He was sitting calmly beside me, while I was worried about what would happen tonight. The car was heading toward a large mansion, where I could see Gilbert's parents waiting for us.
Gilbert's mother pulled Rita into a tight embrace and said, "Welcome, darling. You must be tired today, so I won't bother the two of you for long. We came here to present you with your wedding gift."
Rita looked at the magnificent mansion, awestruck by its beauty.
"Thank you, Mom. It looks beautiful."
Marina smiled broadly when she heard Rita call her Mom.
"Oh, darling, come on. This is just a small gift from our side."
Gilbert, who had been standing there like a statue, showed no interest.
"Mom, we're good. You can go now."
Gilbert's father shot him a warning glance.
"Remember, if I hear that you've done anything that could affect our family's reputation..." He paused before continuing, "You know exactly what I mean."
Gilbert couldn't meet his father's eyes.
"I know. Don't worry. Your investment is safe with me."
Meanwhile, Gilbert's mother hugged Rita again.
"Darling, we'll come tomorrow. Take care."
A servant stepped forward and greeted them.
"Good evening, Madam. My name is Jenny, and I will take care of you."
Rita smiled gently at her. Jenny led her inside. On the way, Rita was astonished by the intricate designs on the walls. Inspired by traditional culture, they made the house look elegant and breathtaking.
"This is your room, Madam," Jenny said.
Rita was exhausted. She told Jenny that she could leave and that she would call if she needed anything.
The moment Jenny left, Rita froze.
The room was decorated like a honeymoon suite.
Scented candles were placed everywhere, and red roses covered the bed.
"Why are there scented candles and red roses everywhere?" she muttered.
She wanted to talk to Gilbert immediately, but he was nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, Gilbert was sitting in a private lounge at an exclusive club frequented by the wealthy.
"Gilbert, what are you doing here?" Ray asked, snatching the whiskey glass from his hand.
"I want to get drunk," Gilbert replied, signaling the waiter for another glass.
Ray frowned. "Why are you doing this?"
"I'm forced to marry someone I hate. What do you expect me to do?"
Gilbert stood up, intending to move elsewhere, when one of his friends approached from behind.
"Gilbert! What are you doing here? Come have some fun with us," Jackson said.
Both Ray and Gilbert followed him.
At a nearby table, three men and three women were seated together. Jackson motioned for them to sit.
Ray asked, "Who are they?"
Jackson introduced everyone.
One of the men raised his glass.
"Gilbert, isn't your wedding today? Congratulations. But what are you doing here?"
Before Gilbert could answer, one of the women laughed.
"It's an arranged marriage. His wife must be unattractive."
Ray immediately came to Gilbert's defense.
"He likes her. Otherwise, why would he marry her? Do you really think anyone can force him?"
Another man smirked.
"Then why is he spending his wedding night at a club?"
Ray stood up abruptly.
"We're leaving. You can have fun on your own."
"Seriously, how much humiliation do I have to endure because of her?" Gilbert said in frustration once they were back in the car. "Earlier, no one dared to say anything against me. Now everyone suddenly has the courage to speak right to my face."
Ray, who was driving, had little patience for Gilbert's complaints.
"Brother, why don't you just focus on your married life? That would be better."
"What do you want me to do? I can't even spend a single day with her. If this happened to you, then I'd ask you the same thing."
"Okay, then tell me—what are you going to do?" Ray asked curiously.
Gilbert turned to him, a mischievous look crossing his face.
"I'll irritate her until she asks me for a divorce herself. Just wait and see."
When Gilbert finally returned home, he walked into his room—and stopped dead in his tracks.
"What is this?"
He knocked on the bedroom door twice.
Rita opened it slightly.
"What?"
Gilbert looked utterly stunned.
"Why are all my belongings on the floor?"
Rita smiled sweetly.
"Oh, that? They accidentally put our things together, so you don't need to worry. I packed all your belongings for you."
Gilbert stared at her in disbelief.
"What nonsense! This is my room. You need to move out right now."
Before he could say anything else, Rita slammed the door in his face.
Gilbert knocked five more times, but she refused to open it.
"If you don't open this door right now, just wait and see what I'll do tomorrow!"
He kicked the door angrily, but there was still no response from inside.