Joanne’s POV:
As soon as Arec left the ballroom, I felt the smile slip off my face like a mask I was relieved to be rid of.
I stood there, watching his broad back as he disappeared through the grand doors, and let out a quiet, frustrated sigh.
This evening had gone almost exactly as I had anticipated, except for the irritating twinge of jealousy still bubbling under my calm exterior.
That blonde woman, how dare she? I could still picture her sidling up to Arec, flashing that ridiculous, overly flirtatious smile.
She had practically draped herself over him, her voice a nauseating mix of sweetness and desperation.
I had been watching from across the room, and for one agonizing mont, I felt my composure start to crack.
But I didn’t get to where I am by losing my cool. I tid my approach perfectly, sweeping in just before that shaless woman could sink her claws into him.
I will never allow Arec to have attention of another woman order than .
No one else could have his attention. Not when I had worked so hard, waited so long.
I smoothed my dress and took a deep breath, forcing myself to maintain my poise. No one could see falter, not now.
Especially not after all the groundwork I’d laid tonight. When Arec’s grandmother suggested that Arec and I would make a good match, I saw the way Arec’s expression tightened, the way his brows furrowed slightly.
I knew that look all too well. It was the sa one he wore whenever soone tried to pin him down, to make him commit to sothing he didn’t want. That’s why I had to play it smart, laugh it off, and pretend like I had no idea what her grandmother has planned for us.
I’ve always known how to handle Arec. If I ca on too strong, he would only push back harder. I had to be strategic, make him believe that everything was his choice, his decision. And if that ant pretending I wasn’t interested, then so be it.
After all, I’ve been waiting for this mont for years. I made a promise to myself a long ti ago that one day, I would marry Arec.
I used to stay up late at night, dreaming of what our life together would be like. Back then, I thought leaving for Paris would be the key.
I thought creating so distance would make Arec miss , realize what he had lost, and finally see as more than just his childhood friend. But those dreams had started to fade with each week that passed, as his calls beca fewer and farther between until they eventually stopped altogether.
But now I’m back. And this ti, I’m not going to let him slip through my fingers.
Just as I was ntally fortifying myself for the days ahead, I heard Arec’s grandmother approach. Her voice, always so soft yet commanding, broke through my thoughts. "Joanne, darling," she said, resting a hand on my arm, "don’t you find my Arec attractive?"
I turned to face her, quickly slipping back into my sweet, agreeable persona. I plastered on a smile, the kind that always worked with older won like her. "Of course, Grandmother," I replied smoothly. "Arec is a very attractive man. But we mustn’t pressure him. He’s always needed to co to things in his own ti."
Her chuckle was one of approval, and I knew I had her exactly where I wanted her. "You’re such a wise young woman. That’s why I knew you were the right choice for my Arec. He’s always been stubborn, but you’ve always had a way of understanding him that no one else does. That’s why I called you back from Paris, I knew you were the only one who could get through to him."
Her words were like music to my ears. The truth was, I didn’t need much convincing to return. The mont she ntioned the idea of marriage, I was on the next flight ho. Paris had been fun, sure, but it was never my endga. Arec was.
"I appreciate your confidence in , Grandmother," I said, letting a note of humility creep into my voice. "But I think we need to take things slow. I’ll visit him tomorrow at his office, see how he’s doing. We don’t want to push him too hard too fast."
The older woman nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering my words. "You’re right, of course. But don’t be afraid to show him what he’s missing. Arec is a good man, but sotis he’s a bit blind to what’s right in front of him. If he doesn’t see what a wonderful wife you’d make, we might have to give him a little nudge."
I laughed softly, even though inside I was reveling in how perfectly everything was falling into place. Arec’s grandmother was proving to be my greatest ally. I knew she wanted what was best for him, and in my mind, there was no one better for him than .
"Don’t worry, Grandmother," I reassured her, my tone warm and sincere. "I’ll handle everything. We just need to give him so ti. He’ll co around, I’m sure of it."
Her smile was one of satisfaction, and I knew I had her trust completely. "You’re such a clever girl, Joanne. Arec is lucky to have you in his life. Now, let’s discuss a few things. I have so ideas on how you can win him over. After all, it’s not just about being there, it’s about making him see that you’re the one he needs."
As she started outlining her "tips" for winning Arec’s heart, I listened carefully, nodding in agreent. Most of what she said was basic advice, show interest in his work, make him feel needed, be supportive, but there were a few suggestions that bordered on manipulative. I filed those away for later use, smiling and nodding at the appropriate monts.
"Rember," she continued, lowering her voice slightly as if to share a secret, "Arec needs a woman who can challenge him, but also soone who knows when to let him take the lead. He likes his independence, but he also needs to feel like he’s the protector. You have to strike that balance, Joanne. Be strong, but not too strong. Show him that you can be his partner, but also that you understand the importance of family and tradition."
I nodded again, her words resonating with . She was right, of course. Arec needed soone who could play both roles, and I was more than ready to be that person. After all, I had waited this long, I could wait a little longer if it ant getting what I wanted.
As we laughed together over our plans, I felt a surge of determination. This was it. This was the mont I had been waiting for. I was going to make Arec mine, and nothing, not his stubbornness, not his career, not even his grandmother, was going to stand in my way.
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