CHAPTER THREE : The Unexpected Bride

KATE

“With cooperation comes reward.”

The man’s voice was calm, very calm.

My father leaned forward like he was being offered the world.

“And everything we discussed… still stands?”

The man gave a small nod.

“Of course.”

My stomach turned. Everything we discussed?

I stepped into the room.

“What is going on?”

Both of them turned. 

Dad’s face changed instantly. First in surprise, then irritation.

“Kate,” he said sharply. “You’re home.”

“I asked you a question.”

The man stood up, smooth, professional. Like this was just another job.

“Miss Adams,” he said politely. “Perfect timing.”

I didn’t respond. My eyes stayed on my father.

“What is he talking about?”

Dad exhaled like I was the problem.

“Sit down.”

“No.”

A pause.

The man reached for his briefcase.

“I believe it’s best we proceed.”

Proceed? With what? My pulse quickened.

“I am Mr Wakefield, family lawyer to the Romanos.” He introduced himself with an outstretched hand.

I didn't take it.

The lawyer didn't seem to mind.

He opened the case and brought out a file. Neatly arranged documents. They looked too official, too real.

“On behalf of Mr Leon Romano,” he began, “I am here to formally present a marriage proposal.”

Silence.

For a second, I thought I heard wrong.

“A what?”

“A marriage proposal,” he repeated calmly.

“You are insane.” I said, even though the man who stood before me looked dignified. 

“This proposal comes directly from Mr Leon Romano,” the lawyer said.

I crossed my arms. “Oh really? Why does he suddenly want to get married? And since he does, am I supposed to believe I was the only option?”

A pause.

“You weren’t.”

Something in my chest tightened. Was this really happening?

“Several candidates were presented,” he continued. “Mr Romano declined all of them.”

My brows pulled together. “Why?”

The man adjusted his sleeve slightly.

“He made a specific request.”

Silence.

“You.”

I laughed. A short, disbelieving sound.

“Get out.”

Neither of them moved.

“I said get out.”

“Kate..” my father started.

“GET OUT!”

I had reached my limit. Since everyone had decided to act crazy, who was I not to?

The man paused, then calmly closed the file.

“Perhaps you should speak with your daughter,” he said to my father before stepping outside.

The door clicked shut. I turned slowly.

“What did you do?”

Dad’s jaw tightened.

“Lower your voice.”

“You sold me?”

His expression darkened.

“Watch how you speak.”

I let out a hollow laugh.

“Don’t even try to twist this. I heard everything.”

He stepped closer.

“Do you have any idea what this is?”

“Yes,” I snapped. “A transaction.”

“It’s an opportunity.”

“For you.”

“For all of us!”

I scoffed.

“Say it properly. Say you took money.”

He didn’t deny it. That told me everything.

“Kate,” he said, his voice dropping, “you’re going to accept this.”

Something inside me snapped.

“No.”

It came out instantly. Firm and final.

Dad's chest heaved with pent-up rage. He maintained eye contact with me, his eyes bloodshot. 

“You don’t have a choice.”

I let out a slow, dangerous breath.

“Watch me.”

I turned and walked straight for the door.

“Kate.”

I didn’t stop.

“Kate!”

I was already outside.

The air hit my face, sharp and cold. I didn’t slow down. Didn’t think. Didn’t stop.

I ran.

My feet moved on instinct, carrying me away from the house, from the voices, from everything closing in around me.

I didn’t even realize where I was going until…

I collided with someone.

Strong hands caught me before I hit the ground.

“Kate?”

I looked up.

Oliver.

“What happened?”

The question broke something in me.

“Why me?” I whispered.

He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

I shook my head, my vision blurring.

“I didn’t do anything. I stayed away. I left all of that behind and now…”

My voice cracked.

“They want me back.”

Oliver’s expression darkened instantly.

“Who?”

I laughed weakly.

“Who else?”

Understanding settled in his eyes. Followed by anger.

“Leon Romano.”

The name tasted bitter.

I didn’t realize I was crying until Oliver pulled me into him.

“I’m not doing it,” I muttered against his chest. “I’m not.”

“You won’t,” he said immediately. “I won’t let that happen.”

I wanted to believe him. But deep down I already knew.

The Romanos didn’t ask.

They took.

                  ***********

By the time night fell I was standing in front of the Romano estate.

I didn’t remember deciding to come here. But I knew why I was here.

I wanted answers.

A maid approached me before I even got to the door.

“Master Leon is waiting for you by the pool.”

Of course he was.

I didn’t hesitate.

The garden was exactly how I remembered it. Beautiful, cold. Holding a memory I would never forget.

And there he was. Standing by the pool like he owned the night.

The caustics made by lights shining in the pool gave the atmosphere an eerie feeling.

He turned as I approached, gave the usual smile.

“Hi, Katie.”

Something inside me burned.

“You motherfucking bastard.”

I didn’t stop walking until I was right in front of him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He tilted his head slightly, studying me.

“Careful,” he said calmly. “You’re talking to your fiancé.”

My fists clenched.

“We haven’t seen each other in years,” I snapped. “So explain to me why you suddenly get to decide my life?”

His lips curved.

“Because I can.”

My chest tightened.

“There are thousands of girls out there,” I said. “Why me?” I asked desperately, anger eating up my insides 

There was a pause.

For the first time, his expression shifted. Just slightly.

Then he stepped closer.

“Because, Katie…” he said quietly “…I wanted you.”

Silence.

The words hung between us. Heavy. Dangerous.

And for the first time since this started, I felt it.

This wasn’t just about a scandal. This wasn’t just about PR.

This was something else. Something worse.

And somehow…

I had just stepped right into it.