Page 191 of My Ruthless Opponent

I want him to have everything his heart desires. If he wants this promotion, he can have it.

I won’t spend a minute crying over my heartbreak. Instead, I am going to be brave and face him today. I am going to give him what he wants. I will play my role and bring this plan to its conclusion.

I made a deal with him, and I intend to honor it even if it will shatter me in the process. I will break in solitude. But I will never tell him that I know.

“Knock, knock.”

I look up and find Archer standing in the doorway. He is my bridesman so he is in a pale pink tuxedo.

I take a deep breath then smile. “Hey, come on in.”

He closes the door with one hand and walks toward me.

He gives me a one-arm hug and presses a kiss on top of my head. “You look beautiful, Hannah.”

“Thank you.” I tilt my head to the side. “What are you hiding behind your back, boss?”

He rolls his eyes on a sigh and brings his hand forward. “This is your wedding gift.”

Archer is holding a rectangular velvet box that is wrapped around with a bow.

I am drenched in guilt as my fingers clasp the box.

“Go on. Open it.” He smiles.

Pulling at the ribbon, I untie the bow. With slightly trembling fingers, I open the box.

“Archer,” I whisper, my eyes flying to his. The box contains a diamond choker necklace.

He smiles softly. “I wanted to be the one to give yousomething new. I want you to have a future filled with happiness and new hopes and dreams. So much so that you’d forget you ever saw a day of sorrow.”

My throat is so dry it’s hard to swallow.

My friend, my big brother who always stood by me is wishing me a future full of happiness.

I had thought honoring my deal with Raleigh would be easier. I would avoid meeting the eyes of the people I care about, exchange vows, and finish the pretense. But this isn’t a pretense anymore.

Real people are involved in this game. These people whom we both are tricking are innocent.

If I do this today, how will I be able to face myself after this?

Today is supposed to be my fairytale wedding. Funny how I don’t believe in fairytales anymore.

This is fraud. The same thing my dad was accused of. Lying to everyone was hard since the beginning and now I have reached my limits.

“Archer, I want to tell you some—”

“Later. First, turn around and let me put this on.”

“But—”

Archer takes the necklace from the box, turns me around, and brushes my veil aside to fasten the necklace around my neck.

I touch the diamonds at my throat with my fingers, the hole within me growing.

Gripping my shoulders, he whirls me to face him.

“Will you let me walk you down the aisle, Hannah?”

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