Page 192 of My Ruthless Opponent

Words stick in my throat, making it unable to speak. I nod frantically as I am flooded by emotions.

Archer breaks into a beautiful grin and pulls me into a hug.

I hope after all this ends, you can find it in your heart to forgive me, Archer.

He draws back and cups my jaw. “I am sorry again for doubting you. I’ll make it up to you and Raleigh for all the suspicious looks and terse responses, I promise.”

My strength cracks then a tear slips through my eye and down my cheek.

Archer wipes it with the pad of his thumb. “Shit, don’t cry, Hannah. Your bridesmaids will kill me for ruining your makeup.”

That makes me laugh. A laugh that makes everything hurt even more.

His phone starts to ring, he reaches for it. “It’s Mom. She and Dad wanted to facetime to give you their blessings.”

He holds the phone up and hits accept. His Mom and Dad come into view. Her short hair is tucked behind her ears, she is wearing a loose mint green sweater. His Dad is smiling, his eyes crinkling behind the thick glasses.

They are sitting in the living room of their house.

She gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.

“Jeongmal areumdawoyo!” She exclaims.

“Mom, English please.” He shakes his head, smiling. Then turns to me. “She said that you’re really beautiful.”

I sniffle. “I understood that. I am learning Korean in case you forgot.”

I turn my eyes to the phone screen. “I wish you were here,Eomeoni.” (Eomeoni means mother in Korean.)

“We are always with you, sweetie. Our blessings and love will always be with you no matter where you are. And you look so beautiful in that dress, Hannah!” She turns to her husband. “Yeobo, tell her.”

“Hannah,” He takes the phone from her hand and smiles. “Don’t cry, child. It’s your big day. Come on, smile.” I manage to curl my lips into a semblance of a smile. “I wish you all the best things in life, Hannah. Keep smiling always. Even if you have to cry in the future, I hope they will be tears of happiness.”

Talking to Archer’s parents made me miss mine terribly.

After ending the facetime, Archer excused himself when his phone rang again, this time it was work-related. I was left alone again.

I can do it. I repeat the mantra. But can I?

The courage in me is whispering to me that I can’t back down now.

I was hoping Archer would grant me forgiveness, but it seems more and more impossible now.

Wringing my hands, I pace the room. Wrenching my eyes whenever it meets the mirror.

Each intake of breath is costing me. As if it’s not my heart that’s breaking but the ribs protecting it.

I pray for my heart to grow ice cold so that it would stop bleeding out through the cracks in them.

A soft knock on the open door interrupts my agony. I wear the mask of a happy bride again and face the doorway.

Dressed in a three-piece suit is Victor. “Can I come in?”

“Please.” I smile.

When he steps inside, I notice the huge bouquet in his hand.

He strides toward me and hands me the turquoise green wrapped flowers tied with pink lace ribbon.

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