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Jennifer

It’s so awkward to be sitting here while Elyna keeps rebuking someone on the other side of the call.

I pulled out my phone to check if Monica has blessed me with any reply yet. She didn't say anything after she read my text that I’m gonna spend my day with Walter and Elyna. I understand it very well that she doesn’t like her cousin but I have to interact with her as she's my brother’s fiancé.

“What’s your name?” Elyna’s voice made me look up to find she’s talking to the guy who just placed her order on the table.

“James.” He replied with a dazzling smile.

Walter didn’t hesitate to ask me to play another game on his tablet, ignoring them completely. I had to shush him to listen to the latest Monica kinda tea unfolding right in front of me.

“So James, you better remember your place before writing your phone number on my drink. I don’t forgive. I hope you have a good day until tonight as you won’t have a job to return to tomorrow.” She turned her focus back on the drink while James looked on the verge of falling apart. What just happened?

She then took a sip of her drink, “Oh my, this is awful. You better change your profession while we are at it. Maybe try cleaning next time.” She freaking smiled as if she’s complimenting him and then proceeded to empty the contents of the coffee on the polished marble floor.

I stood up at once as this is cruel. Monica was right when she warned me that she might look like an angel but has a soul of an evil spirit.

James looked on the verge of an emotional turmoil. Elyna’s father is a powerful Politician so I can imagine the different scenarios going through his mind.

I was about to lash out at Elyna for her words and actions when James pleaded, “I’m sorry, Madam. I didn’t know you would be offended but please don’t fire me, I have bills to pay.”

“You won’t lose your job. I’m sorry on her behalf.” I said politely knowing fully well that she wouldn't apologize and then I turned to Elyna, “You better clean this mess before my father hears about it.” She looked at me with an indignant expression before a look passed between her and her bodyguards.

The bodyguards then stepped inside the private room to clean up the mess she created. Well, I sounded so much like Draco Malfoy but I don't care.

“You won’t lose your job. Get back to work. And don’t take her words to heart, she doesn’t mean them.” Walter said politely and since he still looked a bit disheartened, I added, “I loved the coffee you made earlier. If I lived closer, I would have come here everyday before classes.” I smiled as I gave thumbs up.

“Thank you.” He gave a small smile and left.

“Being polite with everyone wouldn’t get you anywhere. People like them always look for a chance to get with us. I have seen enough people running after money.” Elyna said after putting her phone aside.

“Next time, if you don’t like something just try not to threaten people and not comment about their personal life. Although I understand your view about people getting close to us for money, it’s absolutely unacceptable to treat them the way you did by spilling the contents of coffee.” Walter, like always being a gentleman, said it as politely and sweetly as he could. “I’ll fetch a drink for you.”

“Sure, I could do that.” She smiled broadly but when Walter was almost out of sight, I heard her mutter, “around you”. What?! That sure sounded a lot like I'd do horrible things but I will be careful that you wouldn't witness it.

I could sense Elyna staring at me for some time now.

I diverted my attention to her, “Is there something you would like to say to me?” I’m pretty sure she’s mad that I talked to her that way.

“Just wondering...” She looked at her phone and this time her face lit up like she won a jackpot. What? I thought she would be mad.

“Your brother doesn’t even have the decency to introduce his sister. I knew I had seen you somewhere, you were the talk at Hernandez’s party for that Million dollar dress styled with an ancestral diamond necklace. I’m pretty sure your mother is going to hand that necklace to me after the wedding.” She stated the fact with a smile playing on her lips.

When I didn’t give her the reaction she was expecting, she continued, “I heard there was a fire incident at your university.”

That piqued my interest, “How do you know?” I’m pretty sure Monica doesn’t talk to her. Wait, how does she even know where I’m studying at, pretty sure that information is kind of confidential.

“I have my ways.” She remarked and at the same time Walter came back and I mouthed, ‘Oh my god. She’s just like Mom.’ He sighed, then proceeded to hand the drink to her, took a seat across from Elyna and pointed towards his phone. My phone beeped so I checked it.

Walter:
I made that drink myself!

Me:
Wow, husband duties even when not a few minutes ago you wanted to get away from her

Walter:
Have you seen the way she reacts? Of course, I had to make it myself.

Me:
I hope you can deal with her. What if she wants to move in with you right away? You would be welcomed with a bottle of sanitizer every day.
How lovely!

Walter:
Damn. I'm doomed.

I looked up and he gave me a look saying she’s-bad-news. The said bad- news spoke so we looked at her. “I want this ring.” She showed us a picture of a ring which is a single rectangular shaped big diamond which would definitely cover half of her finger.

That’s a freaking 40 carat diamond ring.

“So basically something everyone can see within a radius of one kilometer.” Walter muttered which I was able to hear only because I'm sitting between the two of them.

“Did you say something?” She inquired as one of the bodyguards pulled an ipad out from his suit inside pocket and handed it to her.

“He said it looks perfect.” I spoke hurriedly with a fake smile as Elyna opened up a folder marked as Wedding Planning with gazillion folders in it and somehow managed to scroll down & opened the folder of couple wedding rings and passed it to Walter who looked like he would rather knock his head against the wall.

“Like I thought.” She then proceeded to drink her coffee without saying anything. Surprisingly, she didn’t complain about her coffee this time as she drank every last drop of it. She then sanitized her hands while Walter and I shared a knowing look of what-the-hell-should-we-talk-about-now.

I sat in silence passing fake smiles every now and then when Walter would include me in the conversation about their engagement decorations. She sure has a lot of stuff planned beforehand and isn’t taking any opinion of Walter because she would eventually tell him that his choice wouldn't matter as it would be her big day. Every passing second felt like a punishment. Damn those Harry Styles Concert tickets.

We spent quite some time at the jewelry store. Elyna selected a design of the ring which matches the picture she had shown us earlier and as for Walter, the salesperson was shocked when he selected the first ring presented to him.

“I need another two rings around this one.” Elyna told the salesperson just when I thought we were done.

“Are you sure?” Walter asked, stepping between Elyna and me. He took her glove covered hand in his and examined it carefully. If someone else was looking he might think they are in love or something but up close it's a no after what he said next.

“Your delicate finger might fall off with that much weight.” He said seriously that I had to take a few steps back and cover up my mouth with my hand to control my laughter. God, Walter really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.

They were arguing when I spotted a ouroboros diamond necklace which looked quite intricate on display with its enthralling beauty. I loved the details like how each diamond was placed with perfection to create a perfect loop. I immediately tried it and eventually ended up buying it.

Dress shopping with Elyna is worse than hell. At some point, I was seriously considering leaving the tour tickets for good. I had to remind myself that I need them badly and this wasn't only for me but Audrey as well. We have been wanting to go on his tour for a long time now. I have endured it till now, I'm sure I'll deal with it somehow.

Elyna eyed the strapless black slit dress in my hands, “By the way, if I were you, I would buy that. You might not be able to wear that after a year.” I raised an eyebrow in question.

“Why won't I be able to wear that?” Who is she to say something like that?

“You really have no idea, do you?” She said looking skeptically at her phone which continued going off indicating text messages. Who is she texting?

“I should have known you were, that Jennifer, Monica kept mentioning at family dinners. No wonder Monica is going crazy.” What the hell is wrong with her? Monica is texting her but why would she do that?

“Are you going to explain or what?” I asked, crossing my arms. It appears she knows something I don't.

“I don't have an obligation, do I? And I don't see your brother here. Is he out there cheating on me already?” This made me really furious that I could punch her right there but I did look around and Walter wasn't here.

Only her bodyguards were looking pointedly as if I’m going to beat the crap out of her any second. I might just do that if she doesn't stop accusing my brother for something he would never do.

“Will you back off from this engagement if he’s ‘hypothetically’ cheating on you?” I pointed a finger at her for the effect. I always wanted to try this accusing finger thing. Focus, Jen. Focus.

“No, I wouldn’t but I’m surely going to beat up this lady for desiring something that never belonged to her. Now, come on, we need to get a backup dress as well.” She turned around and left to look for the dress the employee presented her with, completely ignoring the fact that she just accused my brother of cheating. Gosh, I want to get out of here.

“We already got it. The deep v-neck navy blue dress... remember?” I said following her. I can't do this anymore.

“I still need the backup’s backup.” God, what have I gotten myself into. Is it too late to run away? It seems like even Walter ran away. Where did he go? He wouldn't leave me like that. He must be around here. I texted him, ‘Where are you?’. I waited a minute or two but he didn't reply.

“Damn.” I involuntarily said it out loud.

“This foul language won't be appreciated. You should start working on that too. And enjoy your life while you still can.” She gave me a look which says how humiliating she feels in my presence. What the hell?

“I don't know about you. But this foul language is very much appreciated by me. Thank you for the advice though.” Where the hell did Walter disappear? I again looked around the store but surely he wasn't there so I resorted to calling him.

“Walter, where the hell are you?” I whispered so Elyna won’t be able to hear.

“Lego store. Where else would I be?” I can hear someone shouting in the background.

“Are you kidding me? I’m going crazy with your fiancée. Wait, did you just say that you’re at a kid store?” I exclaimed in pure bewilderment.

“First of all, it’s not a ‘kid store’. Jen, don't say that to anybody, people might think you're crazy.” He stated, while I could hear shouting in the background. “I took that damn thing first. Better luck next time buddy.” Walter shouted at somebody. I can't deal with this right now. He's the one sounding crazy right now.

“Whatever. Get back here, now.” I snapped.

“Alright. But let me at least buy the Eiffel Tower set, I'm in the queue. I’ll be there soon. Love you, bye.” And then I ended the call after saying—love you too—all the while smiling at Elyna so she won't suspect that her future husband is acting like a baby who left her to explore the Lego store.

He's a freak about his precious Legos. He even has a room especially for the very purpose which, mind you, is bigger than the master bedroom & closet combined.

I got myself banned from entering his Lego room—Heaven if you ask Walter—after I accidentally knocked out his Avengers Tower in a drunken state. Apparently, it took him one week to build that thing so he forbade me from entering without his presence. Turns out he put in more locks in place to the already multi-locked secured room.

I noticed Elyna looking at me expectantly so I said, “He had an important business call to attend. He'll be back soon.” I eyed the dress she chose which looked absolutely ridiculous because she won’t be able to walk properly. Although that dress would have been perfect if she were born a mermaid.

“Monica must have told you that I'm the crazy one. But did she mention the things she did?” She asked as she looked through more dresses.

“I have no obligation to answer that.” I repeated her words with a smirk but it vanished when she pointed out towards my left with her eyes and said, “Looks like your—whatever—has no respect for privacy. She goes around looking at people through her binoculars.”

I turned at once to notice a blonde girl with binoculars across the store from ours. Is that really Monica?

I opened my phone camera and zoomed in, then straight away pointed it at that person to find out it's indeed Monica who after noticing my attention tried to hide behind a mannequin. What is she even doing here? And how the hell Elyna can look that far and is confident enough to tell that it's Monica when I had to zoom in to check.

I stepped out of the store to notice her running. To think that she's running that fast in heels is beyond my understanding.

“Monica, wait!” I exclaimed but she wouldn't look back so I had to chase her. As she stepped down the escalator, she bumped straight into someone who turned out to be none other than Walter with a big box of Lego which by the way fell from his hands from the impact.

“Are you okay?” Walter asked, extending his hand as he got up. Woah, he's worrying about someone when his precious Lego box just fell out of his hands.

“Totally fine.” Monica said sarcastically, taking his hand for support and looked back at me with a guilty expression.

“Are you kidding me? Did you do that intentionally?” Walter’s pulled his hand away from hers. Woah, his behaviour changed one-eighty degrees the moment he saw that it was Monica.

“Is it your time of the month?” Monica questioned seriously as she got up by herself.

“Shut up, will you? You just broke my Lego. You planned it beforehand, didn’t you?” Walter asked pointedly while Monica was busy dusting off her clothes.

“How self obsessed are you? Get a life, I have other things to worry about than think about you of all people! I think you’re the one following me around.” She flipped her hair before proceeding to lower the binoculars in her bag so they are out of sight. Meanwhile, Walter lifted his Lego box off the floor.

“You’re crazy.” Walter uttered as he clutched his Lego set as if it’s a trophy of highest honour.

“Crazy...?” Monica questioned, then added with a thoughtful look, “Maybe you mean... crazy intelligent, sweet, lovable, awesome?”

“Just crazy crazy.” Walter rolled his eyes before adding, “You might have damaged my Lego set.” He looked back at his Lego set as if to check its condition.

“Oh please, if anything, your... whatever, did more damage to me. Do you realise how heavy that thing is?” She arched her eyebrow in question.

“I agree, you might have not only damaged my Lego but a part of your brain as well, Cerebrum to be specific while you were running crazily.” Walter said, pointing a finger at the said region of the brain.

“What's going on?” Elyna asked as she came to stand right beside me and watched the scene unfold before focusing her attention on me, “You said he had business to attend.”

“He did need to make some important business calls. He must have stumbled into the Lego store after he was done attending business.” I made up a lie which I don’t think anyone would buy but she didn’t comment as we turned our attention back to my brother and Monica who were still bickering.

“That thing has cardboard to protect it but my iconic body would have been bruised. Have you ever heard a word called manners?” Monica retorts with a satisfied smile spread across her face.

“Oh really. So you couldn’t walk properly and it’s my Lego’s fault. Do you even care that it was the last box in there and I fought to get my hands on this baby.” Walter pulled out his phone from his pocket & sent a quick text to someone. Did he just call the box baby? I am embarrassed right now.

“Then you should have come early.” Monica said, putting her hands on her hips.

“You. You keep getting on my nerves. The box is damaged on this side.” Walter said inspecting the damage. I can't believe he’s a businessman because he’s acting like a freaking child right now.

Okay, it’s time to interrupt before it gets out of hand.

“Walter, don’t worry. I'm sure the Lego is just fine.” Walter nodded but not before sending a glare at Monica.

“And Monica, what are you doing here with binoculars?” Monica gave a sly smile & used her index finger to tuck the hair out of her face. That’s our secret signal to indicate that we will talk about it later so I nodded.

“Jen, stop hanging around with a devil. I don’t like this bonding session one bit.” Monica pleaded with her eyes after giving Elyna a side-eye.

“She’s my fiancé and I won’t appreciate this rude behaviour.” Walter replied in my stead as if talking to one of his clients.

I mouthed, ‘sorry’ to Monica. Walter got a call so he excused himself. Monica said, “Jen, remember we need to do a group assignment for a business project so why not leave them be.” She suggested. I knew what she was doing but I didn't want to reprimand her in front of her arch-enemy so I nodded.

“Walter, I didn’t know she would follow me like a stalker.” Elyna said sweetly and Walter mouthed, ‘I know. I’ll be back in a few’ before leaving with his precious Lego box. So she turned to me and continued, “This is my uncultured cousin Monica Rodriguez. She looks at people without their consent through her binoculars. She has no respect for privacy and—” Elyna got cut off.

“And Jennifer, I know I already told you so much. But hey, why not introduce the devil in person. This evil spirit goes around ruining people's lives. I bet she would destroy your idiot brother's life as well. Be careful because she fucking bites.” Monica countered.

And then it was like a battle had started in the middle of the shopping complex where I was left speechless.

“Says the one who sleeps around and ruins people’s life by fake promises of love.” Elyna's comment shot right through Monica as her eyes went wide before she fisted her hands.

“Don’t you dare talk to me about ruining lives. You did that enough with Jake. You fucking blackmailed him with his sister's life.”

“The person who couldn’t protect his family isn’t good to be connected to our family. For all I know, I saved you the trouble.”

“No one asked you to do that. It wasn’t your fucking business. And that’s manipulative behaviour right there.”

“Manipulative? This is care on my part for the family's name.”

“The world would flip the day you start caring about our family’s name.”

“Maybe you should start caring about your face. Start using anti-aging creams before people start calling you my mother.”

“You are just jealous because I am younger than you. If there's anyone who needs anti-aging creams then it’s pretty fucking much YOU B-I-T-C-H.”

“Says the one who has no idea that her body count has reached record high.”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Monica took a step closer as if she's just a second ago from throwing hands.

“Me? You need to stop it. And stop meddling with my business. I'm getting to know my in-laws better so it’s high time that you take your leave.” Elyna said, pointing her hand towards the exit.

“Oh really. Getting to know them?” She smiled in her signature evil smile, making me gulp. It’s never a good sign, however, Elyna’s bodyguards don't look even a least bit bothered by the commotion as if they are immune to these cousin-fights.

“What is your problem? And what was that with Walter? Are you trying to seduce him or something?” Elyna demanded with a dangerous edge in her voice.

Monica instantly noticed the change in her voice as well as she went on cockily, “Seduce Walter? If I were doing that then trust me he wouldn’t have thrown you a single glance which... by the way, he didn't. Huh, wasn’t able to impress him?”

“You don’t know anything. We are mature people who like space unlike some teenagers who would lie at home to go meet some homeless man by the lake.”

“He wasn’t homeless for fucks sake. I told you that he was struggling financially—NOT HOMELESS. And even at your ‘dress shopping’ your precious finacé was missing. Lost your touch?”

“We will talk about it when he devours me on my wedding night like a beast. And if you'd like you can peep through the window to witness it.” Disgusting. Does she even know what she's talking about?

“And on that note, I guess it's my cue to leave.” I muttered and stepped back only to stumble into someone who questioned in a low voice, “So whose side are we on?”

I shiver went down my spine knowing the source of the voice is none other than Mr. Reynolds. I haven’t seen him after that night in person. I whipped my head in his direction at once to find him staring down at me with a huge smile.

“How are you feeling now? Shouldn’t you be at home? Does it hurt anywhere? Are you having difficulty while walking? Why are you here? How did you—” He shut me off by placing a hand on my mouth.

“I’m absolutely fine. It's good to see you here. Would you—” This time I cut him off by taking his hand and heading somewhere private before Monica or Elyna spots us together.

I spotted the door to the stairs, often empty, making it the best option for privacy as people prefer escalators or elevators. So I dragged him along but once I opened the door, we heard a shriek and some curse words from a couple who was practically half naked. What the hell?

I quickly covered Mr. Reynolds eyes as I turned around so that they cover up in privacy. God these people! I'm getting second hand embarrassment and I'm pretty sure that my face would be bright red.

It took me a moment to compose myself. Once I was sure that the couple was out of sight, I removed my hand from his eyes & the moment we looked at each other, we burst out laughing.

And then I embraced him, “I’m so happy that you’re okay now. I was so worried. And I missed your lectures a lot.” I pulled back and smiled as he cupped my face.

“And I missed you.” He said with sincerity in his gorgeous eyes.

A/N: What are your thoughts about Elyna's odd comments?

What do think about Walter & Monica?

What do you think about Monica & Elyna's fight?

I hope you all have a wonderful day❤️