That Campus President is my Fiance (CAMPUS SERIES #1)

Chapter 4

     
Chapter 4 💍

Luhence Point of View

As I drove home, the weight of the upcoming masquerade settled on my chest. Hindi ko talaga maiwasan ang pakiramdam na may mali. The thought of the Lancaster girl kept playing in my mind. Why me? Why now? Hindi ko naman 'to hiningi.

Pagdating ko sa mansion, ramdam ko agad ang tensyon. The servants were busy preparing for the ball, and my father was giving orders left and right. Kailangan ko ng mga sagot kaya dumiretso ako sa office  niya. He was seated behind his desk, swirling a glass of whiskey.

“Finally, you’re here,” he said without looking up. “Sit down. We need to talk.”

Umupo ako sa harap niya, crossing my arms. “Talk about what? My forced marriage to a girl I barely know?”

Daddy let out a sigh, leaning back in his chair. “This isn’t just about the girl, Luhence. It’s about the future of this family. There’s something you need to understand.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

Inilapag niya ang glass niya at tumitig sa akin, seryoso. “This marriage was arranged long before you were born, an agreement made between your grandfather and the head of the Lancaster family. It was intended to unite our empires and ensure we remain the most powerful force in the business world. Besides, the Lancasters are struggling with their company, and they need our help.”

Napatingin ako sa kanya, shocked. “So, this has nothing to do with me? It’s just some ancient pact between two old men?”

“No,” he said firmly. “It has everything to do with you now. You’re part of this family, and that means you have a responsibility to uphold our legacy.”

Tumayo ako, nagsimulang maglakad-lakad sa room. “And what if I don’t want to? What if I refuse to marry her?”

Daddy’s gaze darkened. “You think you have a choice? This marriage is happening, whether you like it or not.”

Naramdaman ko ang pagkulo ng dugo ko. “I won’t be a pawn in some business deal, Dad. I won’t marry her.”

Tumayo si Daddy, towering over me, ang boses niya bumaba at naging mas mabigat. “You don’t have a choice. The Lancaster family is in trouble. They’re on the verge of collapse, and if they go down, they’ll take us with them. This marriage is the only way to save both of our empires.”

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko, hindi makapaniwala sa sinasabi niya. “So, I’m just supposed to sacrifice my life for the sake of business? What about my happiness?”

Daddy scoffed, shaking his head. “Happiness? You think I was happy when I married your mother? This isn’t about love, Luhence. It’s about survival. You’ll learn that soon enough.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside me. “I won’t do it. I won’t marry her.”

Daddy’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me. “You will, or I’ll cut you off. No money, no power, nothing. You’ll be out on the streets with nothing but your pride.”

Napatingin ako sa kanya, bigla kong naramdaman ang bigat ng mga banta niya. He wasn’t bluffing. Gagawin niya talaga iyon. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na aatras ako.

“We’ll see about that,” I muttered before turning on my heel and walking out of the room.

Habang naglalakad ako papalayo, narinig ko ang sigaw niya. “You’ll regret this, Luhence. You’ll see.”