Chapter 4 Karen's POV.

I slipped into my evening attire, a mix of excitement and nervousness swirled within me. The plan was to visit Locas, my soon-to-be husband, and I couldn't help but wonder what the eveniAsng had in store. I assumed Locas would be back from work by now, and the thought of seeing him again made my heart skip a beat. I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress, and headed out the door, ready to face whatever the evening had in store for me. The cool evening air caressed my skin, my mind racing with thoughts of our impending union and the uncertain future that lay ahead.

Aunty Lili bustled around me, her warm smile and gentle hands a comforting presence as she helped me pack the essentials for my upcoming stay with Locas.

She carefully folded and arranged my clothing, making sure to include a few of my favorite outfits, while also tucking in some homemade treats and a few personal care items.

As we worked, Aunty Lili chatted with me, offering words of wisdom and reassurance, her eyes sparkling with a deep affection. She handed me a small, intricately carved wooden box, adorned with delicate patterns and a soft, golden glow. "For good luck, my dear," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion, as she placed the box gently in my bag.

My father stood outside, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and unease as he waited to bid me farewell".

Despite his reservations about the arranged marriage, he had always tried to be supportive, but the tension between us was palpable".

"As I approached him, he opened his arms, and I fell into his warm embrace, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Be happy, my child," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly, as he held me close. I could sense the guilt and uncertainty emanating from him, but I knew he was trying to do what he thought was best for me".

"I hugged him tightly, trying to reassure him that everything would be alright, even though I wasn't entirely convinced myself".

As I stepped out of the vehicle and onto the sprawling grounds of Locas's estate, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the mansion before me'.

"The beautiful maid, dressed in a crisp, elegant uniform, greeted me with a warm smile and ushered me into the opulent interior. Every detail, from the crystal chandeliers to the intricately patterned marble floors, seemed to whisper tales of luxury and refinement".

"The walls were adorned with exquisite works of art, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers, carefully arranged in delicate vases".

"As I followed the maid through the corridors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the breathtaking beauty of Locas's home."

"It was a true masterpiece, a testament to the family's wealth and impeccable taste".

"She gestured for me to take a seat, and I obediently sank into the plush couch, feeling a mix of relief and fatigue wash over me".

'After a brief absence, she returned with a sparkling glass of chilled water, condensation beading on its surface".

Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled sympathetically and said, "I know you must be very tired." I accepted the glass from her and took a refreshing sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my parched throat.

"Yes," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, as I nodded in agreement, grateful for her thoughtfulness".

"Just as I was starting to feel a bit more at ease, Mr. Lorenzo and his wife walked into the room, their presence commanding attention.

I quickly rose to my feet, smoothing out my dress as I greeted them with a respectful bow.

"Good evening, sir... ma'am,"

I said, trying to sound poised,Mr. Lorenzo, nodded curtly in response, while his wife, a petite woman with a kind face, smiled warmly and said,

"Ah, welcome, dear, we're so glad you are here ."

"As we exchanged pleasantries, Mr. Lorenzo turned to the maid and instructed her to "Fetch Locas at once." The maid nodded and hurried off, leaving us in an awkward silence that seemed to stretch on forever. I couldn't help but wonder what Locas would be like, and how he would react to my presence in his home".

Mr. Lorenzo's expression softened slightly as he asked, "And how was your journey here? Was it pleasant?"

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Very well, sir."

"My voice was polite and courteous, but I couldn't help feeling a bit guarded around this stern-looking man. I sensed that he was scrutinizing me, sizing me up, and it made me a bit uneasy".

" Despite my efforts to appear calm, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being tested, that Mr. Lorenzo was trying to gauge my suitability as a partner for his son".

"Locas walked into the room with a confident stride, his eyes scanning the space before coming to rest on his father.

"Dad, you sent for me?" he asked, his deep voice firm but respectful".

His gaze flickered briefly in my direction, and for a moment, our eyes met. I felt a jolt of surprise at the intensity of his gaze, but it was quickly masked by a neutral expression. Locas's attention returned to his father, awaiting a response to his question.

"He gazed at his son with a mixture of surprise and disappointment. "Son, you didn't greet your soon-to-be wife Karen, did you not notice she's here?" he asked, his tone firm but controlled, as if he couldn't believe his son's oversight".

Mrs. Lorenzo's voice was like a soothing balm, calm and gentle, as she intervened on her son's behalf. "Oh, honey, didn't you see that he's stressed from work? Take it easy on him, he doesn't mean it like that," she said, her words dripping with warmth and understanding.

" She placed a reassuring hand on her husband's arm, her eyes locked on his, as if urging him to calm down". Her gaze then shifted to Locas, and she offered him a warm, encouraging smile. "It's okay, dear, we know you're tired".

I cut in, trying to change the subject and lighten the mood , "Good evening, Locas." I greeted forcing a bright smile onto my face", But instead of a warm response, he retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "Took you long enough" "welcome though".

"His words cut through me like a knife, leaving me feeling stunned and taken aback. I felt a surge of emotions: embarrassment, hurt, and a dash of anger. My face grew hot, and I could feel my heart racing in my chest. I couldn't believe he would say something so rude, especially in front of his parents. I tried to maintain my composure. The statement made me wonder if this was sign of things to come in our relationship".

That was rude Locas!

"Sorry dad".

Mr Lorenzo turned to me and apologize on his son's behalf, so sorry dear" pardon his manners". My locas would show you your room or would you like to share his room with him?.

Locas chimed in, his voice laced with a hint of irritation, as he attempted to deflect the tension.

"Come on, Dad, we're not married yet," he said with a chuckle, "Besides, it's a big house.

There are vacant rooms in this big house".

Even at thay, your wedding is at the corner, and you both needs to get to know each other very well".

"No, Dad, I'll take her to her room," Locas said, his voice firm and authoritative. Before I could react, he reached out and took my hand in a forced manner, his grip tight and unyielding. I felt a surge of discomfort and resentment at his rough handling, but I didn't have a chance to protest as he led me out of the room and down the hallway. We walked in silence, the only sound being the soft rustle of our footsteps on the plush carpet. As we reached my room, Locas opened the door and gestured for me to enter. He then turned to the maid, who was hovering discreetly in the background, and ordered, "Help her with her baggage." His tone was curt and dismissive, and I felt a pang of hurt and frustration at his behavior.

"This is your room, Karen," Locas said, his deep voice low and even, as he gestured to the elegant space behind him. I was surprised, my eyes widening slightly, as I realized he had actually called me by my name. It was the first time I had heard him mention it, and it sent a shiver down my spine. I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of emotions swirling inside me, as I met his gaze.

"Did you just mention my name?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, as I tried to process this small but significant gesture. But before I could even begin to analyze it, Locas's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "See if this is a way of talking to me, it will not work," he retorted, his voice cold and dismissive, as if I had somehow overstepped a boundary. I felt a sting from his words, my heart sinking, as I realized that even this small moment of connection was not going to be allowed to flourish".