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BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 31
The air was heavy with anticipation as Master Decastro stood in the grand hall of the Decastro mansion. The entire family and staff had been summoned for an important announcement, and whispers echoed among the crowd. Sonia and Jeremy exchanged uneasy glances, their apprehension growing with each passing second.Master Decastro cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. “As you all know, Melissa has been proven innocent. In light of this, I have made a decision that concerns her and her husband, Jack.”Melissa and Jack, who had arrived minutes earlier, stood side by side. Melissa’s expression was cautious, unsure of what her grandfather would say, while Jack maintained his usual calm demeanor.“Melissa will return to her department in this house,” Master Decastro declared, his voice firm. “She will resume her position as head of her department at Decastro Enterprises.”A collective gasp rippled through the room. Sonia’s face contorted in disbelief, and Jeremy clenched his fists so tig
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 32
Jack pedaled along the familiar streets, the weight of Suzzy’s revelation still heavy on his mind. He couldn’t shake his anger toward Sonia for framing Melissa and putting them through so much turmoil. But Suzzy’s panicked plea for him to keep the secret rang in his ears. She was terrified, and Jack understood her fear—Jeremy and Sonia were powerful within the Decastro household, and Suzzy was just a maid with no protection.At the mall, Jack and Suzzy both finished their shopping. Suzzy lingered near the exit, looking uncertain as she glanced at Jack.“Thanks for earlier,” Suzzy said hesitantly. “I should get going.”Jack looked at her and then at the full bags she was carrying. “I could drop you off at the villa,” he offered.Suzzy’s eyes widened in surprise. “Drop me off? How?”“With my bicycle,” Jack replied with a grin, motioning to his bike.Suzzy hesitated, glancing at the sturdy but simple bicycle. “I’ve never climbed one before,” she admitted, looking nervous.Jack chuckled.
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 33
Jack sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. His hands rested limply in his lap as his mind wandered back to memories he often tried to suppress. He thought about his mother—the woman who had shaped him in both cruel and unintentional ways.She had always called him useless. The sting of her words never faded, no matter how much time passed.“You’ll never amount to anything,” she had said to him once, her voice cold and dismissive.Jack had once dreamed of becoming a doctor. He remembered how, as a child, he would watch medical shows and imagine himself saving lives. But his mother had crushed that dream. She insisted he focus on taking care of the family, a responsibility he hadn’t been ready for as a boy.But taking care of the family wasn’t enough for her either. One day, in a fit of frustration, she had driven him out of the house. Jack could still recall the confusion and fear he’d felt when she left him at the gates of the orphanage.“You’ll learn your place there,” she had
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 34
The atmosphere at the dining table was heavy with silence. The clinking of silverware on plates echoed in the room, but not a single word was exchanged. Master Decastro sat at the head of the table, his hands clasped together, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. His daughters, Sonia and Cindy, were quiet, their expressions unreadable. Jeremy was uncharacteristically still, staring down at his food, while Melissa and Jack sat at the far end of the table, the tension between them palpable.For a few moments, the only sound was the occasional scrape of a knife or fork against porcelain. Jack, seated beside Melissa, could feel the unease thickening in the air. His eyes flicked to her, noting the way she was trying to maintain her composure, even though he knew she must be just as uncomfortable as he was. His gaze then shifted to Master Decastro, who remained stoic as ever.Finally, it was Melissa who broke the silence. Her voice was calm but resolute as she addressed the room. “Why
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 35
The dining room was still shrouded in silence, the air thick with tension. Sonia and Jeremy sat with their heads bowed, avoiding eye contact with everyone at the table. Their plates remained untouched as if the weight of the evening’s events had stolen their appetites. Across the room, Suzzy, one of the kitchen staff, peered through the doorway with a subtle smile. The drama unfolding in the dining room was unlike anything she had seen in all her years of service at the Decastro villa.Master Decastro cleared his throat, his sharp gaze landing on his grandchildren. “Sonia, Jeremy,” he commanded, his voice low but firm, “stand up.”Both of them froze, their bodies stiff with resistance. They exchanged quick glances, hoping the other might find a way to avoid what was coming. But Master Decastro’s tone left no room for disobedience. Slowly, reluctantly, they rose from their seats, their heads still bowed, their postures betraying their reluctance.“Apologize,” Master Decastro ordered, h
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 36
The morning air at the Decastro villa carried a quiet tension, one that seeped into the walls and hung over the family like a thick fog. In the east wing of the estate, Master Decastro stood by his study window, watching the maids bustling around the courtyard below. His face was unreadable, but his mind was restless. Last night’s events had shaken the family in ways he hadn’t expected.Two maids stood in front of him, waiting for instructions.“Go to Jack and Melissa’s villa,” he finally said, his voice firm but calm. “Help them pack their belongings. Make sure they’re ready to move back here.”The maids exchanged glances, unsure if they had heard correctly. Master Decastro’s pride was legendary, and seeing him bend so far as to welcome Melissa and her husband back to the villa was nearly incomprehensible. But they dared not question him. With a bow, they left to carry out their orders.As they exited the study, Cindy stormed in, her face flushed with frustration.“Father,” she start
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 37
The soft hum of the ceiling fan filled the luxurious room as a woman sat silently on the edge of an ornate chair. She stared out the window at the sprawling estate beyond, but her mind was lost in the past. Her hands rested on her lap, neatly folded, as memories played out in her head like an old film.She thought of her son, the boy who had once been the center of her world but had now become a source of disappointment. Her husband’s voice echoed in her mind as he tried to reason with her years ago.“You can’t put him in an orphanage just because he doesn’t want to be a CEO, he’s just a kid” her husband had said, his tone firm but pleading.“And why not?” she had retorted coldly, her chin held high. “He refuses to follow the family’s legacy. He’s turning his back on everything we’ve built. If he doesn’t want to take on his responsibilities, then he’s no son of mine.”Her husband had looked at her with disapproval, but she hadn’t cared. To her, their son’s refusal to step into the rol
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 38
The late afternoon sun blazed high in the sky as Jack rode his bicycle along the empty streets, his thoughts consumed by the drama unfolding back at the department. Every turn of the pedals seemed to echo his frustration. Returning to Melissa’s family’s home felt like walking into a battlefield, one where he was always the target. The insults, the cold treatment, and the constant feeling of not being good enough gnawed at him.Jack loved Melissa more than anything in the world, and for her, he was willing to endure it all. The sharp words, the sneers, and even Cindy’s blatant hostility—none of it mattered as long as Melissa was by his side. But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. He clenched the handlebars tightly, his knuckles turning white.“I didn’t sign up for this to be easy,” he muttered under his breath. “But why do I feel like I’m always fighting alone?”He had no idea where he was going; he just wanted to get away for a while, to breathe. The air around him felt heavy, like the
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- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 53
As they neared the ranch, the sight of cowboys working in the fields caught their attention. The vast property was even more impressive in person. Cindy’s eyes widened in disbelief, and for the first time that evening, she was rendered speechless.“This…this is incredible,” Cindy muttered. “I didn’t realize Logan Smith was this wealthy.”Melissa was equally impressed, though she tried to hide it. Jack, however, remained unfazed. He glanced out the window, taking in the view with mild interest. To him, wealth and grandeur weren’t foreign concepts. What he didn’t know was that his own family’s wealth far surpassed anything the Smiths possessed. But that was a story for another day.When they finally arrived, the Decastros were gathered near the entrance, chatting and laughing. Master Lemaire was the first to approach, his face lighting up as he saw Melissa step out of the car.“Melissa, my most hardworking granddaughter,” he said proudly, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve told Felipe all ab
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 52
It was already 6 p.m. when the Decastros arrived at the Smiths’ luxurious ranch. The first car to pull into the expansive driveway belonged to Sonia, her mother Diana, Jeremy, and Master Lemaire Decastro himself. The Smith ranch was breathtaking—sprawling acres of land bordered with manicured gardens, white picket fences, and distant stables that added to the air of wealth and status. The golden glow of the evening sun bathed the estate, creating an almost cinematic backdrop as the Decastro family stepped out of their sleek black car.Master Lemaire, despite his age, moved with an air of authority. As soon as they reached the grand entrance, he gave a hearty laugh and stepped forward to embrace his long-time friend Felipe Smith. Felipe, seated in his electric wheelchair, beamed as he raised his arms to meet Lemaire’s embrace. The two men, though physically different—one standing tall and the other confined to his chair—shared a camaraderie that was evident even in their gestures. Lema
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 51
The sun hung low in the sky, signaling the end of another day. Melissa walked into her home earlier than usual, brushing her hair back as she made her way through the wide corridors. The faint aroma of fresh pastries wafted from the kitchen, and a soft hum of activity filled the air. She was surprised to see Cindy sitting casually in the living room, her legs crossed, sipping on a glass of lemonade.“Good evening,” Melissa greeted politely, setting her bag down on the table.Cindy’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing as a sly smirk curved her lips. “Oh, you’re home early,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You might want to freshen up quickly—we have dinner at the Smiths’ ranch tonight.”Melissa froze mid-step, her brow furrowing. “Dinner at the Smiths’? I didn’t hear about this.”Cindy leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening. “Of course, you didn’t. Important things are rarely discussed with you, Melissa. But don’t worry, I’m telling you now. Just make sure you don’t e
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 50
The afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of the Decastro estate, casting warm, golden light across the polished marble floors. Master Lemaire Decastro, the patriarch of the family, sat in his favorite leather chair in the living room, a faint smile on his face. His composure exuded authority, yet there was a rare twinkle in his eyes that hinted at excitement.“Suzzy,” Master Lemaire called, his deep voice reverberating through the spacious mansion.A moment later, Suzzy, the household manager, appeared at the doorway. “Yes, sir?”“Summon everyone who is still home,” he instructed. “I want them in the living room immediately.”Suzzy nodded and hurried off to carry out his orders. Soon enough, Sonia, her mother Diana, and Louis, Jeremy’s father, made their way into the living room. They were the only ones present at home, as Jeremy had gone to the Decastro enterprise for the day.“Where’s Jeremy?” Master Lemaire asked, glancing around the room.“He’s at the office,” Diana re
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 49
The sun streamed through the large windows of the Smith ranch’s grand sitting room, casting warm golden hues over the polished wood floors. Felipe Smith maneuvered his electric wheelchair to a more comfortable spot by the fireplace. Though age and injury had confined him to the chair, his commanding presence had not diminished. He looked up as Logan, his eldest son, strode into the room, carrying an air of quiet confidence.“You’re late,” Felipe teased, the corners of his lips twitching into a smile.“Blame the horses,” Logan replied, setting his hat down on a nearby table. “They’re more demanding than usual.”Felipe chuckled. “That’s the way of life on a ranch. Always something to tend to.”Logan settled into an armchair opposite his father, his expression relaxed. It had been a week since his last visit to the Decastro estate, but the memories of that day still lingered. Felipe studied his son, noticing the contemplative look in his eyes.“Logan,” Felipe began, breaking the silence.
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 48
As Eve and Valentina walked into the house, the cool air-conditioning provided a stark contrast to the blazing sun outside. The Thompson estate was as grand inside as it was outside, filled with luxurious furnishings, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and gleaming marble floors. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork and framed family photographs, each one seemingly more elegant than the last.Eve’s heels clicked sharply against the floor as she led Valentina down the grand hallway, pointing out various details of the home. “This is the main living room,” she said casually, gesturing toward a vast space with plush couches and towering bookshelves. “And over there is the dining hall. We’ve hosted some of River City’s most influential people here.”Valentina nodded politely, her eyes scanning the room. “It’s as beautiful as I remember,” she said with a small smile. “I used to play hide-and-seek with Jack in this very hallway. I remember once he hid behind that curtain and scare
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 47
The sprawling Thompson estate was nothing short of breathtaking. The sun shone brightly over the pristine mansion, its white walls reflecting the light in a dazzling display. Behind the house lay an expansive backyard with a shimmering pool bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and luxurious lounge chairs.Inside, Gilbert stood by the large living room window, his gaze fixed on the figure outside. Eve Thompson, the mistress of the house, stepped gracefully onto the pool deck. Her black one-piece bodysuit clung to her figure, highlighting her toned physique. For a woman of her age, Eve had the kind of beauty that seemed almost timeless. Her caramel skin gleamed under the sunlight, her dark hair cascading down her back as if it were untouched by the years.“She looks incredible, doesn’t she?” Gilbert muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice. He turned to Agnes, the older maid, who was dusting a nearby vase with meticulous care.Agnes didn’t look up. “She might be the most beautiful wo
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 46
Melissa stepped out of the cab in front of the Decastro building, her heels striking the pavement with a sharp click. The morning sunlight warmed her face, but Melissa wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the brightness of the day. Her mind was preoccupied with the events of the night before—the argument with Sonia, the bitter words exchanged with her aunt, and worst of all, the way Sonia’s mother had demeaned Jack.Her fists clenched involuntarily as she thought about it. Good-for-nothing husband. Those words echoed in her mind, stoking the simmering frustration she’d carried with her all morning. Jack didn’t deserve that. He worked harder than any man she knew, even if no one else saw it.As she entered the Decastro lobby, Melissa inhaled deeply, trying to compose herself. She couldn’t afford to let her personal life interfere with her work, not when she was trying so hard to prove herself.But then, as her eyes scanned the bustling lobby, her attention was drawn to a man standing near the r
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 45
Master Decastro’s expansive living room buzzed with quiet murmurs. The long mahogany table in the center of the room had nearly every seat filled, with family members and associates waiting impatiently. Cindy glanced at her watch for the fifth time, then turned to Master Decastro, her voice sharp and frustrated.“Master, it’s already five minutes past the meeting time,” she said, her tone teetering on disrespectful. “If Jeremy and Sonia can’t respect your time, I don’t see why we’re all still here. Can’t we leave?”Master Decastro’s gaze darkened, and the room fell silent. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the double doors at the far end of the room creaked open. Jeremy and Sonia stepped in hurriedly, their faces a mix of apology and determination. All eyes turned to them, the tension palpable.Sonia was the first to move. She walked quickly to Master Decastro, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees in front of him, her hands cl
