Paityn also extended her hand. She forced a polite smile. “Hello.” Paityn and Yara shook hands briefly before the latter turned to Jamie. Her excitement was palpable. “Let’s head in. Yanni just asked about us!” Jamie clearly doted on Yara. He nodded and briefly acknowledged Paityn before taking Yara by the hand and walking away. As the door closed behind them, Paityn found herself alone, with the large glass windows reflecting her solitary figure. She reached up to touch her face, easily recognizing how pale and strained she looked. A wave of self-mockery washed over Paityn. The fact was that it was her choice to end things. However, she was the one on the brink of tears now. For whom was she putting on this facade? After taking five minutes to compose herself, Paityn stepped back into the banquet hall, transforming once again into her flawless self until she was suddenly intercepted by Tegan. “Paityn!” Tegan called out. Her expression was serious when she blocked Pait
As the guests took their seats, Jamie finally returned to the banquet hall.Keaton and Yanni had invited 100 tables of guests for their wedding. This was the largest and most luxurious hall in Brookesville, and it was packed to the brim. Jamie was a relative of the bride. Naturally, he was seated at the main table. Yara saw him coming over and softly called out, "Over here, Jamie."He took a few steps in that direction. Before he sat down, however, he spotted Paityn at the adjacent table. She was sitting with Tegan, and they were two seats away from Lorian. The corners of Paityn's eyes were faintly red. Upon closer inspection, it was clear she had been crying. Looking at her tonight, she wasn’t wearing an evening gown, Instead, she wore a sleek and semi-sheer ensemble. She looked formal yet undeniably sexy.Paityn's figure had always been good, and no one knew this better than Jamie. He couldn't help but think back to those years, to that uncontrollable night. They were young, a
After the two of them set down their glasses, Yara became even more bashful, and she leaned entirely against Jamie. They looked sweet and affectionate together.Underneath the dazzling crystal chandelier, Jamie’s handsome face held a hint of restraint, which was quite alluring to women. However, his gaze was dark and focused intently on Paityn.…Paityn’s face turned pale. Such a scene was too cruel for her. She had to muster all her strength to control her emotions, ensuring she didn’t lose her composure in such a setting. Jamie’s gaze remained fixed on Paityn as if the entire world had been reduced to just the two of them. Even the most oblivious guests could sense the tension at this moment, especially Yara, who anxiously tugged at Jamie's sleeve and asked, “What’s wrong, Jamie?”Jamie's expression was indifferent as he raised his glass to toast the table with a light drink before moving to another table.Tegan tightly grasped Paityn's wrist, giving her strength.Lorian was
In the hotel parking lot, Paityn opened the car door and was about to get in when a familiar deep voice came from behind her: “Are you heading back?”Paityn stiffened. It was Jamie. She slowly turned around and saw Jamie's face illuminated under the cold lights. He stood about three or four steps away, and his dark eyes were denser than the night itself as if he intended to devour her whole with his gaze.The atmosphere was quite delicate. After a moment, Paityn managed to force a faint smile, saying, “Yes, I’m about to leave! Does Mr. Jamie have any instructions for me?” Jamie showed no expression, but his eyes burned intensely as he asked, “Do you have nothing to say to me?”Paityn fell silent and said nothing.Jamie reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a sealed pack of cigarettes. He tore off the wrapping but didn’t open the box, merely holding it in his hand. His gaze remained fixed on Paityn as he said, “For example, what you asked me over the phone last ti
Jamie opened the car door. It was warm and cozy inside, but Yara's expression carried a hint of unease. After all, she was a sensitive person, and she could sense that Jamie's extraordinary enthusiasm tonight was all for that woman named Paityn.Yara had heard about the rumors between Jamie and Paityn before, but she had never paid them much mind. She believed her youth and beauty would keep her from being overshadowed by a woman in her thirties.Now, however, Yara felt uncertain. The way Jamie looked at Paityn was different. His gaze was filled with a complex mix of love and resentment.…Jamie sat in the car next to Yara. They were supposed to be engaged, but something unexpected had happened tonight. He stared into the night ahead, and his expression remained neutral. “Yara. I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you.”Yara guessed the reason. Her young eyes turned red, and there was a mix of frustration and hurt inside. Eventually, she asked with a hint of defiance, “Is it because o
The scent of fresh tobacco lingered inside the car. Jamie rolled down the window completely, blowing away the smell of smoke. Then, he grasped the steering wheel firmly and gently caressed it. After a moment, he stepped on the gas pedal and drove toward Paityn’s villa.The night breeze brushed against his face, sharpening Jamie’s thoughts and lending a more severe expression to his features. What was originally a forty-minute drive, he completed in just twenty-five. He ended up arriving five minutes earlier than Paityn.Jamie parked the car in a shadowy spot and sat quietly inside. Then, he waited. Everything was still on this spring night. Fireworks could be seen sporadically bursting in the distance. Their lights were faint and lonely from afar. It reminded Jamie of the relationship he shared with Paityn. They were always on the edge of something meaningful, but they never experienced a grand and passionate explosion.Not a single "I love you" had ever been spoken between them
As Paityn stepped on the gas pedal, her expression turned distant. She watched Carol happily dive into Jamie’s arms with no hesitation. It was a plain betrayal. The little girl went straight to his side! Paityn’s mood felt heavier as she sat in the front seat. She had no choice but to drive, pulling up in front of the small villa within seconds. Through the rearview mirror, she caught a glimpse of Jamie. However, he paid no attention to her. Instead, he carried Carol out of the car wordlessly.The soft yellow light from the wall lamp cast a warm glow, highlighting Jamie’s tall and steady figure. He walked away with calm and confident strides. It was clear Carol liked him very much. After all, her tiny arms were wrapped tightly around his neck while she peeked back at Paityn. Children often pick up on the unspoken tension between adults, and Carol seemed to sense the undercurrents between them.This was Paityn's house, and yet Jamie moved as if he were the master. The housekeeper
Paityn remained silent. She was unsure of how to respond.Jamie's gaze was intense and searching. However, he lowered his eyes to look at the little one nestled in his arms after a moment. Carol was sound asleep and her face was peaceful. At that moment, his expression softened with fatherly affection. However, the warmth vanished when he looked up again. It was replaced by his usual composed detachment and a quiet sense of pride and restraint.Paityn couldn't help but think back to when she first started developing feelings for Jamie a couple of years ago. Perhaps it was this very air of nobility and distance that drew her in. He was powerful and handsome. Given the fact that he came from a wealthy and influential family, he had never lacked women’s affection.Jamie gently tucked Carol in and made sure her blanket was secure before getting off the bed and standing. His eyes fell on Paityn as he stood by the door. He said in a soft but firm voice, "Let’s talk in your bedroom."