On the day of the engagement party, I specifically bribed the security guards at the door to ensure they'd let Liam in.
When Monica emerged with her prominent baby bump, the guests' expressions varied.
But such occurrences were not uncommon in wealthy families, and the engagement of an adopted son to a daughter was not something shocking.
Susan, a tough and astute woman, helped Monica up to the stage and loudly declared that Monica was the daughter of the Norton family, and the baby in Monica's belly was Ethan's.
Monica hung her head low, lost in her own thoughts. Judging by her expression, she was not keen on this arrangement.
But she couldn't let go of the privilege.
She wanted to be a princess, yet she also wanted to be with Liam.
"Honey! I finally get to see you!"
A loud voice echoed through the hall, signaling the start of the dramatic scene.
Liam dashed through the entrance and positioned himself beneath the stage, gazing up at Monica with an expression of deep affection.
Susan's face immediately registered shock. "Who are you? How dare you just barge in like this? Where is the security guard? Throw him out at once!"
But Monica, in a sudden motion, shook off Susan's hand and hurried towards Liam, cradling her baby bump.
"Hubby, I've missed you so much," she exclaimed.
They held each other, tears streaming down their faces, while Ethan watched from the side, feigning a mixture of annoyance and humiliation.
The attendees, all business elites, quickly caught on to what was happening.
The adopted son of the Norton family had been betrayed.
The media present were thrilled at the prospect of such breaking news.
Susan's face turned purple with rage as she stepped forward, forcibly separating Liam and Monica.
"What are you yelling about? My daughter is about to get engaged!"
How could Liam pass up this golden opportunity to impress the wealthy Nortons?
From his pocket, he produced the marriage license he and Monica had obtained while he was in prison.
I couldn't help but sigh in amazement. Monica's infatuation with Liam had gone so far as to secure a marriage license even while he was behind bars.
"This is our marriage license. Monica is my wife. Mrs. Norton, you can't just marry Monica off to someone else just because I'm poor! I love her, and I'll do my utmost to take care of Monica and the child. Please don't marry Monica off to someone else!"