Chapter 47
Valerie’s temper was unpredictable, and she dreaded the thought of accidentally provoking Aiden. The moment she did, she would be swept up in a storm of his fury.
When he got angry, he never laid a hand on her, but his words cut deeper than any blow. Every sentence was a sharp, biting insult that left her humiliated beyond measure.
After purchasing a few stocks, Valerie received a message from Juliette.
Juliette: [Valerie, your father’s birthday party is in a few days. Have you prepared your gift?]
Valerie looked at the perfectly crafted profile picture, her eyes dimming slightly, a faint smile curling on her lips as she replied: [Yes.]
Juliette: [Good. This party seems like it’s going to be quite grand, and I’m sure it’ll be lively. I’ve also prepared a big surprise for you.]
Valerie: [What kind of surprise?]
Juliette: [You’ll see soon enough. I’m sure you’ll be very surprised.]
Valerie: [I’m looking forward to it.]
Valerie smiled slightly, thinking to herself, ‘How coincidental. I’ve prepared a big surprise for you all too. I’m sure you’ll be ‘surprised‘ as well.‘
The Clark family hosted a large number of guests for the birthday party.
While the family had seen better days, they were still a force to be reckoned with, and many relatives were eager to cling to the Clark family’s legacy.
Recently, rumors had spread that Everett had married off Valerie in exchange for a good deal, revitalizing the family, which had been teetering on the
brink of ruin.
But who she married, whether it was by choice or force, and whether it was an old man or a drunkard, was still a mystery.
The rumor had circulated, but Everett never confirmed it, leaving it to linger as gossip among relatives.
However, when the extravagant setup of the Clark family’s party came into view, many became more inclined to believe the rumor.
Guests arrived with varying intentions, each secretly speculating about the truth behind the marriage. Some, with a sharper instinct, approached Valentina and asked, “Valentina, why haven’t we seen Valerie around lately?”
Valentina, dressed beautifully, from her hair to her heels, hesitated before responding. “Valerie… she…”
The guest saw her hesitation and pressed further, sensing there was more to the story. “What’s going on?”
Valentina, feeling a bit uncomfortable, looked toward Micah.
Micah, looking visibly upset, held her hand and said, “She‘
I be here soon. Why not ask her directly?”
The guest, more intrigued now, asked, “Is there something she doesn’t want to say?”
Valentina smiled apologetically and said, “Some things are better left unsaid. I’m sure if Valerie wanted to tell you, she would. After all… it’s something to be proud of.”
Her ambiguous words only added to the rumors swirling around.
The tension grew as the crowd’s whispers became louder.
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Chapter 47
Just as Valentina saw her point had been made, a sudden shift in the room caught her attention.
Micah, too, looked up, and they were both struck speechless by the sight.
At the door, a slender figure glided into the room, wearing an ice–blue gown that seemed to capture the light, making her presence even more mesmerizing.
She was like a celestial being, suddenly descending into the room without a care for the mundane.
The sudden brilliance of her beauty left everyone spellbound.
She was beautiful…
Even women couldn’t tear their eyes away from her. The air seemed to tremble with awe.
Everyone knew about the connection between Valerie and Valentina. Though they shared a striking resemblance, when standing side by side, their beauty was on entirely different levels.
Valerie’s ethereal grace, radiating from her very bones, was something Valentina lacked.
The sight of Valerie left Valentina feeling an immediate surge of jealousy, her emotions flaring as she thought, ‘This bitch… she’s here to steal my spotlight again.‘
But Valentina quickly forced a sweet smile and greeted Valerie, “Valerie, you’re finally here.”
Her call brought everyone back to reality, especially Micah, who felt a jolt in his heart.
Though he didn’t want to admit it, Valerie seemed to occupy a space in his heart that no one else could.
Valerie, seeing Valentina’s showy welcome, wasn’t surprised. She returned the smile and said, “Yes, I’m here.”
Her smile only made her more captivating.
“Wow, she’s so beautiful, Mom! Is she a fairy?” A child’s innocent voice echoed across the room.
Valerie turned to see a little girl staring at her, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
The child’s mother, startled, quickly pulled her back. “Don’t say such things.”
Now, the most favored daughter of Everett’s family was Valentina.
Yet, the child had reacted to Valerie as if she were a fairy, which was a direct slap in Valentina’s face.
Sure enough, Valentina’s smile stiffened for a moment before she regained her composure and said, “Valerie has always been beautiful, but today, she’s even more like a fairy. Isn’t that right, Micah?”
Micah’s mood was complex. He glanced at Valerie, who truly looked like a celestial being, but he didn’t speak. His gaze lowered as he seemed lost in thought.
Valentina, ever the picture of sweetness, continued, “But Valerie, why
“Husband?”
“Wait, you’re really married? No one’s heard a thing about it.”
“Yeah, no wedding, no celebration… it’s all so mysterious.”
are you here alone? Where’s your husband?”
“Could it be something… secret?”
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Chapter 47
Realizing she had said too much, Valentina quickly covered her mouth and feigned a flustered expression. “Valerie, I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean it.”
Valentina’s performance was just like in the past life–she had planned everything to reveal Valerie’s marriage. The vague comments made everyone believe Valerie had married a wealthy, unattractive old man to secure a better life.
