REVENGE'S UNEXPECTED LOVE

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN

[THE PRESENT TIME]

As Ismarie speaks, the atmosphere in the room undergoes a subtle shift, lightening with each word that escapes her lips. With unwavering honesty, she reveals her authentic self, unapologetically laying bare the depths of her emotions.

With a fiery determination, Ismarie shares her unwavering commitment to seeking revenge for the heartbreak inflicted upon her by Max and her sister. To her, her sister is nothing more than a mere pawn in the grand scheme of things—a small reptile caught amid larger, more complex machinations.

Ismarie's focus is not on harboring resentment towards her sister; rather, it lies in her steadfast resolve to reclaim her dignity and self-worth.

In Ismarie's eyes, her sister's betrayal is but a minor obstacle in the path towards her ultimate goal. She refuses to allow the actions of others to define her worth or dictate the course of her life. Instead, she channels her energy into plotting her revenge, fueled by a potent combination of anger, hurt, and an unyielding determination to emerge victorious.

As Ismarie shares her plans for retribution, there's a palpable sense of empowerment that fills the room, mingling with the lingering echoes of pain and betrayal. In that moment, she is not merely a victim of circumstance, but a force to be reckoned with—a phoenix rising from the ashes of her shattered dreams, ready to rewrite the narrative of her destiny.

Sean watches Ismarie in utter amazement, his eyes filled with a newfound admiration for her unwavering determination. As she lays bare her plans for retribution, he can't help but be impressed by the steely resolve in her voice and the fire in her eyes.

In that moment, Sean sees Ismarie not just as a colleague or acquaintance, but as a force of nature—a woman of strength and resilience who refuses to be defined by the betrayals of others. Her unwavering commitment to seeking justice is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and Sean finds himself marveling at her courage and tenacity.

As Ismarie speaks, Sean feels a surge of respect and admiration swell within him, mingling with the empathy he already feels for her pain. He realizes that beneath her gentle exterior lies a formidable spirit—one that cannot be broken by the trials and tribulations of life.

In that fleeting moment, Sean realizes that he is witnessing something truly remarkable—a woman reclaiming her power and refusing to be silenced by the injustices she has endured. And in that moment, he feels a renewed sense of hope—for Ismarie, for himself, and for all those who refuse to let their past dictate their future.

Ismarie casually adds, "I'm not one to turn the other cheek if someone hits me. I'm not the bigger person." Her straightforwardness is clear.

'If someone slaps me, I make sure that they are not able to brush their teeth for a week. Sometimes even two weeks, it depends on how hard I punched them back.' Ismarie thinks as she grins from ear to ear.

Sean carefully ponders Ismarie's words before finally exhaling deeply and saying, "Let's make it happen." His serious expression indicates his readiness and he means business.

Ismarie looks at him puzzled, "Make what happen now?" she asks, her confusion evident in her expression.

"Let's get married." Sean's straightforward response catches Ismarie off guard.

Ismarie stares at him dumbfounded, realizing that her jest has taken an unexpected turn. She wonders why Sean seems so serious; after all, it was just a joke.

"I..ha.. uh..em..I'm." Ismarie stumbles over her words, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, as she attempts to explain to Sean that her earlier remark about getting married was simply a playful joke.

Sean's gaze intensifies, studying Ismarie with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, silently waiting for her to continue.

Sean's intensifying gaze catches Ismarie off guard, adding to her flustered state. "Oh, uh, it's just... I was just kidding about the whole marriage thing," she stammers, her words tinged with nervousness.

"And here's me, not just pulling your leg," Sean adds with a smirk, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "But think about it – imagine the looks on their faces when they find out you're married. It could be the perfect first move in your revenge playbook, don't you think?"

Sean's words hang in the air, his playful tone easing the tension in the room. "And here I thought I'd have to start planning a bachelor party," he quips, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Ismarie's laughter breaks the tension, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she responds, "Alright, I'm game. But seriously, are you sure about this?" Her tone is lighthearted, yet tinged with a hint of curiosity and uncertainty.

"Sweetheart, in all my years, amidst all the uncertainties life has thrown my way, there's one thing I've never wavered on," Sean confesses, his gaze unwavering as he speaks. "I'm sure about this. I'm sure about marrying you."

Ismarie's heart swells with a mix of emotions as she's swept away by Sean's unwavering assurance. Gathering her courage, she poses the question that lingers in her mind, "So, when do you think we should tie the knot?"

"How about right now? Today?" Sean suggests, his eyes sparkling with anticipation as he waits for Ismarie's response.

As Ismarie contemplates Sean's proposal, a realization dawns on her. She recalls how she and Max had never signed their marriage agreement due to his demanding schedule, intending to finalize it on their wedding day. With this in mind, the idea of marrying Sean on the spot suddenly seems not only feasible but perhaps even fitting.

"Okay, I'm ready." A grin spreads across Ismarie's face, a mix of excitement and satisfaction dancing in her eyes. Perhaps it's the prospect of finally tasting the sweet fruit of her revenge, or maybe it's the joy of knowing she's about to marry not just anyone, but her idol—the man who has become her rock in a sea of uncertainty.

"How do you feel about using the same venue you were planning to get married at? It was your dream place after all, so why not make the most of it?" Sean suggests, his eyes alight with excitement.

Ismarie's grin widens at the suggestion, her heart soaring at the thought of turning a place that once held painful memories into the backdrop for a new chapter of her life. "I love that idea," she exclaims, her excitement matching Sean's.

"Great," Sean replies with a determined glint in his eyes. "Let's make it happen a little earlier, and with a bit of luck, they catch us as we stroll out of that chapel, with you in my arms." Ismarie can't help but giggle at Sean's unwavering determination, charmed by his enthusiasm for their impromptu wedding.

"Ohh, I like you," Ismarie says between fits of chuckles, her eyes twinkling with amusement and affection.

"Likewise," Sean replies, a grin playing on his lips as Ismarie's laughter fills the room. Their shared laughter echoes with a newfound connection, sealing their bond in a moment of lighthearted joy amidst the excitement of their impending wedding.

"So I should go and get dolled up right?" Says Ismarie.

"Indeed," Sean replies with a grin, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Off you go to get dolled up, my dear. Meanwhile, I'll take care of the final arrangements. We're about to make some unforgettable memories."

As Ismarie hurries off to get ready, Sean finds himself alone in the room, a surge of excitement coursing through him. He quickly reaches for his phone, dialing the number of his acquaintance who happens to be a marriage officer. As the call connects, Sean's voice carries a sense of urgency and anticipation as he makes the necessary arrangements for their spontaneous wedding.

As Ismarie sits in the car, she can't help but feel a surge of impatience as she gazes out at the road ahead.

With each passing moment, her anticipation grows, and she finds herself wishing that the driver could somehow magically transport them to the hotel in an instant.

She stifles a sigh as the car moves at a snail's pace, feeling as though time is slipping away with every slow turn of the wheel.

"Oh, step on it, grandma, will you!" Ismarie blurts out in frustration, unable to contain her impatience any longer. The words slip out before she can stop them, her tone a mix of exasperation and urgency as she urges the driver to pick up the pace.

With a nod from the driver, the car accelerates, and Ismarie feels a rush as the surroundings blur into a streak of colors. The sensation of speed exhilarates her, matching the excitement building within her as they race towards the hotel. Each passing moment brings them closer to the momentous occasion awaiting them, and Ismarie can hardly contain her anticipation.

Grinning from ear to ear, Ismarie settles back into her seat in the back of the cab, the thrill of the moment coursing through her veins.

As the car speeds towards its destination, she can't help but feel a surge of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

With each passing moment, her excitement grows, propelling her toward the unforgettable moment that awaits her at the end of the journey.