Page 122 of My Ruthless Opponent

“It’s here.” Brielle shrieks after reading my laptop notification. We all immediately sit straighter.

“Brielle, you read it.” I nod at her.

“Hell nah.” She shakes her head, her braids swinging with the movement.

I snort before turning to Mia. She pales.

“Mia—”

“I think I am going to be sick.” She pushes to her feet and takes off. A ripple of laughter follows.

“Chris.” I motion him with my chin to read the email.

He doesn’t argue with me and reaches for the laptop, resting it on his lap.

Brielle has her fingers crossed, while the other member has her eyes closed.

I smile softly. I’ve seen these reactions many times.

They take the rivalry between Department I and II fervently. I feel a pang of guilt. They’ll hate me after this.

Archer is going to merge the two departments and I hid it from them. And I am using them for my promotion.

They are so loyal to me. They won’t take the news well.

If Raleigh won, they’ll have to work under him.

I have not changed my mind about quitting if he wins. Not because I still hate him and don’t want to share the office space with him.

If he won, I’ll have to face my team and lie to them every day about my fake marriage. And I can’t do that.

Damn. Marriage. I am going to get married in four days. This all feels surreal. My stomach feels heavy at the idea of getting hitched.

“Damn it, Chris. Fucking read it already.” Brielle’s panicked voice pulls me from my thoughts.

Chris releases a long sigh. I am still not looking at him. If I do, I might be tempted to get a peek at the screen.

“How should I say this… I am so sorry guys.” Chris’s voice is filled with remorse.

I tense. Everyone stills. Nobody moves, color draining from their faces.

Brielle begins breathing hard as if she is on the verge of a panic attack.

I stand and sit on a vacant chair next to her. Taking her hands in mine, I rub them.

“It’s okay. We have two more rounds.”

Brielle shakes her head, her face screwing with anguish. “We worked so hard.”

“Hey, look at me.” I grab her chin gently and raise it. Her black eyes meet mine. “This is more than a campaign for us. It’s my wedding week. You guys gave me my dreamy date. For that, I am so grateful to all of you.” I look around and take in their somber faces.

“So cheer up. And Raleigh isn’t our enemy anymore. He is my soon-to-be husband. It doesn’t matter who wins as long as we are having a good time.”

In the depth of my heart, I realize it’s the truth. I am not sad that he won.

“Actually…” Chris begins and every head turns to him.

He rolls his lips between his teeth, looks here and there before muttering something under his breath.

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