Chapter 12

Linda was helped onto the stage, first expressing her gratitude to everyone who had attended, then looking at Chris.

"My daughter is perfect, and with such a wonderful son-in-law, I have no other desires. I only hope everyone enjoys themselves," said Linda, and with that, she left the spotlight.

The multi-layered cake was brought over. Originally, Linda was supposed to cut the cake, but since she hadn’t made a wish, the task naturally fell to Jessica.

Jessica was about to pull Chris up to the stage when she saw Sophie coming from behind the crowd, holding someone's hand.

"Jessica, since it's such a special day, you should bring Michael along to the stage to cut the cake," said Sophie, pushing Michael to Jessica's side. She smiled and added, "When cutting the cake for Mom, it should be done with the most important person in your heart. Otherwise, how can they make a wish on your behalf?"

Chris didn’t want to go on stage in the first place, and now that someone was willing to take over, he was happy to let this task fall to the rightful person. Before Jessica could even glance at him, he directly handed the knife to Michael.

"Better not." Michael smiled and looked at Chris. "After all, he is Linda’s son-in-law. If I go up with Jessica, it wouldn’t be right, with so many people watching. We can't let Mr. Green feel embarrassed."

Sophie noticed that Chris’s gaze wasn’t pleasant.

It was as if someone knew her secret and she was worried he might expose her at any moment. Sophie said to Chris, "Some people are living their lives too comfortably, always trying to cause trouble for themselves. You’re different, Michael. This identity should have been yours, if not for others stealing, lying, and taking it. This position wouldn't be his if it weren’t for that."

There weren’t many people around, so their conversation wasn’t overheard by many. Jessica frowned and was about to speak when she saw Chris step back and tilt his head.

"She has a point," said Chris, "This position doesn’t even belong to me. It’s just cutting the cake, it doesn’t mean anything. You can let anyone go up, the decision is in your hands."

The knife that was supposed to be handed to Michael was now solemnly placed in Jessica’s hands.

Another choice.

Actually, from the beginning, Chris knew that no matter what choice was made, he wouldn’t be in it. As long as Michael was around, Jessica would always choose him. But he just couldn’t accept it.

It was he who had stayed by Jessica’s side when Michael went abroad. He hadn’t even had the chance to enjoy the feeling of victory, yet now he was expected to give it all up. It was hard to accept.

A man’s pride didn’t allow him to surrender so easily, so he wanted Jessica to make one last choice.

If she chose him, maybe there was still a chance between them.

But, he knew what decision Jessica would make.

"It’s just cutting the cake. There’s no need for so much trouble." Jessica frowned, turned, and walked toward the stage. Sophie nudged Chris with her shoulder, signaling him to move aside.

Michael followed with a smile, walking alongside Jessica to the stage, under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

"I knew it! I said, as long as Michael is here, Jessica will always choose him."

"But her husband is still here, and she still makes such a decision... Actually, I think something about Michael has changed since he came back. Maybe it’s because he’s been abroad for so many years."

"Well, they were once married. Back then, Michael had a bad temper. If anyone appeared near Jessica, he would get angry. Now that both of them are married, and Michael even has a daughter. He can’t still be as petty, can he?"