Chapter 66 – A Choice Not Hers to Make

“I have to do this,” Jeslyn whispered, trying to convince her own heart.

She had to stop her parents’ intentions. And she needed to see what Leonel was willing to do for her—if anything.

“I just hope everything goes smoothly,” she murmured, her eyes blankly staring at her own reflection in the car window.

She had just parked in the basement of her family’s five-star hotel. The scent of expensive perfume still lingered faintly in the cold air-conditioned space, but her heart was far from calm.

Her steps felt heavy as she exited the car. The high heels that once gave her confidence now felt like a burden.

Jeslyn knew she was supposed to be here as the owner, the manager of this hotel. But everything changed the moment she was sent to Clovies Group—under the guise of partnership, not a career.

“Manager” at Clovies was a sweetened lie. In truth, she was part of an engagement package. A pretty symbol. Silent. Decorative.

The elevator chimed softly, taking her to the VVIP floor. Above, both families were waiting—ready to discuss what had become a media frenzy: the photos of her, Leonel, Jefran, and Luna.

“Jeslyn,” her mother greeted the moment she entered the meeting room.

All eyes turned to her. Her father sat beside Mr. Clovies. Jefran’s mother, elegant and cold, sipped tea calmly. Jefran stood near the window, looking out over the city.

“We waited for you to start,” said Mr. Clovies. “Please, sit down.”

Jeslyn took a deep breath and joined them.

“We won't ask anything more from you and Jefran. It was all just a misunderstanding. So, we’ve made our decision,” said Jefran’s father, blunt and firm.

“What decision?” Jeslyn asked.

“We need to make an official statement soon,” her father replied quickly. “And the best course is to move your wedding forward.”

Jeslyn fell silent. Her eyes scanned the faces in the room—no room for protest, no one truly cared how she felt.

“Does it have to be rushed?” she asked, her voice barely concealing her disagreement.

“You should keep quiet, Jeslyn. We make the decisions here,” her father snapped. “If not for your recklessness, none of this would’ve happened.”

Jeslyn couldn’t believe her father was blaming her.

“This isn’t Jeslyn’s fault, Uncle,” said Jefran. “It was mine.”

“You’re no better, Jefran. How could you let that woman get close to you?” Jefran’s father scolded him coldly.

Jeslyn closed her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the pressure that was building in her chest. She would not cry. Not in front of people who saw her as nothing more than a pawn in a business deal.

“We’ve set the date. Your wedding will be held next week,” said Jefran’s mother, her tone leaving no room for debate.

“Next week?” Jeslyn turned to her sharply. “Are you serious?”

“There’s no time to delay. The public needs clarity, and you need to show your relationship is perfectly fine,” her father said sternly.

“I don’t want this marriage,” Jeslyn whispered, barely audible.

But enough to silence the room.

“What did you say?” her father asked, eyes narrowing.

“I don’t want to marry just because of public pressure,” Jeslyn repeated louder. “I… I want my own life.”

“Jeslyn!” her mother snapped. “Watch your mouth!”

“Jes, we’ve talked about this. I’ve told you before, all you need to do is follow what we’ve planned,” her father said, his voice rising.

“I’m not a puppet,” Jeslyn answered firmly.

“Why are you suddenly backing out of this, Jeslyn?” asked Jefran’s father.

“Jeslyn, why—?” Jefran began, voice low and uncertain.

Before the tension could rise further, the meeting room door swung open.

Leonel entered calmly, dressed in a sharp dark suit that framed his tall figure perfectly. His face was composed, but his gaze was piercing—full of resolve.

“Apologies for entering uninvited,” he said, standing tall before everyone.

“What are you doing here, Leonel?” Jefran’s father snapped.

All eyes turned to him—including Jeslyn’s. She froze. She hadn’t expected him to appear in the middle of this chaos.

Leonel met each gaze, stopping by Jeslyn’s side.

“I’m here because you’re deciding someone’s life without asking if she even wants to live that way,” he said calmly.

“This is not your business, Leonel,” Jeslyn’s father barked.

“Leave before you make this worse,” added Jefran’s father.

“I’m not done,” Leonel said, voice steady. “I’m not here just to defend Jeslyn. I’m here to finally say something I should’ve said long ago.”

Jeslyn frowned. “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering, Leonel pulled a flash drive from his pocket.

“This meeting cannot continue,” he said coolly. “Unless you want to talk about money laundering, asset concealment, and international licensing violations—committed by both of your families.”

The room went dead silent.

“What are you talking about?” Jeslyn’s father asked, voice shaking.

Leonel placed the flash drive on the table.

“It’s all here. Full data. Transaction records. Offshore documentation. Including accounts under your name, sir.”

Jeslyn turned pale. “Leonel… you…?”

“I know this is dangerous,” Leonel said, his eyes locked on hers. “But I won’t stand by and watch the woman I love be forced into a marriage for the sake of greed.”

Silence.

“What did you just say?” Jeslyn whispered, stunned.

Leonel looked directly at her.

“I love you, Jeslyn.”

Degh.

The words paralyzed the room.

Jefran’s mother set her teacup down with a soft clink. Jeslyn’s parents looked thunderstruck. Jefran’s eyes blazed with fury.

Jeslyn swallowed. “What… what did you say?”

Leonel stepped closer. “Uncle,” he said, turning to Mr. Clovies. “I have a proposal. Not only can I make the data in that flash drive disappear, but I also now hold a larger stake in Clovies than Jefran. From today forward, I will be leading Clovies Group.”

“What are you saying?” Jefran’s father scoffed. “If I transfer my shares to Jefran, he’ll still have more.”

Leonel took out his phone and sent a message.

“That’s a legal document confirming the transfer of major shares from a primary investor to me. As of tonight, I own more than you, Uncle.”

A notification pinged on Mr. Clovies’ phone.

He opened the message, his eyes narrowing and jaw tightening as he read the digital file.

“That’s impossible…”

“You can check. Everything is signed and sealed. Starting tonight, Clovies will be under my control,” Leonel said sharply. “The investors chose me because they need a visionary leader. Not just an heir.”

Jeslyn sat frozen. Leonel was still holding her hand, and her heart was beating wildly.

“You… you’re leading Clovies now?” she asked quietly.

Leonel turned to her, his expression softening.

“I didn’t do this for power. I did it so you could have a choice. So you could be free.”

“You’re disgusting, Leonel!” Mr. Clovies stood, fists clenched. “You plotted behind our backs?!”

“I simply reclaimed what was meant to be mine. My father co-founded Clovies before it grew. I’m only taking what was always my right. And if that right saves Jeslyn from this forced marriage, I have no regrets.”

Jeslyn’s father stood slowly, conflicted. He looked at his daughter.

“Jeslyn, do you love him?”

Jeslyn stared at Leonel, then nodded without hesitation.

“I don’t want to marry for business, Daddy,” she said gently. “I want to marry for love.”

Jeslyn’s mother looked at her husband, struggling between tears and rage. “You said we must protect our daughter’s happiness,” she reminded him.

“This is an insult,” Jefran’s father said, glaring at Leonel. “You think we’ll still let you be part of this family after all this?”

Leonel gave a faint smile. “I don’t need to be accepted. I’ll prove I deserve it. Starting today.”

He turned to Jeslyn, offering his hand.

“If you’re willing… let’s walk out of here. And live the life we choose—together.”

Jeslyn looked at that hand. Then she nodded, grasping it firmly.

Without another word, they walked out of the room—leaving behind silence, shock, and the storm they refused to be part of any longer.

***