Chapter 5
Emilia’s voice suddenly cut off.
Kelly staggered forward, her steps unsteady. She snatched her phone back and ended the call.
Hugh stared at her, stunned, not getting why she was so shaken. “What’s going on?”
When she saw the confusion on his face, Kelly realized he hadn’t heard everything Emilia had said. She let out a breath of relief and looked away, doing her best to keep her voice steady.
“It’s nothing. I just don’t want you two arguing over me.”
Lately, the Johnstons had been making a scene about Hugh being with Kelly, doing everything they could to tear the two apart. Hugh had gotten into more than one fight with them.
After hearing her explanation, he didn’t push her further and instead asked about her medical exam results.
“The doctor said it’s nothing serious. I can leave the hospital,” Kelly answered.
Once they were home, Hugh barely left her side. He stuck around, but she wasn’t the same.
She wasn’t as lively or full of energy as before. Most of the time, she just sat off to the side, staring into space, looking exhausted and out of it.
Unsure of what was going on, Hugh tried to comfort her by pulling her into his arms, but she pulled away and headed to the bedroom.
“I’m not feeling well. I’ll rest for a bit,” Kelly said.
Hugh was taken aback, watching her walk off. He thought she was still upset about the time he made her apologize to Natalie, so he had Ben set up a surprise for her.
Hugh threw Kelly a birthday party. Given his status, most people from their circle came.
They were polite enough to Kelly while he was around, but they huddled together the moment he stepped away, gossiping like there was no tomorrow.
“I wouldn’t be caught dead at the housekeeper’s daughter’s birthday party if it weren’t for Mr. Johnston. This is just embarrassing!”
“I don’t get what Mr. Johnston sees in her. She looks so cheap and tacky. She practically screams poverty!”
“Well, at least he’s loyal. If it were me, I’d throw some cash and send her on her way. It’d be a total embarrassment for the Johnstons if he actually married her!”
Even though it was her birthday, Kelly was left all alone, completely ignored. Surrounded by their open insults and snide comments, she felt completely drained.
She wouldn’t have come if she hadn’t been so worried about Hugh noticing something was off. The way everyone deliberately shut her out made every second there feel unbearable.
At 7:00 pm, a noticeable shift swept through the banquet hall. All eyes turned to the entrance. The disdain that had been so obvious moments ago disappeared, replaced by smiles dripping with insincerity.
Word spread fast in their circle. Everyone knew that Hugh had just gotten into a fight over Natalie, which made it pretty obvious how much he still cared for her. People wasted no time in trying to flatter her.
“Mr. Johnston! So that’s why you left earlier. You went to pick up Ms. Ashworth, huh? It’s clear you two still share a special bond after all this time!”
“Exactly! Childhood sweethearts, without a doubt. Just look at how graceful Ms. Ashworth is and how handsome Mr. Johnston is. They’re practically made for each other.”
As the speculation swirled around her, Kelly’s gaze fixed on Natalie and Hugh, their arms linked as they made their grand entrance—and suddenly, everything clicked.
Natalie stepped in wearing a jaw-dropping couture gown that fit her like a glove, a dazzling diamond necklace catching every bit of light. Her delicate, graceful features gave off an effortless elegance. She radiated wealth and privilege.
She never faded into the background even beside Hugh, who naturally drew attention. She held her own with ease.
Suddenly, Kelly remembered the faceless sketch Hugh had drawn after he regained sight. He’d brushed it off, claiming he was just doodling out of boredom.
At the time, Kelly had thought it was beautiful but hadn’t really given it much thought. It wasn’t until now, seeing Natalie, that she realized that the sketch hadn’t been just some random drawing.
Hugh hadn’t just reconnected with Natalie after losing touch. The truth was, he had never really let her go.
Kelly looked down and quietly turned away, but Natalie’s voice stopped her.
“Ms. Kessler, I heard it’s your birthday today. I hope you don’t mind me showing up uninvited. I even brought something for you!”
She waved her hand, and someone came forward, leading a snow-white puppy on a leash.
“This is Kelsey. Isn’t she the cutest?”
As the puppy bounced toward Kelly, she stepped back in fear, knocking into a table. Her face drained of color, and her eyes widened in alarm.
“Please, get it away from me. I don’t like dogs.”
