A chorus of laughter erupted, sharp and cruel, cutting through the elegant ambiance of the event hall.
Another woman stepped forward, looping her arm around Jessica’s like they were some sort of united front.
“Do you even know who this is?” she snapped, her voice filled with contempt as her eyes bore into mine. “This is Jessica—Scott’s first love. If she hadn’t left for abroad, do you honestly think you’d have stood a chance with Scott?”
She paused dramatically, relishing the moment before delivering the final blow. “Even a fool should know how to look in the mirror. What could you possibly offer to compare with Jessica?”
I felt my throat tighten and my eyes sting, but I swallowed hard, forcing the tears to stay put. I clenched my fists and held my ground, my voice trembling but steady enough.
“I have a name. My name is Nadia, not ‘fool.’” I straightened my back, meeting their sneering gazes head-on. “I’m Scott’s wife, and you can’t bully me. What you’re doing is rude!”
The words felt strange leaving my lips, almost mechanical, like reciting a lesson I’d memorized long ago. And in a way, they were—Scott had taught me those very words when we were kids.