Chapter 4

Xavier wore a crisp, sharp black tailored suit. He had short hair and refined features. His sleeves were rolled up. It was just enough to reveal the Celestix watch on his wrist. Every gesture of his exuded the air of a successful man. Beside him sat Sarah in a white suit. Her long hair was styled in loose waves cascading behind her shoulders. She carried an air of confidence that softened with a hint of femininity beside Xavier. A foreign man who looked to be in his 40s or 50s sat across from them. This wasn't a romantic date for the two but a business meeting with the client. Yet, Lily's heart somehow trembled at the sight of the scene. They turned their attention toward her too as she observed them. Xavier's eyes immediately narrowed slightly. Lily was dressed in a casual burgundy gown. Her long wavy hair draped over her shoulders. Her face held a pure innocence and a touch of allure. The two contrasting qualities blended seamlessly with her. He knew she was beautiful, but he hadn't expected this level of beauty. He had never brought her to any formal event in the two years of their marriage. The most he had seen her in was her loungewear at home. A flash of awe flickered in his eyes at the sight of her tonight. She must have learned of his whereabouts from Timothy to stage this coincidental encounter. A faint trace of mockery curled at the corners of his lips. He had seen right through her little schemes. "Mr. Fulton, did you know her?" the foreign man asked when he noticed Xavier's gaze linger on Lily. Xavier averted his gaze. His tone was indifferent. "No, I don't know her." Did she expect him to make it easy for her just because she came to him? Impossible. He exuded an air of indifference that struck Lily square in the face. His words shattered her heart into pieces. She bit her lip slightly and forced herself to stay composed. She couldn't leave now, not after she had just walked in. The people who dined at this restaurant were either influential or wealthy. It would damage the restaurant's reputation if she caused a scene and drew unwanted attention. Her knuckles turned white as she clenched her gown, but she took a deep breath and walked to the piano. They had requested her to play the famous piece—Canon. The lyrics represented a man's admiration and love for a woman. Lily stared at the sheet music for a long time before beginning to play. She wasn't sure who had requested the piece. However, the foreign man teased Xavier. "Mr. Fulton, having such a remarkable woman like Ms. Lynde by your side is truly a treasure!" "She's indeed remarkable." A smile curled at the corners of Xavier's lips as he praised Sarah without hesitation. Sarah smiled and said gracefully, "I certainly wasn't who I am today when I started my job. It's all thanks to Xavier's guidance." The low notes of the intro played softly, yet the pleasant music couldn't mask their conversation. Lily knew the piece by heart, so she didn't need to glance at the sheet music. Her gaze subconsciously drifted to the three at the table. Xavier leaned slightly toward Sarah with his hand resting on the back of her chair. Sarah occasionally conversed with the foreign man and discussed their collaborations in a fluent foreign language. She would occasionally turn to murmur a few words to Xavier. Lily was familiar with the language that they were speaking but unfamiliar with the jargon words. Xavier and Sarah were so in sync. Sometimes, all they needed was a glance to understand each other's thoughts. They handled the foreign man with effortless ease. It felt like an eternity for her in those short five minutes. Her hands came to a halt as she finished playing. The echoes of the music faded as their conversation at the table grew clearer again. "You two are truly a perfect match!" The foreign man hadn't gained any advantages in their negotiations, yet he was more than willing to shower them with praise. Xavier subconsciously frowned at his words. However, he was a foreigner who was unfamiliar with their local language. He didn't realize that this phrase wasn't quite fitting to them. Therefore, Xavier felt that there was no need to explain. Sarah smiled brightly. "You flatter us, Mr. McKay." There was a little twitching movement at the corners of Lily's lips as she averted her gaze from Xavier. He probably found her an embarrassment. He hadn't looked her way again after that one glance when she entered the room. It was as if he was afraid that even a moment of attention would reveal her identity as his wife and embarrass him. Although Maryanne cherished this piano and rarely allowed other pianists to touch it, they were merely inferior and meant to serve their amusement in the eyes of these wealthy people. She should leave now. Yet, she stared dazedly at Xavier as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. She just sat there somehow until Sarah got up and approached her with her wallet. She handed her a stack of money. It was likely over a thousand dollars. "You played well. Here's a tip from me and my boyfriend," Sarah said in a lowered voice. Boyfriend. A tip. A sharp pain filled Lily's heart as she looked at Sarah. She met her seemingly calm yet triumphant gaze. Sarah knew who she was and might even have been behind the anonymous message of the video she had received. She could endure Xavier's treatment of her but couldn't tolerate Sarah's secret provocation. "Why are you still here? What are you waiting for?" Xavier's voice cut in just as she moved her lips and was about to say something. He shot her a warning glance. She wouldn't have come here to meet him if she knew her place. She should have simply gone home and apologized. Lily's heart trembled slightly as she caught the look in his eyes. She took the money from Sarah before she got up and left. Sarah's confidence came from Xavier. There was no way she could outmatch that. She wouldn't degrade herself further just for her pride, at least she got the money. Lily returned to the hall and continued performing until her shift ended at 10:00 pm. She changed out of her gown and waited at the entrance for Maryanne to get the car. The night was slightly cold during autumn. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and drew her jacket higher against the chill as she gazed at the empty street. Xavier walked over from behind her and stopped beside her. He took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips. He gave her a sidelong glance. "Don't come looking for me in places like this in the future. If there's something to discuss, we'll do it at home." Lily glanced to the side. The man beside her stood a head taller. The streetlight above cast a golden glow around him. His well-defined features were striking and his sharp jawline was accentuated as he held his cigarette between his teeth. A lazy yet aristocratic charm surrounded him, washing over Lily and making her numb heart feel almost like it was brought back to life. Yet, the more she felt alive, the more painfully aware she became of the ache within her. She was probably so insignificant in his eyes that he was certain she had been here because of him. "You've misunderstood. I'm here to help Maryanne." She shifted slightly to the side to maintain a distance between them. She was stubborn as always! Xavier's eyes darkened as a faint wisp of smoke escaped his thin lips. "Whatever the reason, don't show up here again and embarrass me!" "We're married in secret. No one knows I'm your wife. We can get a divorce tomorrow if it bothers you that much." His harsh words struck Lily's heart with a deep ache. In the stillness of the night, a heavy tension filled the space between the two people who had once shared an intimate relationship as husband and wife.