Chapter 1: I object

It is currently 8 o'clock in the evening at a luxurious and upscale restaurant.

Axel Smith completely dislikes the prevailing atmosphere in this private room. The conceit and hypocrisy of everyone around him really made him nauseous. Axel wants to leave as soon as possible, but he keeps pondering without finding a valid reason to persuade his father to allow him to go. Therefore, Axel reluctantly sits here, gritting his teeth, enduring the performance of unwilling actors who are engrossed in acting out a comedy play.

"We should choose a really auspicious day to organize the wedding for the young ones," Ryan Patel, a man, said, disrupting the peaceful and monotonous atmosphere and creating a sense of tension as well as generating excitement.

Everyone ceased eating and drinking, their gazes directed towards the man who had just spoken. While most people focused on listening, eagerly anticipating, Axel wore a bewildered expression on his face. Observing Axel's reaction, Ryan turned to Michael, Axel's father.

"What is Axel's reaction? I thought you had informed him."

The attention immediately shifted to Mr. Michael. He dropped his fork, avoided eye contact with anyone, and replied in a nonchalant manner.

"Isn't Axel already aware by now? Whether we say it earlier or say it now, it doesn't make much of a difference."

Axel gradually found an answer to his doubts as he heard his father's utterly meaningless explanation.

"I think we should have the wedding in the autumn. The weather is quite ideal during that time," Ryan's wife chimed in eagerly. "What do you all think, Mia and Michael? Any suggestions?"

She casually asked for the opinions of Axel's parents, paying no attention to the furrowed expression on Axel's face or the concerned look from her own daughter, who remained silent, stealthily observing Axel.

Before anyone could respond, Axel decisively interjected, "Hey, tell me, what are you all talking about?" Ansel posed a general question to everyone, avoiding direct eye contact. His tone was rather cold. It was evident that Axel was trying to restrain himself.

Rather than being surprised or excited by the news, Axel felt anger upon hearing it, and he couldn't believe it was true. Perhaps his ears were malfunctioning, and the information didn't reach his brain correctly.

Ryan glanced at Michael, showing a desire to relinquish and push for responsibility. It was as if he was urging Michael to explain it to Axel. It was Michael himself who had to do that, not anyone else.

Michael knew what he needed to do. Without any further hesitation, he opened his mouth to speak. The words were ordinary to him, but to Axel, who was in a complicated state, they were bad news. It was extremely dreadful.

"Axel, we have decided to let you marry Rosa."

Axel tilted his head slightly as he looked at his father, who remained as impassive as a thousand-year-old wall. What was it? Marriage? Was it for real? Axel felt annoyed. Then anger and a sense of absurdity washed over him. Axel had tried hard to keep himself from bursting into laughter. This was something he never expected to happen. Axel had always tried to avoid it, but in the end, that damn thing still came crashing down on him. Axel appears to be very unwilling, as if he wanted to rebel against his own fate.

"Axel, I think it's time for you to stabilize your life and build your own family," Axel's stepmother advised in a gentle manner. "Rosa is a completely suitable girl to accompany you in the future."

Hearing Axel's mother's praise, Rosa blushed naturally. Meanwhile, Axel glared at his stepmother. Axel's intimidating gaze immediately made the woman lower her head and look down at the table. Axel remained silent for a moment. Then, regaining his composure, Axel asked seriously.

"Who agrees with this marriage?" Axel asked, and everyone looked at each other before Michael spoke on behalf of the family.

"We, as both families, have agreed," Michael replied.

"Has Rosa agreed as well?" Axel asked, shifting his attention towards the girl in question.

"Yes, that's right. I have agreed," Rosa said shyly, giving Axel a timid smile.

Overwhelmed, Axel couldn't contain the swelling ball of emotions any longer. A contemptuous smile spread across his face, expressing his disgust towards everyone present. Without saying another word, Axel angrily slammed both hands down on the table. Abruptly standing up, he caused the chair to tilt backward, producing a loud, jarring sound. Everyone was stunned, witnessing Axel's crude action. His expression hardened more than ever as Axel declared loudly,

"I object."

Silence ensued. Everything remained still for a brief moment.

Rosa and her family members stared at Axel. It is also looking, but each person's eyes contain completely different emotions. For Rosa, it was a surprise, but not for Rosa's parents. They were startled by Axel's actions. They then felt disrespected by Axel.

Not only Rosa's family was shocked, but Axel's family also did not expect Axel's bold action. Especially Axel's father, who was extremely angry.

"Axel, what are you doing? Sit down!" His father's voice resounded sternly, shattering the sudden silence.

Axel glanced at his father, who had just raised his voice. His father's expression remained cool and composed, as usual.

It was evident that Axel's actions were bringing disgrace to the Smith family. Michael wanted to handle Axel's behavior strictly. However, he had to restrain himself from acting rashly, not wanting to behave improperly in front of their guests.

After another three seconds of silence, Axel remained motionless, staring at his father without blinking. Axel wanted to see what his father would do.

"Sit down."

Michael repeated his command, his tone steady with a hint of threat. The challenge from Axel was significant, but it didn't make Michael back down. It was a tense mental battle unfolding between them.

Axel felt like he was losing his composure. With a simple gaze, resentment quickly welled up within him. His hands clenched tightly, trembling with frustration. Axel struggled to contain his anger. Yet his father, seemingly unaffected, acted as if nothing serious had happened. He showed no concern for Axel's emotions.

If that was the case, Axel didn't need to maintain his dignity for the Smith family any longer. He let out a disappointed sigh, decisively stepping back and defiantly turning to leave.

Axel's stepmother called him, attempting to accompany him, but someone else intervened.

"I told you to sit down, didn't I, Axel?" Michael shouted angrily, causing the women to startle. Meanwhile, Axel showed no signs of fear; his lips curled into a contemptuous smile as he walked swiftly out the door.

Mr. Michael was infuriated to the point where his face turned crimson. His breathing became heavy, causing him to clutch his chest due to a sudden tightness. No one could have anticipated such a negative reaction from Axel. His wife sat beside him, immediately soothing his back to help him regulate his breathing.

"Please, sir, calm down and let me talk to Axel." Rosa spoke up, trying to soothe the man and find a way to catch up with Axel.

Mr. Michael took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly, his anger still evident in his eyes. He gestured for Rosa to go and talk to Axel, hoping that she could somehow convince him to reconsider.

"Thank you, Rosa." Axel's stepmother expressed her gratitude. "Please help us persuade Axel."

"I will do my best," Rosa replied, bowing to the adults at the table before quickly rushing outside. Rosa was determined to have a conversation with Axel.

"We sincerely apologize for Axel's behavior earlier," Axel's stepmother said gently after Rosa had left. "We hope you can forgive and overlook it."

"This is indeed unexpected," Rosa's mother said with annoyance. "You should have discussed this with Axel beforehand."

"Yes, it was our oversight." Axel's stepmother acknowledged her mistake. "We sincerely apologize to all of you."

"Now, what are your plans?" Mr. Ryan looked at Axel's father and asked, "Will this marriage continue?"

"Of course," Axel's father regained his composure and replied, "we will resolve this issue with Axel soon enough."

"Hmm," Ryan muttered dismissively, "I hope you won't disappoint me."

The atmosphere became tense and uncomfortable thereafter. Without staying any longer, Rosa's parents decided to leave early. The dinner tonight was indeed not enjoyable in the slightest.