Chapter 3 Karen's POV

It was the day of the introduction, and I could feel my anxiety spiking. Aunty Lily, our maid, had set the table with precision, laying out the fine china and sparkling glasses for our esteemed guests. But despite the elegant setup, I couldn't shake off the feeling of dread that had been building up inside me. I was about to take a huge step, one that would change the course of my life forever. The thought sent shivers down my spine,and the idea of marrying someone he had handpicked for me was abhorrent. I knew that standing up to him wouldn't be easy, but I'm only doing this to please him".

"I feel trapped and helpless, longing to break free from this arranged marriage, but the weight of family expectations and obligations suffocates me. I yearn to forge my own path, but the fear of disappointing my father and shaming my family holds me captive."

""Our esteemed guests had finally arrived, and Aunty Lily warmly ushered them into the lavishly decorated living room. With gracious smiles, they settled into the plush sofas, sipping refreshments and exchanging pleasantries as they made themselves comfortable, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within me."

"My father emerged from his study, beaming with pride, to warmly welcome our distinguished guests. He exchanged hearty handshakes and courteous smiles as he settled in with them for what promised to be a cordial afternoon. Meanwhile, I remained sequestered in my room, steeling myself for the ordeal ahead, my heart racing with every passing moment."

"My dad's voice boomed from the living room, instructing Aunty Lilian to fetch me. I took a deep breath, smoothed out my attire, and made my way to the dining room. As I entered, Locas's eyes widened in shock, his gaze locking onto mine with an unspoken question. It was clear that he had been expecting a completely different person - the woman he had almost run over, is the woman standing before him. His eyes darted back and forth, as if searching for an explanation, his face a picture of confusion and surprise. The room fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of ice in the glasses, as all eyes turned to me, awaiting my reaction to Locas's obvious bewilderment."

"I offered a courteous greeting to our guests, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside. Locas, still looking perplexed, stared at me with an unnerving intensity, his eyes lingering on mine until I took my seat beside them. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the air heavy with unspoken questions, as I settled in, trying to appear composed, while Locas's gaze continued to bore into me, as if searching for answers."

"I had anticipated this exact outcome, the awkwardness and tension that filled his mind, If only I possessed the power to alter the narrative, to rewrite the script that had been forced upon me. But Locas and I were mere pawns in this elaborate game, our lives predetermined by the whims of our families. We were trapped in a web of expectations, with no clear escape route in sight. I glanced at Locas, sensing a flicker of understanding in his eyes, a silent acknowledgment that we were both helpless against the forces that had brought us to this moment.

"Locas and I were like oil and water, two entities from different worlds that would never mix. He hailed from a wealthy family, where opulence and extravagance were the norm, whereas I came from a more humble background. I couldn't help but feel that I didn't measure up to his lofty standards, that I was somehow beneath him. And then, of course, he is arrogance and condescending, which only served to widen the chasm between us. I couldn't envision us as a compatible couple, our differences were too stark, our values and outlooks on life too disparate. We would be like two mismatched puzzle pieces, forced together by circumstance, but never truly fitting together in harmony."

"Locas leaned in, his voice barely audible as he whispered something in his mother's ear. Her eyes narrowed, and she nodded in agreement, her expression a picture of disdain. The way Locas sought his mother's validation, the way he seemed to crave her approval, was telling. It was clear that he was a mama's boy, tied to her apron strings, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of disappointment. A man who couldn't think for himself, who needed his mother's constant guidance, was not the kind of partner I wanted"

He shook his head in disbelief.But then with a deliberate calmness,he turned his attention back to his meal ,his fork gliding smoothly through the food as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred".

"Throughout the meeting, Locas and my gaze clashed repeatedly,but neither of us could hold the other's stare for long".

"Thanks for honoring my proposal, Mr Alexandre Bianchi" I appreciate alot, Mr Lorenzo Ethan cut in".

"I should be the appreciating you for accepting my daughter into the big family, I'm glad, my father.

"The gentle curve of his lips create a warm grateful expression.

"Mr Lorenzo Ethan tilt the hair to convey interest in the conversation".

"The food taste nice". He compliments".

**Mr Lorenzo Ethan is in his early 70s,around "6'0" fit tall, slightly stooped,with a gentle paunch.

His gray hair distinguishes his comb-over, wise eyes eyes with a twinkle of kindness, his face weathered, with deep lines and benevolent smile. He wore a tailored navy blue suit, complete with a crisp white shirt and a patterned silk tie, giving him a dignified and refined air that belied his seventy years".

"He's a bit storyteller, with a wealth of experience and anecdotes to share, his deep love of tradition makes him a staunch defender of family values and customs".

"Know your daughter would make a good wife for my son Locas, what's why I choose her,

"He spoke as he savored the tender flavor of the roasted chicken, he couldn't help but talk enthusiastically about I and Locas, the words tumbling out of his mouth between bites".

"They had a very long conversation that stretched late towards evening,covering everything from childhood memories to future dreams".

"When is our daughter In-law moving in with us?".

Mrs Hannah Lorenzo, Locas mother interrupt".

"Her statement drop like a bombshell, and my eyes widen in shock, my gaze locked into hers,i felt my heart skip a bit as I struggle to process the implications of what she had just said.

"I abruptly abjusted myself on my chair,shifting uncomfortably as I struggle to maintain a facade of composure, my mind racing with the implications of her words while my body betrayed my growing unease'.

"Lucas stiffened in shock, his muscles locking into place,as if bracing himself against an invisible blow,his expression a picture of stunned dismay,his eyes fixed on some point in space, as if trying to process the unthinkable".

" with a gentle cough, he broke in,his voice laced with caution".

"Mother,i think we need to slow down a bit,' don't you?", are we not rushing things by moving forward with such haste?". Perhaps' i think it would be best if we table this discussion and revisit when we get home, where we can talk about it more relaxed.

" Mmh, I'm easy either way, but if you'd prefer to wait until we get home to discuss it further, then that's perfectly fine by me.

" I felt a sense if relief wash over me , there was a gentle easing of tension, as i acknowledge that the conversation would wait".

"Our guest are satisfied with the meal and about to take their leave,

"Thanks so much for the delicious meal, I and my people we enjoy every bites, we would make sure to keep you updated on our plans and we would like you know as soon as we've finalized a time for Karen to come over".

" I have no problem with that, my dad,replied.