Page 134 of My Ruthless Opponent

Yes, I am back to wearing my armor again. I used earthy tones for my makeup and went for a bold pink smudge-proof lipstick for my lips.

I opted for giving my short hair beachy waves.

In conclusion, I am back to being my old self sans the attitude. Inside, I am not feeling an ounce of confidence or positivity.

I strain my neck to get a better look in the mirror as I try to tie the strings. I scream in frustration when I fail again.

I am almost considering changing the damn dress when I hear the door of the suite opening. A second later, Raleigh enters the bedroom dressed in a gray T-shirt and jeans.

I whirl on my heels and face the mirror. Picking up the hairbrush, I act like I am busy with my hair.

I don’t know why the fuck I panicked. I want to talk to him about last night. But here I am, avoiding him.

Maybe it’s from the fear of seeing the same cold blue eyes I saw a glimpse of last night.

“I heard your scream. Are you okay?” Raleigh stands behind me. His gaze finds mine in the mirror.

“Yeah.”

He then glances down at my back.

My jaw goes slack when his fingers glide down my spine and reaches the two strings I had trouble tying.

Raleigh tugs at it. My breath catches in my throat. Then he ties them in a simple knot before stepping back.

His actions are full of nonchalance. I don’t like it.

Fine. Two can play this game. If he can act aloof, so can I.

He tucks his hands in his pockets. “Victor is here.”

“What?!” I face him then.

He nods. “I received him an hour ago with our team members. He asked for you, I told him you were sleeping because the party last night wore you out.” He speaks in monotone.

“He was supposed to attend the wedding directly,” I murmur.

“He made time to witness our journey firsthand.” He looks up at me. “We need to be extra careful. Gotta act all lovey-dovey. You know, so he won’t suspect that our engagement isfake.”

Ouch. That was a low blow.

“Raleigh, I wanted to talk to you. About last night—”

“We are going to join Victor for lunch. I’m busy. I’ll come to get you in the afternoon.”

With that, Raleigh leaves without a second glance.

???

Brielle, Mia, and I are seated in the open-air breakfast restaurant of Euphoria with views of waterfalls.

I am trying to enjoy the buffet collection of traditional dishes and baked goods. Trying hard not to think of him.

I am the only one eating, Mia and Brielle are sipping their coffees and chatting away.

“It was a genius idea to have a destination wedding with few close friends,” Brielle says.

“Yeah. Sadly, only one person is coming from his side.” Mia murmurs. I look up at that.

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