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Chapter 4: My rival's decision

Lawrence's POV

I didn't hear what her grandmother said, but Justine's response showed how pressured she was to start a family. That is why she told me that Gianna and Jaxon had betrayed me. She turns around after hearing what I've just said.

"A coffee? Why not?" she replied calmly.

I let her in, and we headed straight to the kitchen. I am glad there is coffee and a jar of cookies. It looks like it's still edible. She sat in the chair and rested her hands on the kitchen countertop.

"Thank you for what you did," I said.

I hope she understands that I'm talking about the comfort she gave me. I poured coffee into the mugs and grabbed the cookie jar.

I sat down and handed her coffee. She takes a sip before grabbing a cookie.

"That's okay. I'll keep it secret. Also, thank you for the coffee and cookies. I'll go home after drinking this," Justine says.

Gianna gave me a call and I quickly picked up. "Hello? What's the matter?" I inquired.

"Where are you? Why aren't you at your office? They said you left and I haven't been able to reach you since then," she questioned.

I tried to keep my emotions in check and responded, "I had a meeting with someone important. Don't worry, I'm already home. Just go to bed. Our wedding is coming up, and you want to look stunning, right?" I said in a cold tone.

Meanwhile, Justine quietly sipped her coffee and listened. Gianna giggled softly. "Okay, take care. Hang up, okay? I'm in the tub. Bye-bye sweetie," she said.

"Um," I replied, looking at the screen.

As I was about to end the call, I overheard Jaxon's voice on the other end, calling her "babe" and heard kissing sounds. Gianna must have thought I had hung up already. I drop the call and groan.

I took a sip of my coffee and let out a bitter laugh. "Hey, don’t let them drive you crazy! It's not worth it. Come back to your senses, okay? I know I'm being nosy again, but Lawrence, don’t waste your time being miserable while they're enjoying themselves," Justine said. She's right. Justine has been right all along. Darn it!

I look at her and she's genuinely sharing the pain and heaviness I'm feeling. I didn't expect that because we've been rivals in business for over five years.

"Get ready to buy a beautiful wedding dress. Make sure you're the most beautiful woman in the hall. I want my bride to outshine a cheater," I say. She coughs and wipes her lips with her sleeve. She even uses her palm to fan her tongue.

I should've said those words after she sipped her coffee. "Wait, did you just agree to my proposal?! Oh my! Thank you so much, Lawrence!" she exclaimed. I nodded.

She jumps off her chair and starts dancing happily. That completely stops me. Her smile, the sound of her laughter, her beautiful glowing eyes—they're like sunshine that warms my heart. Justine pauses and unexpectedly lifts my hands.

She then places her palms on mine, intertwining our fingers, and gazes into my eyes with a sweet smile. "I promise to be a good wife to you, protecting your heart, mind, and peace. Thank you for choosing me," she says.

I was taken aback by her words. As she releases my hand, her smile remains. "This is just a contract. Why are you saying such things?" I whisper. Justine stops and replies, "Well, it wouldn't be so bad if it's forever!" with a cheerful tone.

I am even more surprised by her response. What have I gotten myself into? I can't look away from her. Justine seems like a completely different person. I feel like I've been deceived. "You only have tomorrow to find a dress. Make sure to give the wedding a tragic yet sweet twist," I murmur. She nods then smirks, leaning her elbows on the table and resting her face in her palm while her fingers touch her cheeks.

"Lawrence, I will definitely do that. I want to see the most shocked and stunned expressions on your fiancée and best friend. No need to worry, I'm great at making spectacular entrances," Justine declares.

How could I have forgotten? She's really skilled at pulling off such stunts. That's what irritates me when we were still in high school and college. After finishing her coffee, she insists on heading home because her grandma will be waiting for her. I end up having some drinks before going to bed. I really need to sleep off this craziness!

I wake up with a hangover, but I still manage to get up and go to work. I pretend like everything is fine, take an Advil and a hangover tonic. However, Damien still notices my hangover. "Boss, you have to freshen up. There's a chance that your fiancée will drop by today," Damien remarks.

As soon as we enter my office, I groan in pain. I should have only drunk two glasses. Damn! My head hurts! The door opens and the devil enters my office. My head is already pounding, but seeing her today has made it worse.

I faked a smile. She kisses me, and I remember how—shit! "What are you doing here?" Gianna was surprised by the question I asked. I even stare at her coldly.

I realized this and decided to continue acting. "I mean, you said you were going to take a good beauty rest because our wedding is tomorrow. You should have stayed at home and called me instead," I added. She smiled and sat down.

"I will get a tea," Damien says as he exits. I smiled.

"Yes, I mentioned that. I came by because I had a suggestion for our honeymoon in Paris. Can we change it? I mean, if it's fine with you. I saw this place online, and it's beautiful! I want us to spend our honeymoon in Switzerland. Please?"

Jaxon is heard in a video convincing Gianna to go to Switzerland for their honeymoon, as he plans to open a Swiss account there. I need to be cautious and catch them red-handed. They fooled me for years and this is nothing compare to what they did to me! But first, I will make Gianna suffer and regret everything she did.

"No problem. If that's your preference, let's rebook the flight. Damien, please take care of it, okay? We'll leave for our honeymoon the next day," I said with emphasis.

She smiled sweetly and was about to kiss me again when I distanced myself and coughed. Gianna moved away, seemingly unfazed. "Thank you, darling. I will go then. I really need to rest to be your most beautiful bride," she said.

"Of course," I said. She waved briefly and then walked away. As soon as the door closed, Damien sighed deeply.

"I can't believe Sir Jaxon and Ms. Gianna would betray you. But I suppose money has the power to bring out the worst in people," he said. He looks disappointed on those two.

Please purchase tickets for Switzerland for me and Justine. Reserve a hotel for us for a week. Damien, I'm entrusting the company to you and need you to keep a close watch on the board, especially Jaxon. I have faith in you, so please don't let me down," I say firmly.

Damien appears surprised and notices my expression. He nods respectfully. "I won't let you down, boss Lawrence. I'll handle it," he assures me.

After Damien leaves, I decide to take a nap. I want to ensure that all important matters are taken care of before my honeymoon. I want Damien to focus solely on keeping an eye on Jaxon and the board, dealing with the piles of paperwork. I head home at four and go straight to bed, determined to look fresh and handsome for my wedding tomorrow afternoon, just as the sun is about to set.

...

As I gaze into the mirror, Gianna is getting ready in the other room. Jaxon and Damien are both here, along with the make-up artist. "Are you ready, cousin?" Jaxon asks with a mischievous smile.

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