Perhaps the atmosphere turned a bit eerie briefly, for the two individuals with the most amiable personalities voluntarily spoke up to break the awkward silence.
“We've only seen each other a handful of times. Have you forgotten us, Isabella? Haha... I'm Ines Deleon. Do you still remember me?”
Ines happened to be sitting next to Isabella, both enthusiastic and outgoing.
Those at the table were actually four to five years older than Isabella. Thus, Ines spoke as if she was teasing a young girl.
However, her youthful and sweet appearance had Isabella feel she appeared even younger than her.
Ines was a classic rich young lady, naive and innocent. Raised in a sheltered environment, she was pampered by her parents from young. She was the epitome of a kind girl with a good lot in life, naturally endearing to all.
The last time Isabella caused a scene and flipped the table, Ines was nearly caught in the crossfire and was traumatized. The fact that she could still treat Isabella enthusiastically then was due to Alexander and her curiosity about the latter, who had experienced a drastic change in temperament.
“I'm Aiden Burke, her boyfriend and your husband's former roommate during university.” Aiden hugged Ines from behind, all smiles, handsome and cheerful.
He appeared carefree like Ines, but in reality, he was sensitive due to the early death of his birth mother and his continuous stream of stepmothers. Before he met Ines, he was a gloomy lad. However, after falling in love with Ines at first sight, he was changed completely, becoming part of the infamous dummy lovers.
From their university days until then, even with a long-distance relationship in between, they had always been passionately in love. They were considered a well-matched couple within their circle, lovers everyone blessed and acknowledged.
The sight of them truly lifted one's spirits.
“Hello. I remember you both. Your bond is still as strong as ever.”
Oh, not bad. Aside from the inconvenience of Aiden's good-for-nothing father deciding to have a new wife and forcing them to return for the wedding, this couple has no worries. They're even planning to discuss marriage.
The dummy couple loved it most when people praised their relationship, so they instantly felt more amicable toward Isabella.
Ines grinned widely and remarked, “You both are also getting along better now.”
Initially, Alexander had been listening to Isabella's thoughts. When he suddenly heard Ines' words, an inexplicable sense of joy filled him.
His expression softened almost imperceptibly.
Others at the table thought Ines spoke too impulsively at first. But upon seeing Alexander's reaction then, they were stunned.
Isabella didn't refute that remark. After all, compared to the host, she had made considerable effort to avoid being hated by Alexander, all for the sake of alimony.
However, Ines certainly didn't mean it that way, and Isabella understood her meaning.
She's saying this now... but when Eleanor arrives later, will she feel awkward when she realizes her blunder? After all, she used to be quite close with Eleanor. With her so cute and innocent, it would surely be exciting to see her flustered in a while. Hehe...
Words eluded Alexander.
Looking at Ines, who was still oblivious, Alexander felt that Isabella was bullying her, but he had no proof.
Meanwhile, Aiden recalled that Eleanor would be coming over. To save his girlfriend from feeling awkward later, he quickly changed the subject, saying to Isabella, “Do you still remember the others? I can do the introductions.”
Isabella had already turned to look at others since there wasn't much gossip concerning the couple before her.
“I don't need you to introduce me. I can handle it myself. It's been a while. I'm Damien Winters.”
The person who first greeted her was a refined gentleman with glasses. He appeared amiable, his expression appropriate, but his gaze was unfathomable. He was seated next to Aiden, his other side vacant. It seemed like he was the only bachelor at the table.
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