Chapter 2: The Embarrassment
I spent the whole day just trying to push through the pain. By the time I showed up at Claudia’s birthday party, I felt like I’d been hit by a truck and then asked to smile through it.
She, on the other hand, looked like she’d stepped off a red carpet, dripping in diamonds, wrapped in a custom designer gown that shimmered under every light. She had that effortless glow, like someone who’d never had to fight for anything.}
Me? I walked in wearing a plain white dress. No lace. No sparkle. Nothing that turned heads.
The moment I stepped through the door, the whispers started.
“Is that Nadine James? The one who pretended to be Claudia for over twenty years?” a middle–aged woman said, eyeing me openly. “She looks awful. Doesn’t carry herself like a lady at all.”
The woman next to her nodded. “Yeah, the fake heiress. What kind of class could she really have? The Jameses are just being polite, not kicking her out.”
“I heard she refused to leave,” the first one added with a scoff. “They even made her their goddaughter. Honestly, it’s pathetic.“}]
The other one shrugged. “Still… I don’t know. She has that soft, quiet thing going on. Some people are into that.”
They didn’t even lower their voices. Like I wasn’t standing right there. Like I didn’t exist.”
Then, they laughed, insulting me openly without any consideration. It made me feel sick, but I didn’t flinch. Not this time.”
At that moment, Claudia entered as if she were the star of the show–graceful, skilled, flawless. She glided over to me, beaming, and intertwined her arm with mine as if we were close friends.
“Wow, sis, you look stunning tonight,” she said, voice sweet as sugar.
I forced a smile. “I remember that gown. It was Sir Andrei Monet’s final masterpiece.“}]
She lit up, twirling like a kid showing off a new toy. “Yes! Russell got it for me specially. Isn’t it beautiful?”
I felt a cold little flicker spark behind my eyes.
0
“It is,” I said, slowly and carefully. “But Sir Andrei’s last piece was bought by the British royal family. The Princess wore it just a few days ago. And yet, this one of yours…”
I let it hang there. Didn’t need to finish the sentence. Everyone in the room understood what I meant.
Fake.
Claudia’s face flushed, then went pale. That flawless composure cracked for a second.”
For the first time in a long time, I felt a little of myself coming back. Not the version they’d beaten down.
The real me–the one with a spine.
But then, Russell’s voice cut through everything. “I personally flew to the UK to borrow it for Claudia. Got
I turned to face him. His stare was blank, unreadable.
Then, Claudia clung to his arm with that same smug little smile.
a
problem with that?“}
“That’s right, Nadine,” she said. “Don’t speak on things you don’t understand. Like Russell would ever let me wear a fake.”
And just like that, the attention snapped right back to me.{
People stared, eyes glinting, and the murmurs flared up again:”
“Aren’t they claiming she’s an art student? She can’t even differentiate between fake and genuine. How embarrassing!” “She’s just out here chasing attention. But wow, Russell really did go to the UK?”
“Her degree’s probably fake too. Planning some art exhibit? Who’s even gonna go?”
Amid the murmurs, I stayed quiet.”
‘So Russell could treat someone that well, even over a dress?‘ I let out a dry laugh and started to turn away.
Then a calm voice called out behind me. “Excuse me, but didn’t the British Princess wear a light blue dress? Why is Miss Claudia’s dress white, though?“%
Heads turned toward the voice. A man with gold–rimmed glasses stepped forward, a soft smile playing on his face as he came to stand beside me like he belonged there.
“I wasn’t aware Sir Andrei’s final design came in his least favorite color–white,” Jacob retorted.
Claudia’s face went sheet white. She grabbed Russell’s arm like she was drowning.
“Russell, what’s going on? Say something!”
Russell’s face darkened, and after a beat, he said under his breath, “Claudia, I’ll explain later.”
She stomped her foot and rushed out of the room, humiliated.
I raised an eyebrow at Russell. “Your Claudia just stormed out. Not going after her?“%
He didn’t say a word. He quickly took my arm and pulled me away from Jacob’s side, acting as if he were worried.
That son–of–a–bitch’s a trouble, Nadine. Don’t forget, you’re still a married woman. Stay away from him,” Russell wamed me.
Then he turned and ran after Claudia. Not even a glance back.
The crowd started to thin out. The noise dulled.
My smile faded, replaced by something colder.
9:04 AM
I watched him go, my chest going tight and frozen. Now he remembers I’m married.}
Has it ever crossed his mind that he’s married, too?
He’s telling me to steer clear of Jacob, but he’s sneaking off with Claudia into gardens like I don’t even exist.
While I was standing there thinking that, Jacob spoke again casually, “Since Russell took over Fraizer Group, it’s been one financial crisis after another. Even without my help, the company won’t last. But if you say the word, I can take them down tonight.”
I met his eyes, grateful, and gave him a small smile. I could already see the look on Russell and Claudia’s faces when the walls started caving in.
Then Jacob handed me a stack of papers.
With a soft laugh and eyes that sparkled, he said, “Didn’t you say you wanted a divorce? Have him sign these tomorrow, and I’ll make sure Fraizer Group collapses by sunset.”
I didn’t go home. I went back to the hotel.
When I opened my phone, there it was.
Claudia’s latest post:
[You’re the only one who can calm me down and make me feel safe in this world.]}
The image featured two clasped hands, with her finger glimmering from a large diamond ring.”
While scrolling through the comments, I noticed Russell’s remark:
[As long as you’re happy, I’ll do anything for you.]}]
I scoffed, shut my phone, and then closed my eyes.
…8
By the time I opened them again, morning had already come.
The first thing I did was find Russell to sign the divorce papers. While I was at it, I threw out everything that was mine.” Without a moment’s hesitation, I threw all my favorite dresses in garbage bags.
Russell took notice. He looked surprised, knowing how much I used to care about those dresses. After all, he had given them to me himself, back when they still meant something.
He asked, his voice low and cautious, “Why are you throwing those out? Don’t like them anymore? I can get you new ones-“}
“No need,” I said quietly, offering a small smile. “I don’t need useless things anymore.”
He stood there frozen. His fingers curled slightly, like he didn’t know what to do with himself.
Just as I tossed the last dress into a bag, Russell spoke up again. “Still upset about yesterday? Like I said, Claudia was only mad at Jacob for humiliating her in front of everyone. We were just backing her up as family. But you? You sided with the outsiders and made things worse. I can’t believe you. And do you genuinely believe it’s right to side with that jerk instead of your own sister?“>
I let out a dry breath and narrowed my eyes. ‘Here we go again. Always making me the bad one. Always comparing me to her.‘” So I reached for the divorce papers and handed them to him.
Russell didn’t even glance at them and just snatched them from my hand. “What now? Nadine, you’re not a child. You don’t know business. You don’t understand investments. What’s the point of this little show?”
Sull, he grabbed a pen and scribbled his name down without looking. Then he flung the papers back at me.
The corner of one sheet caught my cheek–a sharp sting, followed by blood.
His eyes narrowed. He reached into his pocket, probably for something to help. But all he found was the handkerchief Claudia gave him. Russell paused for a beat, then shoved it back like it didn’t matter. “You brought this on yourself. Let this be a warning. After this, I’ll give you money, and you stay the hell away from Claudia. Got it?“}
Still, I stayed quiet.
Right then, he probably realized he sounded pretty harsh because his tone softened right away. “You’re Claudia’s big sister. You should step aside for her. Even if you’re not the real James‘ daughter, don’t bring your country ways into this house.”
The air turned to stone. It stretched on in silence, long enough to press into my bones.
Then I glanced up at him and offered a small smile. “Okay.”
That one word meant I wouldn’t chase after Claudia anymore.
I was done. I was leaving %
