That night, Donita couldn't sleep. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was in a complete mess.

Suddenly, at exactly 10 p.m., her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Oscar Sebastian! The reserved man had never called her before. So why now? She stared at her phone for five seconds before taking a deep breath and answering the call.

"Hello?"

"Donita."

His voice was deep, heavy, and calm. Yet, that was what made her body tremble.

"Yes?"

"Erica said you're thinking about my request ..." His deep baritone got straight to the point. "But I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Donita didn't know how to answer, but for some reason, she couldn't say no.

"I... will," she whispered, her soft voice still clearly audible to Oscar.

"Hmm, I'm glad to hear that. I'll make all the arrangements immediately. Have a nice dream." The baritone voice delivered the words in a flat, cold tone.

How was it possible that a single phone call, a single brief sentence from Oscar Sebastian, could completely change her life? How did she even say, "Yes, I will.."?

That night, she couldn't sleep at all, with Oscar's baritone voice echoing in her ears. Her body shivered...

"I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Initially, Donita had wanted to delay her answer. She wanted to take time to think, even though her feelings were already clear that she had liked Oscar for a long time.

But what about Oscar's feelings? Instead, Donita felt as if she was under a spell, and she simply said yes!

***

Donita sat in Erica's backyard garden, staring blankly at the fish pond. Meanwhile, Erica was in the middle of an angry rant.

"It's always about Wina! That old woman has no shame!" Erica grumbled, annoyed.

Donita immediately listened in. A moment ago, she was still wondering if Oscar wanted to marry her because he loved her, or just because Erica was forcing him.

"Can you believe it, Don? This morning she sent a package to my dad's office. It was men's cologne! Ugh, how embarrassing! It's so obvious she's desperate for my dad's attention."

Donita smiled faintly. "Maybe she really is in love with your dad."

"Love? Ugh!" Erica rolled her eyes. "My dad already rejected her. But Wina... well, you know. No shame! She acts as if she's his girlfriend!"

Donita looked away. A strange feeling suddenly welled up in her chest. Why? Was she also annoyed at Wina?

"I'm more and more convinced that you're the perfect woman to be Daddy's wife," Erica said, turning to her with a serious expression.

"Wina has no shame. Even after being rejected, she keeps forcing herself on him. Women should be more like you-not chasing, but being chased!"

Donita laughed softly. "So, if a woman likes to chase, does that mean she's not a woman?"

"No. What I mean is, a woman should be elegant. She shouldn't look cheap. Like you, baby! You're so relaxed and elegant. That's why my dad will definitely choose you," Erica said, sipping her drink.

But Donita didn't respond. Since last night, her heart has been filled with questions.

Did Oscar really like her? Or was it just... because Erica had forced him?

The man was too composed. So detached and so cold! Even on the phone, he sounded more like a business associate than a man about to get married.

***

That afternoon, Donita received an email with the subject line "Sebastian Wedding and Preparation Briefing."

Donita's hands quickly opened the email attachment. Inside was a PDF file containing the event schedule, dress fitting times, and a list of vendors that had already been booked. Even the names of the caterer and honeymoon hotel were on the list.

"Oh my God..." she whispered to herself.

Oscar, that man, had prepared everything. But he hadn't said a word to Donita. No messages, just an email, as if he were sending a work contract.

Donita didn't know whether to be happy or disappointed by what Oscar had done.

***

The next day, Erica dragged Donita to a luxurious boutique in an upscale neighborhood. They were greeted by a tall woman with flawless makeup.

"Mireya Laurent. The Sebastian family's designer," she said, shaking Donita's hand. "Mr. Sebastian personally gave me the task of designing your wedding dress."

"A task?" Donita replied, her voice filled with surprise.

"Yes, he contacted me personally," Mireya responded, smiling warmly. "He had a very specific request. The gown needs to be conservative, without overemphasizing your figure. Especially your bust, which shouldn't be exposed, as it's quite full for such a slender body type."

"What? How possessive is that?" Erica burst out laughing, while Donita swallowed hard. She was even more confused.

How did that man know her breast size? Donita was completely bewildered, as Erica's laughter continued.

Mireya led Donita into the fitting room. Inside, several stunningly beautiful gowns were hanging.

Donita gazed at the sparkling white fabric in front of her. "This is so beautiful, but isn't it too lavish? Is it expensive?"

Mireya chuckled softly. "Mr. Sebastian wants everyone to see his wife looks stunning on stage."

First, he's so possessive, not liking his bride's gown to be too sexy, not even showing a hint of cleavage. Now he's calling her 'his wife'? But he's never once talked about their marriage with her. A wave of irritation washed over Donita.

Is she just an expensive item to be put on display for the public? Donita was becoming increasingly unsure about her decision to accept Oscar's proposal.

Oscar never explained a thing. Erica, on the other hand, had been smiling and laughing the whole time, as if she was so happy. And her? She was just lost and confused.

***

That night, she was forced to stay over at Erica's house, under the pretense of keeping her company while Oscar was away on a business trip, leaving Erica all by herself.

She suddenly noticed a small box resting on the bed. It was a black velvet box, and inside was a diamond necklace with a small note tucked beside it. The note simply said, "Wear this, okay? I want you to look special. O.S."

Donita sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the handwritten note.

"Does this mean he feels something for me, too?"

It was a sunny day in San Francisco. Donita was in Erica's car, gazing at the skyscrapers towering over the financial district.

Among all those buildings, the Sebastian Group stood majestically. Erica skillfully turned the steering wheel and parked the car in the VIP area of the building.

"Alright, we're here! Daddy said he wants to take us out for a special lunch today. There must be something!" she exclaimed cheerfully.

Donita nodded, forcing a smile. But deep down, she was still so unsure. Was this man truly going to marry her? Or was he only doing it because Erica was pressuring him?

She may have loved Oscar for a long time, but she refused to be a woman who was simply 'used' to fulfill a need.

They walked into the Sebastian Group's opulent lobby when a piercing voice froze them in their tracks.

"Ericaaaa? How are you?"

Erica and Donita immediately spun around to face the voice, and there stood... Wina!

"I'm fine, Auntie." Erica replied politely, her face a mask of cold indifference.

"Why are you still calling me 'Auntie'? You should be calling me 'mom'!"

Wina's head snapped around, her eyes instantly narrowing on Donita beside Erica. Her gaze was a cold, calculated scan, scrutinizing the unknown woman

"Oh, Erica! And... who do we have here? A friend?" Wina's eyes quickly swept over Donita from head to toe, a smile pasted on her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes

But before Erica could explain who Donita really was, Oscar suddenly emerged from the private elevator reserved for the CEO and high-ranking officials.

"Oscar, honey! I was about to go to your office, but you came to pick me up here." Wina immediately latched onto his arm. Her slender fingers deliberately crept up his shoulder, as if to claim him with her touch.

The spoiled tone of the woman named Wina, who was wearing a bright red bodycon dress, sounded utterly disgusting! Her appearance was highly seductive, especially for someone heading to the office.

Her hair was elegantly pinned up, her crimson lips were pulled into a flirtatious pout, and her eyes flashed provocatively at Oscar Sebastian as he emerged from the elevator with his secretary

Yes, at that moment, Oscar was indeed coming down with his secretary.

Oscar was wearing a gray suit, his jaw set firmly, and his expression was flat. The man stared at Wina with the same blank expression as if he were looking at a wall, but Wina seemed unfazed.

Wina kept talking, her voice shrill, and occasionally she leaned her head flirtatiously on Oscar's shoulder.

"Look at her!" Erica whispered to Donita, her voice muffled with anger. "That woman has no shame!"

Donita's heart hammered uncomfortably against her ribs. She knew it was nothing but pure jealousy.

Oscar tried to pull his arm away, but Wina held him tightly. "Oscar, come on. I've prepared lunch at our favorite restaurant. Just the two of us, honey."

Her voice dripped with temptation, and Wina leaned in to plant an air kiss right beside Oscar's cheek. Donita saw Oscar's breath hitch. Oscar subtly tried to pull away, but Wina only latched onto him more tightly.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Davis," Oscar said flatly, without any intonation. "I have a lunch date with my daughter and... Donita." Oscar glanced at Donita for a moment, but his gaze was too quick to be caught.

"And she's not just my friend, Auntie! She's my future stepmom!" Erica took a deliberate step forward.

The shift in Wina's demeanor was immediate. Her fake smile dropped, replaced by a mask of disbelief. Her hand fell from Oscar's arm as she stared at him, her eyes wide with shock.

"What? Your fiancée?" Wina gestured wildly toward Donita. "This girl? Oscar, what kind of sick game are you playing? Tell me this isn't true!"

Oscar's face expressionless, staring at Wina as if she were nothing more than a minor annoyance.

"I'm not joking, Ms. Davis," Oscar finally said.

"I'm going to marry her." Oscar said it in a flat tone, as if without any meaningful emotion, making Donita doubtful.

Wina gasped, then let out a sharp, sarcastic laugh. "Oh, I get it now, Oscar. This is your plan? You're using a girl to get rid of me? What did you promise her? Money, or is she pregnant and now demanding you marry her?"

She stepped closer to Donita, her eyes filled with hatred. "Listen, girl. You don't know who I am? Oscar will only be mine!"

"Watch your mouth, auntie!" Erica was ready to step forward, but Donita held her back.

Donita stared straight at Wina. She didn't want to be trampled on by anyone.

"Pregnant? Hey, don't think every woman is as shallow as you are. If Mr. Sebastian truly chooses you, I'll walk away! So, Mr. Sebastian, the choice is yours. Is it me or her?"

Without a word, Oscar stepped forward, positioning himself beside Donita. His arm went around her, pulling her close in a decisive embrace.

Wina was shocked by the reality before her. "You! How dare you!" She raised her hand, as if to slap Donita.

However, before her hand could reach, a strong hand gripped Wina's wrist tightly. It was Oscar's hand, blocking Wina from slapping Donita.

Oscar's face remained expressionless, but his sharp gray eyes stared at Wina. There was a cold glint in them that made Wina pale instantly.

"Don't you dare touch her," Oscar hissed, his voice low and threatening.

For the first time, Donita heard such a firm tone from Oscar. Oscar roughly released Wina's wrist, causing the woman to stumble backward.

"Now, leave. I don't want to see you here again."

Wina stared at Oscar, then at Donita, her eyes blazing. Without saying a word, she turned and walked quickly out of the lobby, her high heels clacking loudly against the marble floor.

Erica laughed triumphantly. "That's my daddy! Cool!" She hugged Oscar briefly, then glanced at Donita.

"Donita, are you okay? Wow, you were so brave just now! How dare you stand up to Wina!"

Donita nodded slowly. Meanwhile, Oscar had already returned to his usual expression, as if nothing had happened. His hand was no longer on Donita's slender shoulder.

His gray eyes, which had earlier been filled with threat, were now cold again. As if the previous action had been nothing more than a formality.

Oscar didn't say a word to Donita, and that made Donita think, and doubt again.

"Come on, Donita! Daddy's hungry!" Erica called out, pulling Donita's hand.

On the way to the car waiting in front of the lobby, Donita stood a little distance away from Oscar, while Erica chattered away.

Donita looked at Oscar's silhouette. He seemed so perfect on the outside, untouched by emotion. Why was Oscar treating her so coldly?

Was she nothing more than a weapon he could use against Wina? Or was there a piece of his heart that truly belonged to Donita?

Wina Parker threw her Hermes bag onto her desk, scattering office files everywhere.

Her red bodycon dress felt suffocating, and her lips trembled with anger.

"Damn little girl!" Wina hissed.

Her heavy makeup smudged from the force of her hands on her face.

Her fantasy of Oscar Sebastian being hers was shattered by Erica's words, " She's my future stepmom!"

The image of Donita, who had shown her how much Oscar defended her, made her emotional.

Even Donita's body was younger and sexier than hers, igniting a jealous flame that burned through her entire soul.

Yes, as a more experienced woman, she knew she had lost. It was clear that Oscar preferred Donita over her.

"Future wife? Nonsense! Oscar Sebastian will never fall into that girl's hands!"

She grabbed the office phone. "Kevin, come to my office. Now!"

Wina felt that she had to act quickly. Her anger was still boiling over. "That stupid girl! How dare she!"

Shortly after, a young man in a neat shirt and slicked-back hair entered, carrying a tablet. "Can I help you, Ms. Davis?"

"Sit down," Wina ordered. "I have an important task for you."

Kevin nodded, sitting down in the chair in front of Wina's desk, ready to take notes.

"I want all the information in detail about a girl named Donita Parker. Starting from her family background, and everything else, as detailed as possible,"

Kevin furrowed his brow slightly. "Donita Parker? What's her connection to Ms. Parker, Ms. Davis?"

"None of your business!" snapped Wina. "She is a threat to my plans. I want her out of Oscar Sebastian's life."

Kevin lowered his head. He didn't fully understand what his boss was talking about. "Alright, Ms. Davis. I'll find her right away."

"I need that information immediately. If you can't get it quickly, I'll fire you," Wina threatened, her voice as cold as ice.

"Alright, Ms. Davis. I'll make it first," Kevin quickly stood up and left the room.

Wina smirked. "Donita Parker. You'll regret daring to interfere with my plans. Oscar Sebastian is mine!!"

She stared at Oscar's photo in the business magazine on her desk. Oscar was her obsession, and all her sexual fantasies were about that handsome yet cold man.

She always thought about becoming part of Oscar's life. She had imagined how beautiful it would be to hold his broad, muscular chest and make love to that cold man.

According to rumors, the man who always appeared so cold must have a strong sexual desire. Plus, he was incredibly wealthy!! A complete package she couldn't let go of. That's why she wanted Oscar Sebastian !!

Wina opened her laptop, searching for news about Oscar Sebastian. She knew Oscar was a very private man about his personal life after his wife's death.

But she also knew there was a weakness. Everyone has a weakness. And she would find Oscar's weakness, so she could pressure him into marrying her.

"We'll see who laughs last," she smirked, her smile growing wider, looking intimidating. She already had several plans in her head.

***

"Why, Donita, dear? You don't seem to believe that my father really wants to go through with this marriage? It's not because of me!"

Erica's voice answered Donita's doubts as they walked together. They had just finished an awkward lunch, as Oscar had returned to his cold demeanor after the Wina incident.

Donita sighed. "Is it that obvious? I'm actually not sure about your father. It seems like he doesn't like me. Marriage is for life, Erica!! And I don't want your dad to marry me because he's forced to."

"Who said he's forced? He really wants you! He even stood up for you!" Erica exclaimed, baffled.

"That means Daddy really has feelings for you, Donita!" Erica said playfully.

"I don't know! Maybe I'm just not sure?" Donita asked softly, her voice filled with doubt.

Erica stopped in her tracks, staring at her friend. "He stood by your side and defended you. Even if he didn't say anything, his actions showed that he's on your side."

"Erica, I don't know why, but I'm still not sure!!" Donita clenched her fists.

"He didn't even ask if I was okay after meeting Wina and confronting her," Donita complained, a bit annoyed.

"That's just how Daddy is! He doesn't like showing his emotions in public!" Erica defended. "He's a CEO! Imagine if he was all smiles in front of his employees? He'd lose his authority!"

"But it's not just in public. When he called me to ask for my approval, his voice was as cold as ice. It was like he was collecting a debt," Donita continued, her frustration reaching its peak.

Erica paused for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Okay, okay. I understand what you mean, he's not the romantic type. But I promise you, Daddy loves you."

"How can you be so sure?" Donita looked at Erica with pleading eyes. "Has he ever said anything to you about his feelings for me?"

Erica bit her lip. "Um, well... If he agreed to marry you without any drama and immediately started preparing everything himself, I think that's something he's never done for any other woman."

Donita looked at her best friend and was about to protest, but Erica cut her off and gave a firm argument.

"Even I, as his daughter, have never been praised or given rewards that show excessive love. But once, Daddy told me that you're beautiful and smart."

"You know I've never been told that. If I ask, 'Am I beautiful, Dad?' He just answers, 'Beautiful!' That's it!"

"That's just how my dad is. Flat like a highway! Cold, like a fridge... or a freezer!"

That answer didn't fully comfort Donita. Seeing the rejection on Donita's face, Erica felt she had to do something immediately.

The woman didn't want her future stepmother to run away from the wedding like in the novels.

"Donita, you've already agreed! All the preparations are underway! You can't back out now!" Erica started to panic.

"My dad said he'd take care of everything. Imagine how embarrassing it would be for all of us if you suddenly change your mind!"

"But if he doesn't like me, what should I do? I can't marry someone I don't love! I want a happy married life." Donita's voice grew weaker.

Erica held Donita's shoulders. "Trust me. I know my dad. I'm sure he loves you. He might just not be used to showing it with words or actions."

Donita could only remain silent, her mind in turmoil. Erica's words and the approaching wedding date clashed with Oscar's cold demeanor.

"I... I just want to know what's in his heart," Donita whispered.

"You will know, Don. Soon, you will know," Erica replied, trying to reassure her.

However, the doubt in Donita's eyes did not fade.