Julian welcomed his parents, Mason and Vivian Smith. Vivian wore a stunning yellow dress, while Mason wore a simple yet elegant white shirt and dark trousers.
Sophia greetedbthem with warm hugs and pleasantries. Mason and Vivian took their seats, followed by some relatives from the Smith family, who arrived shortly after.
Next, Helena's brother, Zane Donovan, arrived with his eight year old son, Jasper Denovan. Zane was a film director working with the biggest movie companies in the country, he was divorced and currently had custody of Jasper.
Jasper was a handsome boy that had a rebellious appearance, and he had already started taking on small roles in the industry. He carried himself with poise and an air of arrogance that belied his young age.
Grant's sister, Aurora Wynter, also arrived with her ten year old second daughter, Wren. Aurora was married to the love of her life Hanzo Wynter and had moved to another city with him years back, where she was focusing on her family.
Despite the distance, she had made an effort to attend the family dinner this time around, eager to reconnect with her relatives. She had missed both Remy and Sophia and was puzzled as to why Remy was absent.
As everyone was seated, the reporters and photographer that Sophia had arranged earlier arrived to capture the perfect moments. The photographer first snapped a family picture together with everyone posing, with different persons and switching positions.
Some faces wore bright, genuine smiles, while others seemed to hide behind polite, rehearsed grins. Everyone looked beautiful and handsome, but the smiles didn't quite reach everyone's eyes.
With everything set, Julian stood up to welcome the gathering. "Good evening, loved ones," he started, clearing his throat. "I'm thrilled to see so many familiar faces here tonight. It's been a while since we've all been together, and I'm grateful that you could make it. Uncle Zane, thank you for bringing Jasper along, he's growing up to be quite the young star. And Aunt Aurora, it's wonderful to see you and Wren here all the way from your city."
Julian's voice was warm and sincere as he continued, "Tonight is a special occasion for me and my beautiful wife, Sophia. We've recently tied the knot, and we're already expecting a new addition to our family – a baby that will bring us so much joy. I want to use this opportunity to thank Sophia's parents also, Mr and Mrs Harrison, for blessing our union and supporting us every step of the way. Your love and encouragement mean the world to us."
'Oh you mean supporting you and Sophia in your schemes?' Alden, Julian's cousin mentally rolled his eyes, if not that he had to, he really won't bother showing up.
Julian's voice filled with emotion as he added, "Tonight is about reconnecting, catching up, and making new memories together. We're also celebrating partnership with the Harrison Group in a huge deal I secured. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here to celebrate this special occasion with us. Let's take a moment to appreciate the love and support that binds our family together."
The room erupted in applause as Julian smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and belonging. He signaled to the staffs to start serving the foods, and the room was filled with the aroma of delicious dishes as they digged in.
Aurora's expression twitched subtly when Julian was talking. She wasn't actually angry or bitter, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of hypocrisy.
She had always liked Julian when he was dating Remy, but after what happened, she couldn't understand why he was sounding like the best loving man in the world.
Aurora turned to her brother Grant, who was sitting opposite her with Helena by his side. "It's been a while Grant," Aurora said, flashing a smile. "How have you been?"
"I'm good." Grant just replied, smiled back and asked, "How have you been as well Aurora? How are the kids?"
Aurora replied, "They're good. Wren and Jennifer are doing well in school, and I'm proud of them. Ray is fine also."
Grant nodded, and Aurora continued, "I can see Sophia is here and all smiles and happy. Isn't this supposed to be a family dinner?" Grant raised a brow, and Helena chimed in, "Of course, Aurora. What are you trying to imply?"
Aurora's voice was laced with a hint of sarcasm. "Nothing, I just want to know where Remy is. Why isn't she here if this is supposed to be a family dinner?"
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Grant and Helena, waiting for their response.
If Aurora hadn't asked, everyone had momentarily forgotten about Remy's existence.
*
*
*
Meanwhile Remy was busy in her workshop, sowing her latest designs while Avery assisted her.
Christian sat at the far end of the room, randomly scrolling through social media on his phone. Suddenly, he called out to Remy.
"Hey, wifey, don't you think we should take a photo like this some other time?" He showed her a picture on his phone, and Remy's mouth twitched. She had noticed Christian's dark mood earlier, but now he was smiling.
Remy raised an eyebrow and replied, "You didn't see any better couple we should mimic or take a photo like them? But Sophia and Julian? If you want us to take a picture look for another. I'm not taking a picture or recreating one that Sophia and Julian already created."
"Whatever." Christian rolled his eyes good-naturedly and went back to his phone.
Just then, Max arrived with a report. "Boss, everything is ready," Max said.
"Perfect!" Christian smiled but his eyes suddenly lit up with a plan. "You know what Max? I think we're going to have a change of plans. Since the Harrison and Smith family are having such a wonderful time, don't you think this is the best time for me to send my in-laws a gift? It would be rude of me to get married to Grant's daughter without betrothal gifts. They haven't even seen a wedding picture of me and my wife, so I think this is the best time to send them the gift. Add to the joy in the house," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
Max nodded already understanding what he was trying to achieve, it would be a really long night tonight. "Of course, I think it's better, sir. And about the other arrangement I was asked to make. I've been able to slip in two of our men as reporters who aren't part of the people Sophia called. They wanted to release videos after reviewing and editing but our men would secretly live stream everything, every moment would be captured unedited."
Christian's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Perfect. Now, give them an instruction to not miss any moment immediately my gift arrives."