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.

That afternoon, after hearing what Donita's doubts, Erica immediately went to see her father.

Erica burst into her father's office without knocking. Oscar, who was busy studying financial reports on his computer screen, looked up with a blank expression.

"This is a very serious matter, Dad!!" Erica exclaimed, her breath labored as if she had just run a marathon. Her face was panicked, unlike her usual self.

Oscar took off his glasses and looked at his daughter with one eyebrow raised. "What's wrong, Erica? Is there a problem at school?"

"It's not about school, Dad! It's about... Donita! It's about the wedding!" Erica stepped closer, standing directly in front of her father's desk. "Donita doubts you, Dad!!"

Oscar furrowed his brow. " Doubts what? Didn't she already agree?"

"Yes, she did agree to marry you! But... she's not sure you love her too, Dad! She thinks, I forced you, or just to get Wina out of the way!" Erica spoke passionately.

"She said you're as flat as a highway, as cold as a freezer! She's a woman who needs certainty, Dad!!"

Oscar fell silent. His expression was still hard to read, but there was a fleeting look of confusion in his sharp eyes. "I've prepared everything. The wedding, the honeymoon... Isn't that enough?"

"It's not enough!" Erica sighed dramatically.

"She thinks, this was just a forced arrangement! Even though we both know it wasn't !!"

Actually, it was Oscar who had asked Erica to help him get closer to Donita. He was too ashamed to be seen as a womanizer, an older man chasing after a younger woman.

"I thought my actions were enough to show her... that I love her."

"It's not enough, Dad! Donita needs certainty! She needs to know that you love her!" Erica's voice was fiery as she spoke to her father.

"If you keep acting like this, she's going to run, Dad. She'll run away on the wedding day ... I swear she will!"

The moment he heard the words 'run away on the wedding day,' Oscar's jaw tightened. He didn't want that to happen.

He had planned everything so carefully, and Donita was the center of it all, his future hinged on her.

"Then what should I do?" Oscar asked, his tone this time showing a hint of helplessness that was rarely seen.

Erica smiled triumphantly. "Okay, listen carefully. You need to be more expressive-show her you love her."

Oscar gave a slow nod, his expression still serious.

"Don't just stand there staring like that, Dad," Erica rolled her eyes.

Oscar frowned slightly. "But, that is my way to keep an eye on her!"

"I know!" Erica threw up her hands. "But she needs to know you're watching her because you care, not because you're suspicious."

"Show her how much you want her! Make her feel like she's the one in your heart!"

"But... how?" Oscar sounded genuinely lost.

"Dad, you run a giant company and 'this' is what confuses you?" Erica sighed again in exasperation.

"Flirt with her! Send her flowers! Take her on a romantic date! And for God's sake, sometimes look at her with love in your eyes, not that cold, blank stare you always give!"

Oscar briefly closed his eyes, for he always held back his desires when he saw Donita. A man's lust for a woman. But he couldn't possibly tell this to his daughter!

That's why he always appeared cold and impassive, so his lust wouldn't be so obvious. Donita was too sexy for a young woman, and that's what always made Oscar restrain himself in front of her. He didn't want Donita to be afraid of him.

But it turned out that this made Donita misunderstand. She was terribly wrong. He was even looking forward to the moment he could make Donita moan with pleasure in his embrace.

Suddenly, an uncontrollable biological urge surged through him as he remembered the curves of Donita's body and her large breasts. But Oscar quickly came back to his senses, hearing Erica's voice encouraging him to win Donita's heart.

"You have to, Dad! Your wedding is this weekend! Time is running out!" Erica warned. "And one more thing, Dad. After this, never act cold in front of Donita again. You have to relax and show her how much you love her. Understand?"

Oscar stared intently at his daughter. Maybe he should tell Donita this. The true feelings he was experiencing. He didn't want Donita to leave him. This was just a misunderstanding!

"Okay, I'll do it! ASAP!!"

"That's great! Now, I have to go. I have a date with William. But remember my advice, Dad!" Erica waved, then left the room, leaving Oscar in a pensive silence.

Oscar sighed. It seemed like he really had to tell Donita the truth.

***

That night, Oscar wasted no more time, unwilling to lose the woman he had lusted after for so long.

He had always harbored a fierce desire for Donita, but the significant age gap between them had forced him to hold back.

His conversation with his daughter, Erica, finally gave him the conviction he needed. The forbidden desires he had suppressed for so long could no longer be contained. He asked Erica for her blessing to make Donita her stepmother.

To his utter surprise, Erica agreed without hesitation! A seductive plot was then hatched. They would work together to 'trap' Donita, sealing her fate in a marriage with Oscar.

"So, I'll have to pursue you without shame now, huh?" he murmured, his voice a low growl as he stood before the small house Donita had inherited.

He no longer cared if she saw him as a predator, or if their age difference was deemed a 'May-December romance.' The hunt had begun, and he was done waiting.

Knock... knock... knock...

Donita was startled when she opened the door and found Oscar standing there.

"Mr. Sebastian? What are you doing here?" Donita glanced around, looking for Erica behind him.

"Relax, it's just me. Erica is on a date with William," he said, his voice still flat, but he tried to show a softer side to Donita.

"Oh... please, come in, sir!" Donita finally invited Oscar inside, feeling awkward that her neighbors might see him standing outside, like a debt collector.

Oscar stepped right inside and closed the door, making Donita flinch in surprise. Something felt different about his behavior.

Usually, the man was distant and cold, but now Oscar seemed to be deliberately acting more 'human' in her presence.

"Why are you here, sir?"

The man's ears were already tired of hearing her call him 'sir/Mr. Sebastian.' In just a few days, he would be her husband, so why was she still so formal? But he still tried to hold back.

After sitting down, Oscar got straight to the point. He didn't want Donita to misunderstand him again.

"Donita, I'm genuinely in love with you, and there was no coercion from Erica about this marriage at all."

Oscar's direct confession stunned Donita even more.

"Huh? Is that true? Is this another one of Erica's schemes?" she probed, her eyes fixed on him with deep suspicion. As far as she remembered, she had just told Erica about her feelings, and then forced Oscar to play another scenario.

Oscar let out a deep breath before proceeding with an action that would completely stun Donita.

"Donita, I'm not good at flirting, I'm not good with sweet words. What I can do is show you with my actions!"

Without warning, Oscar took action, capturing her lips in a deep kiss, the very lips that had been distracting him from everything else.