Fortunately, I snapped back to my usual self. I reminded myself that I was Lyle’s wife, not anyone else. It was Lyle who asked for my hand in marriage, though his intention was not pure. He married me because of his own business interests. I collected myself and took a good look at the eager reporters surrounding me.
“Why are you guys so curious about my private life? I’m not someone famous. I don’t think I owe anyone an explanation. The truth will surface at the end of the day when you see for yourself who’s the third party in this relationship. We’re living in a modern society today and it’s not like polygamy is a trend.”
I stopped and stole a look at Lyle. A smirk played on my lips when I saw his nervous face. “My husband is not some king or emperor in the olden days. There’s no way he has so many women to himself.”
The reporters clearly did not see this coming. They were busy guessing who the other woman in our relationship was, but I brought Lyle up instead.
“Since you are all here today, why don’t you join us for the party? I’ll make an exception for all of you to come in. Everybody knows about the Lane family in Avenport, and I’m sure you will meet many leaders and luminaries tonight. This will definitely make a better headline than an artist’s love affair.”
I could not help but applaud myself for my wit. As expected, the reporters became restless the moment they knew they were given the leeway to take photos at the party tonight. “Can we really go in? How many of us will be able to enter, Mrs. Smith?”
“My plus one didn’t turn out today, so I’ll be able to bring one of you in. You all can discuss among yourselves and decide who gets to follow me.” I winked at the reporters cheekily, feeling proud of myself.
I finally understood why people loved getting attention from the public. It felt good, and more so when I just turned the table and pivoted the situation to my advantage. Standing in front of the cameras, a sweet wave of victory swept over me.
Meanwhile, Benson had scrambled to leave with Crystal. Nathan was relieved they managed to escape and turned to reprimand me. “Cut it out. You’d better behave yourself now that you’re outside of the Tanner residence.”
I was positive that Nathan was the only man on earth who did not love his own daughter. Even an illegitimate child got better treatment than I did in my own family.
“Not everyone will be allowed in, so make up your mind and choose a few among yourselves.”
Christopher’s voice pierced through the buzzing crowd from behind. I turned and shot him a grateful gaze before greeting him. His outfit was exceptionally formal that night. He looked exactly like prince charming in his white suit.
Does he really have to try so hard to impress? Despite the mocking thought in my head, I still found myself drooling over him. Christopher was a dashing young man—and more so when he was dressed up—I could never deny that.
There was an air of loftiness about him. Perhaps it was because he had had a tiring day, he looked a little drained. He went over with his bodyguards and talked to the reporters. As he walked past me, a flicker of disappointment shone in his eyes as if he was upset because he could not talk to me under so many eyes.
I looked away and smiled subtly.
After the reporters were gone, I could finally go back in. Before I could go into the courtyard, I bumped into my disgruntled father. He eyed me coldly and lambasted me unreservedly. “What do you think you were doing back there? You’re a shame to our family. Things could’ve been worse if it weren’t for Christopher.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I scoffed looking at the stranger before me, “Are you really my dad? Why do I feel like you fancy your niece way more than your own daughter?” I had asked Nathan the same question a lot of times, but his reaction was always the same.
