Chapter 7

Laura stands tall in front of everyone as she announces the partnership with TK Company

. The boardroom falls silent.

Eyes widen, mouths part—everyone is dumbfounded, staring at her in disbelief.

“What is going on? How did you convince them to give us the deal?” one of the directors demands impatiently.

Laura smiles faintly. “Why do you all look disappointed after hearing such great news? Isn’t this something to celebrate?”

“Of course we’re happy,” another director answers, “but we still don’t agree you should remain as president. A man should handle this position.”

“You said that was the only condition. Why are you changing your words now?” Laura snaps, her voice firm.

Tony leans forward, his tone sharp.

“This doesn’t mean you’re capable of running the company. Especially not if you keep funding your mother’s dream with company money.”

Laura slams her palm against the table. “Lovelies’ Family Package is part of this company—it’s not just my mom’s dream!”

“Then let’s vote,” Tony says coldly.

“We’ll decide if we keep that dead project or cut it completely.”

Laura straightens her shoulders, her voice cutting through the room. “There’s no need for that. I called this meeting for two reasons: first, to announce the contract. Second, to tell you we will no longer be using company funds for the project.”

Gasps ripple around the table. Even Clara looks shocked.

“And why is that?” someone asks.

“That’s all you need to know,” Laura says, her tone final. Then she drops her last bombshell. “Lastly, I’m getting married this weekend. If you’re not too busy, you’re welcome to attend.”

The room freezes in stunned silence. Laura strides out, heels clicking against the floor, leaving everyone behind in disbelief.

“What do you mean you’re getting married?” Nicolas runs after her, trying to catch up.

Laura ignores him, quickening her pace.

“Sister, wait!” Nicholas calls again, but she slams the office door in his face.

A moment later, Clara enters Laura’s office, her face pale with shock. She hesitates before asking, “You’re… getting married?”

“It turns out that way,” Laura replies flatly.

“What about Mr. Avan? Does he know?” Clara presses.

“I’m sure he knows—or maybe he’ll find out at the wedding,” Laura says with a shrug. Her phone buzzes with a call from one of her uncles. She stares at it, then hangs up.

Turning back to Clara, her voice becomes brisk. “Someone will contact you about the preparations. All you need to do is find the venue, the time, and pick up a wedding dress for me.”

Clara’s face hardens, bitterness flashing in her eyes.

“Make sure it’s beautiful—and expensive,” Laura adds before dismissing her. When Clara leaves, Laura stares at her computer screen, but for a long minute, she can’t focus. Her decision weighs on her chest.

Last night, after finishing late at work, Avan called to say he was waiting at her house. She rushed home, letting him inside.

“You changed your passcode?” he asked as he sat on the couch. Laura brought him water without replying.

“Why didn’t you call first? And when did you get here?” she asked coldly, sitting beside him.

“I’m sorry about last time,” Avan said instead.

Laura sipped her water in silence. She wanted to bring up Chris, but the anger of Avan’s absence when she needed him still burned.

“I said I’m sorry. I also heard about the company issue,” he continued.

Laura turned to him sharply. “What exactly are you sorry for?”

“For everything—neglecting you, getting angry. I’ve just been busy,” he explained.

“Too busy to call? It feels like we only see each other in words,” she muttered.

“I told you, I’ve been busy. And I warned you not to hire Nicholas, but you insisted—and now look at the mess,” Avan said, irritation creeping into his voice.

“Let’s get married,” Laura said suddenly, her eyes locking onto his.

Avan froze, stunned by her words. “What? Laura, now isn’t the right time. You need to think about the company—”

But inside, he thought of his promise to Clara. He could never truly marry Laura. He was only supposed to trick her into letting go of the company.

Laura watched him fumble for excuses for the third time. Disappointment stabbed her chest.

“Then let’s break up,” she said quietly.

“No,” Avan said quickly, panic flickering in his eyes. “How about this—we hold a small celebration first, then register the marriage after everything with the company is settled. I’ll give you the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, I promise.”

“Let’s not meet again,” Laura cut him off, rising to open the door.

She once dreamed of the day he’d propose, but now she realized he never intended to marry her. Chris’s impulsive marriage offer, even if meant to spite her, made her heart skip in a way Avan never did. She blinked back tears.

From that day, calls flooded in. Relatives phoned to confirm the wedding. Some congratulated her, others promised to attend.

Meanwhile, Avan sat in his car, about to enter his house, when he saw the news of Laura’s wedding. Rage flared inside him. He never intended to marry her, but he didn’t want to lose her either. He stormed into the house, dialing her number.

“Avan!” a voice called. He spun and saw Clara at his doorstep. Panic shot through him—he dragged her inside quickly and locked the door.

“Are you insane? What are you doing here?” he barked.

“Yes, I’m insane. Only a stupid woman would stay sane after hearing her boyfriend is marrying someone else!” Clara shouted.

“What nonsense are you talking about? Did she say she’s marrying me?” Avan shot back, stalking into the living room. Clara trailed after him.

“Who else would she marry, if not you?” Clara asked, confused.

“I don’t know who she’s marrying. I have no idea what goes on in her brain,” Avan muttered, frustrated.

Clara’s anger softened. She sat beside him, placing her hands on his shoulders. “Do you know who it might be?”

She shook her head when he looked at her. Even the person assigned to update her about the wedding only sent vague messages.

“Maybe she’s just trying to force you into marrying her at the ceremony,” Clara said cautiously.

“She’s not that type,” Avan hissed. “I’m sure she’s been cheating on me. That’s the man she’s marrying.”

Clara frowned but said nothing.

“I’ll never let the wedding happen,” Avan growled, his face twisted in fury.

Clara’s lips curled into a small, hopeful smile. “Why not forget her and marry me? Your dad won’t stay angry forever. Just tell him she cheated on you.”

Avan scoffed. “Laura’s so gullible she hasn’t even noticed I’ve been unfaithful all along. Who would believe she cheated?”

He clenched his fists.

“No. I won’t allow this wedding. Even if I have to steal the bride, she belongs to me.”

Clara shivered at his words, but when he pulled her closer for a kiss, she didn’t resist. His hands grew rough, tearing at her clothes. She gave in, even as she realized bitterly—his thoughts were still on Laura.