Chapter 4 Happy Birthday, Ivy

Late into the night, Rhett, dressed in pajamas, entered the bedroom and was instantly overwhelmed by the strong smell of medicinal ointment.

Nina was diligently massaging Sienna's legs.

Draped in a light pink silk nightgown, Sienna reclined on a chaise lounge, her long hair flowing down her shoulders. Her face bore a relaxed expression, her legs slender and elegant, a vision of sheer beauty.

However, the glaring scars on her legs, now reddened by the massage, stood out starkly against her flawless appearance.

Catching Rhett's grimace, Sienna inquired softly, "What's up?"

Rhett quickly masked his distaste with a concerned smile. "With Grandma's birthday approaching, have you thought about her gift?"

"I have."

Rhett sensed her detachment and said, "You seem upset. Why don't I spend the night here?"

"That would be fine," she said, her gaze direct and unflinching as she instructed Nina, "Use more ointment; it seems to help."

The room filled with the heavy scent of the ointment.

Overwhelmed by the smell filling his lungs, Rhett said, "Actually, I shouldn't disturb Nina's work. I'll sleep in the next room."

Sienna hardly seemed surprised by his change of heart.

He was eager to leave, swiftly turning to make his exit.

In his mind, he dismissed any hope of recovery, convinced that no amount of ointment could enable her to stand again.

With the door now shut, Nina allowed herself a moment of relief, exhaling deeply.

With a slight smile, Sienna asked, "What are you afraid of?"

Earlier, Nina had helped her bathe and noticed the love marks on her body along with the bloodstains on her inner thighs, which made it clear what Sienna had endured.

Concern was evident on Nina's sincere face as she asked, "What will happen if Mr. Wells discovers this?"

"Then it's divorce," Sienna responded with a tinge of irony. "Though he'd likely never agree."

Given her birth family, the Dale family, and the Wells family's business ties, she knew that now wasn't the right time to file for divorce against Rhett, so patience was her only option.

Nina silently continued her task, now applying a bruise cream to hickeys on Sienna's ankle.

Sienna pulled up her hair, exposing red marks along her neck. "And here too."

When she finally settled in for the night, her dreams were troubled, haunted by visions of Rhett with Natalia Curtis, her best friend, engaged in passionate lovemaking, and Rhett at her hospital bedside, ring in hand, pleading for her hand in marriage.

Then the voice of the man with whom she had slept echoed in her ear. "Does this feel good?"

She awoke abruptly, the harsh reality hitting her once more.

How she wished the video of her husband's betrayal were just another dream.

The time had come for Ivy's birthday celebration.

Rhett escorted Sienna into the venue, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present.

"Mr. and Mrs. Wells have arrived."

"Isn't Mrs. Wells stunning!"

A hushed voice said, "Yes she's beautiful, it's just tragic that she's disabled. Poor Rhett, such a remarkable man."

"You don't understand. The Lawson family..."

Sienna overheard these murmurs.

In the past, such words would have pained her, but now she remained unaffected and even felt impressed by Rhett's patience and cunning.

Over the past two years, Rhett had cleverly cultivated his image as a compassionate and faithful partner who stood by her side.

Navigating the crowd, Sienna spotted the birthday girl, Ivy, with Natalia attentively by her side.

Adorned in a dress of water-blue with designs of Albizzia julibrissin and a silver hairpin accentuating her demure appearance, Natalia was a sight to behold.

Interestingly, her outfit mirrored Sienna's own, who wore a lotus-embroidered dress paired with an emerald hairpin.

Natalia's eyes sparkled upon seeing them. "Ivy, look who's here-Rhett and Sienna!"

Ivy's smile slightly dimmed. "Yes, I see them. Let's not overdo the excitement."

As Rhett wheeled Sienna toward Ivy, Sienna said, "Happy birthday, Ivy."

She presented a box from her lap. "I've made this traditional perfume for you, hoping you'll enjoy it."

Ivy sipped her tea, her eyelids heavy, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

"Though it's considerate of you to craft perfume given your condition," she began, her eyes briefly settling on Sienna's stomach, "I would prefer if you devoted your time to considering having a child with Rhett."

Sienna, weary from holding the gift, placed it down with a troubled expression.

"I would like to, but..." She paused, casting a look toward Rhett, her unspoken statement hanging in the air.

The guests stared at Rhett, wondering if he was the issue.

Caught off-guard, Rhett chuckled awkwardly, trying to defuse the situation. "Don't worry, Grandma. We're looking into that."

Natalia quickly interjected, saying, "Ivy, the box itself is quite exquisite. It's a rare antique crafted from purple sandalwood, detailed with mother-of-pearl, amber, and ivory. Sienna secured it after negotiating with its original owner for quite a while."

After her explanation, she exchanged a knowing look with Rhett, who silently thanked her.

Sienna interjected with feigned surprise, "Natalia, that's not true. This is not a rare antique; it's crafted by a local artisan. It cost two thousand."