ISABELLA'S POV
As I finally walked into the house around 4 pm, the aroma of impending dinner wafted through my mind. My aunt Mary sat regally, sipping her wine and issuing instructions as I busied myself in the kitchen. With Kayla's in-laws scheduled to arrive at 8 pm, I kept a close eye on the clock.
By 6:30 pm, I had finished cooking and carefully placed the dishes in the food warmer to keep them from getting cold. Next, I began baking a cake for dessert. Just as I was lost in the sweet scent of batter and frosting, I heard the sound of Lisa, James, and Kayla returning.
Aunt Mary rushed to give Kayla in a tight hug. "My beautiful princess, how are you?" she cooed. Kayla awkwardly resisted her mother's affection. "I'm good, Mom," she replied flatly.
Aunt Mary wouldn't let go. "Why are you trying to get away from me? I miss you!" Kayla rolled her eyes. "Mom, it's not like I was gone for a year; I was only gone for two days."
Kayla turned to me, a hint of a smile on her face. "Hey, Isabella, what are you up to?" I smiled back, my hands covered in flour. "I'm baking a cake for you."
Kayla nodded and headed upstairs to freshen up. I finished baking the cake around 7:30 pm and decided to check in on Kayla. I knocked gently on her door. "Kayla, can I come in?, as I entered Kayla's bedroom, I was met with a heartbreaking sight: she was crying uncontrollably. I rushed to her side, wrapping my arms around her in a warm hug. "Why are you crying?" I asked, trying to comfort her.
Kayla's sobs intensified as she struggled to find the words. "Isa, how can I marry someone I don't even know?" she wailed, her body shaking with each sob. I held her close, trying to absorb some of her pain.
"I think you should talk to your parents," I suggested gently. "Maybe they'll understand that you don't want to get married." But Kayla's expression told me she'd already considered this option.
"No, they won't listen," she said, her voice laced with desperation. "This marriage is a business deal. It's all about expanding the family's wealth and influence." Her words sparked a wave of anger within me, and I couldn't help but blame myself.
If only I hadn't sent my parents out to get me ice cream that fateful day, they'd still be alive. They'd be running the business, making decisions that wouldn't sacrifice others' happiness for the sake of wealth. But life had other plans.
I heard a lot about Kayla's fiancé, as he was the richest person in Azuraea. My uncle's motives became clear: he needed cash to save my father's struggling hotel, and this marriage was the key.
Just then, the makeup artist and stylist arrived to transform Kayla into a stunning bride. As they worked their magic, I slipped away to collect JJ, who was waiting for me in the nursery. Tonight, we'd be having our own quiet evening, away from the fancy dinner and the prying eyes of the guests.
As I stepped out into the warm evening air, JJ by my side, I made my way to the pool house. My curiosity got the better of me, and I wanted to catch a glimpse of Kayla's in-laws. They arrived promptly at 8:30 pm, and the sound of car doors closing and muted chatter filled the air.
A convoy of luxurious cars came to a stop in front of the house, and guards smartly dressed in black suits rushed to open the doors. The dignified guests alighted, their elegant attire and confident demeanor exuding an air of opulence and refinement.
I strained my eyes, trying to get a better look, but they were too far away, and without my eyeglasses, their features remained a blur. I sensed the weight of their expectations, the pressure on Kayla to fit into their world. My heart went out to her, about to become a part of this intimidating family.
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Updated 19 Episodes
Comments
Abi Dharma
Totally worth it!
2025-01-23
0