The Girl In The Photo

Jason studied the picture carefully. He clearly remembered that Serena was the only girl her age at the orphanage. The rest were all infants.

Even if Pearl came later, she should be keeping her own picture and not this one right, Jason asked himself as his mind was deep in thought. "Could it be... No it's impossible" Jason immediately dispelled those thoughts again. He had to find out the truth and the only person to prove his thoughts wrong might be in his room. Jason rushed out of her room and stormed into his. The fierce intrusion startled Pearl who had just woken up. Pearl was just dressing the bed when her husband stormed into the room. She was frightened by him.

"Jason, what's wrong." She asked softly but anyone could tell that she was being cautious, afraid of infuriating him. "Jason" she called again and inched towards him. She saw that his hands were trembling and was about to hold his hand, however she remembered that night. Peter, Jason's grandfather, had asked both of them to attend a banquet on his behalf. Pearl knew that he just wanted to find an opportunity to bring them closer. She was grateful to him and did her possible best to surprise Jason. Peter had gifted her a turquoise mermaid gown.

The back was covered with a see through lace all the way to waist. From the knee to the waist, the color shade was a bit darker than the upper part of the garment. Aside the dress, Jason's mom gave her a pair of ruby earrings and a ruby necklace as well. Paired with a pair of silver platform heels, Pearl was simply breathtaking. Jason had picked her up in his Limousine but he didn't spare her a single glance. She had lost her enthusiasm for the occasion and had faced the window so as to stop herself from crying.

Upon their arrival, Jason had totally ignored her presence at the entrance and walked into the banquet hall by himself. Ignoring the bitterness in her heart, Pearl got down from the car and amidst the flashing lights of cameras and mocking gazes of the crowd, held her head up high and walked gracefully into the hall. Everyone thought Jason hated her because she was a gold digger and they had hit the nail on the head. That night he had humiliated her not only in front of the press but also the invited guests as well.

She was drinking a glass of champagne when Tamara stood in front of her. She had ignored her because her presence would only make her heart sour. Tamara suddenly held her hand, digging her manicured nails into her flesh. She hissed in pain however Tamara rather started calling her names. Pearl had tried pulling her hand but Tamara's grip was too strong. Hearing the sound of footsteps, she immediately let go and fell down. Pearl was confused but soon realized her intentions.

" Pearl, I only wanted to apologize to you for allowing Jason to come between us, sisters. I know he's yours but I can't lose you as well. I gave up my happiness for you, so please don't push me away okay. I don't mind that you took him away from me but please don't be like this." Tamara spoke as tears run down her face. Her white lotus act rendered Pearl speechless. They would have never met if not for this love triangle between them. Judging from the disdainful glares she was receiving, she realized that everyone thought she had pushed her.

Perhaps it was because she was fighting back those traitorous tears hence she failed to notice a burning gaze behind her. Jason had gripped her arm so hard that a bruise had already formed. His ocean blue eyes were filled with so much anger that she felt that he wanted to tear her apart. He held the pretentious Tamara in one hand and gripped her arm with the other. She had begged him to release her arm but he had increased his strength instead.

"How despicable can you be? You disgraced and hurt her in front of everybody just because she s the woman I love. You are far worse than a gold digger. I thought you had a little bit of self-respect but I guessed wrong. I will never love a heartless, filthy, shameless and uncultured woman like you" Jason had roared those words in pure anger silencing the entire crowd. Each word and insult stabbed her heart. She felt as if she couldn't breathe. She wanted to escape but her feet were stuck to the ground.

The pain in her heart was far greater than the pain her body felt. He didn't give her a chance to explain herself and just like everyone else, jumped into conclusions. She had held his hand and tried explaining but he flung his hand in disgust, pushing her unstable self to the ground. He then left the reception with Tamara in his arms. Everyone had laughed at her sorry state. She laughed bitterly and with her bloodshot eyes ran out of the hall. She would never forget the shame, ridicule and heartbreak she had felt that day.

So as if electrocuted, Pearl pulled back her hand. Jason noticed but somehow disliked it. He had noticed how she distanced herself from him after that incident at the banquet. His grandfather had scolded him for treating her in such a humiliating manner. "When you were busy listening to your lover, did you hear her explanation. She had no one there but you and you hurt her in that manner? Your mother would be so disappointed in you. Her eyes Jason, her eyes always spoke the truth", his grandfather had said in disappointment.

He wanted to tell his grandfather that Tamara would never lie to him but those words got stuck in his throat, seeing his grandfather's dejected look. "Why do you have this picture?", Jason asked Pearl calmly but his heart was in turmoil. "I was raised in that orphanage", Pearl clarified, pointing to the name "Fairview Home". "Do you know her?", he inquired pointing to Serena on the photo. His voice trembled slightly but he paid no heed to it. Pearl was confused.

She knew he never cared about her so it would be very difficult for him to know that she was the child he was pointing at. She wanted to know what it was that could affect his emotions so much. " I'm that little girl in the picture", she answered softly.