Carolina Navarro was married off to Maximo Castillo, a man ruined by a plane crash that left his face scarred and his heart sealed shut.
Once charismatic and destined for everything, Maximo lost far more than his looks; he lost trust, tenderness, and the life he thought was his. Now he wanted only a wife and an heir.
Carolina gave him vows under pressure, never expecting anything more than a loveless arrangement. But as their bitterness collided and their loneliness deepened, one question refused to fade.
Could something real rise from the wreckage they both carried?
Bound To A Scarred Billionaire: Can Love Bloom From Ashes? Chapter 1 Getting Married!
“Dad… I don’t want to marry him,” Carolina said, her voice breaking as she rose from her chair.
“There’s no room for what you want. You’re going to marry him, and that’s final. This family needs something from you.” Her father, Gaspar Navarro, stepped closer. “After everything I’ve done raising you, this is the least you can give in return.”
“I’m still your daughter!”
His hand struck her face, and the sting lingered. The imprint of his fingers stayed visible as he grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
“You are not my real daughter! You’ve always known that. I took you in, gave you a life like this, and you think you don’t owe us anything?”
“I… why does it have to be me?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Why wouldn’t it be you? You think I’d send my own daughter to marry someone like that when you’re here? You were always meant to be useful for something.”
With a rough shove, he let go of her. Her footing gave out, and she dropped to the floor as he turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him.
At 24, Carolina Navarro stood as the eldest in the Navarro household. Her mother, Paloma, had been branded unfaithful. During her escape with another man, she lost her life, leaving Carolina behind before the child had even turned two. From that point on, Gaspar refused to see her as his own.
He never bothered with a DNA test, not because he believed otherwise, but because he wanted to avoid drawing attention. Even so, he never hid how much resentment he held toward her.
At the time, the Navarro porcelain business was struggling to stay afloat. Then an opportunity appeared, one that solved two problems at once for Gaspar. It would keep his company from collapsing, and at the same time, it would remove Carolina from his house.
Maximo Castillo was the man chosen for her, the only heir to a vast dairy empire. Before everything changed, people described him as handsome, charming, sharp, and successful. Then the plane crash happened. A twin-engine aircraft went down, and half of his face was left scarred by fire. Three years later, he now needed a wife, and more importantly, an heir.
That evening, Carolina made her way to the dining room. Nadia and Eloisa were already seated, waiting. The moment she stepped in, her half-sister Eloisa looked at her with a smile that carried no warmth.
“Well, look at that. Congratulations, sister. Seems like someone’s finally getting picked.”
“I appreciate it, Eloisa. But I’d still choose being overlooked over being used up.”
The words had barely settled when Nadia struck her across the face.
“Watch how you speak about my daughter!” she snapped, her palm slamming against the table.
“What’s going on here?” Gaspar demanded as he walked in. His eyes moved between Carolina’s face, Eloisa’s teary expression, and Nadia’s shaking lips. “I won’t ask again.”
“Gaspar, when exactly is this wedding happening? Carolina just insulted our daughter. She questioned her dignity.”
His gaze fixed on Carolina, and she steadied herself, already expecting what would come next. Instead, he reached out, grabbed her, and shook her hard before shoving her away. His voice turned cold as he told her to go to her room and that she would not be having dinner.
“That’s it?” Nadia asked, her voice unsteady. “I don’t enjoy seeing Carolina punished, but this time… she went too far.” Tears slipped down her face as she spoke, and Gaspar pulled her into an embrace.
“I held back because her future husband might complain. We can’t risk losing this agreement.”
Upstairs, Carolina lay on her bed, clutching her pillow as quiet sobs escaped her.
Life had never been kind to her. Her father treated her like an unwanted burden, while her stepmother played the role of someone gentle, only to twist situations behind the scenes and turn Gaspar against her whenever she could. Eloisa followed that same pattern without hesitation.
“Maybe it won’t be so bad with him,” Carolina whispered to herself.
She held onto that thought. Maybe, just maybe, things could be different.
Scars meant nothing to her. She hadn’t even seen them. What troubled her was something else entirely. She wanted a voice in choosing the man she would marry.
All her life, Carolina had waited for the day she could step out from under her father’s control. Since he never allowed her to study or earn a living, marriage became the only path left open to her. She held onto that hope, believing it might finally give her some freedom. Yet once again, things slipped out of her hands, and the chance to decide for herself disappeared.
Two weeks passed, and she found herself signing marriage documents in his absence. There was no ceremony, no church, nothing formal beyond the papers. Maximo refused to leave his home, so he would wait for her at the ranch, the place that would now belong to her as well.
“It can’t possibly be worse than living under my father’s roof.” She pondered as the car carried her toward La Preciosa Ranch.
What she didn’t know was that this arrangement had originally been intended for Eloisa, the woman people in town often praised for her beauty. Even so, she would never agree to marry a man she had never met, especially one everyone described as scarred and disfigured. That was why it fell to Carolina.
“We’re here, Mrs. Castillo,” the driver said. For a moment, Carolina didn’t react, as if the name didn’t belong to her yet.
“Thank you,” she responded after a brief pause, her voice soft.
Mrs. Castillo. The title felt unfamiliar, almost out of place.
Drawing in a steady breath, she opened the car door and stepped out. Her gaze lifted, taking in the sight before her. A large mansion stood ahead, built in a rustic style that suited the ranch, yet it carried a quiet kind of beauty.
“Welcome, ma’am.” A woman greeted her as she approached. She looked to be middle-aged, and her smile came easily. “My name is Dolores.”
Carolina gave her a small smile.
“Hello, Dolores. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Carolina,” she said as she reached out her hand.
“This woman has good manners,” Dolores muttered to herself. She had met the boss’s former fiancée before, and that woman had carried herself with nothing but arrogance. She never spoke kindly to the staff, not even once. This one felt different. She felt human.
“We’re very glad you’re here, ma’am. Please, come with me. The boss has been waiting for you.”
Carolina nodded.
“Thank you. I’m glad to be received like this.”
Step by step, Carolina made her way up the stairs toward the entrance. Her heartbeat grew louder with each step. She was already married, and in a few moments, she would finally stand face to face with her husband. People had called him strange, and she wanted to see for herself what that meant.
Just before they reached the doors, Dolores slowed to a stop and turned toward her. There was hesitation in her expression.
“Ma’am… the boss has been through a lot. At times, he might come across as harsh. But he’s a good man. I’ve known him for many years.”
“I heard about the accident,” Carolina said.
Dolores gave a quiet nod.
“Yes. What he went through changed him. He can be difficult at times, so… please be patient with him.”
The way she spoke made it clear how much she cared about him.
“I’ll do my best, Dolores.”
A broad smile spread across the older woman’s face before she turned and continued walking.
The front door stood tall, crafted from black wood. Inside, the same dark wood covered the floors, polished until it shone. Every piece of furniture followed the same style, even the sofas, though their upholstery softened the look. The entire place carried a rustic feel, yet everything was done with care and taste.
They came to a stop in front of a set of double doors, also made of dark wood and covered in detailed carvings. A golden knob caught the light.
Dolores knocked twice.
“Come in!” a deep voice called from inside.
At the sound of it, Carolina felt a flicker of relief. At the very least, his voice was pleasant.
“You may go in, ma’am,” Dolores said as she stepped aside to give her space.
Carolina gave a small nod. Her hand closed around the knob, and after a steady breath, she turned it and stepped inside.
Her attention went first to the large window across the room, though heavy curtains blocked most of the light. Beyond the desk, she could only make out the top of a man’s head, strands of blonde hair visible above the chair. He sat with his back turned to her.
“Good evening, Mr. Castillo,” she said as she shut the door behind her.
She had barely taken a few steps forward when he cut her off.
“Stop.”
The word hit her hard, and she froze in place.
“I was just—”
“There’s no need for you to come any closer. Welcome, wife. I didn’t call you here for small talk. There are rules you need to follow.”
“Oh… I see,” she said under her breath.
“Don’t speak over me,” he snapped. The words rose to her lips, but she swallowed them before they came out. She caught herself just in time and chose to stay quiet. That seemed to satisfy him.
“First, you are not to enter this space unless I call for you. That includes this office and my bedroom. Dolores will point out which room is mine, so there won’t be any confusion. Second, you do not come looking for me unless it’s urgent. You wait until I decide to see you. Third, do not look at me.”
She gave a small nod, holding back her response.
“Did you understand?” he asked, his tone sharp. “Answer me.” Her eyes narrowed, irritation rising.
“You just told me not to interrupt,” she said. Only after speaking did she wonder if she had pushed too far.
The room went still.
“You’re disrespectful.”
“I can’t read your mind. If you don’t tell me when you’re done, how am I supposed to know when I can speak?”
The unfairness of it stirred something in her. She had dealt with enough of that back at her father’s house.
“So much for things being different here…”
A slow breath left him.
“I’ll overlook it this time. But next time, watch what you say.” His tone carried a warning, yet she didn’t react to it.
“Then you should be more direct. I can’t see you, and I can’t read your face. If you expect me to follow along, you’ll have to say exactly what you want… or what you’re ordering me to do.”
Standing by the window, Maximo kept his gaze outside. A faint smile touched his lips. He had to admit it. She had nerve.
“You can go now. Head to your room. Stay there, get used to it, and rest. Dinner will be sent up. Later, you’ll wait for me.”
“Wait for you?”
From where she stood, she noticed a slight shift, as if he had turned his head just enough to glance back.
“Yes. Tonight is our wedding night.”
The words caught her off guard. Only then did it truly sink in. They were married now. He expected something from her. He needed an heir.
“How did I not think of that…”
“Carolina,” he called. The way he said her name lingered for a moment, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside.
“Yes… I understand. I’ll go now. I’ll see you later.”
She turned to leave, but before she could, he called her.
“Carolina.”
“Yes?” she answered, but only after pausing for a few seconds.
“I haven’t dismissed you yet.”
“Oh… I see, boss. May I go now?”
A hint of amusement crossed his face.
“You may.”
She turned the handle and stepped out, leaving him behind.
“What an unbearable man. Who does he think he is? Does he really expect me to act like I belong to him?”
“Ma’am, please come with me. I’ll take you to your room,” Dolores said.
Carolina faced her and forced a small smile.
“Right, of course. Lead the way.”
She motioned lightly for Dolores to go ahead, and the older woman followed that cue.
As they walked into a long hallway, Dolores spoke again.
“What did you think of Mr. Castillo?”
“She really believes he’s kind…” Carolina thought to herself as she watched Dolores’ expectant eyes.
“Yes, he’s… fine,” Carolina said, keeping her tone gentle so she wouldn’t upset her. A polite smile stayed on her face.
“I’m glad to hear that,” Dolores replied. “This one here is your room. And that one at the end—” She pointed toward the large doors down the hall— “belongs to Mr. Castillo.”
“Thank you, Dolores. I think I’ll take a bath and get some rest.”
“Of course, ma’am. Please excuse me, and once again, welcome,” she said as she began to step away. Then she paused and turned back. “I’ll bring your dinner later, around five.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
Dolores finally left, and Carolina pushed open the bedroom door. The room was spacious and well arranged, almost like something out of a hotel. Soft yellow walls gave it warmth, and light beige curtains framed the windows. The bed was neatly made, covered in white sheets embroidered with small flowers.
After bathing in the large tub, Carolina lay down and quickly fell asleep. She set an alarm for an hour later. She had barely opened her eyes when a knock came at the door.
Bound To A Scarred Billionaire: Can Love Bloom From Ashes? Chapter 2 Wedding Night
“Right on time,” she said as she walked over and opened the door. Dolores stood there with a tray, carrying a plate of cochinita pibil and a stack of tortillas.
“Thanks!” Carolina replied, clearly pleased.
She began eating, and as she did, she noticed a folded note resting on the tray. Curious, she picked it up and unfolded it.
“Check the wardrobe. There’s a box inside. Wear what’s in it. When it’s eight, go to my room. Once you’re inside, cover your eyes and wait for me on the bed.”
The message was from Maximo.
Her fingers traced over the writing for a moment. The strokes were neat and refined.
Without wasting time, she stood and went to find the box.
When the clock finally struck eight that evening, Carolina stepped out of her room and glanced around the hallway. She had on a black robe, and beneath it, a silk nightgown of the same color. Seeing no one nearby, she quickly made her way to the room at the end of the hall and slipped inside.
She had once imagined her wedding night dress would be white. Among her belongings, Nadia had left a carefully chosen one. It wasn’t out of kindness. It was meant as a quiet jab at her situation. Still, she couldn’t deny that what Maximo had prepared for her looked far better. It suited her, both elegant and striking.
The room was pitch black. She reached out, feeling along the wall for a switch, but her fingers found nothing.
With no light to guide her, she moved forward slowly, her hands stretched out in front of her. He had told her to wait on the bed.
She settled in place. After some time, faint sounds came from outside the room. The hallway remained dark, and she still couldn’t see him.
“Of course, he doesn’t want me to see him,” she pondered. Remembering the instructions, she quickly put on the blindfold.
Her nerves tightened even more, every small sound around her becoming sharper.
Cloth shifted softly, and then the mattress dipped under his weight as his presence closed in. She was already lying down.
“I-I… I’ve never…” she stammered, her voice unsteady. Carolina had always wanted her first time to be with someone she loved. That part hadn’t gone the way she imagined.
At once, Maximo stopped. He had only ever seen her through cameras, and even then, he found her beautiful. Still, he had no intention of letting her see him. The thought alone unsettled him. If she did, there was a chance everything would fall apart.
His plan had been simple. Get through this quickly, and if luck was on his side, she would become pregnant right away. It wasn’t that he felt nothing for her, but the way things were happening felt off for both of them. Now that he realized she had no experience, he had to steady himself. This wouldn’t be as quick as he thought.
“Alright,” he replied quietly, his voice low. His hand moved to her leg, and she flinched at the contact. “Relax. I’ll be careful.”
She gave a small nod.
True to his word, he moved slowly, letting his actions guide her instead of rushing. When she tried to reach for him, he caught her wrists.
“No. Don’t touch me. Keep your hands where they are. I’ll handle everything.”
“But…”
“Carolina!”
There was weight in his voice, though it didn’t sound harsh.
Letting out a quiet breath, she gave in and nodded again, unsure if he could even see her.
Every touch made her tense, her nerves stretched thin. He avoided her lips entirely, yet from her neck downward, his warmth lingered everywhere, leaving no part untouched.
Morning came quietly. When Carolina opened her eyes, she was alone again, back in her own room.
She pushed herself up slowly, a dull ache running through her body. Even though he had tried to be careful, there had been moments when his restraint slipped, and afterward, he had apologized.
Staring up at the ceiling, a small smile appeared on her lips. The memory of the night returned, and a faint blush crept across her face. It had hurt, but it hadn’t been unpleasant.
As she got out of bed, something on the nightstand caught her attention. A small box sat there, shaped like it held jewelry. Next to it lay a note.
“The night was wonderful. Consider this your payment.”
The softness in her expression disappeared. Her face tightened. Without hesitation, she changed, freshened up, grabbed the box, and walked out, anger burning through her as she ignored the lingering discomfort.
While she had been asleep, Maximo had already looked into her background. He searched her name and uncovered everything about her mother, along with the rumors that followed her. People said she was no different. That only made him more irritated. Paying her had been his decision. At the very least, it meant she wouldn’t involve herself with anyone else.
He didn’t expect love. He wasn’t offering any either. That wasn’t something he would accept.
His phone rang just then. It was his father.
“How’s married life treating you, my son?” Cesar Castillo asked, his tone filled with expectation.
Maximo shifted in his seat and let out a low laugh.
“That’s not bad. If everything goes the way it should, we’ll know soon enough if Carolina’s pregnant.”
“Carolina?” Cesar asked, his voice filled with confusion.
“Dad, I’m talking about my wife. Her name is Carolina. Don’t you remember?” Maximo asked impatiently.
“Oh…” Cesar let out a quiet breath. He didn’t respond right away. “Well, I hope it turns out the way we want. Your grandmother will be thrilled if it does.”
This marriage had been arranged for Eloisa, the woman everyone in town called a beauty, to become Maximo Castillo’s wife. Even so, anyone could tell she would never agree to it. She wouldn’t marry a man she had never met, especially not someone people whispered about as being covered in scars.
After the call ended, Cesar lowered the phone and let out a long breath. He should’ve seen this coming, yet it still left him irritated.
In the living room, Dolores adjusted one of the pillows.
“Good morning, Dolores. Do you know where my husband is?” Carolina asked. She kept her tone polite, since none of this involved the older woman.
Dolores lifted her head at once. Her eyes widened as she looked at her employer.
“Oh, good morning. He’s in the office—” Before she could finish, Carolina had already started walking in that direction.
“Ma’am, please don’t go!” Dolores called out as she hurried after her.
“I need to speak with him,” Carolina said, and she didn’t slow down.
“Ma’am, he won’t react well to this…”
“I don’t care how he feels. He treated me like that, so he’s going to listen to what I have to say.”
After that, Dolores gave a small nod and stayed where she was.
“Just… knock before you go in.”
Carolina gave a brief nod in return.
When she reached his door, she struck it with a firm knock.
“Who’s there?” Maximo called from inside. Hearing his voice only made her anger rise.
“It’s me,” she answered sharply. “Carolina.”
“Leave.”
The single word made her freeze, her lips parting in disbelief.
“He actually said that?”
She grabbed the handle and tried to push the door open, but it didn’t budge.
“Maximo Castillo!” She slammed her fist against the door again.
“I told you to leave!” he shouted from the other side.
“Then open this door right now!”
He stayed silent, but not long after, two men walked into the mansion and headed straight for her.
“Ma’am, the boss wants you to move away from his office door.”
The taller one had a hat on, and his tone remained calm.
“I’m not going anywhere until he talks to me,” Carolina replied. She kept her voice steady as she faced him, then turned back toward the door. “So he’s bold enough to sleep with me and leave me a note, but suddenly he can’t face me now?”
Both men froze. Their eyes widened as they glanced at each other, clearly not used to hearing anyone speak about their boss like that.
A sound came from inside the office. The lock shifted, and the key turned. Right in front of her, the doorknob began to move.
Bound To A Scarred Billionaire: Can Love Bloom From Ashes? Chapter 3 Confrontation
Before Carolina could react, he had already pulled her inside the office. He turned her toward the door, leaving her facing it. She caught sight of Maximo’s scarred hand, yet her attention slipped away from it the moment she felt him right behind her, his breath brushing against her hair.
Confusion took hold of her thoughts, but the fear that rose in her chest didn’t stay for long. Something else followed it, something she couldn’t quite name.
“What did you just say?” he asked, his voice low near her ear.
His hand settled on her waist as he pulled her closer. His leg moved between hers, and his body pressed firmly against her back.
“You… you think of me as a prostitute! Are you even a man?” she exclaimed, struggling to steady her voice as she spoke. His nearness made her head spin.
What she didn’t realize was that he wasn’t unaffected either.
Maximo couldn’t remember the last time being close to a woman had stirred him this way. They hadn’t kissed, and she hadn’t touched him, yet the memory of having her beside him lingered. After leaving her room that night, he had returned to his own, unable to stop replaying every moment. He wanted more, yet he held himself back. He wouldn’t risk going to her again and being seen.
Now, with her trapped between him and the wall, it took everything he had not to turn her around and claim her lips. His restraint was thinning. Her words about him not being a man only made it worse.
“So you married for money, didn’t you? People who marry share a bed. And if that’s done for money, then what else would that make you?”
“Now tell me,” he added, his voice tightening, “how do you dare say I’m not a man?”
His grip on her waist tightened, and he pushed forward slightly.
A soft sound slipped from her, and it caught him off guard.
“I’m not… a prostitute!” she shouted, anger rising in her voice, though her reaction betrayed something else as well.
“You really think I’m not a man?” he asked. He shifted again, making his presence unmistakable against her. “Do you want me to prove it?”
She had no idea what came over her in that moment, yet the words still left her lips.
“Yes! Then show me.”
For a brief moment, Maximo didn’t react. Then a faint, knowing smile formed on his lips. The light fabric of her summer dress didn’t offer much resistance as his hand moved slowly along her thigh, and a soft breath escaped her in response.
After loosening his own clothing, he drew her forward, though the difference in their height made him pause.
“Close your eyes.”
“What?”
“I said close them,” he replied, his tone firm. She gave a small nod and did as he asked. Darkness surrounded her, and she felt him shift her position. His breath brushed against her face, close enough to make her pulse quicken. The box slipped from her hands, but when she tried to reach for him, he stopped her. “No.”
“At least let me hold onto you. You’re still wearing a shirt, right?” she insisted, her voice uneven.
After a short pause, he gave in. “Fine.” She lifted her hands and rested them on his arms, steadying herself. His gaze lingered on her lips before he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers.
The moment stretched as she responded, parting her lips as he deepened the kiss. Her thoughts blurred, and she followed his lead without question. He guided her across the room until she felt herself lifted, then placed onto the surface behind her.
The feeling overwhelmed her, and without thinking, her hand moved upward, reaching for his hair.
The sudden touch made him pull back slightly, though only for a second. When he noticed she didn’t react to the spot his hand brushed against near her temple, he allowed her to keep that contact and nowhere else.
“Does it still hurt?” he asked, his voice low as his lips brushed against her.
“It doesn’t,” she replied, though the answer wasn’t true.
The two men standing outside hesitated when they heard something hit the floor. For a moment, they considered stepping in.
Then Carolina’s voice carried through the door, and they froze.
“I think—”
“Let’s just go,” the shorter one cut in. “They’ve already worked things out.” Without another word, they turned and left.
Not far from them, Dolores lingered nearby. A small smile appeared on her face when she heard Carolina. Relief settled in her chest. She had hoped things would turn out well for both of them, and from what she had seen, Carolina seemed like a decent person. With that thought, she quietly walked away, feeling at ease.
Inside, their breathing hadn’t steadied yet. Maximo slipped a hand behind her head and drew her closer, guiding her to rest against him. Her cheek pressed to his chest, and even through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the warmth of his body. His heartbeat reached her ears, steady and strong.
“I can’t believe this happened again,” she pondered, her lips pressed together as her eyes stayed shut.
Time had passed since Maximo had been this close to a woman. He couldn’t tell if that was the reason or if Carolina truly affected him in a different way. For the first time in a while, he didn’t feel lacking. She had responded to him. She hadn’t pulled away.
“She’s good at pretending.” A bitter thought slipped into his mind.
“Keep your eyes closed,” he said, his tone steady. “I’ll walk you to the door.” Her brows pulled together slightly at his words.
“I don’t want to keep them closed. I want to see you.”
“No,” he answered, his tone sharp and final.
“But… we’ve already crossed that line,” she said, her voice tight as she kept her eyes shut. “We’re married.”
“No. The only reason you’re even willing to touch me is because you haven’t seen my face.”
“That’s not true!”
“Then what is it? Are you that good at pretending that even a face like mine doesn’t matter to you?” he asked, his voice edged with bitterness. The meaning behind his words hit her all at once.
Without opening her eyes, she pushed him away and slid off the table. Her footing faltered for a second as she tried to steady herself.
“You’re unbelievable!” she exclaimed, her voice shaking as she held back tears. “I gave you my first time, and that’s what you think of me?”
“That’s something surgery could fix,” he replied flatly.
Anger surged through her, and she took a few steps forward before finally opening her eyes to see where she was going. The jewelry box lay on the floor, thrown open from the fall, with a diamond necklace glinting inside. Without hesitation, she kicked it aside, pulled the door open, and stormed out.
Maximo watched her leave and let out a quiet breath as he shook his head.
“If she thinks she can fool me, she’s wrong,” he pondered, irritation settling in.
Meanwhile, in the capital, Cesar stood seething.
“What’s wrong, my son?” Yolanda asked, leaning against the doorway as she watched him.
“The one who married Maximo… it wasn’t Eloisa,” he remarked, his voice tight as he rose to his feet.
His mother stepped into the study, her expression sharpening as she took in his mood.
“Show me that girl,” she insisted, her voice firm.
Cesar pulled up a photo of the Navarro family on his computer and opened it without delay. Yolanda leaned closer, then lifted her hand and pointed at the dark-haired girl with honey-brown eyes.
“Is this the one?” she asked.
He gave a short nod in response.
“She’s quite beautiful.”
Cesar let out a quiet scoff and gestured toward the blonde beside her. “She still doesn’t compare to her sister, Eloisa.”
Yolanda studied both of them in silence for a moment.
“I don’t see it that way,” she replied at last. “Carolina stands out more to me. There’s something softer about her. This Eloisa… she looks full of herself. Just look at that expression.”
Eloisa’s beauty was something people often talked about, but her attitude had always been difficult. She had been spoiled for too long, and it showed. Even so, Cesar knew she drew attention wherever she went. Many men pursued her, and that alone raised her worth in his eyes. He wanted someone exceptional for his son. He also wanted the future mother of the Castillo heirs to be someone admired.
“But, Mother…”
“Calm yourself, César. Think about it differently. If this girl isn’t surrounded by suitors, then she’s likely more grounded. That’s exactly the kind of person our boy needs. And don’t forget, this Eloisa already turned him down without even meeting him.”
He paused, then slowly nodded.
“Alright… fine,” he responded. “I won’t bring it up with the Navarros. At least not for now.”
Yolanda smiled faintly, her eyes returning to Carolina’s image. Something about the girl left her certain. She felt that Carolina would be the right match for Maximo.
Later that day, back at the estate, Carolina stayed locked inside her room and refused to join them for lunch. When dinner came, she turned that down as well. Not long after, the door to her room swung open.
Startled, she flinched and tightened her hold on the pillow resting on her lap, the book she had been reading slipping slightly.
“What now?” she asked, irritation rising in her voice. “And what is this supposed to be?”
She looked toward the doorway. No one stood there.