“Don’t badmouth Yvonne like that. She has no other choice too since she doesn’t specialize in anything. Even though Lyle does give her monthly stipends, she’s too used to spending all of it. The money is simply not enough for her,” Crystal snapped as she pretended to defend me.
I did not bother entertaining the show that she put up and stood up to leave. However, a woman gripped my hands and demanded, “You filthy slut, apologize to Crystal right now!”
“Yeah, ask your rich coal mine boyfriend to come and get you. Otherwise, we’re not going to let you off the hook that easily,” the others chimed in as well.
“I’d like to see who dares to lay a finger on my wife.”
I could never imagine Christopher as a rugged big boss of the coal mining company. Just when I was about to kick the woman away and get away from the scene, Christopher’s voice rang in my ears. The man came over with big strides.
His beige overcoat rustled in the gentle wind. Christopher’s handsome face glistened in the sunshine, looking like Apollo himself. The corner of his lips curled into a mischievous grin. Meanwhile, his upturned eyes flashed with a cold glint, stumping the woman surrounding me.
His features softened as he made his way to my side. Circling me in his embrace, he asked gently, “Sorry for being late. Are you all right?”
I shook my head and managed a smile. “No one would dare lay a finger on me when I have you behind my back. I’ll punch those who dare to.”
Hearing that, Christopher tousled my hair fondly and buttoned my shirt. He smiled and said, “Yes, that’s right. Just punch those bullies. I will cover for you if anything happens.”
“Mr. Lane?” The women were dumbstruck at the sight of him. They widened their eyes in disbelief when they noticed his gentle manners when coaxing me. “Mr. Lane, how are you related to Ms. Tanner?”
Still circling me in his embrace, it was as if Christopher had just realized that we were, in fact, not alone. After giving me a peck on the forehead, he narrowed his eyes at the group of women and said impassively, “Yvonne is my wife. Now that I’m here, could you repeat yourself about how you want to teach her a lesson?”
“Your wife? But that’s impossible!” Crystal cried hysterically at the revelation.
“Yeah, how is that possible?” A woman forced a smile and said, “Are you kidding, Mr. Lane? You’re such an outstanding man. Why would you marry a woman like Yvonne? You’re just trying to get her out of this sticky situation, right?”
“I don’t think anyone has the right to question whatever happens between my wife and me. Please get the hell out of my sight if the lot of you have nothing else you want to say. Otherwise, you’d have to forgive me for roughing you guys up on the way out.” Christopher snorted, and pointed into the distance. “Piss off!”
The group of women scurried off, leaving only Crystal frozen in the spot. She then looked blankly at me while muttering “That’s impossible” over and over again to herself until a woman came dragging her away. The look of disbelief and shock on her face was not something I’d easily forget.
“Let’s continue watching the sunrise after those pesky people left.” Christopher let me sit on his lap as we watched the sunrise on the horizon.
I leaned against his shoulders and stared at his charming side profile. After some time, I asked in a small voice, “Is it really okay?”
“What?”
“Is it really okay, for you to admit about our relationship like that? That I’m your wife?” We had only gotten married, but Christopher already made things public so soon. Those gossip girls would definitely spread the wind after getting back. I wouldn’t be surprised if they twisted the story, leading to a myriad of versions of them. It wouldn’t be appropriate if the Lane family heard about it as well.
“Are you afraid?” Christopher placed his chin on top of my head, then turning to burn his eyes into mine.
The fervent staring game lasted for quite some time before we burst into a chuckle. I snuggled against his chest and said, “Yes, I am afraid. The gap between your family and me is so wide that it’s terrifying. But with you around, I’m not afraid of what’s to come.”
