Chapter 30: Your Ex-Wife

Andy was absorbed in his phone when Alicia strode over and said, apologetically, “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

She winked at him, leaned in, and brushed a quick kiss against his cheek. Every gaze in the hall swung to them.

Color rushed to Andy’s face. He stiffened, stunned—he hadn’t expected that.

Hearts cracked across the room, especially among those who’d been eyeing Alicia and plotting their approach.

Alicia sat down beside him, calm as ever. When Andy finally collected himself, he sighed. “You’re too beautiful.”

Alicia blinked at him, then teased, “Are you complaining that I’m too beautiful?”

Panic flared in Andy’s eyes. “That’s not what I meant—”

She pecked his cheek again and smiled. “I know. That’s why I love you.”

Andy could only stare, speechless. Then his lips lifted. Relief washed through him; the tension he’d been holding onto faded.

Across the room, Alexander watched his daughter and Andy with a deepening frown. He disliked the match. He’d already lost her mother; he wanted grandchildren, and he feared this union would make that impossible. The thought gnawed at him. But Alicia had made her choice, and he had to respect it.

“Chairman, it’s time to address the guests,” the MC murmured at his side.

Alexander dragged his gaze away and headed for the stage.

No one took Alicia’s entrance harder than Winnie. Envy twisted through her, sharp enough to set her teeth on edge. “Mom said she has muscles and grew up fighting,” she muttered under her breath. “Skin like a baby’s—spotless. Perfect shape, perfect everything. Damn it.”

She clenched her fists, simmering.

Eden swallowed hard, struggling to collect himself. When he finally found his voice, he turned to Winnie. “Is that your sister?”

Winnie bristled. Still, aware of Eden’s family background, she pasted on disdain. “She’s my sister, yes. But she’s brought nothing but shame to our family.”

Interest sparked in Eden’s eyes. “How so?”

Winnie sighed, then launched in. “She ran off with a man when she was barely ten and disappeared for years. She’s uneducated and picks fights at the slightest provocation. Aside from her looks, there’s nothing impressive about her.”

Eden didn’t flinch. If anything, his curiosity deepened. “I see.”

Fury flared in Winnie’s expression. “She’s Andy’s fiancée. Don’t even think about getting close to her. Andy’s fiercely protective, and so is my father. They’re getting married soon. Keep your eyes off her if you value your life.”

With that, she stormed away, face like a thundercloud.

Winnie and Eden weren’t the only ones quarreling; other couples had begun to bicker too—and Alicia was at the center of it all.

“Everyone, I hope you’re having a good time,” Alexander said into the microphone.

A cheer rolled through the hall. “Yes! The wine is wonderful, and the refreshments are excellent!”

Alexander smiled at the crowd before continuing. “I’m grateful you all took time out of your busy schedules to celebrate with me. I don’t have much to say, but today I’m not just happy because it’s my birthday—I’m proud. So proud that I want to show the world my daughter has finally come home. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my daughter—smart, confident, and every bit her mother’s child—Catherine Alexander.”

The spotlight swept across the room and landed on Alicia, who was seated beside Andy, whispering to him. She fell silent, flashed a dazzling smile, and rose to her feet.

Ethan couldn’t look away. He didn’t even blink.

Emily watched his reaction, disgusted, and began pinching his arm. To her shock, Ethan didn’t flinch—he was too absorbed in staring at Alicia, much to Emily’s mounting annoyance.

Alicia crossed the room and hugged Alexander, who greeted her with a quick peck on the cheek.

“She’s so beautiful and graceful,” a guest blurted, loud enough for others to hear.

Stepping up to the microphone, Alicia offered a brief smile. “Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate my dad.”

The sound of her voice hit Ethan like a shock. He turned to Emily, whose expression had gone black with anger, her eyes fixed on him. She was visibly furious.

With a trembling voice, Ethan stammered, “Tha—th… that i…s…”

Sweat beaded on his forehead. He looked tense, rattled. “Ali…cia,” he managed. “That’s Alicia.”

Emily couldn’t hold back. “Fuck you, Ethan! You’re still thinking about your ex-wife? That fat pig?!”

Ethan shook his head, panicked and confused. “Listen to me—her voice is exactly—”

But Emily wasn’t listening. She slapped him hard across the face. “You bastard!”

Just then, Alexander lifted the microphone again. “There’s another big announcement. My daughter, Catherine Alexander, and Andy Arnold are engaged, and they’ll be getting married soon.”

Alicia cut in smoothly. “I also want you all to meet my husband—the man who stole my heart, swept me off my feet, and made it impossible for me to think of anyone else. My husband-to-be, Andy Arnold.”

Ethan’s chest tightened at her words. Discomfort washed over him, and for a moment, he didn’t care that Emily had completely turned her back on him, still seething.