CHAPTER 2

KATRINA

“You’re on private property. Stay away from the border,” that man barked harshly, waving me off like I was nothing but a stray animal.

“Beggars are not allowed here!” another guard shouted from behind him, his voice dripping with disgust. That's not very nice.

Well, how could I possibly get inside a place like this, looking the way I do?

But whatever. I’ve come this far.

I might as well try.

It’s not like I’ll drop dead just for taking a chance.

So I stepped forward but it was enough to set them off.

“THIS AREA IS RESTRICTED FROM OUTSIDERS!” Before I could even take another breath, they charged toward me, determined to chase me off.

I held my ground and let out a deep breath.

“It’s freezing out here and yet your tempers are blazing hot. You don’t even know who I am, and already you’re ready to throw me out?”

They hesitated, slightly thrown off by my calmness or maybe by the nerve I had to talk back.

“Well,” I continued, lifting my chin with defiance. "Your master... the one you call Prince Percival Pierre Cario... is my fiancé.”

Right then, a powerful gust of wind swept through the grounds.

The dry leaves on the path stirred violently, caught in the sudden rush of air. They scattered and danced between us, swirling past our feet.

And in that moment, not one of them moved.

A tense silence settled between us.

The four guards exchanged glances, as if silently confirming something among themselves, then all turned to glare at me with the same sharp, disapproving look as if I was filth they couldn’t wait to get rid of.

I forced down the lump forming in my throat, swallowing hard, though it did little to calm the nerves building inside me.

“STEP BACK AND GO HOME!”

The command came out like a gunshot, echoing in the cold air. One of the guards shouted it so forcefully that my body instinctively tensed, and I had to squeeze my eyes shut for a moment just to collect myself.

Of course, they wouldn’t believe me.

Who would?

Who would believe that someone like me could be the fiancée of their master?

This was my fault but I find it funny though.

I should’ve brought my father with me.

Maybe it would’ve made some difference... or maybe not. Perhaps we’d still end up humiliated, both of us kicked out like we didn’t matter.

What we really needed was someone they knew.

“GET OUT OF HERE!” another guard yelled furiously

I shook my head and turned away from the gate.

I walked further away, until the guards were completely out of sight. But even then, I was still within the estate’s towering brick walls.

Eventually, I slowed to a stop and moved closer to one side of the wall. I leaned my back against it, then let myself slowly sink down onto the grass.

I sat there quietly, staring blankly at the empty road stretched out ahead of me. Not a single car had passed by. Not even the distant sound of an engine. But I wasn’t surprised.

This was private property, after all.

The only reason I’d even been allowed through the village entrance earlier was because I had shown the guard a card, one I wasn’t sure would even work. Thankfully, it had. At least for that part.

As I stared at the tree-covered stretch of road in front of me, I yawned. My body was starting to feel heavy from the long walk.

I let the sounds around me fill the silence. The soft rustling of leaves… the creaking of bamboo swaying gently with the breeze. It was soothing. The air was cool and damp with mist, and birds chirped somewhere up in the trees, their songs echoing through the quiet.

Before I even realized it, my eyes had started to flutter shut.

I caught myself nodding off and forced my body to straighten up. I yawned again, pulled the straps of my backpack off my shoulders, and let it drop to the grass with a soft thud.

“Guess I’ll sleep for a bit…” I muttered.

I used the bag as a pillow and lay down right there on the grass. My skirt was long enough to reach my feet so I curled up and used the fabric as a blanket, folding my legs up underneath me to stay warm.

It probably only took a few minutes before I was completely out.

“KATRINAAA!”

The thunderous voice of my father snapped me awake.

I bolted upright, heart racing, and looked around in a daze, unsure for a moment of where I was or what had just happened.

"Kitty!"

I turned around and I heard Dad's voice coming from behind me.

And I was right. There he was, standing just a few steps behind me, holding the back of his neck with one hand, wincing a little like he was so stressed again.

“I knew it... I just knew you wouldn’t follow through with what we agreed on last night!”

I let out a big yawn and looked around. I must’ve slept longer than I should have. The sun was already high up, blazing in the sky.

The morning mist had completely vanished. Thankfully, the area I was in was surrounded by trees. Even though I fell asleep out here, I was lucky, I didn’t end up getting baked by the sun.

As I took a moment to scan my surroundings, something caught my eye, and even Dad kept on scolding me.

A fancy-looking car was parked on the side of the road, just a few meters away from where we stood.

“Sweetheart… Boss Valerion is inside that car! Get up, now! We’re going home! You need to change clothes! I need to speak to Boss Valerion first! You can’t be looking like that when you meet Boss Pierre!”

And with that, my father straightened up and briskly walked toward the vehicle.

I watched him approach the backseat window. Then, slowly, the black-tinted glass began to slide down with a hiss.

I saw Boss Valerion.

His face was composed and perfectly still.

And I noticed, he didn’t look at my father.

He glared straight at me.

“Bring your daughter inside the car," he commanded.

My father stiffened instantly.

“Y-Yes, Boss…” he stuttered, nodding with a nervous smile before turning toward me.

CHAPTER 3

KATRINA

Dad shot me a sharp look, his eyes wide, intense screaming a silent command and I get it already.

I exhaled deeply and I grabbed my bag from the ground. I walked forward. My Dad quickly moved to the opposite side of the backseat and opened the door for me. I didn’t meet his eyes. I didn’t say anything. I just lowered my head and slid into the car.

The door closed behind me with a soft thud and suddenly, the world outside felt far away.

The silence inside was heavy. The scent of leather and expensive cologne surrounded me. I could feel him beside me. Boss Valerion. Just inches away and sitting still. Watching, maybe.

I quietly settled into the wide, luxurious seat, my eyes locked straight ahead, my hands clenched tightly on my lap.

After a few more seconds, Dad climbed into the driver’s seat. I could see the way his hands trembled slightly as he gripped the steering wheel.

As I heard the soft hum of the car engine, I stole a glance at Boss Valerion sitting beside me. He was just staring straight ahead, his eyes fixed on the road.

Was he really not going to say anything?

I waited, hoping he would speak, but even as we approached the main gate, his lips remained tightly sealed.

I thought for sure he’d scold me, but he stayed completely silent. Even after the countless times I’ve visited his mansion looking just like this, he never seems to care.

Is he really that determined to have me marry his son?

Is this the final decision?

I let out a deep sigh and turned my full attention to the view outside the car’s windshield.

I watched as the four stern-looking guards opened the two heavy gate bars for us.

We drove down a wide road that led into an even larger courtyard. When our vehicle finally came to a stop, my father immediately got out of the car and rushed to open the door for his boss.

Meanwhile, I opened the door on my side by myself and stepped out. “Kitty.”

I glanced over at my dad. He was signaling for me to come closer. At the same time, Boss Valerion had already started walking ahead. We quickly followed behind him.

“Dad,” I whispered under my breath as we trailed behind his boss. "When are you going to retire from being his personal driver?”

He gave me a sharp look. “If you really want me to retire, maybe you should stop giving me so much trouble.”

I fell silent as we approached the staircase. We began climbing up, and before long, we entered through the large main door. A butler greeted us as soon as we stepped in, and he promptly escorted us to the second floor.

He said we were heading to the dining hall.

When we reached a pair of large closed doors, the butler stepped forward and pushed them open.

We all filed into the room.

The first thing my eyes landed on was a man sitting casually on a modern chair.

He was on the left side of the long dining table, his long legs stretched out and resting on top of it. He was completely absorbed in his phone.

Even though it was obvious that he heard the door open, he didn’t glance in our direction. His eyes stayed glued to the screen.

As we slowly made our way closer to the table, I kept my eyes fixed on him.

And well, I had to admit.

He looked even better in person.

And I hadn’t expected him to be that... huge.

I mean, tall. He was boad-shouldered, heavyset kind of way that made you think twice before saying anything sarcastic. If the two of us ever got into a physical fight, I’d be doomed.

He was wearing a formal suit. The sleeves stopped just at his elbows, and I couldn’t help but notice how his arm muscles stood out.

And his legs were long. Like I said, everything about him was stretched out, like he was built on a different scale.

But just as I was starting to mentally acknowledge all that physical presence…

I landed my eyes on his feet. Propped up on the edge of the table.

Still wearing socks.

I cringed a little. I mean, who does that in formality like this?

My lips twitched in an involuntary wince.

Okay, no.

He’s really not my type.

Just then, as we reached the far-left corner of the long dining table and settled into a tense, awkward pause, I heard a throat being cleared and all eyes shifted to Boss Valerion.

That was when his son finally looked at me properly. His eyes moved to me, then flicked downward. He casually dropped his feet from the chair, letting them rest on the floor, and straightened his posture.

“Dad, where’s my fiancée?”

Damn, that voice...

It was deep but smooth. The kind of tone that made you freeze for a second.

“I thought today was the day?” he added, glancing around the room.

“You didn’t bring her?” he asked, eyebrows slightly raised.

That was when Boss Valerion coughed again.

“She’s here,” he said. “Right in front of you, Pierre.”

I could see his expression change.

His brows drew together, puzzled, and his gaze flicked between the faces in the room.

“Where?” he asked, turning his head. “I haven’t seen any woman here... aside from this.”

Then his eyes landed on me.

His stare hardened. There was no mistaking the disgust in his tone when he finished his sentence.

“And why did you bring that beggar into my house?” As if that wasn’t enough, he actually lifted his hand and pointed at me.

“What are you planning to do with that girl, Dad?”

“She’s not a beggar,” Boss Valerion said formally. “Allow me to introduce you to your wife, Katrina Barillas.”

The room fell into silence.

Pierre’s lips parted slightly in disbelief, like he wasn’t sure he’d heard right.

Then he turned to me with a brutal look.

“I… ain’t... marrying that shit.”

CHAPTER 4

KATRINA

I knew it. I wouldn’t like this guy.

There was something about him from the start. I mean, if he had even the slightest bit of common sense, or basic human decency, he would’ve seen that I’m a person. But no, he called me a... Shit? He literally looked me in the eye and called me that.

Then again, I can’t really blame him completely. I probably do look like a walking disaster right now. Even I, wouldn’t take me seriously looking like this. Honestly, it’s so bad that earlier, the security at the gate almost shot me to death. One more wrong move and I might’ve ended up in a police van.

I had to take a deep breath.

Because I promised my dad that I’d behave. That I wouldn’t fight back. That no matter how much this spoiled son of Boss Valerion gets on my nerves, I’d keep my mouth shut.

To be honest, Boss Valerion is way more decent.

He is actually kind.

But his son, everything about him screamed aggressiveness, his stance, the sharp way he moved, the way he carried himself like he was always ready to start a fight.

And to think, he had such a beautiful name.

Pierre. It sounds classy but that elegant name was a mouthful of trash and an attitude to match.

I muttered sarcastically under my breath, "Hold me back, Dad... hold me back... I want to smack his face..." I was just pretending that I was about to lose it.

“Shh.” Dad reached for my left wrist and held it gently.

“Pierre, watch your words," Boss Valerion warned.

Pierre shut his eyes tightly if he was trying to block the world out. His fingers went up to his forehead, pressing hard, and then he dragged his hand roughly down his face, he was physically trying to wipe the frustration away.

Then he looked back up at Boss Valerion.

“Dad, tell me this is a fuckíng joke,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “Look at her.” He pointed straight at me again.

“She is so different from what you described to me! I thought she was supposed to look... " His mouth hung open, and he rubbed his chin hard. "I am fuckíng out of here!” he growled, turning to leave.

But just as he stood from his chair, his father’s voice cut through the tension.  “Sit down, Pierre.”

He tightened his jaw.

“Go back to your seat…” his father repeated with authority, then turned to face the rest of us. “And please, make yourselves at home, Konrad."

“Yes, Boss,” my dad replied politely on my behalf. “Come on, Kitty. Let’s go.” He gently tugged my arm and led me to the other side of the long dining table. He guided me to my seat. Then he took the seat next to mine.

Boss Valerion sat down beside his son, who looked like someone had just shoved a lemon into his mouth and asked him to smile. His entire face was scrunched up in obvious displeasure, and the worst part?

His eyes were focused on me.

I could feel his stare like a spotlight, dead center. But I refused to meet his gaze. I kept my eyes down, fixed on the table or anywhere else that wasn’t in his direction. He looked too serious and way too scary.

I tried not to fidget.

Then, from the corner of my eye, I saw Boss Valerion reach for a small golden bell in the center of the table. He gave it a light shake.

The soft chime echoed throughout the massive, high-ceilinged dining hall.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when, just a second later, one of the tall wooden doors at the far right wall swung open.

My attention snapped toward it as a line of maids began to file out, each of them carrying trays that sparkled in the light. The trays were polished to a mirror shine, reflecting bits of gold and silver as they moved.

In perfect synchrony, they walked gracefully down the long aisle leading to the dining table where we sat.

“Sweetheart… you’ve got so many leaves in your hair,” Dad said softly, reaching over to pluck something from the side of my head.

Realizing the grass and weeds from earlier must’ve clung to me. I had been lying on the ground for a while but I quickly turned my gaze back to the maids. Watching them was better than facing Pierre’s death glare, which I could already feel burning a hole into the side of my face.

The maids gently set down the plates, each dish more mouthwatering. The aroma of freshly prepared food began to fill the space between us.

Before leaving, they gave a courteous bow in unison, then silently turned around and disappeared back through the door they had come from.

“Let’s dig in.”

That was the only moment I genuinely felt excited.

As soon as the Boss said those words, I gripped the heavy utensils in front of me like a knight ready for battle.

I pulled the plate of waffles toward me with both hands. I quickly stabbed three slices with my fork and dropped them onto my plate. After that, I just kept going, piling more and more food onto it. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure what half of the dishes were called, I just grabbed whatever looked delicious.

By the time I was done, my plate was completely loaded.

Good thing breakfast was something fancy today.

If this is what mornings are like in this place, I might actually enjoy living here.

Just as I was about to take my first bite, a familiar voice cut through my moment of joy. “Kitty, your table manners, sweetheart…” I didn't listen.

I was devouring my food, stuffing bites into my mouth without a care, when Dad leaned toward me and whispered something. It made me stop chewing instantly.

There is that feeling.

The an undeniable sense that someone was staring at me.

I could feel it like a prickling on my skin.

I forced myself to look up, bracing for whatever I’d find, and sure enough, I was right.

Pierre.

Our eyes met, and he was wearing that same heavy expression he seemed to save just for me now.

We just stared at each other for a second. His gaze was piercing, and I could feel my eyelids trembling from the effort of holding back.

I wanted to roll my eyes at him so badly.

Just once. Just to get it out of my system. But I didn’t.

Not with Boss Valerion nearby. If he saw even a flicker of attitude from me, I didn’t know what kind of trouble I’d be in.

“Pierre, eat your food,” his father said calmly, like nothing was happening across the table.

Pierre didn’t move.

His eyes never left mine as he snapped back. “Dad, why did you scam me?! I thought my future bride was supposed to be prettier than Devillianna! Why did you fuckíng lie to me?”

Earlier, when we walked into the room, his face had looked so relaxed but the second he found out that I was the one he was going to marry, it was like someone had knocked the air out of him.

And now, Boss Valerion didn’t even look fazed. “Katrina is better than her.”

Pierre gave his father a look so sharp it could cut glass. "In which part?!” he yelled.

Without even blinking, Boss Valerion calmly scooped another spoonful of food and brought it to his mouth. He chewed slowly, swallowed, then answered in the most casual tone imaginable. “Katrina has child-bearing hips. Perfect for bearing sons.”

I almost choked on my own saliva.

We fell into complete silence.

Excuse me... but what?!

I didn’t know whether to feel completely humiliated or strangely… flattered?

It wasn’t exactly the compliment every girl dreamed of, but hey, coming from a man like Boss Valerion, I guess that was high praise.

Somehow, that absurd remark managed to warm my heart.

Just kidding.

"Her facial features are splendid... she has round eyes, a slim, small, pointed nose, and a small face."

"That’s it?!" Pierre snapped, his voice filled with disgust before he slammed his hand down on the table. The sudden impact echoed sharply, startling everyone in the room. "If I had known you dragged in some woman who looks like a damn witch, I wouldn’t have wasted my time on this shit!"

He stood up violently, the chair screeching across the floor as he shoved it back.

“Fuckíng hell... even our servants look better than her,” he spat out, pacing with frustration. “I don’t want to see that woman again. Ever. Get the hell out of here... all of you.”

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As he stormed away from where he stood, I followed his every step with my gaze. I didn’t even blink. I just kept staring, silently watching him leave.

But just as he neared the dining room door, he suddenly froze.

Then, just as quickly, he spun around harshly.

My heart jumped. Before he could catch me staring, I immediately dropped my eyes back to my plate, pretending that I had been focused on my food the whole time.

I caught a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye as he stepped out of the room. Slowly, his figure disappeared, and with it, the suffocating weight of his presence vanished.

Only then did I realize how tense I had been. I placed a hand over my chest and took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

"On behalf of my son, I apologize for his rudeness, Konrad," Boss Valerion said.

"It’s okay, Boss. I understand," My dad replied gently, though I could hear the discomfort behind his words.

But I couldn’t hold it in. I leaned in toward him.

"That wasn’t okay. Swearing like that, in front of the food? And the way he insulted us… in front of everyone? It was too much."

He let out a sigh.

“Kitty…” he said softly, a subtle warning, asking me to let it go.

“She’s right. What Pierre did was wrong,” Boss Valerion remarked. “So I’d like to apologize, Katrina. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him.”

“It’s okay,” I replied politely, forcing a small, composed smile. “I wasn’t hurt or anything by what he said.” But I couldn’t stop myself from adding, softly. “It’s just that… you see something beautiful in me... but your son doesn’t. He saw me and got mad.”

Dad leaned toward me too, his voice low, as if trying not to be heard by anyone else. “Kitty, of course Boss Pierre would be angry with you… looking the way you do right now.”

I focused on Boss Valerion instead. “I’m just not pretty enough for someone like him. Honestly, do you really think someone like Pierre would lower his standards? He has the face of a prince. And me? I look like a frog next to him.”

“Katrina,” My dad said my name sharply so I immediately shut my lips.