After Rebirth: I Married My Ex's Rival

SecuringTheRole

Julia was at a loss for words, completely unaware that President Wright would immediately recognize her.

The situation was delicate; he harbored animosity towards Nelson, and she was caught in the middle. But she had come this far and couldn't back down now.

"President Wright, I'm sure you are well aware of the true character of Nelson. Let's just say that my eyes have been opened. We now have a common enemy, and as they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Minutes passed as President Wright's expression remained stern. Finally, he spoke.

"Very well."

Julia let out a sigh of relief as they entered the civil affairs office. She never thought those few words would be enough to sway him; she had prepared a whole monologue.

"Please inform the Reynold family that the engagement has been called off," Alexander instructed his assistant.

The procedures were swiftly carried out, and Julia soon held her marriage certificate in her hands. She was now a married woman.

Julia had agreed to marry Alexander for two reasons. Firstly, she knew he had numerous lovers and would not expect anything from her. Secondly, it would surely enrage Nelson to learn that she had married his biggest rival.

"President Wright, may I ask a favor?" Julia inquired as they exited the registration office and made their way to a black Maybach waiting outside.

"Get in," Alexander responded.

Julia took a deep breath as she sat beside him in the car, trying to calm her nerves.

"President Wright, I am grateful that you have agreed to marry me. I promise to support you in any way I can. Since we are now married, I will break off my engagement and refrain from any public affairs. However, I ask that you keep our marriage a secret."

Alexander's gaze darkened.

"Is that so? You plan on having discreet affairs?" he asked, frowning.

Julia's brow furrowed.

"If I am not mistaken, our marriage is purely contractual and we are not in a legitimate relationship. I will not be offended if you choose to engage in affairs with other women, as long as you keep them hidden. As long as we have mutual respect, there should be no issues."

Alexander's lips curled into a sly smirk.

"What makes you assume I do not desire a genuine marriage with you?"

Julia gasped as his hand caressed her cheek. She did not want to believe that the racing of her heart and the tingling sensation she felt was due to attraction towards him. It had to be a side effect of being reborn.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Exactly as I said. Who is to say we cannot be a genuine couple?"

Julia was speechless.

"I will give you time to settle your affairs. As we are married, it is only natural that we live together. I will send someone for you in two days. As for your request, we can keep our relationship a secret for now. But after three months, we will publicly announce our marriage."

Julia nodded in agreement. His terms seemed reasonable, and she could not argue against them. As for being a real couple, she was sure he did not mean it.

"Thank you again, President Wright," she said politely before taking her leave.

Through the rearview mirror, Alexander watched her walk away.

"President, are you sure we can trust her? What if it is a ploy by her and Nelson?" his assistant finally voiced his concerns.

"I needed a bride, and I found one. Should I have married you instead?" Alexander quipped

The assistant clamped his mouth shut, hastily changing the subject

"Shall we return to attend the board meeting?"

Alexander nodded, his brows furrowed with concern.

"Monitor Julia and report her every move."

"Yes, boss."

*****

As Julia stepped into a taxi, her phone began to ring. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was a call from Nelson.

Julia answered the call and a harsh tone greeted her ears.

"Julia! Where have you been all day? There is a pile of paperwork waiting for you at the office. Do you want us to lose multiple contracts? Get here immediately!"

At this point, Julia was already Nelson's assistant, but in reality, she handled the majority of important deals, toiling day and night for crumbs of his affection.

Suppressing her annoyance and the surge of emotions threatening to consume her, Julia responded in a low tone.

"I'm not feeling well...I think I'm coming down with a fever. And I told you I have an important audition today. Shouldn't you ask me if I'm preparing for it?"

Upon hearing this, the voice on the other end lost some of it's harshness.

"Julia, you know I didn't mean it like that. I was just worried about finalizing those contracts. And about the audition, it's at 5 pm, right?"

"Yes, it is."

"Even if you don't get the role, you can work full-time as my assistant. As my fiancee, I'll treat you better."

"Take some medication and rest. Once you feel better, you can come to the office."

Julia hid her disdainful tone.

"Alright, I got it."

She ended the call quickly, not wanting to exchange any more words with him.

Her phone buzzed again, and Julia almost declined the call, thinking it was Nelson calling back. She smirked when she saw it was yet another pretentious person.

"Julia, where are you?"

Her Manager's frantic voice sounded on the other end.

"At home. I'm not feeling well, so I took some medication and rested. Is there an urgent appointment?"

"Of course not. The audition doesn't start until 5 pm. I'm afraid I won't be able to accompany you. You can make your own way there, right?"

"No problem, Miss Taylor. I'll go once it's time."

Julia casually responded before ending the call.

She scoffed, knowing that the auditions had already begun and Taylor had gone with Rosy.

After paying the cab driver, she donned a pair of shades and a baseball cap before entering the premises where the auditions were being held.

Julia sneered as she spotted two individuals stepping out of the building. It was evident that Rosy had just completed her audition.

Rosy adorned a striking red gown that perfectly complemented her slender silhouette. Her hair was freshly curled, and her entire appearance exuded style and grace.

As "Destined Hearts" was a highly-anticipated film, there was a throng of journalists waiting outside.

The reporters swarmed around them immediately.

"Miss Quinn, while the other candidates barely lasted a minute in the audition room, you were in there for over twenty minutes and the judges even applauded your performance."

"Miss Quinn, only someone as beautiful as you can portray the character of 'Serena Smith'."

"Miss Quinn, it's safe to say that you have already secured the lead role."

Faced with the barrage of questions, Rosy lifted her hand in mock denial.

"You all flatter me too much. The auditions are still ongoing, and the female lead has not been decided. However, if I am chosen for the role, I would be elated."

"Miss Quinn, you are too modest."

As Julia walked past them, Rosy's gaze met hers. Due to the cap and shades, most of Julia's face was concealed, but the chilling expression on her face froze the smile on Rosy's lips.