chapter 195

Eric stared at her unblinkingly, eyeing from top to bottom. The violet dress perfectly accentuated her slim and slender features. She tied her hair into a neat bun with a lock of curled hair dangling on her left cheek. The crimson lipstick on her lips gave an amazing contrast to her violet dress. She had put on light makeup that didn't look too showy and bright.Eric walked up to her in a trance. He relished her beautiful sight once again. A gulp passed down his throat. Lucy straightened up. "Boss I am ready-"Suddenly, she was unable to speak as Eric held her cheek. His penetrating stare made her quiver and her eyelashes fluttered. "You look beautiful," he whispered.Lucy's smile faltered. "Thank you."Tonight is your engagement ceremony. I have to look my best even if it hurts me.Eric had an urge to kiss her red and inviting lips, but he held himself. He took a deep breath to calm his desire. "Shall we go?"Her eyes slightly shone in tears, but she didn't let Eric see it. "Yes."---At exactly 6.30 PM, guests started pouring into the Willson villa. Everyone from politicians to influential businessmen stepped in to attend the Mafia King's engagement ceremony. The engagement was just an excuse to form deeper connections to the Mafia King family. Who didn't want the Willson family's grace?The lavish arrangements took everybody's breath away. It was traditional just as the Old Madam wanted. The rich chandeliers cast a beautiful golden light upon the guests. The maids and butlers had already started serving refreshments. Everyone eagerly awaited for Eric and kathy to step in for the ceremony."Kathy is so lucky.""Indeed. Getting married into the Willson family is no joke.""Of course. The Old Madam approves of her. What more does anyone want?" The ladies chatted among themselves.In another villa located a little farther to the Willson villa, a pale and beautiful woman looked at the guests from a window who came in one after the other in their lavish cars. Her gaze slightly dimmed in sadness.She felt a pair of warm arms enveloping her in a hug and a gentle voice whispered in her ear. "Mary.""Elvis."Mary Willson smiled at her husband. She peeked at him and asked, feeling a little hesitant, "Elvis I...Can I also-""No," he immediately answered as he understood her question.She pursed her lips. "You didn't hear me out completely," she whispered."I don't need to," he kissed her temple.She said, "Today is Eric's engagement. Though I would have liked it if it had been Lucy Hale tonight, the woman that Eric likes… But I should be there as his mother…""No," he remained firm.She slightly trembled and looked away. She knew her husband wouldn't budge on this. "You should leave then. The ceremony will be starting soon. At least, the father shouldn't be late."He sensed the hint of displeasure and pain in her voice and his heart ached for her. "I am sorry, Mary."She said nothing."I am not letting you attend the ceremony just because of the usual reason.""It's okay, Elvis. You don't have to give excuses now," she acted a little distant.Elvis got anxious and pulled her into his arms. He softly said, "Please don't be mad at me. I am telling the truth. I am not letting you go because there will be no engagement ceremony."Mary was startled when she heard that. "What? No ceremony? What do you mean? The guests are already here.""But Eric isn't and he won't be either."She blinked her eyes. "Won't be here? Why not?"Elvis concisely told her about what he heard from the crying Frank. Her eyes slowly widened as she learned the truth."Huh!? Eric never knew about his engagement!? And he is with Lucy now?"He nodded."B-But how...I mean what will happen now? The Old Madam will not take this lightly," she panicked and got more distressed for her son."Elvis...my son…" Tears pooled in her eyes. "I don't want her to do anything against him. His absence will smear the Willson family's reputation and she will not tolerate this. Elvis, please do something. You have to help him."He was a little displeased. "I helped him the last time when he was absent from the discussion."She tearfully glared at her. "Will you be so calculative now in helping your own son!"Elvis pursed his lips. "Mary. This day was going to come sooner or later. We cannot always hide him from the Old Madam. The sooner this engagement breaks, the better it is for everyone. If he wants to be with Lucy Hale, he has to face this one day or the other."Elvis couldn't refute his words.He looked at her downcast expression and sighed. "But I will help him tonight. Eric is with Lucy for some special day and they wouldn't want anybody disturbing them. I will see to it that the Old Madam doesn't reach them."That made her feel a little relieved though she was still afraid of the inevitable confrontation.---