The tension was high between the two, when suddenly a commotion arose at the hall’s entrance.
People turned their attention and saw James Grant, in a tailored suit, walking arm-in-arm with Lynn Yates, who was dressed in a pink chiffon dress, slowly making their way from the red carpet outside.
At first glance, they made a perfect couple.
Evelyn Clayton instinctively looked towards James Grant.
That face, so familiar, now seemed so foreign.
Beside James Grant, Lynn Yates smiled radiantly, greeting guests warmly and accepting their blessings graciously.
The host’s voice echoed from the microphone, announcing the start of the engagement ceremony.
The couple slowly proceeded along the flower-covered carpet.
The pianist’s fingers danced across the keys, pouring out a romantic and melodious tune.
The large screen displayed various photos of James Grant and Lynn Yates together: dining by candlelight, watching the sunset by the sea...
Each was breathtakingly beautiful, with love and intimacy almost spilling out of the screen as if they truly were each other’s soulmates.
Evelyn Clayton sat silently among the seats, feeling completely out of place in this romantic scene.
When did they... do so many things together?
It should have been her experiencing these moments with James Grant.
The grander the engagement ceremony, the harder it was for Evelyn Clayton to suppress the bitterness in her heart.
If she had already decided to let go, let past memories be buried in the deepest corner...
"The bride and groom are holding the ceremony on stage, Miss Clayton, as a guest, it’s impolite to keep your head down," Amber Whitman’s seat happened to be right next to Evelyn Clayton.
Seeing Evelyn Clayton distracted, Amber Whitman covered her mouth and giggled, whispering tauntingly in her ear.
Appearing eager to stir up trouble.
Evelyn Clayton glanced sideways at Amber Whitman.
"Even as a guest, I don’t have to focus all my attention on James Grant. There are many things a person can do, don’t be too narrow-minded."
The two had never gotten along in the past, and in such a setting, the hostility was naturally more intense.
Even though Evelyn Clayton spoke with clarity and independence, she couldn’t deny that her thoughts were constantly swayed by James Grant’s every move. Follow current novels on Nove1Fire.net
Throughout the engagement ceremony, Evelyn Clayton remained somewhat in a daze.
Only when James Grant and Lynn Yates approached arm-in-arm did her wandering mind snap back to reality.
Amber Whitman, upon seeing James Grant, quickly approached with excitement, speaking before Evelyn Clayton had the chance to, playing the victim first.
"Bro! You and Lynn looked so beautiful on stage! The most reputable wedding company in the city planned and executed it, it was like a fairytale!"
"But it seems Miss Clayton wasn’t quite pleased, she kept her head down, either drinking tea or playing on her phone, never looking up at you two. She also said, although you are the main focus today, she has the right to do whatever she wants and said life is long enough, there’s no need to focus all her energy on you, you’re not worth it."
Though the words weren’t particularly offensive, Amber Whitman’s embellishments made Evelyn Clayton seem bitter and harsh.
James Grant’s gaze was frighteningly cold.
He glanced at Evelyn Clayton.
"Just as well, I don’t care how much attention others pay to me. Miss Clayton shouldn’t take herself too seriously, acting as if she’s the only sober one here, who is that for?"
"It’s not great for a woman to be overly independent and strong-minded; others can’t control your behavior, but they’ll silently label you and keep their distance."
"Why not take a page from Lynn Yates, save yourself from being unwanted in the future."