Chapter 3
Yasmin smiled at me and said, "Katherine, can you still catch the scent of Alfonso and me on the sheets and blankets in the guest house? Our presence lingers there, doesn't it?"
That was the first time I ever tasted pain so sharp, it felt like a knife twisting in my chest.
I looked at my mother, spelling out each word slowly.
"Mother, please stop," I said. "Alfonso was tainted. I'll never marry a man who's been stained."
Jennifer was completely stunned.
Her lips quivered, like she wanted to ask but was too afraid to speak.
I didn't explain further.
Some things just couldn't be revealed yet.
I needed the perfect moment to make Alfonso and Yasmin's scandal known to everyone.
I wanted to turn him from Eldoraville's celebrated young hero into a reviled hypocrite.
I wanted to bring disgrace upon the Castaneda family.
"In any case, this engagement ends today," I said.
I stood up, determination blazing in my eyes.
"If you won't agree, then I'll end my life right here against this pillar. I refuse to let you get what you want!" I said firmly.
"Are you trying to drive me to the brink?" Jennifer wailed.
She was so worked up, her eyes brimmed with tears, caught between anger and panic.
Just then, a maid's voice called from outside the door.
"Madam, Miss, the Castaneda family's carriage has arrived. Mr. Castaneda has come to see you himself," the maid announced.
There he was
My gaze turned icy.
In my previous life, he showed up at this exact moment too.
He wore that fake smile, brought his so-called betrothal gifts, and had me wrapped around his finger.
This time, let's see what game he tried to play.
When Jennifer heard Alfonso had arrived, she was thrown into a panic.
"What... what should we do now? Katherine, quick, go get changed! Whatever it is, we'll deal with it after the betrothal ceremony!" she urged.
"There's no need for that," I replied.
I straightened her simple gown, my face calm and detached.
"Let him in," I said. "Actually, I have a few questions I want to ask him face to face."
Jennifer tried to persuade me further, but I was already heading out the door.
Left with no other option, she stomped her foot in frustration and followed me anxiously, worry etched across her face.
As soon as I walked into the hall, the first thing I saw was the figure standing right in the middle.
Alfonso wore a dark blue robe, standing tall and confident, his looks as handsome as ever.
Ten years had passed.
Back when I was just a girl, his face was the sweetest dream I ever had. But after that, it haunted me as the worst nightmare of my life.
When he saw me, his eyes lit up and he flashed that gentle smile.
"Katherine, you're awake," he said softly.
His voice was still as smooth and warm as ever.
But to me, it was nothing but disgusting.
I paid him no mind, strode straight to the seat of honor, and settled in, picking up the steaming cup of coffee the servant had just set before me.
Alfonso's smile froze for a second.
The atmosphere in the hall got awkward real fast.
Jennifer hurried to break the awkward silence. "Alfonso, please don't take it to heart. Katherine's just a bit under the weather today."
Alfonso's face instantly filled with concern.
"Is Katherine sick? Is it serious? I've already sent someone to get the royal doctor, just in case," he said, worry clear in his voice.
"No need," I said at last, my voice cold enough to freeze.
I lifted my gaze, locking eyes with him, making sure he heard every word.
"Alfonso, I have just one question for you. Where were you last night?" I asked.
Alfonso's concern vanished in an instant, his expression turning stiff.
A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes, but he masked it almost immediately.
He furrowed his brow, feigning confusion as he looked at me.
"Katherine, what are you getting at? I was at the Castaneda family last night, obviously. Where else could I have been?" he replied.
Still pretending.
Outwardly, my expression remained perfectly composed.
"Is that so?" I replied. "Funny, because I heard your guest house on the outskirts was blazing with lights all night. Not a moment of rest."
That guest house was bought by my father for Alfonso about six months ago, after he insisted he needed a peaceful place to recuperate from his injuries.
Every bit of furniture, every little thing in that place, even the tiniest decoration, was paid for with the Gordon family's money.
In my previous life, I never realized he was using my family's money to support another woman behind my back.
Alfonso's expression darkened instantly.
He clenched his fists, fixing me with a piercing glare.
"Did you send someone to follow me?" he demanded.
His voice was laced with indignation, like he couldn't believe I'd dare.
Like I'd done something truly unforgivable.
What a joke.
"Oh, please, Mr. Castaneda, don't flatter yourself," I replied.
I set my teacup down, the sharp clink of porcelain against wood echoing through the room.
"You're the future master of the Castaneda family, always surrounded by guards. I'm just a sheltered girl. How could I ever follow you?" I said.
"But..." I paused, locking eyes with him.