To decrease exposure, the eight men quickened their paces. They disappeared into the corner in just minutes. Countless pedestrians followed along, and the street became quiet in an instant.
“You should really learn how to spend your money from Anthony,” Emery said suddenly.
“What does this have to do with him? Summer’s the one leading this project.” I had a confused expression but helplessly smiled when I realized that she was probably talking about what happened back in the shop.
“Please. You were the director of Featherstone Corporation. Did you forget that every fund spent would need the president’s approval? How would there be such a majestic sedan chair here if it wasn’t for Anthony?”
“True. But it’s still thanks to Summer for having such a good eye for things,” I said stubbornly.
Dimples showed on Emery’s cheeks as she replied, “Yes, yes. You have such a great daughter. She spent so much time and energy on this cultural festival. I’m sure she must be tired after this.”
At her words, I turned to look at the walls of the city. Summer looked thin and vulnerable in her green outfit. It must have been hard on her to take on such an important project.
But she would never agree to accept help since she always wanted to be strong.
Why don’t I cook something as a reward for her?
“Let’s go.” Blood ran hot in me when I decided what I was going to do. I hooked my arm around Emery’s and dragged her outside. “Let’s go wipe out the supermarket!”
I was a bit rusty as it had been a long time since I last cooked. Originally, I planned to cook alone but could barely manage even with Mrs. Kingsley helping.
“Please hand me the garlic, Mrs. Kingsley. I’ve already plated the prawns. Summer can have them right when she comes home if we steam them now.”
Without turning to look, I reached out my hand and felt something on it. But right when I pulled back my hand, I realized someone had followed my action and had leaned over.
“Anthony!” Annoyed, I pushed him away and added, “Don’t mess around here. Summer hasn’t been eating well lately. I want to make sure everything is done before she comes home.”
I took the garlic sauce as I spoke and turned to pour it over the prawns.
The man leaned against the counter with his hands crossed. It was obvious that he was upset that I had gotten annoyed. “Your husband is also a diligent worker. Why don’t I see you worried about me?”
“How is Summer the same as you? You enjoy working, but she’s pushing her limits. Haven’t you seen how thin she has gotten lately? Aren’t you worried? Remember to talk nicely and give her encouragement when we’re eating later.
Anthony’s eyes narrowed as a smile appeared on his face, seemingly having a plan forming in his mind.
I suddenly thought of the wallet from earlier. After starting the fire, I turned to him and said seriously, “Tell Joseph to keep a closer eye on the kids. I saw someone who looked a lot like me today. Even though we didn’t meet physically, I have a feeling that things aren’t as simple as it seems. There’s nothing wrong with being too careful.”
He nodded slightly and answered, “Okay.”
A second later, he acted as though nothing had happened and asked, “What do you think of Wenville after going there today? Do you like it?”
“It’s not bad. Summer’s work is impressive. I must admit that you’re right. Our daughter has grown up now, and it’s only right that she make a career for herself.”
I began picking the side dishes as I spoke.
“I’m not asking about that.” Anthony took in a deep breath and stared at me. “I meant, do you like that place?”
“Huh?” I was stunned but laughed a moment later. “So what if I like it? There’s no way you’d abandon such a huge project just because I don’t like it, right?”
“Why not?” Surprisingly, he was being serious. “I spent so much money on it. What’s the point of keeping it if I can’t even move my wife’s heart?”
Despite not wanting to fool around with him, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling at his words. “I noticed that these things roll off your tongue so easily. Aren’t you tired of it?”
“Nope. I don’t even think I’m doing it enough, actually. It’ll be best if you stay beside me, instead of always going out with Emery and the others. That way, I can always tell you how much I love you and need you,” Anthony told me seriously.
I was rendered speechless.
From what I remembered, this man was a person of few words.
Silence ensued when suddenly, John’s voice was heard. “Babe, sweetheart, should we have another baby princess? Just one more. I really want a daughter. Please, let’s just have another baby.”
I massaged my temples, unsure of what I should say. As I turned to look at my husband, I realized that he was in the same situation.
He took a look at John and straightened his back as if trying to show that he had a higher status than the latter.
It was hard to imagine that they would be clingy once returning to their families. Shaking my head, I raised my voice and tried to purge my mind of the thoughts. “I like it. The whole city, the people, and the stuff sold there. I like all of them. Summer told me that there are going to be ninety-nine pairs of brides and grooms. I’m so excited just thinking about it, not to mention the other projects.”
Right then, I thought about the beautiful phoenix coronet. I wanted to share it with Anthony, but after giving it some thought, I realized that he would have gone to get it for me that very night. Before I could get the words out, I swallowed them and pursed my lips.
Anthony noticed the look on my face and started to scrutinize me before I said anything. Surprisingly, he didn’t ask anything. The corner of his lips twitched as he went out, leaving me in a daze.
Well, it seems like I’ve been overthinking it. Anthony is still the same old Anthony. His change in attitude is still quick as always. I’ll never know what he’s thinking.
With everyone’s attention on Wenville, the opening ceremony had finally begun.
This was Summer’s first independent project, and we originally planned on having the whole family in attendance to show our support. However, the school denied applications for leave due to the group performance. Anthony, on the other hand, had to meet up with a difficult business partner and could only make it to the closing ceremony. As such, I headed out with Emery, John, and his wife.
I found myself stunned speechless by the decorations at the venue the moment we got out of the car.
The city walls were covered with colorful lights, starting from the city gate, and both sides of the main road were lined with red and orange flowers. The road was split in two by a red-colored guard rail running through the middle.
I found myself so captivated by the beauty of the scenery before me that I felt like I was dreaming.
“Why are you spacing out? The opening ceremony is about to start. We’re attending it as special guests, so we can’t afford to be late.”
Emery’s words snapped me out of my daze, and I quickly regained my composure before making my way forward.
After the ribbon-cutting was done, Summer went on stage and took the microphone over from the emcee as she said, “Thank you all for attending this cultural festival organized by Featherstone Corporation. We hope you will all have a great time here.”
The emcee quickly picked up where she left off and said excitedly, “As expected of the heiress of Featherstone Corporation! Ms. Summer truly is an elegant and beautiful young lady! Of course, she won’t be the only one in this grand event! Make sure you don’t blink, because we are about to welcome all ninety-nine couples who look just as great!”
His speech was followed by a series of fireworks and a performance by a musical ensemble as good- looking couples dressed in traditional wedding attire made their way down the red carpet one after another.
Each pair looked so amazing that the guests couldn’t help but wish them the best in marriage.
The sight of true love was a very beautiful one, and some of the younger girls among the guests found themselves touched to tears by the mere sight of those loving couples standing next to each other.
“Bad news, Ms. Summer! Two of our female models have just informed us that they won’t be able to make it due to some unforeseen events!”
Everyone was so immersed in the moment that it took them about half a minute to react to the anxious voice behind them.
Summer’s assistant got really agitated. “What the hell? Why is this happening now? Hurry up and look for replacements from other shows!”
“We’ve already contacted them, but all the nearby businesses have postponed their shows to avoid having their spotlight stolen by our event! Those who are able to help out would take at least an hour to get here, so I don’t think they’ll make it on time…”
“I don’t care! This is your problem! By hook or by crook, I need you to get those models here and prepare them for the red carpet walk!”
“I…”
“Forget it.” Summer stopped her assistant when she saw the difficult situation the messenger was in. “I know you’ve put a lot of effort into the preparations for this cultural festival, but this is an unforeseen situation. No one wanted this to happen, so you shouldn’t be blaming them like this. Let’s just try to figure something out…”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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