Hannah

"Okay, the drinks are here. Today we have to eat and drink as much as we want," Jennifer said, the leader of our apartment community. Cheers from the other community members immediately followed Jennifer's words.

However, that afternoon I noticed something odd. Bella's expression was flat, as if she were holding something back or deep in thought. Could it be because of my drastic change in appearance? If that were the case, then jealousy had taken root within her.

A few moments later, the food we ordered arrived. Before we started eating, Jennifer gave a speech and expressed her hopes for our community. I used to have the same hopes as Jennifer, but I was feeling pessimistic. My family was on the verge of destruction because of the actions of one of our members.

We all applauded enthusiastically after Jennifer finished her speech. Then, everyone ate the food that had been served on the table. However, my attention was again drawn to the diamond bracelet that adorned Bella's smooth wrist.

To satisfy my curiosity, I asked Bella. "Umm, Bella. Your bracelet is so beautiful and fits your wrist perfectly, as if it was made especially for you."

Instantly, Bella's expression changed. Her eyes looked at all of us, but no words came out of her mouth. Usually, when someone compliments us, we would say thank you, but something different happened to Bella. Her lips seemed locked, and her gaze shifted from one person to another.

I was sure she was confused about how to respond to my compliment, and I knew why.

If she said the diamond bracelet was a gift from Mike, everyone would know she was lying because Mike was just an ordinary employee at a supermarket. The Turner family could afford to rent an expensive apartment like ours because Bella's parents paid the rent.

I didn't mean to belittle anyone's profession, but Bella and Emma's appearance didn't match Mike's monthly income. And we all realized that fact that day.

"Yes, your bracelet is beautiful. It looks like the latest trend," one community member said, followed by nods from the others.

Bella looked even more confused. No words came out of her mouth.

"It's very expensive. I wanted to buy it, but my husband wouldn't let me. You're so lucky, Mrs. Turner," another community member said.

"Yes, I also really want that diamond bracelet, but my husband's business isn't doing well. I hope I can buy it soon," another community member replied.

Bella's expression grew even more confused. If Mike had bought her the bracelet, she would have been able to respond to all our comments smoothly. But she showed the opposite attitude.

In fact, without even answering or touching her food, Bella stood up and said goodbye. She rushed through the crowd of visitors who were gathered at one point. And she also left us confused by her unusual behavior. As a result, Bella became the major topic of conversation that afternoon.

"Her behavior is strange. Did I say something wrong?" one community member asked her friend.

"No. There was nothing wrong with your comment. Besides, you praised her bracelet and said nothing bad. Her behavior was just strange," another member replied.

"Maybe the bracelet wasn't from her husband," Jennifer said flatly.

Jennifer's words seemed to support my theory. I could find out because the diamond store that had such beautiful diamonds was the only one in Riverford.

I took my phone out of my bag and walked away from the crowd to call Ms. Cindy, the owner of the diamond store. After the call rang three times, Ms. Cindy finally answered.

I immediately asked her about the bracelet new model that Jason had bought. It turned out that Jason was good at hiding things and making surprises. Ms. Cindy said that a few months ago, Jason had bought two identical bracelets. When Ms. Cindy asked him about the other one, Jason replied he intended to give it to his mother. Satisfied with his answer, Ms. Cindy remained silent and didn't ask him anything else.

Before I ended the call, Ms. Cindy told me something that made my body go limp. She said that Jason had even ordered a gold ring with a blue diamond. My favorite color isn't blue, but nude and pink.

Was that a diamond ring for Bella? Just thinking about it made my heart ache. Even though we're still married, he's already ordered a ring. Did Jason want to get rid of me soon?

Ms. Cindy kept praising Jason. If only she knew the ring wasn't for me. Wasting no time, I quickly ended the call and called Marie, Jason's mother. After two rings, Marie answered my call.

"Hello, Mom," I said.

"Hello, dear. How are you? It sounds like you're outside. It's very noisy," she replied.

"I am fine. Yes, I'm at a restaurant for a women's community meeting. Can you hear me?"

"I can hear you. Oh, when are you coming to visit my house? I miss Jensen so much," Marie said. I was confused about how to start the conversation about the bracelet with her. It seemed like I had made a mistake by calling her because she might call Jason after this, and then Jason would be even more cautious.

I was lost in my thoughts and confusion until Marie's voice snapped me out of my reverie.

"Hannah, are you okay? You're not listening to me. Is something wrong?" she asked suspiciously.

Maybe it's better if I tell her the truth. Marie has always been fair and open. She never showed favoritism, even though I'm only her daughter-in-law. It's better if she hears it from me than from someone else or Jason.

"I am not okay. Something happened. But before I tell you everything, there's something I want to ask you first. Can you keep this a secret from Jason?"

"Yes, please. You can trust me. What's wrong, Hannah?" Her voice sounded worried. If Marie knew my marriage was in trouble, she'd be worried because she's always told me and Jason to keep our marriage strong so it doesn't end up like hers, which ended in divorce when Jason was still a child.

"Did Jason give you a diamond bracelet as a gift?"

Hannah

Suddenly, Marie fell silent, and all that could be heard was the sound of her breathing. Marie's silence made me too afraid to ask any further. We remained silent for a long time.

A few minutes later, Marie cleared her throat. "I don't know how to answer that. My answer will only cause problems for you. But I can't lie to you either."

"Mom, please. I understand your position. I just want to know the truth." My voice trembled.

Marie sighed deeply. "Dear, I knew this situation would come. Some time ago, Jason came to visit and asked me to help him, even though I didn't agree with his attitude. He said that if you ask me about the diamond bracelet, I should say that I received it, even though I never received that diamond bracelet at all. I know his actions were wrong. Then, I asked him why I had to help him lie. However, he immediately left, saying nothing. I also tried calling him to ask, but he still said nothing. What happened? Is there a problem with your marriage?"

Something unexpected happened. Tears streamed down my eyes and face. I was sure Marie could hear me crying. However, she remained silent and waited for an explanation from me. "He is having an affair with a woman who also lives in the same building as us."

"What? Are you sure?" Marie sounded shocked.

"Yes. I saw it with my own eyes when we were invited to dinner by that woman and her family."

"I am sorry to hear that, dear. I hope I heard wrong and Jason didn't do something so shameful. What's her name?"

"Bella Turner."

Marie fell silent again, making me curious. "Mom, is there anything else you know about them?"

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you suddenly went quiet when you heard her name," I replied. At that moment, I braced myself to hear more painful facts.

"He once called a woman named Bella on the back porch. I thought Bella was one of his friends, but then he said he had transferred the money to Emma. Do you know who Emma is?"

It was like a bolt of lightning striking in broad daylight. Another painful fact hit my heart and mind. So, Jason was also supporting Emma? Did Mike know about all this? But I only found out about their affair recently. So, it was likely that Mike knew nothing, either.

Jason's love for Bella was so great that he helped support Emma, even though we had discussed Jason's income and set aside most of our income for Jensen's future. But plans are just plans because now Jason is supporting two families at once.

Ah, I remember something and I'm so stupid for not realizing it until now. A few years ago, Jason said that the company he worked for was streamlining in several areas.

This affected Jason. With the same number of working hours, the hourly wage was reduced, so his monthly salary also decreased. He also said that the company was laying off employees.

I believed everything he said and accepted it with an open heart. So, since then, the salary Jason gave me also deceased, but we still lacked nothing financially.

However, today I discovered the truth and the connection. He was giving a portion of his salary to Bella and Emma.

My question at the time was, why was he paying for Emma? Isn't Emma Mike's responsibility as her father? Everything that happened that day left my head spinning.

"Emma is Bella's biological daughter with her husband, Mike Turner," I replied to Marie.

"Why is Jason paying for her education and getting her insurance?"

It felt like a huge rock had hit my heart. Insurance? Why would Jason do that for Emma? Emma isn't his biological child.

Wait. Could Emma be Jason and Bella's biological child? Oh, God.

"Hannah? Are you there?"

"Y-yes. I'm here."

"Do you know the name of the insurance company?"

"If I heard correctly, it's RF Insurance. What's going on? You didn't answer my question."

"I don't know the relationship between Jason and Emma, either. But RF Insurance is an exclusive insurance company that charges higher premiums than other insurance companies. I, Jason, and Jensen have insurance with RF Insurance. What I don't understand is why Jason would do that for Emma. I wondered if Emma might be Jason and Bella's biological child." My voice sounded softer and hoarse. My world felt like it was turning upside down, and I felt shattered inside.

"If I may give you some advice, it's best to stay positive while you find out more. Maybe Jason is helping the child. How old is she?"

"Six years old. She's the same age as Jensen."

"It is likely that he's helping the child. You'd better find out more details. If I get any more information, I'll let you know. Please save your marriage. For Jensen's sake," Marie pleaded. Deep down, I wanted the same thing, but if Jason didn't want me anymore, there was nothing I could do. One thing was certain: I would take Jensen with me if we had to separate.

"Okay, Mom. I'll try to find out. Thank you and bye."

"Bye, dear. I love you."

After ending the call, I thought for a moment. Regarding the diamond bracelet, I already knew its original owner. Regarding the insurance, it was difficult for me to find out because patient information is highly confidential.

When I turned and observed the community members, an idea suddenly came to mind. Maybe they knew something about Emma.

I hurried back and sat down in my seat. Because I had been talking with Ms. Cindy and Mom for so long, my food had gotten cold. Jennifer, who noticed my arrival, asked. "Are you okay, Hannah?"

I turned, and our eyes met. Although Jennifer wasn't the extroverted type, she cared about everyone in the community. More than that, she knew everything that happened in the community.

"Umm, yes. Sorry for interrupting your lunch. There's something I want to ask," I said while looking at each community member's face.

"Please, say it," they all replied.

"Have you ever heard about the issue regarding Emma's health condition?"

"Emma Turner? Don't you know?" one of the community members asked.