17 Tensions and Revtions


    17 Tensions and Revtions


    In the aftermath of the confrontation, the matriarch’s frustration was palpable. “Why does Emma get


    special


    reatment from you?” She demanded, tears of anger streaming down her face, ruining her heavy


    makeup. Her confusion over Alex’s sudden protectiveness towards Emma, a woman he had seemingly


    disregarded before, was quite evident.


    Alex, meanwhile, was confronted with a harsh truth. He hadn’t truly considered the struggles Emma


    might have faced within his family. “Could I have endured what she did?” He pondered silently,


    reflecting on Emma’s resilience and dignity throughout their marriage.


    He dered sternly to his mother and Lillian, “Lillian will stay in for a month for self–reflection. Any


    more issues, and the financial support stops.” His words were final, leaving the room in a tense silence


    as he departed.


    The matriarch, still reeling, tried to argue back, but Alex was resolute. He began to question his


    decisions, particrly regarding Lillian’s education abroad, which seemed to have changed her


    fundamentally.


    Later, at his office, Alex tried to bury himself in work but was distracted by the uing banquet.


    Learning about the Smirnov family’s attendance, including Emma, piqued his interest.


    At the banquet, the atmosphere was charged with ambition and opportunism. Alex and Wayne Smirnov


    were an odd pair among the guests, with Wayne’s demeanor distinctly cool towards Alex.


    Approaching Wayne, Alex initiated a conversation, only to be met with an aloof response. Wayne’s


    attitude hinted at long–standing disdain, a reminder of the chasm between their social standings.


    The mention of Emma working at the Smirnovpany elicited a sharp retort from Jada, her words


    protective and biting. “Emma is thriving, Alex, far from the world you dragged her into.”


    Stung by Jada’s words, Alex replied defensively, “I never meant to bring her any harm.”


    Wayne then surprised Alex with a direct mention of his marriage. “Rumors of your divorce with Emma


    have been circting. Is there truth in them?”


    Alex, caught off guard, hesitated. “Yes, we are divorced,” he admitted, his voice low. “It’s a matter I


    never expected to reach public ears.”


    Jada interjected, her tone usatory. “Perhaps if you’d valued her more, you wouldn’t be in this


    situation.”


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Alex felt a pang of guilt. “I realize now what I lost in Emma,” he confessed, the admission heavy with


    regret.


    Wayne observed the exchange, his expression unreadable. “Emma has always been more than what


    she seemed in your eyes, Alex. Maybe now you’ll see her true worth.”


    17 Tensions and Revtions


    212


    As the evening progressed, Alex’s thoughts lingered on Emma, her resilience, and the life they had


    shared. The realization of his neglect and the subsequent loss was a bitter pill to swallow. He left the


    banquet deep in thought, a newfound understanding of Emma’s strength and his own failings slowly


    dawning on him.