Chapter 29 Make Up Wedding?
Not to mention the silk fabric of the midriff-baring dress was already thin. When the man's calloused fingertips brushed against her delicate skin, it brought a faint, tingling itch that made her shiver.
Emily felt uncomfortable all over.
But before she could struggle much, Alex held her firmly in place. "Don't move."
Alex's breath swept past her ear. "Luke and everyone here are our elders. Don't embarrass me, and don't embarrass the Baker family."
Emily gritted her teeth, forcing down the discomfort in her heart.
For the Johnson family, for the bigger picture, she could only endure it.
The two then walked side by side into the Walton family estate, passing through the courtyard to the banquet hall.
Inside, the hall was brightly lit and filled with guests—all prominent figures in the business world.
The moment she entered, Emily pressed her lips together lightly.
The glow inside completely shut out the night. The upscale atmosphere and exquisite refreshments were extremely refined. Between the clinking glasses came measured words and subtle probing—she had never been comfortable in such settings.
Alex whispered in her ear, "When you see Luke later, remember your position."
His warm breath sprayed against her earlobe. Emily forced herself not to pull away.
Then her gaze swept around the hall—no sign of Grace.
Just then, an elderly but vigorous voice rang out. "Alex, you're here."
Luke stood in the center of the banquet hall wearing a dark suit, looking spirited and alert.
Behind him followed several business tycoons, all wearing smiles.
"Luke." Alex smiled faintly, putting his arm around Emily as they approached. "Sorry we're late."
"Not late at all, perfect timing for the meal." Luke's eyes fell on Emily, full of appreciation. "I've long heard that the Johnson family's daughter is brilliantly talented, with award-winning designs. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
Emily said, "You're too kind. I still have much to learn."
Luke waved his hand with a smile. "Modesty is good, but talent can't be hidden."
Then he led them toward the main table.
As Luke walked, he said, "About your father's matter, I've already had people follow up on it. Rest assured, I won't let your father be wronged."
"Thank you, Luke." Emily felt a wave of gratitude.
Hearing this, Luke looked at Alex with a teasing tone. "No need to thank me. This boy Alex came to visit me personally for your sake, spent a whole afternoon wearing down this old man, insisting I step in to help no matter what."
It was him?
Emily's head snapped up, looking at Alex in disbelief.
Mark's sudden withdrawal of pressure on the Johnson family—it was Alex who personally asked Luke to intervene?
She had always thought it was Matthew's doing, never imagining that Alex had been helping behind the scenes.
A complicated mix of emotions surged up—surprise, gratitude, confusion... and a hint of something she couldn't quite name.
All these feelings tangled together, making her chest feel slightly tight.
Alex sensed her gaze but didn't turn around. Raising his champagne glass, he offered a toast. "You're too kind. How could I stand by when my father-in-law is in trouble?"
"Good, good, good! Alex usually seems so cold, but I never expected him to care so much about his wife." Luke's laughter grew even heartier as he clinked glasses and patted Alex's shoulder.
While the two men talked, Emily lowered her eyes, concealing the complexity in them.
Good relationship?
They were about to divorce. This loving act was just a show for outsiders.
After they were seated, the banquet officially began.
Exquisite dishes were served one after another, beautifully plated with perfect color, aroma, and taste—all prepared by renowned chefs.
During the meal, Luke occasionally chatted with Alex about company projects and current trends.
He was even more attentive to Emily, sometimes discussing design and asking for her insights.
Alex, sitting beside her, was very considerate. "Have my plate—I've already cut it."
With that, he switched his steak with hers, the movement so natural as if he'd done it a thousand times before.
Emily looked at the evenly cut steak on the porcelain plate, feeling dazed.
If there were no Grace, no misunderstandings and hurt, would they really be like this?
But after just a moment, Emily put on a smile and said sweetly, "Thank you, Alex."
With that, she picked up her knife and fork and ate slowly, not glancing at the man beside her again.
Alex paused cutting his steak, heartstrings plucked by her words, but before he could speak, Luke looked over with a kind expression. "You two have been married for several years now, but you've kept putting off the wedding."
"Now that the Johnson family's troubles are mostly resolved, why not take advantage of this good momentum and hold a proper wedding? It would bring us old folks some joy too."
A wedding?
Emily's heart sank abruptly.
A wedding was what every woman wanted, and she was no exception. But she had waited three years and it never came.
Because she knew all too clearly—Alex didn't have her in his heart at all.
This marriage had been a transaction from the start, and now it was on the verge of collapse. What wedding was there to talk about?
Yet Alex raised his glass, his tone steady. "Thank you for your concern, Luke. We're already preparing for the wedding. Once my father-in-law is released, we'll pick a good date."
Hearing this, Emily turned to look at him, her eyes full of surprise.
When did they start preparing?
How come she didn't know?
The champagne flutes clinked together, making crisp sounds.
Alex drained his champagne in one gulp. Seeming to sense her gaze, when he turned to look at her, something flashed deep in his eyes—too quick to catch.
Then it returned to calm, and even after sitting down, he didn't look her way again.
Seeing this, Emily laughed coldly to herself.
Hold a proper wedding?
It must just be Alex's way of appeasing the elders—after all, how could he possibly want to have a wedding with her?
Emily curled her lips in self-mockery, picked up the juice in front of her and took a light sip. It was sweet, but it couldn't suppress the bitterness in her heart.
The banquet continued, the atmosphere still lively.
But Emily had lost her appetite and was already feeling disgusted.
How much longer would this charade of fake affection have to go on?