Chapter 46

She wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. She wanted to disappear. She did not want to stand in front of this crowd with all these people staring at her.

"A gold digger."

"An opportunist."

"She is just using her son to get her hands on the money of the Hawkins family."

She could read on their faces what they thought of her. She could see in their eyes how they were judging her actions. She believed she would never be good enough for these people.

Truthfully, she could not care less about what all these people presumed about her. They could all think the worst of her, and she would not mind.

However, the only opinion that mattered to her was that man whose gaze never left her. She could not ignore the pain she saw in his eyes upon seeing the proof of her betrayal. She hurt him, but he did not deserve it.

"Let me formally introduce my wife, Jules, and our son, Oliver." She could hear her husband announcing to the entire room, displaying her and her son for the whole world to see.

"They are now a part of our family from now on." Damon continued, putting his arm around her waist and patting her son on the shoulder.

She believed it was a perfectly scripted show designed to deceive the crowd. They seemed to be a picture-perfect family with their fake smiles on their faces.

Soon, another set of congratulations circulated in the room. Of course, they welcomed the new heir of the Hawkins business empire and fortune.

"Congratulations, my dear." Finally, Damon's mother came to her side, greeting her for the first time. All she could do was smile at all their well wishes.

But, of course, just as she had expected, her mother-in-law lacked the warmth in her smile. She hugged and kissed her, but she already knew what Damon's mother thought of her.

She was not the woman a mother would want for her son. She could still vaguely remember how this woman also told her she was not what Dale needed in a wife.

"Thanks." She politely answered, knowing she had to play her part.

But her agony was far from over as Dale stood before her, doing his part as the dutiful son and the loyal brother.

"Congratulations, Damon. You are a lucky man." Dale shook his brother's hand before turning to her. "Welcome to the family, Jules." But he did not bother to touch her as he quickly shifted his eyes to the young boy beside her husband.

"And from now on, you can always come to me if you need anything." Dale knelt before her son, touching the young boy's thin arms. 

It almost broke her heart to see him like this. She could see the longing in his eyes. Oliver could have been his son if she had not cheated on him.

She had to look away. 

She thought she was ready to do this. But standing between these two men and her son, she could only conclude she was wrong. She was a fool for assuming she could handle a situation like this.

But what alternative did she have? She agreed to this arrangement. She could not back out now. Besides, it was either she sacrificed herself or lost her child.

Of course, her choice was a no-brainer. Her child would always come first. She would have to suck up the pain and deal with it.

"Jules, I want to congratulate you again." Suddenly, a female voice joined them. "You never mentioned that you already have an adorable son."

The woman from earlier walked toward them and touched Oliver's cheek, gently caressing them. Then, she wrapped her arms around Dale's, appearing like they were a couple.

Then, like a lightbulb, it clicked in her head. She remembered reading about Dale getting engaged.

Now, she understood that this woman with a beautiful smile and a stunning ring was his fiancee.

"Thanks, Chantal." Jules turned to the woman, who had a beaming smile on her lips. She radiated with happiness, just like the shiny ring on her fingers.

"I guess you have met my fiancee, Dale." Chantal placed her palm on her fiancee's chest, innocently showing her claim on him. 

She could not distinguish if she felt guilt for hurting Dale or jealousy of seeing him with another woman.

But there was no question she was a mess. Her emotions were all over the place. But unfortunately, she had no right to break down and cry. She had to stay strong and carry on despite what she felt.

"Yes, we have met." How could she tell this woman they were more than just an acquaintance when clearly, Dale had not mentioned her to his fiancee?

"Still, I can't believe Damon had beaten us at the altar. I never thought he had any interest in marrying at all." She teased her husband, unaware of the tension building between them.

"I assure you, it is a surprise for me as well. But once Jules returned to my life with my son, I knew I should do the right thing. And we should be together as a family." Damon explained, but she could tell he was directing it to his brother.

"I understand what you mean. Love can always make you do irrational things. So, there is no need to explain yourself, Damon." Chantal thought that was the reason why they hastily got married.

She almost laughed at her assumption. But, of course, she had to stop herself. She could not act out of her character, but still, the idea was too ridiculous.

She would never, ever use love in their arrangement.

"You are one handsome man. And you look exactly like your father." Chantal bent to touch her son's face again. "From now on, I want you to call me Aunt Chantal. I want us to be friends." 

The woman was talking to her son. But she felt she was also talking to her. It was like she was also offering her a genuine friendship.

But could she become friends with this woman, knowing her past with her future husband? She would love to. But still, she guessed it was complicated as her eyes noticed how Dale looked at her.

Would Chantal still want to be friends with her once she learned about her history?