Chapter 152 Announcing the Wedding News
Nicole was soaking up the VIP treatment at the Wellington family's hotel.
Meanwhile, Evelyn was cruising solo in her sports car, enjoying the cool evening breeze on the mountain road in Half Moon Bay. She was in a great mood, singing along to the music playing in her car.
Just then, Simon called.
"Simon," Evelyn answered sweetly.
"I should record this and send it to Ulysses to make him jealous!" Simon joked, clearly happy.
"So, everything's set?" Evelyn asked.
"Yep, all sorted. Landon's got his part covered too," Simon said confidently. "With Landon and me on it, you can relax."
"I'm heading to see Byron. I heard the Wellington family is at Nicole's birthday party, but Byron didn't go. He hates being alone but keep it to himself. He dotes on me, so I should be there for him." Evelyn's eyes softened when she talked about Byron, feeling a deep sorrow for him.
Back when she was Edward's wife, she often kept Byron company—chatting, writing, appraising treasures, singing operas, and walking on the beach. One Valentine's Day, Mugden had its biggest snowfall, and Evelyn brought handmade treats to Byron's house.
She remembered Byron's shocked face when he saw her red from the cold.
"Lily, it's Valentine's Day! Why aren't you with Edward?"
Evelyn had made excuses for Edward, hiding her sadness with a smile.
"Edward's the CEO, always busy, even on Valentine's Day. But he got me a gift; it's the thought that counts."
"You're too kind. You need to be tougher, or you won't handle Edward. I was like him when I was young, but Lisa straightened me out."
Evelyn just smiled.
After admiring the snow, Byron asked, "Lily, are you cold?"
"No!" Evelyn replied.
"Then come with me to see Lisa. I'll clear the snow for her; she's afraid of the cold."
"Byron! I'm here!" Evelyn's cheerful voice filled the living room.
"Lily!" To her surprise, a sweet voice responded. Molly came out, pushing Byron in a wheelchair.
"Molly?! You're here too!" Evelyn ran over and hugged Molly tightly.
Molly hugged back, feeling Evelyn's thin frame. "Lily, you're so thin! Haven't you been eating well?"
"I eat until I'm full," Evelyn smiled.
She had lost weight from overwork and stress, often skipping meals.
"Lily, come here!" Byron's face lit up when he saw her, still calling her Lily.
Evelyn didn't mind; she had moved on from Edward. 'As long as Byron's happy, it doesn't matter what he calls me.'
"Byron, you don't look well. Have you been resting?" Evelyn knelt beside the wheelchair, worried.
"It's nothing serious," Byron reassured, patting her head. His face looked unhealthy and gray.
Evelyn's heart tightened. "Byron, I'll make time every week to give you a massage and prepare some medicine. You can't slack off. I'll have Tyler make sure you take it."
"Lily, you're now the Taylor family's daughter, and Charlie dotes on you. How can I let you do all this? Edward told me you're managing the Taylor family's hotel. That's a lot of work. Don't tire yourself out. Tyler can take care of me," Byron said, concerned but wanting to see her often.
Evelyn was surprised Edward had talked about her with Byron. "I'm Charlie's daughter, but I'm still your Lily, right?" She raised an eyebrow and slapped her thigh. "With legs as long as mine, I go where I want, do what I want, and Charlie can't control me!"
Her fierce yet cute demeanor made Byron and Molly laugh.
Just then, her phone buzzed. Evelyn glanced at the screen and saw a message from William: [Evelyn, everything is ready, waiting for your instructions.]
In the banquet hall, the stage was decked out with flowers. The audience lights dimmed, and the stage lights brightened. Edward and Eric arrived fashionably late, instantly becoming the center of attention.
Guests whispered, "Who would've thought Edward would attend Nicole's birthday? She must have a lot of influence."
"Do you think this is just a birthday party? Naive! Ms. Adams' parents, Patrick, and Tiffany are all here. They're probably announcing something big."
"Looks like it was worth coming. There's going to be a big show!"
"I've been close to the Wellington family. When Edward first married, it was a secret wedding with no ceremony. Lily lived with Edward for three years like that. Now, he's going all out for Nicole's birthday. Imagine their wedding! If I were Lily, I'd be heartbroken!"
Their words hit Edward hard, shattering his heart. He never felt he owed Evelyn anything during their marriage. Now, divorced, he felt like a sinner, his past actions exposed.
"Edward, you okay? You look pale," Eric nudged him.
"I'm fine," Edward took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
In the front row, Patrick, Bray, and Karen looked like parents at a wedding. The lights changed, and cheerful music played. Amidst applause, Nicole, adorned with million-dollar diamond jewelry and a silver-white off-shoulder dress, walked onto the stage with Tiffany, bowing to thank the guests.
"Look! She's wearing a haute couture dress by Betty!" someone exclaimed.
"So beautiful. It's just a birthday party, and she can borrow a haute couture dress? The Wellington family really dotes on her!"
Nicole basked in the spotlight, feeling elated. The only thing missing was Edward by her side. But that was a minor flaw. 'Tonight, I am the unrivaled, high-and-mighty princess!'
"Thank you all for coming to Nicole's birthday party. Sharing this beautiful moment with you will be a cherished memory for Nicole," Tiffany said, holding Nicole's hand lovingly. "Additionally, we have something important to announce."
The audience fell silent. Patrick smiled inscrutably, while Bray and Karen looked expectant.
"Nicole is about to officially get engaged to Edward!"
