Chapter 3 - LUKE PART 1

It's the first day of senior high school so I woke up and prepared early. I was chosen to be the speaker for the opening assembly. I enjoyed being around with people. When I was little, my father will always bring me to parties, events and meetings. I am an only child and the only heir to the Wilson Empire. Our family is the richest clan in the country and the second richest in the US and Europe.

I am Luke Wilson. I am 17 years old and currently studying at Golden Oak School for the Elite as a senior high school. At my age, I already achieved so many things. I was a genius in computer and technology at the age of 10 and was awarded as the youngest computer science genius. I have created a computer anti-virus called Angel at the age of 12.

The success of Angel gave me an opportunity to build my own company, A.E Technology. I wanted to stand on my own and make my name known not just the son of my parents, not just some rich kid who depends on their father's money. In the outside, I maybe an arrogant jerk to other people but I always take things seriously.

"Young master, your father is waiting for you in his study." It'a Dean, our new butler. He's at his late 40's and just started working last week. The old butler already retired at the age of 65.

I looked at my rolex watch and frowned. "Is it important? I need to be in school before 8."

"I'm just here to relay the message. I don't know the details, sir." I nod and just went directly to my father's office. I knocked twice before entering. When I went inside, I was surprised to see Mr. Smith talking with my father.

"Good morning father. Good morning Mr. Smith,  it's nice to see you again. I'm sorry to interrupt but I can come back later after your meeting, father." I was about to leave when Mr.Smith said "No. You can stay. We are actually talking about you. I am happy to meet you again, Luke". He reached his hand to mine and I reached back.

"Thank you sir." I can't understand what's happening and why are they talking about me. I waited for one of them to talk.

"Let's go straight to the point. Luke, son, after you graduate from college, you will get married." Father said in a clear and firm tone. But why? I don't plan to get married after college, I want to go around the world to introduce my company and make it an empire myself.

"Father, you know that I have already set a goal for myself. Marriage is far from what I want." Confused, I looked at the two old men in front of me. Why is Mr.Smith here? Is he the one who convinced father about marriage? His 2 sons got married early and were engaged before college. But why me?

"Luke, before you decline, can you hear me first? You can decide after." Mr. Smith used the same tone as my father. This two powerful people in front of me looks very serious and anyone can be dumbfounded in front them. I nodded and waited for his explanation.

"Luke, I want you to marry my daughter, Alora. I know you knew her. Alora is getting out of hand. I need someone that can make her a proper lady and behave herself. Right now, she's on her rebel stage and I'm afraid that she's getting far away from us. Her mom can't reach her. If you look into her eyes, she's not my precious baby girl from before. She's like a different person. I know it should be us, parents, who solve this problem but she totally closed her heart to anyone." I stared at Mr. Smith while he talks about his daughter.

Alora Smith, the Ice Princess. When we were in kindergarten, she's always so cheerful and happy. She was always surrounded with people. She's a math genius and was accelerated twice. She was always glowing and the first time I saw her, I thought I saw an angel. We were very close when we were young but she suddenly changed after that incident.

When we entered high school, I saw her driving the latest mustang and she was wearing a black leather jeans tucked in a black boots. She mixed it with a black crop top revealing her pierced navel. She just applied a light eye shadow but she's wearing a black lipstick. For me, she looks like a black angel. When I tried to approach her, I looked into her eyes and I see nothing. There's no light or sparkle in her silver eyes. I was left speechless and I felt sad. The girl from my childhood, she's gone.

Time flies, Alora and I sometimes will bump into each other and will always end up in an argument. I always feel sad everytime I see her. She seems very far and like Mr. Smith said,  no one can reach her. The Alora from my childhood is somehow trapped somewhere in the dark. In my mind, I wanted to meet that child again. Is this my chance? Will I be able to meet her again? Will Alora let me into her heart?

"Luke, I know this favor is not easy. You will be married to the person you may not be able to love. But I will be indebted to you for the rest of my life. Alora is the next heiress of the Hoseki Empire, her brothers and sister already gave up the position and decided to give it to her. They also knew about this. We all talked about this and everyone agreed that you are the only person that can help her. After your engagement, your father and I will sign an agreement that you will have full authority in Hoseki once you marry Alora." Mr. Smith exclaimed.

I don't know why the Smith family thinks that I am the best person to do the job. Yes, it seems to me that this marriage thing is more like a job than a husband position. I am also doubting myself if I can change her. What if after all of this, Alora didn't change. What will happen to us? We will both be miserable for the rest of our lives.

I think I'm going crazy. Am I really considering doing this?

The two old men stared at me waiting for my final say. "Sir, I will do what you asked. But please know that I didn't agree because I wanted to have Hoseki in my hands. I want to help you and your family. Alora is my friend when we were kids, I think it's not that bad to be his husband." I tried to make the last sentence as a joke but in my mind, I don't really know what I'm doing. I think no man can resist Mr. Smith's offer. Afterall, Hoseki is one of the biggest company in the country. But for me, I want something that is not easily given to me. I want to work for it myself.

Mr. Smith and my father exchanged glances and smiled. I can see that they are happy with my decision.

"Luke, this is wonderful. We will celebrate your engagement tomorrow night." Mr. Smith said it with a smile and excitement. I stood up and prepared myself to leave when I remembered something.

"Sir, where is the nearest Hoseki store to our school?" I asked. Mr. Smith frowned and smiled again after realizing something.

"You don't need to buy it, I can ask my secretary to prepare one for you." he said.

I shook my head. "No sir. I want to pick a ring for her myself. And I will pay for it. I want to give her the best engagement ring suited for her." I really am losing my sanity. Why do I have to act like a cool guy in front of my soon to be father in law.

"Son, again thank you. I know Alora is in good hands. Take care of her from now on. She's very precious to us." Mr. Smith sounded sad for giving her daughter to me. I can see that he loves Alora very much.

"I will sir." I don't know if my answer sounded assuring but both men nodded and looked satisfied.