Cutting Kaitlin off before any word of the collaboration could even cross her lips, Andrew declared firmly, "The deal still stands. We're getting married immediately. Expect me there in thirty minutes."
Hanging up with a practiced flick of his wrist, he turned to meet Doris' wide-eyed, speechless gaze and explained, "Grandma, that setup of yours never showed. Luckily, I found a replacement-a manager over at Pioneer Group. She's sharp, stunning, and honestly, she's exactly the kind of woman you've always wanted for me."
Scrolling through his phone, he retrieved a photo of Kaitlin and held the screen out for her inspection.
Despite the flat lighting of a basic ID picture, Kaitlin's elegance was undeniable, her features aligning in a rare, poised harmony that caught the eye immediately.
"Perfect! I'm coming to the hospital with you," Doris announced, her face lighting up with a radiant, disbelieving joy that demanded physical proof.
Gently guiding her back down into her chair, Andrew urged, "Slow down. She's quite shy. Let's get the paperwork squared away first, and then I'll bring her over. We can dive into the wedding plans after that."
...
"Keep in mind that once your signature is on that paper, there's no undoing it," Andrew remarked, his voice as cold and transactional as a board meeting. "Are you absolutely certain about this?"
Nodding with a look of deep sincerity, Kaitlin took a moment to truly look at him, suddenly struck by the sharp, captivating pull of his features.
"My mind is made up, and the contract is already signed-I'll get it to you soon. I do have one request for the wedding, though. I want it on the fifteenth of next month, and I want it to be a massive affair that the whole of Zluasey talks about. Is that asking for too much?" She felt unsure. In the end, this was only a marriage of convenience, so she had no reason to expect an elaborate wedding.
To her complete astonishment, Andrew didn't even blink before answering, "Consider it done. Let's go get your gown and jewelry custom-ordered right now."
Entering the largest bridal boutique in Zluasey, Kaitlin immediately spotted Hugh sitting in the lounge area as soon as she opened the door.
Clad in a perfect suit, he was busy flipping through a magazine until the sound of the door caused him to glance up.
Kaitlin hadn't expected to run into him, and her emotions wavered for a few seconds before she quickly composed herself. Andrew was still in his car on a business call, leaving her to begin browsing styles on her own.
Looking at her with icy eyes, Hugh spoke with pure arrogance. "Kaitlin, have you no shame? Why are you following me here?"
Admittedly, his cruel words still caused a small, familiar ache deep in her chest.
Clenching her fists, she stood her ground. "You have a lot of nerve. Why would you assume I am following you?"
"What other reason would there be? You plotted against Rosalie just to force me to remember a past that I find disgusting."
He viewed their shared history as something revolting and completely beneath him.
Kaitlin fired back with her own contemptuous tone. "You are right about one thing. It is disgusting, but I am referring to you."
Hugh's expression darkened at once. He rose to his feet and closed the distance between them, step by step. "Don't push your luck, Kaitlin. I don't have the patience for you. If Rosalie sees you and gets upset, you won't like what comes next."
Laughing coldly, she brushed off his threat. "I am not obligated to follow your rules. I am here to pick out my own wedding dress."
He let out a derisive laugh, tightening his grip on her wrist. "A wedding dress? You're still holding on to the fantasy of becoming my wife? The only woman I will ever marry is Rosalie-the one who stood by me through everything, not a vicious, scheming woman like you."
"Hugh, who are you talking to?" A soft, sweet voice rang out as Rosalie's delicate face came into view.
Upon seeing Kaitlin, Rosalie's smile vanished as she stared at Hugh's hand gripping Kaitlin's wrist with a look of pure sorrow.
Disdainfully, Hugh shoved Kaitlin's hand away and hurried over to put a protective arm around Rosalie's shoulder while whispering to her.
Rubbing her sore wrist, she watched him care for the other woman and realized she felt no emotion at all.
Examining the gown Rosalie was wearing, Kaitlin frowned. "Miss Douglas, aren't you getting a custom dress? Or do you just enjoy taking things that others have already thrown away?"
