Two days later was my mother-in-law’s birthday. The family threw a grand banquet, and it was the first time I met Jonah.
Just like in the photos—handsome and full of sunshine.
I glanced down at myself. After all these years of working tirelessly, I was always in the same tailored suits and slacks.
Days of torment had left my face haggard, deep wrinkles forming around my eyes.
I no longer looked like the elegant, composed executive of a wealthy family.
Jonah was chatting with Jeremy and my mother-in-law, saying something that made her laugh out loud.
As I approached, my mother-in-law immediately glanced at the butler and instructed, “Put those useless gifts in the storage room. Hand them out later as rewards.”
I looked at the gift box in my hands and silently handed it to the butler.
She had never liked me, and always saw me as less than a real man, never able to win her favor.
Adeline released my hand and, without a pause, walked up to Jonah and wrapped her arm around him.
“You must be exhausted from the flight.”
She reached out and gently straightened the collar of his shirt, a gesture filled with intimate familiarity.
Jeremy ran over like an excited child and clung to both of them.
“Mom, you said Dad’s arrival would be a surprise. Can you tell me now? I’ve been waiting all night!”
Adeline smiled indulgently and tapped his forehead, “Silly boy, always so impatient. When will you learn to be as steady as your father?”
Then she pulled the two of them over to me and introduced them warmly, “Easton, this is Jonah.”
Jonah gave me a polite nod, and gently said, “Easton, Jeremy just got back from abroad. If he has offended you in any way, I apologize on his behalf.”
As he bowed slightly toward me, Adeline quietly slipped her arm around his shoulder and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
That single kiss sent a cold chill rushing from the depths of my chest to every limb.
So this was her ‘moment of weakness.’
The impulsive mistake she kept justifying.
Jonah smiled mildly. “Easton, Jeremy grew up without his mother. Naturally, I may have spoiled him a little. I hope you can be patient with him.”
He rubbed his temple, embarrassed, the helplessness in his expression laced with a father’s affection.
Adeline hurried to take his hand. “Jonah, you’ve raised Jeremy so well. He’s considerate and kind—how many fathers could have done better?”
Jeremy stepped forward tactfully. “Uncle Easton, I’m sorry. I acted out of line yesterday. Please forgive me.”
“I just... I felt bad for Dad. He’s always been there for me—through every illness, every homework assignment. He’s already forty, yet people still look down on him...”
His voice choked, and his eyes turned red with emotion.
Adeline pulled him into a warm embrace.
“It’s okay, baby. It’s all Mommy’s fault. I won’t let either of you suffer anymore. From now on, I’ll always be here to take care of you both.”
Watching them—this warm, perfect little family wrapped in each other’s arms—something inside me finally died.
All my hopes of rekindling what Adeline and I once had—of returning to how we used to be—shattered completely.
Moments later, Adeline stood tall and clapped her hands. Several servers entered in a neat line, each carrying red silk-covered trays.
She walked over to the first tray and pulled off the cloth.
“Jonah, this is the deed to the Paradise Villa. It’s in your name now. No need to go back to the old place anymore.”
Then she uncovered the second tray.
“These are shares in the subsidiary in the neighboring city. I’ve already signed the transfer agreement. Just your signature is needed.”
Finally, she lifted the red cloth on the third tray, revealing a dazzling array of high-end jewelry.
Cufflinks. A signet ring...
My pupils constricted.
Among the glittering collection was a luxury watch—a rare piece Adeline had once bid on at a European auction.
So it turned out the gift was for Jonah.
All this time, I thought it was a wedding anniversary surprise meant for me.
Even though I told myself not to expect anything anymore, my heart still ached.
I had always believed she locked it in the safe to build anticipation, to give me a beautiful surprise.
I had imagined, countless times, that on our 30th wedding anniversary, she’d lovingly fasten it to my wrist while the crowd applauded.
Apparently, it was never for me.
It was for that man.
I had even secretly commissioned a designer to create a custom suit to match the watch.
But now, in front of everyone, Adeline picked up that unique timepiece with a radiant smile. She gently lifted Jonah’s sleeve and fastened the one-of-a-kind watch onto his wrist.
Jonah lowered his gaze and smiled indulgently, like a loving husband.
Then Adeline inched closer and kissed his cheek lightly.
Applause thundered around the room.
My dream had indeed come true—but it wasn't me.
Tears began to stream down my cheeks.
After a long moment, Adeline raised her hand, and the applause gradually faded.
She nodded toward a lawyer standing beside the stage.
The lawyer stepped forward and announced, “I am here on behalf of Ms. Adeline to read an official agreement. As of today, she is transferring 40% of her shares in Story Group to Mr. Jeremy. This makes Mr. Jeremy Jenkins the majority shareholder of the company. The agreement has been notarized and takes effect immediately.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Everyone stared at Adeline in stunned disbelief.
Even Jonah gently interjected, “Adeline, Jeremy just graduated. He still needs to gain experience. Aren't you spoiling him too much?”
Adeline patted his hand comfortingly. “If I don’t pamper my own son, who will? Sooner or later, it will all be his anyway. Better to let him take on responsibilities early.”
She took Jonah’s arm and began leading him through the crowd.
