Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 141

Effie smiled, letting the conversation drop.

Her gaze drifted toward Lyman and Mr. Smith.

Lyman stood out effortlessly—a man who drew the eye wherever he went. Amid the crowd, he looked striking in his crisp white golf shirt, posture straight and confident. There was a natural grace to his every movement, a quiet authority that seemed both refined and unapproachable.

Beside him, Mr. Smith wore a practiced, worldly smile, the kind that suggested he'd seen every side of a deal.

As they talked, Lyman's expression remained composed and aloof, nodding occasionally but always keeping a certain distance, as if he existed in a world just out of reach.

Effie looked away, a knot of conflicted emotions tightening inside her.

Their marriage had always been a transaction-an arrangement where each got what they needed. Lyman required her presence to keep his family satisfied, while she needed his influence for protection and security.

Had she agreed out of a sense of defiance, too? Maybe.

But over time, Lyman's quiet warmth, his thoughtfulness and unwavering respect, had started to wear down her resolve. He made it hard to remember why she'd kept her guard up in the first place.

Then Mrs. Smith's words cut through her thoughts like a bucket of cold water, a reminder of the harsh truths behind marriages like theirs.

"Mrs. Etheridge, are you alright?" Mrs. Smith's gentle voice pulled her back.

then offered a soft smile. "Sorry, I drifted off

gave her a knowing look. "Ah, to be young-you still have endless possibilities ahead. I, on the other hand, feel like this marriage has trapped

at her, her voice gentle. "It's never too late to choose yourself.

it were that easy. There's too much at stake—children, family, reputation..." She shook her head. "But

modest laugh. "Honestly, I don't understand

shrewdness appeared in Mrs. Smith's eyes. "Mr. Etheridge really dotes on you. He won't even let you worry about

but

Effie. There was a focus in his eyes, a quiet tenderness he reserved only for

talking?" he asked in a low

just about to come find

to Mrs.

returned his smile. "Of course, Mr.

seemed the negotiations were

easy familiarity,

grounds here were lovely-a

thumb gently tracing circles on the back of

shook her

walk a