The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Bryan didn't expect Archibald to be such a tough nut to crack.

Since Archibald had already kicked off the conversation, Bryan figured there was no point in beating around the bush. He dove right in.

"Mr. Lancaster, you do know Emily's married, right?"

Archibald let out a chuckle. "Of course, otherwise, where would the baby in her belly come from? Did she get pregnant out of wedlock? Miss Brown wouldn't do something like that, would she? Bryan, what are you getting at? Just spit it out."

Wasn't he being clear enough? Bryan took a deep breath. But seeing Archibald's calm demeanor made him even more anxious.

He said, "Do you know that Emily's husband is my best friend? He's here at the party today. You and Emily showing up together so openly might not raise eyebrows now, but what about gossip that comes later?

"Public opinion can destroy people. You shouldn't be doing this, even for the baby's sake. Mr. Lancaster, am I clear enough now?"

Bryan's emotions were running high, a stark contrast to his usual cool demeanor.

Archibald got where Bryan was coming from. Standing up for a friend was something people their age would do. But there was one thing he didn't quite get-what did Bryan mean by "shouldn't be doing this" and "for the baby's sake"?

"Emily is already divorced, isn't she?" Archibald trusted what Emily had told him earlier -that she was now a free woman-more than Bryan's displeasure.

Seeing Bryan's stunned expression, Archibald continued. "Since she's already divorced, no one has the right to interfere with her life anymore.

"You said I shouldn't be doing this? Then what should I be doing? Should Emily remain chaste for your best friend? Should she not have a date at a party? Or should she avoid all men for the rest of her life because of the baby?"

Archibald's relentless questioning left Bryan speechless.

Indeed, Bryan had been thinking from Michael's perspective all along, without considering that Emily was now free.

But what Bryan didn't expect was that Archibald's next words would leave him even more at a loss.

"Now, about your friend. He's here today because of your mother's invitation, not for any other reason. Today, he's just a businessman, not anyone significant to Emily. So, whether I'm with Emily as a date or something else..."

Archibald paused deliberately, looking Bryan in the eye. Bryan met his gaze.

In that moment of eye contact, an unspoken understanding passed between them. "He has no say in it," he asserted.noveldrama

Archibald's meaning was clear.

Since Emily's ex-husband had no say, Bryan, as a friend, certainly had no right to interfere either.

Michael stood alone on the balcony, smoking.

He couldn't bring himself to move his feet or go back to the hall to see Emily with another man. Whether they were close or maintaining a respectful distance, he couldn't bear either scenario.

Michael never imagined he would feel so timid and weak in front of Emily one day.

But what could he do?

They were no longer married. Even though the baby still connected them in some way, that was a matter for the future. For now, he couldn't disrupt her peaceful and smooth life.

"There you are. I've been looking for you everywhere!"

Michael had been lost in thought, staring at the stars, when a familiar voice broke his reverie. He turned to see Bryan standing there, looking at him intently.

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Bryan's expression wasn't great, but his tone was light. He lit up his phone screen and handed it to Michael, showing a message from Jessica.

"Jessica says her new movie is almost done filming. She wants to meet up and have dinner to celebrate."

Michael couldn't help but chuckle.

Jessica had always been quirky, with ideas popping into her head at the most

unexpected times. She'd been like that since they were kids.

Thinking about it, Michael felt a pang of nostalgia for their past.

How wonderful it would be if everything could stay the same.

"She's not filming for the first time, nor is it her first movie wrap. What's there to celebrate?" Michael replied.

Bryan laughed too, seeing Michael trying to act nonchalant. It stirred a mix of emotions in him.

"Maybe she just wants an excuse to have dinner with us?" Then Bryan turned serious, speaking earnestly to Michael. "Let's go. It's been a while since we all got together. Don't let Jessica down."

Michael thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright."

Bryan noticed the cigarette butts scattered on the ground. He paused.

Michael rarely smoked, even after their relationship had soured. Bryan still remembered that.

Today... it must be because of Emily.

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Bryan suddenly felt conflicted.

He didn't know how to advise Michael. After all, even a wise judge can't settle family disputes, let alone such a complicated situation. He had already faced off with Archibald, and that man was no pushover.

Just as he was at a loss for words, Michael spoke first, pulling another cigarette from the pack, lighting it.

"That man is a business partner of JM Jewelry, right?"

The implication was clear he was asking about Archibald's identity.

Bryan quickly confirmed. "Yes, he has a company in Everglade City. He's a self-made man with no family background. For the foreseeable future, he'll be working closely with JM Jewelry, so... he should be staying in Emerald City for a while." Bryan couldn't hold back any longer. He spoke directly to Michael. "Michael, if you really can't handle it, I'll talk to my mother and ask her to make sure Archibald and Emily don't work together anymore. After all, you just got divorced. This situation isn't easy for you either."

Hearing this, Michael exhaled a puff of smoke, letting it dissipate into the air.

He laughed again.

In the night, his smile was captivating, just as it always had been, drawing attention. But now, it carried a hint of brokenness.

"What right do I have to interfere?" he muttered bitterly. "His name is Archibald, huh? A self-made man. That's impressive."

Bryan could feel the low pressure around Michael. Just as he was about to offer some advice, a loud commotion from the ballroom caught their attention.

Alice came running towards them, her face full of urgency.