Edward Pov
I was furious. The anger in my voice echoed through the grand hallway of the Hale mansion. "Why do I have to marry her?" I demanded, my frustration evident.
It felt like an unjust punishment.
Why did Grandfather want me to marry Nadine Garcia?
I had found love elsewhere. I already had someone I loved, someone who made my heart race and my soul soar. Why did I have to give that up?
"Grandfather, you know how I want to marry Vivian?" I pleaded desperately, hoping he would understand my side. My voice dripped with sincerity, but it fell on deaf ears.
My Grandfather let out a disdainful laugh. "Vivian? That girl is nothing but a gold digger," he retorted, his voice booming.
His words sliced through me like a knife. "I won't allow you to throw your life away for her."
"You're wrong, Grandfather," I protested, my voice shaking. "She loves me, not my money. We have something real."
Grandfather's eyes bore into mine, his face etched with determination. "It doesn't matter. You will marry Nadine, and that is final. I will not accept anything less.
Your loyalty lies with the Hale family." His words were like an ultimatum, cold and unyielding.
The weight of his statement crushed the room, leaving me breathless. The CEO position at Ocean View Hotel, the pinnacle of my success, suddenly felt meaningless.
I was torn between my love for Vivian and the family legacy I was expected to uphold. Grandfather's words hung in the air, a silent threat lingering between us.
If I didn't marry Nadine, I would be cast aside, and my hard work extinguished like a flickering flame.
As the gravity of the situation sank in, a whirlwind of emotions consumed me.
Anger, sadness, and a sense of injustice battled within my heart. How could my Grandfather be so callous, so willing to cast me aside for his ideals?
But deep down, I knew I had a choice to make. The familiar weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders. I could either follow my heart and risk losing everything or sacrifice my happiness for the sake of the Hale family.
Sometimes, life forces us to make agonizing decisions and choices that define who we are and what we stand for.
The path ahead was uncertain, but I knew I couldn't let go of love without a fight.
As the storm of emotions raged on, I steeled myself. I couldn't let go of Vivian or what we had built together. True love was worth fighting for.
"George and I have already picked a day to meet. This Saturday, they will be coming to our house to meet, and I expect you to be there and on your best behavior," Grandfather said in a demanding voice. Grandfather then left the room without waiting for me to answer.
I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his expectations on my shoulders.
Saturday finally arrived, and I positioned myself in the living room, trying to look as composed as possible.
For the next couple of days, I delved deep into the world of the Garcia family, desperately searching for any information I could find about them.
As my investigation progressed, I discovered that the Garcia family had a long history with the military. At the helm of this prestigious lineage stood George Garcia, a man revered within the Air Force as a General.
His unwavering commitment and dedication to serving his country earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
George's firstborn, Noah, had inherited his father's patriotic spirit. Rising through the ranks of the Marine Corps, Noah held the esteemed position of Major General - a title that hung heavy with honor and responsibility.
His achievements on the battlefield have etched his name into the annals of military history, ensuring that the Garcia legacy would endure for generations.
Nadine was his daughter, working in the Garcia family hospital, Heartfelia General Hospital. She is one of the neurologist specialists at the hospital.
Noel, George's second child, had carved her path within the military. Like her father and brother before her, she had soared to remarkable heights within the Air Force, attaining the distinguished rank of Major General.
Her unwavering discipline and unmatched determination had propelled her forward, earning the respect and admiration of her comrades.
The Garcia family was not without its civilian endeavors, either. Lyla, Noel's eldest child, had taken the reins of the family's legal firm, becoming a formidable lawyer in her own right.
Corey, Noel's second child, had followed in the footsteps of his Grandfather and father, joining the Air Force with a sense of duty and honor. His days were filled with rigorous training and a steadfast commitment to protect and serve, solidifying his place within the Garcia family legacy.
Aya, the youngest of Noel's children, was still in college, studying the arts with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
During the investigation, I discovered that George Garcia had saved my Grandfather's life.
Is that the reason why Grandfather wants me to marry her?
I tried to find anything I could about the Garcia family, and soon, it was Saturday.
Standing near the window, I couldn't help but feel the urge to just leave. It was foolish and pathetic that I couldn't leave right now just because Grandfather threatened to kick me out if I did.
Then the doorbell rang, and I heard the butler open the door and welcome the Garcia family.
The Garcia family head came first, and behind him was a girl, who I guess was Nadine. Nadine stood before me, wearing a light pink dress. She had platinum blonde hair and deep blue eyes.
Nadine had beautiful features, and with her gentle demeanor, I could see why Grandfather wanted me to marry her. She had elegance and poise in her mannerisms.
Throughout the whole time, I kept quiet. I wasn't interested in the Gracia family or the talk between Grandfather and them.
I sat at the table, politely greeting each member as they arrived, but otherwise, I kept to myself, my mind consumed by thoughts of Vivian.
Nadine, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of the Gracia family, was the perfect match, according to my Grandfather. But I couldn't bring myself to agree.
As the evening drew to a close and the guests began to depart, I found a moment alone with my Grandfather.
"I can't marry her, Grandfather," I confessed, my voice trembling with fear and determination.
Surprised by my defiance, Grandfather's face hardened. "What is it about her that you don't like? Nadine is smart, beautiful, and polite. What more do you want?" he demanded, anger seeping through his words.
Taking a deep breath, I mustered all the courage I had. "I already have someone I love very much, Grandfather. As great as Nadine may be, I cannot betray my heart and marry her."
The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Grandfather's eyes narrowed as he processed my words. His disappointment and anger mixed, creating a storm within him.
"You will marry Nadine, and that's the end of it," Grandfather declared, his voice strong and commanding.