Julia nodded, her eyes never leaving William's face. "I should, Mrs Davidson, I actually came get for you, and thank you, it's nice seeing you again. And William, I think it's time we went our separate ways. For good. And as for being a trophy wife, I'd rather be a woman of substance and intelligence than a shallow socialite like you."
With that, she turned and walked away, with Max by her side. William's face was visibly burning in rage, his eyes fixed on the couple as they made their way to leave the room. "
The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and glances, the tension still lingering.
Just then William's voice could be heard loudly from the quiet room."I'll walk you to the door," he insisted, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "We can leave together, catch up on old times."
Julia's instincts screamed warning, her heart racing with unease. She hadn't seen William in years, and the man before her now was a stranger, his smile twisted and aggressive. "I don't think you should, William. Never mind."
But William wouldn't take no for an answer, he said with scarsm. "Come on, Julia. It's Just a walk. Allow me please For old times' sake."
Sharon and Willow decided to go out with William, Willow said softly,. "I'll go with you, Sharon said, and me too. William will please give me a ride? I'm sure your Maybach is much more comfortable than Max's' Nissan car."
William's eyes narrowed, "Very well then. Let's go."
As they walked out, Max quickly went to the car park he noticed William's Maybach. He just turned to Julia and said softly, "Let's go home," his voice low and even. Max wasn't worried about William flaunting his small fortune, he was the heir of the Darius group, and the son of the famous business Magnate, George Darius Wellington.
William's face darkened when he realized Max didn't really bother about everything he'd been saying. His eyes flashed with anger.
He said arrogantly, an attempt to get under Max's skin. "Perhaps I should give you two a ride," he sneered, opening the door of his car with a flourish.
Julia saw through his display of arrogance, her voice firm. "No need, William. We're good."
Max just ignored him, opening the car door for Julia. "Let's go home," he said lovingly.
As they drove off, William's face twisted in rage, his foot kicking the tire of the car. Sharon's smile was intentional, her words a taunt. "The husband Julia found is quite a humble man, and he treats her so well. They're very suitable for each other."
Willow had already got into her car, and she shouted from the other end before driving off," William, you should leave now. She had actually waited to make sure Julia and her husband left first without further commotion.
William sneered, his voice venomous. "A poor man who drives such a cheap car ? How can he give Julia a better life?"
Sharon's eyes fixed on William's, her voice laced with warning. "You're obviously not convinced, William, I can assure you Julia has moved on, didn't you see the way she stood up for him?." Please let it go. Julia has made her choice, and she's happy. That's all that counts."
William gave her a murderous look, she quickly shut her mouth and looked away.
As they drove off, she tried to smoothen the tension and said softly, "listen William. You two have changed so much in the last few years. I mean, maybe she prefers an average man and down-to-earth kind of person now."
William just responded arrogantly, his voice dripping with overconfidence. "I'm the better man for her. I can offer her the world."
While on the way, Julia's eyes darted, and she stared at Max, her voice hesitant. "Max, are you upset? I'm really sorry if"
Max chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Upset? Me? No way. William is obviously not worth my time. How much more my fury, he's like a petite fly buzzing around my head."
Julia was surprised by his nonchalance.
"But he deliberately embarrassed you in front of all them!"
Max shrugged, and then smiled. "He was just trying to get under my skin, but I didn't let him. And I have to say, Julia...the way you stood up for me? That was admirable. And quite domineering, I must say."
Julia's cheeks flushed pink, her voice groggy. "I...I don't usually indulge people like that, I just couldn't stand to see him talk down on you. I'm usually a very peaceful person..."
Max's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, I like this side of you, Julia. I guess you're full of surprises. And don't worry, I won't misunderstand you as a shrew or anything."
Julia's heart skipped, as Max's gaze intensified. "So...is that man your ex-boyfriend?"
Julia was prepared for the unknown, her voice trembled. "No, no, it's not like that! I didn't hide it from you, I swear. And I didn't come here because of him. Please don't think that way about me !"
Max's expression softened, his voice gentle. "I believe you, Julia. And even if he was your ex...I'm not threatened, neither am I worried, I know, and I'm sure I am a better man."
At the traffic light, Max brought the car to a smooth stop. He turned to Julia, his voice low and reassuring. "Don't be nervous, Julia. I believe you. Whatever happened with your ex, it's clear you've moved on. But him..." Max's eyes narrowed, his thoughts drifting back to William's reaction. "He's still got feelings for you, doesn't he?"
Julia felt embarrassed, her voice barely audible like a whisper. "I...I don't know, Max. Maybe. But I swear, I've long gotten over him. And I didn't come to the reunion because of him, I promise."
The traffic light turned green, and Max accelerated smoothly, his eyes never leaving the road. But his mind was already racing ahead, wondering what other secrets Julia's past held, and how he could protect her from the shadows of her former life.