369: A CLASH OF WILLS

LUKE’S POV

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, bracing myself for the conversation ahead, “Grandpa, earlier today, I found myself in a rather perplexing situation, I woke up beside a woman I didn’t recognize, leaving me with many questions.”

My grandfather regarded me with a measured gaze, his expression unreadable. “I see. And what did you make of this situation?”

“I’m not entirely sure, Grandpa. It’s all a bit of a blur. But it got me thinking about a lot of things,” I replied, choosing my words carefully.

*Such as?” he prompted, his tone neutral.

“Well, for starters, I couldn’t help but wonder why you would go to such lengths to orchestrate a situation like that,” I said, my voice tinged with curiosity.

My grandfather leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Luke, you know I have your interests at heart. Everything I do is for the betterment of our family.”

best

“But drugging me and placing a woman in my bed? That seems a bit extreme, don’t you think?” I pressed, unable to shake off my unease.

“Sometimes, drastic measures are necessary to achieve our goals,” he replied cryptically.

“And what goal would that be, exactly?” I asked, my patience wearing thin.

“Luke, I have high hopes for Ariel. She comes from a respectable family and would make a fine addition to our household,” he explained, his tone firm.

“So, this was all about Ariel?” I questioned, feeling a mixture of disbelief and frustration bubbling within

  1. me.

“In part, yes. But ultimately, it’s about securingja prosperous future for you,” he clarified, his gaze unwavering. “Because with Ariel by your side, I believe you will never go astray.

I sighed, feeling the weight of his words settle on me. “I understand, Grandpa. But I can’t just go along

with

th something like this. It’s not fair to Ariel, and it’s certainly not fair to me.”

“Luke, sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good. This marriage will benefit both you and Ariel, whether you see it now or not,” he stated, his voice gentle yet resolute.

remained conflicted. “I’ll think about it, Grandpa. But for now, I need some time to process

you need,” he replied,

a heavy heart, I rose from my seat, bidding my grandfather farewell before leaving the study. As walked away, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within me, knowing that the path ahead would

A CLASH OF

swept away by the tide of others‘ expectations. I had to find my own way, even if

out of my grandfather’s study and out of the mansion, I was immediately met with a barrage of flashing cameras

Can you confirm the rumors about

caught in bed

wedding bells in your future,

than the last. I tried to push through the crowd, my heart pounding with anxiety and

!

attempting to maintain some semblance

persistence bordering on harassment as they dogged

step.

Luke, just a moment of your

at least give us a hint

scrutiny, my thoughts consumed by a desire to escape

a familiar voice cut through

my faithful assistant, as he

flooded through me as I saw his familiar face, a beacon of sanity within the madness.

you’re here,” I blurted out, gratefully accepting his outstretched hand as he guided

ice calm and reassuring as he

onslaught of

made our way through the throng of journalists, Jack expertly deflected their inquiries; his cool

folks. No interviews today,” he said with a polite smile, his tene firm yet

into the safety of the

relief as we pulled away from the

Jack,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude as I finally felt the weight of the world lift from my

replied with

A CLASH

we drove away from the chaotic scene, with Jack

those rumors true?” he asked.

through my hair as I wrestled with my thoughts. “Jack, I can’t talk about it right now. Just keep driving, please,” I replied, my tone weary

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255