Rejected by my Husband novel Chapter 11

Karline’s POV

The chandelier above the long mahogany table cast its golden glow over rows of polished cutlery and crystal glasses. The air smelled of roasted lamb, buttered vegetables, and wine, but my stomach twisted so much I could hardly taste the scents.

Reid walked beside me, his hand never once touching mine, his silence as heavy as the walls around us. When we entered the dining room, everyone was already seated.

His family.

His father, Richard, calm, quiet, always watching but rarely interfering.

His mother, Margaret, sharp, proud, her eyes always lingering on me as though I had stolen something that belonged to her.

His sister, Lydia, beautiful, polished, her words sweet but laced with poison.

His brother, Daniel, aloof, sipping his wine as though the drama of this family was merely entertainment.

Uncle Henry and Aunt Sara, a sweet couple..

And of course, Natalie.

Always Natalie.

Seated right beside Margaret as though she had more right to be there than I did.

Margaret’s face lit up the moment she saw me, though not with warmth. Her lips curved into something tight, polite, yet her eyes moved past me almost instantly, settling on Natalie.

“My dear,” Margaret said, her voice full of honey as she took in Natalie’s appearance. “That dress is stunning. Such refined taste..you always know how to carry yourself so elegantly.”

My chest tightened as I glanced at Natalie’s gown. Emerald green. Reminds me that it's reid's favourite color.

But before I could even gather my thoughts, Natalie’s soft laugh filled the room. She lowered her eyes modestly, her fingers brushing over the fabric. “Thank you, Mrs. Carter. It’s one of my favorites, too. Reid actually gifted it to me some time ago. He said this color suited me.”

The fork nearly slipped from my hand.

Gifted. To her.

I turned to Reid, searching his face for denial, for correction, for something...anything...but he said nothing. His gaze stayed on his plate, the silence louder than any confession.

Lydia leaned forward, her sharp eyes flicking between Natalie and me. “Mother’s right. Natalie, you look like you were born for this family. You always have.”

Uncle Henry chuckled, lifting his glass. “It’s true. I sometimes forget you’re not actually a Carter.”

Aunt sara joined in, smiling as she added, “You’ve always been like a daughter to Margaret, haven’t you?”

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