Chapter 2

The Valentine family threw a grand party to celebrate Wesley's recovery. Mabel arrived early at the hotel to help Pearl with preparations. On the balcony, the two women faced each other with unreadable expressions. After a long silence, Pearl sighed deeply. "Mabel, are you really going through with the divorce? "You cared for Wes tirelessly for three years. Now that his legs have healed, he'll surely remember your kindness. You should build a proper life together." "Anais is coming back." That single sentence changed Pearl's expression—shock gave way to concern, then resignation. "Alright. I respect your decision," Pearl finally conceded. A cold realization settled in Mabel's chest. The woman who'd just tried to persuade her to stay had retreated at the mere mention of Anais' name. It seemed everyone knew how important Anais was to Wesley. No matter how devotedly Mabel had cared for Wesley these years, she could never compare to Anais in his heart. To him, she was nothing but a nurse. "Mabel," Pearl continued gently, "what will you do after the divorce? You've been alone since your mother passed. "After three years of caring for Wes, I've come to see you as my own daughter. If you need anything—anything at all—ask me without hesitation." Mabel's eyes stung at this rare maternal warmth. Pearl was right. Three years ago, she'd accepted the five million dollars, believing it would save her mother. But within months, her mother's condition worsened. Though her mother was gone, Mabel honored her agreement and stayed with the Valentines. Now, it was time to choose her own path. After a pause, Mabel said, "Pearl, I'd like to pursue a PhD abroad. I was a medical student before all this—it's time I returned to that." "Consider it done. I'll arrange everything," Pearl assured. Grateful, Mabel added, "As for the divorce... I'll speak to Wes myself. There's no need to trouble you." Pearl nodded, her gaze tinged with pity as she looked at Mabel. She knew the moment Anais returned and Mabel mentioned divorce, her son would agree without a second thought. No intervention was needed. What a shame, she thought. Mabel was such a remarkable young woman, yet destined to never truly belong in the Valentine family. The house was filled with guests when Pearl took Mabel to help receive them. The party was about to begin, but Wesley, the guest of honor, still hadn't appeared. Pearl waved over her daughter, Alora Valentine. "Lora, I asked you to pick up your brother. Where is he?" Alora smiled mysteriously. "Don't worry, Mom. He'll be here soon, and he's bringing a surprise you'll love!" With that, Alora shot Mabel a challenging look and whispered in her ear. "Your days are numbered, country bumpkin." Alora had always despised Mabel, convinced she'd schemed her way into Wesley's life for money. Over the years, she'd never missed an opportunity to bully Mabel, both openly and in subtle ways. Just then, the ballroom doors swung open. Wesley appeared in a tailored black tuxedo, escorting Anais, who was wearing a deep burgundy evening gown. Arm in arm, they shared a tender smile as they made their entrance. "Is that Anais Boyer? Mr. Valentine's first love?" someone in the crowd murmured. "Who else could it be? Have you ever seen Mr. Valentine look at anyone else that way?" "How devoted! He wrecked his legs racing to stop her wedding years ago, and now the moment he recovers, he brings her back." "Exactly. Though it's too bad some people cling to the Valentines like parasites, still blind to reality." The whispers swirled as mocking glances turned toward Mabel. Alora giggled maliciously. "Well, country mouse? Are you stunned by how beautiful Anais is?" She continued, "Now you understand that being someone's devoted servant doesn't earn their heart. With Anais back, why don't you pack your rags and crawl back to whatever gutter you came from?" Standing in the spotlight, Mabel felt every stare pierce her like knives. Yes, she truly didn't belong here. She'd only ever been the help to them all, someone invisible and disposable. She was never truly seen nor respected. She should have left long ago.