No Wife, No Life Chapter 138

He implied that it had already been confirmed; the dinner gathering would take place this evening at the most luxurious restaurant in Majestic City, the Sapphire Dining Room.

Harper nodded and stood up. "Give me a sec; I'll change and put on some makeup."

This was her first time formally meeting his friends since they went public with their relationship, and she wanted to make a good impression.

But Caden stopped her, grinning mischievously.

"No way, I don't want them to see you looking too beautiful."

Harper was speechless. "But I'm dressing up to meet your friends."

She was there to boost his reputation after all.

What man wouldn't want to show off a stunning woman by his side?

"They don't deserve to see you all dolled up. Besides, you're already gorgeous."

He wasn't just flattering her. Harper was strikingly beautiful even without makeup.

Without giving her a chance to argue, Caden casually grabbed one of her jackets, draped it over her shoulders, and led her out the door.

The Sapphire Dining Room was in the most bustling part of Majestic City, a frequent spot for the elite to gather.

When Caden's exclusive HarCade car pulled up to the hotel entrance, it caused quite a stir.

Anyone who followed the news knew that this car was a limited edition gift from Harper to Caden.

Right now, envious glances were cast in his direction, making Caden feel quite proud.

He alighted from the car, gallantly opened the door for Harper, and only then did he carefully hand the car keys to the valet standing beside him.

"Park it carefully." His expression was unusually serious.

He had seen plenty of luxury cars and wasn't easily impressed, but this car was special to him, and he wouldn't allow it to be damaged in the slightest.

Caden held Harper's hand tightly, his smile radiating pride.

He walked straight ahead, making it clear to everyone that Harper was his beloved.

As they entered the hotel lobby, a waiter greeted them.

Both were regulars at the Sapphire Dining Room, though Harper usually came with Alex. This time, she was with Caden.

Naturally, the staff had heard the recent buzz about Harper leaving the Lavien Group to join FusionX Company.

"Mr. Elikin, Ms. Orsini," the waiter greeted them respectfully, his eyes involuntarily falling on their intertwined fingers.

So their relationship was official.

"Right this way." The waiter led them to a private room that Caden often used.

He knocked on the door twice before pushing it open and then closed it behind them once they were inside.

There weren't many people inside, just a few of Caden's close friends, including Arthur, Ronald, and Charles Johnson, the heir to the Johnson family. 

They were seated around a large round table, with two empty seats clearly reserved for Harper and Caden.

The table was still empty, indicating they were waiting for Caden to arrive before ordering.

Ronald and the others first looked at Caden, then at Harper, and finally at their clasped hands.

Harper remained calm and composed, a faint smile on her face.

Arthur, leaning back in his chair, didn't even look up, fiddling with a lighter in his hand.

Caden promptly knocked the lighter out of Arthur's hand. "No smoking here. Harper can't stand the smell."

Arthur lazily glanced at Harper, grunted, but said nothing.

Ronald chuckled and started to say, "Miss—"

"Just call her by her name," Caden interrupted bluntly.

Ronald nearly choked. He looked at Harper. "Harper."

Harper hadn't expected Caden to say that right off the bat.

But she couldn't really object. Caden had always been serious about her, unlike Alex.

Whether he loved her or not, at least his demeanor was commendable.

She had been married to Alex for five years, and he had never formally introduced her to his friends.

Their simple wedding hadn't even included Alex's close friends.

It was only over time that people gradually figured out she was Alex's wife.

But Caden was different.

At least he was serious. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have brought her to meet these people. If he wasn't serious, he wouldn't have insisted Ronald call her by her name. This would help her integrate better into the group.

Unconsciously, Harper looked at Caden, who was casually flipping through the menu.

He didn't need to ask about Harper's preferences anymore; he knew them by heart.

She looked at him and caught his gaze.

His eyes were bright, his smile gentle, making Harper feel like she was truly loved.

As she was lost in thought, a large hand reached over, firmly holding hers, his thumb gently stroking her palm.

Ronald, feeling a bit dizzy from the display, couldn't help but curse inwardly. 'Seriously, is being in love that big of a deal?'

Ronald turned his attention to Arthur. "Arthur, where's your wife?"

For a moment, Harper was taken aback.

Oh right, she had almost forgotten that Molly was now Arthur's wife.

She knew almost everyone here, but her closest friend Molly was absent.

"None of your business!" Arthur snapped coldly.

Ronald was nearly fuming.

What was his problem? If Arthur was upset, he should take it out on Caden, not lash out at him. Arthur must be really messed up.

"I bet you're just sulking because your wife didn't come to our gathering." Harper looked at Arthur, puzzled, waiting for his response.

Arthur ignored him, his gaze icy.

Feeling somewhat satisfied, Ronald sneered, "See, he's definitely not happy."

Arthur didn't even glance at him, absorbed in his phone.

Just then, a waiter knocked and brought in the food.

Sure enough, most of the dishes were Harper's favorites.

Ronald felt even more annoyed.

Had the playboy Caden turned into Harper's devoted boyfriend?

Caden, not missing a beat, eagerly served Harper, his attentiveness evident.

They had known Caden for so long, but had never seen him so invested in someone.

Ronald felt a pang of jealousy. "I see, Caden, you finally found someone. It's really hard for you."

Caden's smile grew even more smug. "It's nothing. Harper and I are still in the throes of a passionate romance, but Arthur's the real pro, managing to marry Molly."

Arthur remained silent, clearly in a foul mood. "Tonight's about you. You should drink more."

His voice was cold. He was in a bad mood, so he just drank in silence.