Chapter 1 1

I let out a heavy breath as I stared at the woman hopelessly looking back at me in the mirror. The thick makeup designed for this occasion and the crystal beads adorning my hair weren't enough to hide the sadness in my eyes. If my sister were still alive, I wouldn't be the one in this situation. It should be her sitting in this hotel room. She should be the one dressed up for this occasion-not me. But what can I do?

Another sigh escaped my lips. I signed up for this, and I should take responsibility. I forced a smile even though my head ached from all the thinking. My practiced smile, the one I always wear in front of a crowd, was now reflected back at me. The smile everyone believed was real-but it was anything but. I can do this.

My gaze shifted to the door when someone knocked, and one of my cousins, Evany, entered. She gave me an unsure smile.

"Are you okay? Auntie's asking if you're ready," she asked.

Her eyes spoke a thousand unspoken words. She walked over, fixed the tiara resting on my head, and looked at me through the mirror. She gently squeezed my exposed shoulder and leaned closer to me.

"You know you can always say no. You don't have to follow everything they say." She looked at me as if urging me to do the opposite of what my parents wanted. Among all my cousins, Evany was the most mature. It's like she always knew the right thing to say-especially in situations like this.

I nodded at her words. I knew I could refuse to follow my parents' orders, but I still chose to obey them. I didn't really have a choice anyway. Whether I obey or not, they still had control over me.

I gave her a bitter smile, ignoring her words. "I'll be out in a minute."

She gave my shoulder another light squeeze and sighed. "Okay, I'll be outside."

I didn't wait for her to leave before turning back to the mirror. I guess this is my fate. This is what destiny handed me. Maybe I should just suck it up and move on. I can still live a life, even if I'm married. Niu isn't that bad. I'll just spend all his money on shopping-at least that way, I'd get something out of this.

When I stepped out of the room, my mom and dad were already waiting outside. My dad-a very strict businessman-had no room for mistakes, and my mom simply followed whatever he wanted. I guess I'm just like my mom: voiceless and expected to follow whatever orders are given.

I saw unshed tears at the corners of my mother's eyes. She gave me a bitter smile, like she understood exactly what I was going through. She clasped my hands and gently caressed my cheek with her other hand.

"My princess is going to be someone else's queen now. You're leaving me already," she said, her voice trembling slightly. My adorable mother. I gave a soft laugh at her words.

"Ma, I'm just getting married. You sound like I'm leaving for Pluto," I joked.

This is what I do best-hide all my emotions. My father always told me when I was young: never let anyone see through your eyes. The eyes reveal weakness. The eyes cry when they're sad and even when they're happy. And I've mastered the art of hiding everything in my eyes. I only show people what I want them to see. And right now, I'm showing the world that I'm happy about this marriage.

My father cleared his throat, snapping me back to the present. He stood tall and imposing beside my mother. I turned my gaze to him; his eyes were sharp and intense. Just like he always told me-I could never read what was going on in his mind. His face was blank and emotionless, as if he didn't care about anyone. I chuckled to myself. I don't know if I should be thankful to have a father like him, but it feels like I should feel the opposite.

"Don't keep your groom waiting," was all he said before turning around and walking away.

"It's okay, dear. Your father is happy that you agreed to marry Niu. He's a good man, he'll take care of you," my mom said, lightly patting both my cheeks. I nodded.

I guess this is for the best. I let out a heavy breath and smiled at her.

"Let's go, Ma."

---

"Congratulations, hija. You look so lovely. My daughter-in-law is so beautiful," greeted Amalia Altamirano-my mother-in-law.

"Thank you," I replied politely with a smile. This lady never aged. She looked so regal and classy despite her age, and she carried herself so well. She was one of my inspirations back when I was working hard to reach my dreams.

"Hijo, give us lots of grandchildren already. You know, your older brother hasn't given us any yet," said Don Manuelo Altamirano-the hotel magnate and father of my husband.

Husband. The word made me chuckle in my head. Why does it sound so empty? I looked at Niu beside me, his arm resting on my shoulder. I must admit, he was very good-looking. With his background and achievements, I'm sure hundreds of women would throw themselves at his feet and worship him. Should I consider myself lucky?

"Dad, it's too early to talk about pregnancy and babies. Claire and I just got married-she might run away after the reception," Niu joked as he wrapped his arm tighter around my waist. I frowned slightly at his action.

Don Manuelo laughed heartily, clearly amused.

"Well, I want grandchildren by next year," he insisted like a child demanding candy.

His wife nudged him lightly. "Come on now, let them enjoy their marriage first." She turned to me. "Hija, don't let this husband of mine pressure you. He's just been waiting so long for a grandchild, but our eldest refuses to get married. And take note-he's already in his forties!" She rolled her eyes as if her son were a hopeless case. "Niu, where is your brother anyway? I didn't see him at the church."

I glanced around. She was right. I hadn't seen any trace of his brother during the ceremony. We hadn't even been introduced yet since he only came home for the wedding. His older brother had lived in the U.S. for years as the CEO of a hotel chain he built on his own.

"Ma, stop looking for kuya. I'm sure he's just around. You know him," Niu said, giving his mother a meaningful look.

His mom looked scandalized by what Niu implied-and I instantly knew what he meant. I shook my head. Men and their escapades.

Suddenly, the excited murmurs of women nearby caught our attention. I turned to see what the fuss was about and was greeted by the most enigmatic pair of eyes I had ever seen. I found myself frozen, staring at the man whose eyes held both mischief and mystery. His presence exuded power and authority. The crowd parted as he made his way toward us.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I suddenly felt thirsty. His masculinity was overwhelming-it made my heart race when I saw him looking straight at me with those intense eyes. I was rooted to the spot as our eyes met. It felt like time stood still and the noise around me turned into nothing but a blur.

He stopped in front of us, and immediately, his scent hit me-intoxicating and dangerously seductive. It made me think of thoughts I shouldn't be thinking.

My thoughts were interrupted when his mother lightly slapped his broad shoulder. He laughed softly and took her hand.

"Missed you too, Ma," he said as he kissed her hand and pulled her in for a hug.

His mom playfully slapped his back, making him laugh harder. I guess she really did miss her firstborn-she seemed speechless upon seeing him.

"Dad," he said, hugging his father before finally turning to us.

"Congratulations, brother. You're finally shackled," he said as they fist-bumped.

"And you must be Claire, the beautiful bride," he said, turning to me and extending his hand.

I looked at his outstretched hand. They were large and looked rough. I hesitated for a moment, but it would be awkward if I didn't take it, so I had no choice.

The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity surged through my body. It was a tingling current that awakened every nerve, sending sensations I shouldn't be feeling. Forbidden feelings.

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I gasped. His kiss promised a thousand things. He looked into my eyes as his lips brushed against my hand. His warm breath wreaked havoc on my nerves, and my knees almost buckled.

"Lovely. Such a lucky bastard," he whispered before looking at Niu with a devilish grin.

"You ass," Niu laughed and lightly punched his shoulder.

I composed myself and smiled back, hiding how much he had shaken me.

"Glad to finally meet you, Sebastian," I said with a smile.

"Welcome to the family, Mrs. Altamirano." He smiled at me-seductively. And I knew... I was doomed.