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

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 some

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

teases as the waiter brings him another

friend is 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

Sophia’s talents are immeasurable, and he is always in awe of her. “So wait, does that mean you know the piece well? Like, can you play

perform it just as well as the student who is playing tonight.” Sophia replies without a hint of boasting or

protege that is performing?” Ben questions. “Yes, in fact, I am actually a

sees Alexander watching the two of them intensely.

what I donated to the charitable auction that is happening after the

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

sure it was something extraordinary. So from my own personal collection, I donated a

back.

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

She performs Tchaikovsky’s Concerto, playing well but not

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

“Well?” she questions timidly.

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