Chapter 7


    Lysander was unsure if pure friendship could exist between men and women, but she could tell that


    Josiah had consumed a bit too much alcohol. The wine decanter had long vanished from his hand


    suggesting that the mineral water inside had depleted. And he was being urged by several people


    to drink more. Lysanne was trying hard to stop the drunken men, but her efforts were futile with her


    large belly. Meanwhile, Josiah was coerced into drinking several more cups, which caused his steps


    to be unsteady. Then, Lysander stood up and dered, “Sorry, I’ll check on Josiah first.” Miles


    refrained from making any oddments and just simply nodded. “Alright, go ahead.” Lysander


    hurried over and was just in time to snatch the wine ss from Josiah’s hand as it was being


    refilled. “Hey, who’s this woman?” Ignoring the question, she grasped Josiah’s arm and inquired,


    “Josiah, are you alright?” He gazed at her for a moment before recognizing her and shook his head


    slightly. “I’m fine.” Their conversation was hushed, preventing the drunken group from overhearing.


    Assuming she was hotel staff, they moved to grab her while eximing, “Who do you think you are


    to approach Josiah like this? Are you out of your…” However, Josiah pulled his hand, shielded


    Lysander behind him, and sternly stated, “Don’t touch her.” “Josiah, why are you defending her?


    This woman seems to have ulterior motives. I’ve encountered many like her.” “She’s my wife.” The


    drunkard sobered up instantly, his face turning pale as he looked at Lysander being protected by


    Josiah. He then turned to Lysanne, whose face was pale, and asked with confusion, “If she’s your


    wife, then what about Lysanne?” All eyes shifted to Lysanne standing in the back who was still


    clutching onto Josiah’s suit jacket, She appeared displeased with a hint of redness around her eyes.


    “I’ve said it before. Josiah and I are just friends.” Despite her smile, it seemed strained and


    unnatural. The onlookers were not oblivious to theplexity of the situation. Lysanne’s expression


    hinted at something more was at y. “Josiah, you and Lysanne…” Regaining hisposure,


    Josiah returned to his usual demeanor and softly replied, “It’s gettingte. Let’s all head home.


    Lysander, let’s go.” Lysander nodded in agreement. “Okay.” She then turned to Lysanne and


    extended her hand. “Thank you, Miss Thorne. You can give me Josiah’s jacket.” Lysanne clung onto


    the suit jacket tightly refusing to let go. “I’ll be going back with you anyway, so I’ll hold onto it.” With


    many onlookers, Lysander hesitated for a moment before relenting, “Alright, I have to help JosiahContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    walk. Thank you, Miss Thorne.” Then, Josiah interjected, “Let’s go.” Walking ahead with Josiah,


    Lysanne followed behind with his coat as they exited, leaving the spectators inside bewildered.


    “What just happened?” “I have no clue…” Miles approached with a ss of wine, downed it in one


    go, shook his head, and sighed, “One should seize opportunities when they arise; don’t wait until it’s


    toote to take action.” “Hahaha! Miles, the poetic drunkard, what’s that supposed to mean? We


    don’t get it.” “It means—” He suddenly mmed the ss down, gazing at Lysanne’s solitary figure


    in the distance before sighing, “If only one had known earlier, one would have acted differently.” As


    soon as they stepped outside, the cold night wind immediately greeted them. Lysander shivered


    from the cold. Fortunately, Josiah’s body was warm, and his warmth gradually spread to her,


    dispelling the chill from half of her body. Unable to drive after drinking, he said, “I’ll call a driver.” But


    Lysanne quickly took out her phone to make the arrangements. “I’ll drive,” Lysander offered.


    Surprised, Josiah asked, “You can drive?” She smiled. “Yes, but I haven’t had many opportunities to


    do so.” For the past three years, Josiah had always picked her up and dropped her off for work.


    Even when she had to workte at night, he would dutifully act as her driver. It was the first time he


    didn’t insist on taking her to the hospital. Lysander then inquired, “Where are the car keys?” “In my


    pocket,” Josiah replied. Then, Lysander searched through his suit jacket pocket and asked, “But


    they’re not here?” Josiah was quite drunk, with half his weight leaning on her while resting his head


    on her shoulder. He frowned and said, “They’re in my pants pocket.” “Well, stand up. I can’t reach it


    like this.” “I can do it. Let me!” Lysanne eximed, bravely walking over and reaching out to dig into


    Josiah’s suit pants pocket. But Lysander stopped her. “Miss Thorne, it’s not very convenient for you


    to reach into his pants pocket, right?”