Chapter 2

Since Jessica's return, Martha's animosity towards me had become increasingly evident. She disregarded Scott's previous outburst and fixed me with an icy, contemptuous gaze.

"Just look at her!" Martha hissed. "This foolish woman has the audacity to give me attitude!"

She continued her tirade, "Am I not allowed to comment on her anymore? Her very appearance irritates me!"

Her words struck me deeply, causing a sharp pain in my chest. I hadn't shown any disrespect. It seemed my mere presence at the table was enough to sour the mood. Wanting to avoid further conflict, I silently moved to the couch.

Scott, true to form, ignored his mother's harsh comments. He followed me, kneeling before me and meeting my eyes.

"Nadia, are you alright?" he inquired softly. "If you're not hungry, don't force yourself. I'll have the maid bring you some sweets later. Is something troubling you?"

I kept my eyes downcast, refusing to meet his gaze or speak.

Jessica's voice carried from the table. "Scott, please return and eat. I'll stay with Nadia," she said with a warm smile. Then, in a sisterly tone, she added, "It's typical for her to act out. Don't push her. I'll speak to her gently."

I glanced over Scott's shoulder to see Jessica rising from her seat.

'I'm not a child. I'm Scott's wife!' I screamed internally.

Sitting up straight, I looked Scott in the eye and declared, "I want to go to tomorrow's event."

Scott froze, clearly surprised.

In our three years of marriage, I had never attended any social gathering. I knew I wasn't particularly bright, and rumors about me always reached my ears. So, I had stayed away from public scrutiny.

But when Jessica mentioned it would be her first event since returning, I couldn't shake the image of her and Scott together. They were perfect—beautiful, elegant, flawless. The thought of them as a pair was unbearable.

Scott stared at me for what seemed like forever, his lips twitching as if he wanted to object.

Finally, he nodded. "Okay. If Nadia wants to go, we'll go."

I noticed Jessica pause momentarily before resuming her movements. But I couldn't dwell on her reaction.

After Grandpa's passing, Scott was the only person left in my world.

I couldn't bear to lose him.

...

As we entered the event hall, a brief hush fell over the room.

Scott guided me to a quiet corner, offering me a small plate with a dainty piece of cake. His expression softened as he smiled.

"Be good, Nadia," he said kindly. "I need to greet some people. Please stay nearby and don't wander off. I'll be back soon."

The moment Scott left, a group of women approached, with Jessica at the center. Panic began to rise in my chest, and I frantically scanned the room for an escape route.

One woman folded her arms, glaring at me with obvious contempt.

"What are you looking for? Do you even understand what you're seeing?" she taunted. "Honestly, I can't fathom why Scott brought you here. People like you belong in an institution. What if you snap and attack someone?"

Her words felt like a physical blow. My hands instinctively grasped my dress, as if it could protect me from their cruel remarks.

"I... I'm not mentally ill," I mumbled, my voice shaking. "Grandpa always said I'm just not clever, not sick. What are you doing? Are you trying to intimidate me?"

This only intensified their laughter, their mockery echoing around us.

"Not clever? So you're just calling her stupid in a nicer way?" one woman jeered.

"Seems the rumors were accurate," another chimed in, smirking. "Scott's wife really is dim-witted!"