Chapter 190: My Pleasure (Part 2)
Alison’s composure left Jack in disbelief. She was clearly pushing him away, keeping a distance deliberately.
In that moment, Jack desperately wanted to rush forward and demand answers: why had she suddenly left, and why was she now appearing before him alongside Aidan?
Aimée cleared her throat, startling Jack. He held his tongue.
If he intended to elope, he needed to be thoroughly prepared. He had to slip away when everyone was off guard.
He longed for Alison to be the bride beside him, but that dream had vanished.
He forced a faint smile and murmured, “Miss Fairchild, you haven’t given me your blessing yet.”
The half-joking words sounded ordinary, yet Alison still faltered.
Then she walked towards Jack, smiling, “Mr Winston, congratulations. I wish you happiness in your marriage and a beautiful family.”
It was a beautiful blessing, yet to his ears it sounded so jarring.
Could I be happy without her?
Under the gaze of the crowd, however, he could only suppress his emotions and reply, “Thank you, Miss Fairchild.”
“You’re welcome, Mr Winston. Is there anything else?”
“Oh, you’re Aimée’s bridesmaid. You have to ask her.”
“Alison, make sure the kid is settled first. If anything comes up, the other two bridesmaids will cover for you. But they can’t hold their liquor, so you’ll need to help me fend off a few toasts later.” Aimée was all smiles, playing the part of a warm and welcoming bride. To everyone else, it looked as if she truly regarded Alison as one of her bridesmaids.
Alison smiled and replied, “Of course, it’s my pleasure. See you at the reception.”
Then, she turned towards Aidan, who was staring intently at her.
The entire scene had left her drenched in cold sweat. Fortunately, Aimée had already excused her before the toasts began. Alison knew that Aimée was doing this deliberately — she didn’t want her to have too much contact with Jack.
Dressed in a pink gown, Aimée was elegant and captivating. As she glided into the hall, she spotted the Winston family elders seated at the front table beneath the altar: Isabella, Alexander, and Aidan’s mother, Cassandra.
“Alison, could you help me greet Mother, Grandfather, and Isabella’s family?” Aidan suggested.
They had already spotted the three of them, especially Isabella, whose gaze burned intensely into Alison’s.
Alison caught her gaze. She had anticipated trouble by bringing Ethan along, and now it seemed her fears had been confirmed.
Fine, just let it happen.
She linked arms with Aidan as they walked over.
By now, everyone’s gaze had shifted from her to Ethan.
Alexander’s eyes lit up as he looked at Ethan.
“Grandpa, hello.” Alison greeted him first.
Alexander nodded, then beckoned to Ethan. “Come here, good boy.”
“Ethan, say ’great-grandfather, ’” Alison reminded him promptly, afraid he might get the generations mixed up.
Ethan ran towards Alexander happily. “Great-grandpa, are you calling me?”
Alexander ruffled his hair and smiled as he asked, “What’s your name?”
“Ethan,” Ethan answered.
“Hmm, that’s a lovely name. Who gave it to you?”
“Mum.”
Alexander glanced at Alison meaningfully before turning back to Ethan. “And what’s your surname?”
“Fairchild. I’m Ethan, and I have a little sister named…”
“Ethan…” Alison was startled by Ethan’s words, fearing that someone might suggest bringing Sophia along too.
Ethan realized he had said too much. He quickly shut his mouth.
“Grandpa, this boy is too mischievous. Please don’t mind him.”
Just then, a man approached Alexander and whispered something. Alexander stood up with a smile.
“An important guest has arrived. I must go and receive them.”
After Alexander left, Aidan asked his mother, concerned, “Mum, are you settling in okay?”
“Aidan, Miss Fairchild is here. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“Mom, it was a last-minute decision and I’ve been swamped with work, so I forgot to tell you in advance.”