Chapter 89 Angry
Francis pretended nothing was wrong and continued dancing with Aurora. In the hallway, Declan caught up with Jennifer. He blocked her path as she looked a bit flustered, and slowed his tone, saying, "Don't get upset. Did I say something wrong? I apologize."
Jennifer took a deep breath and said seriously, "Declan, I've always considered you a friend. I'll pretend I didn't hear what you just said. If you insist on thinking that way, we shouldn't see each other anymore."
"Okay, I won't say it again. Then come back inside with me and keep dancing." He reached out to take Jennifer's hand.
Jennifer pulled her hand back to avoid him, forcing a smile. "My hair's a bit messy. I'm going to the restroom to fix it."
This was just an excuse, but Declan didn't call her out on it. He stepped aside and gestured for her to go ahead. "Go on then. But I hope you remember, I'll always be here waiting for you. If you're unhappy, you can move on from him."
Jennifer, walking hurriedly, heard these words clearly. Her body trembled, but she didn't look back. Instead, she quickened her pace. Those men who pursued her had said plenty of sweet things, but not one of them actually followed through. If someone really waited for her, she would be touched, but that feeling wasn't love.
Watching Jennifer's retreating figure, Declan narrowed his eyes. He could see a moment of hesitation in her heart. If Francis treated her well, he naturally couldn't compete. But now Francis only had eyes for Aurora, which gave him an opportunity. With Francis neglecting and hurting her, Declan saw his chance to step in. But he still needed to take it slow to avoid scaring Jennifer.
Jennifer went to the restroom to fix her makeup and calm down. When she returned to the banquet hall, the dancing had ended. But Aurora was still holding Francis's arm, and the two were chatting with an older couple. Whatever they said, Aurora suddenly covered her mouth and laughed. Francis looked at her with deep eyes that seemed to carry nostalgia and intense affection. A server walked by with juice and drinks. Jennifer quickly grabbed a glass of amber-colored liquor and downed it in one gulp. The sharp taste of tequila exploded in her throat, and she lowered her head, coughing.
"Jennifer, are you okay?" Isabella gently patted her back, her tone very concerned and gentle.
Jennifer looked up, tears glistening in her eyes, but the corners of her mouth turned up. "I'm fine, Isabella. I drank too fast just now and choked."
Isabella took the empty glass from her hand and set it aside, advising, "Jennifer, I know you're hurting inside. But at times like this, you need to stay calm. Don't back down. Go win your man back."
But he was never my man to begin with! Jennifer opened her mouth, but these words didn't come out. She just showed a bitter smile. "Isabella, it's not what you think."
Isabella looked at her with some disappointment and took her wrist. "You're too nice to say harsh words. I'll take you over there. With me backing you up, you don't need to be afraid of Aurora."
But Jennifer pulled her hand back forcefully, her tone dejected. "Thank you, Isabella. But I'm not feeling well. I want to go home." There weren't many people she knew at this party. Mia hadn't come for some reason, and Aaron's date was his secretary. Francis was with Aurora, and she didn't want to face Declan right now. Since that was the case, there was no point staying. Better to go back and rest.
"Alright, I'll arrange for someone to take you home."
After seeing Jennifer off, Isabella shook her head at Francis and Aurora. Tina came up beside her and asked quietly, "Mom, isn't Jennifer's personality too weak? Francis isn't going to get back together with Aurora, is he?"
Isabella glared at her disapprovingly. "Don't talk nonsense. I won't allow it. Jennifer has a gentle and caring personality, which is perfect for Francis. Aurora—I'm not saying she isn't excellent, but she and Francis together won't be happy."
Tina's eyes darted around. She thought both Aurora and Jennifer were fine. The most important thing was who Francis liked.
After Francis finished networking, he finally remembered to look for Jennifer, but couldn't find her anywhere. Just as he was getting anxious, Isabella stopped him. Isabella said with a look of disdain, "Now you remember to look for her? Jennifer couldn't stand watching you and Aurora together, so I sent her home early. Look at you, leaving your actual girlfriend alone to accompany another woman. If Jennifer gets stolen away by another man, it'll be too late for regrets!"
Francis frowned. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Mom, why didn't you tell me you were sending her home?"
"I helped comfort and take care of Jennifer, and now you're blaming me?" Isabella pointed at Francis and gave him a lecture. Seeing that Isabella was really angry, Francis didn't argue back and just let her vent.
When Francis got home, it was very late. Jennifer had already washed up and gone to bed, not even leaving a light on for him. Francis knew she was angry. He walked quietly to the bedside, leaning down to ask, "Really asleep?"
Jennifer wasn't actually asleep. She'd been lying there with her eyes open for a long time, and only turned off the light to pretend to sleep when she heard him open the door. She didn't want to deal with him, so she kept quiet and continued pretending. Francis's obvious smell of alcohol and someone else's perfume enveloped her. She tried to slow her breathing, but accidentally sneezed. Now she couldn't pretend anymore.
Francis turned on the light and sat on the bed, smiling at her. Jennifer sat up somewhat awkwardly, with a hint of annoyance. "You're back. Why didn't you stay over there?"
Francis gently stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "I heard you were angry?"
Jennifer turned her face away. Silence was also an answer. Francis turned her chin back, his tone playful as he asked, "Angry about what? Weren't you the one who gave me up first? I saw you having a pretty good time with Declan later."
"I didn't." Jennifer suddenly raised her voice, but her words were cut off. Francis kissed her, and as their lips and tongues intertwined, the strong scent of water lily from his body came over. Jennifer remembered this was Aurora's perfume. She bit his tongue.
Francis pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth. It wasn't bleeding, but it really hurt. He frowned tightly and demanded, "Jennifer, what's your problem? I can't even touch you now?"
Jennifer gritted her teeth. "You smell too strongly. Go wash up."
"Think I stink?" Francis was annoyed, but still lowered his head to smell himself. His scent was indeed a bit mixed, not exactly pleasant. He snorted coldly and got up to go to the bathroom. After seeing Aurora today, his mood wasn't exactly good. But just now, seeing Jennifer jealous and angry, he'd actually been in a pretty good mood and suddenly felt interested.