Chapter 2 2. And the answer is ...

That night, Donita couldn't sleep. Her heart was pounding, and her mind was in a complete mess.

Suddenly, at exactly 10 p.m., her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Oscar Sebastian! The reserved man had never called her before. So why now? She stared at her phone for five seconds before taking a deep breath and answering the call.

"Hello?"

"Donita."

His voice was deep, heavy, and calm. Yet, that was what made her body tremble.

"Yes?"

"Erica said you're thinking about my request ..." His deep baritone got straight to the point. "But I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Donita didn't know how to answer, but for some reason, she couldn't say no.

"I... will," she whispered, her soft voice still clearly audible to Oscar.

"Hmm, I'm glad to hear that. I'll make all the arrangements immediately. Have a nice dream." The baritone voice delivered the words in a flat, cold tone.

How was it possible that a single phone call, a single brief sentence from Oscar Sebastian, could completely change her life? How did she even say, "Yes, I will.."?

That night, she couldn't sleep at all, with Oscar's baritone voice echoing in her ears. Her body shivered...

"I want to hear it from you. Are you willing to marry me?"

Initially, Donita had wanted to delay her answer. She wanted to take time to think, even though her feelings were already clear that she had liked Oscar for a long time.

But what about Oscar's feelings? Instead, Donita felt as if she was under a spell, and she simply said yes!

***

Donita sat in Erica's backyard garden, staring blankly at the fish pond. Meanwhile, Erica was in the middle of an angry rant.

"It's always about Wina! That old woman has no shame!" Erica grumbled, annoyed.

Donita immediately listened in. A moment ago, she was still wondering if Oscar wanted to marry her because he loved her, or just because Erica was forcing him.

"Can you believe it, Don? This morning she sent a package to my dad's office. It was men's cologne! Ugh, how embarrassing! It's so obvious she's desperate for my dad's attention."

Donita smiled faintly. "Maybe she really is in love with your dad."

"Love? Ugh!" Erica rolled her eyes. "My dad already rejected her. But Wina... well, you know. No shame! She acts as if she's his girlfriend!"

Donita looked away. A strange feeling suddenly welled up in her chest. Why? Was she also annoyed at Wina?

"I'm more and more convinced that you're the perfect woman to be Daddy's wife," Erica said, turning to her with a serious expression.

"Wina has no shame. Even after being rejected, she keeps forcing herself on him. Women should be more like you-not chasing, but being chased!"

Donita laughed softly. "So, if a woman likes to chase, does that mean she's not a woman?"

"No. What I mean is, a woman should be elegant. She shouldn't look cheap. Like you, baby! You're so relaxed and elegant. That's why my dad will definitely choose you," Erica said, sipping her drink.

But Donita didn't respond. Since last night, her heart has been filled with questions.

Did Oscar really like her? Or was it just... because Erica had forced him?

The man was too composed. So detached and so cold! Even on the phone, he sounded more like a business associate than a man about to get married.

***

That afternoon, Donita received an email with the subject line "Sebastian Wedding and Preparation Briefing."

Donita's hands quickly opened the email attachment. Inside was a PDF file containing the event schedule, dress fitting times, and a list of vendors that had already been booked. Even the names of the caterer and honeymoon hotel were on the list.

"Oh my God..." she whispered to herself.

Oscar, that man, had prepared everything. But he hadn't said a word to Donita. No messages, just an email, as if he were sending a work contract.

Donita didn't know whether to be happy or disappointed by what Oscar had done.

***

The next day, Erica dragged Donita to a luxurious boutique in an upscale neighborhood. They were greeted by a tall woman with flawless makeup.

"Mireya Laurent. The Sebastian family's designer," she said, shaking Donita's hand. "Mr. Sebastian personally gave me the task of designing your wedding dress."

"A task?" Donita replied, her voice filled with surprise.

"Yes, he contacted me personally," Mireya responded, smiling warmly. "He had a very specific request. The gown needs to be conservative, without overemphasizing your figure. Especially your bust, which shouldn't be exposed, as it's quite full for such a slender body type."

"What? How possessive is that?" Erica burst out laughing, while Donita swallowed hard. She was even more confused.

How did that man know her breast size? Donita was completely bewildered, as Erica's laughter continued.

Mireya led Donita into the fitting room. Inside, several stunningly beautiful gowns were hanging.

Donita gazed at the sparkling white fabric in front of her. "This is so beautiful, but isn't it too lavish? Is it expensive?"

Mireya chuckled softly. "Mr. Sebastian wants everyone to see his wife looks stunning on stage."

First, he's so possessive, not liking his bride's gown to be too sexy, not even showing a hint of cleavage. Now he's calling her 'his wife'? But he's never once talked about their marriage with her. A wave of irritation washed over Donita.

Is she just an expensive item to be put on display for the public? Donita was becoming increasingly unsure about her decision to accept Oscar's proposal.

Oscar never explained a thing. Erica, on the other hand, had been smiling and laughing the whole time, as if she was so happy. And her? She was just lost and confused.

***

That night, she was forced to stay over at Erica's house, under the pretense of keeping her company while Oscar was away on a business trip, leaving Erica all by herself.

She suddenly noticed a small box resting on the bed. It was a black velvet box, and inside was a diamond necklace with a small note tucked beside it. The note simply said, "Wear this, okay? I want you to look special. O.S."

Donita sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling as she stared at the handwritten note.

"Does this mean he feels something for me, too?"