Chapter 222 The New Mrs. Howard
When people panicked, they tended to blurt out things without thinking, and Anne found herself in that exact spot right now.
Her words immediately put Hayden on high alert. His previously relaxed expression turned serious, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes.
Before I could say anything, he shot up from his seat, veins bulging on his neck, and yelled, "What did you say? Diana and Edward are divorced?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Hayden's gaze zeroed in on me like a laser.
Anne realized she had messed up. She fidgeted nervously, looking at Clara for help. Clara, equally anxious, gave Anne a reproachful look.
Everyone in the banquet hall turned to me, waiting for my response.
I took a deep breath and calmly said to Hayden, "Yes, Edward and I are divorced. I came today just to wish you good health."
I paused and added, "As for why I didn't come with him, I think that question's already been answered. Since I've given my blessings, I'll be on my way now."
I was about to leave when I heard Hayden start coughing violently.
Clara quickly moved to pat his back, murmuring softly, "They have their own life. Maybe with time and distance, they'll find their way back to each other, and our family will be whole again."
Hayden's face turned red with anger, and he waved his arms furiously. "Get out, all of you!"
Anne turned pale and stumbled backward, almost falling.
Since this whole mess was because of my divorce from Edward, I couldn't just leave. I tried to comfort Hayden. "Edward has a new girlfriend now, and soon the Howard family will have a new Mrs. Howard."
Hayden finally caught his breath and said in a low voice, "The daughter-in-law of the Howard family can only be you, Diana. No one else."
I felt a twinge of emotion, but it quickly faded when I saw someone I didn't want to see.
A burst of exclamations drew everyone's attention to the entrance of the banquet hall.
Edward and Aria appeared, and to everyone's surprise, Aria was wearing an exquisite white gown, the kind only a bride-to-be would choose.
Aria's curvaceous figure was wrapped in the finely crafted gown, and even I couldn't help but take a few more glances.
Edward and Aria noticed us too. After exchanging a glance, they walked towards us hand in hand, looking like the perfect couple.
Seeing them approach, Anne hurried to Hayden and said ingratiatingly, "Dad, I wasn't lying to you. Edward is indeed divorced from Diana. He's going to marry Aria, but I'm on your side, and I support Diana returning to our Howard family."
Hayden seemed to ignore Anne's words, quietly waiting for Edward and Aria to come closer.
When they did, Edward spoke first, "Dad, I wish you good health."
With a gentle smile, Aria added, "Mr. Howard, I wish you continued health and happiness in the years to come."
But seeing them like this, how could Hayden be pleased?
He stared sullenly at the two of them, his anger palpable to both Edward and Aria.
Edward frowned slightly, squatted down, and explained to Hayden, "Dad, all these years, I've only wanted a complete family, but she..." He pointed at me and continued, "She refused to fulfill my wish. I had no choice but to find you a new daughter-in-law. I have no other desires in this life."
Aria quickly chimed in, "Mr. Howard, I will live well with Edward and make the Howard Group thrive." She glanced at me quickly, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery.
"Dream on! I wouldn't allow anyone else to be the daughter-in-law of the Howard family. Your wife can only be Diana." Hayden's voice was low and powerful, each word landing heavily.
However, Edward's tone was equally firm, showing no sign of backing down. "Dad, I've already made up my mind."
With that, he took Aria's hand and walked resolutely towards the center of the stage.
The guests, seeing Edward heading to the stage, stopped their conversations and followed him with their eyes.
Edward picked up the microphone and cleared his throat. "Dear guests, welcome to today's banquet. Besides wishing my father good health, I have another announcement to make."
Edward holding Aria's hand on stage had already piqued everyone's curiosity, and his words only fueled the speculation.
Edward raised his hand for silence, then loudly announced, "The lady beside me is Aria, and today, along with celebrating my father's banquet, we announce our engagement."
With that, he put down the microphone, reached into his pocket, and took out a ring box.
For some reason, the ring box looked oddly familiar to me.
Edward slowly opened the ring box toward Aria, and I saw that the ring inside was the one I wore when we got engaged. When I left the Howard Mansion, I didn't take these things with me, and I didn't expect Edward to use them again now.
I secretly felt a sense of schadenfreude, wondering how Aria would react if she knew this ring had once been placed on my finger by Edward.
Edward knelt on one knee and asked loudly, "Ms. Howard, will you marry me?"
As soon as Edward finished speaking, Aria excitedly shouted, "Yes!"
She eagerly grabbed the ring from Edward and put it on her finger herself.
The ring was custom-made for me, so it didn't fit her finger well, making it difficult for her to wear. So she turned the originally solemn occasion into a laughingstock.
At this, Hayden's face turned red with anger, and he shouted furiously, "Bastard, this is outrageous!"
But in the noisy and chaotic environment, his voice was easily drowned out, and almost no one heard him.
Feeling humiliated at his own birthday banquet, Hayden hurriedly urged Clara to take him away.
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