hapter Seventy Three
Chapter Seventy Three
Ryan’s POV
“Uncle Ry–Ry and Auntie Celeste, sitting in a tree, K–I–S–S–1–N–G.” Molly sang breathlessly as I chased her around the coffee table. “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a-”
I caught her from behind, swinging her into the air and tickling her mercilessly. My niece squirmed as her adorable giggles filled the living room.
“Promise me you won’t breathe a word of this to Auntie Celeste or Bonnie.” I said, sitting on the sofa so I could add another hand to my tickle attack.
Molly nodded vigorously. “I promise! Please let me go Unde-”
“You’re fooling around instead of finding me to continue our discussion!” a grave voice thundered over us. “Very well. I’ll deal with matters swiftly so you can get back to your important business.”
Molly climbed off my lap, face pale as she sensed the tension in the room, and stood beside her mother. My empty hands clenched into knuckle–white fists as my gaze met my father’s.
He tossed a business card into my lap.
“Michelle Zhang?” I read, puzzled.
“I thought you’d like to get acquainted with her, considering that you will soon be wed.” He said and turned to leave the room.
My ears rang as a chilling silence followed my marriage announcement.
“Ryan, are you alright?” Vivian asked, reaching for me.
I shot off the sofa and bounded after my father. There wasn’t a chance in hell this wedding was happening.
I cut him off just before he reached his bedroom door.
“Father, you can’t possibly be serious.” I said, waving the business card. “Marriage?”
He cleared his throat with displeasure. “You forced my hand, Ryan.”
The newspapers and magazines with photographs of Celeste and I flashed through my mind. They must have been
the last straw.
“Is this because you suspect I have feelings for my boss? I thought we were supposed to discuss the matter. Instead you’ve taken matters into your own hands.” I said, irate.
His eyes narrowed. “Miss Zhang will make a fine wife, Ryan. You should thank me for securing you such an exceptional match.”
That name rang a bell. I glanced at the business card again and then it hit me.
“Michelle Zhang, as in Zhang Corp–the leading company in the mining and processing of precious metals and gemstones?” I asked with indignation. “Is all this so you can get a discount on materials? Or to keep me away from Celeste?”
Maximilian’s eyes flash. “I have been arranging this union for quite some time now, but your infatuation with that woman has forced me to speed up my plans.”
My skin crawled–was I just a pawn in his game of chess?
Chapter Seventy Three
+25 BONUS
“You haven’t even given her a chance! Celeste is the kindest, most awe–inspiring person I know. How can you despise her without even knowing her?” I said, my voice rising.
“I have no interest in knowing her.” He said matter–of–factly. “Call Miss Zhang and arrange a meeting.”
He made to move past me, but froze when I uttered a single syllable word.
“No.” I said without an ounce of hesitation.
My father studied my set jaw, eyes full of calculation. He then whipped his phone out of his pocket and shoved the screen in my face.
“If you won’t listen to the wishes of your father, consider what you are doing to this family.”
My veins filled with ice.
In the photo, Damien fed Bonnie caviar, and Celeste wiped the corner of the smiling girl’s mouth with a napkin. It was taken only a couple of hours ago at dinner.
He was paying someone to tail me and report back to him.
“They’re already a family, Ryan.” My father continued, voice softening. “It’s time you stop driving a wedge between them and start a family of your own.”
I watched him tug on my strings like a puppet master, but refused to be controlled.
“I’m not your puppet.” I said vehemently, taking him by surprise. “I will not allow you to dictate my life. Whoever I marry, whether it’s Celeste or someone else, is my choice.”
My heart hammered in my chest as righteous rage coursed through me.
Maximilian’s eyes flashed. “I refuse to allow you to throw away your life and our family’s reputation for some misguided infatuation!”
It struck a nerve that he would belittle my feelings and judgments,
“Who are you to decide whether it’s infatuation or love? Whether Celeste is good enough for Crown Luxe or if I even deserve her?” I bit back, tone full of challenge and defiance. “I will not marry Michelle Zhang, and that is final.”
I’d hardly finished speaking before he took a threatening step closer.
“Disobeying me is not in your best interest!” He bellowed.
But I stood my ground, voice rising louder.
“No, marrying a stranger isn’t in my best interest–it’s in yours!”
His nostrils flared. “So long as you are under my roof, you will do as I say! You will marry into the Zhang family and stop wasting your time at that minuscule studio.”
I studied the deep lines in his face, the cheeks colored red with rage, the sharp V of his frowning brows, and the absolute fury in his eyes. My father would not back down.
But neither would I.
“Since you’re unwilling to see reason, I have no choice but to vacate your roof.” I said, heart beating thunderously against my ribcage. “I’m moving out.”
