Chapter 8X
The aftermath of Katie’s humiliating toast lingered in the air like a thick fog. But I refused to let it settle over me.
I could feel Jairus watching me. His gaze flickered between confusion and suspicion. For years, I had been volatile when it came to him and Katie, unable to hide my disdain. Yet tonight, I was the picture of grace, unfazed by every one of Katie’s little challenges.
He didn’t understand.
And that was good for me. Let him wonder. Let him drown in the dissonance of my unexpected poise.
I sipped my champagne and relished the way Katie’s eyes narrowed as I simply smiled at the guests offering me pitying glances.
Poor Vanessa.
Such a shame she never gave Jairus a child.
If only they knew.
The chatter resumed, the music swelled, and soon, the party was back in full swing. Katie played the perfect hostess, flitting between guests and basking in her victory. But every so often, I caught her glancing at me. It was as if she was waiting for me to finally crack.
But sorry for her, I wouldn’t.”
Instead, I lifted my glass and made my way toward the center of the room.”
“Excuse me, everyone,” I called effortlessly over the murmur of conversation.”
And instantly right after, heads turned. Even Jairus and Katie stilled.”
I smiled. “Before we move on with the night, I think it’s only fair to properly toast our lovely birthday girl.”
A chorus of agreement rippled through the room as I raised my flute. Katie’s expression shifted into something artificial. And I saw her grip on Jairus tightened.
her.
“To Katie,” I began warmly. “To her success, her love, and most of all, to the new life she’s bringing into the world.”
Katie preened under the attention. She instinctively moved her hand to her stomach. Jairus, however, had stiffened slightly beside
I tilted my head and watched him. Then, with the same practiced grace I had maintained all night, I turned my attention back to Katie.
“I just have one question,” I continued. The room was still hanging onto my every word.!!
Katie’s smile faltered.}
I let the pause stretch to savour the anticipation. Then, I asked it.”
“Is the baby Jairus’s?”
A sharp intake of breath cut through the crowd.
Katie’s hand dropped from her stomach. And Jairus turned to stone.
The silence was thick, pressing against us all. And then, like a perfectly scripted play, murmurs spread through the guests.
For most of them, this was brand–new information. They hadn’t known my connection to Jairus. They hadn’t known that I was his wife. His soon–to–be ex–wife.}
All they saw now was a romantic scandal unfolding before their eyes.
“Oh, how wonderful!” an older woman clapped her hands together. “Jairus, you’ll make such a great father!”
“Yes! You must start preparing for the wedding,” another chimed in.}
Laughter and cheers rippled through the crowd. It was as if my question had been nothing more than an inside joke. But I saw the way Katie’s smile stretched too tight and the way Jairus’s fingers curled into a fist at his side.
Jairus’s jaw clenched. He had always been good at controlling his emotions in public. But tonight, I had finally gotten under his skin. Katie recovered first. She let out a breathless laugh. Then she looped her arm around Jairus’s. “Well, Vanessa, what a thoughtful toast. But of course, the baby is Jairus’s.“}
Her voice was steady. But her eyes held something else. Panic.
She hadn’t expected this. She thought she had me cornered, humiliated, and powerless. But instead, I had flipped the script.
“I just had to ask,” I replied, acting innocent. “You know how these things can be. So many rumors these days. People talk.”}
And talk, they did. The guests whispered amongst themselves. Their eyes darted between Katie and Jairus. Their curiosity was clearly piqued.
“Jairus, when’s the wedding?” someone called out which caused another ripple of laughter.
He hadn’t spoken a word yet. I watched him closely. From the way his lips pressed into a thin line. And the way his shoulders tensed. For years, I had pleaded for his attention. Begged for his love. Wasted tears over the distance between us.§
But tonight, for the first time, I wasn’t waiting for his response. I was simply watching him unravel.
Katie, sensing the pressure closing in on them, forced a laugh. “Let’s not rush things, everyone! This is my night, after all.“}
A collective cheer went up. And just like that, the moment was smoothed over. And the tension was expertly swept under the rug.
But I knew better.”
As the guests resumed their drinking and dancing, Jairus finally looked at me. Really looked at me.
I met his gaze head–on without blinking and without fear in my eyes. And then I smiled before taking another slow sip of my
2/2 40.0%
champagne, letting the sweetness settle on my tongue.}]
Because only I knew the truth.
And nothing Katie said could change that.”