---- Chapter 129 As more people trickled in, I cleared my throat softly and composed myself, trying to look calm and unbothered as I walked in. That was when I realized that almost everyone had come with a partner. It was rare to see anyone alone. Tawkwardly touched the bridge of my nose and scanned the room. Just below the main table, there was a row of reserved seats. One of them had my name on it. Without hesitation, I walked over and took my seat.

Around me, hushed whispers quickly filled the air. They thought they were being discreet, but I could hear every word. "Who is she? She's stunning!" "No idea. I've never seen her before." "There's no way I wouldn't have noticed someone this pretty." "Wait-she kind of looks like Elise!" "Elise? As in Jonathan's wife?" "Yeah, I think that's her!" "That's Mrs. Ford? Seriously? She's gorgeous.

I thought she'd be some country girl or something." Isat quietly, listening to them whisper among themselves. ---- They assumed I couldn't hear, and I pretended I didn't. "Didn't Alicia say she was from the countryside ? How is she this pretty?" "Well, think about it. If she were ugly, would Jonathan have married her?" "Still, [doubt it'll last. I mean, look at this birthday party. Mr. Ford pulled out all the stops for Alicia.

That's not the kind of effort you put into just any relationship." "Theard that when both Alicia and Elise fell into the water, Jonathan didn't even hesitate. He went straight for Alicia. Poor Elise..." Their glances turned pitiful. Some even looked like they were enjoying the drama. lignored all of them. The fruit platter looked decent, so I picked some up and started snacking. Maybe it was how calm I seemed, but eventually, the whispers died down.

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Then, a familiar figure appeared in front of me. "The first thing I see when I walk in is you, sneaking food all by yourself." Tooked up and met Frederick's eyes. "Howis this sneaking? I'm eating in broad daylight," I ---- replied coolly. He sat down beside me. Iraised an eyebrow."You're here too?" "Of course. Didn't you see the place card?" he said, pointing to the name tag on his seat. Ilet out a small laugh. "I must've missed it. It's funny how we ended up seated together.

What a coincidence." Frederick gave me a meaningful look. "This is the Zimmer residence. Who do you think arranged the seating?" I paused, then looked toward the host's table. Alicia's intentions couldn't be more obvious. Jonathan had been placed at the center of attention, with Alicia seated right next to him. Their name cards were practically next to each other, like they were the real couple. Frederick arched a brow at me. "It's a bit of an eyesore, isn't in" Ishrugged. "Not really.

Our names are right next to each other too." Iturned to him with a smile. "But that doesn't mean we're a couple, right?" The moment I said that, Frederick let out a quiet cough and looked down, his expression darkening ever so slightly. I blinked , wondering if I had gone too far. "Sorry, that was just a joke." ---- "It's fine," he said, placing a fist lightly against his lips and stared off in another direction. More guests soon began to arrive.

Dressed in an immaculate white suit, Jim entered, carrying an air of steady composure. When his eyes met mine, a flicker of surprise crossed his face. He walked over. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Even the way he spoke carried an air of elegance. Tt was no wonder Aria was so taken with him. He had the kind of presence that naturally drew people in.