Chapter 139
I changed into high heels, grabbed the train of my dress, and entered the banquet hall.
Today was Nola's engagement party, and I was dressed to the nines.
Levi and I never had a wedding, so seeing other people's grand celebrations made me feel a bit sorry for myself.
But that feeling quickly passed.
As Nola's good friend, I put in my best effort. I'm not good at heavy makeup, but today I had Faye do a full face for me.
I had only one goal: to show Nola the greatest respect.
I missed the welcome ceremony, which probably disappointed Nola a bit.
Looking at the happy couple on stage, when her eyes found me, she immediately waved at me—that was her special way of showing she cared about me.
John noticed me too. He gave me a big smile, as if telling me how happy he was.
They continued with the next part following the host's cues, giving me time to look around. Today's banquet was incredibly grand—I couldn't imagine how spectacular their actual wedding would be.
Nola had told me not to eat at home, saying she'd prepared a little cake for me.
Sure enough, a server brought over an exquisite cake meant only for me.
"Ms. Blair Ember, this dessert was specially prepared for you. Please enjoy."
"Thank you."
I took the cake and had a small bite. The sweet taste filled my throat—finally, I got to eat my best friend's cake.
My friend, my partner, my youth—in this moment, it all came together as happiness.
Many people came today, all friends of them and their parents. They could have actually skipped the engagement and gone straight to the wedding, but John told Nola they wanted to take their time and complete every step.
A man like that is worth spending a lifetime with. She found the right person.
I stood by a window, watching them toast and mingle. I was immersed in this joyful atmosphere. Of all the banquets I'd attended, today was the happiest.
Even though everyone else came in pairs, I wasn't jealous at all. It was just that in a few moments, I wished Levi could be by my side.
Would there ever be a moment when the two of us stood together as husband and wife facing everyone?
It wasn't that I didn't care about the new female president at the Morgan Group. I just cared more about the baby in my belly. How could I not care? She was someone who had a deep connection with Levi.
"Ms. Ember, you're here too."
I looked up to see Elliot smiling at me, with Jessa holding his arm. Was she his date?
"Mr. Sullivan, long time no see."
I smiled politely and glanced at Jessa without saying anything to her.
Elliot pulled away from Jessa's hand. "Let me introduce you—this is my date for today. You know each other, Miss Jessa Greer."
I didn't say anything, just smiled.
Everyone knew who Jessa was. She was a celebrity who brought attention and buzz wherever she went. If not for her family troubles, her reputation probably wouldn't have taken a hit.
It was just that without Levi's support, she wasn't as glamorous as before.
"Blair, what kind of attitude is that?"
Jessa was still sharp-tongued as ever. Seeing that I hadn't greeted her, she got annoyed instead.
I put down my cake. "I don't think I need to greet you."
"You!"
Elliot pressed down on her arm. "Ms. Ember must have had too much to drink, haha, so she didn't react right away. After all, seeing the two of us together surprised her."
"I haven't been drinking."
He laughed awkwardly. "Ms. Ember, always so straightforward."
"Today is my friend's big day. We're all here to celebrate. Nothing else matters."
I didn't want to talk with them much. Compared to me being alone, Jessa, as his accessory, didn't seem too thrilled either.
"Ms. Ember, would you honor me with a dance?"
Elliot was asking me to dance?
Dancing was unheard of for me—Levi and I had never even danced together.
Jessa looked upset on the side. She was supposed to be his date, so why was he just brushing her off?
"Mr. Sullivan, shouldn't you be heading to headquarters right now?"
I tried to change the subject. I really didn't want to dance with him.
"You refused, so my boss said there's no need for me to go back." Elliot smiled brightly.
I didn't know what else to say. Talking with him was often awkward.
Jessa handed over a glass of wine. "Mr. Sullivan, try this. It's a specialty of the Williams family, only brought out for occasions like today."
"Thank you."
"Blair doesn't want to dance with you, so let's go dance."
Was "unwilling" written all over my face? Even she could tell?
Elliot showed no sign of leaving. He smiled at Jessa, then turned to me and said, "Ms. Ember, there's a class reunion coming up. Will you come?"
I muttered to myself, "So many events."
A few days ago, I turned down an international exchange program, and now he was talking about a class reunion.
"Don't tell me Mr. Sullivan is organizing it again?"
"Haha, yes, it's me. Many classmates haven't seen each other in a long time. It would be nice for everyone to meet up and catch up."
I teased, "Someone as trendy as Mr. Sullivan probably doesn't dwell on the past, right?"
Elliot's expression darkened a bit, then he broke into a smile again. "Ms. Ember doesn't seem to understand me. I'm actually very nostalgic."
"I'll see about the timing then. There's a lot going on at home."
"Mr. Morgan surely wouldn't deny you one day for a gathering, would he?"
My heart skipped a beat. Whenever he mentioned Levi, his eyes looked strange.
"He doesn't interfere with my business. I'm completely free."
The bitterness in my heart had nowhere to go. If he hadn't randomly sent me those gifts, Levi wouldn't still be staying away from home.
"Then it's settled. I'm looking forward to it."
Jessa stood there like a resentful woman listening to us talk. That's when I remembered she'd just had an abortion procedure not long ago and should be resting properly.
Could attending today's banquet also count as work for her?
He was about to start a new topic when Nola and John walked over with wine glasses.
"Blair, why did you come over here? I've been looking everywhere for you."
Nola nodded at Elliot. "Mr. Sullivan, thank you for coming to our engagement party."
"Ms. Skye, I wish you both happiness."
John raised his glass. "Thank you, Mr. Sullivan. It's a pleasure."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Elliot left with Jessa. He probably knew it wasn't appropriate for him to stay.
Nola whispered, "I really don't know how those two got in. I didn't invite them at all."
"I just found out—he's sort of a friend of my dad's. He often brings business our way."
John laughed awkwardly. "My dad has a pretty wide circle of friends."
"Great, just great. Coming here to cause trouble." Nola complained.
I waved my hand in front of her. "Don't be upset. I'm fine. It's all in the past. Jessa and I stay out of each other's way."
Nola rolled her eyes. "Why does Jessa always show up in circles you know? Can't she find something else to do?"
John pulled out his phone to show off to me. "Levi sent me a red envelope. He said he couldn't make it because of something, but he'll be back in a few days."