The delicious dinner lifted Emma Johnson's spirits considerably.
She decided that living with Liam Williams wasn't so bad after all. As long as he cooked at least one meal for her every day, she figured she could tolerate just about anything.
Of course, she wasn't the type to take without giving back. So she volunteered to wash the dishes.
This dinner seemed to dissolve the tension that had been hanging between them. It wasn't exactly sweet or romantic, but it was comfortable.
As darkness fell, Benjamin Williams returned to Sunrise Manor early. Seeing the table full of delicious dishes Amelia White had prepared, he felt happy. But since his older brother hadn't come back yet, he could only stare at the food without eating.
"Mr. White, please call my brother. It's so late. Why isn't he home yet?"
Benjamin grew impatient and urged the butler to make the call. Just then, Henry Williams came out on his crutches.
"Don't call him. Let's eat first. Mr. White, go to Liam's room and pack some clothes for him. He won't be coming back for a while."
When the old man finished speaking, Amelia and Benjamin stared at him in shock.
"Don't tell me, Dad, that big brother has run away from home."
Hearing this, the old man raised his crutch and smacked Benjamin on the back.
"Nonsense! What are you talking about? Your brother went to win back his wife. He won't be living at home for the time being."
Benjamin was speechless. He never expected his always-indifferent older brother to do something like this. It was completely out of character.
It was truly unsettling.
No wonder his brother had agreed so easily this morning to leave Sunrise Manor. He hadn't realized Liam was planning to move in with his sister-in-law.
"I'm not feeling well. Dad, second brother, you two eat first. I need to lie down in my room for a while."
"Mr. White, go call Dr. Moore. Ask him to come check on Amelia."
Henry Williams's face showed genuine concern.
"Dad, I'm fine. I probably caught a draft when I went out this afternoon. I just have a headache. Lying down will help."
Amelia forced a faint smile, then quickly left the table. She was afraid that if she didn't leave, she would completely lose control.
Benjamin didn't stop her. He could see she was in a bad mood. After Amelia went upstairs, Benjamin looked at the table full of delicious food she had prepared. Most of it was his brother's favorites. For him, there were only two dishes.
Benjamin quietly finished the two dishes he liked, then wiped his mouth and left the table.
Instead of going back to his room, he went to Amelia's. Her door wasn't fully closed. He pushed it open and saw that her room was a complete mess.
Feathers from a torn pillow were scattered everywhere. A set of exquisite tea sets he had just bought for her lay shattered on the floor. Amelia herself stood on the balcony outside the window.
"Amelia, you need to face reality."
Benjamin entered the room, intending to make her see the truth. His brother's marriage was already a done deal. He could tell that Liam wouldn't divorce his sister-in-law.
When Amelia heard his words, she spun around suddenly. Her eyes were red, but she still refused to admit it.
"Second brother, I don't know what you're talking about."
Amelia forced a smile, trying to hide the strange look in her eyes.
"We grew up together. Don't you think I know what's on your mind? Amelia, he won't divorce his sister-in-law. You have to face reality."
Benjamin's heart ached as he said this. But mostly, he felt helpless.
"Second brother, you don't need to persuade me."
Amelia clearly didn't want to discuss this topic with him. She wanted to escape. But Benjamin refused to let her run away. What had happened tonight made him feel suffocated.
"Amelia, why won't you look back at me? Don't I care about you more than big brother does?"
After eight years, Benjamin couldn't help confessing the truth again.
"Second brother, you should know that some things just aren't meant to be."
Amelia said this simply and coldly. If Benjamin weren't a member of the family, she wouldn't even bother acknowledging him.
Benjamin left in despair, but his reluctance grew stronger. He hadn't given up on the idea of winning Amelia over. Maybe, only by defeating his brother could he earn her favor.
"What? You don't want a wedding?"
In the spacious apartment, Liam Williams and Emma Johnson sat on the sofa, eating fruit, watching TV, and chatting casually. As they talked, the conversation drifted to the wedding.
Originally, Liam had planned to hold a luxurious, unforgettable wedding for Emma. He wanted to make up for not having one last time.
But he never expected Emma to turn him down this time. Without even hesitating.
What was this woman thinking? Any other woman would have been thrilled, eagerly discussing how many tables to set up, what style to design, and how many red envelopes to hand out.
"No, I don't want a wedding."
Emma ate a strawberry and spoke slowly.
"We've been married by agreement for less than a year. After a year, we'll go our separate ways. If we hold a wedding, your current status will definitely become the center of public attention. It will leave a lasting impression on people. Then I'll be famous even if I don't want to be. That's not what I want. Besides, spending so much money on a wedding is too extravagant."
Emma shared her true thoughts. Liam didn't like what he heard, but he could see that Emma was determined. She wouldn't agree to a wedding.
"Then we'll keep it low-key. Just invite a few relatives and friends. Emma, let's talk about the future. Don't you want a fairy-tale wedding? Besides, you don't have to pay for it. You just need to share your ideas and leave the rest to the wedding planner."
Liam was trying to persuade her. But Emma remained unmoved.
"I'm not interested in having a wedding right now. And I always feel like a wedding doesn't suit me. I don't want to run into any more trouble."