The Ex-Wife's Comeback!

Chapter 5

CARA

Throughout the event, my smile faltered as I scanned the crowded ballroom. The music and laughter suffocated me, and it felt as if every eye was on me, judging me.

I couldn't shake the feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. The contract marriage with Jayden's uncle—it all felt like a house of cards, waiting to collapse.

My heart raced as I stared at Nicklaus, wondering what he’d do when he realized he was the uncle of the man I intended to divorce. Thinking about his reaction made my skin crawl. I felt trapped, like I’d sold myself into unending torture.

“What have I gotten myself into?” I thought, but as the night wore on, the unease only intensified. I couldn't laugh, couldn't dance, couldn't breathe. All I wanted was to escape.

“What if I decide to turn down the offer of becoming your contract wife?” I whispered close to Nicklaus. He furrowed his brow, his face laced with confusion.

“You’re already my contract wife, what are you saying?” he asked. I smiled awkwardly, shaking my head.

“I just wanted to know if there’s a possibility I’d be able to back out,” I responded, hearing him chuckle dryly.

“Are you kidding me? Of course you can’t! You had the chance to back out before this. Right now, you’re involved in my life—the world knows you now, Cara. You can’t just back out,” he said, and I sighed, noticing the frustration in his voice.

Still, beneath that stern tone, I could feel something else—a tension that wasn’t anger. It was almost like he cared… too much.

Seeing how tense we had become, I knew I could no longer continue with the conversation. “Ha! I was just kidding,” I said with an awkward laugh, but he didn’t react.

He moved his gaze away from me and back to the presenter performing a song. I was definitely asking a lame question. How could I pull out now when we’re already out in the open? The whole world sees me as his wife; I wouldn’t be able to.

If only I had been careful. I should have done my research about him, but no—I had blatantly accepted to be his contract wife, and now I was regretting it.

I leaned in close to Nicklaus, my voice barely audible over the music. "Excuse me," I whispered, scanning the crowded ballroom.

He raised an eyebrow but nodded politely. "Is everything alright?" he asked with concern.

That was the first time his voice didn’t sound commanding—it was low, smooth, and gentle.

I forced a smile. "Yes, I just need to... ease myself,” I stammered.

“Use the bathroom,” he instructed, his eyes darting toward the restroom.

I nodded and made my way through the crowd, relieved as I pushed open the bathroom door. I stood before the mirror, staring at my pale reflection. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair.

How could I possibly tell him that the man I wanted to divorce was his nephew? I was at the end of my road, with no way out.

My only way out might be my parents. Hesitating for a moment, I reluctantly reached for my phone and hurriedly dialed their number.

I waited as the phone rang, hoping they’d pick up. “Please… pick up,” I mumbled, but despite repeated attempts, neither my mother nor father answered; every call went to voicemail.

Tears streamed down my face. I turned on the faucet, letting cool water flow over my wrists as I cried. The sound of running water muffled my sobs, allowing me to release the pain.

After a few moments, I took a deep breath, washed away my tears, and dried my eyes with a towel, careful not to ruin my makeup. Feeling sorry for myself wouldn’t change anything; I could only endure the repercussions of my negligence.

Taking one final look at myself in the mirror, I walked back toward the ballroom.

I was almost there when I saw Jayden standing against the wall, as if waiting for someone. My breath hitched. My mind reeled as I struggled to process why he was here.

Anger surged, but I sighed, trying to control myself. I quietly walked past him, ignoring him completely, recalling everything he had done to me.

But Jayden was quick. He rushed toward me, grabbing my arm, his fingers wrapping tightly around my wrist. I was startled and afraid as he spun me back to face him.

"What are you doing?" I hissed, trying to pull free. But his grip tightened, eyes blazing.

"We need to talk," he growled.

"Talk? You still have the nerve? I owe you nothing!" I yelled, trying to walk away. But he pulled me back roughly, fingers digging into my arm.

"Ouch! You're crazy!" I winced, still pushing him away.

Jayden's face twisted into a snarl. "You're a slut, aren't you? Shamelessly following my uncle just to get back at me. Are you really that stupid?" he sneered.

"That's not true. I didn't know he was your uncle. I had no idea," I replied, but Jayden wasn’t listening.

"You think you're clever, right? Just you wait. I'll make you pay!" he half-yelled. I sighed tiredly. Talking to Jayden was a waste of time—he did whatever he pleased.

"Do whatever you want, Jayden. Just don't create a scene," I retorted.

"You're a social climber, a good-for-nothing woman trying to use someone to get ahead," he spat. That was the last insult I could take.

"You fool!" I yelled, slapping his face. The sound echoed through the hallway, and his eyes widened in shock. This was the first time I had hit him. I had been too blind to stand up before—but not anymore.

Jayden's face twisted in fury. "Did you just slap me?" he growled menacingly.

“Yes! And I’ll slap you again if you ever repeat the rubbish you just said!” I threatened.

“Oh! Now she got the nerve,” he said, taking a step closer, hand raised.

But as he was about to strike, a deep, authoritative voice cut through the tension.

"What's going on here?"

Jayden froze, hand mid-air. His head snapped toward the figure stepping into view—and his eyes widened in pure alarm.

Nicklaus.