He was so gentle that Callie felt a bit regretful for thinking about someone she shouldn’t have. She forced a smile, “I didn’t embarrass you, did I?”
Nelson smiled, “No, when did you learn to play the piano?”
“In college,” Callie thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth.
She felt his hand pause as he held hers.
“You play well.”
Tonight, everyone finally understood how absurd the rumors were. Seeing Nelson and Callie so sweet together, how could they possibly be getting a divorce?
Callie stopped, “I’m a bit tired.”
Seeing that she indeed looked unwell, Nelson picked her up and carried her to the lounge where there were fewer people. “I still have some matters to discuss. You rest here, and we’ll go home together later.”
Callie nodded, “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you.”
Nelson kissed her forehead.
Then he strode back into the world of power and money.
People were socializing everywhere, with transactions happening over clinking glasses.
Callie sat properly in the lounge, surrounded only by waiters carrying food and drinks.
Everyone had just seen Callie outshine Iyana and regain her dignity, earning their admiration. A waiter passing by bent down and asked, “Mrs. Oconnor, would you like something to drink?”
Feeling a bit thirsty, Callie thought for a moment, “Orange juice, please. Thank you.”
The waiter nodded and was about to hand her the orange juice when a fair hand took it first and handed it to Callie.
Callie looked up in surprise and saw a familiar face, “Marilyn?”
Marilyn stood before her in a white wedding dress, her posture arrogant.
Sensing the tension, the waiter quickly left.
Holding the orange juice, Marilyn said, “Mrs. Oconnor, you really stole the show at my wedding.”
Marilyn had witnessed Callie’s poise and grace throughout the evening-qualities she could never match. Even Ahmad and Sienna had shown admiration, which made Marilyn seethe with jealousy.
If Callie returned to the Ellison family, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Callie pulled her shawl tighter warily, “What do you want?”
“What can I do? You’re so capable; there’s nothing I can do.” Marilyn sat beside Callie with a sarcastic tone, “And I’ve realized that I have no chance with Nelson.”
Callie didn’t bother to play along, “It’s good that you know.”
“But just because I have no chance doesn’t mean others don’t. You better secure your position as Mrs. Oconnor! Don’t fall off!”
Callie seemed disinterested in responding but clenched her fingers tightly.
“Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about your own marriage. But then again, with Jaquan’s parents gone, you don’t have to deal with in-laws. Can you handle all the women around him?” Callie smiled.
“They say he loves you. If he truly loved you, why would there be so many rumors about him with other women during this time?”
Her words hit home. Marilyn gripped her wine glass tightly. Jaquan did have many women around him. The fact that Iyana targeted Callie today instead of her showed that even Iyana knew who Jaquan truly cared about.
“That’s none of your concern.”
Callie took the orange juice from her hand and quickly replied, “My affairs don’t need your concern either.”
Marilyn smirked as she lifted her dress, “From now on, I’ll be Mrs. Scott. Mrs. Oconnor, we’ll be seeing each other often. Please take care.”