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.

a knowing look to Ben. ” Absolutely not. I would be shocked if she did. I am not sure anyone knows that I play the

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 some sort of spectacle

quickly, “first, Maestro Paus would not stand for any nonsense. He is one of the

as the

only razzing her. “I have been a student under him since I 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

“So wait, does that mean you know the piece well? Like, can

can perform it just as well as the student who

this talented protege that is performing?” Ben questions.

course, you are, my dear,” Benjamin laughs. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Alexander watching the two of them intensely. Benjamin can’t help but torment him, placing

what I donated to the charitable auction that is happening

closer to Sophia. Alexander’s body becomes more tense the

was something extraordinary. So from my own personal collection, I donated a Stradivari’s

the violin, Benjamin simply grins back.

through the ballroom. “At this time, please join me in welcoming a very special performance. Ms. Emily Williams has graciously agreed to provide us with a

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

coming offstage and returning to the table. “Wonderful darling! Simply wonderful, Emily’s father muses.

“Well?” she questions timidly.

think I could