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.

CHAPTER 5

KATRINA

But no. I couldn’t just sit there and accept this. This might be the only chance I had to confront Boss Valerion.

Without hesitation, I turned to him and met his gaze with a serious, unwavering stare. He was seated across the long dining table, eating with such formality.

I clenched my hands under the table, gathering the courage to speak.

"With all due respect… is there really no chance you’ll change your mind?"

He looked up at me.

“Your bedroom is on the fifth floor, Katrina,” he said calmly. “If you’re done eating, proceed to your room.”

So this was really happening. The wedding was soon, and it wasn’t going to be canceled.

I let out a deep breath, trying to push down the lump in my throat.

Then I felt my dad's hand gently touch mine. “Sweetheart… I’ll come visit you here, okay? Just... please don’t forget what I told you. Whatever happens… don’t ever get involved with Boss Pierre.”

I just nooded.

I finished everything on my plate. It would’ve been embarrassing to leave without finishing the food, especially after how generously they served us.

After the meal, the butler was instructed to accompany me. He quietly led me to the elevator and brought me all the way to a large, luxurious room.

I was still full, yet somehow I already felt sleepy. The butler gave a slight bow and left without a word, gently closing the door behind him.

Letting out a yawn, I made my way to the bed. I stopped on the left side and slowly took off my indoor slippers and climbed up.

I pulled back the ridiculously thick blanket and slid under it, letting it fall back over me like a soft, heavy cloud.

As I lay down, I could feel my body sink into the mattress, it was unbelievably soft, the kind that seemed to mold perfectly to every curve of your body. It almost felt like it was pulling me in, cradling me gently.

I lay flat on my back, arms at my sides like someone lying inside a coffin. I let out one final yawn, my body relaxing completely, and slowly closed my eyes.

Sleep found me almost instantly.

But it didn’t last.

I was suddenly jolted awake when something or someone landed on top of me with a crushing weight.

“HMMMMPH!”

“FUUCK!”

The moment I groaned out in shock, a loud, panicked voice echoed through the room. Whoever it was must’ve been just as startled as I was. The weight immediately lifted off of me, as if it realized too late that they were suffocating a person, not crashing into a pillow.

Gasping, I shoved the thick blanket off my body and sat up in alarm.

“Y–YOU?!”

My voice cracked as my sleepy eyes tried to focus and there I saw Pierre.

Standing right in front of me.

His eyes squeezed shut as he dragged both hands down his face in frustration.

I could hear him breathe, trying to calm himself or not to snap any further.

“What... are you doing in my room?” he asked, his voice lower now, but still tense with suppressed rage.

I slowly sat up in bed, stretching a little as I let out a yawn.

Through my barely opened eyes, I could already feel that heavy, penetrating stare. And sure enough, he was watching me intently.

I took my time.

I lazily scratched my hair, which at this point probably looked like a witch’s nest.

Then, without a care in the world, I reached for his blanket and wiped the side of my mouth with it, pretending to clean off a trail of drool.

Even though I hadn’t drooled at all.

But judging by the way his face darkened even more, my little act had the desired effect.

He looked seriously annoyed.

“Maybe you just walked into the wrong room by accident?” I said in the softest, most innocent tone I could manage.

Then I puckered my lips into a playful pout fluttered my eyelashes at him.

The twitch in his jaw told me everything I needed to know.