Chapter 3 Meeting with Carlos Donte

The black limousine slowly stopped in front of the majestic mansion of the Donte, an imposing gray stone building surrounded by perfectly maintained. Dorothy took a deep breath as she surveyed the grounds. out the window, feeling a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Her mother, Margaret, and sister, Diane, sat beside him, silent and stoic.

"Remember, Dorothy," Margaret whispered in a cold voice. " It's your chance to redeem your honor and do something good for this family. »

Dorothy nodded without answering, her gaze fixed on the vast house. in front of her. The car door opened and the driver helped him out.

to come down. Diane followed closely behind her, her face displaying an expression of sneaky satisfaction. Margaret brought up the rear, leading the group towards the main entrance where two butlers were waiting for them impeccably dressed.

As she walked through the solid oak doors, Dorothy felt a wave of nervousness overwhelm her. The interior of the mansion was sumptuous, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, Persian rugs adorning the floorsand ancient works of art hanging on the walls. Every detail testified to the immense wealth of the Donte family.

"Please follow us," one of the butlers said, bowing. slightly. They led them through a long corridor to a large reception room where several members of the Donte family were already reunited.

Carlos Donte stood by the fireplace, surrounded by his parents and a few relatives. Dorothy felt her heart beat faster as she posed eyes on him. Carlos was indeed far from the ideal image that we could be made from an heir of a rich family. He was thin, almost emaciated, with features marked by fatigue and illness. His skin was pale and almost gray, his eyes were sunken and surrounded by black, but despite this, they shone with intelligence and determination undeniable.

"Welcome," Carlos said, stepping forward to greet them. His voice was soft but firm, betraying an unsuspected inner strength. " I am

Carlos Donte. Nice to meet you, Dorothy. »

Dorothy smiled weakly and nodded. "Thank you, Carlos. I am delighted to meet you as well. »

Carlos' father, Alessandro Donte, spoke. "Margaret, Diane, Dorothy, welcome to our humble home. We hope that this union will be beneficial for both our families. » "We're sure," Margaret replied with a tight smile.

Diane remained silent, her eyes fixed on Carlos with an expression of barely concealed disgust. Dorothy couldn't help but notice the contrast between the coldness of his sister and the apparent friendliness of Carlos.

She wondered how this man, although sick and weakened, could remain so courteous in the face of so much contempt."Can I get you something to drink? » asked Carlos, turning towards Dorothy.

"A glass of water, please," she replied.

Carlos signaled to a servant, who hastened to bring a drink of water. Dorothy took it gratefully and sat down on one of the leather chairs.

arranged around the room. Carlos sat down in front of her, his eyes unfocused. not leaving his face.

"So, Dorothy," he said after a moment of silence. " Can you tell a little about yourself? »

Dorothy hesitated, searching for words. "I...I'm a doctor. I worked hard to become an intern in a clinic before everything changes. » "You have ambitions," Carlos remarked, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "It's something I really enjoy. »

"Thank you," Dorothy replied, touched by his sincerity. "What about you, Carlos?

Can you tell me about yourself and your family? » Carlos gave a sad smile. "There's not much to say. I have spent most of my life battling this disease. But I do not

I don't want this to define who I am. I try to contribute to the family in every way possible. »

Dorothy felt a surge of compassion for this man who, despite his condition, was trying to find his place in the world. " I am sure that you are doing great things, Carlos. »

Their eyes met, and for a moment it seemed as if they were understood perfectly. However, the tension in the room was

palpable, fueled by the presence of their respective families."So, Dorothy," Alessandro Donte interjected, breaking the silence. " That do you think of this union? Are you ready to join our family and support Carlos in his efforts? »

Dorothy took a deep breath before answering. " I understand the importance of this union for our families. And I'm ready to do my best to make this work. »

Margaret, Diane and Alessandro nodded, but Carlos seemed to read deeper into her. "Thank you, Dorothy," he said. gently. "I know it's not easy, but together I'm sure that we can overcome the challenges that lie ahead. »

The meeting continued with formal discussions on the details of the marriage, financial arrangements and the expectations of both families. Dorothy listened attentively, but part of her mind remained focused on Carlos. There was something in him that touched her deeply, an inner strength that she admired and respected. When the discussions ended, Carlos offered Dorothy a tour of the manor. "If that's okay with you, I'd like to show you around. That may help you feel more comfortable. »

Dorothy gratefully accepted. "With pleasure, Carlos. » They left the reception room and began to walk around the ornate halls of the mansion. Carlos showed him the different rooms, each one more opulent than the last, but it was the library that particularly caught Dorothy's attention. The walls were covered of books from floor to ceiling, and the smell of leather and old paper perfumed the air.

"It's beautiful," Dorothy murmured as she browsed the shelves of the glance."It's one of my favorite pieces," Carlos admitted. "I like to spend time here to read and think. »

"You have good taste," she replied with a smile.

They continued their visit, passing through the lush gardens and sunny terraces. Dorothy felt more and more at ease as she presence of Carlos, discovering in him a sensitive and intelligent man, far from the image that his family had tried to impose on him.

"Carlos," she said finally, stopping under a large oak tree. " I want to be honest with you. This situation is new and difficult for me, but I am ready to make an effort. I want us to work together, not just for our families, but for ourselves. »

Carlos looked at her, a serious expression on his face. " I understand, Dorothy. I want the same thing. We must support each other and find a way to make this union beneficial for both of us. » Dorothy felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. For the first time, she really felt listened to and understood. "Thank you, Carlos. I think that we can make it happen. »

They smiled at each other, sealing their tacit understanding. Their families might have different expectations and motivations, but Dorothy and Carlos were determined to create their own path, together. As they walked back to the mansion, Dorothy couldn't help but feel more confident. This marriage, which began as a simple transaction, took an unexpected turn. She felt that with With Carlos at her side, she had a chance to rebuild herself and avenge those who had betrayed her.

That evening, as the sun set over the Donte estate,

Dorothy went to bed with a feeling of new peace. The tensionsinitials were still there, but she knew she was no longer alone in this struggle. With Carlos, she had found an ally, a partner and perhaps, in time, something more.

The following days were marked by a series of frenetic preparations For the wedding. Dorothy and Carlos spent more and more time together, getting to know each other and understanding the strengths and weaknesses weaknesses of each. They discussed their dreams, their fears and their hopes for the future, slowly creating a bond of trust and mutual respect.

Dorothy discovered in Carlos a man of great culture and great sensitivity. Despite his illness, he had a keen mind and curiosity insatiable for the world around him. He spoke to her about his readings, his

thoughts on life and his plans to help others. Dorothy, from her

side, shared with him his experiences

As a doctor, his personal struggles and aspirations for change the world.

Little by little, they began to build a relationship based on mutual understanding and sincere support. Dorothy realized that, despite appearances, Carlos was much more than a sick man and weakened. He was a complex and profound being, capable of great things if given the chance.

One evening, while they were walking in the gardens, Carlos turned towards

Dorothy with a serious expression. "Dorothy, I want you to know something. No matter what others think or say, I believe in you. I believe in your strength and your ability to overcome all tests. »

Dorothy felt warmth fill her heart. "Thank you, Carlos. Your words mean a lot to me. And I want you to know that I'm here to you too, whatever happens. »

They looked into each other's eyes, and in this shared silence, they understood that they had found in each other a life partner, someone on whom to count on and with whom to face the challenges to come. The wedding day was fast approaching, and with it, the promise of a new start. For Dorothy, it was an opportunity to take her revenge about a painful past and forging a better future. For Carlos, it was a chance to prove that he was more than the others saw in him.

Together, they were ready to take on the world.