The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

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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 Why are your clinging to this outdated concept of arranged marriages?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.

was impossible, given how far back this mess actually started, Not only

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

wryly. "I'm just an ordinary man, Xena. Your great-grandpa was a warrior, which is where your natural talent comes from. Warriors of that era were capable of extraordinary things 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 stand him. He's as stubborn as a mule and completely unsuitable for

saved your life. Wouldn't our family be seen

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

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Chapter 280

let me choose my

thoughts for several minutes. As he steeled himself to speak, he noticed something odd about Xena. Her eyes were open, but