Chapter 53 I Want a Divorce
Alex had always been striking, with his sharp, chiseled features that carried an aggressive edge.
At this moment, his gaze hadn't left her for a second, those deep eyes seeming to pull her entire being into them.
But to the guests around them, this expression looked like devoted affection.
Andrew's eyes crinkled with amusement, thinking it was just a young couple deeply in love, unable to bear even a moment apart.
The couple exchanged a glance, both feeling that Alex truly cared for their daughter.
Emily, however, was tense all over, barely holding herself back from retreating. "Who told you to come here?"
Her words carried a clear warning.
Alex scoffed, "I want to attend a party, and I need someone's permission?"
Emily was furious. "My dad never called you. Let me tell you, today is the Johnson family's private dinner. Don't cause trouble here. I don't want to pretend with you either. Stay away from me."
With that, she tried to leave. Today she was going to come clean with her parents about the divorce, and she couldn't let Alex mess things up.
But Alex reached out and grabbed her wrist, "Fulfilling my duty as a husband, what's wrong with that?"
"Husband?" Emily let out a cold laugh, her eyes growing even icier. "Mr. Baker, don't forget, we're about to stop being husband and wife. Your fake act is really disgusting."
She broke free and went straight to sit down, deliberately choosing a seat among the women.
Emily's face, with its delicate light makeup, looked gentle and graceful as she exchanged pleasantries with the elders who greeted her.
But that tenderness was never directed at him.
Alex narrowed his eyes, the pressure around him growing heavier.
Under the crystal chandeliers of the banquet hall, glasses clinked and the atmosphere was relatively relaxed.
During the meal, the Johnson family's business partners took turns toasting Alex. "Mr. Baker is so young and accomplished. I heard you're about to start an overseas project?"
"I was hesitating about that project before, but now following Mr. Baker's lead, there's definitely good money to be made."
"Our families should keep in closer touch from now on, hahaha..."
After all, Alex now wielded tremendous power in business circles. Getting connected with him was an opportunity countless people could only dream of.
Not to mention the marriage alliance between the two families.
These people openly expressed their desire to deepen cooperation with the Johnson family and share resources.
Andrew smiled, neither humble nor arrogant. "We're all old folks now. The business world will eventually have to be left to the young people. But no matter what, we shouldn't let business ruin relationships."
Hearing her father's words, Emily's expression softened.
Dad hadn't gotten carried away by everyone's flattery, nor was he deliberately trying to climb the social ladder.
She knew Dad had never wanted to get too entangled with Alex's company projects, afraid she would suffer at the Baker family because of it. But now...
Suddenly, a piece of deboned sashimi appeared on her plate.
Emily almost gagged.
She couldn't stand fishy smells right now. Annoyed, she pushed the sashimi aside. "Mr. Baker, just take care of yourself."
Alex, who was struggling with fish bones, pressed his tongue against his cheek and laughed in frustration. "Who was it that used to beg me to take her for Japanese food?"
Emily choked, her cheeks flushing. "That was last year! And you never took me anyway."
Alex fell silent.
Back then he was busy with the company and always neglected Emily.
She had pestered him for many days before he finally agreed to take her for Japanese food.
But then a company project had an emergency, requiring an urgent meeting, and he left her behind.
Emily looked at his sharp, stern profile and felt only bitterness.
In the end, she completely lost her appetite.
Just then, Andrew went to the study to take a call, and Emily finally seized the opportunity. "I'm going to the restroom."
Andrew had just hung up the phone in the study when he turned to see her pushing the door open and smiled. "Emmie, why did you come upstairs? Did you eat enough? Today we have your favorite ice plant salad, Alex specially had it flown in from France."
Emily froze, then took a deep breath and closed the door. "Dad, I'm getting a divorce."
Andrew was stunned, nearly dropping his phone.
He looked over in disbelief, "Divorce? You and Alex are fine, why would you divorce? Did he bully you? Tell Dad, Dad will stand up for you!"
"No." Emily shook her head. "We're just not right for each other. Divorce is the best choice for both of us."
Andrew's face went pale with anger. "You can't be reckless about this. What can't be talked through between husband and wife? And if you divorce, what will people say about you?"
Emily looked up, resolute and determined. "Dad, marriage can't be forced. It took me three years to see clearly. Should I keep dragging it out? Besides, Alex agrees too. The divorce paperwork is already being processed and will be finalized soon."
Finally, Andrew let out a heavy sigh.
He sat down behind his desk, and after a long while finally spoke. "Ah, Dad feels for you. Dad knows that you and Alex... but what will you do going forward?"
Emily pressed her lips together, not hesitating. "After the divorce, I'll go abroad to study. I'll pick up design again. You and Mom don't need to worry about me."
Andrew ultimately couldn't argue with her and agreed, only repeatedly reminding her to take care of herself and not suffer any grievances.
When the father and daughter came out, the banquet was nearly over.
Many guests had already left.
Alex picked up his coat. "Mom, Dad, we'll head out first."
"You go by yourself. I'm staying home tonight."
The living room instantly fell silent.
Emily sat on the sofa with a distant expression.
She didn't want to return to the old house, nor did she want to spend another moment alone with Alex.
Alex's face immediately darkened. "Where is your home?"
Seeing his displeasure, Lillian quickly tried to smooth things over. "It's fine, it's fine. Emmie rarely comes home. If she wants to stay, let her stay. She can go back tomorrow..."
"Alright then, thanks Mom. I'll stay too." No one expected Alex to suddenly speak up.
Emily looked at him in shock. "Are you crazy?"
"This is my home. What are you staying for?"
Alex's expression was natural. "I haven't talked with my in-laws in a long time. Today's perfect."
Emily was about to explode, but considering her parents were still nearby, she immediately pulled him outside to the garden.
"Alex, have you caused enough trouble?"
"We're about to get divorced. What are you doing staying at my house!"
Alex looked down at her, his voice carrying a low rasp. "What, already going back on your word before the divorce is final? Didn't you always want me to come back with you before? Today's perfect."
"You!" Emily was furious.
But Alex had already strode back inside on his long legs.
That night, they shared a bed.
Emily curled up in the corner, trying to stay as far away as possible.
Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, the man's burning body suddenly moved closer.
Emily stiffened, "Alex!"