"Dad, I'll be fine. Even if I have to marry someone I don't love."
Brad understood—his daughter didn't want to talk about her mother anymore. He felt deeply comforted to have such an understanding daughter, yet he couldn't quiet the unease in his heart.
After some investigation, he had learned that the young master of the Astoria family seemed rather frivolous—surrounded by countless women, frequently visiting adult entertainment venues. How could someone like that be worthy of his daughter?
But he had no choice. He was out of time.
"Serena… I'm sorry to put you through this," he said, swallowing the thousand other words he wanted to say.
"I'm not, Dad. I've been running away for so long. It's time I did something for the family… and for you."
"Serena…" Brad's weathered face tightened, and sorrowful tears welled in his eyes.
He didn't notice the unusual light that had been flickering in his daughter's beautiful eyes for a very, very long time.
…
