I was stunned for a moment. “There is some resemblance between you and her. No wonder he’s still holding onto you. Well, I guess he can’t be bothered to pay attention to me because I’m the total opposite of you two,” Rachel continued.
Does she mean Rebecca?
I was not usually a fan of bitter flavor, including coffee. I wrapped my hand around the coffee mug that was served in front of me, stirred it slightly, and listened intently without lifting my head.
“Don’t you ever wonder why I asked you out all of a sudden?” she asked eagerly after she saw no response from me.
“Why?” I muttered and raised my head.
She let out a chuckle. “You seem pretty calm, huh?”
I remained silent and continued to stir my coffee.
“You know, I’ve always wondered about your marriage,” she remarked after a moment of silence. “I mean, who could have guessed that a nobody like you can stay beside Ashton for so many years? But after I saw the lost daughter of the Moore family, I totally get it. You are just a mere substitute! Rebecca Larson must be his first love, but it seems like things did not turn out as he wished.”
She continued after a pause, “In fact, I have no complaints if she were his wife. In terms of looks and figure, I definitely beat her. Yet, her parents were the best in the world, hands down. The fact that she came from a very prestigious family makes her the perfect match for Ashton. You, however, are questionable. I’m obviously better than you in every aspect. And worse, you have zero family background.”
I pursed my lips silently and started to mull over a matter of fact that I had simply overlooked. After all these years, the Moores knew the truth behind Rebecca’s birth, but they never made that story public as there were too many risks to bear.
Perhaps they wanted to make it up to her even after she left the family.
I guessed Rachel must have dug up some information regarding the woman.
“Ms. Zimmer, you’re making something out of nothing,” I said calmly with no intention of defending myself. “Our marriage is blessed with love and joy, so you don’t have to worry about us. Most importantly, outsiders have no right to meddle with our family affairs.”
She sneered, “Oh, really?” Then she took the spoon out of her coffee, laid it aside, and leaned back in the chair with disdain on her face. “So you’re implying that you and Ashton share mutual love? Are you sure?”
I furrowed my brows unwittingly and said, “I don’t think I need to argue with you about this.”
“Yeah, you’re right. There’s no need for argument. But tell me. Deep down inside, you are actually unsure of his feelings for you, aren’t you? My, fake love is cruel.” There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
I propped my chin up with my hand and looked at her. I’ve had enough of her childish behavior. “Ms. Zimmer, are you applying your AI research skills into reality? I believe it’s none of your business if Ashton loves me. Why do you care?”
Her face turned grim. “Nothing, I just… pity you!”
I nodded, looked down at my phone, and prepared to leave before Nora got up from her sleep.
“Well, thank you for your concern, Ms. Zimmer.” I stood up and said, “You don’t really have to come all the way here to pick on me because the reality will only strike you back. You know very well that Ashton never pays attention to you, that’s why you asked me out to vent your anger and pass all the negative energy to me. I’m sorry to say, but you look pathetic.
“Here’s a friendly reminder. I know Ashton and Rebecca more than you. You can’t provoke me with their relationship. He married me because I am worthy of him. And stop being so full of yourself. Yeah, you may be beautiful on the outside, but not on the inside.”
“You…”
Before she could utter any more words, I continued, “Bear in mind. There are far many more beautiful and amazing women in the world out there. You are not that outstanding. Why don’t you work on yourself more, huh? Conceited and proud people like you are not liked by any. Please focus on that, Ms. Zimmer.”
Just when I was about to leave, Rachel stopped me and splashed her coffee all over my dress without any hesitation. I was defenceless and momentarily stupefied.
“Scarlett! Who do you think you are? You are just a leech! How dare you show off in front of me! Listen. Sooner or later, your life will be miserable! Because the girl who he really cares for has returned. He doesn’t need you anymore!”
