Chapter 2
When I arrived home and stepped out of the car, I unexpectedly ran into Franklin and Della at the entrance, with Sean trailing behind them.
Sean was chatting animatedly while gesturing, Della was laughing so hard she bent over, and Franklin wore a fond smile.
The sound of the car door closing made them freeze, their smiles. instantly disappearing.
I noticed the crown on Della’s head and frowned.
”
A flicker of discomfort crossed Franklin’s face, and he quickly said, “Today is Della’s birthday. She didn’t have any nice jewelry, so I lent her this crown for the day.”
Della’s eyes twinkled as she smiled softly, her hands covering her lips.
“Thanks to Franklin for being so considerate. I didn’t have any fine jewelry, so he lent me this crown just in case.
“Chelsea, don’t worry, I’ll make sure to return it once the party is over.”
Their intertwined hands glistened in the sunlight, and it felt like needles were poking at my chest, each breath sharp with pain.
Since I got out of prison, Franklin has kept me away from any social events, both big and small, and he hasn’t appeared with me in public either.
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He claimed it was to shield me from the gossip.
I foolishly thought he genuinely cared for me, but now I realize it was more about not wanting to be seen with me, as a prisoner.
When I remained silent, Franklin carried on, “This crown would just collect dust if left with you. Why not give it to Della? She could use it to decorate her place.”
“Franklin, do you even realize what you’re saying?” I heard my voice
shake.
This crown was designed by a renowned jewelry designer for my wedding to Franklin.
It caused quite a stir and was featured in fashion magazines.
I wore it only once, on my wedding day, and have since kept it in a display case, carefully preserving it.
This crown represents the position of Mrs. Wagner.
He gave it to Della, so what does that make me, his legally married wife?
Noticing my displeasure, Franklin quickly shifted the topic, saying, “It’s just a piece of jewelry. Why make a fuss over it?
“Today is Della’s birthday party. You should come too.”
Sean also gently took my hand and said, “Mom, you should go. It’s been a while since we’ve gone out together.”
Images from the video I saw yesterday flashed in my mind.
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A cold feeling spread through me, but my gaze remained steady, almost lifeless.
“I am a prisoner, and if I go, your reputation will suffer.”
But Della, in contrast, lovingly held my arm.
“Chelsea, what you’re saying isn’t right. We’re still family, after all. Besides, you haven’t seen your dad since you got out.”
When she mentioned my father, I went quiet for a long while, before finally agreeing. Only then did Franklin and Sean seem relieved.
The driver brought Franklin’s private car, and he quickly opened the door for Della.
As I was about to get in, Della smiled and said, “Chelsea, my dress is too big. Why don’t you take another car?”
Franklin, sitting in the front seat, frowned. “Today is Della’s birthday party. The dress needs to be handled with extra care. I’ll call a car for
you.”
“No need.”
Before he could finish speaking, I left on my own.
Franklin appeared a bit confused, but Della’s voice soon interrupted, “Let’s go, Franklin. It’s getting late.”
His hesitation faded, and he turned to the driver, saying, “Let’s go.”
The car immediately sped off.
The Wagner family’s drivers were suddenly busy, and as the wife of a
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wealthy family, I couldn’t even manage to drive one of their cars.
I couldn’t hail a taxi in the suburban villa area, and with the sky darkening, I had no choice but to walk.
The rain poured heavily on the road, and by the time I arrived at the party, drenched, the event had already been underway for some time.
Franklin and Della stood together, both smiling widely, presenting the perfect image of a couple.
My father, standing nearby, smiled with approval.
The guests around us were showering compliments, praising them as a perfect match.
However, the security guard stopped me, my dress still dripping, looking like a drowned rat.
The scene I caused at the entrance startled my father.
He stormed over with a grim expression, scolding me harshly, “Who told you to come here?
“It’s your sister’s birthday. Don’t you feel embarrassed?
“A convict like you, I’d have killed myself if I were in your shoes. If you have any sense, you’d divorce him right away to let them be happy.
“I’ve already made it clear today that Della is my daughter. Why are you still holding on to Franklin?”
I shot back, “Dad, I am Franklin’s legal wife!
“She is just a struggling student supported by our family. How could
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she possibly be your daughter?”
A sharp slap landed across my face, the impact ringing in my ears.
In an instant, I became the center of attention at the party.
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