Chapter 3 You'd better get married

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?