Liesel almost felt like laughing when she heard Jacob’s words.
She had always known that he was extremely possessive. Even after their marriage had fallen apart, he wouldn’t tolerate another man hear her.
Back then, she would go out of her way to please him by being gentle and thoughtful. She would always avoid any noticeable interaction with other men.
But now, they were divorced.
So what right did Jacob have to demand she remove the necklace? What gave an ex- husband the authority to tell his ex–wife to take off a necklace given by an admirer?
Liesel looked up at Jacob. Her gaze, which was usually indifferent, now carried a fleeting hint of amusement. She simply stared at him calmly and asked, “Why should I take off the necklace?”
She gently played with the expensive red agate necklace around her neck as she continued, “Don’t you think it suits me?”
Indeed, it did. Red was her color as compared to the calm, cold blue. She was far more suited to the bold, fiery intensity of red, like the blazing sun.
However, the necklace was from Elijah.
Jacob’s eyes dimmed. His grip on her other hand remained tight, and his voice carried a trace of hostility. “Liesel, are you really going to wear a necklace another man gave you to meet Grandpa?”
Liesel raised an eyebrow at that.
She no longer behaved like the compliant person she used to be. In Jacob’s eyes, there was even a hint of defiance in her gaze. Yes, defiance.
“Why not? Mr. Ford, do I need to remind you again? We’re already divorced. What I wear, what jewelry I choose, or who I spend time with… These are my personal matters. You have no right to question me, let alone interfere.”
Liesel smiled, but a faint ache lingered in her chest. She forced herself to say the words to draw a clear line between them. “An ex–husband doesn’t have that authority.”
She then pressed her hands against his chest, pushing him away. “So, you can let go of me now.”
Nonetheless, Jacob didn’t let go. His eyes remained on her face, as if studying her expression or seeing something else behind her smile.
She couldn’t tell, nor could she guess Jacob’s thoughts. All she could do was try to resist
ד
+25 BONUS
Chapter 12
the pressure he was exerting on her.
“Liesel, take off the necklace. Don’t make me say it a third time,” Jacob said again.
Liesel let out a soft chuckle. Her gaze was resolute. “Mr. Ford, let me repeat myself. As my ex–husband, you don’t have the right to interfere in any
of my
my decisions.”
Suddenly, she leaned in close. Their cheeks brushed against one another, their noses almost touching. She could nearly feel his breath and hear the faint beating of his heart.
“Grandpa saw my social media post. He thinks this is a gift from you and will definitely bring it up. So are you sure you want me to take off the necklace now?”
That social media post was already a provocation to him. Vincent not only saw it but even liked it. Now that they were going to have dinner with Vincent, he would definitely bring it
- up.
After all, in Vincent’s eyes, it was the first time Liesel had publicly displayed a gift from Jacob’s gift on social media and thus it was significant.
Jacob found the whole thing ridiculous. His ex–wife was wearing a necklace from her
admirer to a family dinner with him, her ex–husband.
“You’ve changed a lot,” Jacob remarked in a low voice.
She was no longer the obedient, submissive wife she once was. Since the divorce, there was an unfamiliar distance about her, as if her defenses were up and all her sharp edges were showing.
Liesel said nothing. She only smiled. She hadn’t changed at all. In truth, she had always been this way.
Jacob merely preferred a mature, composed woman who could keep up with him.
Therefore, she had suppressed her true self for three years. She had hidden behind a facade to please him.
To those who didn’t know their relationship, she was a capable and proper subordinate. To those who did, she was his gentle, domesticated wife. But in reality, she was childish, willful, and arrogant. Her heart was closed off by a wall that no one could easily get past.
During those three years, she had dropped her guard and allowed people to get close–all for Jacob’s sake. But he never knew. All he ever said was, “You’ve changed so much.”
He had never understood her, never truly known her. He didn’t even know her favorite color. How could he ever hope to understand her heart?
Of course, she should’ve known. Jacob had never cared for her. Natalie was the one he treasured, so why should Liesel expect him to understand her?
Liesel looked up.
+25 BONUS
Jacob was handsome. Even at such a close distance, she could see how perfect his features. were. His deep, dark eyes seemed to hide a galaxy of stars.
She had truly cared for him. But in the end, he was never meant to be hers.
“Jacob, this is who I really am.” Liesel smiled as she said this, then pushed Jacob away and opened the car door to get out.
When Jacob remained silent, Liesel urged him from outside the car. “Mr. Ford, it’s time to get out. Grandpa has been waiting for a while now.”
Jacob scowled. Edgar had been waiting for them to get out of the car. As soon as they did, he approached with a warm smile.
Although Edgar was a butler, he was more of Vincent’s long–time friend. Years ago, Vincent had political ties, and Edgar had been his lieutenant back then. Unfortunately, Edgar had no close family or friends, so Vincent had kept him by his side all these years.
“Mr. Ford Senior has been waiting a long time. Come on in,” Edgar said as he led the way. He complimented Liesel as he went, “Mrs. Ford, that necklace is stunning. It suits you perfectly.”
Liesel responded naturally with a “thank you,” while Jacob gave her a long look. His gaze drifted once more to the necklace around her neck.
Vincent had been waiting. As soon as they arrived, dinner was served. It wasn’t a lavish feast, just a simple meal and a chance for the two of them to come back and spend time with Vincent.
At the table, Vincent couldn’t help but bring up the necklace and compliment it. “I’ve told Jake before, that girls love surprises and jewelry, but he always said you didn’t like flashy things.
“Now that I see you wearing that necklace, it proves you do like it, doesn’t it? He just didn’t understand girls.” Vincent chuckled. “At least Jake has finally figured it out.”
He added, “That necklace would go perfectly with a better dress. Jake, take Lili to the store. sometime and pick out a few new outfits.”
