Chapter 5

Ruby's POV

In the banquet hall on the top floor of the Hilton Hotel, lights blazed brilliantly, the décor luxurious.

The birthday banquet Jace threw for me invited most of New York's notable figures. The scale was grand, showing his "importance" to me.

When I appeared on Jace's arm, the entire room fell silent for a moment.

I wore that wine-red deep-V gown, my skin like snow, my lips red as fire. The radiance and boldness I'd deliberately restrained in the past bloomed on me once more in this moment, devastatingly beautiful with an aggressive edge, instantly stealing everyone's breath.

"That's Mrs. Monroe? My God, she's even more beautiful than in photos..."

"What good is being pretty? She's rotten through and through. She changes men faster than clothes. I heard in that kidnapping three years ago, she was even..."

"Keep your voice down! In case it gets back to Jace. Though it is strange. Why would someone as outstanding as him take a liking to a woman with such a terrible reputation..."

Those whispered, disdainful comments clearly drilled into my ears.

I didn't get angry on the spot, nor did I argue.

Because I knew that in the eyes of these self-proclaimed nobles, any defense from me would be pale and powerless, only becoming new fodder for ridicule.

But...

My gaze still involuntarily turned to the man beside me.

Jace was slightly turned, speaking in low tones with a wealthy businessman. His profile was smooth and gentle, as if he'd heard nothing.

Of course. He wouldn't explain my innocence.

My last sliver of faint hope quietly extinguished.

The banquet officially began. Jace held my wrist and walked to the center of the hall.

He took a velvet gift box from a server.

Opening it revealed a radiant ruby necklace, dazzling under the lights.

"Ruby, happy birthday." He said gently, taking out the necklace and personally fastening it around my neck.

Gasps and applause rang out below.

"Mrs. Monroe, happy birthday." Serena had somehow approached.

She still wore that water-blue dress, standing beside my dazzling self like an elegant narcissus.

"I came in such a rush, I didn't have time to prepare a proper gift." Serena's gaze was pure. "How about I play a piece for you as my birthday gift? Would that be okay?"

Before I could answer, she'd already turned to Jace. "Jace, do you still remember that 'Clair de Lune' we used to play together? Today, let's play it again for Mrs. Monroe as a birthday celebration, okay?"

I noticed Jace looking at her, his eyes briefly distant, as if seeing past days through her.

He nodded slightly. "Okay."

A white grand piano was wheeled to the center of the hall. Jace and Serena sat side by side.

The man in his suit, devastatingly handsome; the woman in her blue dress, gentle and lovely.

The image was harmoniously painful to watch.

A piece by Debussy, "Clair de Lune," their coordination perfect. Even an exchanged glance or subtle pause showed complete synchronicity.

When the piece ended, everyone was immersed in the music.

After a brief silence, applause erupted, mixed with genuine admiration.

"That was incredible! Absolutely perfect!"

"Who is that lady? Such refined temperament. Sitting with Jace, they look more like a married couple."

"Hey, I think I remember her... Isn't she the one who almost became Jace's fiancée a few years ago?"

"Right, right, that's her! I heard they were deeply in love but somehow separated... What a shame."

"Looking at it this way, this Miss Serena and Jace really are a matching pair. Much better than that woman who's only pretty but has such a ruined reputation..."

The commentary grew louder. Serena and Jace's performance instantly stole all attention.

And I, the supposed star of this banquet, had instead become a supporting character.

I couldn't listen anymore and quietly turned away.

I stayed in the restroom for a full ten minutes. Only after my emotions settled did I finally open the door.

However, looking up, I caught sight of Serena standing at the sink, touching up her makeup in the mirror.

Hearing the sound, she looked at me through the mirror and slowly curved a flawless smile.

I didn't want any interaction with her and walked straight toward the door.

"Mrs. Monroe."

Serena suddenly called out, her voice still soft but without the gentleness she showed in public, instead full of mockery and triumph.

"Wearing the ruby he gave you, listening to our 'Clair de Lune'... Are you enjoying this birthday gift?"