Liesel’s voice was nonchalant. She wasn’t scared of him at all.
The look she gave Jacob was also blank and impassive.
She pushed down the pang in her heart forcefully.
How could she not be upset?
They’d been married for three years. Jacob knew exactly what kind of person she was.
She’d never bothered with such despicable tactics. However, it seemed like that was what Jacob thought of her.
What a joke.
Jacob’s expression was cold. He clearly did not feel anything for her anymore. “You’re close with Ophelia. She did that to Natalie because of you.
Liesel poked at the strawberry on her plate. It had almost been reduced to a mash. “Have you considered the fact that maybe Ophelia just doesn’t like cheaters and illegitimate children?”
Liesel’s gaze was firm and steadfast.
“Ophelia hates them because her best friend in school committed suicide because of her stepmother and her stepmother’s daughter.
“You should know why she hates them. You can’t blame me for this.”
“Then why are you here?” Jacob seemed to be insistent that she was involved in this. His voice was still cold.
Liesel’s eyes flashed. She lowered her head and laughed. “Why am I here?
“Have you forgotten? The Royale Restaurant comes up with a new menu every month on the same day. I always come here to try the new menu.”
Then, she smiled and continued dismissively, “Then again, your question doesn’t surprise me. You’ve never paid attention to me, have you? You wouldn’t know that I come here on the same day every month.”
Her tone carried a hint of mockery that was directed at herself.
Jacob stared at her, and his expression was impassive. Liesel met his gaze unflinchingly.
“Even if I did instigate this incident, you shouldn’t be confronting me about this. I’m the one whose husband cheated on me and whose father abandoned me for an illegitimate daughter.
Chapter 28:
“It would be understandable if I really did something to retallate,” she said. “I’m the true victim here. Why are you blaming me, when you’re the cause of all this?
“I just stood aside and did nothing. Is that such a big offense that you’re willing to slander me?
“Even if I did do something, she deserved it.
Her voice was firm. Jacob could hear the severity in her tone.
“You shouldn’t be talking to me right now. You should be talking to Natalie and telling her to watch her words and actions. She’s an illegitimate child and a homewrecker. That’s the sin she has to bear.”
She refused to show weakness in front of Jacob.
Jacob stared at her. She felt strange to him now.
During their three years of marriage, Liesel had always been soft–spoken and gentle. She had never talked back to him ever, so he always thought that she was meek.
Now that they were divorced, he realized that she was quite the opposite. He’d just never paid attention to her properly.
“Natalie can’t choose the circumstances of her birth,” he said in defense of Natalie.
Liesel smiled. “What do you think of those who inflict harm on others, the abusers, who repeatedly appear before their victims, fully aware of both their own and the other’s identity–what do you think is going through their mind?
“You should know that I am the victim in this situation.
“Over the last few days, I’ve been seeing my abuser constantly, and yet you’re telling me that she can’t help the way she was born. You want me to avoid her instead.”
7
