Chapter 129

Chapter 129:

“Why are you laughing?” Nellie stared at him, trying to decode the hint of mockery she now saw in his eyes.

“I’m laughing because you’ve let yourself be blinded by something as fleeting as infatuation.”

Nellie froze for a moment, her teeth sinking into her lower lip. “So, you’re saying I’m not good enough?”

Aiden frowned slightly. He hadn’t anticipated the depth of her infatuation, which seemed to surpass all reason.

Despite his disdain, Nellie refused to waver. She had convinced herself that her supposed lack of excellence was the only reason she hadn’t earned his attention.

“Miss Ramirez, you really should get your head checked,” Aiden said bluntly, shaking his head with a flicker of exasperation crossing his face. “I don’t want to continue this conversation. Please, leave.”

“Aiden, I won’t give up.” Nellie stood her ground, her dim eyes now glowing with fierce determination. “I will do everything possible to stand by your side. I’ll become so exceptional that you won’t be able to refuse me.”

Her love-struck mind had spiraled beyond reason, clinging to her resolve despite the harsh reality before her.

Taking a deep breath, Nellie turned to leave, but froze when she came face-to-face with Janice.

Janice had just returned, carrying a bottle of red wine and two glasses. She blinked, an awkward smile spreading across her face. “Did I interrupt something?”

“No,” Aiden replied smoothly before Nellie could speak. He offered Janice a gentle smile. “Miss Ramirez was simply asking my thoughts about the charity gala.”

“She is truly dedicated,” Janice remarked with a warm smile. “She’s poured her heart and soul into making us feel welcome.”

Nellie’s attention turned to Aiden. His gaze towards Janice was soft, brimming with tenderness and affection—a stark contrast to the cold, dismissive way he looked at her.

The difference was unbearable, each glance from him cutting deeper into her pride.

Why?

She was the daughter of the prestigious Ramirez family, blessed with beauty, status, and dual degrees in finance. By every standard, she was exceptional. And yet, Janice—a disowned daughter of the Edwards family with no noteworthy status—was the one standing by Aiden’s side. How could Janice compare to her? How could Janice be the one he chose as his wife?

Janice, unaware of Nellie’s darkening expression, waved the wine bottle in her hand towards Aiden with a carefree smile. She brushed past Nellie.

At that moment, something snapped within Nellie. A cold, calculating glint flashed in her eyes. Without a word, she stepped forward and gave Janice a sudden shove, sending her stumbling toward the nearby pool.

Caught off guard and with her hands full, Janice couldn’t regain her balance. Her gasp of surprise was cut short as she fell, the splash echoing loudly in the silence.

“Janice!” Aiden shouted, his voice filled with urgency. His hands gripped the armrests of his wheelchair as he was about to stand.

Aiden was just getting to his feet when he saw a figure dart into the pool, rushing to Janice’s rescue.

Clutching the armrests of his wheelchair tightly, Aiden slowly eased himself back down, his gaze reflecting a mix of emotions.

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