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Chapter 17
17 Tensions and Revelations
17 Tensions and Revelations
In the aftermath of the confrontation, the matriarch’s frustration was palpable. “Why does Emma get special
reatment from you?” She demanded, tears of anger streaming down her face, ruining her heavy makeup. Her confusion over Alex’s sudden protectiveness towards Emma, a woman he had seemingly disregarded before, was quite evident.
Alex, meanwhile, was confronted with a harsh truth. He hadn’t truly considered the struggles Emma might have faced within his family. “Could I have endured what she did?” He pondered silently, reflecting on Emma’s resilience and dignity throughout their marriage.
He declared sternly to his mother and Lillian, “Lillian will stay in for a month for self–reflection. Any more issues, and the financial support stops.” His words were final, leaving the room in a tense silence as he departed.
The matriarch, still reeling, tried to argue back, but Alex was resolute. He began to question his decisions, particularly regarding Lillian’s education abroad, which seemed to have changed her fundamentally.
Later, at his office, Alex tried to bury himself in work but was distracted by the upcoming banquet. Learning about the Smirnov family’s attendance, including Emma, piqued his interest.
At the banquet, the atmosphere was charged with ambition and opportunism. Alex and Wayne Smirnov were an odd pair among the guests, with Wayne’s demeanor distinctly cool towards Alex.
Approaching Wayne, Alex initiated a conversation, only to be met with an aloof response. Wayne’s attitude hinted at long–standing disdain, a reminder of the chasm between their social standings.
The mention of Emma working at the Smirnov company elicited a sharp retort from Jada, her words protective and biting. “Emma is thriving, Alex, far from the world you dragged her into.”
Stung by Jada’s words, Alex replied defensively, “I never meant to bring her any harm.”
Wayne then surprised Alex with a direct mention of his marriage. “Rumors of your divorce with Emma have been circulating. Is there truth in them?”
Alex, caught off guard, hesitated. “Yes, we are divorced,” he admitted, his voice low. “It’s a matter I never expected to reach public ears.”
Jada interjected, her tone accusatory. “Perhaps if you’d valued her more, you wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Alex felt a pang of guilt. “I realize now what I lost in Emma,” he confessed, the admission heavy with regret.
Wayne observed the exchange, his expression unreadable. “Emma has always been more than what she seemed in your eyes, Alex. Maybe now you’ll see her true worth.”
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As the evening progressed, Alex’s thoughts lingered on Emma, her resilience, and the life they had shared. The realization of his neglect and the subsequent loss was a bitter pill to swallow. He left the
banquet deep in thought, a newfound understanding of Emma’s strength and his own failings slowly dawning on him.