Judith smiled sweetly as she linked her arm through Austin's, her voice honeyed. "Austin, I'm hungry."

"Alright, I'll take you to dinner. When I told everyone you were back,they all wanted to see you. I've arranged a welcome party."

"That's so extravagant." She responded, clearly delighted by the gesture.

Listening to their conversation. Ella couldn't help but recall her own experiences. She had once suggested gathering Austin's friends for her birthday celebration, but he had refused.

When she had heard he was meeting with his business partners,she had asked to join them, just to catch a glimpse of his professional life. Again.Austin had refused.

Every time she had attempted to enter Austin's social circle,she had been the unwelcome one.

She had assumed it was because Austin had become more reserved after his car accident. His personality had changed significantly, more withdrawn,less expressive.

She had even convinced herself that the gulf between her and those privileged heirs was too wide to bridge.

Perhaps that was why Austin never brought her along or invited his friends over.

She had thought Austin cared about her in his own way.

But in the end, everything had been just her wishful thinking.

Love versus indifference had always been glaringly obvious.

She had only been deceiving herself all along.

They warmly welcomed Judith and eagerly organized a reception for her.

Only Ella was the exception.

Judith would always be Austin's special one-the one he proudly introduced to friends, the one he openly adored.

Meanwhile, Ella held the title of wife but received nothing in return, not even respect from others.

Ella felt a bitter laugh forming, but she lacked even the strength to curve her lips.

The cramping in her abdomen intensified as she turned away, intending to leave.

"Ella, would you like to join us?" Judith's enthusiastic voice called from behind.

"I'm tired," Ella replied without turning.

Judith looked up at Austin with concern. "Is Ella still upset with me?"

"Ignore her," Austin responded coldly.

Ella scoffed quietly as she dragged her exhausted body toward the elevator.

When the doors opened, she stepped inside without hesitation.

Pressing the button to close the doors, Ella exhaled with relief as they shut.

She leaned against the wall, supporting her weary frame. All she could think about was the large, comfortable bed waiting at home.

Summoning her remaining energy, she rushed forward when the elevator doors opened, only to collide with a solid chest.

Spotting Jason, she instinctively uttered, "Jason,"

Jason fixed her with a cold stare, an involuntary frown creasing his brow.

Perceiving the hidden sorrow beneath her facade. Jason's impulse to reprimand her dissolved abruptly. "I haven't eaten yet. Come eat with me."

The topic changed so abruptly that Ella hadn't yet processed it, but she nodded reflexively.

With hands thrust into his pockets, Jason approached, casually tossing her the keys. "Go start the car."

When Ella pulled the car from the underground garage to the building entrance, she spotted another luxury vehicle parked a short distance ahead.

Through the car window, she could glimpse Judith seated in the passenger seat,while Austin gazed at her with a tender expression, an expression he had never before directed towards her.

The car door opened beside her.

"What are you staring at?" Jason asked.

Though separated by some distance, Jason didn't see her start the car,so he strode decisively toward her.

"It's nothing," She said abruptly, shifting the topic. "By the way, what are you doing here?"

"I am the General Manager of the Quantum Tech Research and Development Department," He replied, fastening his seatbelt and staring straight ahead."Drive."

The restaurant had been chosen by Jason, a man of fastidious taste.He would frequent only those establishments he truly favored, never settling for anything less or revisiting a place he disliked.

As the car moved steadily, Jason turned to Ella. "Why the sudden urge to interview? Did you get the job? What position?"

A rapid-fire of questions came his way, to which Ella responded succinctly.

No sooner had she finished speaking than Jason gave her an odd glance. "

Divorce? That's not a ploy to force him back home,is it?"

Ella choked on the words, feeling a twinge of embarrassment and annoyance.

"Of course not!"

She shot him a sharp look, only to see Jason rubbing his nose, apparently a bit sheepish.

Fortunately, mealtime arrived swiftly, and the momentary awkwardness dissipated.

At the entrance to Starlight Pier, Ella paused, momentarily lost in thought.

Once,she had dreamed of dining here with Austin. Being a popular spot for couples, reservations were notoriously difficult to secure.

Between the long wait times and Austin's busy schedule, the plans had

been repeatedly postponed until she'd eventually forgotten her youthful romantic aspirations.

"This establishment, though designed as a romantic dining spot,boasts quite exquisite flavors," Jason remarked softly upon noticing Ella's hesitation to enter.

Ella nodded, saying, "My treat. Order whatever you want."

As Jason stepped out of the car, he glanced at her briefly before responding."Then I might just bankrupt you."

"I'll need your professional support in the future, so feelfree to treat me like a cash cow," Ella quipped, a smile playing on her lips.

Their rapport had noticeably improved.

Just as she was about to step inside, a burst of laughter echoed from behind.

"Starlight Pier is so exclusive, yet Austin managed to get a reservation," A familiar voice came from behind them.

"Judith, we have you to thank for this."

"Without you, I don't think he'd ever set foot in a place like this."

Ella turned and beheld Austin and Paul, accompanied by their entourage.