THE BETROTHED

CHAPTER 5

THE OFFICE SHOWDOWN

AUDREY

“Leave my office immediately and return to your own,” I barked sharply.

She was in tears, but I couldn’t care less. I had obtained what I wanted—that alone mattered.

“Walk faster and stop limping like a goat,” I urged.

She clutched the wall for support as she navigated toward the door.

Pathetic. I felt a surge of satisfaction.

The thought of that audacious brat Beverly lingered in my mind. She had the gall to talk back to me.

I wondered why I hadn’t confronted her more aggressively in that moment—perhaps I was saving it for when we were married.

“What can you do? Kill me, like a murderer?” That phrase would not leave my mind.

She knows what I am, yet she still dared to accept this engagement without hesitation.

She appeared fearless, but I would demonstrate that my own obstinacy could shatter the walls of Jericho.

I resolved not to kill her—but to apply pressure slowly, to break her spirit until she surrendered willingly to the idea of ending our union herself.

⸻

BEVERLY

Seriously?

“Here’s the dress, Jane,” I said, handing it over as she practically leapt with delight.

“But you know I adore this dress,” she pouted. I always received compliments whenever I wore it.

“I couldn’t care less, girlfriend. Thank you for the gift,” she replied nonchalantly. How did I even become friends with her?

“You’ve delivered the dress—now, can you instruct her on what to do?” Jenna asked, glaring at Jane.

These two are something else entirely.

“Well, I’m admittedly a little eccentric, but as you all know, I’m brilliant,” Jane boasted. Geez! Is this really Jane?

“I know you’re brilliant, of course,” I said.

“I have a flawless plan to stop Audrey from smoking, though it may take some time,” she added.

“What’s the plan?” Jenna and I asked simultaneously.

⸻

Beverly’s Office

“Good afternoon,” I said politely to the receptionist.

“Good afternoon. How may I help you?” she asked, eyeing me as though I had walked in carrying filth. I glanced down at myself—did I really look that dreadful?

“I’m here to see your boss,” I replied, keeping my patience.

Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

“Your boss?” she repeated.

“Yes. Audrey Kingsberg,” I stated firmly. She froze momentarily, as though the name itself was dangerous.

“Do you have an appointment?” she inquired again. Seriously, must she interrogate me?

“Why not just let me in? Stop asking frivolous questions,” I said, my patience thinning.

“Excuse me? It’s my responsibility to verify who you are and why you’re demanding to see the company’s CEO. I suggest you leave before I call security,” she snapped furiously.

“I’m certain you’re one of his many—” Wait… did she just call me a…?

The audacity of this woman astounded me.

I turned, scanning to ensure no one was behind me. She was speaking to me.

“Did you just call me that?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“No, I was referring to your shadow,” she said, smirking.

“Are you insane? Did I appear so contemptible to earn such a label?”

“And here I am, standing outside my fiancé’s office?” I added, incredulous. She froze, surprise etched on her face.

“You see, I could have simply entered, but I wanted to extend you the courtesy of the receptionist. Apparently, you don’t deserve such respect,” I said coldly.

“Mark my words—you’re fired,” I threatened. Her face paled with fear.

“The first thing I do inside will be to have you removed. People like you don’t deserve this position. Imagine if I were a business partner—wouldn’t your words reflect poorly on the company?”

“I—I’m sorry! Please don’t report me! I promise to change! Forgive me!” she pleaded, falling to her knees.

“Miss Christine, for your insolence toward my fiancé, you are terminated. Leave this building immediately before I lose my temper,” I declared.

Audrey appeared at the doorway, arms crossed, a silent enforcer.

Has he been standing there this whole time? And he sided with me? Incredible.

“I… I am sorry, sir,” she sobbed.

I held Audrey’s hand, preventing him from striking her as she trembled.

“Audrey!” I called, maintaining a firm grip.

“Get out now, Christine! You’re fired,” he growled again.

When did he start caring about my grievances? I had been insulted, yet he was the one incensed.

“Let her be, Audrey,” I said calmly. He glanced at my hand, then relaxed.

“She’s learned her lesson. Forgive her,” I continued.

He studied me for a moment, sighed, and said, “For the last time, Christine, step out of line again, and I won’t hesitate,” before walking away, releasing my hand.

I followed, leaving Christine stunned.

I couldn’t believe it—Audrey had listened. Just yesterday, we’d argued fiercely.

He entered his office and slammed the door. Seriously? Leaving me outside?

“Are you seriously leaving me out here, Audrey?” I called, tapping on the door.

“Suit yourself—enjoy the cool breeze,” he replied. I sighed.

“Really? I came here to see you.”

“For what? Have you forgotten we are sworn enemies?” he countered.

“I haven’t forgotten, Mr. Arrogant,” I replied.

“Call me what you will. This is my company; I could throw you out with a single call,” he said smugly.

“Audrey.”

“Don’t think I defended you earlier out of some romantic notion. I did it for my own reasons—don’t read into it.”

“Did I ask you to fight for me? Why are you so full of yourself, Audrey?” I asked, frustrated.

“Want to come in?” he asked.

“Of course—that’s why I’m here.”

“Then knock, like an employee,” he said.

Really? I also run a company. Must I follow his absurd rules?

Sighing for what felt like the hundredth time, I knocked gently.

“Good. Come in—the door is open,” he said smugly.

I opened the door to find him leaning back in his chair, a satisfied grin on his face, a Shisha pipe on his desk.

Even in the office? I quickly put on my facemask to avoid the smoke.

“i***t,” I muttered, and he chuckled.

I hope everything goes according to Jane’s plan.