hapter 15: Oh My God, Mom?!
Night fell, and luxury cars lined up outside the glittering hotel. It was Mr. Wilson’s 80th birthday
celebration.
Mr. Wilson’s eldest son, along with his wife and daughter, greeted guests. Most had arrived, but they remained outside, awaiting a VIP guest.
“Dad, Uncle John and….
someone arrived!” Linda tugged on her father’s sleeve. Mr. Wilson, discussing arrangements with the hotel manager, saw John’s car and rushed out to greet him. Mrs. Wilson focused on the woman with John.
The woman’s ivory white dress showcased her figure; her youthful appearance suggested her twenties. Her radiant beauty resembled a blooming gardenia, exuding a unique charm. Mrs. Wilson was impressed.
Assuming she was Amy’s friend, Mrs. Wilson noticed the matching cloud–pattern embroidery on Lily’s dress and John’s pocket square. The woman was John’s date!
John had never brought a woman to these events since his wife’s death. The rumor was that he was a devoted husband. This young woman was the first. Mrs. Wilson’s smile became warmer.
John introduced them, “This is my beloved, Lily Lynch.”
The word “beloved‘ made Mr. Wilson take a closer look. Many guests had dates, but there were significant differences. Some were mere ornaments, ignored and dispensable. Others, like Lily, had defined status, demanding respect. This wasn’t just about hospitality but the manner of interaction.
Initially intending to ignore Lily, Mr. Wilsons demeanor changed; he greeted her warmly.
They proceeded to the ballroom. Lily naturally linked arms with John, leaning slightly on him.
Seeing their intimacy, Mrs. Wilson thought, Lily’s not much older than Amy! Men prefer youthfulness; John is no exception!*
Lily’s innocent, watery eyes were too pure and unspoiled for a mother of three. Her youthful appearance and radiant eyes made her seem even younger.
In the ballroom, Mr. Wilson mentioned that Mr. Lynch was nearby and suggested a toast. John hesitated, glancing at Lily.
Mrs. Wilson immediately understood.“Go ahead, John. I’ll take Miss Lynch to the gardens.”
The ballroom was vast, decorated in a traditional Chinese style with rock gardens and pavilions.
“Go ahead, I’ll be with Mrs. Wilson.”
never
acted
John left, promising to return after speaking with Mr. Lynch. Their affection impressed Mrs. Wilson. John had a hidden side! She’d only seen his aloof demeanor at previous gatherings. He this gentle and affectionate. This Lily was something else! Others were also watching. It was the first time a woman had attended an event with John in this manner. They eagerly observed Lily.
was
John’s beloved, their
attitudes
warmed further.
Hearing that Lily “She’s breathtaking! Amy muttered angrily, observing Lily surrounded by attention. “You know how powerful your dad is. They’re flattering her, the bad….” Linda quickly corrected herself,“…that woman!”
Chapter 15 Oh My God Mon?!
If John hadn’t introduced Lily as his beloved, these women wouldn’t have paid her much attention. The title was powerful; the first step to influence! Cultivating a good relationship with. John’s beloved held immense potential benefits!
“Did you arrange everything?” Amy asked.
“Done! Completely reliable!” Linda assured her, then pointed towards the entrance.“Amy, your
brother is here!”
Cody, Linda’s cousin, was Andy’s classmate. They were close friends.
Amy raised an eyebrow; had he come to watch the drama unfold?
“Is that Mr. Janson’s eldest son?”
“Yes! I met him last year!”
Others noticed Andy’s arrival. Their gazes towards Lily turned more significant. Being at stepmother wouldn’t be easy. Lily had made a bold move, but the Janson children weren’t easily manipulated. The daughter hadn’t spoken to Lily the entire time! There would be conflict! They watched Andy approach Lily, their gossip radar activated, anticipating a confrontation. “Andy? You’re here? Why didn’t you tell Mom? I could have asked your father to pick you up.” Lily’s delight was palpable. Did this mean he was accepting her?
That single sentence stunned everyone. They were shocked; Lily was either incredibly bold or foolish! She’d called herself Andy’s mother to his face?!
The most memorable moment concerning Ap Weston’s son, breaking his nose. During a
as from seven years ago, when he’d punched. y banquet, Weston’s son had suggested his
aunt become Andy’s stepmother to guide him. This was a veiled attempt by the Westons to marry into the Jansons.
Andy’s
retaliation resulted in John cutting ties with the
Would Lily get the same treatment?
Westons. So…
Young people are bold! Thinking a public setting would protect her? Naive. Weston’s son had been assaulted in plain sight!
