Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 5

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"Elijah Holten, the top socialite of Galaton, is getting married!"

"Yeah! The wedding announcement dropped out of nowhere in the middle of the night. I was so excited that I barely slept! I'm dying to know who the woman is!"

Louisa overheard her colleagues chattering excitedly in the pantry during her tea break.

She knew Elijah. In fact, their paths had crossed several times, and each time, he had stepped in to help her.

Once, Louisa had gotten a flat tire on the road, and Elijah, who happened to pass by, had helped her change it.

Another time, she had been having a business dinner with a client who got drunk and tried to take advantage of her. Elijah had stepped in and taken her away, saving both the deal and her dignity.

There had been a few other occasions after that, though she could no longer recall the details clearly.

Thinking back, she realized she owed Elijah several favors. She ought to send him a congratulatory gift now that he was getting married, even if he might not remember her.

"When is he getting married?" Louisa asked casually as she stepped in to make a cup of coffee.

"Next week! It's the same day as Mr. Cromwell's!"

Louisa's hand trembled, spilling some of the hot coffee and scalding herself.

"You guys carry on," Louisa mumbled, turning to leave.

From behind her, the conversation continued.

"Why mention Mr. Cromwell when talking about Mr. Holten's wedding? Don't you know it'll upset Ms. Graham?"

"Poor thing. She's been with Mr. Cromwell all these years, only to have someone else reap the rewards."

"Oh, men can be so heartless. But Mr. Holten seems deeply devoted. He said the person he's marrying is someone he's secretly been in love with for ten years."

That afternoon, Louisa received a call from Thaddeus. "I need you to go out with me later."

"Alright." She didn't even ask where they were going. Asking wouldn't change the fact that she had to go, and besides, she had no desire to speak to him more than necessary.

She saved and closed the handover checklist she was working on, gathered her things, and followed Thaddeus out.

The car soon pulled up at the Watson residence. Danica came running over cheerfully, throwing herself into Thaddeus' arms and planting a kiss on his cheek.