Chapter 84: Banquet
I looked over and saw a golden fan placed on the table, with red gemstones cleverly decorating its tail.
Sawyer from the Pemberton family smiled at me and said, "Ms. Lockwood, Knox made this fan himself. He carefully selected each gemstone for the pendant. He hopes your marriage will last forever."
How ironic that someone who cheats constantly could say such things.
I pressed my lips together to hide the coldness in my heart and said, "Thank you, Sawyer."
Just as I finished speaking, my phone suddenly rang. I picked it up and saw it was Knox calling.
"Helena, did you receive what I sent you?"
I nodded, "Yes, I got it."
"Do you like it?"
"I do, thank you."
I said words I didn't mean.
Knox on the other end sounded very pleased. "Helena, I wish I could see you in person. You have no idea how much I miss you."
I covered the phone and glanced at Maria and Sawyer standing nearby. "We're getting married in just two days. Let's save this talk for when we meet."
Knox's laughter came through the phone. "Okay, okay, I'll stop!"
"On our wedding day, I want to tell the whole world that I love you, Helena. I can't wait to marry you!"
Hearing his words made me feel sick.
I pressed my lips together. "I know. I've put away the gift. Thank you, I really like it."
"I'll hang up now!"
I couldn't wait to end the call, afraid that hearing Knox's voice any longer would make me throw up.
What an act of devotion - just a performance for others to see. I never expected Knox would get so addicted to his own acting.
"Ms. Lockwood, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Sawyer said goodbye and left. After seeing him out, Maria looked at me with concern. "Helena, what's wrong? You seem upset."
I shook my head. "Nothing's wrong. Don't worry, Mom, I'm fine."
"Alright, you're always like this. Even when something big happens, you prefer to handle it yourself. If you're really unhappy about something, you must tell me."
"I will. By the way, didn't Dad say he's hosting a party at home tonight for friends and family? How are the preparations going?"
"Peter is arranging the drinks and food for tonight's party. I've already prepared your dress."
Maria quickly had a servant bring out a box.
Inside was a red short evening gown. "Wear this tonight."
"Okay."
After I changed and came downstairs, Maria looked at me with satisfaction. "Helena, you've really grown up."
"To you, Mom, I'll always be your child."
I kissed Maria on the cheek and thought to myself that no matter what, in this life, I would protect my family and never let them get hurt again.
"Mrs. Lockwood, everything outside is almost ready. Please come take a look."
Hearing Peter's words, Maria smiled and gently pushed me away. "Look at you, acting like a child at your age. If our friends and family see this later, they'll laugh at you."
"I don't care what others think. I just want you to be happy."
I shook Maria's hand. "Come on, I'll go with you."
"Okay."
When we got to the back of the villa, Peter had filled the garden with flowers and set up a pavilion. Servants were placing prepared desserts and drinks on the tables.
"Mrs. Lockwood, the band is ready too."
Maria looked up. "Make sure to test the lighting properly. It'll be dark tonight - we don't want guests tripping."
"Yes."
Peter took out his notebook and started writing.
"And make sure there's plenty of food. Our guests will have different tastes. If the kitchen gets overwhelmed, get people from the restaurant to help."
"Yes."
"Also, have the drivers ready. If any guests need a ride home, we should be able to send them back right away."
"Yes, Mrs. Lockwood. Don't worry, I'll double-check everything."
After Peter finished, Maria waved him off. "Alright, go ahead."
After Peter left, I quickly massaged Maria's shoulders. "Is there anything else I can help with?"
"No need," Maria looked at me and smiled. "You're tonight's star. Just do your best later."
"Yes, ma'am!"
While we were chatting, Henry arrived with Rosalind and John's family.
As soon as she sat down, Rosalind looked around disapprovingly. "I don't know why we're having this party. It's just marrying off a daughter - does it need to be this grand?"
Hearing Rosalind's words, Maria's expression darkened. Henry quickly spoke up. "Mom, it's just our family and relatives getting together for some fun. No outsiders."
Rosalind snorted heavily and looked around, then turned to John. "Where are Willow and Natasha? Didn't you say you were going to pick them up? Where are they?"
John looked uncomfortable and stammered, "Willow had a small car accident a few days ago, but she's fine. Don't worry, Mom. She just needs a few days in the hospital."
"What? A car accident!"
Rosalind immediately stood up. "Something this serious happened, and nobody told me?"
She grabbed Henry's hand and started heading out.
"No, no, you need to take me to see Willow right now. My goodness, a car accident - how terrifying."
"Mom, Mom!"
Henry quickly pulled Rosalind back. "The guests are about to arrive. Even if we want to see Willow, can't we wait until tomorrow?"
"Henry, you cold-hearted man! Willow was in a car accident! Is your party really more important than that?"
"I had no idea Willow meant nothing to you!"
"Grandma, you're being unfair to my dad."
I stepped in to block her. "After Aunt Willow's accident, Dad was the one who suppressed those scandalous videos. To cover up those scandals, Dad spent quite a bit of money to fix everything."
"Scandals? Videos? What are you talking about?"
Hearing Rosalind's question, I suddenly acted as if I'd said too much and quickly covered my mouth. "I'm sorry, Uncle John. I forgot Dad's instructions. I didn't mean to tell Grandma."
"Grandma, I didn't say anything. I don't know anything!"