Chapter 133 Banquet
Aunt Beth handcrafted the dresses in the boutique. She used to work in a garment factory and opened this small shop after being laid off. Her regulars would come by for custom orders. Back in the day, it was to support her family, and she raised her kids to be quite successful.
Now that her kids were grown and making their own money, they didn't want Aunt Beth to work too hard. But she loved dressmaking, so they let her continue, just cautioning her not to take on too much. Nowadays, she only handles one or two orders a month, doing it more as a hobby than for a living.
"Does it look good?" Madison asked, hoping for a compliment from Matthew.
"Stunning, honey," he replied.
The gown had its nostalgic charm, often lending a timeless grace to the woman wearing it. Madison's natural innocence took on a mature allure in the dress, reminiscent of a solitary beauty from a bygone era, exuding a captivating elegance.
Standing in front of the mirror, Madison caught sight of her reflection and was slightly taken aback. It was as if she had become a different person altogether. Was that really her?
Matthew hadn't anticipated the gown's striking effect on Madison. She radiated an allure he had never seen before, a fragrance of charm that hit him so suddenly, igniting an impulse.
Leaning in, Matthew whispered in her ear, "Honey, what am I going to do? "
Madison just gazed back at him, speechless.
Matthew took Madison by the hand, bid farewell to the boutique's owner, and led her to a private studio for a styling and makeup session.
Finally, he drove the resplendently dolled-up Madison to the venue of the dinner party.
The moment Matthew and Madison entered the venue, they drew everyone's attention. Journalists at the entrance and other guests in the hall, where a banquet was happening, all noticed them. Madison's gorgeous dress made heads turn everywhere they went.
Being in Matthew's company, many influential and affluent attendees made a beeline to greet them.
Madison kept smiling as she mingled with Matthew. Everyone present seemed to notice everything, but Matthew, always watchful, ensured that anyone who approached them offered only polite and flattering conversation. Madison's half-full glass of red wine remained untouched by the end of the evening, as nobody dared to pressure her to drink more.
Finding a brief moment of respite, they slipped into a corner. Matthew glanced at her high heels. "You must be tired of standing. Take your shoes off and rest for a bit. Sit down on the couch over there."
Madison shook her head gently. "No worries, I can handle it."
They were still in the main hall. It wouldn't be appropriate to slip off her shoes and sit down. She dreaded the gossip that might follow, and besides, she didn't want to embarrass Matthew.
"All right, just hang in there a little longer. We can head to the garden for a break soon. I know it's awkward for you here," Matthew suggested, understanding her bashfulness.
"Sounds good," Madison said with a nod, still smiling.
Their quiet conversation was cut short when they saw Brianna, arm in arm with a gentleman, approaching them. Her voice was warm and familiar. "Matthew, what a coincidence."
Then, as if Madison were invisible, Brianna's gaze stayed fixated on Matthew.
Matthew nodded slightly, his eyes on the man who had arrived with Brianna.
The corners of the man's mouth curled up as he spoke in a laid-back tone, "Matthew, we meet again. It seems you also have an eye for fine jewelry."
"Likewise," Matthew responded coolly.
With a sense of purpose, Brianna chimed in, "Mr. Howard, you know Matthew?"
The man beside her offered a slight smile. "We've crossed paths once before."
Brianna maintained her pretense of cordiality. "Isn't it a quaint coincidence? Mr. Howard has only just returned from overseas, and he's on the lookout for business collaborations. I had in mind to make introductions, but it appears you've preempted me. We women often find ourselves adrift in the sea of business intricacies. I'm sure you gentlemen will find a more opportune moment to delve into your discussions."
Her tone suggested she was the hostess, and to the uninformed, it might seem she was the one accompanying Matthew.
Madison stood by quietly, observing the charade. Matthew held her hand tightly, probably worried she might overthink the situation. But Madison knew where Matthew's heart lay. She understood that his history with Brianna was just that—the past—and there was nothing to worry about.
The man next to Brianna suddenly asked, "And who is this?"
Matthew wrapped an arm around Madison and introduced her, "This lady here is my wife."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Matthews," he said, extending his hand.
Madison shook the man's hand politely, feeling a sense of familiarity without knowing why. Even though he arrived with Brianna and acted carefree, Madison sensed it was just a show. Despite this, she strangely didn't dislike him, unable to explain why.
Brianna, on the other hand, was clenching her teeth in frustration. Matthew had so casually introduced Madison to others as his wife, his madam.
She had always held onto hope that their marriage was unstable, thinking Matthew could never truly love her—it must be because of the children or some other obligation. Why was everything changing now? She couldn't accept it.
The man kept heaping praise on Madison. "Mrs. Matthews is absolutely stunning. She's outshining every woman here with that dress of hers."
Madison blushed at the compliment. "Mr. Howard, you're too kind."
"And may I ask Mrs. Matthews' first name?"
"Oh, it's Madison," she answered shyly, her cheeks turning even redder.
He chuckled.
"Yes," Madison replied, a hint of annoyance in her voice for spilling too much about herself.
"I know an excellent dessert spot known for its soufflés. I'll have to take you there sometime."
There was an awkward silence from Madison. Why was he so forward, given Brianna was his plus-one? Why was he so keen on engaging her in conversation, even suggesting taking her out for dessert?
Even Madison, who could be oblivious at times, started to sense Something was off.
"There's no need, Mr. Howard. My wife's cravings are my concern," Mrs. Nelson interjected with a cool voice.
"Of course, what can't Mr. Matthews provide?" said the man, undeterred and maintaining his cordial demeanor.
Matthew observed from a distance, his expression serious. He couldn't understand why this man was so interested in Madison. His instincts told him that it wasn't the usual type of interest a man might have in a woman, which puzzled him.
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