After the Divorce: Crushed on My Lawyer Ex-wife

#21 “I was Wondering the Same Thing.”

Emily, having been closely watching the exchange between Benjamin and Alexander, brushed Alexander’s hand to nab his attention.

“Alex, thank you for coming here with me tonight,” Emily said, trying to keep his attention. “I know my parents can be a bit much, so I really am grateful.”

Slowly shifting his eyes from Sophia to Emily, Alexander takes a deep breath and sits back in his chair. Turning to meet Emily’s gaze fully, Alexander replies, “Of course. This is a great networking opportunity.”

Catching the edge still in Alexander’s voice, Emily leans in closer to him, hoping to draw him nearer to her. “I have to admit I am excited but also nervous about my performance tonight, Emily whispers.

Taking a sip of his champagne, Alex mutters, “Yes, I am sure it will be lovely.” His eyes never divert from closely watching Sophia and Benjamin, but it was obvious he had put the confrontation on hold for the time being. Meanwhile, Benjamin and Sophia had their heads bent close in lighthearted banter.

“I am so impressed that they were able to get a student of Marcus Paus to perform tonight,” Benjamin exclaimed. “The Williams is certainly a lot of things, and connoisseurs of fine music appear to be one,” Finishing his glass of champagne, he adds, “and fine champagne, too.”

“Yes,” Sophia agrees, “this is quite an impressive accomplishment of the Williams. Their taste in everything is… fine.” Sophia flashes a curt smile at Benjamin, and they both giggle.

“Tell me, do you think Barbara knows your relationship with Maestro Paus?” Benjamin smirks. The combination of the champagne and his and Sophia’s shared secret has made him a bit giddy.

offers a knowing look to Ben. ” Absolutely not. I would be shocked if she did. I am

don’t know,” Ben laughs, “Barbara is pretty slippery. She seems the type of lady who always wants to have the upper hand in everything. I would not put it past her to have

would not stand for any nonsense. He is one of the most professional people

Benjamin teases as the waiter

was a teenager. He has been working on this piece for over two years. I cannot count how many times I have flown to London to help him finish it. His work is everything to him. He would never allow someone like Barbara Williams to exploit

is always in awe of her. “So

I can perform it just as well as the student who is playing tonight.” Sophia replies without a

talented protege that is performing?” Ben questions. “Yes, in fact, I am actually a close friend with the

his eye, he sees Alexander watching the two of them intensely. Benjamin can’t help but torment him, placing his hand on top of

what I donated to the charitable auction that is happening after the concert?” Sophia

me,” Ben replies, leaning closer to Sophia. Alexander’s body becomes more tense the closer

make sure it was something extraordinary. So from my own personal collection, I donated a Stradivari’s violin.”

grins back. Leaning closer, Sophia replies, “It is a very treasured

in welcoming a very special performance. Ms. Emily Williams has graciously agreed to provide us

a faint round of applause from the crowd as Emily proceeds to take the stage. She performs Tchaikovsky’s Concerto, playing well but not overly memorable. The audience responds with a soft

embraces her parents after coming offstage and returning to the table. “Wonderful darling! Simply wonderful, Emily’s father muses. Emily peeks at Alexander, anxiously

“Well?” she questions timidly.

Emily,” Alexander replies. “Do you think I could get