chapter 3
I replied, [Okay.]
Not long after, the banquet officially began.
Our family members and some of Zachary's friends also came.
A few cousins gathered around me, chatting with me.
My youngest cousin pointed at the person playing the piano in the corner and said with a smile, "Zachary is really thoughtful. He knows you like the piano and arranges live performances every year."
"I heard he always invites renowned pianists in the industry. They're young, beautiful, and skilled!"
Another cousin chimed in, "Jade, I remember you were amazing at playing the piano when you were little. Back then, Zachary always loved standing next to you, watching you play."
"Even though you've been married for so many years, you can't let this talent go to waste. Otherwise, if he ends up liking another pianist, you'll regret it too late."
A trace of bitterness rose in my heart.
The piano used to be my favorite.
But I can no longer play.
Five years ago, he and I went to inspect a construction site. Suddenly, a heavy object fell from above. I used all my strength to push him away, but my hand was severely crushed, resulting in a comminuted fracture.
Although it was later healed and looks normal on the outside, I can no longer perform actions requiring fine control.
I still remember five years ago, when I woke up in the hospital, the way he looked at me held no gratitude, only disgust.
He said, "Do you think throwing yourself to save me on purpose will make me go soft on you?"
"Im telling you, you owe Yvonne a life! No matter how many times you put on a show, I will never forgive you!"
After that, his attitude toward me became even worse.
He knew I couldn't play the piano, yet every year, at all the important events, he would invite a pianist to perform.
He was probably reminding me that I had lost my dream forever.
"If that's really the case, then it's a good thing," I whispered.
Him falling for someone else was a relief for me.
My cousins didn't take my words seriously and changed the subject with a laugh.
One of them teased, "Jade is so outstanding, one of the company's pillars, does she still need to use talent to please Mr. Stewart?"
I didn't respond. After they finished talking and dispersed, I walked to a corner alone, took a piece of cake, and ate it slowly.
Not far away, a girl brought by one of Zachary's friends stepped forward and invited him to dance.
He gladly agreed, wrapped his arm around her waist, and stepped onto the dance floor.
I didn't feel dissatisfied like before; instead, I looked down at my phone and booked a flight abroad for a week later.
My deal with Ryan was that he would help me invite Gavin, and I would work at his overseas headquarters for at least five years.
After leaving this time, I will never return.
Seeing the ticket information, I put down my phone.
At this moment, the dance music just ended, and I clapped along with the crowd.
Zachary's expression completely turned cold.
He left his female companion and strode toward me. "Jade, what game are you playing now? Clapping so sarcastically, is that fun?"
Sarcastic?
Before, when I desperately complained and resisted, he was unhappy.
Now that I'm silent and indifferent, he thinks I have bad intentions?
I said, "Didn't you tell me to mind my manners on important occasions?"
"I'm just doing what you said."
Hearing this, his face turned even darker.
In the end, he said nothing.
After the banquet, all the guests left.
He had the bodyguards throw me out too.
He said, "Tonight, I don't want to see you."
I casually booked a hotel.
Ive long gotten used to his torment.
Even on my birthday, when I bought a cake to celebrate, he would smash it himself, then drag me to Yvonne's hospital room, forcing me to look at her pale, frail face.
He said, "Watching Yvonne suffer, can you still eat? Do you deserve to celebrate your birthday?"
I took a cab to the hotel and stayed for three days.
Three days later, I went to the hospital as Yvonne's family member to sign the surgery consent form.