Page 193 of My Ruthless Opponent

The vibrant flower arrangement includes Jumilla roses, peach roses, white disbuds, pink carnations, eucalyptus, and Kamini.

“You look stunning.” He gives me a soft smile.

“Thank you,” I return his smile.

“Congratulations on your big day. Nervous?”

“Thank you. Yes, I am. A little. The scent of these flowers is calming. Thank you so much. They are lovely.”

“My pleasure.” He tucks one hand in his pocket and looks around. “Why are you all alone. Where are your bridesmaids?”

“I wanted to be alone for a minute,” I murmur.

Victor’s eyebrows draw together. “Oh. I’m sorry. I should—”

“No, no. I didn’t mean it like that. Please stay. I am just jittery is all.”

His frown eases and a look of understanding crosses his features. “It’s normal to feel this way before the ceremony. Greta was so anxious, she messed up her vows.” He chuckles, his eyes getting that familiar faraway look.

“She must have looked beautiful that day,” I say softly.

“Oh. Very.” He glances at me. “She messed up her vows because of the nervousness but I literally forgot mine upon seeing her.”

Staring at Victor and hearing him talk about his late wife makes me realize I chose poorly. I shouldn’t have chosen to be an accomplice in this plan. I was so desperate that I turned a blind eye toward my morals.

We are not only cheating this humble man, but we are also playing with his emotions. He loves his wife so much. What would happen if he finds out we were lying to him to get the contract?

It wouldn’t just anger him; it will hurt him deeply. So much so that he won’t ever trust anyone again easily.

“So you see, even if you mess up your vows, or the arrangements aren’t to the point, it doesn’t matter.” He lifts one shoulder. “Nothing matters when you stand in front of the person you love. Everything will fade away once you put your hand in his. Because in the end, these arrangements, the dress, or the cake… nothing would make any difference because you get to marry the love of your life.”

He puts a hand on my upper arm, his inquisitive eyes roaming over my face. “You do love him, don’t you?”

My chin trembles. “Yes,” I whisper.

Something similar to relief fills his gaze. “Then you have got nothing to be nervous about.” He smiles down at me fondly. “Oh, I forgot what I came here for.”

He reaches inside his suit jacket and pulls out a vintage brooch adorned with colorful stones.

“This was Greta’s. She decorated her bouquet with this brooch. I’d be happy if you add this to yours.” He stares at me hesitantly. “It could be yoursomething borroweditem.”

How I continue to look him in the eye when the guilt is tearing me inside is a mystery.

Wiping my sweaty palms on my dress, I accept his valuable gift and hug it to my chest.

“Thank you, Victor. It would be an honor to pin this beautiful brooch to my bouquet.”

I received something blue from Brielle, something new from Archer, and something borrowed from Victor. Each item was brimming with true emotions and love and trust. And I am going to walk all over it by getting married for the sake of a promotion.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Ifeel nothing. Absolutely zero emotions as Raleigh and I pose for the photo shoot.

I don’t feel happiness behind the smile. I don’t feel the betrayal as I stare into Raleigh’s eyes. Or maybe I chose to ignore the thousands of knives stabbing in my gut.

I tried remaining as emotionless as possible while acting like a blushing bride.

The photographer guides us from one spot to another, capturing the beauty of the resort before we could all head to the garden for the ceremony.

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