Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Simon couldn't hear Louis' furious shouting on the other end of the line. His fists clenched, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. In that instant, Janice's past words came flooding back-each one sharper and clearer than ever.

"Do you really think you've been supporting me all these years? What if I became famous one day? In your eyes, I'll never be good enough. You tore me down in every competition... You misjudged me because you never truly knew me."

Now, every word landed like a slap. It was hot, stinging, and laced with bitter regret.

But if she was so skilled, why had she kept it from him? If she had just told him the truth, he would have valued her so much more. Why had she hidden it?

Simon bent down and picked up his now-silent phone. Without hesitation, he turned back toward the hotel. He needed answers.

Frustration, resentment, and disbelief roiled inside him like a storm, making his head throb under the weight of it all. Now, every passing second felt excruciating.

Despite the head waiter's repeated scoldings, Simon barely registered a word. His mind was a haze, his movements sluggish as he carried out his tasks without thought.

Even with a mask covering his face, his vacant, distracted demeanor was impossible to miss. Several customers had already filed complaints.

Meanwhile, the private room where Janice and Celine sat remained eerily silent with no signs of movement.

Simon's impatience grew with every passing second, and his gaze stayed locked on that door.

Janice had already spotted him from inside the room earlier. Those eyes-she would recognize them anywhere. Nonetheless, she made no effort to hide.

Just then, Celine asked, "Simon Fitzgerald and that woman who caused trouble for you at the last competition-who exactly are they?"

She was, of course, firmly on

Janice's side. Now that she knew

veto

Janice was actually Shirley, she was even more determined to hold such an extraordinary talent. Naturally, she intended to protect her at all costs.

Janice pondered for a moment before giving a concise answer. "They're my enemies. Simon is likely already in contact with Onley Group."

"Onley Group?" Celine's expression darkened. Lowering her voice, she warned, "They're ruthless. Once they set their sights on something, they won't stop until they get it. You need to be extremely careful."

"They've threatened me before. That's why I ran," Janice admitted. "But it's only a matter of time before they recognize me."

Celine's brows knitted together in thought. After a brief pause, she pulled out her phone and sent an email to Janice.noveldrama

"This contains evidence of Onley Group's former chairman coercing and bribing seamstresses. Keep it safe. If you ever find yourself in danger, this could buy you some time."

Celine had no fear of Onley Group as

the International Crochet Union stood firmly behind her. But Janice had no such protection. Onley Group didn't need to end her life to destroy her, All they had to do was take her hands, and that alone would be enough.

She was treading dangerous ground.

Onley Group's former chairman had a reputation for forcing people into impossible situations. Celine knew that all too well.

"Alright. Thank you." Janice lifted her glass in a toast. "I've arranged a place for you to stay. If you need anything while you're here, just let me know."

Celine smiled. "And about what I asked-"

Janice sighed. "If you can give me a little more time, I'll consider it. But right now, I'm swamped with a commission that's extremely time-sensitive."