Chap 5: Meeting

Lily hid in a corner to think after her confrontation with the noble woman. She shouldn't have been so flashy in front of everyone, humiliating her. Clara is the daughter of the city's deputy mayor, and it is speculated that she may one day join the bureaucracy. Then you meddling with her is like narrowing the road to the future on your own. But she's not the type to be bullied easily. How can you be patient with those who come to themselves to do such a thing? - Miss Lily, the mayor would like to bring you into the room for a little while!- When a well-dressed man approached Lily and whispered in her ear, she was taken aback. Isn't this mayor Edward's personal secretary? She wondered, as she turned to look at him. He went to the trouble of coming here in this manner, and it appears like he is having an important conversation inside.

" I'm aware! "

" Inviting Miss Lily! "

Lily trailed following him, carrying her skirt. They came to a halt in front of the opulent presidential suite after walking through the long corridors. Lily's palms began to sweat as she realized how noble the people inside were, and that one word from them might transform the landscape of an entire city. Although fearless is an exaggeration, Lily kept a calm expression on her face as she carefully pulled the door open and everyone in the room turned to stare at her.

" I'm running late! Please accept my heartfelt apologies!"- She flashed a bright smile and looked around, feeling a little more confident when she noticed her parents in a far corner. The mood in the room was filled with gravity and formality, save for her parents and the family of three Edward.

" It's all right! They've all arrived! Please, Lily, take a seat!"- Mayor Edward gave her a kind smile. Despite his best efforts to be gentle with her, he couldn't hide his dignified air, which alarmed others. Lily looked around for a seat, but the only one available at the table was next to Venn. He didn't even look her in the eyes as she stepped in. Venn, who was on the phone, heard a noise next to her and looked up. Lily bit her lip and walked over, carrying her skirt. Lily sheepishly clinched her fist as the two of them exchanged glances. It was odd that Venn's attractiveness did not perplex her. He is well-known for his excellent face, which includes a straight high nasal bridge, attractive deep eyes, angular facial features, and white complexion, in addition to his family and talent. When she looks at the smooth peeling, even a girl like her is impressed.

Venn noticed her standing there dazed and pulled out a chair to assist her, even giving her a nice grin. Lily felt even more tense when she saw him like that. She sat down in a chair like a puppet, then put her hand on her lap and remained silent. Everyone who witnessed Edward's contact with her was ecstatic, two children so close in age, a parent like them was naturally happy.

" I invited both of you here today because I need to talk to you about something! Venn's grandfather is looking forward to bringing his granddaughter home after their wedding has been postponed for a long time! So, today, I'm going to utilize this party to announce your engagement to everyone. What are your thoughts on this?" - Mayor Edward murmured something, then looked at Lily and Venn. Venn placed the phone down but didn't run back to return it; instead, he glanced at Lily next to him, as if he was thinking something that made her feel immensely heavy involuntarily.

" Lily, what are your thoughts?" - The mayor moved the conversation to her after not receiving a response from his son. Lily shook her head helplessly, remaining silent when she longed to speak. Venn knows how to make others' issues.

" I agree to what everyone says!"- Except to state that she has no other option, and that this consultation is most likely only to finish the surgery.

" Lily should be a shy person! Look at how flushed she is!"- Lady Edward made a joke with a serious expression that left her speechless. She would be able to follow this word if it came from the mouth of someone else, but it came from the mouth of a great lady like Lady Edward, and it perplexed her.

" Mom, she won't dare to raise her head if you say anything else!"- When Venn saw Lily in that state, he spoke up for her. From the outside, she appears cool, but her clenched fists hidden beneath the table already reveal her uneasiness. Venn was able to see her anxiousness because she was sitting close to her. After all, his parents are not ordinary people, and he, like her, was terrified to speak to them directly when he was younger. As a result, he was able to comprehend her current state of mind.

" Look at Venn, who is in love with Lily!"- Lady Edward noticed her son's eagerness and humorously murmured something, but her countenance was icy and soulless, so no one could see it. Is she having a good time or is she just acting to de-stress? 

" Parents, Uncle Taylor, don't disclose the engagement today!"- Venn set his tea cup down and, after a little moment of uncertainty, stated his opinion. He didn't want to be shackled to a pointless marriage, which would be unfair to both him and Lily.

" Venn, this is a great event, and there are so many people in attendance that it makes sense for us to share your and Lily's story. After all, your marriage is only missing this proclamation."- Lady Edward frowned, her son refusing their previously negotiated proposition in front of the Taylor family, making her very upset.

" Mom, it's not cancel an engagement, what's the big deal? I just had the feeling that the circumstances at today's gathering weren't quite appropriate! Furthermore, you and Lily don't seem to understand one other well enough, and I'm concerned that will make her uncomfortable!" - Venn looked to be thinking about the larger picture with everything he said, but Lily knew he was simply being clever! Just go ahead and do your own thing. But it makes no difference; everything is good. 

" Venn, this is a serious topic that has been extensively explored!"- If this reached Venn's grandfather's ears, Mayor Edward did not anticipate Venn to bluntly reject this notion like this, he will very angry.

" Get out of here! We're not in a hurry if Venn says so, let the kids get to know one other a little!" - Even though Mr. Taylor was unsatisfied in his heart, he couldn't communicate his feelings just now. He spoke out to calm the situation, then excused himself by claiming that there were guests outside, and escorted his wife and daughter out first. Lily rose and bowed to the Mayor and Lady Edward, and as she walked away, she turned to face Venn, who was also staring at her. This sight gave her the chills, so she hurriedly bowed her head and walked away