-Chapter 9-
Seeing the stunning Rose, Sebastian and Susanna, who originally didn't quite support this marriage, exchanged glances and revealed approving smiles.
The White family might be in trouble, but Rose herself was more than enough.
With such a beautiful daughter-in-law, the Grey family's future children would definitely be both handsome and beautiful.
Under everyone's amazed gaze, Rose walked over and sat beside Lucas. Suddenly, she didn't dare look him in the eye.
Lucas didn't dare meet her gaze either. Mainly, she was just too beautiful today.
He even felt a little self-conscious.
[Dammit, just thinking that such a gorgeous fiancée will be taken away by David in a moment makes me want to punch someone. Seriously, what right does David even have?]
Ever since transmigrating to this world, for the first time, Lucas had the urge to go against the male lead, to fight against the system, to change the storyline.
But that was just a thought.
David was, after all, the God of War of the Northern Region and had awakened supernatural powers. Forget beating him, the guy was practically invincible.
Going against him would be like an egg hitting a rock.
Lucas let out a deep sigh, clenched his fists, and tried to calm the unwillingness surging in his heart.
Sebastian took the microphone and began the opening speech. "On this wonderful day, I would like to announce a joyous event. That is, my son Lucas and Miss Rose of the White family are officially engaged…"
"Wait a minute!"
Before he could even finish the sentence, a loud voice rang out from the entrance.
The next moment, a tall man in a suit strode in confidently.
It was David!
He had finally arrived!
Lucas had waited a long time for this moment and had prepared for it thoroughly.
But now that the moment was here, he felt a little nervous. Not because of David, but because he didn't want to drag his parents into this mess.
So he stepped up onto the stage himself and began performing the role of the villain.
"You punk, who let you in? Today is my engagement with Rose. I don't want to get violent, so get lost now, or I'll have you carried out!"
As soon as he said that, the crowd began their usual programmed dialogue.
"Who is this guy? He dares to stir up trouble at the Grey family's engagement party? He's got a death wish!"
"No idea, but judging from that suit, he looks like a nobody. He's dead meat."
"Strange things happen every year, but this year they're especially wild. This kid seriously has no idea how high the heavens are."
David ignored the chatter around him and glared at Lucas with a murderous gaze.
"Engagement? What right do you have to say that? If the White family weren't in crisis, do you think Rose would ever agree to marry a good-for-nothing like you?"
Lucas laughed. "The White family's problems are none of your business. If the Grey family can save them, that's our capability. If you're so great, go save them yourself."
[Not bad, not bad. The plot is finally back on track. So far, the male lead's lines, my lines, even the crowd's lines are exactly the same as in the novel.]
[Following this plot, David is about to make a passionate confession to Rose, and I just need to have a few bodyguards get beaten up by him, then go up myself and get both arms broken while watching him take her away. Once that fucked-up scene is over, I'll be in the clear.]
Thinking this, Lucas actually felt relieved.
Sure enough, David ignored him and turned to look deeply at Rose, who was still seated at the table.
"Rose, don't listen to him. The White family only lacks money, that's all. I promise, if you come with me, I'll help solve everything they're facing."
"Come, be good. Let me take you away from this place and give you your freedom."
[Hearing this, Rose is supposed to tearfully throw down her bouquet, run to David, and fall into his arms, sobbing.]
[I've seen this scene so many times I could recite it word for word. Go on, Rose. To become one of David's harem members is your destiny. I wish you happiness.]
Lucas also turned to look at Rose. Remembering their time together over the past few days and the feeling of her first kiss, he suddenly felt a little reluctant.
He couldn't bear to watch her leap into David's arms, so he turned slightly to avoid the sight.
However, Rose remained seated at the table, completely still.
Her gaze toward David was cold and distant.
Seconds ticked by. She made no move whatsoever. David's expression began to shift.
"Rose?" he called out, his voice uncertain.
Lucas turned back in confusion, looking at Rose.
[What is she doing? Why isn't she following the plot?]
Just as the members of the Grey and White families were starting to fidget, Rose finally moved.
She stood up and, in a slightly scolding tone, said to Lucas, "Your fiancée is being harassed in public, and you're just standing there like a fool? Lucas, get someone to throw him out!"
What?
Lucas almost dropped his jaw.
Wait a second. She's not going with David? She's actually telling me to throw him out?
Did she hit her head or something?
"Rose!"
David's face changed dramatically. His fists clenched tight, cracking with pressure.
"I know you're being forced by your family. I know you don't really like him! I came to save you. Come with me, leave this place behind."
"As for the White family's problems, don't worry. I'm currently hunting down Ethan across the globe. I swear I'll recover the money for you, every last cent!"
Lucas nodded repeatedly.
[Yes, yes, go with him. He's your true love. I'm just a cannon fodder villain. You have to go with him so the story can continue.]
Rose sneered coldly. "Who told you I was being forced? David, aren't you being a little too self-absorbed, too full of yourself?"
With that, she stepped forward, took Lucas's arm, and looked around the room.
"I'm sure many of you are wondering if I really want this. Let me be clear once and for all: I, Rose, am marrying Lucas of my own free will. This has nothing to do with anyone or anything else."
After she finished, she turned her icy gaze on David.
"Is that clear enough for you, Mr. Fox?"
Boom.
Her words hit the crowd like thunder.
"She said it's voluntary?"
"Oh my god, Young Master Grey is amazing!"
"Holy crap. So the goddess White really does like Young Master Grey? Am I dreaming?"
Forget everyone else, even Lucas was completely dumbfounded.
The word "voluntary" echoed in his mind like a broken record.
David never expected Rose to reject him, let alone say she wanted to marry Lucas in front of him.
How could she fall for someone so useless, someone who only knew how to indulge in drink and play?
His fists tightened. He couldn't believe it.
"Rose, did Lucas threaten you? Did he use something against you? Tell me. I can help you no matter what it is!"
Rose took a shallow breath, and a spark of fury flashed in her eyes.
Where did he even get the confidence?
If he really cared about her, he should've helped the White family first, then spoken to her privately to find a solution and respected her opinion.
Instead, he tried to crash the wedding in public.
This kind of behavior would only ruin the Grey family's reputation, bring shame to the White family, and leave her open to gossip from everyone in Su City for the rest of her life.
He clearly just wanted to show off in front of the crowd while pretending to be noble and heroic. It was absolutely disgusting.
"Lucas, what are you standing there for? Tell someone to throw him out right now."
Lucas thought, [I was going to tell someone to throw him out anyway, but that should come from me, not from the heroine!]
But whatever.
If her character setting collapses, that's not his problem.
All he had to do was stay in character. Everything else had nothing to do with him.
"Hahaha!"
So he threw his head back in exaggerated laughter, acting like a gleeful villain.
"David, did you hear that? Rose told you to get lost! If you don't leave, I'll call my bodyguards. Once they make a move, you won't even know how you died. I'm giving you one last chance, get out of here right now!"
As he spoke, he even pulled Rose into his arms and kissed her cheek.
"Baby, a smart person adapts to the situation. Right now, only the Grey family can save the White family. As long as you marry me, I promise you'll live a life of luxury. Mwah! Mwah mwah mwah!"
He kept talking while smothering her delicate face with more kisses.
This sleazy display made not just David, but even the guests, look away in discomfort.
"Fuck, Goddess White definitely didn't marry Young Master Grey willingly."
"Exactly. She's so pure and aloof. How could she fall for someone this gross?"
"She's clearly sacrificing herself for her family. Poor girl."
David clenched his fists, eyes burning with rage. "Lucas, take your hands off her! If you touch even a hair on Rose's head again, I'll end your life right here!"
As soon as he finished, his whole body trembled, and a terrifying killing aura burst out of him.
The air around him rippled, and even Lucas could feel the temperature rise. It became scorching hot.
[Holy crap! No wonder he's the male lead. That pressure from just his aura is insane.]
He hadn't even made a move yet, and the atmosphere was already overwhelming.
Lucas resisted the pressure and sneered. "She's my woman. Why wouldn't I touch her? You were told to get lost, and you didn't. Looks like you really want to shed blood at my engagement party today. Men, drag him out of here!"
At his command, six bodyguards charged onto the stage.
These were specially hired by the Grey family. All tall, muscular, and clearly well-trained.
Without hesitation, they rushed David together.
David let out a roar, grabbed the first one who came at him, and threw him off the stage, crashing into a table and scaring the guests into jumping up with shrieks.
The others fared no better. The moment they approached, they were thrown off the stage like rag dolls.
In just a blink, all six had been taken out.
Lucas quickly put on a panicked face. "You little bastard! How dare you cause trouble at my engagement party? I won't let you off!"
He took a deep breath, glared at David, then pushed off with his feet, planning to charge and ram into him.
He knew he couldn't win, but if he could at least knock David off balance, it would count as a decent counterattack.
Either way, he was destined to have both his arms broken today.
Better to rip the bandage off quickly. Lucas gritted his teeth and ran at him with all his might.
But just before he made contact, a white figure brushed past him and headed straight toward David.
It was Rose!
Right! That's what the plot needed!
She was supposed to go to David now.
Seeing her walk up to him, Lucas actually let out a breath of relief. Deep down, though, a trace of bitterness lingered.
[A beauty like her is about to fall into that guy's hands.]
[Whatever. These women can do whatever they want. My job is just to play the villain, get the bonus, and go home.]
Everyone else watched Rose approach David and finally relaxed.
"Now that's more like it!"
"Haha, looks like White Goddess was moved by his bravery and is going to run off with him."
"As she should. Young Master Grey's only status came from his parents. He's got no real skill. How could White Goddess possibly choose him?"
David's face lit up as well. "Rose, you've finally come to your senses. I told you I can fix everything for the White family."
Smack.
Before he could finish, a slap landed hard on his face.
Rose's voice was ice-cold. "David, let me say this one last time. I'm marrying Lucas of my own free will. This is my engagement ceremony. Stop making a scene and acting like the world revolves around you. If you don't leave now, I'll call the police."
She raised her phone, her cold gaze filled with warning.
The entire venue fell into stunned silence. You could hear a pin drop.
Even Lucas, who was just about to run in and get himself hurt, stood there completely stunned.
[What the hell? The heroine has totally lost it!]
Not only did she tell the male lead to leave, she slapped him and now wanted to have him arrested?
David's face turned bright red. His eyes were full of disbelief. After a long pause, his voice trembled. "You really want to marry Lucas?"
Rose replied coldly, "How many times do I have to say it? If I didn't want to marry him, would I be here? What makes you think you're even an option?"
Lucas: "…"
[Wait… she really said that to David? That line sounds more like something she'd say to me.]
He had no idea what Rose was doing, but if he just stood there too long, he'd break character alongside her.
So he quickly stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Rose. "Yeah, exactly. Who the hell do you think you are? My wife told you to leave. Didn't you hear her? Get lost already. Don't ruin this beautiful day by asking for a beating."
"Fine!"
David took a deep breath and stared hard at Rose.
"Don't regret this!"
Leaving behind those words, he turned and walked away.
He… walked away?
[Wait. You're the male lead crashing the wedding. If you leave, what am I supposed to do as the villain?]
Lucas immediately yelled after him. "You coward! Don't run! Come back! Weren't you going to steal the bride? Then do it! What, that's all you've got? You little wimp, you beat up my bodyguards and now you're running away?!"
But no matter how he cursed, David didn't even look back. He walked right out of the hotel.
Now Lucas was completely dumbfounded.
The heroine slapped the male lead, and the male lead ran away.
[This plot is so off track it's beyond saving.]
-End of Chapter 9-