Chapter 175 They're Getting Married

I crossed my arms over my chest, my gaze calm and detached as it rested on Zia. Deep down, I knew exactly what would happen next. She was about to spiral into the same obsessive madness for Randall that Yvette had for me in my previous life—ready to do whatever it took to defend him, even if it meant causing trouble for me. Zia's love for Randall was no less intense than Yvette's once was. I was about to tell Nancy to leave now that her boyfriend had shown up, but Zia clung to Randall's sleeve, her body swaying unsteadily. "Randall, you've got it all wrong," she pleaded, her voice shaky but firm. "There's nothing inappropriate between Owen and me. We barely even talk outside of work. Everything he's done for me has been out of professional kindness. He's never crossed any boundaries." "And besides," she continued, her tears threatening to fall, "he's married. You know his wife. Let's stop fighting about this, okay? I don't want to argue with you anymore." I stared at Zia, surprised by her clarity even in her drunken state. For someone so obviously in love, she was still willing to defend me. But this defense would only add fuel to the fire. Randall's pride wouldn't let this slide. Men like him often cared more about saving face than understanding the truth. As Zia's tears began to fall, Randall's anger only seemed to grow. He let out a bitter laugh, his voice sharp with sarcasm. "I'm not arguing about that nonsense. What I'm asking is why you're not angry that he hit me. Your boyfriend got humiliated, and you're not even upset? Is this the love you're so proud of?" Zia froze, her face turning pale as her hands clenched the fabric of his shirt. Her red-rimmed eyes filled with fresh tears. "How can you not see how much I love you? Why are you trying to humiliate me like this?" she choked out. "Owen has helped me so much. If it weren't for him, I'd still be the most insignificant employee at the company, stuck making coffee and fetching packages. I wouldn't even know how to use a drawing tablet." Her voice trembled as she continued, "Why do you keep doubting our relationship? It's been three years, Randall. Haven't I earned your trust by now? And what about you? "What's going on with you and that rich, beautiful woman? I've seen how close you are with her. But because I love you, I chose not to doubt you. Don't treat me like a fool!" Tears streamed down her face as she broke down completely. Randall's expression shifted, a flicker of pain and guilt crossing his face. Then, his voice turned cold and dismissive. "Fine. You want to know who she is? That's Ms. Jenning." Zia's eyes widened in shock. Her body stiffened as if she'd been struck by lightning, and she stared at him in disbelief. "Ms. Jenning? You mean Owen's wife, Yvette Jenning? How could you… How could you get involved with a married woman? Randall, have you completely lost your mind? Or are you just being used?" Nancy stepped forward, her usual playfulness gone, replaced by pure indignation. "You're spouting nonsense. Yvette would never cheat, let alone mess around with some guy. Watch your mouth!" I remained silent, my expression as calm as still water. I didn't need to say a word—I knew Yvette's history with Randall all too well. Randall wiped the water from his face, his demeanor cold and proud. "Who would use money and real feelings to lie? Owen knows all of this. If you don't believe me, ask him. And besides, Yvette's no longer married. She's divorced now." He paused for a moment, his voice suddenly filled with arrogance. "She divorced Owen to marry me. While we were abroad, she prepared everything for us, even buying a house. At the time, I wasn't ready, but now? I've said yes. So you can go be with Owen, and I'll move on with Yvette." Zia's entire body shook, her face paling as tears rolled down her cheeks. It was as if she were staring at a stranger, not the man she had loved for years. Nancy's beautiful face twisted in anger. "You're insane! Even if my sister is divorced, there's no way it's because she wanted to marry you! Do you even hear how ridiculous you sound?" I let out a cold laugh, the pieces finally falling into place. The timing of my divorce and Randall's newfound confidence wasn't a coincidence. Yvette must've told him everything while they were abroad. It all made sense now—her sudden change in attitude, her bizarre attempts to keep me close while clearly moving on. She'd already decided to replace me with Randall, yet she couldn't let go of her need for control. I couldn't hold back my contempt anymore. "So you're proud of being someone's backup plan? Fine. Enjoy the trash I've thrown away, Randall. It suits you." Turning to Zia, I gently pulled her away from him. Her body was trembling, her lips quivering as sobs racked her frame. "Let's go, Zia," I said softly, ignoring Randall's glare. "Nancy, we're leaving." As I walked past Randall, I couldn't resist one last jab. "You just lost a woman who truly loved you, Randall. One day, you'll regret it." In the car, Zia broke down completely, her sobs echoing in the confined space. Her face was red and swollen as she choked out words through her tears. "Owen… is it true? Is what Randall said true? I always thought Yvette was too nice to him, but I never wanted to believe it. I trusted him, even when I felt jealous. But now… now, they're getting married?"