Reborn to the Day I Chose My Nemesis

Beryl

Walking into the hall filled with dignitaries and business men did not fill me with the usual enthusiasm. If anything, I wanted to leave already.

“Beryl, you look so stunning.” Elizabeth Barnes, one of our first partners, and a good friend.

I stretched my hand out for a handshake but she pulled me into a side hug instead.

“Hi, Elizabeth. You look good too.”

“Oh thank you darling! Had to dress to impress, your parties are always superb.”

She had also said those exact words to Linda when she took my place.

I forced a smile. “The pleasure is all mine. It's good to have you. Enjoy yourself.”

I walked away before she could keep me rooted with small talk. My eyes scanned the hall, stopping occasionally to exchange half-hearted greetings with my guests.

He wasn't here.

“Babe,” the hairs on the back of my neck stood, and I had to remind myself to smile when I was spun around, coming face to face with Luke.

His smile fell as he took in my dress, but he schooled his expression immediately.

“You changed your outfit.”

“Yes,” I ran my hands over it and cocked my head to the side, “Don't you like it?”

“I love it!” He said a tad bit too excitedly, “it looks amazing on you. I just thought we'd match.”

“Really?” He pointed to the red tie he had on, its pattern similar to the dress I would have worn. “Oh-” my heart softened, “I didn't…”

Linda came into frame before I could finish my sentence, wearing the exact replica of my original outfit.

Oh

The smile she had on disappeared and her eyes raked over my outfit, “this isn't your outfit.”

“Yeah, probably because you are wearing it.” I said with a sweet smile, “it looks good on you, better than it would have on me. Inform me next time if you plan on matching with me, so I wouldn't disappoint you.”

Her mouth opened, then closed, and she turned to Luke, teary eyed. “I told you she'd be offended by this.”

I raised a brow, eyes wandering between the both of them.

“You didn't have to be so mean, Babe.”

“Mean? I wasn't even…”

“I'm sorry,” she interrupted, gripping the sides of the dress with her head lowered, “I know it's your big day today, I only wanted to participate in your joy. If I had known it'd make you change the outfit you planned…” She paused, her shoulders shook, and when she looked up at me, tears were now streaming down her face.

What the hell?

“Linda, what are you doing?”

“I-” She sobbed loudly and Luke pulled her to himself, that was when I noticed the odd silence in the room and I looked around.

Everyone’s attention was on us. They were all looking and whispering to each other, their faces set in disapproval.

“You didn't have to make her cry,” Luke sounded disappointed and my eyes bulged.

“I didn't even do anything.”

“People are watching,” he said in a whisper, as if he was just noticing it, “go up and get the announcement started, I'll take her somewhere quiet.”

He tried to walk away with her, but I grabbed his arm.

“What are you doing?” He asked through clenched teeth, “People are watching.”

They always are, and I refuse to be the villain this time.

“You don't have to cry, Linda” I said in a sickening sweet tone, raising my voice just so others could hear me as well. “I don't have a problem with you stealing my dress.”

She immediately raised her head from Luke's shoulder, her tears dried.

“I didn't steal it, I just wanted to match.”

“Oh,” my smile widened, “that's fine. I have no problem with that, next time I'll give you a heads up on what I'm wearing so you don't break down in public.”

Her face turned red, and her bottom lip trembled.

I grinned and patted her shoulder then walked up to the stage. The disapproval on their faces had now morphed into confusion, and I gave myself an imaginary pat on the back.

“Good evening ladies, and gentlemen,” I got cheers and claps in response, causing me to beam even more even as my eyes swept around the room once again, my heart sinking into my stomach as I realized yet again that he wasn't here.

That meant my father was still at that nursing home. So much for giving him a chance.

I gripped the mic a little tighter, “it's a pleasure to have you all here tonight, thank you so much for gracing my invitation. Gathering together to have fun and celebrate does not always need a cause, but tonight, I have a very special announcement to make…”

My heart picked up its beat, faster and louder than the anticipatory cheers I got.

Luke and Linda shuffled closer to each other, Luke grinned as we made eye contact and I shuddered.

Once, I would have regarded that as excitement towards a future with me, but now… it hurts to even think about.

My gaze flickered to the door, hoping he'd just walk in, but the door remained tightly shut.

I guess it's all up to me now. But my choices were all limited.

“You've got this,” Luke mouthed.

“Just as you all are gathered tonight, celebrating with me. There is one, whom I have celebrated with the longest, and whom I see myself celebrating even more with in the future.”

“Awww….” The crowd chorused.

“I guess you all know where I am going with this,” I chuckled, making a decision on the spot.

It might not have worked out with Zach, but there is more than one way to win this.

“It's with happiness and a full heart that I wish to announce and officially invite you all to…” the door was pushed open, and everywhere went dead silent for a couple of heartbeats then the murmurs and questions started.

“Zach.” I whispered into the mic, failing to keep the excitement out of my voice.

Everyone steered clear off his path, making way for him as he marched straight to the podium where I stood.

“Already making the announcement?” I nodded and a corner of his lips tugged up. Then he took my hand in his and gently removed the diamond ring I had on, then tossed it aside before he brought out an even bigger one and slid it into my finger. “Go on.”