His Hidden Family My Ruined Marriage (Liana) novel Chapter 237

Chapter 237 One Hundred Dollars a Button

Elian fell silent at their observation, his gaze drifting toward the upstairs once more.

“I’ll go check on her,” he said quietly, setting the cup down.

“She’s changing up there. What are you going to do?” Linda chided.

But he was already striding away.

The door to the master bedroom wasn’t fully closed.

Inside, Liana was with the two assistants, wearing only the silk underdress of the dress as they prepared the outer layer.

One of the assistants spotted Elian and immediately nodded, opening her mouth to greet him, but a sharp look from him silenced her before a word was spoken.

Liana had never been fond of fitted dresses. She could manage most things, but the intricate, row after row of small, decorative buttons and fastenings always defeated her, making her fingers ache. She’d simply given up wearing them years ago.

After the assistants quietly retreated at Elian’s silent command, Liana wrestled with a particularly stubborn button under the arm. Finally, frustrated, she called out without looking, “Could you please help me with this-”

She turned and found a lone, immovable pillar where the two helpful women had been.

He stood with his hands behind his back, tall and imposing, an her. When her eyes met his, he began to approach slowly.

“Stuck again?”

“What are you doing here? Where are the assistants?”

unusual gentleness in his eyes as he watched

“They stepped out. I’m here to earn some extra cash,” he replied, his deep voice pleasant yet carrying a deliberate, cool distance. And yet…

He stopped before her. His hands were warm as they brushed against hers, where she still fumbled near her underarm.

She flinched back instinctively. His deep eyes held hers steadily. “We’re an old married couple. What’s there to be shy about?”

“I didn’t choose to wear this. You…” Liana began, suddenly unsure where to start.

“Hmm?” He hummed, starting to work on the button as he waited for her to continue.

“You haven’t told your family we’re not-”

“One hundred dollars a button. Reasonable, is it?” he interjected, his tone leisurely, completely changing the subject before she could finish.

Liana stared at him in disbelief.

He met her gaze with those fathomless eyes.

Somehow, under that look, she forgot what she was going to say.

She had meant to ask why a billionaire like him seemed perpetually on the verge of bankruptcy, always finding ways to charge her.

She was clinging to those tens of thousands of dollars se had saved like a lifeline.

She knew she could support a child, and support one well. But she wanted to provide better. The very best…

The word “self” died on her lips as he suddenly sank down.

Not just knelt. He went down on one knee before her.

Liana tensed. “Elian, get up.”

He looked up at her. “Haven’t I knelt for you before?”

“I won’t charge extra for this one. You’ve knelt for me top,” he said with absurd seriousness.

Liana’s face had flushed the moment he mentioned kneeling. Now it burned crimson.

There were two sets: a simpler one for the reception and this elaborate, heavily embroidered one for the ceremonial toast to the elders.

Her once-flat stomach now held a slight curve, which added to the charm.

Elian held his breath, his eyes sweeping over her several times before finally settling on her abdomen.

The memory of their night at the hotel, skin against skin, flashed unbidden in his mind…

The assistants had returned to check the fit, so Liana couldn’t turn away. She pretended not to notice his intense scrutiny of her stomach.

Both sets fit perfectly. Liana came downstairs wearing the heavily embroidered one.

Linda didn’t wait for her to get close before covering her mouth with a hand, her eyes glistening with tears. “You look breathtaking, my dear.”

“Come closer, sweetheart. Let me get a good look.” Rosalind was excited too.