Chapter 5 I'm the Unreasonable One
661 Words
The next morning, Russell finally texted her.
Russell: Sorry, Cynthia. I've been buried in work lately and haven't paid you enough attention. You're still my wife, always will be. But please don't say things like that again. They only hurt us.
A second message followed.
Russell: There's a charity gala tonight. Everyone's bringing a date. I'll make it clear you're the one I belong with. The dress should arrive soon. Wear it tonight, okay? You'll be the most beautiful woman there.
Cynthia had always avoided events like that.
She hated the idea of people whispering behind Russell's back because of her, and she lacked the courage to face their scrutinizing stares.
But this time, Russell's apology felt exceptionally sincere, and her heart couldn't help but soften.
Maybe there was still something left between them. Maybe they could fix this.
She decided to give him one last chance.
When the white satin dress arrived, her heart fluttered.
The design was completely different from her usual style, and it felt uncomfortably tight around the waist, poorly tailored for her frame.
She stood in front of the mirror and took a slow breath.
It didn't matter. None of that mattered.
She pushed open the doors to the ballroom, and the sight that greeted her stopped her cold.
Russell stood beneath a glittering crystal chandelier, laughing and mingling, and beside him stood Jessica. Jessica was wearing the exact same dress.
The white satin clung to Jessica perfectly, as if it had been made for her.
She moved through the crowd with effortless confidence, greeting guests, exchanging pleasantries, standing beside Russell as though they belonged together, like a perfectly matched couple.
"Mr. Shelton is a lucky man." A guest toasted them. "His wife is brilliant and a graduate from one of the top universities. Truly the perfect match."
Another chimed in, "I saw the footage of them during that fire rescue on the news. The way they clung to each other, it was like something out of a romance film."
Russell and Jessica exchanged a quick smile. Neither of them bothered to correct anyone.
Cynthia's fists clenched, her fingernails biting deep into her palms.
She straightened her back.
Then she walked forward.
One step at a time. Stopping in front of Jessica, she spoke clearly enough for the nearby conversations to fall silent.
"Ms. Galvan, you've really been working hard tonight. Entertaining all these guests on my husband's behalf. When we get home, I'll make sure he gives you a raise. You deserve a reward for all your effort."
The ballroom fell into an uneasy silence.
Jessica's flawless smile froze.
"Wait... That's Mrs. Shelton? Did we just mistake the wrong person?"
"That can't be right. They're wearing the same dress. Isn't it obvious who's imitating who?"
Amid the murmurs, Cynthia grabbed Russell's sleeve and lowered her voice.
"Is this the dress you specially prepared for me? A dress that doesn't fit and matches someone else's?"
Before Russell could respond, Jessica stepped in quickly, her eyes wide and brimming with pitiful tears.
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Parra. It's been such a hectic few days. I must have mixed up the dresses when they were delivered. I would never intentionally embarrass you."
The curious looks and faint snickers from the surrounding guests made Cynthia's skin burn.
"You did it on purpose," she said, locking eyes with Jessica.
Russell immediately stepped between them. "That's enough! Jessica already apologized. Don't push it."
The murmurs around them grew louder. Cynthia suddenly felt like she didn't belong in the room at all.
If she was so unnecessary here, why had he insisted she come?
He just wanted to humiliate her?
The realization made her stomach drop.
"Fine," she said quietly. "I'm the unreasonable one. I'll leave."
She turned to go, but Russell's hand shot out, clamping around her wrist like a vice.
His grip was painfully tight. It even hurt her.
"Don't be childish," he muttered under his breath. "Come with me."
- Writer
