Once upon an arranged marriage

Camila Russell.

The maids carefully applied a light brown powder to Camila's face, their skilled hands transforming her features with a sophisticated makeup look. She gazed at herself in the grand, full-length mirror before her, her mind racing with curiosity about the mysterious occasion that had prompted such a lavish makeover. Her reflection stared back, its features perfectly symmetrical, her hazel eyes showing a glimmer of apprehension.

Her parents had gone to great lengths, even dispatching experienced maids to the modest back house where she typically resided. It had always puzzled her why the maids were permitted to live in the sun-kissed main building, while she was relegated to the shadowy back house. It was a stark reflection of her parents' favoritism toward her elder sister, Olivia.

Now, seemingly out of the blue, her stern parents had extended an invitation for her to visit the main building. They had gone so far as to assign their most experienced maids to adorn her. These unusual circumstances left Camila with a deep sense of foreboding, making her suspect that something momentous was in the offing, something that directly concerned her. What could it be?

"Stand up, let's get you dressed," Sonia, the assistant head maid, ordered sternly. Sonia's loyalty had always been with Camila's elder sister, Olivia, and no one else. But the sudden change in atmosphere toward Camila had left her perplexed. She had never been a favorite of the staff, and Sonia's irritation at her presence was clear.

Camila obeyed Sonia's command and allowed herself to be adorned in a stunning red flare gown. The V-necked, floral gown was adorned with white diamond-encrusted stones that sparkled with opulence. The fabric felt luxurious against her skin, a far cry from the plain cotton dresses she usually wore. Camila couldn't help but gasp at the sheer cost of the dress, let alone the fact that she was wearing it. It was the kind of attire she had only seen in fashion magazines, and never dreamed of wearing.

With expensive silver shoes, a necklace that sparkled like the night sky, and a red bow adorning her long brown hair, Camila was transformed into a vision of elegance. She felt like a princess from a fairytale, a stark contrast to her usual attire of baggy, oversized clothing that allowed her to blend into the background. She had always been more comfortable avoiding attention, but today was different.

As she arrived at the main building, Camila's apprehension only grew. Her mother was the first to spot her and welcomed her with a wide, somewhat strained smile, ushering her toward their distinguished guests. Camila, bewildered by the entire situation, offered a tentative smile in return. She felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter.

"Meet my second daughter, Camila, the one we've been talking about," her father, Mr. Edward, introduced, his voice tinged with an air of formality. Camila's eyes met those of their guests. One of them smiled warmly, looking surprisingly youthful for his age, while the other, who appeared cold, remained engrossed in his phone, seemingly indifferent to Camila's presence. The contrast between their reactions was striking.

The older man had a friendly demeanor, and his eyes twinkled with a youthful enthusiasm that defied his age. Camila couldn't help but notice the mischievous dimple that appeared when he smiled. He looked remarkably handsome for a man in his late fifties. His presence exuded charm and charisma, a stark contrast to her father's stern disposition.

Seated beside the older man was a younger version, equally striking. Camila hadn't seen his entire face, but she couldn't help but recognize his undeniable beauty. His long, silky brown hair alone could make for a luxurious winter coat. His posture exuded confidence, bordering on arrogance, as he crossed his muscular legs and focused on his phone screen with an air of detachment. It was clear that he was a man who was used to getting what he wanted.

Camila pondered what her parents could possibly have in mind. Why had they chosen her for this peculiar meeting? Her father's stern look reminded her to greet the guests, so she complied, offering a timid, "Good day, sirs." Her voice quivered with a mix of nervousness and curiosity.

The older man's smile broadened, revealing a set of perfect teeth. He extended his hand, which Camila hesitantly shook. He had a firm grip that conveyed both strength and warmth. The younger man, Leonardo Vincento, on the other hand, looked at her with a mix of surprise and disdain. Camila had no idea that her parents had arranged for her to be married to a man twice her age. Her voice quivered as she inquired, "W-wife?"

Camila's father explained that they had signed a marriage contract with the Diamond Group of Companies and that the wedding was set for the upcoming Saturday. The news left Camila in shock. She couldn't believe her parents had orchestrated a marriage without her knowledge or consent. It was a betrayal of trust that stung deeply. "its okay to see me and treat me like trash,I've lived with that knowledge for years. Even if you hate my presence so much, why do you want to marry me off to some guy I didn't know existed until this moment?''

Leonardo's reaction only added to her dismay. He expressed his displeasure, making it known that he hadn't anticipated marrying someone so much younger. Camila felt exposed and vulnerable under his intense scrutiny. His emerald eyes, like rare gemstones, bore into her soul, and she flinched under the weight of his gaze.

Camila couldn't fathom marrying at such a young age, and her parents' lack of consideration was profoundly troubling. She felt betrayed and wondered why they hated her so much, her emotions in turmoil.

"I can't believe you're going to make me marry someone like her," Leonardo muttered to his father, his voice dripping with contempt. "She's nothing more than a child. Just look at her, she looks like she'll break any moment from now. And for God's sake she looks naive"

With Leonardo storming out in anger, the atmosphere grew tense. Olivia, too, was distressed by the unexpected turn of events. Camila's father's rage was evident when he confronted his youngest daughter.

"Why do you and Mom hate me so much?" Camila cried out, her tears flowing freely now. She had reached a breaking point. "You've locked me away in the back house for years, and now you're forcing me into marriage without my consent!"

Mr. Edward's harsh response only fueled Camila's frustration. He reminded her of their basic responsibilities as parents, but she couldn't help but wonder why they had chosen her for this marriage, and not Olivia. 'For someone who does not make a dime, you have a lot of complaints. You should be grateful for this golden opportunity but here you are saying irrelevant things. I do not care about your opinion; you do not even have a choice because you will be marrying that man sooner than you think. It is time for you to pay me back for keeping you alive all these years. So you better get your self prepared to be his wife.one last thing "You should be lucky we didn't pair you up with a poor @sshole that can fit your taste so perfectly!"

Camila fled the mansion, tears streaming down her face. She couldn't understand her parents' motives, but one thing was clear: they had betrayed her once again. The reality of her impending marriage to a man she barely knew weighed heavily on her young shoulders. Her father's indifference to her feelings and her lack of agency in this life-changing decision gnawed at her heart.

Camila wandered through the sprawling gardens surrounding the mansion, her heart heavy with the weight of her parents' decision. She found a secluded bench beneath an ancient oak tree and sat down, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions that had engulfed her.

Her father's words echoed in her mind. "You should be lucky we didn't pair you up with a poor @sshole that can fit your taste so perfectly!" The bitterness in his voice, the utter disregard for her feelings, stung like a fresh wound. Camila had always tried to please her parents, but their callousness had pushed her to a breaking point.

She gazed up at the old oak tree, its branches reaching out like ancient sentinels. The tree had witnessed generations of her family's triumphs and tribulations, but it offered no solace or answers.

The idea of marrying a man like Leonardo, someone who clearly had no respect for her, terrified her. She wished she could confide in Olivia, her older sister, but Olivia's own bitterness and jealousy made that impossible. Olivia had always been the favored daughter, the one who could do no wrong in their parents' eyes.

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows, Camila wiped away her tears and steeled herself for what lay ahead. She needed to find a way to navigate this unexpected twist in her life. Her parents had made their decision, but Camila was determined not to be a pawn in their game.

Camila's thoughts turned to the mysterious contract with the Diamond Group of Companies. She needed to learn more about this arrangement and understand why her family had chosen this path for her. With newfound determination, she stood up and made her way back to the main building.

Inside, the opulence of her surroundings seemed even more suffocating. Camila found her mother in the sitting room, sipping tea with their guests. Mrs. Delmour, Olivia's mother, noticed Camila's presence and gave her a warm smile. But Camila could see the unease in her eyes, a reflection of the tension that had gripped the room.

Camila approached her mother and cleared her throat, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "I would like to know more about this marriage arrangement, Mother. Can you please explain it to me?"

Her mother sighed, clearly torn between her loyalty to her husband and her desire to comfort her daughter. "Camila, it's a complex situation. Your father and Mr. Lucas believe that this marriage is in our family's best interests."

Camila's eyes welled up with tears once more. "But, Mother, I don't even know Leonardo. And he... he doesn't seem to want this marriage either. Why would you do this to me?"

Mrs. Delmour reached out and gently touched Camila's cheek. "I know this is difficult, sweetheart. Your father believes it's the right decision, but I promise we will try to make the best of this situation. you'll get to know Leonardo, and perhaps he will come to see the wonderful person you are."

Camila nodded, a mix of resignation and determination in her eyes. She had always been the quiet, introverted one in the family, overshadowed by her vivacious sister. But she had her own strengths and dreams, and she wasn't going to let this unexpected marriage crush them.

As the day waned, Camila retreated to her room, a place of solace and reflection. She knew the challenges that lay ahead were daunting, but she was determined to face them with resilience.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, orange glow across the room. Camila looked out the window, the first stars of the evening twinkling in the darkening sky. She couldn't help but wonder what her future held, and whether she could find her own path within the confines of this arranged marriage.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but Camila was determined to carve out her own destiny and not be defined solely by her parents' decisions.

With newfound resolve, she whispered to herself, "If they want to get rid of me so much that they are willing to marry me off to some man then I'd comply, it's better to live with a man who im not related to and can obviously not stand my prescence than live with my own parents who clearly hate me."

Olivia Russell

"Olivia, what's wrong with you? I thought we've spoken about this already. That man is no good for you. Haven't you heard about how he treats ladies? He only moves around with his worthless girlfriend and no one else!" Mrs. Delmour's voice rang with concern.

"I don't effing care, Mom! You and Dad claim to love me more, but you both still went ahead and got that little brat married before me, and not just to anyone, but to that fine piece of human meat," Olivia shouted in frustration. She had been holding onto this resentment for far too long.

Mrs. Delmour shook her head, struggling to understand her daughter's frustration. "Baby, it's an arranged marriage, and your dad and I will find you someone more attractive as a husband, so don't worry, okay? We've got everything sorted out for you already."

"You better keep your promise, okay? It's already disgraceful enough that that brat is getting married before me. I don't want the whole world to know she's getting married before me," Olivia muttered amidst the tight hug her mother enveloped her in.

"Don't worry, honey. I and your dad have got you covered," Mrs. Delmour assured, patting Olivia on the back. Olivia could hardly contain her excitement at the prospect of a potentially disastrous wedding for Camila. She went to her room, sat in front of the mirror and started to talk to herself "if that wretched sister of mine thinks because she's about to be married to some rich man, then she's better than me, she better not says it to my face. If I've made her regret being born, then I'd make her regret having me as a sister. Dad should have just given her to the Vicento's for free. She would make a good maid."

Camila Russell

After crying and mumbling gibberish words because of the life she's about to begin, Camila decided that continuing her sketch of her dream coffee shop was the best way to relieve her mood. She wasn't a great artist, but that didn't matter. Right now, she just wanted to feel free and alive, sketching something she knew so well. As a child while her peers played Weddings, and tea parties, she sat by herself every time daydreaming of her coffee shop. And has she grew older it started looking possible, she would say to herself after being treated badly by one of the workers in the mansion "one day I'll leave this house and I'll start up a coffee shop".

Camila wasn't the kind of person who dreamed of extravagant things. Her coffee shop was just as moderate and normal as any other in the neighborhood. It was ironic how she still struggled to make a decent sketch of a simple coffee shop.

Her sadness overwhelmed her, and she dropped her pencil and notepad onto the table before heading to her bed. She hugged her pillow tightly. "I can't believe I'll be getting married in two days," she muttered, her voice barely audible as she cried silently into her fluffy pillow.

DIAMOND GROUP OF COMPANIES

Leonardo Vincento

"You know Diane's been complaining about you lately," Kingston Ronald, Leonardo's best friend, commented.

Leonardo barely glanced up from the file he was reading. "That's not news. She can do whatever it is she wants. We both know I don't not give two flying fucks."

"C'mon, dude, you need to quit making her call and beg you before you go to her. It's not cool," Kingston chuckled, pushing his friend's buttons.

Leonardo's piercing green eyes finally left the document and focused on Kingston. "If you have nothing meaningful to say, it's best you leave. I'm busy, and I have no time for irrelevant gossip, especially when it's about some woman."

"So tell me, how did it go?" Kingston asked, a smirk forming on his face as he pretended to be engrossed in driving, even though his thoughts were entirely on Leonardo.

"How did what go? The meeting with the potential investors from Thailand?" Leonardo feigned ignorance, his gaze returning to the laptop screen.

Kingston couldn't be deterred so easily. "C'mon, quit acting like you don't know what I meant. You went with your dad to see your fiancée, right? How did it go? Is she as pretty as her parents bragged about? Does she have the rare kind of curves you love in a lady? Because you and I know a woman needs curves to sustain you in between the sheets"

Leonardo threw Kingston a glare that could freeze fire. He wasn't in the mood for this line of questioning, especially about his imminent arranged marriage.

The peace in Leonardo's office was shattered when the door burst open, and Rose, Leonardo's younger sister, stormed in with all the fiery energy of a tempest.

"Cute Tiger, I've finally bought the car you refused to get for me! Now I can show off on campus with my new ride." Rose triumphantly announced, waving her newly acquired car keys as if they were a trophy.

Leonardo's eyebrows shot up in surprise and disapproval. "Rose, go back and knock," he said, his voice cold, expecting his sister to respect his privacy.

Rose was unfazed by her brother's stern tone. She knew how to navigate the delicate dance of their sibling relationship, and she had her ways of getting what she wanted. She turned on her charm and leaned against the door frame with a playful pout. "But Cute Tiger, I'm so excited! It's a Bugatti Veyron, you know and no one has gotten it yet."

Leonardo couldn't help but be amazed by his sister's audacity. She had bought a high-end sports car, a Bugatti Veyron, despite not having the best academic track record. His irritation grew. "You failed three of your papers in your last exams, and you still have the guts to get yourself a Bugatti Veyron?! Is this a joke? Is school a joke to you? Give me the keys to the car you just wasted money on. Come back for the keys when you finally ace your exams."

Rose's eyes widened at her brother's reaction, and she took a step back in alarm. "I promise I'm studying really hard this time. I even quit watching my favorite TV show on 3D just to avoid failing any papers this time."

Leonardo was unmoved by her promise. His priority was clear. "Your car keys. Now!"

Rose reluctantly pulled her new car keys from her pocket, handing them over to her brother, who snatched them without a word. The fire in her eyes was quickly extinguished, and her glassy eyes told a story of disappointment.

"Kingston, can you please drop me home?" Rose asked, making her voice sound sweet and innocent when Kingston reached her as she waited in front of his car after Leonardo demanded they both leave his office.

"Why should I? I don't look like a hired driver, do I?" Kingston replied with a sardonic smile, enjoying their playful banter.

Rose decided to use flattery as her weapon of choice. "Of course, you don't. You're too handsome to be a common driver."

Kingston chuckled at her attempt to charm him. "Get in before I change my mind," he said, opening the car door for her in a gentlemanly manner. Rose rewarded him with a bright smile as she got into the car.

As soon as Rose was settled in the car, Kingston started the engine and drove away from the Diamond Group of Companies. With his hands on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road, Kingston decided to indulge his curiosity.

"So are you that bad at school, or do you simply not like studying?" Kingston asked as he navigated through traffic.

Rose didn't hesitate to admit her feelings. "Both! I'm not smart or intelligent like my brother, and I hate studying. It's just so boring. I mean why do people enjoy studying? I'd rather knit than study and knitting is stressful"

The honesty in her voice surprised Kingston. He shot her a sideways glance while trying to focus on driving. "Then I must agree with your brother's decision to take away your car. It's a pity he didn't also take your phone."

Rose pouted and replied, "What am I going to do if he seizes my phone?"

Kingston saw an opportunity to tease her. "You could call your boyfriend and ask him to come see you."

Rose quickly responded, "I don't have a boyfriend."

Kingston raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Why? Don't you have someone you like?"

Rose's face contorted in distaste as she thought about it. "I don't really do. Almost all the guys I've come across are too lame to the core, like, geez!"

Kingston was intrigued by her candidness. "Really? And am I included in your list of lame guys?"

Rose reassured him with a compliment, her words making Kingston blush slightly. "Of course not! You're the coolest person I've ever known."

Kingston shifted his attention back to the road, hiding his grin. "Don't worry, your brother might return your car once he's sure you've improved in your studies. Just stop being lazy and get some knowledge stuck in that head of yours."

Rose nodded in agreement. "I know that already. He's just super mad because he'll be getting married to someone he knows nothing about on Saturday."

Kingston was taken aback by Rose's revelation. "You know that?"

Rose confidently replied, "Yes, of course. I overheard my dad mention something like that to his secretary in his study this morning."

As they continued their conversation, Kingston was becoming more invested in Rose's life and the drama surrounding her family. He didn't know that his curiosity would soon lead him to a significant role in her brother's life and his own involvement in their family's affairs.

The Courtroom

Camila Russell

The court office was a small but surprisingly wide room that could accommodate about twenty people. However, only four attendees were present - Camila's parents, Olivia, and Leonardo's dad. The atmosphere felt secretive, as if it were a clandestine event.

The bride and groom were dressed casually, giving no indication of the significance of the day. Camila wore a simple white gown, with minimal makeup. Her hair was hastily gathered into a messy bun, and her feet were encased in silver-white shoes. It was evident that her parents had not planned much beyond the signing of the contract.

Leonardo, on the other hand, arrived late after keeping everyone waiting for nearly an hour. His last-minute appearance was due to an extended conference meeting at work, an appointment he had completely forgotten. It was only his father's reminder that shook him from his professional responsibilities and reminded him of his impending wedding.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest declared, his voice almost lost in the courtroom's hushed atmosphere. Camila's heart fluttered, her trembling hands struggling to place the ring on Leonardo's finger.

Her fumbling efforts seemed to test Leonardo's patience, and his growing annoyance became palpable. He finally took the ring from her and placed it on his own finger without a word, before abruptly leaving the courtroom.

Camila stood there, left alone and humiliated. Olivia's laughter echoed in her ears, her cruel mirth a haunting reminder of the ridicule she had to endure.

With unshed tears glistening in her eyes, Camila realized her wedding day had transformed into a nightmare. She was married to a cold and distant man, her husband's indifference leaving her to face the harsh reality of her future.

As the courtroom door slowly swung shut, Camila was left to confront the uncertain path her life had taken, her emotions in turmoil, and her future as hazy as ever. Olivia's laughter and Leonardo's abrupt exit were haunting reminders that the path ahead was far from clear.

The courtroom door closed with a heavy thud, leaving Camila standing there, utterly lost and alone. She looked at the door and sighed "happy married life Camilla, welcome to the second version of hell on earth".

Camila Russell.

Camila stood still crying till Mr. Lucas, who was now her father-in-law, approached her.

"Take it easy on yourself. The driver is waiting for you outside; he'll be taking you to your husband's house," Mr. Lucas said. He also began walking away, but Camila was fast enough to follow him closely from behind.

The moment she got outside, her new father-in-law saw to it that she was tucked into the car. The driver quickly got behind the wheel, and Camila hesitated for a moment before getting into the car. As it pulled away from the court, she couldn't help but think about her new life as Leonardo's wife. The thoughts of an unfamiliar future weighed heavily on her mind.

The drive to her new home was quiet, the driver sparing no words. Camila kept her gaze out of the window, observing the unfamiliar surroundings. The scenery changed from the city to a more suburban area with lush greenery and beautiful houses. When they finally stopped in front of a huge white mansion, Camila couldn't believe her eyes.

The mansion was unlike anything she had ever seen, dwarfing her parents' house by a mile. It was grand and luxurious, with beautifully manicured gardens and an air of opulence that made Camila feel out of place. The driver got out to open the door for her, and Camila stepped out, her heart pounding.

Camila couldn't help but drool over the magnificent building before her as she strode towards the main entrance with a shocked but lonely look on her face.

She must agree she had never seen a building as big as this in her entire life. Not that she's always out of her parents' backyard to inspect the whole neighborhood for huge houses. But one thing she was sure of right now was that her parents' house was nowhere near as huge as this.

Camila got to the main front door, and before she could knock, the door was swung open by a medium-height, middle-aged lady who seemed to be the caretaker of the mansion.

"HI, I'm..."

Camila made to introduce.

"My master's new wedded wife, come on in. Mr. Lucas told me a lot about you, so I literally was expecting you," the lady said, flashing a huge smile at Camila.

"Oh, thanks," Camila muttered, not knowing what else to say.

"You can call me Nadia, by the way. What's your name, sweetie?" Nadia asked as she led Camila up the stairs to her room, and as they took each step forward, Camila became more timid and sluggish.

"Camila," Camila finally replied, and Nadia stopped in her tracks to face Camila, who gave her an innocent puzzled look.

"You have a beautiful name. But I don't think it suits you perfectly; your parents didn't take their time in studying your innocent composure. The name Camila is mostly borne by girls who have a very sharp personality with lots of craziness mixed with it. But with the way I'm staring at you, you look too young and innocent to be bearing such a name," Nadia said, and Camila blinked profusely in surprise.

"I'll call you whatever name I feel like, but it certainly won't be Camila. And don't get scared, okay? The master doesn't live here; he stays in his private mansion located at the north side of Mexico," Nadia said, and Camila almost gasped in shock.

"I heard the wedding was based on a contract, but you can take it on yourself to make sure it becomes a marriage just like everyone else's. You can make..."

"No, no. I'm really okay and happy this way. It's good he doesn't stay; that means I have this entire mansion to myself," Camila interrupted, with a brighter mood since she was told her mood-wrecker wasn't going to live with her like other married couples do.

Finally, they stopped right in front of a door, and Nadia faced Camila.

"Go in and freshen up, then come down for lunch," Nadia smiled before walking away, and Camila nodded before going into the room.

Camila nodded, her spirits lifting slightly. "Thank you, Nadia."

Once inside her room, Camila couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. The lavish furnishings and elegant decor were a stark contrast to her previous life. She shed her fake wedding dress and headed for the bathroom, needing a moment to compose herself.

As the water from the shower cascaded down, Camila allowed herself to cry. The events of the day had taken a toll on her, and the realization that her life had changed completely was overwhelming. She had gone from being a simple girl with dreams of owning her own coffee shop to the wife of a billionaire CEO.

Minutes later, Camila descended the stairs dressed in a long skirt and a turtleneck outfit. She made her way straight to the kitchen, where the strong aroma of grilled meat and veggies was oozing.

Camila was a big-time picky eater, mostly because of the badly prepared food the maids gave her back at her parent's mansion. But right now, it seemed everything was going to change, since she was now in a huge mansion where the lady in charge seemed to be well concerned about her feeding and diet. It was evident that the mansion's staff was well-prepared for her arrival, and she couldn't help but feel a little grateful for their consideration.

It was when she was about to bring out plates to assist in dishing out the food that her phone pinged, and a message popped up instantly.

It was from the school she had secretly applied to with her own personal money without her parents finding out. Not like the money was actually hers; they were straight out of her father's pocket.

Though he treated her horribly, he never missed a day in sending her her daily allowance, just the same amount she guessed he was giving her elder sister, Olivia.

One thing she was sure of was that Olivia and her mom both knew nothing about it.

Now, after a series of trials and applying online, she finally got into her dream school, where she would be studying business management to gain more knowledge about running her own coffee shop, which she would be acquiring soon.

Camila screamed out in joy, dancing funnily around the kitchen.

"What's with all the laughter and smiles?" Nadia inquired curiously.

"I've been accepted into my dream school, and I'll be resuming soon!" Camila informed, and Nadia couldn't help but smile widely. Her smile soon faded when she thought of something.

"That's really good, but does the master know about it yet?" Nadia asked, and Camila frowned.

"He didn't care back then when he left me alone in the courtroom. So I'm pretty sure he won't care about my admission into MBU (Mexican Business University) either," Camila uttered as she impatiently began dishing her food. Nadia sighed before helping her with it.

"Tomorrow night, I want to be the one to cook dinner," Camila announced, and Nadia broke into laughter.

"You don't even know how to handle a big spoon correctly, and you plan on making dinner? I'd love to see how it turns out," Nadia teased, taking the huge spoon from Camila and arranging the veggies by the side of the meat for her, while Camila pouted, feeling offended. Camila pouted, feeling a bit offended. "I can learn, you know. Besides, I'll have plenty of time on my hands."

NIGHT CLUB

Leonardo Vincento.

Leonardo sat opposite Kingston, who was currently making out with a girl. Leonardo couldn't help but shake his head in disgrace at his friend, who was having the time of his life.

He picked up his glass of tequila mixed with ice, with the aim of gulping the entire content down in one shot. However, that aim turned into an illusion when Diane, some he hooks up with, came from nowhere, snatched the glass from him, and gulped it down in one shot before settling right next to him.

Kingston, who saw what happened, chuckled lightly before going back to his make-out session.

"What's this I'm hearing about you already being married?" Diane asked, and Leonardo threw her a glare.

"If I am, so what? You don't think I owe you any form of explanation, do you?" Leonardo said coldly, and Diane's eyes widened.

"I thought we agreed on being sex buddies for a long time..."

"Yes, we did, and that's because I hate ladies who have been with almost every man in this city. But don't ever get the wrong impression that I said that because I planned on marrying you," Leonardo uttered, ordering another drink. He glanced at Diane, who wouldn't stop glaring at him.

"Leave; I need some alone time," Leo uttered sternly.

"Why don't you ever tell me anything? What's this I hear about you being married to a little brat who's practically the same age as his sister?" Diane interrogated Kingston.

Kingston, unphased, responded with a smirk. "It seems someone has been doing some research of her own."

, just immediately he stopped amidst the kiss he was sharing with a girl. He noticed Rose, dressed in a very short skirt and an armless black top, scanning the club's interior as if searching for a place to sit. Kingston's quick reflexes led him to abandon his current company and make his way toward Rose to intervene before Leonardo saw her.

"Kingston, you're here! Is my brother here too? Is this the club both of you visit all the time?" Rose asked in rapid succession, her surprise and curiosity evident.

"Why don't you just go home?" Kingston suggested. Check out the surroundings – it's not suitable for someone like you. Or do you want to risk your brother catching you here?"

Rose's determination remained unshaken. "You're just saying this because you think I'm still a kid .

Kingston decided to put his foot down, pointing out the risks involved. Look around, this place is dangerous for you. If you don't want me to lose my patience and leave you here, I suggest you think twice."

But Rose wouldn't be dissuaded. She fired back, "Why don't you just report me to my brother, then?"

Kingston closed the gap between them, lowering his voice. "I don't snitch; I ditch. If you continue like this, no matter how smart you think you are, you could end up in trouble. So, think wisely."

With that, Kingston grabbed Rose by the wrist and guided her towards the main door. He hailed a taxi for her, as her own car had been confiscated, and watched it drive away. Kingston muttered to himself, "To think a kid who was playing with dolls just yesterday is now so desperate to be in a club. I'm not crazy enough to let that happen.

As Kingston returned to the party, he couldn't shake the thought of Rose being at the club. She was too young and naive to be in a place like this, and he was determined to make sure she didn't get herself into any trouble. He had promised Leonardo to keep an eye on her, and he intended to honor that promise.

Kingston found his way back to the bar and ordered a fresh drink. He observed the energetic atmosphere of the club and noticed a familiar face among the crowd. It was Natasha, a woman he had known for a while. She was a regular at the club and always enjoyed Kingston's company.

Natasha approached Kingston with a flirtatious smile, she leaned towards him and spoke into his ear. "Kingston, fancy seeing you here tonight. Who was that you escorted outside?" she asked, giving him a playful nudge.

Kingston chuckled, his thoughts still on Rose. "That was Rose, my friend's sister. She's a bit too young to be here, so I had to send her home."

Natasha raised an eyebrow. "A young girl like that in a place like this? You're the responsible one, Kingston."

Kingston shrugged. "Someone has to be, I guess. Now, what about you? Are you up for some fun tonight?"

Natasha leaned in closer, her voice sultry. "Always, Kingston. You know how to show a girl a good time."

As they continued their conversation, Kingston couldn't help but wonder how Leonardo was handling the news of Rose's presence at the club. He knew his friend cared deeply for his sister and would likely be furious if he found out where she had been.

Back at the club, Leonardo nursed his drink, his thoughts consumed by work and the looming marriage contract. He knew his decision to marry Camila was purely business, but he couldn't deny the pressure and expectations that came with it.

Diane, who had been keeping a close eye on him, approached him once more. "Leonardo, I can make this whole marriage thing easier for you. I'm just a phone call away whenever you need to relax."

Leonardo sighed, realizing that Diane wouldn't give up easily. "Diane, I appreciate your offer, but it's not the solution I need right now. I have a lot on my plate with work, and I need to focus on that."

Diane leaned in closer, her tone seductive. "You can't resist me, Leo. We have something special, and I can make it worth your while."

Leonardo's patience wore thin, and he stood up abruptly. "Diane, please. I need some space. I have business to attend to."

Diane watched him leave, her expression a mix of frustration and desire. She was determined to win Leonardo over, no matter what it took.

Diane banged her hands on the table in rage.

"I'll make that new girl of yours pay for snatching you away from me!" Diane glared spitefully, gritting her teeth together before standing up and walking away.