Chapter 56
Jess’ Pov:
My head is spinning.
I clench my teeth and shove the chair back in frustration, not caring that I'm not at home. Sure, I know I’m throwing a temper tantrum, but I don’t care. It’s not like anyone’s paying attention to me.
I let out a heavy breath before taking a few steps and then knock over the expensive antique vase, before screaming at the top of my lungs.
I couldn’t care less if the entire restaurant hears me. I’m in the VIP section, and I know the owner is going to be livid. But again, no concern.
I don’t fcking care.
This would serve as a payback for the way she embarrassed me at that fundraising event last month.
That fcking bitch!
I laugh. Does she really think I’ve forgotten? The way she fawned over my step-sister, how she laughed and made fun of me when Selene compared herself to me.
It’s all too much.
My head feels like it’s going to explode. It’s been a bad day, and the stress has been building up for weeks now.
I can’t believe I had to find out that Maximus, my own husband, was having lunch with his ex-wife, looking way too cozy, holding her hand like it’s no big deal.
He’s really so shameless.
Thank God I had someone follow him all around.
I just hope the picture doesn’t get out to the media. It shouldn’t.
I genuinely cannot be a joke for the third time. No, I can’t let that happen. I’m Jess Hemsworth. I won’t be treated like trash. No way.
I’ve told Maximus he’s backing the wrong horse, and now with Mason defending him as his lawyer? It just makes me sick. What’s even more infuriating is the confidence Mason has somehow found. He was always the wimpy kid, the one with zero self-esteem. What right does he have to act like he’s untouchable now?
I still remember how Mason used to hide behind Maximus, acting all shy. Who would’ve thought that timid boy would grow up to be an attorney, let alone have the audacity to threaten me with secrets that Maximus has no clue about?
Mason is a huge problem, and I hate that he’s back in New York City.
He’s a fucking bitch!
I let out another gut wrenching sound.
Everything’s falling apart at once, but I know I have to deal with Selene first before I handle that bastard called Mason Hemsworth.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Jess? Who’s going to pay for all the damage you caused here?!” A loud and furious voice yanks me out of my rage-fueled spiral. After a few seconds of hesitating, I turn only to see Ivy standing there.
Her eyes are wide with horror.
I kind of love that.
Honestly, if I broke everything in her precious restaurant, she probably deserves it.
I smirk at Ivy’s angry face. She’s glaring daggers at me, but I don’t flinch.
Raising an eyebrow, I lean forward and knock down another vase, before tilting my head to the side, daring her to do something.
“Jess darling, I’m here-"
Before I know it, Leah suddenly walks in, her eyes wide with horror, her mouth hanging open.
“What the hell is going on here?” Leah looks around, completely confused by the chaos. She immediately snaps her head up and then narrow her eyes on me. “You told me you wanted to see me during lunch, Jess. Did a tornado hit this room? What is all this?”
“Why don’t you ask your psychotic friend who decided to make my restaurant the stage for her meltdown?” Ivy snaps. “She’s been throwing a tantrum the second she walked in.”
Ivy flickers her gaze from Leah and pins it on me. “And you seriously wonder why people like Selene more than you?” She scoffs. “You also wonder why your husband stares at his ex-wife like she’s the most precious thing in his world? Ughhh. Face it, Jess. You can never compare to her. You’re nothing next to Selene!”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. My hands tremble with anger.
Before I know it, I grab a broken vase and begin to stalk towards Ivy. Leah, however intervenes. She steps in front of me, shaking her head.
“Step away, Leah. Let me show this bitch what I’m made of.”
“It’s no use, Jess.” she says, glancing around the mess I’ve created. “I mean, you’ve created enough damage already. W..who’s going to pay for everything you’ve broken?”
I clench my jaw and drop the broken vase. “Definitely not me.”
Ivy scoffs at my words. I can tell she’s not even affected by how much she’s lost.
She shoots me an irritated look before turning her back and walking off.
“You can keep trying to defend Selene , but deep down, you know she’ll never forgive you!” I suddenly yell at Ivy who’s already moving towards the door. She doesn’t even look back but I continue. “All the damage I’ve caused here? It’s nothing to me, Ivy. Or maybe you’d prefer I tell your father about your little…”
My phone rings, cutting off my words. I let out a low growl, then pull out my phone to see who the hell is calling me at a time like this. I roll my eyes when I see it’s Maximus.
With a hiss, I decline his call. A message pops up immediately after, and I can’t help but laugh when I read it.
“Let’s go, Leah.” I glance up at Ivy, smiling. “I’ve got to play my part as the good daughter-in-law.”
I grab my bag and walk up to Ivy who’s standing at the doorway, watching me with a weird expression. I shake my head and then tap her cheek lightly.
She swats my hand away, but I just shrug, turning my back on her and the mess I’ve left behind.