Chapter 3
Not that it mattered anymore. Victor was old news to me since yesterday.
With a frosty expression, I pulled my arm away.
"I'm not interested in the business between you two," I said.
Not looking at Victor, I turned and walked over to the saleswoman.
"Hi, I'm here to pick up an order for Hank Sherwood, number 21," I said.
The saleswoman handed me the package, and I headed out.
As I walked past Victor, he grabbed my wrist, trying to coax me.
"Hey, don't be upset," he said.
I pulled my hand away, calm as ever. I was so disappointed, anger wasn't even an option anymore.
"I'm not mad," I replied.
Seeing how normal I sounded, he assumed I was really over it, and the tension in his face melted away.
Victor let out a relieved sigh and said, "Thanks for understanding."
I simply gave him a smirk and walked out without saying a word.
Melissa called out from behind, clearly trying to stir the pot.
"Jillian's gift looks like it's for a guy. She didn't give it to you even though you were right here. Is it for someone else?" Melissa teased, poking Victor in the chest with her finger. "Is she cheating on you?"
"No way. No one would want her except me," Victor said.
As I reached the door, it felt like a knife twisted in my chest, humiliation surging inside me.
Victor added, "She's head over heels for me. She'd never settle for anyone but me. She can't even stand the sight of another guy, let alone let one into her heart."
Anger flared up inside me, and suddenly my mom's earnest advice from last night echoed in my mind.
Mom had said, "Gwen Bartley absolutely adores you. When she heard about your breakup, she pleaded with me to talk you into marrying her grandson.
"Javier is the head of the Bartley family. That boy isn't just successful. He's got it all: looks, character, the whole package.
"If your grandpa and his grandpa weren't old comrades, a golden opportunity like this would never come our way. Please, listen to me for once and marry Javier.
"Javier's all for it, too. He's a good, respectful kid, and with Gwen watching out for you, you'll get along well with his family.
"All that's left is your consent. Sweetheart, I'm begging you, just agree, alright?"
I didn't say yes last night.
But right now, I fired off a text to my mom. [I'll marry Javier.]
*****
That afternoon, my mom, worried I'd change my mind, dragged me straight to the city hall to get the marriage license with Javier.
Javier said he had to go on a business trip for a week, and Gwen wanted us to get the paperwork done first.
So on May 21st, I got my marriage license and officially became Javier's wife.
As for the wedding, both families agreed to wait until the end of the year.
Javier's grandfather, Fred, was still overseas for rehab and wouldn't be back until then.
I went back to the villa I used to share with Victor to grab some work files I'd left behind.
As I stepped into the living room, Victor walked in with Melissa.
"Jillian, pack my bags for me," Victor ordered. "Melissa's company is sending her out of town for a two-week training, and I'm tagging along."
He spoke to me like I was nothing but his maid.
Seeing my icy look, Victor tried to explain himself.
He said, "Don't read too much into it. Melissa's never worked before, and this is her first time heading out of town for a job. I'm just worried about her.
"Besides, some folks at her company think she only got a sham marriage certificate to get the job. If I go with her, it'll keep the rumors at bay."
Melissa flashed a mischievous grin as she spoke, "Jillian, seriously, you can chill. Victor and I go way back. We used to crash at each other's places all the time."
I was pretty much emotionless, but my tone got noticeably colder.
"I'm not bothered, and I haven't given it much thought," I said.
Victor let out a relieved sigh.
"I've got my own stuff to deal with," I said.
With that, I grabbed my files and walked out.
Melissa acted all considerate, pretending to be understanding.
"Victor, Jillian's busy with work. I'll help you pack," she offered.
She paused, then purposely raised her voice, taunting me with a playful smirk. "Come on, we're officially married now. You're not just my childhood friend anymore. You're my husband."
Melissa's deliberate digs didn't even faze me anymore. They just bounced right off.
The moment Javier and I got our marriage license, my new life started.
Victor and Melissa went on that business trip together.
Every day, he'd send me emails, pretending everything was fine, each one attached with a selfie of him alone in a hotel room.
And of course, he'd always add the same coaxing lie. [Don't be mad. Take me off your block list, okay?]