Kathryn's POV…
I sat by the window, my fingers nervously tracing the rim of my teacup. The sunlight streaming in did little to warm the cold dread in my heart. My mind replayed the conversations I overheard at the mall earlier that day.
"Did you hear? Richard Ambrose is a notorious casanova."
"And I hear he is to be wed in a few weeks… Poor girl, whoever marries him is in a world of heartbreak."
"Oh please, who wouldn't want to marry a man like Richard Ambrose? There's a whole line of women from prestigious families who would do anything to marry him."
"You're right i guess, his facecard never declines"
My stomach twisted into knots. I was the "poor girl" now, the one destined to marry Richard Ambrose, a man with a reputation as a heartbreaker. How was I supposed to marry a man like that?
"Well, well, if it isn't the future Mrs. Ambrose," Silvia drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
I looked up, trying to maintain my composure. "Silvia, what do you want?"
Silvia shrugged, feigning innocence. "I just thought I'd come see how you're holding up. After all, marrying a man like Richard must be quite daunting."
My grip tightened around my teacup. "I can handle it."
"Oh, really?" Silvia's eyes gleamed with malicious delight. "Do you even know what you're getting into? Richard Ambrose is infamous for his… extracurricular activities."
"I've heard the rumors," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "But they're just that–rumors."
.Silvia laughed , a harsh sound that grated on my nerves. "Rumors that have a way of turning out to be true. He's had more women than I can count. Do you honestly think you'll be any different?"
A pang of insecurity hit me, but I squared my shoulders. "I'll deal with whatever comes my way."
Silvia's smile widened. "Oh, I'm sure you will. But remember, Katie, you were the last choice. Father only agreed to this because it was the easiest way of getting rid of you."
My heart sank, but I refused to let Silvia see my pain. "I know why this arrangement was made. But that doesn't change the fact that It's happening. I won't let you or anyone else make me feel less than I am."
Silvia's expression hardened. "We'll see how long that bravado lasts when you're dealing with Richard's infidelities."
I stood , meeting Silvia's gaze head-on. "I'll handle Richard and whatever comes with him. And I'll do it with dignity."
Silvia snorted and turned to leave. "Goodluck, dear sister. You'll need it"
As Silvia's footsteps faded, I sank back into my chair, my resolve wavering. How was I supposed to handle a man like Richard Ambrose? A man I barely knew, yet would soon be bound to foe life.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.
The door creaked open again, and my father stepped into the room. His expression stern, as usual but there was a glimmer of something else–resolve, perhaps.
"Kathryn," he said, his voice firm. "The date has been fixed. Every arrangement has been taken care of."
I felt my heart sink. "Father, please, "I began, my voice trembling. "There must be another way. I can't marry him. I don't even know him."
He shook his head, cutting me off. "This is not up for debate. The wedding will proceed as planned."
"But Father," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. "Why must it be me? Why not Silvia?"
He sighed, His eyes hardening. "I am doing you a favor, Kathryn. Marrying Richard Ambrose will shield you from the harsh judgments of society. As an illegitimate daughter, your prospects were always limited. This is a chance for you to have a respectable life."
Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them back. "I don't need his respectability, I don't want to be forced into this."
"You have no choice," he said, his tone final. "You cannot work at the company, but this is how you can contribute. By marrying Richard, you will help secure a valuable alliance for our family and the company."
I swallowed hard, knowing that arguing would be futile. "Fine," I whispered, defeated. "I'll marry him."
My Father nodded, satisfied. "Good. And remember, Kathryn, do not do anything foolish. There will be severe consequences if you try to defy me."
I nodded,biting my lip to keep the tears at bay. "I understand."
He turned to leave, pausing at the door. "Prepare yourself. The wedding is in two weeks."
As the door closed behind him, I finally allowed the tears to fall. I felt like I was being led to my doom, but I knew there was no escaping it. I had to be strong–for myself and for my father's honor.
I wiped my tears away and took a deep breath, steeling myself for the days to come. I would face this challenge head-on. I had to. There was no other choice.