2. The mansion

Lilian walked into the mansion. It was a tall building with a large front garden, the building had a royal display and everything looked expensive.

The windows were huge and made of glass that glittered like they were full of stars. There were also large pots with white roses outside. It didn't look like it could be any richer than the manor itself.

Lilian's stomach formed into knots as she stared at the building with the thought of what might befall her when she saw her late sister's husband.

She took in a deep breath and walked close to the giant door at the entrance. She knocked lightly on it and waited for someone to open the door. There was silence from inside for a few minutes and then she heard some shuffling on the other side of the door before it opened a little bit.

“Who is it?” Came an authoritative voice. The tone did not seem friendly but it still held curiosity.

The door creaked open with Mrs Rojas behind it wearing a beautiful gown in pale blue and grey tones with pearls. Her hair was styled in an elaborate manner that complimented her elegant figure.

Lilian forced a smile along with a slight bow to greet the woman. Mrs Rojas didn't offer a word as she scanned the lady.

Lilian was a beautiful lady with elegant features. She had dark brown hair pulled up into a tight bun with bangs framing her face. Her complexion was flawless and her lips were painted a rich red that complemented her eyes which were almond-shaped.

The most striking feature about her was her green eyes. The color was so bright and vibrant. It was something no one could resist looking at for a long time. They captivated anyone who gazed upon them.

"Miss Alfred, please come in," Mrs Rojas welcomed her into the house with a kind gesture.

She led her into a grand living room with marble floors, a big couch, and a beautiful antique wooden table with four chairs surrounding it. Lilian held on to her purse as she stared at Mrs Rojas, her heartbeat increased.

‘Is this where I’m going to meet my fate? Here? Now?' Lilian asked herself as she watched Mrs Rojas flip through the magazine in her hand.

Mrs Rojas gestured towards the couch. "Please take a seat." She smiled at her and took the couch opposite Lilian, she smiled. "You have similar features with your sister and I think there's no need to budge about your wedding dress."

A smirk played on her pink lips as she sat back and folded her hands. "I think your sister's wedding dress will look good on you."

Lilian gasped, she couldn't believe what she just heard. She wanted to say something but all that came out was stutters. She couldn't believe her reality was something she couldn't have control over.

"Your father want the wedding to be fast so my husband and I, decided the wedding should be tomorrow," Mrs Rojas explained.

"This is so fast, I need time to process this," Lilian mumbled slowly.

Lilian felt as though the ground had been pulled out from beneath her feet. Tomorrow? How could her father and the Rojas family decide on something so significant without even consulting her? She struggled to gather her thoughts as Mrs. Rojas continued speaking, her voice laced with urgency.

"Lilian, Miss Alfred, I know this may seem sudden, but your father has been discussing this with us for quite some time now. It's essential for the partnership of this family's business interests that this marriage takes place swiftly," Mrs. Rojas explained, her tone gentle yet firm.

"I can't just marry someone I barely know tomorrow! This is my life we're talking about," Lilian protested, her voice trembling with emotion. "I need some time to know your son, Mrs Rojas."

"Lilian." Mrs Rojas said in anger but flashed an understanding smile at Lilian. "I believe this shouldn't be an issue because I'm sure that your father has explained everything to you. The Rojas Corporation is one of the most influential and powerful entities in the industry. This marriage will solidify a crucial business alliance that will benefit your family for generations to come."

"This is too sudden, your son is still mourning his loss, this doesn't sound like a good thing to do at the moment." Lilian countered, feeling a surge of frustration and helplessness.

"Lilian, sweetheart, I know this isn't what you had envisioned for yourself, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good of our family. Think about the opportunities this marriage will afford you. You'll be a part of one of the most respected families in the business world. You'll have access to resources and connections that most people can only dream of," Mrs. Rojas reasoned, her words tinged with a hint of desperation. "Don't worry about my son, he understands everything."

"I just... I need time to think about this," Lilian murmured, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of everything.

"I'm afraid time is a luxury we don't have, my dear. The contracts have already been drawn up, and everything is set in motion. Delaying the wedding could jeopardize the entire deal," Mrs. Rojas explained, her voice taking on a note of urgency.

Lilian's heart sank. It seemed as though she had no choice in the matter. She was being swept along by forces beyond her control, her fate sealed by the decisions of others.

"I... I don't know what to do," Lilian admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Lilian, trust me, this is the best course of action for your family. I know it's a lot to take in, but I promise you, everything will work out in the end," Mrs. Rojas reassured her, reaching out to grab the magazine.

"Please, just give me some time to think," Lilian pleaded, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

"Why are you bordering yourself, mother, you can't force a lady like her into accepting something," someone said and I looked up to see Sebastian my late sister's husband walking into the living room with his hand buried in the pockets of his pants.

I gulped down as his gaze was fixed on me.