Chapter 10 I Won't Be Marrying Her

Before getting off from work, Emelie entered the CEO's office to drop off some documents. She then mentioned, "Your mother called me at noon, inviting us for dinner tonight. Mr. Middleton, it's been half a year since you last visited." William furrowed his brows. He was visibly annoyed. "Do you often contact my family?" "Not really. It's always your mother who calls me," Emelie responded. William glanced at his watch and tossed the car keys to her. "You drive. I'll have the driver take Daphne home." As she followed him, Emelie found herself at the edge of asking something significant but couldn't muster the courage to voice it. She feared hearing the answer she already knew would come … During the Middleton family dinner, Vanessa kept adding more food to Emelie's plate, expressing concern, "Why have you lost so much weight? You look so pale. Are you sick?" William, naturally reserved and taciturn, was even more so with the Middleton family, He barely spoke after greeting his father, Henry Middleton, upon their arrival. He watched Emelie manage the conversation with his parents while Emelie touched her face, smiling as she replied, "Oh, it's probably just today's lipstick not suiting me. I'll throw it out when I get back." As Cloudex Corporation's CEO's head secretary, Emelie was adept at saying the right things, delighting Vanessa. Suddenly, William remembered Daphne's words from earlier. Indeed, everyone liked Emelie. Not just colleagues and clients, but the elders too. She had seamlessly integrated into both his professional and personal lives over the past three years, dealing with matters both within and beyond her scope. Thus, his parents and friends had silently thought she would become his wife, even discussing their marriage more than once. William couldn't help but smirk at the thought. As he expected, the topic of marriage came up again at dinner. After bracing herself all afternoon, Emelie still found herself lost for words, looking toward William for some guidance. William casually sipped his water. His voice was devoid of any warmth or flavor as he stated, "I won't be marrying her." The piece of rib Emelie had just picked up fell back into her bowl with a soft clink. But what William said landed heavily in her heart, fracturing it like glass under pressure. For a moment, she couldn't hear her own heartbeat. Henry questioned in a low voice, "If you're not marrying Emelie, then who? That young secretary from the company? Don't think I'm unaware of the foolish actions you've been up to!" "Mr. Middleton..." Emelie instinctively wanted to diffuse the sudden tension, a role she often played in their father-son disagreements. William's face showed nothing but frosty aloofness, like feeling his boundaries had been breached. "Dad, you're intruding too much. And regarding foolish actions, you've had your own share in the past. Wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Middleton?" Vanessa's face stiffened. Henry slammed the table, standing up as he roared, "Asshole!" William grabbed a napkin and stood up as he said, "I've finished. I'll be leaving now." As Henry's complexion turned a stormy shade, Vanessa quickly offered him some water, trying to calm him down. "Relax, dear. Remember your blood pressure problem. Try to stay calm." Emelie instinctively tried to create an excuse for William, saying, "Mr. Middleton had a tough time with the clients today, and that's why he's upset." Henry was rubbing his temples and countered, "I'm well aware of his temperament, there's no need to defend him." Vanessa tried to smooth things over and said, "Will is now the CEO of such a major corporation. You can't still talk to him like he's a child. Let it be." She then turned to Emelie and added, "I'm sorry you had to witness that, Emelie. Please, go check on William. Feel free to use any of the cars in the yard." Emelie didn't really want to check on William. Once, the memory of their first meeting provided Emelie with comfort, giving her strength to endure any challenge. However, she now hesitated to follow him. The mere sight of William, especially after her miscarriage, left her feeling drained and apprehensive about any confrontation. Yet, unable to refuse the Middletons' request, she could only nod in response. She then took the car keys from the butler and drove off after William. It wasn't long before Emelie spotted William's car on a serene streetside, where he stood deep in thought and smoking.