Reborn to ruin the Valmonts

Joan’s pov,

I laughed— Hard.

It felt like a joke, I tried to savour his ridiculous reply while keeping my composure.

Louis stared at me as if I had finally lost my mind— but I did care less.

And maybe I had already lost it.

“You are one crazy lady—” he murmured.

I tilted my head and smiled at him, and this time I was calm.

He slowly leaned back slightly. “You should step out of my car, I think I've given you enough time to show off your craziness.”

I smiled, without moving.

Instead, I lifted my wrist and checked the time as the air grew silent.

Then I slowly looked back at him.

“In the next thirty minutes,” I said evenly, “The press will flood this marriage house.”

His jaw tightened slightly as I continued.

“You may think it's for your benefit, but damn— do you know how many people want to watch you get humiliated? To watch the powerful Louis Gonzalez being stood up at the altar.”

The silence stretched as the air inside the car shifted.

“I'll give you twenty—five minutes,” I added. “Bask in it. Pretend everything is alright.”

I leaned in closer just enough for him to see there wasn't any trace of doubt in my eyes.

“But the moment you see the first reporter…” I smiled pointing towards the entrance to the marriage house.

“I'll be right there.”

Waiting.

Then I opened the door and stepped out

****

The staircase leading into the marriage registry felt strangely familiar, it felt like I was walking into a scene I had already watched unfold before.

Except this time, I was not an audience.

I was rewriting my faith.

The moment I stepped inside, I requested for a private office and within minutes, I was seated across from a registrar and a lawyer who had no idea they were about to witness a shift in history.

I glanced at my wristwatch again.

Twenty minutes had passed.

Just then, I noticed the first press vehicle turning into the driveway.

I smiled and whispered, “Right on cue.”

Within the next second, more cars began to follow and just like that the frenzy had begun.

Exactly how I remembered.

And then—

The door opened, I didn't bother to look up immediately.

I felt his presence.

Louis Gonzalez was standing by the doorway.

His reaction was composed and controlled, but he was no longer dismissive.

“I thought you weren't going to show up,” I whispered lightly.

The lawyer glanced between us in confusion, as he stepped in fully and closed the door behind him.

His eyes locked onto mine.

He wasn't irritated, nor was he angry.

He stared down at me, like he was assessing me.

“You're either insane,” he said quietly, “ or very certain.”

I smiled.

“Both.”

I slowly turned the contract towards him.

“Sign here,” I said, tapping the first page. “And here.”

The lawyer adjusted his glasses, hesitating but Louis?— he didn't hesitate.

He picked up the pen and for a brief second there, our eyes met again.

I smiled, nudged the book before staring at the lawyer.

Right outside, the sound of distant shouting grew louder, I knew too well that the press had arrived.

He slowly lowered his pen to the paper and then he signed.

Once.

Then twice.

The sound of the final stroke felt louder than the chaos that was brewing outside.

I leaned back into my chair as I watched the ink dry up.

“Congratulations,” I said softly, still smiling.

The ink had barely dried when we both stepped out of the registrar's office.

The press had already begun to gather outside the gates, but we had bypassed them through the back exit.

Inside the car, the silence that followed was insane.

Louis removed his jacket slowly and folded it beside him.

I could feel his gaze on me, it felt measured and calculated.

“How,” he began, his voice was even, “did you know—”

“Thank you,” I cut in smoothly.

“For what?” He paused.

“For getting married to me.”

I watched the corner of his mouth twitch slightly, without amusement and interest.

I crossed my legs calmly and smiled back.

“I'll lay down the plan,” I continued. “Take this like a two—way street.”

“I scratch yours while you scratch mine.” I added.

He didn't interrupt me this time.

“First of all, your bride won't be coming, and that's the main reason you got stood up and also I know there's a reason you agreed to marry the woman your parents chose for you,” I said.

“And what's that?” He muttered.

“Influence and maybe a merger perhaps.”

His eyes darkened slightly

“I think you should let your parents know,” I added

“Anout what?”

“That you found a better option.”

The air stood still as he stared at me, then he asked quietly, breaking the brief silence.

“Who are you?”

I didn't stutter, instead I turned to face him fully.

“Joan Montclaire.”

His eyes widened as he stared at me.

“Hold on, are you not meant to be Harry Valmont's bride for tomorrow.”

“Oh. you heard “ I said, smiling.

“But either way, I am now a Gonzalez.”

I guess that did it.

For the first time since I entered his car, something shifted behind his eyes— followed by a smirk.

He nodded slowly and the rest of the ride passed up in a thoughtful silence.

The moment we pulled up in front of my house, he stepped out first and opened the door for me. But before I could move away, his hand suddenly caught my waist. Before I could react, his lips brushed mine.

I didn't hesitate— I pushed him away instantly.

“What was that for?” I muttered.

“Damn— who says I can't kiss my wife.” He said, swiping the side of his lips.

“Really, right outside my house?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Joan, I'll have my people come pick you up tomorrow—so I think you need to get your things ready.”

I laughed—hard.

“Are you serious? Who told you I'll be free, I do have a wedding to attend tomorrow— so don't bother, I'll let you know once I'm free.”

“And if I may ask, whose wedding is that?”

“Mine,” I answered with a smile.

“What¿.” He was about to protest, but I smiled, winked and waved at him before walking straight to my front door.

****

The moment I entered the house, the air had already shifted.

Harry was already there.

waiting.

Fuming.

“Where were you?” He demanded, his tie was loosened and his expression was tight and filled with irritation.

In my previous life, that tone would have made me nervous.

But now, it bored me.

I yawned lightly.

“I had a few errands to attend to,” I said casually, walking past him towards the stairs.

“Joan!” He snapped.

I paused halfway up and looked back at him, his face was barely unreadable.

“I've had a long day,” I said calmly. “ And by the way, tomorrow is our wedding and I need my sleep.”

His jaw clenched, as I could clearly see the anger in his eyes.

I didn't wait for another word, I walked to my room and closed the door.