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.

I would be shocked if she did. I am not sure anyone knows that I play the violin,

have the upper hand in everything. I would not

for any nonsense. He is one of the most professional

the waiter brings

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

he is always in awe of her. “So wait, does that mean you know the

student who is playing tonight.” Sophia replies without a hint of boasting or gloating in

is performing?” Ben questions. “Yes, in fact, I

sees Alexander watching the two of them intensely. Benjamin can’t help but torment him,

the charitable auction

Ben replies, leaning closer to Sophia. Alexander’s

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

grins back. Leaning

tense voice of the orchestra conductor echoes through the ballroom. “At this time, please join me in welcoming a very special performance. Ms. Emily Williams has

take the stage. She performs Tchaikovsky’s Concerto, playing well but not overly memorable. The audience responds with a soft

the table. “Wonderful darling! Simply wonderful, Emily’s father muses. Emily peeks at

“Well?” she questions timidly.

you think I could get another glass of champagne? “Alex asks as