Ariel’s frown was almost imperceptible as she nced at Jayson.

    Inside, she felt a flicker of surprise. But more than that, a strange sense of unease. It had been so long

    since Jaysonst wore his wedding ring that she couldn’t even remember when he had stopped.

    In the past, Ariel had been the only one wearing that symbol of their marriage. She’d clung to bit/b, thinking

    that by wearing the ring she could somehow uphold the illusion of a happy rtionship.

    Back then, she assumed Jayson had stopped wearing it because they were both working at Bluum Corp. Wearing matching rings designed by one of Fiorvell’s most renowned jewelers would have made their

    rtionship far too obvious. So she never questioned him about it.

    On second thought, perhaps Jayson hadn’t been trying to hide their rtionship at all. Maybe he had

    simply never wanted to wear it. After all, Betty had often reminded him to put it on, even telling him it

    was fine if he only wore it at home. Yet, he never did.

    It became clear over time–he simply didn’t want to.

    Eventually, Ariel came to believe he had discarded it altogether.

    At least that was what she’d believed for a very long time.

    It was only after seeing the ring again that everything became clear to her. Jayson had chosen to wear it tonight to silence the rumors swirling around them.

    Many people in the room had noticed the ring too, especially since he made no effort to conceal it. Their

    reactions ranged from shock to intrigue.

    Jayson, the head of Bluum Corp, was well–known among the guests. A man of his influence had no reason to put on a charade if the rumors were true.

    Cecilia reached that conclusion as well, and the smile on her face faltered slightly. 2

    Someone couldn’t help asking, “You hardly ever attend these events, Mr. Larkin. But today…”

    Jayson ignored the skeptical looks around him as he stepped closer to Ariel.

    “Something ridiculous happened today,” he said evenly, “and I was worried it might ruin my wife’s mood. I pushed back my work toe and apany her. I didn’t want her to feel troubled or upset because of others‘ pointed remarks.”

    His response was calm, measured. Yet to the people listening, his words carried different meanings.

    Those who had been on the fence remained unfazed, while those who had been whispering about Ariel earlier now wore stiff, uneasy expressions.

    It was obvious that Jayson was there to deny the rumors.

    Ariel pressed her lips together. A strange feeling stirred within her. His actions tonight weren’t just quashing gossip; they were also reinforcing their public image as a loving married couple. (1)

    Jayson could have simply responded by stating that the article’s content was fake. He could even leverage the public’s angry response to the news to bring up the issues surrounding their divorce with

    Betty.

    Betty might evene to realize that their marriage had been a mistake, and gradually she would be

    able to ept their decision to get a divorce.

    Ariel knew from years of PR work that online scandals rarelysted long. If sheid low, the controversy

    would eventually fade.

    As the so–called victim, Jayson could have put an end to the spection with a single public

    rification. Instead, he had chosen to show up in person, making an unspoken statement and warning those who had been gossiping.

    “I see,” one of the guests remarked with a knowing chuckle. “The two of you have such a close

    rtionship. Even with Mr. Larkin’s busy schedule, he made time to attend this event with Ms. Walker.” 2

    The others quickly realized what was happening. One of them chimed in, “Some people just can’t stand

    seeing others happy. They try to ruin reputations with baseless usations, thinking someone like Mr.

    Larkin would actually fall for their schemes. They clearly weren’t thinking at all.”

    Their words reminded the crowd of an obvious fact. With Jayson’s status, could anyone truly believe he’d

    been forced into marriage?

    Even if he had to resort to less–than–honorable methods, Jayson was not a man to be coerced. Anyone

    foolish enough to try would pay dearly for it.

    And with tonight’s charity event bound to be covered by the press, it was clear Jayson’s presence wasn’t just about keeping Arielpany.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!