“Don’t forget to smile,” Leonel whispered as they entered the main area. “We’re in the spotlight.”

Jeslyn gave a small nod, forcing a thin smile that felt more like a mask.

And then, as her eyes scanned the room, she saw him—Jefran, standing by the drink table.

Their eyes met briefly. Jefran looked directly at them, his expression unreadable, offering no smile. Jeslyn forced herself to stay composed, returning greetings from a few people who approached her.

Jefran gave a small, calm smile and raised his wine glass in a distant toast.

Jeslyn responded with a slight nod before turning her gaze forward again.

But just as she looked away, her eyes caught sight of a woman in a dark blue satin gown gracefully walking toward Jefran. Her long wavy hair was styled in a half-updo, framing her elegant face. She looked confident, with a gentle smile that Jeslyn recognized all too well.

Jeslyn’s steps faltered for a moment. She didn’t actually mind if Jefran had brought a woman with him. But to do it at such a high-profile event, surrounded by media? Was Jefran trying to humiliate what they once had?

The thought burned in her chest.

***