Chapter 2: The Cruelest Laugh
Jordan’s smug smile faltered for a fraction of a second before he replaced it with an expression of performative disbelief. He marched across the patio toward us, pulling Percy along with him, ignoring the uncomfortable silence of our family friends.
"Well, well," Jordan barked, his voice loud enough to carry over the outdoor speakers. "Happy birthday to Toby, right? Though it looks like someone else is trying to put on a little show."
"Hello, Jordan. Hello, Percy," I said, keeping my voice level, though my heart was hammering against my ribs. "Thanks for coming for Toby's cake."
Jordan didn't even look at our son, who was standing near the deep end with his friends. He stared at Clark, looking him up and down with sneering jealousy.
Then, Jordan threw his head back and burst into a loud, mocking laugh.
"Oh, come on, Maya! You expect anyone here to believe this guy is with you?" Jordan sneered, gesturing at me like I was a bad joke. "He'd NEVER be with you! Have you even looked at yourself in the mirror lately?"
Percy giggled, sipping her iced tea and looking at her manicured nails.
The patio went dead silent. A few of the mothers by the table gasped softly. The humiliation burned so hot in my chest that I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I instinctively tried to pull away from Clark.
Clark didn't let me go.
His arm tightened around my waist—not possessively, but like a steel beam anchoring me to the earth. He didn't look angry; his face was serene, almost amused, as he looked down at Jordan.
"You must be Jordan," Clark said smoothly, his voice deep and rich. "Maya's told me so much about you. In fact, I didn't want to come empty-handed today."
May you like
Clark reached into his jacket pocket and produced a sleek, silver-wrapped gift box tied with a black ribbon.
"I brought a little something for the birthday boy's father, too," Clark smiled, holding it out.
