Successful Performance

"Why is Jayden doing this? Was this his plan all along?" Grace thought, her lips trembling with deep disappointment. Although she maintained a smile on her face, deep down, she groaned with disappointment. "All the future plans I dreamed of are shattered just like that. Can't I find my own happiness without having to see my downfall being showcased like this?" Grace swallowed her frustration and tried to hold back the tears that wanted to flow. As if her smile came at a high cost, her heart tried to soothe the pain that filled her chest. "I can't show this weakness. I have to be strong," Grace whispered to herself, trying to convince herself while watching the unwanted display of affection. In his heart, Jayden felt an uncontrollable satisfaction seeing the reactions of Grace's parents and her father, Jonathan. Seeing their confusion and disappointment, he felt pleased that his plan was going as desired. "I know this is rude, but finally, they can feel the regret like I've felt all this time," Jayden thought to himself, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face. He felt empowered in this situation, burying the guilt in his heart, immersed in personal satisfaction that made him feel like he was indirectly avenging. "They can't force me to go through an arranged marriage I dislike. This is when they realize," he continued in a victorious mindset. While Grace's parents and her father tried to contain their fury, Jayden felt like the winner in this battle of wills. Although he knew his actions might have consequences, at this moment, he felt in control of his own life. In her heart, Agatha felt a creeping nervousness. "This is all part of the plan, Agatha. You have to look perfect," she whispered to herself, trying to calm her frayed nerves. She hoped wholeheartedly that her acting would successfully cover up the uncertainty within her. "Jayden, you really know how to impress me. But remember, this is just acting. Don't let my heartbeat influence this performance," Agatha thought, trying to separate her personal feelings from the character she was portraying. Seeing the confusion on the faces of Grace's parents and Jonathan, Agatha swallowed hard to contain her nervousness. "My hope is to make this performance so convincing that they won't realize it's all just a play," she continued in her mind, hoping that her affectionate acting with Jayden would help execute their plan flawlessly. As Jayden uttered sweet words, Agatha felt her heart racing. "Impressive, Jayden. You almost got me carried away. But remember, this is just a game," she muttered to herself, trying to quell the almost overwhelming emotions. Grace's father's face reddened, and with anger, he slammed the table in front of them. "Jonathan! You've deceived us! This is unacceptable!" he shouted thunderously, filling the restaurant with his roar. Jonathan felt surprised and fell silent for a moment. His face reflected disappointment and confusion, realizing that his meticulously prepared plan was now in shambles. "What's happening? Why did everything change in an instant?" Jonathan thought to himself, trying to compose his words to explain. However, the sharp gaze from Grace's father made him realize that any explanation wouldn't calm the now overflowing anger. "I can't continue this arranged marriage! This is all because of your deception, Jonathan! You're truly insane!" Grace's father shouted, his tone full of disappointment. Jonathan tried to speak. "Please, listen to my explanation. There is clarity you need to know," he said pleadingly, but Grace's father only covered his ears and grew angrier. The situation in the restaurant turned chaotic. Jayden, Agatha, and Layla, in their own delight, watched their plan unravel. Although wanting to explain, Jonathan felt that this was not the right time and tried to accept that everything had changed beyond his control. After Grace's parents left in anger, Jonathan seethed with frustration and his emotions exploded. He cursed loudly, expressing his disappointment in Jayden standing before him. "You've made a mess! Your plan has ruined everything!" Jonathan shouted, his face reddened with blazing anger. Without giving Jayden a chance to explain, Jonathan, his hands trembling with anger, slapped Jayden hard. The sound of the painful slap instantly created a moment of silence in the room. "You've disgraced this family! Damn it! I won't tolerate your foolishness anymore!" Jonathan shouted, his voice filled with disappointment and anger. Jonathan then glared at Jayden with sharp eyes. "I'll transfer the company to Cakra! Your stepbrother might be more trustworthy than you!" he declared, announcing his decision with full conviction. Jayden, although just slapped and faced with his father's heavy decision, didn't seem surprised or upset. Instead, a thin smile appeared on his lips, suggesting hidden satisfaction. "Thank you. It's better than I expected," Jayden replied, his eyes full of satisfaction as he observed the change in the situation. He knew that his plan, despite emotionally messy, had achieved its main goal. His father might not realize that Jayden was actually very happy to see the marriage plan fail. Jayden calmly nodded at his father, as if accepting the decision with open arms. "If this opens the door to a life that suits my desires, then I'm ready to accept the consequences," he reiterated while keeping a secretive smile. With anger burning in his eyes, Jonathan couldn't contain his fury. With a sudden movement, he cursed and slapped Jayden again. The sound of the slap on Jayden's cheek echoed in the tense room. "Do you think this is a victory for you, Jayden? Don't dream! You're truly an ignorant child!" Jonathan yelled, his face red with uncontrollable anger. Before Jayden could respond, the second slap made him realize that his planned actions were not without consequences. Although he felt physical pain, Jayden maintained his cold expression, trying to hide the satisfaction that actually emerged within him. "So what now, Mr. Jonathan? Don't you ever think that you've won. Because that's impossible," Jayden replied in a cold voice. While his face carried a smile that may have been more unsettling than anger. His plan may have succeeded, but the cost was not small.  *** "What kind of place do you like, Agatha?" Hearing Jayden's question, Agatha furrowed her brows in confusion without turning her head. "Huh? What do you mean?" "Let's say a place that makes you comfortable and momentarily forget about work?" Agatha spontaneously stopped typing. She turned her body to look at Jayden. "Wait, what's this about? Why are you suddenly asking that?" "Let's go on vacation. To celebrate our victory." Jayden gave a big smile and a bright face. "What victory do you mean?" Suddenly Agatha remembered something. Instantly her eyes widened. "Don't tell me it's about the arranged marriage?"