Yours, Until Needed
Chapter 55: Battle Royale [2]

Chapter 55: Battle Royale [2]

Awkward.

I resisted grimacing at their reactions. Not that these two deserved my sympathy, but that’s one more bleeding heart right there.

Just as I hoped they’d stop to save themselves from further embarrassment, Jessica tried her hand, this time laughing a bit to soften the blow, "Is this how married people are? Easily forgetful?" She acted coy, even smiling teasingly.

But Lucian didn’t budge. If anything, he only looked at Idris, who understood the job.

"She was the usher and guest performer for our graduation."

Lucian stayed silent, so Idris tried mentioning more things. It was like a game of awkward jeopardy, and Jessica’s face kept on souring as Idris kept mentioning more things.

"The one that fainted by your seat. You called in the medics."

"I see, hello then, Ms. Sanders." Lucian finally offered a curt greeting.

I guess Mr. Sanders felt the need to break the weird atmosphere, so he said, "You make it seem like you’re unfamiliar with each other. Jessica, where’s your manners? At least shake his hand!" He gestured, practically pushing Jessica forward.

But Lucian reacted fast, "Forgive the impoliteness, but if she’s a musician, it’s best to keep her hand safe. I tend to miscalculate the pressure."

Jessica had to withdraw the hand she was pushing forward suddenly, then tried conjuring up a smile.

I finally decided to speak. I’ve observed long enough. "Apologies, he really isn’t used to it. It’s a male-dominated industry, and the females he interacts with have all been trained."

"Trained?" Jessica asked skeptically.

"Yes, close combat, martial arts, and competitive sports. So he has to be mindful." I smiled while interlocking my fingers with his hand on my waist.

Mindful of you.

My movement didn’t go unnoticed, so Mr. Sanders had to ask, "Does that mean that the Missus has also trained?"

I grinned, "Yes, Sir. We’ve trained together since childhood."

"Since childhood?!" Now, that attracted his attention more. Ah, yes, these people may not have been familiar with Lucian before he officially joined the Sinclair Group.

"I’ve known her since she was born," Lucian answered, and the father and daughter duo seemed to shake at that.

And Lucian wasn’t even shitting anyone. They visited the day I was born, and Lucian had his monthly doctor’s appointment. So, he really did "see" me to that extent.

Now, how’s that for an abrupt marriage? Try beating twenty-four years.

"Haha! No wonder you’ve never looked around. You even kept your Grandfather’s choices at arm’s length!" Mr. Sanders looked like he finally understood the secrets of the world while his daughter’s brows kept on furrowing deeper and deeper.

That must have really bothered her a lot, for she couldn’t help but break her harmless persona.

"But weren’t you engaged to that Orwell before?"

Her expression got masked immediately, but I didn’t miss that momentary gloating she had when she said that.

"Ah yes, the elders weren’t too keen on waiting. But I guess what was meant to be would always be." I shrugged before leaning my weight against the sturdy Lucian.

Maybe I went a tad bit

too far with that because she almost glowered, and whatever demure look she was going with disappeared.

Now, she was just being mean. Oh well.

"Then I guess that recent incident was also meant to be." she blatantly cocked her head, snapping as she goaded me.

"Now, now Jess," her father tried patting her as if to stop her daughter, but in reality, he was just fanning the flames. "You can’t blame her for the troubles of the Sinclair Group. That’s just business matters."

"Hmph!"

All of this would’ve been great if his eyes didn’t betray his mouth. But the man was too happy about this development to be able to keep it together.

"You can say that." Lucian suddenly broke his silence.

"I also believe that was meant to be." He continued with the same tone he’s had since earlier.

Even I had to look up at him because I wasn’t sure if he was blaming me too.

Should I have kept quiet instead? I couldn’t help the thoughts that raced through my mind as I waited for an explanation.

"Right? You’ve always had a perfect record, but now..." Jessica had that winning look, enjoying that validation from her crush.

"Exactly. We’ve managed to have a perfect customer satisfaction and project completion record despite earning less revenue than we should have." Lucian clenched my fingers as he continued.

"So imagine how great it is to know that from now on, we’ll be making more than before. And all that just by maintaining the highest standards we’ve always abided by."

Lucian paused before adding, now using both hands on my waist, "All because I chose her as my wife."

I was enveloped in his embrace, and for a moment, I felt touched because I had felt bad about creating such a problem for them. They would essentially earn more, but that’s provided they survive the toll on their pristine image.

Clap, Clap, Clap!

A round of applause came from behind us.

"Sorry, I couldn’t help but applaud that." Voluminous hair, cinched waist, and a face that may need an entire bottle of make-up remover to clean. That’s Alicia Grant.

Wife to the CEO of Grant Builders Inc., the actual villain of this event.

If Jessica and her father were guppies, this one was a piranha.

"Always the knight in shining armor to your reclusive princess."

Her arrival was like that of a villain perusing the stage before the spotlight focused on her.

"Good evening, Mrs. Grant," Idris said with that practiced tone people use for irritating clients.

"Mr. Ainsworth. It’s good that you’re back. Are you finally ready to ease your father’s worries?" She went straight for the goods, wasting no time with pleasant greetings.

Idris just laughed at her, clearly used to her antics.

"He’s too young to pass the baton, and he’s got me too busy to think about making him any grandkids." He sipped on his drink

"You keep on saying that to avoid marrying. Just look at Mr. Sinclair. He’s at least gotten married."

And then she shifted her focus.

Wow.

That was fast.

"Eliana, dear. Nice to meet you as Mrs. Sinclair."

Yep. We know each other.