Chapter 24💍
Luhence's POV
The heavy wooden doors to the lounge creaked open as I stepped inside, finding my parents seated in the grand room. Mom was perched elegantly on a velvet armchair, her fingers delicately holding a porcelain teacup, while Dad leaned forward on the mahogany table, his cigar smoldering in his hand.
“Ah, Luhence,” Dad greeted, his tone steady and authoritative.
“Sakto ang dating mo. Umupo ka. May kailangan tayong pag-usapan.”
I stepped further into the room, adjusting my cufflinks before settling into the chair opposite them.
“What’s this about?” I asked, keeping my tone calm yet curious.
Mom set her teacup down on its saucer, the faint clink echoing in the quiet room.
“We’ve decided it’s time to announce your wedding with Kyianna.”
I raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly.
“That’s… sooner than expected.”
“Kailangan na,” Dad interjected, his voice firm.
“Her birthday is next week, and with the Tradition happening shortly after, this is the perfect time. Everyone important will already be there.”
“The Tradition,” I repeated, my jaw tightening. I’d been part of it for years, representing our family in the brutal roulette cage fights.
My undefeated streak was one of the reasons the Hawthorne name commanded respect across the clans.
“You’re tying the announcement to that?”
“Strategic ito,” Mom said calmly, but there was steel in her tone.
“The timing ensures na lahat our allies and even our rivals will see the strength and unity of our family. Higit pa ito sa kasal, hijo. This is about solidifying our dominance.”
Dad took a long drag from his cigar, exhaling smoke before speaking.
“May isa pang bagay na dapat mong malaman tungkol sa Tradition.”
“What is it?” I asked, my eyes narrowing.
“May nagpakita ng interes,” Dad began, his voice low.
“Someone from within the clan wants to participate in the Roulette this year.”
“What?” My tone sharpened, irritation flashing through me.
Mom’s gaze flicked to Dad before speaking.
“Wala pa siyang pangalan na binanggit, but someone has approached your father about representing the family in the cage.”
“That’s absurd,” I said coldly.
“They know what’s at stake. The Roulette isn’t for amateurs or overambitious fools.”
“Kaya nga sinasabi namin ito sa'yo ngayon,” Dad said, his voice firm.
“Ang taong ito, whoever they are, is testing boundaries. Gusto nilang tingnan kung kaya ka nilang palitan or kung masisira nila ang pangalan mo.”
“It doesn’t matter who it is,” I replied firmly.
“They won’t succeed.”
“We believe that too,” Mom added softly.
BINABASA MO ANG
That Campus President is my Fiance (CAMPUS SERIES #1)
RomanceKyianna's life has never been her own-not since she was forced into an arranged marriage with Luhence Hawthorne, the ruthless and untouchable mafia prince. But even while tied to Luhence, her heart is secretly drawn to Gabriel Hawthorne, his captiva...
