Chapter 6

Chapter 006

I spent the rest of the day alone in my suite, my nerves knotting into my stomach like an unbreakable knot that I couldn't undo.

Have you met his family yet?

At first, it felt too soon—yes, the wedding was coming up soon enough, but I hadn't fully processed what had transpired yesterday yet—everything seemed to move too quickly as though there were no brakes, speeding towards an outcome I hadn't been privy to agree with.

I looked down at my phone, my eyes wide with disbelief at its dark display.

At first, I briefly considered turning it back on. Perhaps checking my messages or replying to Noortje. But what could I possibly say?

Nothing.

Following Casper's advice, I switched off my phone after sending one text message to my father, just to make him believe I was okay—an untruth but necessary cover story.

But here I was, living one.

I sighed, placing the phone aside. In just 24 hours, my life had taken an unexpected and drastic turn; now I had to pretend in front of his family as well.?

I sat cross-legged on my bed, gazing out the window at the city that sprawled before me, lights flickering with each change in the weather as darkness crept closer.

I was so lost in thought I almost missed hearing it.

"Lena," I answered back. For an instant, I thought my mind had taken over, making me hear Casper's voice when he wasn't truly present.

"Lena?" Again the voice from outside called out. When I turned, there he was standing behind my doorway chatting away with his arms around each other.

One hand was in his pocket while the other held two shopping bags.

He looked... But I quickly shut it off before my thoughts could form into anything concrete.

"How did you gain entry?" was what I asked instead, forcing myself to sound normal.

"Through the front door," he declared directly.

"No kidding." He smiled slightly but did not elaborate further—instead offering me his bags as proof.

"Get ready! This will be your dinner attire. Prepare accordingly."

I hesitated to take them, my fingers brushing against their smooth handles. He quickly turned away without speaking again.

"Casper," I whispered.

He stopped but did not reverse direction.

"Can we not send any beauticians? I can get ready myself." I paused before speaking up. "Can't you... just send one of those beauticians?" I requested it.

He finally looked startled, his eyebrows rising slightly in surprise.

After a short pause, he gave a short nod and left without further comment.

He heard the door click closed behind him.

I exhaled slowly while gazing at the bags in my hands before opening the first one.

Simple yet light peach silk dress featuring long sleeves, knee-length cut, and an elegant touch of glitter on its waistline.

Not too over the top. Not suffocating. Just... perfect. Her second bag contained elegant yet classic nude stiletto heels from Nudist Collections.

Who had chosen these?

I sighed as I checked the time: just past four. Now was the time to begin getting ready.

After a quick shower and light makeup application, my hair needed brushing until its shine could be seen through.

By five, I had finished. Stepping into the living room to smooth my dress fabric, I was taken aback when I discovered I wasn't alone!

"Oh no!" I gasped. "Mijn God, you scared me!"

Casper glanced up from his massive TV screen and briefly glanced my way before checking his watch.

"Let's go," and without further interaction or a second glance, he began walking past me without hesitation or reaction.

"What's his problem?" I muttered under my breath.

"You will become my problem if you do not move quickly.

I gritted my teeth as I hastened after him.

I found the ride quiet; too quiet. Our only sound was the faint hum of our car as we weaved through the city streets, while I stared out my window, watching as lights passed me by.

"Casper," I finally said. He didn't respond or look my way.

"Your family... do they know about this arrangement?"

"No," he replied. "And I would prefer for it to remain that way." A muscle in his jaw twitched.

My stomach began to tighten. "But--"

"Just focus on yourself. Answer my questions about you, and leave the rest up to me."

Before I could utter a protesting word, he reached into his pocket and placed them inside.

End of conversation. I turned back toward the window with frustration coursing through my veins.

No reassurance. No guidance. Just orders.

He wasn't concerned that I had no idea what I was getting myself into or that my nerves were already frazzled.

No problem; I could solve it myself without his assistance.

As soon as the car finally pulled up, my eyes shot open in surprise.

What was I expecting to find there if not a restaurant? A grand estate complete with chandeliers and long hallways would have made much more sense.

Before I could say anything else, Casper stepped forward and extended his hand.

I ignored my mother and left her alone.

I noticed his lips quivering with amusement.

What was so funny? Unfortunately, I was too late to ask directly.

Before I knew it, his palm had touched the small of my back gently but firmly, prompting me to move forward. His message was clear—play your role!

As soon as we reached the large dining table, however, my mind began to wander to bigger problems.

His family. I looked quickly over all the faces before me.

They were nothing like what I anticipated: no arrogance or hostility... just... curiosity.

But looks can be deceptive.

Straightening my spine, I strengthened myself.

There nothing goes.