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.

smile. "Sorry, I drifted

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

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

head. "But enough about that. No point in dampening the mood. Looks

"Honestly, I don't understand

appeared in Mrs. Smith's eyes. "Mr. Etheridge really dotes on you. He won't

smiled but

toward them, his gaze softening when it settled on Effie. There was

done talking?" he asked in

"Yes, I was just about

his head politely to Mrs. Smith. "Excuse us,

smile. "Of course,

negotiations were coming to

hand with an easy familiarity, leading her

grounds here were lovely-a rare chance

Lyman asked quietly, his thumb gently tracing circles

shook her head.

walk a