Chapter 3 Unfortunate Sweethearts

• Rita's body ached all over as she walked into her house, the only thing on her mind was to have a cold shower and a good sleep.
• But she was greeted by the cold eyes of her family.
• It was very rare to see them standing together waiting for her, of course.
• But due to their formal and elegant clothing, Rita knew the reason — they were going to visit her betrothed.
• “Why you'd come back home so late is unexplainable! Do you want to leave a bad impression on your soon-to-be in-laws?” Her father's voice sounded in her ears, a frown on his face.
• Rita rolled her eyes inwardly, not caring if he was displeased.
• “Who knew? Perhaps she was out there selling her body to countless men!” Jane, her father's wife, snapped, her voice dripping with venom.
• In her right hand was lipstick, and in the other was a face mirror. As always, she was so obsessed with checking her ugly face. She thought she was pretty, but to Rita, Jane was far from it.
• One would expect a father to defend his daughter when spoken ill of, but when it was Rita, her father, Kingsley acted nonchalant about it. He did not care about them.
• “You're already dressed. We're leaving now.” Jane stated.
• “We can't waste time, Kingsley.” She turned to her husband, who nodded in agreement.
• Rita did not say anything to that, aside from the ache she felt, she showered back in the hotel. Rita felt glad that she did that or they would have reeked of sex.
• Rita turned and walked to the SUV that was already packed outside, not making any comment.
• “Your daughter is so insolent.” Jane seethed.
• Rita completely ignored them. They all got into the SUV that drove off afterward.
• The ride was utterly quiet, and no one spoke to the other, aside from Jane, who kept telling Rita not to be useless and mess things up.
• They were headed for the Romeo Manor.
• And why?
• Today, she'd be meeting the jerk she was going to get married to in about a week or so — it felt utterly shitty to Rita.
• Who would want to get married like this? She didn't even know the person she was getting married to
• “This is bullshit.” She muttered under her breath, evidently displeased about the whole thing, yet Mr. Peter would be the last person to give a damn about his daughter's feelings.
• “Riri.” Someone held her hand, and Rita lifted her head to see her sister Hannah, who stared at her with worried-filled eyes.
• “Oh Hey,” She smiled lightly, yet Hannah's worry didn't lessen.
• “Are you okay? You came back late from work, and you were… limping."
• Rita gulped down emptiness nervously — everyone noticed that, huh?
• Well, how wouldn't they when her virginity was lost to a man who rammed her like a beast!
• Inwardly, she hadn't stopped cursing him; that handsome stranger was a jerk.
• A massive one that she despised and wished never to meet again.
• “It's nothing — I'm fine, okay? How's studying?" She tried to divert their conversation to something else from last night.
• Hannah, although suspicious and worried about Rita, decided to let the matter be.
• Her sister wasn't involved in anything unholy — she's a waitress by day and a bartender at night. That was all.
• As the sisters conversed, the wheels of the fleshly SUV halted in front of a big mansion that reeked of wealth.
• “Get down, and Rita, be on your best behavior. Don't screw up.” Mr. Peter spoke warningly and got no response or reaction from Rita.
• As they alighted from the car, and their eyes fell on the Manor, jaws were dropped in awe.
• The Palace was… otherworldly magnificent! It was almost like a Palace from the olden century or so, yet outrageously classy.
• “It's my honor to welcome the Peter Family. Please, this way.” An aged man, dressed formally in a suit, had his head lowered while speaking.
• Undoubtedly, he was the Butler of the family. While being led into the Manor, Hannah unceasingly made gushing remarks about the place.
• “I know you're upset about breaking up with Steven, but look at the bright side — you're going to be part of a fucking rich family!” She whispered happily to Rita.
• Rita remained expressionless about it — fuck their wealth. All she wants is Steven's love — it doesn't matter shit to her that he was rich.
• The massive yet brilliantly crafted wooden doors were parted to pave the way for the Peters as they walked into the glamorous living room.
• It was twice the size of their whole penthouse!
• So this was the Romeo Manor? — it certainly did live up to its hype.
• “Mr. and Mrs. Peter. Welcome!” The kind voice of a middle-aged woman was heard, and, glancing ahead, came Mrs. Romeo.
• Even the simplicity of her gown dripped in richness, and Rita grew worried. Rich folks were usually haughty, right?
• However, Mrs. Romeo was far from that. They were welcomed warmly, and then Rita's hand was held.
• “You must be Rita — my, you're so beautiful!”
• “Thank you… Ma'am."
• “Call me mother. Please.” It was truly a sweet compliment, yet Rita couldn't bring herself to smile at all.
• She would rather not get married to anyone else, but Steven — was that too challenging to ask for?
• Afterward, they were led further into the living room, and Hannah was still dumbfounded by the beauty of the Manor.
• “My son will be here soon. And he is a bit…cold, but he truly is a sweetheart once you get to know him." Mrs Romeo whispered to Rita who forced a smile at her.
• Throughout the entire thing, Rita's hands were held by Mrs. Romeo — her sweetness was wholesome, but she felt uncomfortable.
• As the adults drove deeper into their conversation, Rita had to excuse herself.
• “Please can I use the restroom?” She asked in a low voice and could feel Jane's cold gaze on her.
• “Do take the fourth staircase dear— it'll lead you to the restroom.” Mrs Romeo explained.
• “Thank you,” Rita mumbled and she made her way upstairs.
• Climbing up the stairs, Rita noticed the rails were made of gold.
• “I still want Steven.” A frown curved on her plump lips, Fuck their wealth.
• She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not notice the wet floor she accidentally slipped, landing in her butt.
• “Rita!!” Hannah shouted worriedly as it caught everyone's attention.
• While they all ran to her, a cute 6-year-old girl descended the same stairs.
• Anyone could tell she was part of the Romeo family due to her beautiful blue eyes, and walking behind her in a maid's outfit was unarguably her personal Nanny.
• “I don’t want a woman who can’t walk to be my mother! Fool!” The little girl, Lola, looked at Rita coldly, her eyes filled with hatred. She stood on the glass-marble floor, completely ignoring Rita’s presence.
• Rita felt a surge of anger and couldn’t help but ask, “Did you spill water here on purpose to make me slip?” Her voice was tinged with anger, perhaps because yesterday’s pain felt even more unbearable.
• Lola frowned and stared at Rita, making no effort to hide her displeasure. She stuck out her tongue and made a face at Rita, clearly dismissive of her accusation.
• “Lola, apologize,” Mrs. Romeo urged as she tried to help Rita up, but Lola stood by coldly, making no attempt to apologize.
• Just as Mrs. Romeo was about to speak again, a man’s voice suddenly interrupted her: “Apologize? Why would my daughter need to apologize to a gold digger?”
• Rita looked up, shocked by the sudden sound. Her eyes widened, and asked in surprise, “Why are you here?”