No Wife, No Life Chapter 12

When the sun started to set, the hustle and bustle of the day began to die down. By evening, after the last guest had left, the Lavien Mansion finally settled into a peaceful quiet.

For a big-shot family like the Laviens, having guests come and go was just part of the deal. The daytime party was for the guests, but dinner was strictly family time. 

Only Lavien family members could stick around, and this was when the Laviens really came together—a tradition they always kept.

As usual, Alex and Harper were staying at the mansion to celebrate Holden's birthday.

The butler, Ron Barnes, had already set up a fancy dinner.

Ron had been with the Lavien family for decades and was more like family, a brother to Holden than just an employee.

Ron smiled and said, "Mr. Alex Lavien, Mrs. Lavien, you are usually so busy and rarely come back, so make sure to spend some quality time with Mr. Holden Lavien today."

Alex gave a slight nod.

"The room has also been prepared according to Mr. Holden Lavien's instructions."

Normally, the servants would clean up the room to make it comfortable for Alex and Harper to stay overnight.

Harper paused for a moment.

They didn't know she and Alex were getting a divorce, and from Ron's mention of 'room,' it was clear they had only prepared one. Would she have to share a bed with Alex tonight?

But if she spilled the beans now, Holden would definitely blow a fuse.

She decided to find another time to break the news to Holden. Today was his birthday, and she wanted to keep him happy.

"This cake looks delicious," Emily's voice suddenly chimed in from outside.

Harper looked over in surprise and saw Emily strolling in.

Why hadn't she left yet? She wasn't a Lavien, at least not yet, and had no right to stay for dinner.

Did Alex let her stay?

Harper's smile turned a bit sour as she looked away.

It must be, right? He doted on her so much and would do anything for her.

Besides, they were about to get a divorce, and Emily would soon be Mrs. Lavien.

Seeing Emily come in, Alex's eyes also showed a hint of surprise. He thought she had already left, but here she was, staying without permission.

Emily walked up, looking at Alex with a cute and charming expression. "Alex, I want to stay and eat cake, okay?"

"Didn't you already have some during the day?"

Emily gently took his hand, her voice even sweeter, "Alex, the daytime was a business event, not a family gathering. The cake tastes different when eaten with family."

She glanced at the cake on the table and put on a coy smile. "Can I join you as a family member to share the cake?"

Before Alex could respond, Holden had already come out. Seeing Emily, he was furious.

This woman hadn't left yet and wanted to stay for dinner at the Lavien Mansion? Dream on!

"You shameless woman! What kind of family member are you? Get out!" Holden, in a fit of rage, ordered Ron to throw her out.

Unexpectedly, Emily didn't care about Holden's fury. She pouted and said, "Why am I not a member of the Lavien family? Mr. Lavien, I will soon be Alex's wife."

Her tone was calm, and her innocent eyes looked lively at Holden.

Holden was shocked. What did she mean by that? How could she be Alex's wife? Alex's wife was Harper.

"Emily!" Alex wanted to stop her.

Emily, however, looked up at Alex, acting like a spoiled girl. "Alex, how long are you going to keep this from your grandfather? He will find out sooner or later."

Holden's voice trembled as he scolded, "Alex, what nonsense is she talking about?"

Alex lowered his eyes, unable to look him in the eye.

The air was thick with tension.

Harper was blindsided by the chaos unfolding in front of her. She never thought Emily would stir up trouble right now.

Emily, in her desperation to get what she wanted, had dropped the bombshell in front of Holden.

Maybe she figured this was the only way to push Alex into divorcing Harper and marrying her quickly.

"Mr. Lavien, let me tell you..."

"Emily, enough! Whatever's going on between Alex and me is none of your business!" Harper finally snapped when Emily tried to speak again.

If the truth had to come out, it should be from her and Alex, not Emily!

Emily's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Harper, I don't want to meddle, but if you keep dragging your feet on signing the papers, what are Alex and I supposed to do?"

Holden shot Harper an unhappy look. "Harper, what papers?"

Harper's heart sank. Today was supposed to be a happy day for Holden's birthday, and now she had to tell him she and Alex were getting a divorce!

She lowered her eyes, not wanting to meet his gaze, feeling like she had done something wrong.

Her voice was heavy, "Let Alex explain."

It was Alex who brought forward the divorce, so he should be the one to explain.

Before Alex could get a word in, Emily jumped in. "Mr. Lavien, Alex is divorcing Harper. I'm Alex's future wife!"

"That's nonsense!" Holden was so angry he felt a crushing pressure on his chest, his face went pale, and he almost collapsed, clutching his chest.

Harper rushed to support him and angrily scolded, "Emily, did you have to say it today?"

Emily looked innocent. "Harper, why hide it from him? It's better for everyone to know sooner."

"You homewrecker, get out now!" Holden roared with difficulty, his eyes red with anger.

Seeing this, Harper knew Holden couldn't take such a blow and quickly said, "Emily, get out!"

"Harper, you're the one getting a divorce from Alex. If anyone should get out, it's you, not me." Emily's attitude was firm.

She looked at Alex with deep affection. "You know Alex and I love each other. Alex has never liked you. Why do you insist on occupying the position?"

Alex frowned but didn't say a word in defense. It seemed he was acknowledging the truth.

Harper felt a pang of disappointment, but the priority was to calm Holden down. She softly said, "Grandpa, don't get angry over irrelevant people. Let's go have dinner first."

But Holden couldn't shake off his anger and gave a final order, "Alex, get this woman out of here right now! As long as I'm alive, I will never allow her to step into the Lavien Mansion."

Alex frowned slightly and didn't stay silent this time. "Emily, you should leave."

For Holden's health, Alex had to ask Emily to leave.

Emily's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Alex, feeling very wronged. "Alex!"

"Leave now. We'll talk later." Alex's tone was firm.

Knowing that Alex wouldn't change his mind once he made a decision, Emily had no choice but to leave, cursing in her heart. 

'Damn old man, I hope he dies soon so Alex won't be forced to stay with that bitch Harper. Then no one will dare to stop me from becoming the lady of the Lavien family!'

Holden tightly held Harper's hand, reaffirming his stance. "Harper, don't worry. I only recognize you as my granddaughter-in-law. I won't accept your divorce from Alex, even if I were dead!"

He turned his gaze to Alex again, his tone firm. "Alex, did you hear me?"

Alex's expression was unemotional, his tone calm. "She and I are not getting divorced for now."

She? He didn't even want to call her by name.

Harper felt even more bitter.

Even with Holden's support, what did it matter?

Could a forced marriage be happy?

She might have had hope before, but now, there was only endless disappointment.