Rivals: Marriage Revenge

Justine's POV

When he approached me, I closed my book and looked up with a mixture of dismay and coldness in my eyes. "Ouch!" I exclaimed as I touched my head, realizing he had hit me with the soccer ball he was holding.

It felt like my brain had been jolted out of my skull. What kind of material did they use in that ball—metal? Ridiculous! As he and his teammates laughed, I couldn't help but glare at him. I wished I could jump on him and give him a thousand punches!

"What now, Edwards? Do you have nothing better to do than bully me?" I asked sarcastically, to which he only laughed even harder.

He was really starting to get on my nerves! I stood up to confront him directly. He taunts me, "What's up, fatty? Are you trying to fight back, huh?" as he looms over me. I roll my eyes and remove my glasses.

Grabbing his collar, I surprise his friends by standing up to their teasing. After pushing him away, I walk off, noticing his girlfriend approaching. I realize it would be worse if she got involved, so I make a mental note to avoid them in the future.

…

When I heard the sound of someone knocking on the table, I blinked. Looking at her, she glanced at the folder I was holding. "Please, just stay away from them! Don't tell me you're planning to approach him? Oh please! Drop that thought, Justine!" Jasmine exclaimed. I sighed.

"I have the paper that the HR department needed. Also, I need you to speak with Director Miller about the opening of our theme park in Texas. Give this to the financing department and I have the list of materials purchased last week," I said.

Jasmine took the folders but didn't leave. When I looked at her, I knew she was waiting for my reply. "Okay. I will try not to be nosy. Is that good for you?" I asked.

She nodded and smiled before walking away. I sighed and shook my head, continuing to work while thinking about what happened last night. After work, I went home to find my grandmother sitting on the couch with a cold expression, which freaked me out. I take my seat.

"Hey grandma, I'm back. Is everything okay? You seem to be looking at me strangely," I inquire, although I already have a feeling about what's bothering her. I see the anger in her proud eyes and my suspicion is confirmed.

"It seems like you're not taking me seriously, Justine. I'm considering giving you an ultimatum. If you don't find a husband, then you need to give me a great-grandchild within a year, or else you'll lose your inheritance. All my assets will go to charities. If you want to inherit everything, you'll have to work hard and find a man soon. This is my last warning," grandma declares firmly. Her expression is stern, and I can tell she's already spoken to her lawyer.

"I'm exhausted, grandma. Let's discuss this another time. I'm going to my room now. Goodnight, grandma," I mutter.

I plant a kiss on her forehead and leave. How am I supposed to find a husband in just a month? I don't even know any single men my age who aren't jerks. Most of them are either players or already married.

Upon entering the room, I turn on the light and take a seat on the couch, tossing my coat aside. Suddenly, I hear a sound and notice my flash drive. I grab it from the floor and remember what kind of files I have in this. I smirk and an idea appears inside my head.

…

As I turn around, I hear the door open and lock eyes with him. I can tell he never expected me to come over and challenge him in his own territory. I simply smile and confront him. "What are you doing? Don't tell me you're here to boast?" he says arrogantly.

I chuckle and understand his reaction. "Relax. It's not my fault that I won again. Cheer up. I'm not here to brag. I've already done that, remember?" I say sarcastically, relishing in his annoyed expression.

Sitting in his swivel chair, he gazes at me with his piercing emerald eyes. His soft arch thick eyebrows complement his long lashes, pointed nose, oval face shape, and full, luscious lips.

This man is undeniably attractive, but how could she...? As I settle onto the couch and cross my legs, I realize that he holds the key to my problem. He is my sole solution.

"I find it puzzling why your fiancée would behave that way when you possess the same qualities. You are tall, have tanned skin, and exude a strong sex appeal. By the way, I have a gift for you. I know you'll thank me later on."

He looked at the table and saw the unfamiliar flash drive next to his laptop. "Listen, Justine, if this contains a virus meant to manipulate my laptop or steal important information, then I won't take your bait. Can you just leave me alone?”

My brow furrows at his words. I understand where he's coming from. "Look, Lawrence Edwards, you started this war and don’t be rude to your guess. We are business rivals but I never treat you rudely. Yes, I brag about the moments that I win but that’s it,” I replied.

Yes, he is my bully and my college years were filled with his harassment. After we graduated and I started managing our business, I started to change. I lost my fat and decided to get back on him by being his business rival. We’ve been like that for five years.

He straightforwardly asks, "What is this?" I instructed him to check it himself, even though I was supposed to get rid of it.

However, I changed my mind as it was also a way to get back at that woman. His expression turns dark as soon as he realizes the nature of the gift I have for him. Instead of looking at the photos I took, he chose to watch the video first.

I tried to remain composed despite hearing the sounds of pleasure from two people engaging in forbidden activities. Lawrence closed the laptop, revealing his anger. I remained silent, waiting for him to speak first.

He glared at me and roared, "What?! What are you trying to say, huh?" I stood up with my hands in my pockets.

"Well, she cheated on you. Your college sweetheart and best friend were cheating behind your back. Are you not angry at them? Why are you mad at me?" I questioned, pointing my finger at myself. He groaned angrily as I pinned my hands on his table and looked into his eyes.

I inquired, "Have you considered seeking retribution? Are you still planning to marry that woman? What if she becomes pregnant with your best friend's child but claims it is yours? What if... they have other plans?" I spoke softly, locking eyes with Lawrence as I deliberately stoked his anger to align with my perspective. I needed him to support me.

"What exactly are you implying?" he inquired seriously.

"Your wedding is scheduled in three days, correct? Have you considered choosing a different bride? Would you consider marrying me instead?" I proposed.