CHAPTER 2

Caroline’s POV

The Del Fierro family is the biggest investor in Dad’s business. Compared to their other business partners, we have absolutely nothing to show for ourselves. But because of Dad’s potential, he managed to close a deal with the Del Fierros.

Raegan is the man of my dreams. Just thinking about the fact that he was the one I was with that night makes the butterflies in my stomach go wild. But I have one big problem. I’m supposed to marry one of our investor’s son. Just the thought of it is already making me sick. We have a dinner later, and that’s where I’ll meet him. They didn’t even plan an announcement party, so I’m sure I’ll just end up with some low-class, insignificant family. Just to save Daddy’s company, I have to face this humiliation.

When afternoon came, everyone was frantically busy except for me. I was incredibly bored and just wanted it to be over quickly.

“Madam, they’re here!”

It felt like my world stopped, and they moved in slow motion. It’s Raegan and his family, walking into our mansion!

“Good evening, please come in.” We greeted them warmly. 

Giddy with excitement, I was about to greet him with a cheek kiss, but…

“Is this it?” His face contorted, looking utterly disappointed. “Your house is so small. Our warehouse is even bigger than this. It looks just like a dog house.”

Mommy and I looked at each other, while Daddy replied to him, visibly embarrassed. “

I-I’m sorry if you don’t like our house. We are going to have a new house built anyway, so it won’t be embarrassing once you and Caroline get married.”

“As you should. We’re doing you a big favor. Surely you don’t want to bring us shame, right?” I was shocked when he rolled his eyes at Dad.

“Y-Yes, of course, that’s not a problem. Shall we head to the dining area? The food is ready.”

Before heading straight to the dining room, Raegan cast a glance at me and then rolled his eyes mockingly. Despite his behavior, his parents remained quiet, as if this was completely normal.

I stayed quiet while sitting next to Raegan. Our parents kept planning the wedding while I drowned deep in my own thoughts.

“You work with Tobias, right?” His Mommy turned to me, but because I was so deep in thought, I didn't hear her.

“Y-Yes?"

“Y-yes?” Raegan mimicked me. “You know, you’re not beautiful. So you better make up for it by being attentive and smart.”

“S-Sorry.” I felt deeply humiliated. I could see that my Mom wanted to defend me, but Dad stopped her.

“Since you work with my brother, you’re bound to see a lot of resemblances between him and Raegan. My son takes after his Uncle so much. Especially when it comes to intelligence,” his mother bragged.

I just nodded. If there was anything identical about them, it was probably just their voices. But their attitude? Worlds apart. Sir Tobias might be a ruthless businessman, but he is never arrogant.

I noticed how hurriedly Raegan ate. The moment he finished, he roughly yanked me up.

“Is it okay if Caroline and I spend some time alone?” 

I was shocked by his question, and even more so when they allowed us. I didn't expect him to invite himself right into my bedroom, which made me even more nervous.

“I’m sorry, it’s a bit messy here. I didn't expect you to come into my room.”

“It’s fine. Judging by the look of your house, I didn’t expect you to have a decent room anyway.”

I clenched my fist but hid it behind my back. As his eyes scanned my room, I saw that necklace again. Without a doubt, he really was the one with me that night. But why does the person standing in front of me now feel like a completely different perdson? He is a far cry from the man I was with last night. The Raegan in front of me right now is arrogant and utterly ill-mannered.

“By the way, Raegan, I wanted to thank you for what happened last night. Uhm, thank you because... you helped me. My body felt so intensely hot back then, I-it's a good thing you were the one who found me in the room.” I wanted to see if he would remember what happened.

“Sure, whatever.” He just smirked at me. 

This meant he remembered, but he didn't seem to care.

“I assume you understand the situation between the two of us, right? Your family needs our money, which is why your Dad is selling you to us to save his business.”

“Y-Yes, I understand.”

“I don’t like to marry anyone. But I’ll do this to help you.” 

He made that crystal clear to me. 

“But in return, you’ll be my slave. Do you understand?”

With a heavy heart, I nodded. “Yes. I understand.”

“Your phone is ringing.” He pointed to my cellphone on the bedside table. Every word that came out of his mouth seemed laced with irritation.

“S-sorry, I’ll just answer it.” I quickly grabbed my phone and stepped slightly away from him. “Sir? Good evening. Do you need something?”

“Caroline, where are you?” His voice was full of worry.

“I-I'm at my parent’s house, Sir. Is there something you need me to do?” I tried my best to steady my voice even though I was on the verge of tears.

“What are you doing right now?”

“I-I'm with my… f-fiance.” I saw Raegan roll his eyes when I said that.

Tobias didn't reply for a long time. “Just… call me if you need help.”

Why does he sound disappointed? If I told him to rescue me from his nephew who seems to be born out of pure malice, would he do it? 

I sighed. 

“Yes Sir, thank you.” 

Even though I couldn't understand why he said those things, my heart felt a little bit at ease.

“Was that my uncle?” Raegan asked while tapping on his phone.

“Yes, it was him.” 

Tobias Lion Del Fierro. The founder of the Del Fierro Empire. He is also my boss, and I work as his secretary.

“What did he want?” I looked away. “Uhm, he was giving instructions about my work for tomorrow.” I lied. Because I felt uncomfortable around him, especially with the way he was acting.

He laughed insultingly. “D*mn, I’m marrying such a lowlife secretary? This must be my punishment.”

I didn't say a word and silently endured everything.

“Leave the room. I have to make a call.” I just nodded and didn't question him further. But I stayed leaning against the back of the door while thinking about everything that was happening.

I clutched my chest because it hurt so bad. But as it turned out, that wasn't even the most painful thing he could make me feel.

I heard him talking on the phone while I was leaning against the door. 

“Don’t worry, she’s not even my type. Of course I’m still coming over tonight. Do you really think I’d replace you with a girl like her? Oh come on, you know I only have eyes for you. I’ll see you later, okay? Let’s bathe together.”

His voice was so tender while talking to that person. It was a far cry from how he treated me and my family.

I covered my mouth with my palm, desperately trying to stifle my escaping sobs. I can’t believe I’m marrying someone like him. We aren't even married yet, but the pain he is making me experience is already too much. So painful that I wanted to escape.