The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter

280

Curtis' frown deepened. "I told you before that your future husband would come for you. this year. You were supposed to marry him, not get involved with another man.

"Are you disregarding my wishes? I've never opposed anything you wanted to do in your life. Is fulfilling this one engagement too much to ask?"

Xena sighed. It was true that Curtis had always supported her choices, even when her parents objected. Perhaps that was why she became the formidable warrior she was. Besides, the engagement was indeed his only request. "But, Grandpa," Xena pleaded, "Marriage is a life-changing commitment. Why are your clinging to this outdated concept of arranged marriages? Don't I have a say in my own love life?"

Curtis patted Xena's shoulder. "I'm not old-fashioned, sweetheart. This engagement wasn't my idea-it was your great-grandpa's.

impossible, given how far back this mess actually

know I never lie. Your great-grandpa and Felix's mentor arranged this marriage. The first girl born in your generation was to fulfill it. If no girls were born, the agreement would be void." Despite trusting Curtis' honesty, Xena was still full of doubt. "But that's absurd! The engagement specifies Felix's name and his

beyond our understanding. Don't ask me to explain-I simply can't." With the conversation going nowhere, Xena decided to change tactics. "I don't care! Grandpa, I've met Felix. He's not entirely hopeless, but I can't

"What about Jaden? He likes me, he's exceptional, and he saved your life. Wouldn't our

a dilemma. Breaking the engagement would make him a disobedient son, betraying his promise to his father. However, honoring it would mean disregarding Jaden's life-saving deed. Seeing Curtis' hesitation, Xena felt a glimmer of hope. She believed there was room for negotiation, and the life debt to Jaden

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Chapter 280

choose my own path

several minutes. As he steeled himself to speak, he noticed something odd