The discomfort persisted even after Winter had cleared her head for a while.
She couldn't believe she was sitting in front of the father of her child, the one she kept hidden from everyone.
When David found out about her pregnancy, he severed all relations with her even taking away her last name, labeling her daughter a bastard child. He was so ashamed of her that he warned her never to tell anyone about it.
As far as the public was concerned, Agnes was his only daughter, and Winter was just that forgotten kid.
Not that Winter never wanted to be in the public eye, but when Bryson instructed her to keep things private, she didn't understand why.
She initially assumed that he too was ashamed of her for disappointing him, but his actions proved otherwise. And after thinking about it, she understood why he wanted to keep them away.
'Was he shielding them that way, and if so from whom?'
"I wonder why you haven't kissed me yet. You seem pretty drawn to me, huh?" His deep, rich voice shattered her reverie, and she furrowed her brow in perplexity.
"Excuse me," she asked, finding his words slightly insulting.
"I remember you kissing me so passionately that I wished you would kiss me the moment you saw me," Kalix said, a tiny smile lingering on his face as he recalled the kisses they shared that night. They were indeed addictive.
Winter was taken completely by surprise. This man was bold as hell, spewing things that almost twisted her heart. Her gaze went slowly to his lips, and the need grew stronger.
Not only did his eyes fascinate her, but so did his lips, which were juiceable just now and tasted better than the wine she was drinking.
'Do not be swayed, Winter. You are here to reject him,' her subconscious reminded her, and she straightened up, adjusting herself in her seat.
"Mr. Andreas, that was a mistake that we shouldn't dwell on," Kalix cocked his brow.
Leaning back, he draped one leg over the other and inquired, "Is that so? Was it just a fleeting moment?"
Winter felt the chills as his once-soft eyes darkened. She felt a knot in her gut but hesitated to express her anxiety.
"Yes, it was a one-night stand, as everyone calls it. So let's not focus on the past and discuss what we're here for." Winter stayed firm on her words.
She would never tell him anything about Seren. Furthermore, she prioritized their protection till she remained in the same city.
Her refusal to accept anything that transpired between them was unimpressive to Kalix. Her disinterest and cold demeanor were causing him great agony, but he dared not snap.
He reserved that side of himself exclusively for those who had wronged him.
Winter was special.
While Kalix continued to stare at Winter without saying anything back, she decided to get right to the point of why she was here in the first place.
"I understand that my grandfather gave you his words, but I'm here to decline. I'm sorry, but I can't marry you," she announced.
"Reason?" he inquired right away, leaving her perplexed for a moment.
Winter palm began to sweat, and she turned away from his suddenly somber gaze.
"T-there's no such reason. I simply cannot marry a mafia lord," she retorted swiftly, calming herself.
She was being sincere, though.
Kalix might be a stunning hunk, but his dark heritage did not appeal to her. She never wanted her kid to become acclimated to the concept of violence. She didn't want her to see the weapons and guns they were carrying.
"And what if decline?"
Winter turned her gaze back. "You can't force me," she snapped.
"I don't take a 'no' as an answer, Angel, and when it's you, hell no." Kalix was not someone who enjoyed games; when he sets his sights on someone, he takes them.
And as far as Winter is concerned, she was already his. There was no option for refusal.
"Ikaw ay kasama ko."
"Huh?"
Kalix grinned, forcing Winter to furrow. She could tell the man had thick skin and was unwilling to let her go. But she was not here to argue.
"As you wish, but I will not marry you, and that is final," she said, picking up her purse and turning to leave.
"Then give me my daughter."
Those words brought her to a standstill, and she looked at him with wide eyes.
Kalix got up and turned to face her.
"If not, marry me," he said, leaving Winter shocked.
"What are you talking about?" she snapped, not allowing his comments to break her determination.
'It's difficult for him to learn anything about Seren,' she reasoned.
Her father had already safeguarded all of their information since he did not want anyone to know she was a single mother. He placed the highest value on his firm and reputation, and releasing even a single word about them was unthinkable.
But then something clicked, and she turned her gaze toward him.
Winter gasped as he reduced the distance between them to almost an inch. His low voice sprung out at her, sending a chill down her spine. Her heart skipped a beat.
"Either marry me or give me my child," Kalix watched the tears welling up in her eyes and lips trembling.
Winter couldn't imagine being away from her star. She was the guiding light that brought her out of the darkness.
'No, she will not give her child to anyone.'
Winter was going to challenge him, but before she could speak, the phone in her purse rang.
Kalix immediately took a step back, creating distance between them, while Winter quickly went for her phone.
"Hayes?" she questioned, swiftly responding.
"Miss Winter, we couldn't find Miss Seren," the phone in her palm fell, and a tear streamed down her cheeks, startling Kalix.
He immediately grabbed her arm, preventing her from stumbling.
"S-Seren is nowhere to be found."
Those statements prompted Kalix to seize Winter's hand and turn on their heels as they both exited the restaurant.
Kalix had already made a move to find Seren by ordering his men, while Winter continued to speak with Hayes, who informed her how Seren duped his troops and fled.