Chapter 4

I didn’t know how Jonathan and Alicia perceived me at twenty-five. Perhaps I seemed cowardly, or perhaps my love for Jonathan made me appear a pushover. But now, I was my eighteen-year-old self again. I didn't love Jonathan; therefore, I had no reason to tolerate their mistreatment. Alicia looked at Jonathan with a troubled expression. “I’m sorry, Jon, but Ms. Sawyer doesn’t seem to welcome me. Perhaps I shouldn’t have come…”

“You knew that and came anyway?” I asked pointedly. “Are you here to mock me?”

Alicia’s face flushed, and Jonathan snapped, “Stop being unreasonable, Elise!” His defense of Alicia irritated me, further souring my opinion of him. Waking up married to my former crush had initially felt exciting and surreal. Now, however, Jonathan seemed…lacking. So what if he was rich and handsome? Did he think treating his wife like trash made him look good? If he were truly so superior, he shouldn't have married me in the first place!

I fumed while Alicia remained composed. “Jon, I came to personally invite you to my celebration party…” Then, as if suddenly remembering my presence, she added, “Ms. Sawyer, would you care to join us?”

I initially declined. But the subtle disdain in her eyes spurred a smile. “Sure! After all, I’m Jonathan’s wife. I should accompany him to public events.”

And so, I attended Alicia’s party. Everyone in the private room turned to stare as we entered. Their expressions were, to put it mildly, revealing. Whispers filled the air: “Why did Jonathan bring her?” “It’s not surprising. His wife always acts up, treating every woman around Jonathan with hostility, especially Alicia!” “I heard she even tried to kill herself because of Alicia!” “Exactly! She should know her place. Marrying Jonathan was already beyond her reach. What right does she have to control him? Those other women were one thing—but Alicia? Unthinkable!”

Their voices were hushed, yet audible. I assumed they were friends of Jonathan or Alicia, undoubtedly from the same social circle. I scoffed inwardly. No wonder my twenty-five-year-old self attempted suicide. Who wouldn't become warped hearing such degrading comments daily? Besides, I must have truly loved Jonathan then. Why else would I have been driven to such a desperate act?

Jonathan and Alicia were already seated, leaving me standing alone. More whispers followed: “Doesn’t she feel awkward standing there alone?” “Why would she? She’d do anything, even grovel, to be near Jonathan!”

I looked coldly at the gossiping men. “Who is he to me? Why would I grovel?”

Their expressions shifted, clearly unprepared for my retort. Jonathan’s annoyance was evident. “Alright, that’s enough. Stop making a scene.” He didn't defend me; he merely dismissed the situation. I laughed bitterly. “Seems I’m not welcome here. I won’t intrude further.”

I turned and left, hearing gasps behind me. “Am I mistaken? Did she actually give Jonathan attitude?” “Has she finally lost her mind from jealousy?” “I bet she won’t last thirty minutes. She’ll be crawling back soon enough…”