But when Jessica mentioned it would be her first event since returning to the country, I couldn’t get the image of her and Scott standing together out of my head. They were so perfect—beautiful, poised, flawless. The thought of them together felt unbearable.
Scott stared at me for what felt like an eternity, his lips twitching like he wanted to argue.
But finally, he nodded. “Alright. If Nadia wants to go, then we’ll go.”
I noticed Jessica froze for just a moment before resuming her movements. But I couldn’t waste time worrying about her.
After Grandpa passed, Scott was the only person left in my world.
I couldn’t lose him.
...
When we arrived at the event hall, the room briefly fell silent.
Scott led me to a quiet lounge area, handing me a small plate with a delicate slice of cake. His expression softened as he smiled.
“Be good, Nadia,” he said gently. "I'm going to meet some people. Please stay close and don't wander off. I'll come back soon."
As soon as Scott left, a group of women approached me, Jessica at the center of them. My chest tightened as panic started to creep in, and I darted my eyes around the room, desperate for an escape.
One of the women crossed her arms, glaring at me with pure disdain.
“What are you looking around for? Do you even know what you’re seeing?” she sneered. “Honestly, I have no idea what Scott was thinking, bringing you here. People like you belong in a mental hospital. What if you lose it and start attacking someone?”
Her words hit me like a slap across the face. My hands instinctively clutched the hem of my dress, as if it could shield me from their cruel remarks.
"I… I’m not mentally ill," I stammered, my voice trembling. "Grandpa always said I’m just not smart, not sick. What are you doing right now? Are you trying to bully me?"
That only made them laugh louder, their mockery echoing in the room.
“Not smart? So you're just saying she’s a fool in a nicer way?” one woman mocked.
“Guess the gossip was spot on,” another interjected, smirking. “Scott’s wife really is stupid!”
“Look at her! She’s about to cry. This is hilarious!”
A chorus of laughter erupted, sharp and cruel, cutting through the elegant ambiance of the event hall.
Another woman stepped forward, looping her arm around Jessica’s like they were some sort of united front.