Her family

Jasper sat rigidly in his chair, his knuckles white as he gripped the armrests. The initial shock of seeing Elisabeth slowly gave way to a churning sea of emotions. With great effort, he managed to school his features into a mask of calm, even as his insides roiled with turmoil.

As he watched, his keen eyes picked up on details he'd missed in his initial shock. Standing beside Elisabeth was a tall, distinguished-looking man with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His arm was casually linked with Elisabeth's, the gesture speaking of long familiarity. And next to them, a boy in his mid-teens, with features that echoed both Elisabeth and the man. The boy's eyes darted around the room with barely concealed excitement, taking in the grandeur of the ball.

Jasper's heart clenched painfully. A husband. A son. Elisabeth had built a new life and a new family.

Had she ever thought of him? Had she ever regretted leaving him behind? Surely, there were stupid questions and Jasper knew that clearly.

He watched as the trio made their way across the ballroom to where Theodore stood.

His adoptive father greeted them warmly, shaking hands with the man and exchanging pleasantries with Elisabeth. The ease of their interaction suggested a long-standing acquaintance.

For a brief moment, Theodore's eyes flicked towards Jasper.

Jasper didn't miss this glance, and it only added to his confusion. Does his father know about his past childhood, He couldn't deny the possibility. Although he never really talked about them, his adoptive father might know.

As Elisabeth and her family moved on to mingle with other guests, Jasper's gaze remained fixed on them. He observed the way Elisabeth laughed at someone's joke, the gentle way she guided her son through the crowd, and the loving glances she exchanged with her husband. Each gesture was like a knife twisting in his gut.

The boy, Jasper realized with a start, seemed to be about fifteen or sixteen.

Elisabeth must have had him not long after... Jasper's mind shied away from completing the thought. Not long after abandoning me, he forced himself to acknowledge.

A wave of nausea washed over him, quickly followed by a surge of white-hot anger. How dare she? How dare she show up here, flaunting her perfect new family?

Seeing her smile and being with a husband, and son made Jasper even more pissed. Jasper grimaced. If she wasn't satisfied with her marriage, she shouldn't have had children.

Jasper's mind raced with questions.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he barely noticed Aurelia approaching until she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Jasper, darling," she said softly, concern evident in her voice, "are you alright? You look pale."

Jasper looked up at his mum, struggling to find words. How could he explain the storm of emotions raging within him? How could he tell her that the woman who had abandoned him as a child was now here, in this very room?