Chapter 328 The Unexpected Arrival at the Engagement Ceremony
Chapter 328 The Unexpected Arrival at the Engagement Ceremony
Upstairs in the hotel's presidential suite, Hayden stood by the tall windows, looking down at the steady flow of traffic. Her hand rested softly on her swollen belly as she pondered deeply.
Shortly after, the door to the suite swung open, and Hayden turned around eagerly, hoping that her long-awaited visitor had finally arrived.
But the next second, the joy that had just begun to shine on her face faded away instantly.
"He's unwilling to come up," stammered the general manager from the doorway, his eyes on Hayden. After a brief hesitation, he added, "Maybe if you tell William who you are, perhaps he'll..."
"No need," Hayden interrupted him before he could complete his sentence.
Given that she had sent the River North general manager to deliver the message, someone as perceptive as William should have been able to figure out who wanted to see him.
It seemed she had humiliated herself once again.
A faint smile appeared at the corners of Hayden's mouth, and the desolation in her eyes disappeared instantly, replaced by her usual commanding presence. "When the engagement ceremony is about to start, let me know, and I'll come down with you."
"Yes, Hayden." The subordinate nodded and respectfully stepped back outside to wait.
Once her subordinate departed, Hayden went back to her bedroom and settled at the vanity. There, she selected the boldest and most striking lipstick, twisted it open, and meticulously applied it to her lips.
"William, this is your last chance. Once this moment's gone, it's gone for good."
....
"Now, let's have our lovely couple exchange engagement rings, and from this moment..."
Crash!
At exactly noon, the engagement ceremony began. As it neared its conclusion, the sturdy oak doors of the banquet hall suddenly swung open with a loud bang from the outside, capturing the attention of everyone present, who all turned to see what had happened.
At the altar, William, who was about to slip the engagement ring onto Michelle's finger from the box held by the officiant, couldn't help but turn his head in curiosity.
Wrapped in the warmth of happiness, joy, and immense pride, Michelle also followed William's gaze toward the entrance.
Amidst the curious gazes of the guests, Hayden gracefully entered the banquet hall, stealing the spotlight from Michelle with her elegant, dignified, and opulent pure white gown, which was more suited to the occasion's significance.
Her gown, a unique and meticulously crafted masterpiece of considerable value, paired with her exquisite makeup and elegantly styled updo, exuded unapologetic beauty—her prominent baby bump did nothing to dim her radiance.
In contrast, Hayden appeared to be the main character of the day, making Michelle, standing before William on the stage, pale in comparison.
The guests were collectively shocked when they noticed Hayden's noticeably rounded belly, leading to murmurs and whispers spreading among them.
Hayden was none other than the heiress of the prestigious Lin family from the Imperial Capital, a face none of the seated guests could claim not to recognize—that in itself would be a feat.
Yet, no one had heard the news of Miss Lin's marriage, and now her belly was so large that those unaware of her carrying twins might think she was about to give birth.
"Hayden!" Teresa and Gabriel were seated at the main table at the front, and when Teresa clearly recognized the newcomer, her eyes widened with surprise. She excitedly grabbed Gabriel's hand. "It really is, Hayden."
"Yes, it's Hayden." Gabriel soothingly held Teresa's hand. "Honey, calm down. Let's see what Hayden wants to do."
"Okay." Teresa nodded, her face brightening up with a radiant smile.
At the same table, Patrick and Sophia also recognized the newcomer with surprise and joy, but after the initial shock, their expressions shifted to concern and unease.
Wasn't Hayden reluctant to come back from abroad? What's got her returning now?
Of all the times, she shows up just as the engagement ceremony is wrapping up. Do you think she's here to cause a scene?
Although Patrick and Sophia both were rooting for William to end up with Hayden, they certainly wouldn't appreciate her making a scene like this at a time like this.
On the stage, Michelle's eyes widened in shock as she watched Hayden waddle in with a belly bigger than a basketball. She was completely stunned, unable to react.
William also focused his gaze on Hayden as she approached, his eyes fixed on her protruding belly. With each step she took, it felt like a heavy weight was landing on his heart, a burden he couldn't bear.
Their eyes met in an uncontrollable exchange, and for a moment, William's eyes reddened with emotion.
But in the very next instant, as he came back to himself, his expression turned icy. The hand holding Michelle tightened involuntarily; he didn't care if it crushed the hand in his grasp as a cold fury began to rise from within.
Feeling the painful squeeze, Michelle snapped out of her daze and looked toward William.
"William, you..." she started.
"Sorry, did I hurt you?" William, attempting to regain his composure, loosened his grip, and the icy demeanor melted away as he glanced back at Michelle, his voice gentle as a whisper.
Michelle replied with a smile and a shake of her head. "I'm fine, William. Put the ring on my finger."
"Of course." William nodded tenderly, reached for the engagement ring, and slid it onto Michelle's finger.
