Chapter 83Rachel’s POV“You will officially be introduced as part of the Charlton family.”“What did you just say?” My voice was dangerously calm.I wasn’t ready for that yet. No—scratch that—I wasn’t staying long enough to be ready. I had no intention of remaining here any longer than necessary.The paparazzi were relentless, shouting questions at J, but he didn’t say a word.“Let’s go,” he said, grabbing my hand.The bodyguards pushed the crowd back as we made our way to the entrance.“You should have known how to talk to Grandfather! You should have convinced him, J!” I said through clenched teeth. “You should know better!”He ignored me completely, bowing respectfully to a group of men as we passed them.I sighed, running my fingers through my hair in frustration.That’s when my eyes landed on her.Mira.She stood near Ryan, dolled up in a short white dress that hugged her frame like it was tailored for seduction. She waved at J, catching his attention, then sashayed towards us.
Chapter 82Rachel’s POVThere was discomfort in my chest from holding in my emotions. Finding out that Grandfather’s beloved soon-to-be wife had other plans than loving him broke me. But the next words I heard left me stunned.“I told you. I’m never going to do that. I’m not marrying him because of his money.”“You can leave if you don’t want to support me.”I was stunned. Sarah wasn’t supporting them.I heard their footsteps approaching, so I hurried away to the other side of the hallway. Soon, they walked out of the room, mumbling.When they were gone, I glanced back into Sarah’s room. She sighed and sat on the edge of her bed, staring into space.A minute later, I stepped into her room. She immediately sniffed back her unshed tears and smiled at me like nothing happened.“You’re back?” she asked.“Yes,” I hummed, placing the tray on the table. “I brought you some snacks and fruit to nibble on.”I walked to her side and crouched, adjusting the hem of her dress.“You shouldn’t ruin y
Chapter 81Rachel’s POVThe alarm rang loudly over my head, and my eyes snapped open immediately. It was Sarah’s wedding, and I just realized I had overslept.In a hurry, I rushed to the bathroom, took my bath, and got dressed. A few minutes later, my hair flowed freely and I was dressed in a blue gown. I grabbed my clutch and hurried over to Sarah’s room.When I stepped into her room, she was seated on the bed—looking like a load of crap.“Oh my God, Sarah. What the hell are you doing?”I had expected her to be almost ready, but what I met was entirely different. Heavy bags had taken up occupancy beneath her eyes, her skin had lost its glow and looked pale, and her hair was a complete mess.“Did you not sleep last night?” I asked, a frown forming on my face.“Wedding jitters, Ellien.”“I get it. Now let’s get you fixed up before it’s too late.”“The stylist is downstairs waiting. I’ll call her in when you look more presentable. You should shower first. A light breakfast will be broug
Chapter 80 Rachel’s POV Everyone stood frozen, staring at the scene. I bent down to her level and whispered, “What are you doing here?” I needed to know if there had been some mix-up. The man I’d assumed was her father earlier stood quietly behind her, watching me. “I showed my father your sketch after you left—and he loved it too,” Iris giggled, pointing to Mr. Smith. She was indeed the daughter Mr. Smith had been talking about, surprising me completely. “You made that sketch?” the old man’s voice rang above me. I finally stood up and met his gaze. “It was just a casual sketch I made for her during lunch. I didn’t—” “I’ve been searching everywhere for the perfect design for my daughter’s room. I must confess, that was excellent work. I’m looking forward to building around that sketch, Ms. Ellien.” I glanced at J, who was clearly stunned by everything unfolding. “We’ll have the presentation and pitch ready by next week, Mr. Smith,” Mrs. Maya stepped in, a wide smile spreadin
Chapter 79 Rachel’s POV I entered the elevator and moved to the back so others could also get in. Soon, a group hurried toward the elevator, filling it up. I could identify almost everyone in the group—they were staff members from my previous department when I worked as an intern. I stayed at the back, gently lowering my head, hoping not to get noticed—especially by Ivy. “Still no winning design?” Ivy asked, her eyes widening in shock as the elevator doors closed. “I heard the other departments are already giving up,” another voice said. Ivy sighed. “The old man should just give up on the heavenly masterpieces in his mind. He should just pick one of the best designs already submitted.” “What makes you think he’ll give up? He’s really going to spend all his dime on that project.” My brows furrowed slightly. A new project? How had I not heard about this? J hadn’t told me anything—or maybe we hadn’t even talked in days. I hadn’t been paying attention to work lately eithe
Chapter 78 Rachel’s POV I could no longer leave, especially when Sarah insisted I be her matron of honor. Seeing her happiness, I didn’t want to destroy it, so I decided to wait and leave after the wedding. “I already asked them to bring in a dress for you, Ellien. I’m sure you’ll like it,” Sarah smiled brightly at me. My gaze fell on J, but I didn’t say a word. Later at the company—at lunchtime—I was alone on a park bench shaded by a tree, enjoying the lunch packed by Sarah while making a rough sketch of a luxurious bedroom in my sketchbook. With my gaze fixed on the walls of the bathroom and toilet suite, weighing the pros and cons, I reached out for the Carrot Cake Bites and gently took a bite, which immediately melted in my mouth. My eyes shone with happiness at the delicacy. I quickly stretched out my hand to take another, but my brows furrowed almost immediately. My fingers met emptiness in the lunchbox. The snack was supposed to be five. I counted it right before taking