Jean ignored his eldest sister's scolding and pulled Lilia to sit beside Irene. The man briefly nodded at his sister-in-law as a thanks for supporting Lilia.
James, not missing the interaction, frowned and looked away. He continued his breakfast with dissatisfaction.
Lilia stole a look at James with a guilty expression. she felt that Jean's elder brother had a bad perception of her. This was the first time that a member of the Widjaya Family had shown dislike for her. However, Lilia felt a little relieved. This was the reaction she imagined when she met the Widjaya Family. It's Irene and Claire's warmth that instead made her confused.
Lilia wasn't the type to care if other people didn't like her. As a model, she had known best to the jealousy and hatred of others. Normally, Lilia would ignore those people or shut their mouths with her ability.
But she didn't want to do that to James. That man was still part of Jean's family. Lilia must not give up trying to get close to James and get him to recognize her as Jean's wife.
Jean glanced at his wife, who looked grim at what James had said. He grabbed Lilia's hand and gripped it tightly under the table. At the same time, Jean moved a few slices of bacon from his plate to Lilia's plate. The man smiled gently as Lilia turned towards him in surprise.
Lilia chuckled at Jean's attempt to fix her mood. She straightened up and started eating breakfast with a more cheerful face. Today was an important day for Jean. She mustn't worry that man with a grim face!
The young couple were so focused on each other that they didn't notice the whole room was quiet. Only the sound of plates clinking as everyone focused on the two lovebirds' interaction.
Irene smiled softly at their closeness. She asked, "Lilia, did you sleep well last night?"
When she heard her name being called, Lilia immediately turned to look at Irene. She felt a little relieved when she saw the warmth in her sister-in-law's eyes. Lilia nodded and replied, "I slept really well yesterday. Thank you for asking, Sis Irene."
Irene pressed her lips together and pretended to be angry. "This kid is really too polite! Lilia, we're all family here, so you don't have to be formal with us!"
"Yes, Sis Irene." Lilia nodded while stifling laughter.
"Then you too, Jean!" Irene turned her attention to her brother-in-law. "Give Lilia more vegetables to eat! Don't eat too much greasy food in the morning."
Irene's warm and straightforward attitude helped to break the ice. Thanks to the wife of the family's head, their breakfast went on comfortably and in harmony.
*****
After they had all finished breakfast, Lauren walked into the dining room. The butler informed them that the guests were on their way here.
The Widjaya family held a simple ceremony at their home before burying Uncle Hans. It would be held in the large hall downstairs, due to the large number of guests attending. Not only guests, but the other servants would also attend the ceremony.
Irene turned to James and said, "I've asked someone to prepare the living room to welcome the on coming guests. How about you take your siblings there first? I'll have a few words with Lilia before catching up to you."
James frowned when he heard that. Why did Irene need to discuss privately with Lilia? But before he could voice his protest, Irene had the point.
The woman patted James on the hand, indirectly telling him to shut up and listen to what she said. Then Irene turned her gaze to Jean and Claire.
"Claire, Jean, and Andrew, please help your brother welcome the guests. Don't let them wait too long," Irene said.
Jean nodded and got up from his chair. He gave Lilia a questioning look, asking if she was okay with being left alone with Irene. When Lilia nodded, his expression turned relaxed.
Claire and Andrew also got up from their seats across the table. Claire took turns staring at Irene and Lilia, then she smiled mischievously. "Sis Irene, you didn't plan to bully Lilia, did you?" she teased.
"This kid really..." Irene sighed while shaking her head. She put on an angry face and replied, "Lilia is my sister-in-law and the woman Jean chose. How could I bully her?"
Claire didn't answer and just stuck out her tongue like a child. Andrew coughed awkwardly as he nudged his wife. Couldn't Claire act her age?!
In the midst of the commotion, James sighed and got up from his chair, then left the dining room. Day by day, his status as the eldest among his own family fell even further! James knew that his younger siblings wouldn't be that casual in public, but he still didn't accept that he lost his prestige as their eldest brother!
Before leaving the room, James took one last glance at Lilia. The head of the Widjaya Family did not understand why Jean was so fascinated by such a cheap woman from the entertainment world like her. His younger brother was president of the biggest real estate company in Surabaya, but his attitude completely changed ever since he met Lilia. Jean continued to follow Lilia wherever she went, almost like a pet dog. Where did that man's prestige as president of a large company go?!
Not only that, Jean even sent his best bodyguards to protect that woman! James repeatedly tried to change Jean's mind, but his brother never listened. Even though Jean was clearly more important than that woman! What if his brother got kidnapped again like 14 years ago?!
But no matter how hard James tried to convey his concerns, no one listened to him. The man was not a very talkative person, so his words sounded more like nagging. Plus, James was a man. He was not as sensitive as his wife or younger sister in judging other women.
There would come a day when James recognized Lilia, but it looked like that day was still far in the future.
After James left the dining room, Claire, Andrew, and Jean then followed their brother. The sound of clamorous footsteps from the outside of the door showed that a lot of guests had arrived.
Jean paused for a moment before exiting the room. He turned to Lilia and brushed her hair. His hand slid down to caress Lilia's soft cheek.
"I'll be waiting for you in the living room." he said with a worried look. The man was watching Lilia closely, as if trying to make sure that the woman didn't mind being alone with Irene
Lilia raised her face so she could look Jean directly in the eyes. She smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Okay. I'll catch up with you soon, so go on ahead. Don't make the guests wait too long." she replied.
Lilia was sure that Irene had no intention of bullying her, or even humiliating her. Her instincts as a woman told Lilia that Irene wasn't that type of person. Irene might seem gentle and motherly, but she hid a surprising power. If Irene wanted to bully her, that woman wouldn't have to wait until they were alone.
The worry in Jean's eyes vanished when he saw Lilia's calm expression.. The man reluctantly took his hand away from Lilia's cheek before leaving with Claire and Andrew.
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