14 Chapter 14: Gift

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Jane Sampson didn't seem to be aware of her surroundings as she was deep in thought, not even noticing James Black approaching her from the sidelines.

She leaned casually against the dessert table, the wine cup in her hand swaying rhythmically, although she was not drinking. It appeared to be a movement made out of sheer boredom. Her dark pupils were not focused on anyone in the reception hall; she just lowered her head and stared at the wine cup.

At that moment, her entire being exuded a chilling aloofness, making her seem unapproachable, even though there was a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. But the smile didn't reach her eyes.

Was she unhappy?

But somehow, she seemed very pleased?

James Black realized that he couldn't quite understand Jane Sampson today, she didn't fit the image he had of her.

In his memory, Jane Sampson was the good girl everyone praised, the one who, after marriage, became everyone's example of a virtuous wife.

Around him, she was always quiet, her face almost devoid of any obvious expressions, and there was a hint of fear and timidity in the way she looked at him.

He knew she was afraid of him, and this was something James had known for a long time.

However, he had to admit that until today, Jane Sampson had really been the kind of wife who made his life easier. She never clung to him, and even if he couldn't return home more than two or three times a year, she would never complain or disturb his work with phone calls.

Even if he managed to spend one night at home every three to five months, she would always have dinner ready and be waiting for him.

Her clothing and even her lifestyle neatly fit James's idea of what his wife's role should be, including her attire and everyday life.

Most of the time, if Peter Gingery hadn't occasionally mentioned his sister-in-law while they were at the team base, James might have forgotten that he was a married man.

To be frank, the presence of Jane Sampson had always felt rather insignificant.

"Do you know that Julie Sampson was also going to wear that dress today?" James Black suddenly spoke, probing with his question, as Jane's refusal to change clothes before leaving the house was uncharacteristically bizarre, prompting his suspicion.

James Black's voice unexpectedly reached Jane's ears, startling her. Her body jerked sharply, spilling the wine onto the back of her hand.

From his pocket, James took out a handkerchief and handed it to Jane. Seeing her frightened appearance, his brow furrowed, making him wonder if he was really that frightening.

After being married for so long, could a casual word from him still scare her this much?

After being given a handkerchief by James, Jane's heart continued to pound wildly. She hung her head and pursed her lips, silently cursing whether James had deliberately surprised her.

Jane heard James's question, but she chose not to respond. Pretending to be deaf and mute, she saw Bright Sampton gesturing at her from afar, so without acknowledging James, she set down her wine cup and gracefully walked towards Bright Sampton.

James stood still for a few seconds before following her. Bright Sampton was presenting Mother Sampton with a gift and offering good wishes, beckoning Jane over to join him in gift-giving.

James watched from the sidelines as Bright Sampton, with just a few words and a new silk scarf from brand B, managed to delight Mother Sampton. When it was Jane's turn, however, they heard her say,

"This year, the gift I prepared for Mother is different from anyone else's." Jane smiled and then, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, took her time before saying, "I will personally play a piece of music for Mother."

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