Chapter : 29
Evelyn’s tone was laced with disdain. “You don’t come from a good family, and your education is average at best. Do you really expect Jayson to introduce his wife as a housewife?”
She had never approved of Ariel, not even a little.
Back then, they had been forced to go with the worst possible option. She still thought Jayson had gotten the short end of the stick.
On the other hand, Nancy, who had been getting close to Jayson lately, had some class, at least.
Her family background wasn’t up to the Larkin family’s standards either, but at least she was well–educated. That was something Ariel could never compete with.
Ariel understood Evelyn’s thoughts. She responded calmly, “You won’t have to worry about that for much longer.”
Evelyn frowned. “What do you mean?”
Before Ariel could answer, the sound of a car engine came from outside.
A tall, imposing figure stepped into the living room.
Jayson’s gaze swept across the room. For three years, he had watched Evelyn make things difficult for Ariel. She never fought back–always quiet and compliant.
Since she never seemed to mind, he had never bothered to step in.
“Sorry, I’m late. I got held up.” Jayson’s gaze swept over Ariel before he moved to stand beside her. “Grandma, what’s wrong? Why do you look upset?”
The moment he got close, Ariel caught a faint trace of women’s perfume on him–white musk in its final notes. It was Nancy’s scent.
They must have been close for a long time. How else could he have absorbed such a strong scent?
Betty smacked Jayson’s arm. “So you do remember where home is. What was so important that you couldn’t make it back earlier?”
Jayson smiled but didn’t answer. “I’m starving. Can we eat first?”
His return cut Evelyn off mid–sentence. She frowned at Ariel before standing up and saying, “I’ve lost my appetite. You all go ahead.”
Betty wasn’t surprised. Evelyn had never been at peace with Ariel joining the family. Instead of interfering, she simply motioned for Jayson and Ariel to head to the dining room.
Right then, Renee walked in. She saw Ariel but didn’t say a word. Instead, she just grinned and plopped down in the seat next to Jayson.
Whether she did it on purpose or not, it left no room for Ariel.
Betty noticed. “Renee, Ariel is here. Sit with me instead.”
“I need to talk to Jay,
” Renee said with a playful blink before turning to Ariel. “You’re not the jealous type, are
you?”
Ariel remained composed and sat down beside Renee. “Sit wherever you want.”
Jayson glanced up at her then, as if surprised by her answer.
Ariel pretended not to notice.
She knew how she used to be–always clinging to him, always making sure to sit by his side, never wasting a chance to get closer.
But they were getting divorced. There was no need for that anymore.
“Lily, bring out the soup for Jayson,” Betty instructed.
A moment later, a steaming bowl was placed in front of Jayson.
He took a glance. His face remained unreadable, but he put on a faint smile. “Grandma, I’m perfectly fine. I don’t need this.”
Ariel finally looked over. She froze when she saw what was inside.
It was oyster chowder, a well–known tonic for enhancing stamina and virility.
Betty smiled. “Being healthier never hurts. I had it simmering for three hours. Nothing wrong with adding a little extra spark to a marriage.‘
11
Renee, too young to understand, glanced at the soup and quickly went back to her food.
Ariel ignored it as well.
Betty still hoped they’d have more time together to conceive a child. But setting aside her own health issues, Jayson had always treated their intimacy as a duty at best, a few times out of obligation. If anything, he was indifferent to her.
Now that they were on the verge of divorce, the idea of them sleeping together was completely out of the question.
Predictably, Jayson never took a single sip of the soup.
Betty sighed, giving up.
How could he be so blind to Ariel’s worth?
During dinner, Ariel couldn’t stop thinking abou
bring it up, but he never did. She couldn’t help sneaking a few glances at him.
coming clean about the divorce. She was waiting for Jayson to
Jayson noticed. He lifted his gaze and caught her staring.
His
eyes were sharp and clear, almost indifferent. Especially with that slight crease between his brows, he seemed like he was annoyed.
Ariel had already looked his way at least five times in the past 20 minutes ever since Betty had brought out that so -called virility soup.
Her lack of restraint was starting to make him uncomfortable.