After buying the bag, Sidney drove back to Jayson's house. Following Alondra's advice, she wore the black off-shoulder gown she had worn before, draped a red sheer shawl over her shoulders, and carried the black leather clutch. She adjusted the bun that Alondra had styled for her, checked that everything was in order, and then went downstairs to be driven to the venue.
Sidney arrived at the venue right on time and saw Jayson chatting with someone not far from the entrance. She walked over and stood beside him, politely greeting the people Jayson was talking to.
Jayson glanced at her briefly, then took her arm and led her into the venue. Sidney followed him as he mingled with people. She had always been self-aware and knew that her role here was merely to be a decoration. She quietly stood by his side, nodding or shaking her head politely when others discussed their married life, leaving all the talking to Jayson.
At one point, someone asked Jayson to step aside for a private word, and he motioned for her to wait alone. Sidney, not knowing where to go, drank a glass of juice and decided to wait in the bathroom. While sitting on the toilet, she heard the sound of high heels approaching the bathroom. Fearing an awkward encounter, she stayed inside, hoping the others would leave before she went out. But then she overheard someone mentioning her.
"Is the girl standing next to Jayson one of his employees?" one woman asked.
"Seriously? I think it's his wife." Another woman said, turning on the faucet to wash her hands.
"Really? Looks like Jayson's wife is already keeping an eye on him! Sigh," a third woman lamented.
"But don't you think his wife has really bad taste? She dresses like a hostess."
"Now that you mention it, she does look like one!"
"A black gown with a bright red shawl—what was she thinking!"
"Also, the bag she's holding—it looks like one of those off-season pieces, right? You know, the one that woman used to cover her face when she got caught with Mr. Mata last time."
The women burst into laughter, clearly enjoying themselves.
"That kind of tacky woman will probably be out soon. I don't know what she's relying on."
"Ha, there's no need to worry about her! Jayson, even though he's newlywed, still spends his nights out at Opal Lounge. She can't control him!"
The women gradually walked away, and only then did Sidney quietly open the stall door.
Looking at herself in the mirror, she had dressed with such care, yet why was she being so looked down upon? After zoning out for a moment, she gathered the courage to leave the bathroom. Though she had long been used to cold remarks, in such a public setting, she suddenly lost confidence in herself. With her head slightly lowered, she walked over to the table and stood by.
The classical music played in the background, with some people swaying to the rhythm, others tasting wine, and small groups chatting. Then the host walked to the center of the stage, and the charity program began. All eyes in the room turned to the stage.
Jayson walked up to her.
"Is there anything you'd like to buy?"
Sidney wasn't sure if he meant she should pay for it herself or if he would cover the cost, so she shook her head, signaling that she wasn't interested.
"Since you're here on behalf of Dad, at least buy something to take back for him. Wait for me."
Jayson held the bidding number, and after winning an item, he turned to Sidney and said, "We can leave now."
Sidney lowered her head and followed Jayson.
Just as they were about to leave the venue, two graceful women walked toward them, constantly calling out "Mr. Nixon! Mr. Nixon!"
Sidney overheard their conversation, catching bits and pieces. She knew the two women were socialites from B City who had recently come to B City to expand their business. It seemed they had known Jayson for some time. Though Jayson had introduced her to them, they barely acknowledged her, as if she were invisible.
One of the women liked to casually reach out and tug at the other's hand or tap her shoulder as she spoke, looking very intimate. After chatting for a while, as they were about to leave, Sidney saw the woman shake hands with Jayson. She noticed her delicate fingernails lightly scratch Jayson's palm, and Sidney felt disgusted.
Jayson's car arrived first. Someone opened the door for him, and Jayson got in. When Sidney made a move to follow him, he suddenly leaned out of the car and said, "We're going in different directions. You take the car behind."
"..." Sidney was left standing there, watching as Jayson closed the door and drove away.
