Chapter 406 He Got Married, Has a Wife
Francis could barely contain his laughter at her words. "I have a lot to say to you."
Elissa wrapped her arms around his neck. "It's different with me than with others—you're naturally quiet in public."
Francis deliberately scoffed, "You seemed so natural and happy with Finn. He appears to understand you well."
Elissa knew it—he was definitely jealous of Finn.
"Well, we've known each other for years. That's how friends are."
"He knows what you like—recommending dishes at a restaurant you've never been to, and hitting the mark perfectly. You looked absolutely delighted tonight."
Elissa playfully pinched his ear. "He's a local—wouldn't it be a waste if he couldn't recommend good places?"
"I know the local specialties too. Why didn't you ask me?"
Hearing the jealousy in his voice, Elissa couldn't help but smile. "That's enough, Francis. He's a friend—I can't be cold to him. I don't overthink things with you because you're my lover and I know you'll understand me. Get it?"
Francis reluctantly nodded.
Elissa tugged at his hair. "Besides, this is my work. You can't interfere. If our relationship starts affecting my career, I might have to reconsider the former."
"Are you threatening me?"
Francis narrowed his eyes, lifting her up. "Who was it that promised not to break up with me unless I initiated it?"
Elissa wasn't surprised at all. "Yes, I said that, but I reserve the right to interpret what that means."
Francis couldn't help but laugh, pulling her down onto the bed. "Can't you sweet-talk me a little?"
Elissa grabbed his collar, pulling him closer. "How would you like me to sweet-talk you?"
Francis's gaze darkened. "Do you remember what you said last night at the restaurant?"
"I do, but Francis, just this morning we... can your body really handle more?"
"Why don't you find out?"
Elissa definitely didn't want to test that theory—her waist was still sore.
But after giving him his reward, she couldn't escape the inevitable.
The next day.
Elissa again woke up to find Francis's side of the bed empty.
Did he really have that much stamina?
She rose, ignoring her aching body, and got ready before going to find Hope.
Hope was sketching in her room, with a pen casually tucked into her tied-up hair.
She looked graceful in a simple white sweater and sheer skirt.
Elissa was still in her pajamas under a hastily thrown on brown coat.
It was just a short walk anyway.
Besides, she wasn't planning to go out today, so she hadn't bothered with makeup.
Hope commented, "When did you become so rough around the edges? Is there no one left in this world you care to impress?"
"Of course there is—you." Elissa leaned against her. "But you've seen me at my worst. I don't need to get all dressed up just to see you."
Hope turned her tablet toward Elissa. "I'm thinking of creating a fusion. I've finished the designs for both traditional cultural garments and modern outfits inspired by rock paintings. Now I want to innovate by combining these styles. The formal wear designs are bolder, with color schemes that break from convention."
Elissa scrolled through the images. "They look perfect. Your work always stands out."
Hope replied, "You never say anything's wrong with my designs."
She wasn't entirely satisfied with her sketches.
"Some colors aren't universally flattering. If I design specifically for one person, isn't that just custom tailoring?" she added.
Elissa replied, "We're creating so many formal pieces—people can choose what suits them. If you tried to make everything look good on everyone, wouldn't that be mass customization?"
Hope liked that term. "What's wrong with mass customization? We can't just make clothes for celebrities."
Elissa hugged her. "You're just too demanding of yourself, which I understand, but these designs are truly perfect."
"And we can do mass customization, but we need to release the celebrity line first to see the results before adjusting for mass production, right? As you said, some innovative colors don't suit everyone. We need to test them first."
Hope was indeed facing a creative block.
That was why she wanted to incorporate cultural elements, creating a new series.
After all, with so many fashion brands in the market, without innovation, one would eventually be phased out.
But innovation was challenging too.
Elissa continued, "I think dopamine dressing is perfect—lots of people are wearing those mood-boosting colors now. It makes them happy."
She then pointed at the designs. "These yellow-green and orange-blue combinations are fantastic, and the artwork selection is vibrant. These will definitely sell well."
Hope smiled. "I appreciate the emotional support."
"I'll order us some oat milk, and we can relax. Then maybe we'll go out for a bit—seeing some beautiful sights might inspire you more." Elissa placed the order on her phone. "There are many museums around here where you can see ancient artifacts."
Hope pulled back Elissa's collar, suggesting knowingly, "Do you really have the energy for sightseeing?"
Francis had just finished a meeting and was in Willard's lounge.
Noticing him constantly checking his phone, Willard sighed, "No matter how confident you are, you can't just focus on your romance. Aiden is coming on strong—can you pay attention? By the way, where's Jerry?"
Francis's eyelid twitched slightly as he replied coolly, "He's handling some business. He'll be back tonight. We're prepared."
Willard was helpless. He didn't even know how they had remained friends for so many years.
He said, "You can't skip tonight's business dinner."
Francis replied, "Fine."
Willard gave up, picking up his phone to message Anne.
Unsurprisingly, she had blocked him.
He clenched his jaw.
Now his only hope was waiting for Elissa to invite Anne for the photoshoot.
Meanwhile, Elissa had planned to go shopping in the afternoon, but after lunch and chatting briefly with Francis on Facebook, she felt drowsy.
She slept until evening.
The room was pitch black when she woke.
She fumbled for the bedside lamp, turning on the soft light, and checked the time on her phone.
She sat up with a jolt and immediately went to find Hope.
Hope was still sketching.
Seeing Elissa's shocked face, she calmly said, "It's fine. A day or two won't make a difference."
Elissa poured herself water and replied to Francis's message about attending the business dinner.
Suddenly she remembered, "Is Jerry here just to accompany you?"
"Of course not."
Elissa said, "But mostly it's because of you, and partly for business."
"Look at this design I've finalized. I want to have it made in time to showcase at the cultural festival." Hope sighed. "But the timeline is tight. I'm not sure if we can make it."
"Don't worry, we can push it back a couple days. We know people, right?"
Hope thought Elissa meant Francis and felt it best not to involve him in the current situation.
But then Elissa called Finn, "Finn, I need your help."
Finn not only took their sample designs but also brought them to a manufacturing facility.
Elissa linked arms with Hope. "See? My connections are top-notch."
Hope was puzzled. "Even though Willard assigned Finn to this project, does Finn really have this much authority?"
Finn explained, "Not exactly, Mrs. Hammer. The cultural festival is only supported by the Larson family, but we're the organizers. And bringing you here has nothing to do with the Larson family—these are my own connections."
"I haven't been networking all these years for nothing. Don't worry, we'll definitely make the deadline for the final day of the event," he added.
Elissa chimed in, "Don't worry, Hope. Finn is very reliable."
Hope wasn't particularly familiar with Finn, but they were getting there.
"By the way, don't forget about the photoshoot," Finn reminded Elissa.
This matter was giving Elissa a headache.
"Do you know any other photographers?" she asked.
Finn looked confused. "What's wrong? Is Anne double-booked?"
"No..."
The issue was that if Anne showed up, she probably wouldn't escape Willard's notice.
That would mean Elissa was indirectly causing trouble for Anne.
Elissa said, "If you know someone else, we could use them instead."
Finn replied, "Anne is very well-known. If she comes, it would give us much more publicity than other photographers. Besides, she already agreed, right?"
He sighed. "It's short notice to ask me to find someone else. During this season, all the good photographers are probably booked solid."
Of course Elissa wanted Anne to shoot—her style perfectly complemented Hope's designs.
It would be a win-win situation.
But Willard was complicating everything.
"Well, ask around first. If you can't find anyone, I'll contact her."
"You know how Anne is—she's independent, unlike other photographers. She could be anywhere."
Finn wasn't fooled. "Anne has never broken a commitment once she's agreed to a shoot."
"I remember now. At the card game, Mr. Larson took her away. They're married, right?" he asked.
Elissa nodded. "They're getting divorced. She's avoiding him."
Finn said, "If Mr. Larson wants to find her, he'll find a way. Hiding is pointless. She should live her life and do her work, or she'll end up losing both—that's counterproductive."
Elissa actually found this reasoning sensible and immediately messaged Anne.
She avoided calling in case the line was monitored.
Anne replied quickly: [Elissa, I remember this job. I'll be there on time!]
Elissa was concerned and texted: [Willard is looking for you everywhere]
Anne: [I know. Don't worry]
That reassured Elissa.
Finn spoke with the factory owner for a while, confirming the delivery timeline.
He came back to update Elissa and Hope.
Finn said, "The timeline is definitely tight, so we'll have to leave out the more complex designs this time."
He continued, "But our event isn't a one-time thing. We can produce the complex pieces and showcase them later. If you have time, you could try making some yourselves."
Hope needed to return to Maple Valley to check on her child.
It would be a while before she could come back.
Elissa could stay a few more days.
But she also needed to return to Maple Valley.
Any longer and her back might give out.
Elissa said, "Hope, let's be our own models for this event. You haven't experienced wearing these designs yet—it's more fulfilling to wear your own creations. I'll do your makeup, and Anne can take extra photos for us as mementos."
Finn agreed, "That sounds good. Finding models on short notice is difficult anyway."
Hope didn't mind and agreed.
"Let's eat—it's dinnertime," Finn suggested. "I'll take you to a local spot. It's not a fancy private restaurant like yesterday, but it's clean and delicious."
Elissa loved small eateries, and Hope wasn't particularly fussy.
But they both needed to notify their partners.
Finn teased Elissa, "How the tables have turned."
After sending her message, Elissa replied, "Your day will come too. But promise me, if that gold-digging ex of yours comes crawling back when you make it big, don't take her back."
Finn rolled his eyes. "Do you think I have no self-respect?"
"Don't you?"
Hope suppressed a smile.
Meanwhile, Francis had retreated to a small balcony, a cigarette burning between his fingers.
Jerry approached with two glasses of wine, placing one in front of him.
"I've been to Emerald City. Aiden's marriage to the Baker family's daughter is confirmed."
Francis tapped off some ash. "Miss Baker is willing to marry?"
Jerry gave a meaningful smile. "They say it's the Baker family's daughter, but who knows who'll actually end up in Aiden's bed."
The Baker family's daughter would never marry a 45-year-old man.
She was adored by everyone, fiercely independent, and despised arranged marriages, especially to someone so much older.
She hardly needed the money.
"The Baker family doesn't seem very sincere about this match."
Jerry sipped his wine. "Maybe it's a smoke screen for you. Perhaps in the end, it won't be the Baker family's daughter, but some long-lost twin sister suddenly discovered in the countryside."
Francis extinguished his cigarette and picked up his wine glass, swirling the contents.
The red liquid slid across the transparent glass.
He set the glass down, implying, "There can't be no traces. If the Baker family tries to pull a switch, they'd be signing their own death warrant."
Finn led Elissa and Hope through a maze of streets until they finally reached the restaurant.
Elissa said, "If I didn't know you so well after all these years, I'd think you were leading us somewhere to be sold."
Finn responded, "I wouldn't dare—I value my life too much."
He was clearly familiar with the owner, who greeted him warmly.
But they spoke in the local dialect, which Elissa and Hope couldn't understand.
Finn explained in the local language, "One's engaged, one's married. I'm just their friend. Don't get any ideas—their partners are formidable."
The owner understood and asked, "What would you like? The usual?"
"Yes, bring out the specialties. My friends haven't tried them before."
Elissa and Hope sat down, glancing at the menu on the wall.
Elissa asked, "You're just bringing us here for porridge?"
"This is different." Finn handed them bowls and plates. "You'll understand once you taste it."
Elissa remained skeptical.
"Ivan, this may be a small restaurant, but the food is really delicious. Trust me," a female voice came through.
The man affectionately pinched the woman's cheek. "Of course. When have I ever doubted you?"
Elissa was sensitive to that name.
Looking up, her eyes met the man's.
What terrible luck to run into him in such a place.
"Elissa!" The man's eyes immediately lit up. Ignoring his companion, he walked straight toward Elissa.
Finn asked, "Do you know him?"
Elissa shook her head. "No, I don't."
Hope thought the man looked familiar. She had just heard his name.
Then she remembered.
Ivan.
Elissa's ex-boyfriend.
Ivan said, "What do you mean you don't know me? We used to..."
Elissa abruptly stood up, looking past him at the woman behind. "He's married. He has a wife."
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