Chapter 5: Unsolved Mystery
Richard Astor hesitated, glancing at Rain's determined expression. He ignored the protests of the Claytons and made a call. The room fell silent, and Rain enjoyed the tense expression on her family's face as they tried to eavesdrop on the conversation.
After a few moments, Richard's eyes widened. He hung up, his expression grim."It appears Rain is telling the truth. She is indeed married. Today's dinner is an utter waste of our time."
Disappointed, the Astor family began to gather their things to leave. Richard gave Tim a disdainful scoff. "Is this how you handle your family, Tim? I didn't expect to be embarrassed like this!"
Her father quickly stood up, trying to appease the mayor, but Richard ignored him and brushed him off as he left with his family. Rain remained stoic, ignoring the angry glares Michael threw at her as he followed his family out.
Dina, however, couldn't resist the opportunity to denigrate Rain despite how badly things turned out. She sauntered up to her with a smirk. "So, who's that useless husband you've married? Did you pick up a beggar off the streets to avoid marrying Michael? After all, given your background and status in our family, you could never marry into a prestigious family."
Rain maintained her composure and met Dina's sneer with a calm smile. "You'll find out very soon, Dina. But whoever and whatever he is, remember, he's much better than a cheating scumbag boyfriend."
With that Rain stood up to leave, but Sylvia was quick to block her path. She was filled with hatred and anger as her entire plan to benefit from Rain's humiliating marriage had gone up in smoke. She raised her hand to hit Rain, but this time, Rain grabbed her wrist midway and stopped her from slapping her.
She increased pressure on her wrist, causing her stepmother to hiss in pain. This would be the last time she allowed this woman to hurt her.
Rain's voice was low as she spoke, "You don't seem to be satisfied with the slaps you hurled at me during breakfast today, stepmother."