His presence immediately struck Jessica. He was effortlessly handsome. The kind of man who could demand attention in any room without even trying.

His sharp navy-blue suit was perfectly tailored to his broad, athletic frame, accentuating his wide shoulders and slim waist. His light brown hair, perfectly styled, gave him a polished yet casual look. Of course, the black sunglasses perched on his nose added an air of mystery. But it wasn’t just that, it was his captivating green eyes, visible through the tint, that made her pause. They seemed to hold secrets like those whispered about him and Christina.

Arturo greeted her with a deep, velvety voice, a reason Christina could be with this man. That voice was the type that chilled the room. “Jessica, congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thank you,” Jessica somehow managed to sound deliberately neutral. Like she wasn’t panicking internally. She couldn’t shake how perfectly matched he seemed for Christina—both of them wealthy, powerful, and devastatingly gorgeous. It made sense that the two would be entangled in rumors of wild escapades, but now, standing before him, Jessica could picture it clearly. Damn, they even looked like the kind of couple people whispered about.

Arturo smiled, showing off those perfect teeth, and a glimmer of something unreadable in his expression. “I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Carmen,” he said, motioning to the woman beside him.

Jessica looked at Carmen, puzzled. His… fiancée?

His fiancée? She was anxious about him showing up and causing chaos at her wedding, as it would only validate the rumors swirling around. But now, a fiancée? Of course, why not? It wouldn’t be Christina if she didn’t bring drama everyone could witness.

And poor Carmen couldn’t even see what she was in for. The girl was absolutely stunning in her own way. Carmen’s burgundy gown hugged her slender frame, and the rich color beautifully accentuated her olive-toned skin. Her dark, flowing hair tumbled down her shoulders in soft waves, framing her elegant, heart-shaped face.

A tasteful display of jewelry adorned her, adding just enough sparkle to enhance her already glowing presence. With a warm smile, Carmen extended a hand to Jessica. Her warm and genuine hazel eyes held no harshness, only kindness.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jessica. Arturo has shared so much about you. Thank you for inviting us to your beautiful wedding,” Carmen said, melodic and sincere, even her accent was lovely.

Jessica forced herself to smile, “It’s lovely to meet you too, Carmen. Thank you for coming.” But her mind was already spinning. What is going on? She had expected something different—anything different—than this novella that her cousin brought to her wedding.

As she exchanged pleasantries with Carmen, Jessica felt the weight of the whispers circulating in the room. The family was already talking, wondering about the dynamics between Arturo and Christina, but no one could even fathom the idea of Carmen. A knot of frustration tightened in Jessica’s chest.

An unwanted guest on an already full list. Unaccounted for, uninvited, and of course, un-RSVP’d. Jessica nearly groaned.

This isn’t how it was supposed to go.