“Mr. Otávio,” she began cautiously, “I came here to—”
Footsteps echoed in the grand hallway, interrupting her.
Otávio’s eyes lit up. “Ademir is back!”
Moments later, Ademir Barbosa entered, his strides confident, his presence magnetic. The light from the chandelier cast a glow over his tall frame and sharp, elegant features. His crisp suit accentuated the commanding air he carried effortlessly.
“Grandpa, I came back to have dinner with you,” he said, his voice warm.
But then his gaze landed on Karina, and he stopped mid-step. His expression hardened.
There she stood—a slender young woman with porcelain skin, delicate features, and an unassuming presence in the mansion’s grandeur. She rose to her feet shyly, offering a small wave. “Hello.”
Otávio beamed. “Ademir, this is your fiancée, Karina. Get ready to welcome her into your home.”
Ademir’s brows furrowed. His good mood vanished, replaced with cold indifference.
“Fiancée?” he echoed, his voice clipped.
Otávio nodded proudly. “Yes, it’s time to fulfill the promise.”
Ademir’s jaw tightened. He was no stranger to his grandfather’s plans, but this was unexpected. If Karina had appeared just days earlier, he might have reluctantly agreed to honor the engagement. But now, things were different. He already had Victoria—the woman he believed he had shared an intimate connection with. He had promised Victoria marriage, and breaking that promise was not an option.
“I can’t marry her,” Ademir declared firmly.
Otávio’s smile faltered. “What did you just say?”
“I already have someone I want to marry,” Ademir continued, his tone steady but resolute.
“Nonsense!” Otávio’s voice rose, his anger palpable. “How dare you? Do you know what this promise means? You will not make a liar out of me!”
“I’m sorry, Grandpa, but I can’t do this,” Ademir said coldly, his eyes shifting to Karina. “Did you think this was going to happen?”
