Chapter 5

Jane's POV

Gabriel's birthday party was set at the city's most elite private club.

Inside the private room, the lighting was dim and the music deafening.

When Tristan pushed open the door holding my hand, the originally noisy room instantly fell silent for a second.

Everyone's eyes turned to me in unison.

In those gazes were sympathy, pity, and also schadenfreude at watching the drama unfold.

I knew very well that in this circle, the news of Tristan and Sarah's marriage probably hadn't been a secret for a long time.

Only I, like a fool, was being deceived.

"You're here! Quick, sit, sit!"

Gabriel was the first to react, breaking the awkward silence with a dry laugh.

Tristan pulled me to sit in the center of the sofa and casually poured me a glass of warm water.

"She has a sensitive stomach and can't drink alcohol."

He said to everyone, playing the part of an attentive good husband.

A chorus of hollow agreement immediately rose around us.

"You're so good to her."

"Yeah, the wedding is next month. Congratulations in advance on your marriage."

Listening to these insincere blessings, I only felt my stomach churning.

I picked up the water glass, hiding the cold smile at the corners of my mouth.

Tristan was pulled aside by a few friends to drink, while I sat alone in the corner, clearly out of place.

Gabriel came over with a drink.

"Tristan... he's been pretty busy lately, hasn't he?"

I turned to look at him.

"Quite busy. Busy with company matters, and busy taking care of other people."

Gabriel's face stiffened. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back.

"Actually, you're the one Tristan loves most in his heart. We've all witnessed your relationship over these five years. Being in his position, sometimes he's forced by family interests to do things beyond his control... Some things, don't take too much to heart."

I laughed.

"Gabriel, what exactly shouldn't I take to heart?"

Gabriel gave an awkward laugh and quickly found an excuse to escape.

I withdrew my gaze, looking at Tristan in the distance, laughing and chatting with others.

He was wearing the shirt I'd personally ironed, the tie clip I'd bought him, but his heart had long since flown to someone else.

Just then, the door to the private room was suddenly pushed open from outside.

A woman in a white dress stood at the entrance, her face pale, swaying unsteadily.

It was Sarah.

The air in the private room instantly froze.

Everyone instinctively looked at Tristan, then at me.

The smile on Tristan's face abruptly stiffened.

He stood up almost instinctively and strode toward the door.

"How did you get here? Didn't I tell you to rest properly at the hospital?"

His tone was full of reproach.

Sarah looked at him with reddened eyes, aggrieved.

"I was scared alone at the hospital, and you wouldn't answer when I called..."

As she spoke, her body went limp, falling straight toward Tristan.

Tristan caught her in one swift motion and lifted her horizontally into his arms.

He turned his head and looked at me sitting in the corner, his eyes somewhat evasive.

"Jane, Sarah isn't feeling well. I'm taking her back to the hospital first. Have the driver take you home later."

No explanation. No hesitation.

The moment Sarah appeared, he abandoned me without mercy.

The private room was silent as death.

Everyone was watching me.

I slowly stood up and smoothed the wrinkles in my skirt.

I didn't look at Tristan or Sarah. I just picked up my bag.

"No need. I'll take a cab home myself."

My voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

Tristan looked at my face, seeming to want to say something, but Sarah in his arms let out a pained moan.

"Tristan, it hurts so much..."

Tristan's attention was instantly pulled back. He tightened his arms and quickly left the private room carrying Sarah.

I watched their backs disappear outside the door, the corners of my mouth curling into a mocking arc.

I turned around and nodded slightly to everyone in the room with their various expressions.

"Enjoy yourselves. I'm leaving first."

Walking out of the private club, the night wind outside carried a hint of coolness.

I took out my phone and glanced at the calendar.

Fifteen days until the visa came through.

Tristan, between us, there were only fifteen days left.