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Chapter 3: My rival's pain

Justine's POV

Lawrence gives me a cold look, and I let out a sigh. "Can you please stop staring at me like that? It won't hurt you to look away for a moment, right? Just answer your woman's call. I will keep my mouth shut. This rain is going to keep us stuck here for a while, just answer her already," I say.

I glance behind me and spot the box under the seat. I hope my blanket and some snacks are still in there. I always keep a stash like that just in case I get stranded somewhere. He lets out a sigh.

"Hey, sweetheart?" he says. I stop reaching for the box. His cousin called Gianna a baby, and Lawrence did the same.

I bite my lower lip to stifle my laughter. What an irony! "I'm just teasing. I mean, I'll be a husband in two days, right?" he says. I wonder if Gianna notices how cold his tone is. My eyes widen when he angrily throws his phone at his feet.

I look at him and see the anger in his eyes. I grab the box, and when he tries to open the door, I used my feet to halt him as he glared at me, indicating that he might direct his anger towards me.

"Can't you see it's pouring rain? Let's calm down and talk," I said.

I felt relieved when he removed his hand from the car door and found some bubble gum, snacks, and a blanket in the box. I knelt in my seat and placed the blanket on his legs, offering him some gum.

I asked if he was smoking, but I was taken aback because of his fierce expression. I wondered if I had the right to question why he was so upset. I choose to ask instead.

"Let me guess, she's with your cousin best friend, right?" I remark. That expression in his face answers my question.

"So, do you believe me now? Or are you giving them the benefit of the doubt? You've been with Gianna since college; obviously, you love her more than anything in this world," I stated.

I opened this brownie and ate it while raising my feet on the steering wheel. I had already removed my shoe and decided to stay silent. I opened a bottle of water and offered it to him, but when he didn't take it, I drank it myself. After yawning and checking the time, I realized that it had been half an hour and the rain was still heavy.

He questioned me, "Why did you tell the truth? If you stay silent, I will suffer. You would probably enjoy seeing me involved in rumors and scandals that could ruin my reputation as a businessman. I just don't understand you at all," Lawrence said.

I opened a bag of chips and ate some before speaking. "I already told you. I believe in fair game and I would never take pleasure in someone else's misfortunes. Besides, I was aware of the situation and keeping quiet is not something I would do. I have my own morals in life, Lawrence."

He chuckles and I remain silent, even though I'm mad at myself. "Do you really believe I would fall for that? Who do you think I am—foolish? Well, maybe I am. I didn't even realize that the people closest to me were deceiving and betraying me."

I sighed and tried to empathize with his perspective. He has experienced the loss of the two people he loved the most. Lawrence may be successful in business, but I believe he places great importance on family and relationships, as evidenced by his deeply sorrowful reaction.

"Well, my grandma will kick me out of the house if I don't get married within a month. And if I don't give her a great grandchild within a year, I'm in big trouble," I admitted.

He laughs, seemingly to ridicule me once more. "I mentioned the possibility of having a baby through surrogacy, but she screamed at me and threatened me again. If I do, I'll end up living much poorer than a homeless person. She'll ensure that I never find work, not even as a janitor. I know her well. Grandma is kind, but she can also be a tyrant." I turn to face him and let out a sigh.

Setting down my chips, I slowly crawl closer to him. Gently, I place my hand on his head and draw him close to my chest. I hear his soft sobs and feel his body trembling. It's the first time I've seen Lawrence cry, and it truly touches my heart.

His misty eyes convey his vulnerability, and I find myself instinctively comforting him. It's okay for a man to show his emotions and be vulnerable. After letting him calm down for an hour, I notice that the rain has also subsided.

I decide to send him home so he can rest and gather his thoughts. It's time for me to stop pursuing my own interests and just maintain a friendly rivalry with him until we both feel tired of our nonsense rivalry.

"Are you okay now? Buckle up. I’ll send you home so that you can take some rest. Just ignore what I said earlier and think about what you want to do. I'm sorry if your enemy is taunting you. I apologize for being insensitive," I say. After putting on my shoes and adjusting my seat, I start the car and prepare to drive again. I knew that being selfish was one of my flaws.

He remains silent, not saying anything, and sits still. I'm not sure if he's feeling embarrassed because I saw that side of him. He simply inputs the address on the map, and we sit in silence for the entire 18 minutes. As I open the car door for him, I speak up. I lean my hand over the car door and lean forward. I have to speak softly while giving my advice.

"Hey, Lawrence. Before you walk out of my car, I have something to say. Let's return to our usual back-and-forth banter. Also I want to share something with you. I'm worried that you might get hurt because of what I'm about to tell you."

We're already in front of his villa. I feel relieved that there are no neighbors around. "It's okay to cry. A real man isn't afraid to show his emotions and acknowledge the pain he's feeling. Their betrayal doesn't have to be the end of your journey. Learn to let go of the negativity and start removing the obstacles in your path," I said, pausing for a moment.

I walk closer and pat his shoulder. I know he'd be surprised because he's never seen this side of me, but I don't mind. "I believe in you. I look forward to our next business competition, Lawrence Edwards," I said with a sincere smile. I reached out my hand, hoping for a friendly handshake, even just once. He looks at my hand.

I retract it and try to contain my frustration. "Good night, and please, I don't want to see your name in the newspapers, especially in the obituary section," I added.

Once again, I find myself turning away with a sigh. I start to reflect on my actions and realize I may have been too serious and insensitive. As I pause to answer my ringing phone, I see that it's grandma calling.

"Why did you cancel your date tonight?" she demands.

"Let's discuss it when I get home. I got caught in a heavy downpour, so I thought it best not to go. I'll reschedule the date, maybe for next week. I'm already exhausted," I explain.

After ending the call without waiting for her response, I know grandma well enough to anticipate her insistence on me dating. It's going to be a real pain. As I'm about to leave, Lawrence suggests, "Want to grab a coffee?" I look at him. Is he giving me a chance?

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