Hunter and Emery seemed like the picture-perfect couple, much to the envy of others around them. However, the more Hunter smiled, the more I found it fake and off-putting. I finally understood why Emma decided against attending the ceremony. After having known the truth about Hunter, there was no way she would have been able to feign ignorance in front of him.
Meanwhile, Hunter was being the perfect gentleman. Ever so charismatic and impeccably dressed, even the female reporters couldn’t help but steal glances at him.
“Alright, since everyone’s here, we can begin the ribbon-cutting ceremony! Let’s… “
“Wait!” Emery interrupted before the emcee could go on. “We’re still waiting for someone.”
The words had only just left her mouth when she spotted a familiar face in the crowd and waved eagerly at him.
Everyone followed her gaze till their eyes landed on Ashton, who was looking as cool as a cucumber.
He swiftly made his way toward them and stood beside Hunter. The ribbon-cutting ceremony went on as scheduled to roaring applause.
While the reporters were busy taking photos, Emery gently elbowed me to get my attention. “So, what about it?” she whispered, a polite smile still plastered on her face.
“What about what?” I replied in confusion.
“I’m talking about Ashton.” Emery sighed as she rolled her eyes. “You should take this chance to talk to him. You’ve gotten your kid back, so why not just restore your marriage?”
Oh, so that’s what she’s trying to get at.
I had almost forgotten that other than the Stovall family, no one else knew that Ashton and I had faked our divorce. Still, it warmed my heart to see Emery being so concerned about me, even on such an important day.
A sudden wave of guilt washed over me. I knew that sooner or later, I would have to find an opportunity to tell her the truth.
I was still mulling over it when the ceremony ended. Emery left to entertain the reporters as she showed them around the office. As a member of the Moore family and a prominent figure in the business world, it was doubly important that her business got good coverage to increase her brand exposure.
As the guests and reporters gradually made their way into the office, a woman emerged from the crowd and gracefully made her way toward Emery and Hunter.
I held my breath as soon as I recognized her. She was the woman whom I had seen with Hunter the other day. Who exactly is she?
“Hello, Mrs. Zane, I’m Delilah. I’m here on behalf of our Economic Society to congratulate Professor Zane and yourself.” There was a charming lilt to her voice as she handed a gift to Emery.
Unbeknownst to others, I could see the deviousness behind that fake, innocent smile of Delilah’s. I had seen the same expression far too often on Rebecca, and the memories that flooded back only irked me even more.
I had a sudden urge to step in and protect Emery from this vile woman, but before I could make any move, a hand shot out from behind to stop me. When I turned around and came face to face with Ashton, he shook his head lightly to remind me not to do anything rash.
Even though I wasn’t sure what his intentions were, I nodded back to indicate my understanding. Ashton seemed a lot more relieved after that and stepped away.
Emery accepted the gift from Delilah happily before handing it to Hunter. “Thank you, Delilah. Please, do come in.”
It was then when I saw the crack in Hunter’s calm demeanor. Panic and embarrassment were written all over his face as if he had been found guilty of something. He frowned and stood quietly between the two women.
Delilah was a smart woman who knew better than to air dirty laundry in public. She still had on a megawatt smile as she accepted Emery’s invitation and followed the crowd into the office. Owing to the power and status of the Moore family, many reporters had shown up at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The crowd was so large that I could only stay with Emery most of the time.
Unfortunately, that also meant I had to be with Hunter.
Even though Hunter and I were distracted, Emery remained friendly and professional the entire time. Whether it was reporters or friends, she entertained them all with a natural flair and charisma.
Her being oblivious to the ugly truth about Hunter made me feel even worse. I hated to see her being kept in the dark and betrayed by the person she loved so dearly. But I was also worried that she wouldn’t be able to handle the truth.
When the ceremony finally came to an end, Emery made her way downstairs to see her guests off, leaving Hunter and me behind at the reception area.
