As the car approached the hill leading to the James Mansion, Elizabeth noticed the sleek silver Maybach parked by the roadside. It stood out in the fading dusk light, its polished exterior gleaming.
When Elijah stepped out of the vehicle, it dawned on Elizabeth—this was why the event’s color scheme revolved around silver-white.
Elijah’s bespoke black suit, intricately embroidered with subtle silver-white patterns, perfectly complemented her dress. The pearlescent threads shimmered faintly, creating a subtle yet harmonious look that spoke volumes about their unspoken coordination.
This understated alignment was more intimate than any matching outfit could convey.
As Oliver parked the car, Elijah approached, opening Elizabeth’s door with practiced ease.
“Grandmother specifically asked me to pick you up,” Elijah said, his deep voice calm as he leaned in slightly.
Elizabeth pursed her lips, silently cursing him for putting on a show.
Elijah’s sharp eyes scanned her dress, a faint frown forming. “Why aren’t you wearing the one I ordered? Don’t you like it?”
Elizabeth turned to him, her tone sharp. “How could I not like such a beautiful gown? It’s not every day I get to see your first love so passionately invested in it. Naturally, I had to be the bigger person and let her have it.”
She paused, letting her words linger before adding, “Besides, I wouldn’t want her fainting from the stress of competition. Hospitals are already busy enough without adding her dramatics to the mix.”
Elijah gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. “I asked a question, not for a monologue.”
Seeing that he wasn’t inclined to argue further, Elizabeth relented. She pulled her phone from her clutch and began scrolling through WhatsApp absentmindedly.
A message from Wren caught her attention—it was about a new durian shop near the Ripples Complex, inviting her to check it out. Elizabeth had already declined, choosing instead to attend Melany’s birthday banquet.
Wren’s latest message made Elizabeth pause: “Family dinners, birthday banquets—you attend them all as Mrs. James. You’ve fulfilled every duty of the role without enjoying any of its perks. You might as well just sleep with him. If nothing else, Elijah’s definitely better looking than those pretty boys at the club. You deserve something out of this deal.”
Elizabeth was about to reply when she noticed Elijah glancing at her phone, his gaze sharp and curious.
