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 Why are your clinging to this outdated concept of arranged marriages?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

actually started, Not only

no girls were born, the agreement would be void." Despite trusting Curtis' honesty, Xena was still full of doubt. "But that's absurd!

ask me to explain-I simply

and he saved your

to his father. However, honoring it would mean disregarding Jaden's life-saving deed. Seeing Curtis' hesitation, Xena felt a glimmer of

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Chapter 280

Just let me choose my

steeled himself to speak, he noticed something odd about Xena.