The entire Estrada family, consisting of Rico as the head of the family, Devan and Vano as Rico's two sons, along with their respective wives, and Reynal, Reymond, Leon, and Luna as the four grandchildren, were gathered in the living room to continue the discussion that had left all family members shocked due to Rico's decision to arrange Luna's marriage.
"So, can you explain what you meant by your earlier words, Dad?" Vano asked, not understanding the situation as Rico had made the decision without involving him as Luna's father.
"What else do I need to explain? I know you all understand the words I said at the dinner table," replied Rico.
"Dad___"
"Is grandpa daydreaming? Or did something hit grandpa's head? Well, I'm sure something hit grandpa's head," Luna interrupted her daddy's words.
"I'm in my sound mind, and my decision is final," Rico calmly responded.
"I don't want to get married. I'm still young, and my career is at its peak. I don't want to ruin everything."
"Nothing will fall apart just because you're getting married."
"Ah really, I'm sure you'll match me with a man exactly like you, who will hinder my steps and trap me in an old mansion like Rapunzel," Luna retorted, her anger at its peak. Since last night, she had been annoyed, and Rico's decision added fuel to her fire.
"Why didn't grandpa do the same to Reynal, Reymond, and Leon? And why do I have to be the first to marry? You could arrange Leon's marriage first," Luna continued, causing Leon to glare at her.
"Why are you dragging my name into your problems?" grumbled Leon.
"Because you're different," Rico answered.
"Is it because I'm grandpa's only granddaughter?" Luna quickly responded. Yes, that was true. Luna was Rico's only granddaughter, and she was the most headstrong and unpredictable one. Luna was a spoiled girl, headstrong, with emotions that tended to explode.
"All of your older brothers could find partners who fit grandpa's criteria, and you__" Rico's words hung in the air. Rico was sure Luna understood what he was about to say. His clever granddaughter must have known that he had been observing her closely, watching her every move.
"What's wrong with Albert? We love each other, and that's enough for me," Rico's earlier thoughts were accurate. He didn't need to explain further; Luna would understand on her own what he was trying to convey.
"He's not worthy of you, and you'll only be happy temporarily. After being in a marriage with him for a while, you'll realize that the man you're so proud of won't be able to support all your needs for even a year. No, that's too long. I even doubt he could handle your needs for just a week," explained Rico, causing Luna to clench her fists as her grandfather indirectly insulted Albert in front of the extended family, belittling the man she deeply loved.
"Love isn't just about money, and besides, I can work, and my income can cover my own needs," Luna replied.
"Yes, if he has the audacity to let all of that happen. If you do it, you'll be the one trampling on the dignity of the man you love," Rico replied, leaving Luna speechless. What her grandfather said wasn't wrong. Albert would feel inadequate if Luna did that, and changing his lifestyle might be the tipping point. Luna was accustomed to luxury, and leaving it all behind was like abandoning her true self. A Luna Estrada couldn't be separated from the concept of luxury.
"And one more thing, it's better not to keep that man tied to you for too long. Let him find happiness with a woman who matches him. If you're stubborn, you'll hurt him more. I understand you know what Grandpa is talking about, Luna Estrada," Rico said, causing Luna to frustratingly mess up her hair and choose to end the debate with her grandfather, which had drained her emotions. Even Luna couldn't refute all of Rico's words, as everything he said was true.
For two years, Luna and Albert's arguments revolved around their differing social statuses. Albert often felt inferior as the partner of a supermodel like Luna, yet Luna could still persuade him to stay with her. She assured him that things would become easier eventually. However, now that Rico had revealed the truth, doubt even clouded her own mind. She couldn't even convince herself to hold onto Albert anymore.
Luna climbed the stairs and entered her room, locking herself in. She picked up her phone, still without any notifications from Albert.
"Damn it. Even at a time like this, where could that idiot be?" Luna cursed, once again tossing her phone aside in frustration.
Meanwhile, in the living room, they sat in silence, waiting for Rico to speak again.
"Dad, about Luna__"
"Vano, do you know Jonathan Walker?" Rico interrupted Vano's words.
"Yes, of course. Who doesn't know the business tycoon and also Daddy's good friend?"
"Yes, he's truly remarkable. Everyone would know who he is," Rico confirmed.
"Then, what does he have to do with Luna's issue? Don't tell me Daddy is arranging my daughter to marry that old man. Even though he's wealthy, to become my son-in-law, I still have my sanity intact, Dad. I'd rather approve of Luna marrying that pianist," Vano said, now being comforted by his wife, Rose, who stroked his arm in an attempt to calm him.
"Do you think I'm insane then?" Rico's words puzzled Vano even more, but he felt a bit calmer, knowing that Rico couldn't possibly be that unreasonable.
"So...?"
"And do you know the heir of the Estrada family now?" Rico asked, causing everyone to exchange glances and finally realize the purpose behind Rico's intentions. Yes, Rico was indeed arranging for his granddaughter to marry Lucas Alvarez.
For Rico, Lucas was the right person to handle his headstrong granddaughter, or perhaps it could be the other way around. Only fate would know and determine everything.
"Daddy, are you sure Luna will agree to this arranged marriage?" Devan, the eldest child of the Estrada family, asked.
"Whether she likes it or not, she'll have to agree. I'm not asking for her opinion. It's my absolute decision. If she refuses, the only option for her might be to lose the family name she's been using all this time," Rico explained, causing Vano to swallow hard. Was Daddy really using such a threat to arrange his daughter's marriage?
Lucas appeared serious as he stared at his laptop screen, lost in thought, until the arrival of his secretary went unnoticed."Sir," Carlos said for who knows how many times. And this time, he managed to catch Lucas's attention. Carlos walked closer to Lucas's desk and placed a brown folder on it.For a brief moment, Carlos stole a glance at the flat screen that his boss had been staring at intently. Carlos could clearly see, even for just a few moments, that it was a picture of the top model Luna Estrada, who would eventually become his boss's wife. Carlos finally understood what had distracted his boss for a while."Here's all the information you requested," Carlos said, taking a step back. Lucas opened the envelope and pulled out several documents and photos."So, she's his girlfriend?" Lucas said, looking at each photo in his hand."According to the information I gathered, they are in a relationship.""For how long?""Two years, and it's still ongoing," Carlos replied, causing Luc
In accordance with Lucas' request, Carlos painstakingly arranged the first meeting between his boss and his prospective wife. Despite facing several rejections, with the help of his own grandfather Rico, Luna ultimately had to agree to the meeting.A Bugatti Veyron car came to a halt in front of a renowned hotel building in Los Angeles. It's not hard to guess the owner of this luxurious hotel, which was undoubtedly under Alvarez's umbrella. The grandeur became evident upon entering the hotel lobby, adorned with luxurious classical impressions, artistic sculptures in every corner, and large crystal chandeliers hanging in the center, adding to the beauty. However, all eyes turned as Luna entered the hotel, a recognizable figure—a beautiful model with elegance, clad in luxurious and elegantly designed attire by a renowned designer, enhancing her perfection.Luna continued to stride arrogantly, ignoring the admiring and inquisitive gazes. This was a regular meal for her, as she was accust
Turns out, it was indeed Albert. Longing filled Luna as she gazed at Albert; the anger she had built up over the past three days seemed to dissipate into thin air. With his face in view, she closed her eyes, immersing herself in the melody of his piano playing."Albert," Luna murmured, her voice more like a whisper, and of course, Albert couldn't hear her."Albert," Luna repeated, this time her voice trembling slightly. Luna didn't know what to say to Albert. She still loved her partner deeply, and she had also agreed to the arranged marriage set up by her grandfather. So, what should Luna say to Albert? She shook her head as the word "breakup" crossed her mind. No, I can't do it, Luna thought."Albert," this time she spoke as calmly as possible, confident that Albert could hear her."Albert," Luna called again, but he seemed lost in his piano playing, either deliberately ignoring her or completely absorbed in the music.Brakk.Luna slammed her hand onto the piano keys, causing Albert
Luna kept walking and quickened her pace, hoping to catch up with Albert who had gone somewhere unknown."I need to meet him. I have to find him," the sentence echoed in Luna's steps like a mantra. In one of the corridors, Luna encountered Carlos, who seemed slightly surprised to see her. Ignoring his expression, Luna walked towards Carlos."Where is he?" Luna asked, causing Carlos to furrow his brow."Where's Albert? I'm sure you know, don't you?" Luna asked once again, finally making Carlos understand."I believe Mr. Albert is heading to his room.""What's the room number? Quickly tell me!" Luna impatiently expressed her desire to meet Albert, pressuring Carlos to reveal Albert's whereabouts."3025," after mentioning the room number where Albert was staying, Luna walked away. But Carlos's words stopped her once more."Sir Lucas____""Just attend to your master and say thank you for his dinner," Luna said sarcastically, causing Carlos to blink and watch Luna leave, realizing she must
Albert's decision was the opposite of what Luna had in mind. Perhaps fate would grant Albert's wish, that Luna truly would come to despise him."Whose goodness are you talking about, huh?" Luna's question shattered Albert's reverie. He looked into Luna's eyes, which blazed with anger."Answer me, whose goodness are you referring to? What kindness, huh?" Luna snapped."Not like that, this is for our own good, babe. I know you're destined to be matched with the Alvarez heir, and I believe that's the best for you," Albert tried to justify the thoughts Luna had already grasped."Only I have the right to determine what's best for myself, not you or anyone else. I'm the one who feels it, so stop acting like this.""Babe____""Do you really love me? Why do you avoid me so easily, huh? Is it because of that old man's threat? He must have met you, right? Whatever he said, did he threaten you? Yes? Tell me quickly. You should have told me everything, and we could have found a solution instead o
"Ughh...!" Luna groaned as the sunlight seeped through the gaps in the curtains, still covering the tall windows of her room. Instead of getting up, Luna pulled the thick blanket that enveloped her body, now covering herself completely. It took about ten seconds for Luna to return to her dream world before someone intentionally pulled the blanket off her."Oh god, Luna, wake up! We're really going to be late this time," with her eyes still closed and feeling heavy, Luna could faintly hear someone cursing her.SrekkkLuna tightly shut her eyes as the sunlight now perfectly illuminated her sleeping form."Come on, wake up! Do you know what time it is?" someone said, their tone exasperated, now hitting Luna's leg with a fluffy pillow. Luna was slightly annoyed and tried to gather her awareness, even though her eyes were still very reluctant to cooperate.Bugh bugh bughLuna felt her leg being continuously hit by the goose feather pillow. It didn't hurt, but irritation grew in her heart.
"Where are you going?" Alicia asked as the final schedule was abruptly canceled. There should have been two more schedules for Luna to go through, but once again, her childish behavior emerged, and she canceled everything. Of course, this made Alicia's head ache yet again."I have to meet my dear future husband, cia," Luna said as she walked towards her beloved Bugatti car, followed by Alicia."Are you going to his office?""I don't know, I don't know where he is now," Luna nonchalantly answered."Then...""It's up to you to find out, dear cia," Luna interrupted, making Alicia sigh in annoyance. "You always give me impromptu tasks like this. If you want to meet him, why didn't you tell me earlier this afternoon? I would have found out his schedule," Alicia grumbled in frustration. Once again, Luna was handing her tasks like this, even though she could have assigned Alicia maybe two hours earlier instead of this impromptu request."I forgot, cia.""Excuses," irritated Alicia said, maki
Luna sat with her legs elegantly crossed, facing Lucas directly across from her. For the past ten minutes, they had remained seated in silence, only exchanging glances. It was as if they could communicate telepathically, and Carlos was caught in the crossfire of their silent interaction. He was still frozen in place, unsure if he should leave or wait for further instructions from either of them."Miss Estrada, do you need something?" Carlos asked, attempting to break the silence that was almost choking him. The silence between Luna and Lucas had become stifling."Wine, Burgundy 1945," Luna replied, slightly raising her chin as she looked at Carlos. Carlos stared back at her in silence, unsure how to respond. The wine she requested was Lucas's favorite and one of the most expensive wines in the world, priced at $558 per bottle, with only 30 bottles available. Carlos glanced briefly at Lucas, who continued to gaze at Luna expressionlessly."Prepare it, Carlos!" Lucas's command snapped C