Chapter 317
Chapter 317:
That child’s smile was the only thing that pushed me forward as I stood and headed to the stage. Honestly, I could have strangled two scheming best friends and one pregnant accomplice right then.
Gavin and Craig greeted me with conspiratorial smiles, each kissing my cheek before placing the microphone in my hand and whispering a quick, “Good luck p>
I shot them a murderous look, promising myself I’d get revenge after the party.
“Every year, you stood by my side and never let me down.
My world changed for the better because of you.
Every beautiful moment I’ve lived, I’ve experienced with you.
Not once did I feel afraid, because I loved the life we built together.
And I’m grateful I chose to stay by your side all this time p>
When I finished, the crowd erupted into applause. I had barely started to step down when a man in a sharp navy-blue suit hurried over and offered me his hand.
“Allow me, Miss Sophia p>
I stared at him, confused and not quite sure what to do. For a moment, I just looked at his outstretched hand.
𝖨ո𝗌𝘁аnt 𝗮c𝖼𝖾s𝘀 on
“Thank you p>
“She doesn’t need your help, cousin p>
I frowned as Daniel appeared at the edge of the stage. Cousin? I looked back at the man offering his hand, then to my husband, who looked unusually serious.
“It’s fine, cousin. I like being a gentleman to charming women like her,” the man replied, forcing a smile.
I couldn’t help arching a brow and clicking my tongue.
“You really can’t help yourself, can you p>
“You’re right, she’s wonderful, but believe me, Mike, she doesn’t need your help.” Daniel gave his cousin a smug smile and added, “After all, taking care of my wife is something I’m more than capable of doing myself p>
The man ignored the warning as if he hadn’t heard it and let out a laugh.
“Come on. You can’t call her your wife when there’s no marriage to speak of p>
My breath caught as Daniel’s eyes flashed with anger, and the crowd fell quiet, waiting to see what he would do.
Without hesitation, he crossed the distance in two firm steps, took my face in his hands, and kissed me.
The kiss was fierce—pulsing with jealousy and a declaration he clearly wanted everyone to understand.
“Well, cousin,” he asked, keeping his gaze locked on Mike as he finally pulled away, “do you believe me now when I say she’s my wife p>
“Um… are you two okay p>
My shoulders sagged slightly as my parents approached us.
“We’re fine, Mom,” Daniel answered, offering her a warm smile before turning back to his cousin. “He didn’t believe I was married yet, so I clarified it.” He pulled me into his arms to underline his point.
“Everyone is staring, so you’d better return to your seats.” My father stepped in, studying both Daniel and Mike with a sharp gaze.
“Sorry, Dad,” I said with an awkward smile, biting my lower lip as a nervous apology slipped out.
My father only chuckled and patted my shoulder warmly. “What are you apologizing for, Sophia? You look beautiful tonight. Your husband is just jealous.” He even added a quick wink.