366: HEARTFELT PROMISE LUKES POV I stepped out of the car with Harriet by my side, and I noticed how all eyes seemed to be on her, especially those of the men around her. She looked absolutely stunning tonight, and it was no surprise that heads were turning wherever she went. Feeling a stream of protectiveness, I instinctively wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer to me. Leaning in, I kissed her cheek tenderly, feeling her coziness against my lips. “We’ll take our time getting to the hall,” I whispered softly to her, hoping to shield her from the unwanted attention. Harriet smiled up at me. “Thank you, Luke,” she murmured, squeezing my hand in reassurance. Together, we walked slowly towards the grand hall, my heart swelling with pride as I was attracted to the beauty by my side. Despite the stares and whispers, I knew that nothing else mattered as long as she was with me. As we were both advancing towards the hall’s entrance, a young lady suddenly stopped Harriet. “Oh my gosh, are you Harriet Donald?” She burst out, her phone already out, ready to take a picture. Harriet looked surprised, her eyes darting towards me for reassurance. “Um, yes, I am,” she replied hesitantly. The lady squealed in delirium. “I’m such a big fan of your work! Can we please take a picture together?” She asked, practically bouncing. Harriet’s cheeks turned pink as she smiled shyly. “Sure, why not?” she said, stepping closer to the lady, and they posed for the picture. I watched from a distance, feeling a mix of emotions. I was proud of Harriet and her accomplishments, but at the same time, I didn’t want her to be overwhelmed by all the attention. Giving her a small smile, I decided to make my way to the hall, leaving Harriet to take her picture. As I walked towards the hall, I thought about how far Harriet had come in her acting career. She had started out as a struggling actress, taking on small roles here and there, well, that was what she told me. But now she was being recognized by fans. It was a surreal feeling And it was all because of me, actually. I wasn’t going to brag anyway. I entered the hall, and my grandfather greeted me. “Luke, my boy! You made it! He pulled me into a tight. hug. I returned the embrace. “Of course, Grandpa. I wouldn’t miss this special occasion.” “You were late. Care to tell me why you were late?” He asked. “Well…” HEARTFELT PROMISE. “Never mind,” he said, cutting me off. I have to introduce you to Mr. Walker’s daughter.” “Mr. Walker’s daughter? Why?” “Because she’s the perfect match for you.” “What?” I blurted it out immediately. This was unbelievable. Was she trying to tell me he wanted me to marry this woman? Whoever she was, “Grandpa, I appreciate your concern, but I’m not sure I’m ready to be set up with someone,” I replied, trying to keep my tone diplomatic. He chuckled, patting my shoulder. “Nonsense, Luke. You’re a successful young man, and it’s time your start thinking about settling down. Br. Walker’s daughter is also a lovely woman. You two would make a perfect pair.” I sighed inwardly, knowing there was no point in arguing with my grandfather when he had his mind set on something. “Alright, Grandpa. I’ll meet her, but I can’t promise anything.” “What do you mean by that?” my grandfather asked in a harsh tone. “You don’t have any women you love, do you?” I sighed, looking in another direction. “Actually…” “Actually, what? Tell me now, Luke.” “I have someone I love, and it’s definitely not this daughter, Mr. Walker.” “Say what now?” “I’m sorry, Grandpa, but I cannot make promises I can’t keep.” “Are you out of your mind, Luke? How dare you talk such nonsense?” “I’m not out of my mind, Grandpa, and this isn’t nonsense. I cannot ruin my future by getting into a loveless marriage,” I stated firmly, looking my grandfather straight in the eye. He scoffed, shaking his head in disappointment, “Love? Is that what you are going to say right now? Do you not know that the woman I’ve set for you is filled with love herself?” “She might be filled with love, but I do not love her. You have to understand, Grandpa, that I do not want the future to be ruined for me.” “The future won’t be ruined. In fact, it will be great because this lady is one in a million. She’s perfect, Luke. Perfect, I tell you.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My grandfather, who had always taught me to follow my heart and do what makes me happy, was now trying to force me into a loveless marriage. For the sake of what, huh? “You’re only concerned about your happiness and that of The Walkers. But what about my happiness? What about my happiness, Grandpa.” “Don’t be naive, Luke. You can find happiness in a marriage; you will find happiness in this marriage. 366 HEARTFELT PROMISE Because I believe that this woman will make you better than you’ve ever been.” I could feel my blood boiling, and I knew I had to stand my ground. “I refuse to marry someone I don’t love, Grandpa. And I will not let you or anyone else dictate my future for me.” My grandfather’s face turned red with anger, and I could see the disappointment In his eyes. “You can be you want. You can disagree all you want. But this marriage will take place. Believe me when I say angry that.” all With that, he stormed off, leaving me feeling terrible. I couldn’t believe my grandfather was willing to do this. It was so messed up, but I couldn’t let him control my life, not when I had found someone I truly loved. I made my way towards the exit, my mind racing with thoughts about my future. I knew I had to talk to Harriet about this and get her opinion. As I stepped out of the hall, I saw her standing there with a concerned look on her face. “Luke, what’s wrong? I saw you arguing with your grandfather,” she said, walking towards me. I took her hand and led her to a more secluded area. Taking a deep breath, I told her everything that had transpired between my grandfather and me. Harriet listened intently, her expression changing from concern to shock and then to understanding “I can’t believe he would do that,” she said, her voice filled with sympathy. “I know. But I won’t let him control my life, Harriet. I love you, and I can’t imagine my future without you,” I said, looking into her eyes. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she threw her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I love you too, Luke. And I will stand by you, no matter what.” I would not let anyone change my story. I had Harriet by my side now, and together, we would face whatever challenges came our way, including my stubborn grandfather’s disapproval. Because, at the end of the day, love was all that mattered.
