chapter 203

A dark storm riled up in her eyes. Fu Renshu was trying Eric's number for a long time, but it didn't connect. That further blew up her fuse.Mr. Marco Taylor urged. "Mr. Willson, you have to say something. This cannot go on any longer."Elvis glanced at him. "Eric will say whatever he has to.""But we cannot reach him at all!"His blank expression didn't twitch a bit as if saying, 'So?'At a corner, Frank was desperately trying Eric's number again and again, but to no avail. The Old Madam was shooting death glares towards him, making his blood curl.Boss please, I beg you! Pick up the phone! Just once, please pick up my call!Kathy, who couldn't stand on the podium any longer, politely bowed and left the stage. She had never felt so humiliated before. Their questioning gazes and sarcastic words were too harsh to bear. She hurriedly walked towards where all the elders were."Mom. Dad. Where is Eric?" She asked in distress.Kate held her hands. "Don't worry, dear. Eric will be here. He is stuck in traffic, unfortunately."She was stunned. "Traffic? I-I thought Eric is already here…""No, he isn't. But he is coming back as soon as possible."Kathy bit her lip. "Mom. All the guests are talking about Eric. I am getting a bad feeling of this.""Don't think negatively, kathy! Everything will be fine."The situation was turning more dire and finally, many of the guests came forward, asking questions."This is strange. Why hasn't the ceremony started yet?""Where is Mr. Eric Willson?""We have been waiting for so long now.""This is the first time that an event in the Willson family has been delayed.""Didn't the Old Madam always take care of such customs?""Poor kathy. She is waiting for an hour now. Look, how embarrassed she seemed on the stage."The Old Madam gritted her teeth and scowled at Elvis. "I see. Your son is as pathetic as you! He knows nothing but to embarrass the family just like you did!"Elvis didn't seem affected at all.Cold sweat broke out on Frank's forehead and he prayed that pick his call.His prayers were finally answered."Frank.""Boss! Thank God you finally picked it up! I was trying your number for so long!""I told you I don't want any disturbance with Lucy," his voice had turned icy.Fu Renshu sobbed. "Apologies Boss! But the ceremony has already started here, and everybody is waiting for you! I told the Old Madam that you are stuck in traffic somewhere. But that excuse isn't helping anymore. Old Madam urgently wants to talk to you.""Hm."Frank peeked at the crowd before whispering, "Boss. If possible, please don't talk about Lucy Hale and that you are with her. You know our history with the Hale family. Your absence is a big issue here. If everyone knows about Lucy Hale, it will get even more complicated," he urged.Silence."If they know about her and storm to meet her immediately, the Old Madam would definitely spill out about Luca Hale and not just her but the Hale family too. Lucy Hale will know the truth and that is not good for you. We cannot hide her forever, but we need to think of a suitable time to explain this news to the Old Madam because it will be a huge deal."Eric agreed. "I understand."Frank sighed in relief."Frank! Is that Eric on the line?" The Old Madam snatched the phone from his hand. She saw the name as 'Boss' and her temper worsened."Eric! How dare you humiliate the Willson family like this! Do you know what time it is!" Her infuriated voice thundered in the room.Kathy was startled.Eric! It's Eric!The Taylor family quickly rushed nearer to the Old Madam to hear the conversation."The ceremony was supposed to start at exactly seven PM and it's already eight now! Where are you!? The guests have already started talking about you. How could you embarrass me like that? I want you here right now!" Her jaw clenched in fury.But as opposed to the Old Madam's outrage, Eric plainly said, "I cannot be there."Silence.Everybody was dumbfounded. Kathy's eyes widened in disbelief while Marco and kate Taylor had their mouths open in utter shock.The Old Madam gravely said, "Cannot. Be. Here?""En.""Eric Willson! Do you think this is the time to joke?""I never joke. I cannot be there. I never agreed to this engagement."His words had stunned everybody to their core except Elvis and Frank. Kathy felt as if she was hallucinating.What is Eric saying?The Old Madam was aghast. "Eric Willson! What nonsense are you spouting!?""I never agreed to this engagement," he calmly repeated.Marco quickly said, "Haha Eric. Are you pulling our legs? Today is your ceremony with kathy and is this your way to have a little fun with your elders?""Not interested," his impassive voice came from the other end.He froze."E-Eric, this is really not the time to say all these things. All the guests are waiting for the ceremony to start.""I don't like to repeat myself," he coldly said.Sweat began to form on his forehead. "How can you say that you didn't agree to this engagement? You were present when we discussed kathy and your marriage…""I won't marry her."Kathy froze. She rapidly blinked her eyes. Her heartbeat skyrocketed in her chest. She trembled and goosebumps crawled on her skin."E-Eric you…"Kate quickly held her. "Kathy! Don't be afraid. I think it's just a misunderstanding, dear."Suddenly, the Old Madam stomped her stick hard. "Eric! What is happening? Are you drunk? Are you in your senses? We are talking about your engagement here and you are saying you never agreed to it?""Yes."