THE WIFE HE WON’T CLAIM

Emerald’s POV I could hear the whispers the moment we stepped into the hallway. “That’s him…” “He looks even better in person.” “Jayden Raymond...God, he’s like a Greek god.” I kept my head down and walked beside my husband, pretending I couldn’t hear them. I was used to it. People always talked about Jayden. When we reached the top of the wide marble staircase, he took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. The whispers only grew louder. “Who’s that woman?” “Is that his wife?” “I thought he got married secretly.” “Don’t pay attention to them,” Jayden said quietly, his voice low and controlled. “Tonight is important. No mistakes. No unnecessary attention. Understood?” I nodded. Jayden Raymond was the General Secretary to the President and came from one of the most powerful families in the country. His life was always under a microscope, calculated, watched, and controlled. And I technically wasn’t supposed to exist in it. The party was already in full swing when we entered the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting golden light over elegantly dressed guests. Soft classical music played underneath the murmur of conversations. “Mr. Raymond,” a man greeted, rising from the head table. “Good to see you.” Jayden shook his hand firmly. “Mr. Rivers. It’s been a while.” I stood quietly beside him, offering a polite smile to the woman beside Mr. Rivers. Mr. Rivers’ eyes shifted to me. “And who is this lovely lady?” For half a second, hope flickered in my chest. Maybe this time… Jayden didn’t even pause. “My interpreter.” The words slid out smoothly, effortlessly. Like they cost him nothing. I kept my smile in place even as something twisted sharply in my chest. Mr. Rivers nodded, looking impressed. “ Ahhhh, my wife, Clara, has mutism. It’s thoughtful of you to bring someone.” Clara Rivers turned to me then, elegant, kind-eyed and lifted her hands. Thank you for coming. It’s lovely to meet you. Her signs were slow, clear. The kind you use with a stranger. My hands moved before I thought about it. Thank you. The pleasure is mine. Her face lit up. She signed again, faster this time. You sign beautifully. I work with children, I signed back. They teach me more than I teach them. Jayden watched us without expression. To anyone else, it looked like I was doing my job. To me, it felt like the first real conversation I’d had all night and it wasn’t even with my own husband. Two years. I’d been doing this for two years, since the night my older sister Sophie ran away and left me to take her place at the altar. Two years of being invisible. Two years of one rule: no one sees my face. No media. No public appearances. Tonight was the first time he’d broken that rule. He hadn’t told me why. Later, I leaned toward him and typed on my phone: When are we leaving? He glanced at the screen for half a second, then looked away without replying. He simply continued talking to Mr. Rivers as if I wasn’t even there. The quiet rejection settled heavily in my stomach. “Excuse me,” I murmured, standing up. No one really noticed as I slipped away. I had just stepped out of the restroom when the door suddenly slammed open, pushing me back inside. Jayden. My heart jumped. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I snapped, my voice low but sharp. He stared down at me, completely unfazed. “I should be asking you that. I told you not to cause any trouble tonight.” “I’m not causing trouble,” I shot back. “You brought me here as your interpreter. I did exactly what you wanted. I just want to go home. I’m tired of sitting there translating conversations for a woman who is actually lovely, while my own husband pretends I don’t exist.” His expression turned colder. “Watch your tone,” he said. “Don’t strain that little voice of yours.” The words cut deep. He knew exactly where to hit. My voice had always been too soft, almost broken. That was why I learned sign language in the first place. I clenched my fists. “Then stop giving me reasons to use it.” Silence stretched between us. After a moment, Jayden exhaled, clearly done with the conversation. “I’ll have Liam take you home.” “I drove myself,” I replied. He didn’t answer. He simply turned and walked out, leaving me standing there. I stayed in the restroom for a few seconds, staring at the closed door. Then I fixed my dress, stepped out, and made my way to the parking lot. The cool night air felt like a relief after the stuffy ballroom. I unlocked my car, slid into the driver’s seat, and let out a long breath. Finally, some peace. No whispers. No pretending. No Jayden. I closed my eyes for just a second. Then something cold pressed against the back of my head. My body froze. A low, steady voice spoke behind me. “Don’t scream.”