บท 28: No Need for a Wedding Party
Peeking from Robert's side, Sylvia couldn't help but read the list too. The moment she saw the total value of the dowry, her calculating gaze immediately lit up.
Seeing the joy shown by her mother, a feeling of tightness filled Lilia's chest again.
She was tempted to ask Sylvia whether she was happy because her future son-in-law valued her daughter so much or because of the fact that she managed to sell her daughter at a high price.
Lilia bit her lips and clenched her fists even tighter until her nails stuck deep into her palms. Her whole body felt icy cold, just like her current mood. Her eyes were hot with tears, making her vision blurry.
Just before her tears fell, a big warm hand grasped Lilia's. The hand gently opened Lilia's clenched fist and rubbed the nail marks left on her palm.
Lilia looked up and met Jean's dark blue eyes. The man continued stroking her hands, driving away the chill that hit Lilia. She felt she was seeing the illusion that the man's ever-arrogant gaze was filled with sympathy and care for her.
Then Lilia realized that Jean was still holding her hand under the table. She tried to pull her hand from Jean's grasp before anyone saw. Still, the man refused to let go of Lilia's hand, no matter how hard she tried.
Lilia shot a sharp gaze at Jean, who immediately averted his gaze and acted as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Robert finally recovered from his shock. He felt confused and began to speak, "Mr. James, this dowry..."
Robert wanted to say that this dowry was too big for his daughter.
He knew very well that the Pangestu Family's wealth was nothing compared to the Widjaya Family. In fact, they were the ones who benefited from this marriage while the Widjaya Family did not, yet at the same time, this dowry also showed the sincerity of the Widjaya Family.
One billion US dollars.
He had never heard of such a large dowry for the daughter of an upper-middle class businessman like him.
James glanced at Jean, who showed no intention of speaking. The man then returned his gaze to Robert before replying, "Does Mr. Robert feel this wedding gift is too little?"
Robert jumped and hastily shook his head, "Mr. James must be kidding. If I can speak frankly, this amount is more than what we deserve." He said honestly.
James exchanged glances with Irene. The wife of the head of the Widjaya Family smiled and replied, "Mr. Robert, we feel that this amount is sufficient to convey that the Widjaya Family is serious about this marriage. The most important thing is the happiness of Jean and Lilia." Her clear voice confirmed that they wouldn't change their minds.
"Mrs. Irene, we are very grateful for your concern for our daughter. We also wish them only the best." Sylvia wore the expression of a mother who cared for her child.
By the next second, however, her eyes flashed with greed.
"Since we've all gathered here, how about we talk about marriage? Does the Widjaya Family want to announce their engagement first or immediately hold a wedding party?" Sylvia spoke in a sweet voice. She couldn't wait to formalize this contract marriage soon!
"I don't need a wedding, just signing a marriage certificate is enough." Lilia opened her mouth for the first time since the dinner started.
The whole room fell silent. James and Irene automatically turned to Jean, while Robert kept his mouth shut and made no comment.
Only Sylvia immediately argued, "Lilia, what is this nonsense ?!" The woman's face was filled with anger.
Lilia continued stubbornly, "Mr. James and Mrs. Irene, since this marriage is irrevocable, I just want this matter to be resolved simply."
Sylvia opened her mouth to interrupt, but Lilia continued without giving her mother a chance to speak.
"As you know, currently I'm very busy with my career as a model. Having a wedding party will only waste a lot of time and money. Therefore, we better just sign the marriage certificate." Lilia finished.
Sylvia's face grew even redder as she heard Lilia speak. Her body trembled in anger. It was tantamount to say that Lilia actually didn't want to marry Jean and didn't want to be bothered by this marriage. What if this made the Widjaya Family change their mind?!
"Lilia! Watch your mouth!" Sylvia shot her daughter a poisonous look. If there weren't the Widjaya Family here, she would have slapped the clumsy child!
Sylvia could already imagine this marriage becoming sensational news that shook the entire city. She couldn't wait for the moment when people would congratulate her with big smiles and envious gazes. However, all her images of a lavish grand wedding were now in danger of collapse. Sylvia was sure Lilia was deliberately trying to embarrass herself!
Contrary to Sylvia's anger, James was now looking at Lilia with great interest. Then his gaze shifted to Jean's flat face and the man smiled broadly. This was the first time that any woman had been immune to Jean's handsome face and flawless reputation.
'What are you going to do about this?' James asked through his gaze.
Jean slowly straightened up and everyone's eyes fell on him, including Lilia.
"Young Master Jean, don't listen to this child's nonsense. She's spoiled too often so she has no manners " Sylvia said while glaring at Lilia, forcing her to retract her words.
Lilia didn't flinch. The threats from her mother didn't scare her. If she had to marry Jean, Lilia had intended to do this marriage on her own terms. She was sick of being ruled by other people.
Jean glanced at Sylvia and squeezed Lilia's hand lightly before opening his mouth to speak, "I do not mind. I will follow whatever Lilia wants."
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