During Joaquin’s disastrous birthday celebration, he had mocked Joaquin enough. Now, his own birthday party had yet to begin, and what were Genevieve and her daughter Ivy up to, looking disheveled and covered in dirt?
“Are you alright?”
Paul was about to help Genevieve up when Kimberly abruptly grabbed his hand.
“She has a husband, why are you concerned?”
she said, pulling Paul away.
Although there weren’t many stairs, Genevieve was bruised in several places, especially her arms which were covered in purple bruises. She had never imagined that Magnus would push her aside to help another woman.
She didn’t answer Oswaldo’s question and sat on the ground, waiting for Magnus to help her up, thinking her fall might not be such a bad thing after all. It could make him feel guilty and thus show her some pity.
She had imagined it perfectly, but in reality, Magnus just came up to her side, looking impatient rather than caring as before, and asked, “Are you hurt?”
Such cold and distant words, not even suitable for a stranger.
“Look at my hand.”
Genevieve cursed the other woman a thousand times in her mind, but outwardly she restrained herself, knowing this was her last chance.
“Zach, take your mother to the hospital to get checked out,” Magnus said coldly.
Even Oswaldo realized something was wrong. His son would not normally treat a woman so coldly, or else his previous attempts to intervene would not have failed.
“I’m fine, today is dad’s birthday, how could I miss it? Dad, this is the tea I bought especially for you.”
Genevieve, disheveled and limping, handed the gift box to Oswaldo.
Her left cheek was scraped with a large patch of dirt, her dress a mess, looking quite pitiful yet wretched.
“Suit yourself, Dad, let’s go inside, the guests have been waiting,” Magnus said indifferently with a glance at her.
Oswaldo looked at them both and left with Magnus without a word, leaving Genevieve to hand the tea to an assistant.
Aurora, who was not far away, witnessed the scene without any pleasure, only feeling that Genevieve had brought it upon herself.
“Let’s go in too,” Aurora said lightly.
“Alright.”
Julian took her hand and they walked past Genevieve and the others, with Genevieve’s pitiful state fully in her view.
Zachary looked at Genevieve’s face, his heart aching, “Mom, I should still take you to the hospital to check on your hand, it’s bruised.”
“No, I can’t leave!”
Genevieve thought of the woman’s appearance, a mix of unease and fear spreading in her heart.
What if Magnus changed his mind and came back to her? After twenty years by Magnus’ side, she couldn’t just lose to a woman who had passed away!
“Mom, what exactly are you worried about?”
Ivy patted the dust off herself.
“Do you know who that woman standing next to dad was?”
“Who was she?”
Both shook their heads.
“I don’t know her identity yet, all I know is she looks exactly like Aurora’s mother!”
Genevieve mentioned Aurora’s name through gritted teeth.
“What? Aurora’s mom? But didn’t she die a long time ago? How could she possibly come back to life?”
Both were skeptical.
“So I’m also not sure who she is, but whatever her identity, she poses a great threat to me. You saw how dad pushed me aside for her. If I leave, who knows what they might do,” Genevieve said, her heart filled with tension.
“This… Things are becoming increasingly unfavorable for us, Mom. Maybe you should go and touch up your makeup first,” Ivy said as she helped her to the restroom.
Kimberly, who had already left, still looked unsatisfied.
“What’s your relationship with that bitch? You rushed over there so eagerly just now.”
She despised mistresses the most. In her eyes, Genevieve was nothing but a homewrecker.
Over the years, she had ignored Genevieve. Paul’s immediate response to rush over only added to her suspicion.
Paul felt a chill down his spine but still managed a smile, “She’s just my cousin by marriage. I just saw someone fall down the stairs and rushed to help fearing someone got hurt. I really didn’t think much about it.”
“It better be just that. If I find out there’s anything between you two, I won’t let you off,” Kimberly snorted coldly.
Paul repeatedly affirmed, knowing that if Kimberly found out about his and Genevieve’s connection, it would be disastrous.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you know you’re the one I love the most.”
“Hmph.”
Aurora walked beside Julian, also asking, “Julian, did you see what happened just now? How could Genevieve suddenly fall down the stairs?”
“I wasn’t paying attention. Maybe she angered your father. I think Mr. Montgomery is completely out of affection for her now. If a man only has disgust left in his eyes for a woman, it means he utterly detests her.”
“He still doesn’t know about the things Genevieve did before. If he knew, he’d probably be even angrier. The paternity test results are out, and after Grandpa’s birthday, I’ll be able to reveal everything,” Aurora thought with glee.
“Good, look at you, happy as a child. Aurora, I’m going to the restroom, go on in first,” Julian said tenderly as he playfully touched her nose.
“Okay.”
Aurora was unaware of the big surprise Julian had prepared for her.
She slowly entered the hall, where soothing light music played. The hall was beautifully and romantically decorated.
It was all covered in tulle, flowers, and cakes, almost like a wedding venue. This was all Julian’s doing.
Aurora, breathing in the floral scent, hadn’t expected Julian to be so romantic.
It was like the wedding of her dreams. She wore a flowing white dress, elegant and pure, capturing everyone’s attention as she entered.
Susan also came in, arm in arm with Hayden. As soon as they entered, they spotted Aurora standing beside the flowers.
It was unclear what she was thinking, but a slight smile curved her lips, and her cheeks were faintly flushed, captivating those around her.
Seeing Hayden almost lost in Aurora’s charm, Susan pinched his arm hard to bring him back to reality.
“What, aren’t you going to say hello to your old flame?”
Susan snorted coldly.
Hayden rolled his eyes at her and was about to leave, but Susan let go of his arm and headed straight for Aurora.
“Aurora, there you are, good, I don’t need to go looking for you. Here is the invitation to mine and Hayden’s wedding. We’re getting married tomorrow. You must come,” Susan handed her a bright red invitation.