Chapter 32: Unexpected Encounters and Awkward Revelations

Chapter 32: Unexpected Encounters and Awkward Revelations

Ethan's decision to join the blind date lunch took Eric by surprise, leaving him puzzled. The situation became clearer when he saw his date—Emily—seated nearby.

Emily, stunned, glanced from Olivia to Ethan, struggling to grasp the situation. It dawned on her that she had unknowingly stepped into a date with her former suitor. The surprise escalated when she realized that Ethan had brought his ex-wife, her annoying former husband, to the gathering.

Ethan, initially confused, soon realized his mistake and felt a sense of relief. Olivia, however, was completely flustered, her head swiveling between the three others. "You, you..." she stammered, unable to articulate her confusion. "Do you all know each other?"

Eric quickly intervened. "Let me introduce everyone. This is Chairman Harrison from Creston Media."

Olivia, still dazed, managed a nod. "Yes, I know him."

Eric was surprised. "Oh? You two know each other?"

Olivia hesitated before admitting, "I've seen him chase after Emily before, and I had to step in."

Realizing she had to explain further, Olivia introduced Emily. "This is my friend, photographer Alisa."

Eric, trying to manage the awkwardness, replied, "I know her."

Olivia was taken aback. "You know her?"

Eric explained, "We were classmates back in the day."

He had pursued her before, but before he could continue his efforts, Ethan had come along and taken over.

With the introductions out of the way, Ethan and Emily fell into silence. Eric and Olivia, knowing about the past connections, believed Ethan harbored inappropriate intentions toward Emily. However, they kept their thoughts to themselves.

Eric tried to break the ice. "Alisa and Chairman Harrison, you must know each other through work. Didn't your studio sign with Creston Media last month?"

Ethan nodded. Emily responded with a resigned "Hmm."

The complexities of their relationship left everyone in an uncomfortable silence. Emily felt as though this meal was a punishment from the heavens. She chose to remain silent, focusing solely on her food.

Meanwhile, Olivia and Eric engaged in light conversation. Olivia and Eric, both Emily's former classmates, quickly found common ground, though they had never met directly before.

Eric turned to Olivia. "I think I saw you at Vera's charity gala. Were you the one in the red dress on stage?"

Olivia smiled. "Yes, Emily suggested I wear red. She said it suits me well."

Emily nodded in agreement.

Olivia continued, "Emily was also at the gala."

Eric added, "I know, Chairman Harrison was there too."

Both Eric and Olivia exchanged glances, recalling the complicated history between Ethan and Emily.

Eric, trying to lighten the mood, addressed Emily. "Are you not working today? Shouldn't you be at home with your husband?"

Emily cut her steak slowly. "Oh, I'm divorced."

Eric was taken aback, his smile faltering. "Oh, that's unfortunate…"

Olivia waved dismissively. "It's not a big deal for Emily! She says, 'Goodbye is goodbye; the next one will be better.'"

Emily smiled in agreement, though she was inwardly frustrated by the situation.

Ethan, observing Emily's discomfort, recalled the recent news about her and Ryan. His mood darkened, and he felt a vague sense of unease. Olivia's comment about Emily's many suitors, including some married ones, didn't help his mood.

Olivia, eager to share gossip, looked at Ethan with a thoughtful smile. "It seems Chairman Harrison is the only married person here. Can you tell us about Ethan's wife? What kind of person could make you settle down so early?"

Emily, expressionless, glanced at Ethan's hand, noticing he still wore his wedding ring. She looked at her own finger, where a faint ring mark remained, and felt a pang of bitterness.

Ethan paused, surveying the eager faces of Olivia and Eric. He glanced at Emily, who seemed to be pretending disinterest but was clearly listening.

With a slight smile, Ethan began, "She's…" He spoke gently, his usually cold voice carrying a hint of affection. "She's quite unruly."

Emily's face turned red. The memory of Ethan teasing her with the song "You're Not Behaving" and their intimate moments flashed through her mind.

She bit her lip and glared at Ethan, who seemed to be enjoying her discomfort. His amusement only made her more furious.

In a sudden, impulsive move, Emily kicked Ethan's knee with the heel of her shoe. To her shock, Ethan's hand swiftly caught her ankle under the table.

Emily froze, staring at him in alarm. Ethan, seemingly nonchalant, maintained his grip on her ankle.

Desperate, Emily sought help from Eric and Olivia, who were too absorbed in their conversation to notice.

Ethan, ignoring Emily's angry glare, lightly caressed her leg before releasing her ankle. Emily quickly retracted her leg, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Emily, feeling mortified, took a large gulp of her wine and then pushed her glass towards Ethan. "Chairman Harrison, you can drink it."

She also placed the plate of oysters in front of him, smirking. "They're good with oysters. And they're also good for kidney health."

"Better for you to enjoy," she added, before turning her attention back to her food.