Chapter 5 A Forced Bride's Embarrassment

Nicole's Point of View

The drive to the Batista family mansion was calm yet filled with an unsettling suspense. I rested my head against the cool window, watching the vibrant California sunshine sweep through the streets, illuminating countless lives unfolding in their usual rhythm. Meanwhile, my own life had been upended.

Andrew sat beside me, sneaking occasional glances. When our eyes met, he gave me an awkward smile, as if that would erase the fact that he had forced me into this marriage.

The estate was enormous, the driveway wide and lined with vibrant flowers. A lion-head statue loomed over the entrance of the second gate, its fierce gaze sending a shiver down my spine. The mansion itself exuded dark and gothic vibes, like a castle plucked straight from a vampire movie.

"What do you think?" Andrew mumbled.

"Impressive. Very lovely," I replied, keeping my voice neutral as I stepped out of the car.

I knew his game. He wanted me to feel welcomed, to lower my guard so I wouldn't resist my fate. But no matter how extravagant this house was, it wouldn't change the truth-I was here against my will.

As we stepped inside, a warm and familiar aroma wrapped around me-roasted chicken, corn rice, and tomato sauce. My stomach betrayed me with a quiet growl. My thoughts raced. Was this their way of accepting me as their daughter-in-law? Or was this just another facade, like everything else in this forced union?

"Awwwn, here comes my darling," a woman's soft voice rang out.

An elegant older woman, draped in a rich blue dress, stood by the grand staircase. Her hair was pinned into a neat bun, and her jewelry glistened under the chandelier's light. Her arms stretched toward Andrew, her expression radiating warmth.

Andrew walked up and hugged her. "Mother," he greeted.

Then her gaze fell on me.

I stood frozen, my palms sweating slightly.

"And this must be Nicole," she said, stepping toward me with a curious smile.

"Yes, Mother," Andrew confirmed.

Lady Batista-because that's who she clearly was-studied me carefully before extending her hand. I hesitated for a second before accepting her handshake.

"My dear, welcome to our home."

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say anything, another voice cut in.

"Well, well, well. So this is the woman Andrew kidnapped-"

A tall girl, around my age, descended the stairs with a smirk. Her full cheeks and piercing green eyes made her striking, but the arrogance in her stance annoyed me instantly.

"Anna," Andrew warned.

Anna shrugged, shoving her hands into her gown pockets. "What? We all know it's true. No need to pretend."

I clenched my fists. She was saying exactly what I was thinking.

Lady Batista shot Anna a warning glare before turning back to me. "Please, don't mind her. She has a terrible habit of speaking without thinking."

"I can see that," I muttered, earning a small chuckle from her.

Andrew placed a hand on my back, guiding me toward the grand dining room. "Let's eat," he said.

The dining hall was breathtaking. A long mahogany table stood at the center, adorned with golden plates, crystal glasses, and a lavish spread of food. My stomach grumbled again, and I prayed no one had heard it.

"Sit, my dear," Lady Batista urged, motioning toward a seat beside her.

I hesitated before settling down. Andrew took the seat beside me, while Anna sat directly across from us, still smirking.

Dinner started off quiet, with occasional compliments about the food. But soon, the conversation turned toward me.

"So, Nicole," Lady Batista started, "tell us about yourself."

I cleared my throat, forcing a smile. "Well, I grew up in downtown California. I worked at a well-known restaurant as a waitress, and I-"

"That's fascinating," Anna interrupted. "And what are your hobbies? Other than getting kidnapped, of course."

I choked on my drink.

Andrew shot Anna a murderous glare. "Enough, Anna."

Lady Batista sighed. "Anna, stop being rude."

Anna raised her hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. Just trying to lighten the mood."

I wiped my mouth, swallowing my embarrassment. "I enjoy writing, reading, and-"

Suddenly, my stomach made the loudest, most ungodly growl.

The entire room went silent.

Anna's smirk widened into a full grin. "Whoa. And here I thought the lion statue outside was scary."

Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose.

Lady Batista, to her credit, simply chuckled. "Oh dear, you must be starving."

I turned bright red. "I-I just haven't eaten all day."

Anna leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying my humiliation. "Well, at least we know she's human and not some robot Andrew programmed to obey him."

"That's it," Andrew snapped. "Anna, leave."

Anna laughed, standing up. "Alright, alright, I'll go. But I like her, Andrew. She's feisty."

She winked at me before strolling out of the room.

I buried my face in my hands. This was not how I wanted my first impression to go.

Lady Batista patted my hand gently. "Don't mind Anna. She's always been the troublemaker of the family."

I forced a small smile. "I've noticed."

Andrew sighed, rubbing my back. "Ignore her, Nicole. Just eat."

I nodded, picking up my fork, but the embarrassment still burned in my chest.

After eating, I asked for a tour of the estate. Lady Batista called Anna to accompany me.

"So, do you like my brother? Or are you just pretending?" Anna asked, her voice laced with mockery.

"I... I'm learning to like him. But I don't know if I can ever love him fully," I stammered, embarrassed.

Anna nodded, then took a step back and looked me up and down.

I felt like sinking into the ground.

"You're beautiful, but my brother Sylvester would be a better match for you-not Andrew. He's cold and pathetic," she murmured confidently, caressing the rope on her dress.

The mention of "Sylvester" sent a jolt through me. A flash of a familiar face invaded my thoughts. My heart pounded. No, it couldn't be.

Anna's voice cut through my panic. "You should meet him. Thank goodness he's coming back today. He's such a lovely man. If he weren't my brother, I'd probably force myself to get pregnant for him."

I gawked at her in disbelief. Now that was desperation at its peak.

"So, what was your regular life like in downtown? Spill-I want to know," she pressed, her brows raised, making her look almost comically curious.

I opened my mouth to speak, but she cut me off again.

"Do you hear that? A car just pulled in. My brother is back! Come, let's go greet him," she exclaimed excitedly.

Before I could protest, she grabbed my arm and dragged me along.

We entered the sitting room, and my heart nearly stopped.

Standing there, duffel bag in hand, was a man I never thought I'd see again.

The same man whose touch still made me drool.

The same man I had a one-night stand with.

He locked eyes with me, his expression unreadable.

Then, he spoke.

"Nicole?"

My blood ran cold.