Chapter320 An Invisible Wave at the Birthday Banquet
Victoria's expression had shifted, taking on an unnatural hue. As she ascended the stage, she greeted her father with a polite, "Dad."
"Sorry, everyone. Our dear girl was unaware of tonight's surprise and is understandably startled," Maximus, her father, explained with a warm smile, attempting to diffuse the tension.
Laughter bubbled up from the crowd, yet Victoria's smile remained strained and insincere.
"Victoria joined our family over two years ago, shortly after the unfortunate passing of her father. We thought it prudent to wait for an appropriate time to announce their union publicly, but we hadn't anticipated such a lengthy delay. The rumors and unfair judgments cast upon Victoria have grown too numerous to ignore. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to say that Victoria is the only woman we recognize as our daughter-in-law, be it in the past, present, or future," Maximus's tone grew stern as he spoke.
The audience, previously jovial, grew serious, attentively listening to his words. The banquet hall fell into a sudden, profound silence.
However, at one table, a man named Edward was losing his composure. Sitting next to Isabella, he reminded her, "You received the invitation early. You should have anticipated this."
Isabella's gaze was locked onto the woman on the stage. She was brimming with the desire to stand up and expose Victoria's dark secret, the rape. How could someone of such lowly and despicable status deserve to join the prestigious Harrington family? Especially Victoria, who was far from pure.
Maximus, the former patriarch of the Harrington family, resumed his speech, "They have known each other since childhood and have nurtured feelings for each other over the years. Let us all wish them a lifetime of happiness together."
The crowd naturally echoed Maximus's sentiments.
"Victoria, as the guest of honor today, would you like to say a few words?" Maximus whispered to her.
Victoria's heart fluttered anxiously, but she had no choice but to step forward.
"Thank you all for attending my birthday party." Beyond that, Victoria was at a loss for words. Should she confess that she no longer felt worthy of the Harrington family? That she was not the innocent girl they all believed her to be.
"My wife is a bit nervous, so allow me to speak on her behalf," Alexander interjected, stepping forward and taking her hand as he addressed the audience.
Isabella felt a sudden surge of panic as Alexander began to speak earnestly, "There have been rumors circulating that Ms. Montgomery and I were involved, and that I accompanied her to prenatal check-ups, suggesting we were planning to get married."
The Montgomery family hadn't expected Alexander to address this issue now, but they were on high alert, eager to hear his explanation.
"I did accompany Ms. Montgomery to her prenatal check-ups, not just once, but as a friend offering support. There is no romantic or marital relationship between Ms. Montgomery and me. We are simply friends. If any further unfounded rumors surface, please do not fault me for becoming indifferent," Alexander stated coldly.
Alexander detested being the subject of such rumors, especially when he yearned to spend his life with the woman standing beside him. He glanced at Victoria, and in that moment, he was certain he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
Thus, he confidently believed she wouldn't abandon him, even if the Harrington family couldn't come to terms with their relationship.
Alexander calmly retrieved a ring from his suit pocket and presented it to her.
"I found this ring in my coat pocket that day," he said with a calm demeanor.
Victoria was taken aback, her mind flashing back to the moment she had slipped the ring into his pocket upon their reunion in the city.
"Don't lose it again. Otherwise, people might assume we're seeking a divorce," Alexander quipped, holding Victoria's hand.
Victoria instinctively tried to withdraw her hand, but Alexander's grip was firm. The pressure was so intense it left her gasping for breath.
Their relationship was far from ideal for public scrutiny, yet she could no longer evade the inevitable. As he slowly slid the ring onto her finger, she trembled slightly.
Alexander couldn't help but wonder how elated Victoria would have been if he had proposed in this manner when they first married.
But now, what were they? He was not the same man he once was, and she was no longer the woman she used to be.
"Wait, this woman is not worthy of being a Harrington wife," a voice suddenly rang out.
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