6
I ran into Jackson at a business event.
I was on the terrace when he approached,
offering polite small talk.
I was distracted until he sighed, gazing at the
distant mountains. He hesitated before
asking, “Willow, how have you been abroad?”
I looked at him, amused. “Jackson, you’re
married. Is this an appropriate conversation,
with your ex–fiancée?”
Will your ca–lianco :
My tone was sharp, but he laughed, unfazed.
“Just friendly chat. You’re too sensitive,
Willow.”
I subtly mocked, “Sorry, but you do have a
history, don’t you?”
He paused, not angry, just amused. He
sighed, “I’m just tired.”
We both knew why. Lily had become the joke
of our social circle.
I didn’t respond, simply raised my glass and
left, giving him a polite smile. “But she’s the
one you chose.”
Our next encounter was at Jackson’s
mother’s birthday party.
She frequently called me after I returned. Our
families had a strained relationship, but we
still had business dealings, and she had
always been kind to me.
I could mock Jackson but couldn’t ignore her.
She called
“Willow it’s my birthday nex
neut
Г
Wednesday. Can you come? You haven’t
contacted me in seven years.”
I couldn’t refuse. I chose a gift.
At the party, I realized something was wrong.
It was small, only close family.
My presence was odd.
Jackson’s mother was delighted to see me.
She had me sit next to her.
I hesitated, but sat down. I didn’t see Lily.
Jackson’s mother held my hand, her eyes
welling up. “I watched you grow up, you’re so
beautiful and successful.”
Everyone agreed. She reminisced, “I first saw
her when she was five. Her parents moved
next door. She was in a pink dress, so sweet,
offering gifts to her new neighbors. I wished i
had a daughter.
“”
I remained silent, smiling at the appropriate
moments.
Jackson and Lily arrived during dinner.
<
Jackson nodded at me; Lily’s face went white
again.
She greeted Jackson’s mother weakly, “Mom,
happy birthday.”
Jackson’s mother ignored her, her face cold.
She pulled my hand, “Come sit with me,
dear.”
Even I could sense the tension. The food was
my favorite, reminding Jackson’s mother of
- me.
“Try this bird’s nest soup, your favorite.
Jackson would use this to cheer you up when
he angered you.”
وو
“The cook, Aunt Juan, prepared this for you
five days in advance. See if it tastes the
same.”
“Crash!” Lily knocked over her plate.
A servant went to clean it, but Lily refused,
grabbing napkins, apologizing frantically. “I’m
sorry!”
<
Jackson pulled her up. “Enough, look at
yourself.”
He told the servant, “Miss Ling, clean it up.”
Jackson’s mother was furious,
“Embarrassing! It’s okay since it’s family.”
She looked at me, “Look at this!”
وو
She was clearly upset, “If Jackson had
married you, this wouldn’t have happened.”
She clutched her chest, “Willow, Willow…you
loved Jackson. He hurt you. But it’s all in the
past, can you forgive him?”
The room was silent. Everyone looked at me,
even Jackson. He was calmly watching,
awaiting my response.
Lily ran out, crying, but no one followed.
I calmly put down my chopsticks and smiled,
“Thank you for inviting me. You were always
kind to me. Even after Jackson hurt me, I
never forgot your kindness. It’s your birthday,
and I should make you happy, but your
question is difficult to answer.”
I paused, smiling gracefully. “I’m sorry, I’m
getting engaged. I want you to be there.”
Silence. Jackson’s mother was shocked. “Why
didn’t you say anything?” “Who is he?”
I looked down. “Ethan Stone, the eldest son
of the Stone family.”
I heard gasps. Jackson’s aunt intervened, “A
perfect match! Willow is fortunate.”
I smiled. Jackson looked at me, his
expression complex. After a while, he smiled
wryly, “Congratulations.”
I nodded elegantly, “Thank you.‘
