5

Fredric’s POV

I have no idea what made my grandmother ask me to accompany this girl. God, my car has never carried a stranger like Mathilda before.

What if her frizzy red hair messes up the back seat? Is her backside even clean enough to sit in my luxury car?

I’m so irritated.

Thankfully, Paula is sweet and understanding. I really didn’t make a mistake choosing her as my girlfriend.

We’ve been together for about three months now, and I’m convinced she’ll be my future wife. Ah, that sounds almost like a joke—but it’s true. I love her deeply.

Paula is the first woman who’s ever made me consider taking things seriously. Up until now, women and beauty were nothing more than a game to me—fleeting distractions I couldn’t care less about.

But Paula was different. She managed to open my heart to real affection, to make me understand what a relationship truly means. Her beauty and her kind heart are beyond doubt.

Unfortunately, Grandma doesn’t seem to approve of her. Every time I mention how close Paula and I have become, she acts cold and dismissive.

“Here’s fine.”

Mathilda’s voice made me hit the brakes instinctively. We had arrived at a small, empty shop not far from her house.

“Hurry up! My time isn’t meant to be wasted dropping you off. If it weren’t for Grandma, I wouldn’t have brought you at all.”

“Darling, mind your manners,” Paula said gently.

“Thanks, Paula. I wouldn’t have wanted to come with you either if it weren’t for Mrs. Rosa!”

I turned sharply toward Mathilda, who had the nerve to answer Paula back. How dare she raise her voice at me? Right after she closed the door, Paula reached over and gently touched my face.

“Why are you so angry?” she asked softly.

“Didn’t you hear what she just said? She’s just a weak woman who has no right to talk back to me like that!”

“You know what kind of world Mathilda lives in, right? Why expect her to answer politely? You should understand that her world and ours are completely different.”

I didn’t expect that response from Paula. I didn’t think she could be that cruel—and I liked it. She’s exactly my type: kind yet sharp, sweet yet ruthless. She’s like a rose—beautiful, but with thorns.

Right now, she’s thinking exactly what I’m thinking: that Mathilda is beneath us, someone who doesn’t belong anywhere near our world.

“You know, I thought you’d take Mathilda’s side,” I said with a smirk. “Turns out, my choice in women was perfect. We don’t need to befriend people like her. Sooner or later, they’ll just take advantage of our kindness. It’s been proven many times.”

Paula smiled widely. Her red lips looked so tempting that I leaned in closer, inch by inch, ready to kiss her. But just as our lips were about to touch, the back door of the car swung open.

“Oh—sorry.”

Mathilda had returned, a backpack slung over her shoulder. That same annoying, timid look was written all over her face, ruining the moment.

“Let’s go, darling,” Paula said quickly. “Let’s take Mathilda home.”

I glared at Mathilda and stepped on the gas.

God. If she hadn’t interrupted, I would’ve had my first kiss with Paula. I’ve never even touched her before—and that’s another reason I know she’s the one. Paula is nothing like other women I’ve known.

I looked at Mathilda through the rearview mirror. She was staring out the window, lost in thought.

“I don’t know what your next plan is, but you’d better understand one thing,” I said coldly. “You won’t be able to take advantage of my grandmother, Mathilda.”

“Darling,” Paula said softly, “why did you say that to her? I’m sure someone like Mathilda wouldn’t have bad intentions. Even if she’s not on our level.”

I met Paula’s eyes and we both smiled knowingly. I don’t know—something in me just can’t trust Mathilda. I’ve always thought she might take advantage of Grandma’s kindness. You never really know what’s going on in the mind of a weak, poor girl like her.

Sometimes, you have to warn them early. Thankfully, Paula stepped in to make my point clear.

“Wow, you’ve really hurt Mathilda’s feelings,” Paula teased lightly. “Look—she’s holding back her tears, Fredric.”

I glanced back. Mathilda was quietly wiping her eyes. She didn’t say a single word about what we’d just said.

“I don’t need your tears, Mathilda,” I said flatly. “I just want you to understand—you’ll never take advantage of my family. My grandmother might be kind, but I’m not stupid. Got it? If you understand, you’ll only stay in our house for one day.”

Still silent. Mathilda didn’t move or make a sound.

I honestly expected her to argue, but she didn’t. Maybe she really is too weak to stand up for herself. She should learn to be a bit more… appealing. Ha.

---

“Mathilda, why are you crying?”

My grandmother’s question made me tense up instantly. I was afraid Mathilda might tell her about everything I’d said during the drive.

“Um, nothing. I wasn’t crying—just some dust in my eyes. Anyway, Mrs. Rosa, I need to go back to work. I’ll return after my shift. I’m sorry, but I left my father alone.”

Perfect. She knows how to keep her mouth shut.

“Well then, Grandma, can we go have lunch now? Come on, I’m starving.”

Mathilda had already walked away. She gave me a quick sideways glance as she passed, and I returned it with a cold, cynical look.

“Mathilda, wait,” Grandma called out. “After work, wait for us at your workplace. Fredric and I will pick you up—we’re going out.”

I frowned instantly. “What? What do you mean, Grandma?”

“I just thought the three of us should spend some time together. You, Mathilda, and me. Paula won’t be joining us,” she said casually, glancing toward Paula.

I looked at Mathilda, who seemed stunned.

“Alright, you can go now, Mathilda. That’s all I wanted to say,” Grandma added.

Mathilda turned and left quickly. I was frustrated—what on earth was Grandma planning?

“Grandma, why would you come up with something so ridiculous? Where are we even going this afternoon? Paula and I—”

“Shh,” she interrupted firmly. “I don’t want to hear your complaints, Fredric. My decision is final. We’re going—without Paula.”

I could only take a deep breath and follow behind her as she walked ahead.

Honestly, I felt like canceling lunch altogether. My mood was ruined—completely wrecked.

Not even Paula’s soft touch on my back could calm me down.

This is insane.

Mathilda has ruined everything.