Afterward, she turned to Edwin and said, âYour sister and I will return to Czanch soon.
Once youâve finished your tasks there, bring Laura back to join us.
You mustnât tire her out anymore.
â
Edwin smiled and turned to Olivia.
âNot busy lately?â
Olivia shrugged.
âThe workload isnât heavy, and I might even need to halt one of the comics Iâm working on.
â
Edwin took a sip of black coffee and asked casually, âIs there an issue with funding? If you really like this job, I will buy that magazine.
â
Olivia quickly replied, âNo, thereâs no need! It seems like someone has already shown interest.
â
Edwin raised an eyebrow.
âThen who is that fool?â
Cecilia patted his hand gently.
âYouâve always teased your sister and Laura⦠You should consider changing that habit.
â
Edwin turned to his sister.
âHave I ever mistreated you?â
Olivia pondered her annual dividends, enough to sustain her for ten lifetimes, and reluctantly said, âNo, youâve always been so good to me.
â
Cecilia felt a mix of amusement and exasperation, though deep down, she was happy.
Her children and daughter-in-law lived harmoniously, and her grandchildren were adorable and beautiful.
After decades of marriage, her husband still adored her.
So, as she shopped with Olivia for Alexisâ wedding, she couldnât help but smile throughout the trip.
Olivia pointed to a necklace in the jewelry shop.
âThis one is perfect as part of the dowry.
â
Cecilia glanced over, delighted.
âThe craftsmanship is exquisite, and it looks elegant and generous.
Letâs peruse other items and assemble a complete set of wedding jewelry, which is auspicious.
â
Olivia held her hand and carefully selected the items.
The shop assistant, discerning their affluence, warmly introduced, âThe jewelry in our store is highly collectible.
â
Olivia smiled lightly.
âIâd like to see this one.
Itâll definitely bring out the wedding dress.
â
Suddenly, a cold voice cut in from behind, asking, âAre you going to get married?â
Startled, Olivia tensed and turned to face the source of the voice.
It was Raphael.
Raphael stood alongside Sharon, who held a shopping bag containing a replacement outfit: a menâs shirt, trousers, and a tie.
Earlier, Raphael had suffered an unfortunate coffee mishap at the business meeting, prompting a swift wardrobe change.
However, the circumstances surrounding the clothesâ custody were peculiar.
Even more so, Raphaelâs demeanor was tense, with a noticeable patch of redness on his neck, resembling a hickey.
Olivia watched the scene unfold with interest, trying to understand what was going on.
She and Raphael had ended their relationship years ago, but his recent appearances with Sharon, accompanied by claims of engagement, left her confused.
Now, why was he questioning her in a tone that sounded almost accusatory, and in front of his fiancee no less?
Olivia broke the silence, her voice calm and composed.
âIsnât it natural for people to get married when the timeâs right?â