The last time Jared looked this nervous was during their wedding, back when his love was passionate, and his vows were thundering.
He had stayed loyally by her side, even after her accident and the loss of her eyesight.
She once thought their love would last forever, but dreams were never permanent.
After a while and some hesitation, Jared said, “Vanessa, we should have a big celebration for our anniversary this year.”
I agreed. This celebration would mark the end of our marriage.
Jared gave me a genuine smile.
Over the next few days, a sense of normalcy returned. Jared was seldom home, busy with preparations for the celebration.
Not only had he booked the rooftop banquet hall, but he even arranged for the ingredients for the banquet to be transported from abroad on the day of the event.
It was a day of happiness for some, and frustration for others. Regina hadn’t smiled once since Jared began preparing for the celebration.
Soon, the day arrived.
The majority of River City’s upper class gathered at the banquet hall. On the screen was a projected slideshow of pictures, captioned: “I love you, Darling. Until death do we part.”
While Jared made his rounds chatting with the guests, I stood alone to the side.
A few wives of powerful businessmen approached me to catch up.
“You’re so lucky, Mrs. Hampton!”
“Mhmm! Your husband has no room for anyone else in his eyes! He even prepared this whole day just for you.”
I smiled politely but did not comment.
Perhaps they found my lack of reaction boring because, after a while, they stopped with the pleasantries and began to gossip among themselves.
“Pfft. What a bunch of lies. True love, my foot!”
“She’s blind. What can she even do?”
“What a fool. Does she actually think Mr. Hampton hosted this event for her?”
I heard every word they said. I thought it would break me, but I was surprisingly calm.
“Mr. Hampton even prepared a fireworks show!” someone announced.
The guests began crowding toward the balcony for a better view.
