Chapter 48: Chapter 48

Before the crimson skies fade into black, the lights around the house and in the garden are already in full swing. Tonight is not just a house blessing, but our engagement party. Since James doesn’t want me anymore, I have decided to give ourselves a chance to be happy. I have never felt happier in my life, not until I met Zed. He’s perfect in my eyes, and I can't ask for more.

I pity Miss Yen for letting go of a husband as excellent and as gentle as Zed. I almost can’t believe how Zed got erectile dysfunction when he was with her because that flaw doesn’t leave any trace. He is mighty down there and his self-control is excellent. He often brings me to some bliss of multiple orgasms before he comes.

Our invited guests have started arriving when the shorthand of the clock strikes at six. They’re not our close friends, but the prominent people Zed has acquainted with through ‘The Quartet’ and during his seminars. Some of them are my people from Jamella chains of restaurants and from Jamella Tech.

I have also, of course, invited the people from Kim Yuan Microelectronics. Two among them are Mr. & Mrs. Kim Mori. I will understand if they won’t come. After all, some people can’t believe our presence in the same place won’t affect any one of us.

I also invite Mr. D even if Zed doesn’t agree to it. Speaking of the paintings, I didn’t feel bad anymore when Zed bought one more set of Yen's portraits. Because I already understand. If ever there is more to it, I don’t care about it for now.

I sit beside our glass wall and watch the people entering the garden in our backyard. To make it more spacious, I bought the adjacent lot and had it developed as a garden extension. The landscapes are well-crafted and the ornamental plants are well-trimmed. It looks like a mini paradise in the comfort of our home.

“Love, you ready?” Zed suddenly speaks from behind me before I feel his hand on my shoulders.

I look up and find him more stunning than ever. He wears an elegant black suit with an old rose tie that matches my gown. It may just be my pregnancy, but I feel I am falling in love with this man better every day. I choose to trust him and be happy, even if Mr. D still nags at me for choosing to be miserable. I don’t believe him; he’s eccentric anyway.

“Yes,” I smile at him sweetly.

“Promise me the wedding will be a month after, okay?"

I laugh and coil against his chest. “Is the time enough for the preparation?”

“Money can work. Ella. I don’t mind spending my entire fortune on this wedding. As long as I can be with you. I’ll work harder to be your equal, not just only as a spouse, but also in finances.”

“I don’t need wealth, Zed. I grew up with a silver spoon, but I’m still lonely. I even want to sell my companies and live a simple life. A kind of life where we have all the time for ourselves.”

Zed hugs me tighter. “You and our children will be my top priority. I promise you that.”

“Stop that sweetness. You have all the time after this,” Ara’s voice startles us. We both turn in her direction and see her smiling by the door frame.

“Ar, you’re so beautiful tonight,” I praise her.

She really looks stunning in her burgundy cocktail dress that hugs her body, flaunting her perfect curves. Ara may be a little chubby, but she’s still as sexy as a goddess in mythical books with her small heart-shaped face and large eyes.

“Second to you," she laughs, the sound of her laughter ringing across the walls.

I wear a tight-fitting gown that emphasizes not only my shape but also my small bump. I’m proud of it, having Zed as the father of my child. No one knows that it’s James’, anyway.

“I disagree," I protest.

“If I am, Zed’s eyes would have been on me. I had been flirting with him to catch his attention but he ignores me.”

“Ara, stop it. Others might hear you,” Zed scolds her. Ara sticks her tongue out and I laugh.

“I’m going now. Please, prepare. No kissing, no petting. Okay?”

I laugh louder. Zed only shakes his head, watching Ara as she walks out the door.

Not long after, the lady of the ceremony calls our name. Zed extends his elbow at me and I cling to it right away. He opens the door to the terrace and a loud round of applause erupts from the crowd below.

We wait until the welcome ends before we step into the glass-walled elevator. Zed had this lift installed just for this occasion. As the door opens on the ground floor, another round of deafening applause greets us together with the welcome call by the lady of the ceremony.

While moving my eyes over the dignified guests around us, I feel so special. I feel loved, adored, and proud. Proud to be the fiancée of the best motivational speaker in the country. And proud to be the future wife of the best husband in the world.

After the introduction, the lady of the ceremony announces that Zed is going to give the opening remark. Zed then picks up the stool chair at the center of the stage. He helps me into that seat before he picks up the microphone.

Silence overrules the atmosphere as Zed opens his mouth to speak. I also incline my head to look at him properly, admiring his poise as he raises the microphone to his mouth.

“Our honored guests, friends, family, ladies and gentlemen, Ella and I feel so honored to have you all here to witness and share with us the happiness of this important day of our lives.”

“You have no idea how happy I am as I stand before you tonight. I can’t thank Ella enough for coming into my life…”

A warm and soothing feeling seeps into my heart that I can’t blink my eyes hard enough to block my tears. They trickle down into my face despite the sincere smile I wear. I glance at the crowd before us to see their reaction. To my surprise, my gaze locks instead with Miss Yen.

She’s there, standing behind Mr. Mori. Her smile is pressed in a thin line, but it looks genuine. If only I am closer to her, I’m sure I’m going to see tears.

I move my eyes away, not wanting to let her feel embarrassed. Of all the people around, I’m sure I am the only one who can probably understand her the most. She may hate how she feels now, but she can’t help herself from realizing that Zed is a priceless gem she has tossed away.

But maybe, I’m also wrong. Probably, those are silent tears of joy. Joy because she finally sees Zed moving on. She knows how hard it was for Zed.

I move my eyes to the side. But then I see a woman looking furiously at us. I wrack my brain, trying to remember where I had come across with her. Only to realize she looks like the woman in the photo that Mr. Banzon gave me.