Murmurs spread quickly, drawing more attention to the conversation.
"Isn’t she also rumoured to be Paul’s ex-girlfriend? The lawyer at their firm who resigned?" one voice whispered.
"Is she?"
"Didn’t you hear she married a nobody? Why would she marry a nobody instead of Paul Smith?"
"I heard she’s an illegitimate daughter! Did you notice how the Claytons didn’t even bother to properly introduce her to everyone?" soone whispered nearby, adding fuel to the fire.
Rain kept her composure, but the words stung. She had grown used to this kind of gossip, yet it never failed to remind her of her estranged relationship with her family. The atmosphere around her felt thick with judgntal stares and whispers.
"Yes, Rain," Dina chid in, her tone smug. "Be grateful that Mr. Michael Astor is even willing to take you back. If I were you, I’d divorce that useless husband of yours. The Astor family is a better choice!"
Michael’s face lit up with satisfaction at Dina’s words, and Rain could barely resist the urge to smack both of them for their arrogance.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rain levelled her gaze at them. "As I said before, my husband is the best, and you two don’t know him well enough to judge. I love him, and he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to ."
With a graceful arch of her brow, she added, "Now, if you’ll excuse , Aunt lanie needs ."
Without giving them a chance to respond, Rain swiftly turned on her heels and walked back to her aunt, head held high, leaving the two in stunned silence.
"Is everything alright?" Aunt lanie asked, noticing the tension. Rain nodded with a calm smile. The program for the evening had just started, and Rain quietly observed from the sidelines with her aunt, watching as the guests exchanged congratulations.
Rain glanced at her watch—it was past eight, and Alexander still hadn’t arrived. As usual, her father hadn’t bothered to formally introduce her or Aunt lanie to the guests, which made her wonder again why he was so insistent that she attend this engagent party in the first place.
She saw a few close acquaintances, including Director Aileen. "Aunt, I’m just going to greet soone quickly. I’ll be right back," Rain said.
"Of course, dear, don’t worry about . I’m enjoying the food and music," Aunt lanie reassured her with a smile. "The fresh air out here is just what I needed."
Rain nodded and made her way toward Director Aileen, who greeted her warmly with a hug.
"Oh, Rain, I’ve missed you!" Aileen exclaid. "How’s everything at the prosecution office?"
"I’m doing fine, Director Aileen," Rain replied with a smile.
"Oh, please, you’re no longer working under ! Just call Aileen without addressing Aunt—no need to make feel old," she teased. Rain chuckled and nodded.
"You look stunning tonight, and I couldn’t help but notice how Paul keeps glancing your way," Aileen whispered playfully. "He must be regretting his choices now."
"I have no regrets about mine," Rain said coolly, her confidence shining through.
Their conversation was interrupted when soone called her na. "Attorney Rain Clayton?"
Rain turned to see Judge Darwin Lane, her father-in-law’s close friend, standing beside Judge Sebastian Lane. Darwin didn’t like her father much, but they were likely invited by Paul’s family.
"It’s good to see you here," Darwin greeted her warmly.
"It’s good to see you too, Mr. Lane," Rain replied politely.
"Oh, you two know each other?" Aileen interjected.
"Yes, we t at Vernice’s art exhibition," Darwin explained, then turned to Sebastian. "By the way, this is my eldest son, Sebastian."
"We’ve t in court," Sebastian said, extending his hand. "Prosecutor Clayton, it’s nice to see you again and be formally introduced outside of the courtroom."
Rain shook his hand with a polite smile. "Yes, it’s a pleasure to et you formally as well, Mr. Lane."
"Rock will be thrilled when I update him about this!" Darwin added cheerfully.
Sebastian shrugged and comnted, "Alexander was there too during the trial. I was surprised to see him, but now... things make sense."
"Oh right, Rock ntioned that Miss Clayton here is Xander’s woman," Darwin said casually.
Rain noticed the confused look on Aileen’s face, which was understandable since not many people knew about her relationship with Alexander. Her father-in-law hadn’t broken his agreent with her—he didn’t reveal they were married but made it clear she was involved with Alexander.
"Xander’s woman? But Rain is already married!" Dina’s voice cut through the conversation. Rain resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Dina was like a persistent pest, always showing up at the worst monts, eager to ruin any chance Rain had at peace. It was as if she lived to make things difficult for her.
Turning around, Rain saw Dina standing just a ter away, flanked by Paul, Sylvia, her father, and Paul’s parents. Always ready to cause trouble, Dina seed to thrive on making her life as complicated as possible.
"You’re married?" Darwin burst out, clearly shocked.
"Oh, yes, she is!" Sylvia chid in, her voice dripping with condescension. "To a nobody—a laborer, a technician. He even visited the house with Rain."
Darwin’s face turned red with anger. "What is this? You’re married? Does Rock or Alexander know about this?!"
Rain could see how furious Darwin was, believing she had deceived both her father-in-law and Alexander. Dina and Sylvia stood smirking, clearly enjoying the chaos they had stirred.
"Father, there’s no need to get worked up. This isn’t our problem to deal with," Rain heard Sebastian whisper to Darwin.
"But Rock is my friend, and I won’t stand by while soone fools him," Darwin hissed back, clearly agitated.
"Well, this isn’t anything new. My half-sister has a talent for making every man fall for her charms... My fiancée almost fell into her trap, but thankfully, Paul chose , knowing I’m a better option than her," Dina spat triumphantly, a smirk plastered on her face.
"Tell , Miss Clayton, is what they’re saying true? Are you really a married woman?" Darwin questioned, his gaze locked onto hers with intensity.
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