Chapter 8

Eugene glanced at Penelope and quickly pulled the necklace back. "This is a gift for Jackie. Don't even think about it."

As he handed the necklace to the saleswoman to pay, Penelope's eyes flashed with a hint of jealousy that was barely noticeable.

She didn't dare make a scene, afraid it would push Eugene even further away. Instead, she quietly took out her phone, opened the camera, and discreetly snapped a photo of the necklace.

Eugene was too focused on the necklace to notice her move.

…

At Lloyd Manor, Jacklyn sat by the window, staring outside. Her mind was flooded with memories, each one crashing down like a wave, suffocating her.

It wasn't until the sound of her phone ringing broke through her thoughts.

She picked up the phone and noticed a message from Penelope.

It was surely another provocation. Jacklyn had grown tired of seeing the same old tactics.

She wanted to ignore it, but for some reason, she opened the message. A picture appeared, showing an exquisite gemstone necklace.

"Jackie, this is the gift Gene picked out for you. I helped him choose it. Do you like it?"

Jacklyn's grip tightened around the phone, and tiny veins stood out on her slender hand.

She had already given up on Eugene, but for some reason, seeing Penelope's message stirred up emotions she couldn't shake.

A choking feeling rose in her throat. She swallowed hard, then immediately deleted the photo.

Just as she was about to put the phone down, another message from Penelope came in.

Jacklyn rubbed her forehead and frowned.

"Jackie, why are you not replying? I guess you don't like the necklace I picked out for you. No worries. I'll hold onto it for you first."

Jacklyn sneered. "Feel free to take whatever I don't want."

On the other side, Penelope stared at her screen, grinding her teeth.

She had hoped to rile up Jacklyn, but it backfired. Jacklyn didn't care at all. Penelope's plan had failed miserably.

…

After buying the necklace, Eugene headed home. He went straight upstairs to Jacklyn's room. "Jackie, I'm back!"

He didn't notice the displeasure on Jacklyn's face.

"I'm planning a banquet to celebrate our anniversary. I'll give you a special gift and make you the happiest woman in the world. Are you excited?"

The happiest woman?

Jacklyn felt a wave of nausea rising.

He had gone to pick out a gift for her with Penelope, his mistress, who also happened to be her sister. It was such a dramatic twist.

If that was what happiness looked like, she wanted no part of it.

But this wasn't the right time to confront him.

"Jackie, what's wrong? Aren't you happy?"

Seeing her remain silent and lost in thought, Eugene began to grow anxious.

"How could I not be?" Jacklyn summoned every ounce of her acting skills to force a smile. "I'll love whatever you plan. I'm looking forward to the banquet."

Eugene breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as you like it."

He took her hand and gently stroked it. "Don't worry. I'll make sure to treat you better from now on. I just want you to be happy every day."

Jacklyn fought back the disgust and smiled along with him.

…

Three days later, the banquet went ahead as scheduled. The city's elite gathered in full force, all there to show Eugene respect.

Once all the guests had arrived and pleasantries were exchanged, Eugene walked to the center of the room and took the microphone.

His entrance silenced the crowd.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you, all, for coming. I feel truly honored to have you here. A few days ago was my wedding anniversary, and I got so caught up with work that I forgot about it. I feel really guilty.

"Tonight, I want to formally apologize to my wife. Jackie, I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I ask all of you to be my witnesses. I promise I'll never make my wife angry again. If I do, I'll accept any punishment that comes my way."

After a few formal words, Eugene shifted his gaze and looked at Jacklyn with deep affection. "Jackie, you'll always be my precious. I will cherish you, love you, and protect you, now and forever!"

The room erupted in applause.

"Mr. Lloyd is so young, successful, and hot. He's a total catch. Who knew he was so devoted to his wife? It's truly enviable!"

"Mrs. Lloyd must have really saved the universe to be with such a wonderful man!"

"I wish I could be as lucky and find a man who treats me like he does."

Jacklyn couldn't help but feel the bitter irony.

What were they envying her for? For being deceived by Eugene? Or for his affair? Or perhaps for the fact that his mistress was pregnant?

If they knew any of the details, they'd all run in the other direction.

Jacklyn glanced at Eugene, who was gazing at her with loving eyes, and remained eerily calm.

"Jackie." Eugene thought Jacklyn was still mad. He stepped closer. "This is for you."

He raised his hand, and Sammy handed him a folder.

"I know you love the freedom of the sea, so I bought you a yacht. It's named 'Jacklyn.'"

When they first got married, Jacklyn had mentioned wanting a yacht, one she could take anywhere to enjoy the sea.

Back then, Eugene was too busy with work. And later, he became tangled up with Penelope, so he had completely ignored her wish.

But this time, he'd finally made it happen.

Jacklyn sneered inwardly.

She had to admit, Eugene was good at pulling off grand gestures like this. He bought a yacht and named it after her. It was the kind of thing that would make many women swoon.

But she wasn't a naive young lady anymore. She knew this was just an attempt to make up for his guilt.

But it was too late. She didn't need it.

Jacklyn smiled faintly as she took the folder. "Thanks, Gene. You've finally fulfilled my wish after all these years."

She emphasized the words "all these years", letting the meaning sink in.

Eugene was so caught up in his own self-satisfaction that he didn't notice the subtle message.

Then, he pulled out a gift box from his pocket, revealing a dazzling gemstone necklace. The room was shocked.

Someone gasped, "Oh, my God! He bought such an expensive necklace! There are only two in the world! The other one is with the Princess of Wimborne!"

"Jacklyn is so lucky! Eugene really spoils her."

Seeing those surprised and envious eyes all around, Jacklyn couldn't help but mock herself inwardly.

They had no idea that this was just another of Eugene's shallow attempts to win her back.