Chapter 4.

KATRINE.

The long-awaited day had finally arrived. Tristan had announced his arrival from the States a few days ago, and he was finally coming to get me. But I had a secret, one that could change everything. I was certain I was pregnant, but I didn't know whose baby I was carrying. I had always been seen as the black sheep of the family, and the news of this pregnancy would be the final straw.

Jared was the last person I wanted to see right now, and I couldn't bear the thought of announcing the news to Tristan either. "Who gets pregnant from a one-night stand?" I screamed, face down on the pillow in frustration. "How could I be so careless?" I screamed again, louder this time.

I wandered around the room in confusion, feeling lost and uncertain. I had always been in control, but this situation was beyond me. Guilt consumed me, weighing heavily on my conscience. "I could pin the pregnancy on him, after all, we had a great time, and I'm certain he didn't use protection," I thought to myself, trying to come up with a solution. "But what if there's a catch?"

I ran my hands through my hair, scattering it wildly. Tears welled up in my eyes and poured freely, streaming down my face. My life was in shambles, a never-ending cycle of chaos.

"Should I just come out clean and face the shame?" I wondered. "Do I pin it on him and face the aftermath?" I was torn, and the thought of what to do echoed in my mind. I felt dizzy and exhausted. The emotional turmoil was overwhelming. I curled myself into a ball and dozed off.

The sounds of cars and voices outside woke me up a few hours later.

"Katrine, what kind of child are you?" my mother screamed, bursting into my room with her eyebrows raised high as she scanned the space. "You're supposed to be prepared and ready to go with your husband by now, but no, you always find a way to bring shame to this family."

She looked at me with disdain. "What have I done this time?" I asked, confusion etched on my face.

"Why aren't you dressed? Why is this place a mess? Why is your hair so disheveled and your face so pale?" she fired off questions, not giving me a chance to respond.

Just then, it dawned on me that the cars that had been pulling in and the voices echoing outside were all for Tristan. He was finally here. I panicked inwardly but hid my true emotions from my mother by feigning a different reaction.

"Mom, I just woke up, and I'm not even certain I'm ready to leave just yet," I said, giving her a disapproving look.

"Katrine, you wouldn't dare!" she raged. "The last thing you should do right now is get on my nerves."

"I'd skin you alive if you don't get up this minute and get dressed," my mother threatened, her voice venomous.

I sluggishly stood up from the bed, knowing better than to provoke her further. I didn't want to risk her noticing any symptoms of the pregnancy, or she would surely blow her top.

I hurriedly showered, slipped into a silk flyaway gown, and nude patent pointed heels, and applied light makeup before heading downstairs.

Just as I was about to descend the final step, Tristan extended his hand, offering a helping gesture. But instead of simply assisting me, he pulled me in with a gentle yet firm force, his hand placed solidly on my waist.

He then planted a kiss on my lips, leaving my parents and me utterly shocked. I was flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the sudden display of affection.

"You look gorgeous," he complimented, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

I quickly faked a smile, still trying to process the turn of events.

Tristan smiled back at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement, before turning to smile at my confused parents.

"My wife and I prepared the finest dish and would love you to share the thanks with us," my father stammered.

Tristan smirked. "Shall we?"

He beckoned to me, and I felt a flutter in my chest. I was carried away by his handsome features and the sudden affection I felt for this man.

"Oh, yes, yes," I replied, trying to sound composed.

I walked over to the dining area, where Tristan made sure I sat before he did, and my parents followed suit.

"The wedding will be held tomorrow," Tristan announced, his voice firm and authoritative. "I don't want any hindrances."

I mistakenly bit my tongue the moment those words left his mouth, my mind reeling in shock.

"Mr. Tristan, that's perfect," my mother smiled, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. My father followed suit, nodding shamelessly.

"Marriage?" I scoffed, my voice laced with incredulity. "I know my opinion doesn't count, but no one told me I was going to stand at the altar exchanging vows with someone I barely know, just yet?" I yelled, my eyes blazing with anger as I looked at my parents.

They were certain of ruining my life and wouldn't stop until it was done.

"Katrine, mind your words," my father said nonchalantly, his tone dripping with warning. "Whenever he chooses to go on with the marriage depends on him. All he requests of you is to appear to be a happy bride, and that's all."

My mother gave me a devilish look, her eyes implying I should have kept quiet.

"Miss Katrine, did you just say you barely know me?" Tristan asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared directly into mine. His gaze was piercing, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

I got tongue-tied, looking at his well-sculptured face, from his brows to his brown eyes to his well-arranged beard.

"Oh goodness," I muttered, my voice barely audible.

I had to snap out of being distracted; I had a lot of troubles going on, and I was still tripping over a man.

I turned and faced Tristan. "I'd like to have a conversation with you privately," I said, avoiding my mother's gaze.

"Katrine, whatever it is you want to say should be said here," my mother protested, trying to disapprove.

"Mother, enough! You married me off without my consent; at least cut me some slack," I retorted, raising a brow to the shock of my parents.

"After you, my lady," Tristan broke the tension and walked right after me to the balcony.

"I'm... I'm pregnant," I blurted out, my voice trembling.

"You're what?!"