Chapter 81 - Bummed a Cigar (1/2)

”Twenty-six years ago, my dear wife Amelia got into an accident that almost took her life,” Henry Lin started. His eyes almost teary, most of the audience fell for it.

”By divine intervention, my wife and Olivia survived the crash; however, the culprit behind the accident was never found. Hence, as a father, I wanted the best for Olivia, so I sent her to England where she would be safe from any harm and threats that would take her life.

”And now that she is of age and I am old it is only of her best interest that I give her hand to someone capable of keeping her safe and that is none other than Tristan Yang.”

He clamped his hand in Tristan's shoulders, his eyes glued to the audience, never glancing at Olivia who was an arm's length away from him.

Raising his flute, Henry Lin gave a toast. ”To Tristan and Olivia.”

”To Tristan and Olivia,” the guests chanted. The sound of clinking glasses filled the air, urging Tristan and Olivia to share a kiss.

Awkwardly, Tristan cheek kissed Olivia and the two exchanged inconspicuous eyerolls before they faced their audience and bowed.

As the thunderous claps died down, Olivia and Tristan stepped down the stage and went straight to the private room of the ballroom hall to discuss what just slapped them on the face.

Everyone with a pair of working eyes witnessed what happened. And everyone knew the engagement was to whitewash Olivia's sullied name after she made a scene at Lance and Selena's Ting Hun.

”What the hell is going on, Ava?” Emily asked, smiling behind her flute to mask the distress in her face.

”Tell me about it. I was just as shocked as you are.” Ava popped a Choux à la Crème in her mouth, stress-eating at the sudden turn of events. ”Does Wyatt know about her and Maxen?”

Emily drew her gaze from Ava to Wyatt, then back to Ava again. She sighed. ”Yes but he doesn't know the tiny details like… because...Wyatt and I haven't talked about anything, really. He's busy, and I'm busy. We're busy people, ok?”

She grabbed the dessert on Ava's hand and angrily chewed on it.

Unsure whether she should poke her nose into Emily's problem, Ava stood rooted in her spot and paused to think.

Seeing Emily munch on the tiny ball of fluffy heaven, she picked one more on the table and passed it to Emily. She decided it's best to wait for Emily to open up to her.

”Convince him to stay quiet so news won't reach Maxen's ears because if that happens, that would pose a bigger problem.” Ava took a sip of her wine.

”I think so too,” Emily agreed, gesturing for another dessert which Ava obliged, passing another Choux à la Crème to Emily.

Across the two ladies, by the bar, Wyatt and Oliver found themselves a safe spot away from the crowd.

”Look at you, brother. Setting me up with your sister days ago when she's engaged to someone else,” Wyatt playfully jabbed Oliver's arm. But instead of rebutting, the latter silently sat on the barstool.

Wyatt scanned his friend's face, worried at how Oliver's attention seemed to be somewhere else.

Swirling his finger on the rim of his glass, Oliver scornfully derided, ”I don't know, brother. I didn't know what got into our father's head this time. Sending her away for years and now surprising her with an engagement.”

He gulped down his drink, glancing at Wyatt who gave him a comforting tap at the back. He winced when the rush of alcohol drew a burning path in his throat.

Placing down his glass, he asked Wyatt, ”Speaking of engagement, when are you planning to propose? Knowing Emily, she's waiting for you to pop the question. How long have you guys been dating again?”

”Does it matter how long we've been dating?” Wyatt scratched the back of his head. He wanted to dodge Oliver's line of questioning because he didn't know what to say.

He wanted it too.

He wanted Emily so badly but he's just not ready.

Something beeped in one of his pockets and he knew which phone to get, smiling as he read the message.

Oliver sneered at his friend. ”I guess I just saw the answer that I'm looking for.”

”What?” The smile on Wyatt's face never faded as he darted his gaze from his phone to Oliver.

”That. You.” Oliver hovered his hand on his face then pointed an accusing finger on Wyatt.