380: FATE’S DECREE


    ARIEL’S POV


    I stepped out of theforting familiarity of the kitchen and into the waiting car, a sense of


    apprehension washed over me. The man in the suit held the door open with an expectant gaze, his


    impatience was written all over his face.


    With a resigned sigh, I slid into the plush leather seat, the cool Interior of the car contrasting sharply


    with the warmth of the morning sun.


    The car started to move, the rhythmic hum of the engine filled the silence, allowing my thoughts to


    wander.


    Marriage to Luke Reynolds. The mere idea felt like a heavy burden pressing down on my shoulders.


    Could I truly endure a lifetime bound to a man I barely knew, let alone liked? The memory of our brief


    encounter at the coffee shop, fraught with tension and hostility, lingered in my mind like a bitter


    aftertaste.


    I nced out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by in a blur. My mind raced with doubts


    and uncertainties, each one more daunting than thest. Could I find happiness in a marriage dictated


    by obligation rather than love?


    Would I be able to withstand the constant scrutiny and judgment of Luke’s family, with their wealth and


    Influence looming over me like a shadow?


    As the car slowed to a stop, my reverie was abruptly interrupted. I blinked, pulling myself back to the


    present moment, only to find myself faced with the imposing facade of the Reynold mansion. I felt a


    knot form in my stomach as I took in the sight, a sense of foreboding settling over me like a shroud.


    Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I gathered my resolve and stepped out of the car. The man


    in the suit followed closely behind, his presence a constant reminder of the weight of my


    circumstances. As I stood before the imposing gates of the mansion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of


    unease wash over


    1. me.


    But even in the uncertainty and trepidation, there was a flicker of defiance.burning within me. I may


    have been thrust into this situation against my will, but I refused to surrender my autonomy without a


    fight.


    With each step closer to the mansion, I steeled myself for the challenges thaty ahead, determined to


    carve out my own path in a world dictated by the whims of others.


    As I crossed the threshold into the opulent foyer of the Reynold mansion, I squared my shoulders and


    braced myself for whatevery in store. Whatever maye, I vowed to face it with courage and


    resilience, refusing to be defined by the circumstances of my birth or the expectations of others. For


    better or for worse, this was my reality now, and I was determined to make the most of it,e what


    may.


    “Ma’am, I think it’s best you walk faster,” the man from behind said to me.


    I didn’t hesitate to re at him. “Who the hell do you think you are to talk me to like that, huh?”


    “I’m sorry, ma’am. Did I do anything wrong?”


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    “You’re asking me that? Walt till I tell your boss about this.”


    “Are you threatening me, ma’am?”


    “Think whatever you want, I’m just trying to teach you some good manners, young man.”


    “My mom already did that,” he told me.


    I shook my head, just staring at him. “She didn’t teach you properly.”


    “Ma’am, I do not have time for this insult. Please, walk faster, so you can go meet Sir Reynold.”


    I


    I couldn’t believe this guy’s nerve. Here I was, already grappling with the impending doom of a forced


    marriage, and now I had to deal with Mr. Impatience over here.


    “Listen, buddy,” I said, mustering all the sarcasm I could, “I’m well aware of where I need to go. No


    need


    for your unsolicited advice.”


    He raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Well, ma’am, forgive me for assuming you might want to avoid


    beingte to your family’s discussion.”


    I scoffed. “Trust me, being fashionablyte is the least of my worries right now.”


    He gave me a look like he was debating whether tough or call security. “Ma’am, if you’d kindly just…”


    I held up a hand, cutting him off. “You know what? Fine. Lead the way, Speed Racer.”


    With an exaggerated bow, he gestured towards the mansion gates. “As you wish, your highness.”


    Rolling my eyes, I quickened my pace, his footsteps echoing behind me. As we reached the entrance, I


    turned to him with a smirk. Thanks for the escort, but I think I can handle it from here.”


    He nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Of course, ma’am. Best of luck with… everything.”


    With a parting wave, he disappeared back towards the car, leaving me to face whatever awaited me


    Inside the walls of the Reynold mansion.


    I took a deep breath, preparing to step inside, and I had to chuckle, thinking about the moment spent


    with


    that man just now.


    Walking further, I saw him: Sir Reynold, sitting down, his gaze fixed downward, and Luke Reynold,


    sitting opposite him.


    The both of them didn’t know I had arrived, they just had their faces downward, in silence, thinking


    about whatever. It seemed like they had an argument, or something. Because this tranquility felt kind of


    creepy.


    Sir Reynold finally nced upwards, and his eyes caught mine. “Ariel!‘ He called my name, and Luke


    also set his eyes on me.


    “It’s actually a good thing that you’re here, my daughter. Pleasee and sit.” He patted the couch


    next


    to him.


    anything.


    I took a deep breath and went to sit by his side. I noticed Luke ring at me, but he didn’t and I didn’t


    either. Looking into his eyes, I could see the hatred and anger being thrown at me. It made me


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    ufortable.


    “Ariel, I’m d you could make it. Wee, my dear,” Sir Reynold told me calmly. I nodded, not saying


    anything, because I had nothing to say..


    He continued, “I have called you here for something important.”


    Of course. my marriage with Luke. I knew that. If not, what business did I have with this man and his


    good- for–nothing grandson?


    “Your wedding with Luke has been fixed, and it will take ce anytime soon,” Sir Reynold announced,


    his voice carrying a weight that seemed to fill the room.


    I forced a smile. “Thank you for letting me know. I am prepared.”


    I nced at Luke out of the corner of my eye, catching his intense re. It sent a shiver down my


    spine, but I quickly looked away, refusing to let his hostility unsettle me.


    Sir Reynold nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response. “Good. I expect you both to make the best


    out


    of this union.”


    I nodded again, though inside, I was screaming. The thought of being bound to Luke for the rest of my


    life felt like a prison sentence, and the weight of his grandfather’s expectations only made it worse.


    Luke remained silent, his expression unreadable as he continued to re at me. I couldn’t help but


    wonder what thoughts were running through his mind, whether he shared my apprehension or if he was


    simply resigned to his fate.


    No one had to tell me. I knew that this marriage was a mistake, one that would haunt me for the rest of


    my days. But for the sake of family.


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