CHAPTER SIXTEEN: MOTHER OF THE DEVIL.

Dominique 's hand fell away from Kalina's jaw as he turned to face the newcomer, his expression morphing into one of surprise and apprehension. Kalina took a step back, relief flooding through her as the pressure on her jaw eased.

The woman who had spoken stood tall and imposing, her presence commanding attention as she surveyed the scene before her. Her eyes narrowed in disapproval as they settled on Dominique , her expression a mix of disappointment and anger.

Dominique cleared his throat, straightening his posture as he addressed the woman. "Madré, I can explain," he began, his voice tinged with apprehension.

But the woman cut him off with a wave of her hand, her gaze shifting to Kalina. "And who is this?" she demanded, her tone icy as she turned her attention to Kalina.

Kalina swallowed hard, her palms sweating as she met the woman's gaze. "I-I'm Kalina," she managed to stammer out, her voice barely above a whisper.

The woman's hazel eyes narrowed further as she studied Kalina, her expression unreadable. "Well, Tesoro," she said finally, her voice dripping with amusement, "you have certainly caused quite a stir." A small smile touched her lips

Kalina stood before the imposing woman, feeling a mixture of fear and awe at the intensity of her gaze. She couldn't help but notice the skepticism in the woman's eyes.

But who could blame Joline knowing that only a few weeks prior, Dominique had adamantly declared he would never marry.

Meeting Kalina, however, seemed to change the woman's perspective. Kalina was beautiful in every sense of the word, unlike the blonde bimbos Dominique usually surrounded himself with. The woman's gaze softened as she continued to assess Kalina.

"You are so beautiful, mi amor," she said, surprising Kalina with the endearing term. "I don't know what you see in this one," she added, gesturing towards Dominique, "but thank you for marrying him. He is definitely lucky to have you."

Kalina was taken aback by the sudden warmth and affection from the woman. She was pulled into an unexpected hug, her body stiffening at the unexpected contact. The woman's embrace was surprisingly comforting, despite the overwhelming situation.

"Uhmm, no, Mrs. Castillo, this is not what-" Kalina began, her voice shaky as she attempted to speak, but she was abruptly cut off by the woman, who insisted, "Oh, none of that. Call me Madré. You'll be part of the family soon anyways."

Kalina's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to find her voice amidst the whirlwind of emotions crashing over her. Her mind raced with thoughts of the tangled web of deceit unraveling before her, but the imposing presence of Dominique's mother, left her feeling powerless.

Joline's hazel eyes bore into Kalina, her expression unreadable yet somehow intimidating. Kalina felt a shiver run down her spine as Joline's gaze seemed to penetrate straight through her, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

The weight of Joline's words hung heavy in the air, their implications sinking in with each passing moment. Kalina's eyes darted between Joline and Dominique, searching for some semblance of understanding or support, but finding none.

She opened he mouth to explain the whole situation but before she could say anything, Dominique interjected, pulling her into his side with a possessive arm around her waist. He leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead, solidifying their facade.

"Well, Madré, I am sorry you had to find out like this, but this is Kalina Morgan, my fiancée," Dominique announced, his voice genuine as he introduced Kalina to his mother. Despite the sincerity in his tone, Kalina couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the tangled web of lies being spun around her.

Dominique's arm tightened around Kalina's waist, his grip possessive yet comforting all at once. His gaze met hers, silently urging her to play along with the charade for the time being. Kalina felt a surge of frustration and helplessness wash over her, but she knew that speaking out now would only complicate things further.

With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation settling in, Kalina forced herself to nod in acquiescence. She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat making it difficult to speak as she struggled to push down the rising tide of panic threatening to consume her.

"Aww, hijo, you did well for yourself this time," Joline praised her son, her voice filled with genuine admiration as she gazed at Kalina. "She is absolutely stunning."

Dominique's chest swelled with pride at his mother's approval, a faint smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Kalina. He tightened his arm around her waist, a silent gesture of reassurance and support. He knew his mother was not one you can please easily and right now he was silently thanking Nikolas in his head for suggesting Kalina to him.

Kalina felt a rush of warmth spread through her at Joline's compliment, despite the overwhelming circumstances. She couldn't help but feel a sense of validation at being acknowledged by Dominique's mother, even if it was under false pretenses.

"And don't worry, mi amor," Joline continued, turning her attention to Kalina with a warm smile, "you will get used to the paparazzi soon." Her tone was soothing, as if offering words of comfort to a nervous child. "They are like roaches, but it gets better with time."

Kalina's heart sank at the thought of enduring the relentless scrutiny of the paparazzi. She felt a knot form in her stomach as she imagined the invasive cameras and probing questions that would soon become a part of her daily life.

"I don't want to get used to anything," Kalina yelled in her head, her inner turmoil threatening to overwhelm her. But alas, she didn't have the mind to say it out loud. Instead, she forced a tight-lipped smile and nodded in response to Joline's words, her eyes betraying the turmoil within.

Dominique's hand squeezed hers gently, offering a silent reassurance as he sensed her discomfort. His eyes met hers, silently conveying his understanding and support amidst the chaos unfolding around them. But all Kalina wanted to do was rip his hands off her.

Despite the facade of composure she tried to maintain, Kalina couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped in a whirlwind of chaos and deception. She longed for the madness to stop, for a moment of respite amidst the storm that threatened to engulf her.

"Wait till your sister hears this," Joline exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice as she addressed Dominique. "She is in Italy at the moment, but she will be back soon. She will be so excited." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, a hint of mischief dancing in their depths.

Oh great more family member, Kalina thought sarcastically.

Dominique grinned at the thought of his sister's reaction, already imagining the flurry of excitement and congratulations that would follow. He glanced at Kalina, who gave him the deadliest glare she could muster in return.

He was the only one happy at the turn of event because now his mom can get off his back.

"Anyways, I have to head out now," Joline announced, her tone cheerful as she turned towards the door. "And Dominique, take Kalina home so she can freshen up, you silly boy." With a playful smack on the back of Dominique's head, she scolded him gently. "Can't you see she has been through enough today?" Her gaze softened as she turned to Kalina, offering her a sweet smile filled with warmth and understanding.

Kalina couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the almighty Dominique being treated like a child by his mother. It was a rare moment of levity amidst the chaos of the day, and she savored it with a sense of amusement.

"I will leave you both to it," Joline continued, her voice turning more serious as she addressed them. "Bring Kalina to dinner this weekend, okay?" Her tone brooked no argument, leaving no room for refusal as she issued her command.

With a nod of agreement, Dominique acknowledged his mother's request, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Oh, I need to start calling the wedding planner,this wedding will be the most talk about for years to come." Joline murmured to herself as she made her way towards the door. Her mind already buzzing with plans and ideas, she seemed lost in thought as she contemplated the upcoming wedding. The excitement and anticipation radiated from her as she disappeared from the office, leaving Dominique and Kalina in her wake.

Kalina couldn't do anything but stare at her retreating back in horror.