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The servants quickly turned to handle the gifts. When Julian heard that the gifts were returned, he showed no reaction, simply instructing others to continue the delivery. Just when William assumed the gifts would only arrive at the Black estate, Julian showed up at the Black family’s annual gala, bearing gifts.
It was a gathering of the Black family’s closest allies, and it marked my first official appearance as Mrs.Black. My red dress complemented the red pocket square on William’s chest perfectly. The 25–carat ruby on my middle finger was a birthday gift from William for my twenty–fifth birthday, drawing envy from everyone present.
eyes.
From the moment I stepped out, arm in arm with William, I captured the attention of the entire room, including Julian, lurking in a corner. Seeing the girl at the center of the crowd, beaming with joy, a hint of bitterness flickered in his He could hardly remember the last time he had seen my smile. My infectious laughter had always brightened his mood, no matter how bad his day had been. But after he rejected me and chose to be with Olivia, I’d become cautious around him.
His grip on the gift box tightened, nearly crushing it.
As a key figure at the banquet, guests approached the new Mrs. Black to offer their greetings. Finally, Julian took a step toward them, but before he could speak, William pulled me away toward the private room on the second floor.
“Jane!”
Julian’s expression shifted, and he attempted to follow, but two imposing bodyguards blocked his path. The Black family butler stepped forward.
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“Mr. Parker, know your place.”
“You know what you did. Mr. Black is being lenient by not taking further action.”
The butler’s words struck Julian like invisible slaps, leaving him visibly pained. The scene drew curious glances and whispers from the surrounding guests, some of whom knew about Julian and my past. The woman he’d adored had turned out to be a murderer burdened with countless lives. The girl he’d mistreated was the real victim. And now, he was pathetically seeking forgiveness?
As the situation spiraled out of control, the host of the banquet finally stepped in to politely ask Julian to leave. His face was grim, but acknowledging his transgression, he turned away, the cheers and applause highlighting his folly.
In the private room on the second floor, William held me close, trying to cheer me up. If he had known Julian would show up, he would have never brought me to this event. Even if he had to come, he would have ensured Julian was sent away first. But Julian seemed determined to win me back. He’d delegated his affairs and even bought a house in England.
William could easily have dealt with Julian, but he was my uncle, someone who had cared for me for many years. That bond prevented William from taking action. This was also why my aunt advised William to ignore Julian upon learning he was in England; the past was the past, and it was best if no one owed anyone anything.
Sensing his displeasure, I squeezed his hand. We sat in silence in the private room until the fireworks outside began to burst
into bloom.
