?<strong>Chapter 317:</strong>


    Joelle opted not to justify herself further. “You can’t manipte someone’s feelings. Do you really believe that eliminating allpetition will ensure Jonathan stays with you?”


    Suddenly, Lara sprang up. “So, you admit there’s something between you!” She swung at Joelle, stopping just short of her face.


    The threat seemed even more terrifying than an actual hit. On Lara’s middle finger was an unusual ring, featuring a sharp spike aimed directly at the artery in Joelle’s neck. In that instant, Joelle regretted even speaking to her. Her phoney within reach, yet she doubted she could snatch it before Lara could sh her neck.


    Left with no other choice, she opted for a different approach. “I truly have no romantic ties with Jonathan. What do I need to do to convince you?”


    “Your words mean nothing to me! Jonathan was meant to go back to Bristania long ago, but he stayed because of you!”


    “I never asked him to stay,” Joelle responded, meeting Lara’s gaze. “I’ve been in love with someone else for many years, and it isn’t him.”


    “What did you just say?” Lara’s hostility eased slightly. Joelle continued, “Do you remember the man who defended me that day?”


    “Adrian Miller? Wasn’t he your ex-husband?”


    Joelle nodded. “I’ve been in love with him since I was 18, but he never knew.”


    Lara looked skeptical but paused, sitting back down. “If you’ve loved him so long, why would you divorce him?”


    “Because he didn’t love me back.” Joelle stirred her coffee, sharing more. “I’m much like you. I fell for him knowing he didn’t feel the same, yet I still went ahead and married him, even under pressure. But after three years, I realized that no amount of effort can make someone love you if they don’t. What you end up with is only pain.”


    This made Lara, on the brink of marrying Jonathan, reflect on her own circumstances. “Do you still love him?” she asked.


    Joelle paused, then looked up. “Yes. It’s hard to let go of feelings that deep. No matter how wonderful another might be, he doesn’t catch my eye.” She took pride in her ability to lie so convincingly.


    Yet, her words seemed to alleviate Lara’s concerns. “If I discover you’ve lied, it’s over for you!”


    In the end, Lara left Joelle unharmed, apparently appeased.


    When the weekend arrived, it was time for Fiona’s wedding. Early that morning, Joelle picked out a gift and dressed Aurora and Rnd in formal attire. It would be their first time at a wedding, and Joelle, as their mother, wanted to be there for all their first experiences.


    At 10 a.m., Joelle set off in the car with both children. By 10:30, they arrived at the venue for the wedding. Full of curiosity, Aurora asked excitedly, “Mom, what does getting married mean?”


    Joelle let out a sigh. They always seemed to ask her the hardest questions.


    “Ms. Watson, right this way, please.” She was ushered to a table at the very front, reserved for close family and friends. Joelle hadn’t anticipated being seated so prominently. Then she caught sight of the name next to hers on a ce card: Adrian Miller.


    Suddenly, everything clicked.


    At 11:00, Adrian took his seat next to her, and both Aurora and Rnd greeted him politely. “Hello, Mr. Miller.”


    That made the adults at the table feel awkward.


    What was happening here? Adrian’s daughter didn’t call him Dad? And he seemed fine with it? Confusion spread among the other guests.


    As the clock struck noon, Fiona made her entrance in a bridal gown. She and the groom exchanged their vows and rings, then sealed the ceremony with a kiss.


    Among the audience, some cried, othersughed. The emotion of the moment was evident, and even Joelle found herself moved to tears.


    Adrian saw this and offered her a tissue. “No need to feel envious.”


    “I’m not envious, I just think they look wonderful together.” Aurora came running over. “Mom, can we go y over there?” Aurora and Rnd had quickly made friends at the event.


    The Hudson family had reserved the entire hotel, ensuring privacy and safety, whichforted Joelle. “Sure, but stay close.”


    “Okay!” Aurora eximed joyfully, tugging Rnd along to join the other children.


    At 1 p.m., Joelle was talking with Lacey, discussing everything from the groom to the best man to the wedding decorations. It seemed there was no end to the topics when women gathered. Her phone started ringing, and Adrian was the first to notice. “Your phone’s ringing.”


    “Okay.” Answering the call from an unknown number, Joelle responded, “Hello?”


    “Joelle, it’s me, Lara.” Before Joelle could inquire further, Lara continued, “I have your two kids with me.”


    Disbelief was Joelle’s initial response. She stood up, looking for Aurora and Rnd. They had just spoken to her ten minutes earlier, but now they were nowhere in sight.


    Lara urged, “Here, talk to your mom.”


    “Mom!”


    Hearing Aurora’s voice struck Joelle like a punch, draining the color from her face.


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