The Marriage That Never Existed novel Chapter 14

Chapter 6

When I returned home, Andrew was too busy to spend time with me, so my sister–in–law, Sophia,

took me traveling instead. We wandered around, shopping and sightseeing, and slowly my heart began to settle.

If Lewis hadn’t shown up at my family’s house, I might have almost forgotten him altogether.

From the upstairs window, I saw him standing at the door with gifts in his hands. A dull ache still

flickered in my chest.

Sophia noticed and explained gently, “Since your brother cut off Lewis’s suppliers, that woman

Victoria has been coming around, trying to negotiate discounts and profits. But she knows her

place.

She never comes to the house, only tries to stop him at the office, and your brother rarely agrees

to see her. Now it looks like Lewis’s company is in trouble, so he’s here himself. Do you want me

to let him in?”

She must have seen something in my expression, which was why she asked.

I shook

my

head. “No. My brother isn’t rash. If Lewis could offer him something greater than anyone else, then maybe he would consider it. Otherwise, why would he bother?”

Sophia nodded and added softly, “Your brother only worries you haven’t let go yet.”

“There’s nothing to let go of. Since the divorce papers were signed, Lewis hasn’t called me once. That says everything. If I’m not in his heart, why should I keep him in mine? Don’t worry, Sophia. I’m fine. Whatever Andrew decides to do, it’s his choice.”

She smiled faintly and sent Lewis away.

But the next day, Lewis came again.

This time, he brought different gifts.

He was thoughtful, attentive to details, the kind of gestures that made him appear warm and

dependable.

For a whole week, he came every single day. When he couldn’t see my brother, he waited at the door. Sometimes he stayed there from morning until night.

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Honestly… if he had been there to ask me for another chance, I might not have had the heart to

turn him away.

But he was only there for business.

In the end, Sophia called Andrew and asked him to deal with it, not wanting me to keep running into Lewis and feeling miserable.

Andrew handled it well. He didn’t expose our family connection, but instead sent someone to Lewis’s company with a clear message: his company was no longer the best option, and here were the reasons why.

Lewis accepted it without protest.

After that, he stopped showing up at our door.

But fate had its way of throwing people together.

At Andrew’s company’s product launch, countless business elites were invited. I had nothing better to do, so I tagged along.

Sophia suggested I dress up, but I didn’t want the trouble. I wore simple casual clothes, planning

to eat and leave.

Halfway through my meal, someone shoved me from behind. The soda in my hand spilled all over a well–dressed lady.

I quickly apologized.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice chimed in.

“Mrs. Smith, that dress must be expensive. I suppose it’ll cost quite a lot to replace, won’t it?”

The voice was all too familiar. I turned and saw Victoria in a striking red dress.

It had been a while since I last saw her, and she was even more annoying than before.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Smith,” I said quickly. “How much was the dress? I’ll pay for it.”

Mrs. Smith was blotting at the stain, about to reply, when Victoria cut her off with a sneer.

“This is a limited–edition haute couture dress. It cost well over a hundred thousand. Do you really think you can afford that?”

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Mrs. Smith frowned, then pulled me behind her protectively.

“Victoria, I’m not blind. You pushed her, which is why her drink spilled on me. I never said Emily should pay. Why are you butting in?”

Her voice was sharp, and people nearby turned to watch.

Victoria froze, not expecting to trap herself so easily.

I stood to the side, lips curling into a cold smile. She thought I was just a powerless little girl. But Mrs. Smith was Sophia’s close friend–she had seen me countless times since I was young. Even if it weren’t for my brother and sister–in–law, Mrs. Smith would never take Victoria’s side.

Victoria swallowed and forced a smile. “I was just greeting her, I didn’t push…”

Mrs. Smith let out a short, cold laugh. “I know what I felt. Don’t worry, I’m not asking you to pay for this dress. I also know you’re sticking to a man with no official status, and his company’s on the brink of collapse–you must be short on money.”

Victoria bit her lip, her eyes glistening red as Mrs. Smith’s words cut deep.