Married To My Ex-Husband’s Rival by Jobet GraySon

Chapter Twenty Three

Third–person POV

Richard waited anxiously in his car outside Amber’s apartment building. They had agreed that he would pick her up so they could go together to meet his parents. He had called her the previous night to inform her of the meeting, and to his surprise, she agreed immediately, her voice filled with unexpected confidence as she assured him that he had nothing to worry about.

But Richard couldn’t shake off his nerves. There was a lot at stake, and he didn’t want Amber to make any mistakes or say anything that might give away the fact that their marriage was a contract, a business arrangement. He wanted her to blend in seamlessly to win his parents‘ trust and approval.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally caught sight of Amber making her way down from her apartment. The sight of her took his breath away. She looked completely different from what he was accustomed to seeing.

Today, she had dressed elegantly, exuding a sense of sophistication that he hadn’t witnessed before, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her, studying every detail, from the way she carried herself to the grace with which she moved.

Amber, noticing his intense gaze, arched an eyebrow and asked, “Is there something wrong with how I’m dressed? Did I miss the memo on the dress code?”

Richard quickly composed himself, realizing that he might have been staring for too long. “No, no, nothing’s wrong at all. I’m just… surprised. You look absolutely beautiful, Amber.”

She scoffed, a hint of amusement touching her eyes. “Well, Richard, just because you’ve only seen me in casual fits or like a black widow doesn’t mean I can’t pull off looking stunning every now and

then.”

A smile tugged at Richard’s lips, and he shook his head. “No, of course not. I just… I didn’t expect this, that’s all.”

Amber smirked and threw him a playful look. “Careful now, Richard. Don’t go falling for me just because I’ve glammed up. We still have a contract to uphold, remember?”

Richard chuckled, a knowing t

Ad skipped.

That will never happen.”

With a playful roll of her eyes, she darted toward the car, gracefully sliding into the passenger sea

Chapter Twenty Three

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his eyes. He had never seen this side of her before, and for the first time, he felt a sense of pride at the fact that she was going

soft. “Richard, I meant what I said. I won’t make any mistakes, and I won’t let your parents catch onto the fact

do is trust me.”

at Amber, who was sitting beside him in the car. He could sense the tension radiating

trust you completely to handle yourself well in front of my parents,” he said, his voice gentle. “But if, at any point, you start feeling nervous or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to let me know. Remember,

I appreciate your trust. I’ll do my

towards him, her eyes filled with worry. “What should I tell your parents if they ask us how we met and fell in love?” she asked delicately. “I

marriage could raise eyebrows, especially considering Amber’s recent divorce. Taking a deep breath, he searched for the right words. “Honestly, coming up with elaborate stories about love is not my strong suit,” he admitted with a rueful smile. “I did tell them

you can convince

an exaggerated sigh, playfully rolling her eyes. “Oh great, I have to pull off an Oscar–worthy

tension ease, if only for a moment. “I have

a small smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, Richard. I’ll do as

my rock and my

F, 23 Feb |

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Chapter Twenty Three

humor in her eyes. “Even if it does sound cringeworthy,”

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the grand Romero Mansion, Amber’s jaw dropped in awe at the sight before her. The sheer size and magnificence of the mansion were breathtaking. Unconsciously, she let out

with a hint of amusement in

with a

her face. “Richard, this

her voice filled with

“Amber,

might I add, is pretty wealthy himself. I