Jenny looked at Jaden with a hint of confusion, only to notice the faint smile playing on his lips as he glanced at her. Embarrassed, she was about to complain but stopped when Jaden discreetly signaled her with his eyes.
It was then that Jenny realized the waiter who had left to fetch their food was approaching with a tray.
If their playful antics continued, the waiter might pick up on something inappropriate, which would be utterly embarrassing.
"Sir, here is your order..." the waiter politely set the dishes on the table and left with a happy smile after receiving a generous tip from Jaden.
"What's the matter? Couldn't wait?" Jaden teased, handing Jenny a glass of red wine.
"You're so annoying, always teasing me," Jenny retorted shyly.
"I didn't mean it that way. But this is a public place, you know. I can't afford to be too uninhibited," Jaden said with a smile.
"Hmph! Then why did you pick such a secluded spot? Isn't that just a case of covering your ears and pretending no one can see you?" Jenny pouted, displeased.
"Whether it's self-deception depends on the circumstances. Besides, weren't your legs getting tired from being raised the whole time?" Jaden clinked his glass with hers.
"You're impossible! Aren't you going to wash your hands? Touching my feet - don't you think it's dirty?" Jenny asked, frowning slightly.
"How could I think you're dirty? Even your feet have your unique fragrance. If no one had interrupted us, I'd have loved to touch them a little longer," Jaden remarked playfully, even pretending to bring his hand closer to his nose to sniff it. This made Jenny blush even more, though her expression showed she was pleased that Jaden wasn't disgusted by her.
"Alright, alright. Go wash your hands now. It's enough for me to know you don't mind. You can touch them all you want later," Jenny urged with a flushed face.
"Fine. I don't mind at all, but I wouldn't want to disgust you," Jaden said, still holding his hand near his nose with exaggerated enjoyment before reluctantly getting up.
He donned his sunglasses as he left for the restroom but couldn't help glancing toward another corner of the restaurant.
Jenny had no idea that Jaden's affectionate gesture was actually a calculated move to shield his face.
Just moments ago, Jaden had spotted Sherry entering the restaurant.
A wave of tension coursed through him as he pretended to savor Jenny's scent, subtly obscuring his features. Heading to the restroom provided a convenient excuse to assess the situation and identify the person accompanying Sherry.
Now wearing his sunglasses, Jaden felt emboldened. He was confident that Sherry wouldn't recognize him in his formal attire.
He had deliberately chosen a late dinner time to avoid the peak dining hours and minimize the risk of running into Sherry.
But fate had a cruel sense of humor - she always appeared when he least expected her.
At least now he had a chance to confirm who she was with.
Walking at a measured pace, Jaden cautiously observed Sherry.
She wore a floral evening dress that added an air of elegance to her otherwise sweet demeanor. Her delicate neckline hinted at a restrained allure, exuding sophistication without crossing boundaries. She sat quietly, her gaze darting around as though waiting for someone.
Suddenly, Sherry's eyes flicked toward Jaden.
A jolt of panic surged through him. Instinctively, he turned his head away, his mind racing: *Did she recognize me?*
But his fears were unfounded. Sherry merely glanced at him briefly before looking away.
Releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, Jaden quickened his steps toward the restroom.
At the sink, he removed his sunglasses and splashed cold water on his face, forcing himself to calm down.
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he saw a man who seemed slightly haggard. A bitter smile tugged at his lips.
Sherry looked so poised and graceful now - a far cry from the woman she was with him.
Perhaps in all their years together, Jaden had never seen her so stunning.
Regret gnawed at him. He had failed to give her the life she deserved.
A beautiful woman needs fine clothes and jewelry to complement her beauty, but Jaden lacked the means to provide such luxuries.
"Sherry, as long as you don't leave me, I swear I'll make it up to you," he vowed silently. The guilt eased some of his anger toward her suspected betrayal.
Still, Jaden knew what he had to do. After drying his face with a paper towel and replacing his sunglasses, he stepped out of the restroom.
Glancing toward Sherry's table, he noticed that she was now joined by another woman - the one he had last seen by the pool.
But that didn't ease his anxiety. Two men were seated opposite Sherry and her companion, laughing and clinking glasses.
Jaden's blood boiled at the sight.
It confirmed his worst suspicions: Sherry had indeed come to the resort with another man.
The idea that she was on a work trip? Preposterous.
Jaden's chest heaved with rage, his vision tinged red.
He clenched his fists, his instinct screaming at him to storm over and confront them.
But just as he started toward Sherry's table, a soft voice called out, "Hey, wrong way!"
The words jolted Jaden back to reality.
He stopped in his tracks and turned toward the voice to see Jenny waving at him.
Hesitation flickered across his face as he glanced back at Sherry's table.
Underneath his sunglasses, his jaw tightened, and a vein throbbed visibly on his temple.
But after a moment, the tension drained from his body.
Jaden closed his eyes briefly. When he reopened them, the storm in his gaze had subsided, replaced by a resolute calm.
Suppressing his fury, he returned to Jenny's side.
With Jenny there, he knew it wasn't the right time to confront Sherry. Even if he discovered evidence of her wrongdoing, he couldn't risk an impulsive scene.
Jaden wanted answers - but he also wanted to maintain the moral high ground. If a confrontation was inevitable, it would happen on his terms.
Moreover, his financial burdens made it imperative to stay focused on the task at hand. The stakes were too high to let emotions derail his plans.