Chapter 5 Overshadowed

Judith's lavish and elegant light purple mermaid gown with its cinched waist highlighted her slender figure. The sequins on the skirt shimmered like fish scales under the chandelier lights, making her the undeniable focal point of the evening.

She looked like a unique masterpiece amid the sea of guests.

Every eye in the ballroom was fixed on Judith.

Austin, by her side, was no exception; his gaze never wavered from her, imbued with boundless tenderness.

Coupled with the recent scandal that had stirred quite the tumult, those around them could not help but speculate about the nature of their relationship.

Ella lowered her eyelids, a faint, icy smile curling upon her slender lips.

Did Austin summon her to this banquet merely to flaunt their affection for Judith?

If so, it was utterly unnecessary.

She sneered inwardly, enduring the surrounding accolades lauding their beauty as a couple, unwilling to stoop to such humiliation.

Yet, fate seemed determined to deny her such solace. No sooner had she turned than a feigned voice of surprise rose behind her.

"Ella? What a coincidence! You're here too?"

Ella froze in her steps, her spine stiffening, an indescribable wave of revulsion washing over her.

Like a nightingale, the melodic, soft voice oozed false sweetness designed to charm.

Ella turned to face them, her countenance unreadable.

Yet Judith seemed oblivious to her rejection, stepping closer with affectionate familiarity, a faint blush tinting her cheeks.

"Were you looking for Austin? He went to the restroom, and you had no idea. Several people even mistook me for his wife. It was so awkward."

Judith covered her face with her hand, feigning shyness while her eyes sparkled with unmistakable provocation.

Unmoved, Ella's face remained impassive as she replied coolly,

"Oh, that must have been quite embarrassing."

Taken aback by her serene response, Judith nearly faltered in her performance.

Feigning innocence, she peered at Ella and asked,

"Ella, are you upset? I didn’t mean to take your place. If it bothers you, I can explain to them."

As she spoke, Judith abruptly grasped Ella's hand.

Automatically, Ella withdrew, frowning as she stepped back. "No need."

Her resolute demeanor exhausted whatever patience Judith had left.

Her gaze flicked around before settling into a cold expression, eyes flashing with arrogance and disdain. "What are you pretending to? Clinging to the title of Mrs. Raymond for so long, you really think you're the legitimate wife Austin chose to marry? You know better than anyone how you schemed to stay by his side. If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, you'd better behave and stop clinging to him."

Watching her twisted and snarling face, a thought suddenly struck Ella's mind.

Could it be that Austin had yet to inform her that they were already preparing for divorce?

Feeling vexed, her tone sharpened, "When it comes to scheming, I certainly don't compare to you. Tell me, if Austin learned you weren’t truly coerced back then, do you think he wouldn't turn against you?"

Judith's expression darkened as she glared fiercely. "If you dare spread lies, I won't let you off!"

"You're welcome to try."

Since divorce was imminent anyway, Ella said no more and brushed past Judith in search of Austin.

Originally, she had no intention of confronting Austin about this, but Judith's earlier conduct had ignited her ire.

It took little effort to spot Austin smoking alone in the corridor.

His solitary figure stood desolate in the empty passageway, silhouetted against the window.

Two slender fingers pinched the cigarette, wisps of blue smoke curling forth from beneath his aquiline nose. In that moment, his austere features seemed infused with a rare allure, the flickering embers in his hand casting a subtle, restless glow.

This was the first time Ella had seen Austin smoke.

It brought back memories.

At twenty-five, confined to a wheelchair, Austin had grown gloomy and taciturn.

Whenever Ella tried to get close, he would push her away with harsh words.

But Ella hadn't taken it personally. She'd been willing to give Austin time to emerge from his darkness.

One day after they'd argued, Ella had noticed the smell of cigarettes on his suit.

She'd assumed it came from a business dinner and hadn't questioned it.

Later, she learned that a business partner had withheld funds and verbally attacked Austin at a meeting, calling him a cripple who couldn't even stand.

The insults had been vicious.

Furious, Ella had confronted the man at his office building, gotten into a physical altercation, and ended up at the police station.

How much she had loved him then. How ridiculous it seemed now.

Ella's self-mocking laugh caught Austin's attention.

His eyes registered surprise before he methodically extinguished his cigarette and regarded her. "You're here."

"Why is Judith here?" She demanded.

Ella felt as though, in his eyes, she was naught but a fool, summoned at will and dismissed without a second thought.

Tears welled fiercely within her eyelids, and her chest seemed flooded with a tide of salty bitterness; she was utterly disheartened.

All along, it appeared she had merely demeaned herself with false humility.

"If you no longer require me, then I shall be taking my leave."

Without another word, Ella turned and strode away.

Behind her, Austin's expression darkened as he abruptly reached out and grasped her wrist. "Ella, don't be unreasonable!”

Frowning deeply, Austin saw no fault in himself and spoke with growing impatience.

She shrugged off his hand, restraining her emotions to prevent an outburst. "Since you've already found another companion, what purpose do I serve by staying here?"

His grip tightened on her wrist, voice dropping to a low warning. "Ella, provoking me will do you no favors!"

Scoffing coldly, she struggled to wrench her hand free. "That's a warning I should be giving you!"

Fury coursed through her veins, blinding her to her surroundings.

Suddenly, a glass of red wine was hurled from beside her, spilling entirely across her garments.

Her brow furrowed sharply as she turned to find Judith standing there, face flushed with shock and helpless apology. "Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose."