Chapter 5 Overshadowed

All of Ella's careful preparation seemed wasted in Judith's presence.

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.

Or perhaps it was because Austin stood beside her.

Everyone was speculating about their relationship.

Ella wasn't particularly hurt by this. A cold smile touched her thin lips.

Had Austin invited her to this gala just to witness his affectionate display with Judith?

No wonder he'd suddenly shown concern for her.

She scoffed inwardly, stopping in her tracks and preparing to leave unnoticed.

"They make such a perfect couple. Didn't Mr. Raymond and Ms. Brooks appear in the same trending topic recently? I wonder if they're secretly dating," a woman whispered nearby.

"How romantic! I heard that after Mr. Raymond's car accident left him paralyzed, Ms. Brooks went abroad, and he waited for her all these years. They've finally overcome their obstacles to be together."

"Is their love story really that complicated?"

"Yes, people online are saying their romance is almost like a novel."

"I wish it were a serialized novel so I could follow each update!"

"Ms. Brooks is so lucky. A man like Mr. Raymond is truly rare."

"Well, Ms. Brooks is a top designer in the industry. Some people need to realize they couldn't even measure up to a strand of her hair."

Ella listened to the gossip, each word sending ripples through her composure.

Everyone knew about Austin and Judith's sweet romance, but no one knew she had cared for Austin for three years, helping him stand again.

In the end, she had merely been a supporting character in Austin and Judith's love story.

The irony was painful.

She averted her gaze and headed toward the exit, only to hear a soft, melodic voice behind her.

"Ella, what a coincidence to see you here!"

Ella froze mid-step, her spine stiffening.

A wave of nausea rose in her throat.

That nightingale-like voice, so soft and delicate, always knew how to charm people.

But to Ella, it felt like an overly sweet cake—the first bite was impressive, but the second became sickeningly cloying.

Ella turned around, forcing a smile and nodding politely.

"Austin just went to the restroom. You wouldn't believe how many people mistook me for Mrs. Raymond and congratulated us on our marriage!" Judith said with a light laugh.

Ella faltered.

Once, she had felt melancholy that no one had congratulated her when she married Austin.

Now, Judith was experiencing those congratulations before they'd even divorced.

The difference between being loved and unloved was stark.

She felt a bitter laugh rise in her throat.

"Ella, I'm so sorry! I had no idea people would gossip like this. If you feel offended, I can explain to them," Judith said, slowly approaching and taking Ella's hand.

Ella pulled away instantly and stepped back. "I don't believe we're familiar enough for such gestures."

Seeing Ella's defensive reaction, Judith's eyes curved upward with arrogance. "After holding the title of Mrs. Raymond for so long, you don't seriously believe you're Austin's legitimate wife, do you?"

"We both know what tricks you played to stay by Austin's side. If you don't want to embarrass yourself, just be obedient and stop clinging to him."

Judith glanced around at the surrounding guests and deliberately lowered her voice near Ella's ear.

Ella lowered her eyes, thinking, 'Judith is the one who went abroad—why blame me?'

That innocent-looking face masked such duplicity.

One moment acting like a caring friend, the next trying to hurt her when that approach failed.

Ella didn't bother arguing with someone so petty.

They would be divorcing soon anyway.

Without further comment, she stepped past Judith to find Austin.

Initially, Ella hadn't wanted to confront Austin about this.

But Judith's behavior had angered her.

While heading toward the restrooms, Ella spotted Austin standing alone in a deserted corridor, smoking.

The empty hallway framed his solitary figure as he stood by the window.

Outside, skyscrapers sparkled with neon lights against the night sky, while traffic flowed through the illuminated streets below.

He seemed disconnected from it all.

His long fingers held the cigarette delicately, smoke curling from his prominent nose.

His cold features gained a certain allure in this moment, the tiny ember of the cigarette flickering in his hand.

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.

Austin's expression remained neutral, as if discussing something as trivial as the weather. "She tagged along. I forgot to mention it."

His attitude suggested he didn't consider his actions problematic or worthy of explanation.

What could have been refused with a simple sentence seemed impossible for him.

She had followed him, and he had simply allowed it.

What about Ella?

Had she traveled all this way just to be humiliated by Judith?

Ella felt like a fool who came when called and left when dismissed.

Tears welled in her eyes as her chest filled with bitter disappointment.

Ella was utterly disillusioned.

That year when she had defended Austin, fighting for his honor, none of it had mattered.

She had been deluding herself all along.

Without another word, Ella turned to leave.

She returned to the main ballroom, intending to depart.

Behind her, Austin emerged from the corridor, taking long strides to catch up with her.

Meanwhile, Judith, holding a glass of red wine, noticed them.

Her eyes flashed with malice as she tightened her grip on the glass and approached.

"Are you being unreasonable again?" Austin's cold stare bore into her as he grabbed her arm.

Ella shook off his hand, barely containing her emotions. "Since you already have a date, why am I even here?"

"Ella, stop making something out of nothing!"

She needed to leave and make room for Judith—wasn't that enough?

What more did he want?

Ella's heart felt numb.

She didn't bother explaining further and turned away, only to collide with Judith, who had approached from behind.

Red wine splashed across her dress.

She frowned as Judith gasped in shock, exclaiming, "Ella, I didn't mean to!"

But Ella had clearly seen Judith intentionally tipping the glass when she was still several steps away.

It had been deliberate.

"I-I'm so sorry," Judith stammered, backing away with fear written across her face.

Ella hadn't forgotten the flash of triumph she'd glimpsed on Judith's face and knew this act of innocence was just for show.

Curious gazes converged on them from all directions.

Whispers rippled through the surrounding crowd.

"Who is that woman?"