Page 135 of My Ruthless Opponent

“Why just one?” I ask.

I have no family to invite except for Dad. And he won’t be a part of this charade. Not that he could, given his state. I have already discussed this with my team.

I told them I don’t have a family. Straight to the point. That was one of the reasons they bought my decision of getting married so soon without planning it as any other bride would do.

“He wanted to keep it private with just Archer and his best friend attending the wedding,” Brielle reveals.

“Why?” Mia asks.

“RJ is an orphan,” Brielle says quietly.

Her words hit me straight in the chest. The thought of a young Raleigh growing up in a foster home makes my heart ache. I didn’t know.

I want to ask her questions. Like how does she know about it and I don’t. But that will surely make her suspicious. Because as his fiancée, I should know about this.

No wonder he was always holed up in the office even during holidays. Just like me. Because he had no one to visit.

He is such a lively person. Everyone’s favorite even when he is strict. But at the end of the day, he chooses to be alone when he could spend the holidays with his friends. Why?

I always thought he was a workaholic like me. But I guess there’s so much I don’t know about him. His passion for his job is just the tip of the iceberg.

Raleigh appears friendly, but he is a very private person.

“So what if you both don’t have families of your own? I believe the term ‘family’ is a bit overrated.” Brielle huffs. “I have a family and wish I hadn’t. They can’t accept me because I am gay. But can’t seem to leave me the fuck alone either. They torture me with calls and I have to answer because they’re my so-called family.” Brielle clenches her jaw.

For a moment, silence falls on our table.

Brielle’s expression changes, then she looks at me. “We are here for you and RJ. And we are going to make your wedding day the best day of your lives.” Brielle tugs my arm to give me a side hug. I smile against her shoulder.

“You’re so strong, Brie,” I mutter pulling away.

“Tell me something I don’t know.” She grins, then adds, “Hey! Let’s throw a bachelorette’s party!”

“Yes!” Mia claps her hands.

“No. There’s so much work to be done. We just have one day to arrange and execute Round Two. And let’s not forget there will be people coming today for wedding arrangements.”

We are not going to have wedding planners. Instead, our team is going to work their magic.

Raleigh and I have already designed the plans for the location we have in mind.

We have hired people for the manpower. They will be arriving today to set everything up.

“We’ll manage. Don’t worry about it.” Brielle grins and I scowl.

“No. Victor is here. We can’t party in his presence.”

Brielle rolls her eyes. “You and your damn excuses. I met him this morning. He is a teddy bear. I am sure he won’t mind you having some fun. After all, you are the bride.” She wags her eyebrows.

“No promises.” I take a bite of my food before adding, “If you are done with your coffees, go and assemble the team members, I’ll be there in ten.”

“We can wait until you finish.” Mia offers.

“I am used to eating alone.”

When the two look at me with sympathetic eyes, I gaze down at my food. “If you want me to agree to this stupid bachelorette party, you’ll leave right this instant.” I sniff.

“Yeah!”

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