Chapter 40

As I listened to the increasingly harsh whispers, I thought I’d never recover from the betrayal of those two. Nicole, burning with anger, had already stolen my paintings, but I never imagined she'd also tarnish my reputation. Even after I was gone, she spread vicious rumors, leaving me ostracized by so many. She has a truly evil heart!

And Chase, his stupidity was unparalleled. We once shared everything, yet he judged me based on a blurry video and a mole on my chest. Was he a fool, or did he always suspect me of such things?

As those unbearable words reached my ears, I quietly slipped away from the crowd. From a corner, I overheard a man's voice. "Mr. Derek, should we intervene? Clearly, Ms. Kennedy wasn't even in Cloudville. This person isn't her."

"There's no point," Derek sighed softly. "It would only add fuel to the fire, drawing attention back to me. And if rumors of Amanda having an affair with Chase's uncle got out, that wouldn't be any better. Words can sting. Let's go. She probably won't show."

I was stunned. How did he know I wasn't in Cloudville? Unless Derek had already investigated! Why would he do what my own husband didn't? No wonder he'd been discreetly inquiring about Chase and Grandma. Was he worried about me? He was the only one who seemed to care about my reputation.

I closed my eyes, remembering how Nicole's taunts had once led to my miscarriage. That day, drenched in blood, I crawled to the door, and before losing consciousness, I glimpsed a pair of designer shoes on a wheelchair. He ensured I received prompt surgery. We couldn't save the baby, but it minimized the damage to my body. As the doctor requested a family signature outside the operating room, I faintly heard his deep voice: it was Derek.

Half a month before the wedding, I saw him again. His expression was cold as he asked, "If you don't want to marry Chase, I can call off the wedding." My mind was solely focused on revenge at the wedding. I refused without hesitation. "Chase and I grew up together. Marrying him is my dream."

The cold wind brushed against his face, a frosty veil concealing his true feelings. After a long, numbingly silent pause, he finally said softly, "I wish you happiness." He left me with only his cold silhouette and departed the country that very day. Still, I sent him an invitation and a wedding gift. On my wedding day, he didn't appear.

We hadn't crossed paths much, but why did Derek rush to find me when even my own family didn't care after I disappeared? If I'm not mistaken, his visit today wasn't just for Grandma's birthday. He wanted to see if I would be there. Did he care about me?

The bustling crowd eventually quieted, and the staff brought in a towering ten-layer cake. Everyone gathered around Grandma to celebrate, temporarily setting aside the video incident. In the dancing candlelight, I saw many insincere faces. Only Grandma looked genuinely worried.

I moved next to her, softly singing the birthday song just out of her hearing. "Grandma, make a wish." She closed her eyes and clasped her hands, a look of sincere prayer on her face. Her voice was gentle. "I wish Amanda a safe, smooth life, free from worries."

She blew out the candles, and with tears in my eyes, I whispered in her ear, "Grandma, please live a long and healthy life for both of us."

Chapter 41