Page 78 of My Ruthless Opponent

Raleigh explains it all. The three rounds.

Archer looks impressed by the strategy. He asks questions and Raleigh answers them with efficiency.

I am so grateful that Archer buys the whole pretext of the advertising campaign.

He doesn’t question why we are rushing to get married.

He doesn’t look suspicious. I thought he would put two and two together.

When Raleigh said it was a coincidence that Mr. Smith wanted to market the campaign projecting happily ever after, I was sweating buckets thinking Archer will suspect our lie any second. But he didn’t. Thank God.

Archer gives his consent for the one-week paid leave for us and our team members.

I am so happy that everything went well.

But I also feel terrible that I am deceiving my good friend but it has to be done.

I will tell him one day. I can’t afford to lose him. I’ll do whatever it takes for him to forgive me. And I’ll win him over soon.

Archer insists on paying the bill and silences our protests when we offer to foot the bill.

“It’s been a long time, you know.” Archer sighs as we step out of the restaurant.

Raleigh casually throws his arm over my shoulders and pulls me to his side. “Long time for what?” he asks.

“A vacation.”

“Oh.” Raleigh nods slowly, confusion clear on his face.

“Yeah, I was thinking I should take some time off for myself. You know, relax and have some me-time while you guys work on the Maui resort.”

I smile at him encouragingly. “That’s a great idea. Hell, you deserve it, boss. I’ve never seen you take a day off in the past year.”

“What do you think, Raleigh?” Archer slips his hand in his pockets as he regards him. “Should I go for it? Take a week off to go on a vacay?”

“Hell yes.”

“Well, I guess it’s settled then. Only because you guys insisted.” Archer’s dark eyes gleam like the LA night.

“Great, so do you have a place in mind?” I ask, still smiling at him.

“Why, yes. I am coming to Maui with you guys.”

Chapter Sixteen

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I climb off his bike and tear off my helmet.

Thrusting it to him, I thank him for the ride, turn on my heels and walk inside the dimly-lit park of my neighborhood.

I gave him directions to the park I often come to think when things get heavy.

I asked him to take me to my thinking spot instead of home.

It’s open 24 hours and I needed a walk in the wilderness. Away from the city for a little while.

Darkness covers the area with only one streetlight illuminating the entrance.

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