Free Web NovelChapter 201: Chapter 201 Hugo Crashes Proposal
Acting as though she hadn’t noticed Selene’s displeasure, Alpha Astra chatted amicably with Hugo. "You’ve gone to so much trouble, coming all this way."
"It’s no trouble at all," Hugo replied with a warm smile. "My parents insisted I bring these to you. When they heard you were ill, everyone in our household was concerned. That’s why I came as soon as I could."
Alpha Astra was touched by her prospective son-in-law’s thoughtfulness. She felt fortunate to have such obedient children in her life.
As for Hugo’s past transgressions, she was willing to forgive them if he treated Selene well in the future. She could let bygones be bygones.
But would that be unfair to Sylvia?
Alpha Astra closed her eyes momentarily. There was no perfect solution—if she wanted harmony between her daughters, one of them would inevitably have to sacrifice something.
Selene couldn’t contain herself any longer. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.
Hearing Selene’s question, Alpha Astra had a realization and turned to Hugo. "That’s right, Hugo. Is there something else besides checking on me?"
Selene wouldn’t have asked such a pointed question otherwise. Alpha Astra knew her daughter well—she wasn’t usually so impulsive. Today’s attitude was surprising.
Selene looked at Alpha Astra, struggling to articulate her frustration.
Her daughter’s reaction only increased Alpha Astra’s suspicion toward Hugo. So he hadn’t come just to see her? Did he have ulterior motives?
Alpha Astra didn’t appreciate such calculated behavior, and her expression turned cold.
Seeing this, Hugo’s smile faltered briefly before he recovered. "Alpha Astra, I did come for another important reason today."
He turned to Selene, his face filled with what appeared to be genuine emotion, love flowing naturally from him.
"Alpha Astra, I’ve also come to ask for your blessing to marry Selene."
Selene stared intently at Hugo, convinced his family was hiding something. Why else would they be pushing so hard for a rushed wedding?
Alpha Astra also sensed something was off, but she maintained her composure as she asked, "Hugo, what’s with the sudden urgency?"
"I thought we agreed to revisit this discussion next year."
Hugo’s smile faltered. He hadn’t expected Alpha Astra to share Selene’s reluctance. No wonder Selene kept stalling the wedding—her mother was backing her up.
Selene had worried her mother might cave to pressure, but discovering they were completely aligned brought her immense relief.
Hugo, however, wasn’t ready to give up. He explained, "Alpha Astra, my parents aren’t getting any younger, and as you know, I’m the only heir to the Gray Pack. They’re naturally... eager to see the next generation."
"I hope you can understand our position. As the sole successor, our family’s entire legacy will rest on my shoulders eventually."
But Alpha Astra remained unmoved. This was, after all, about two young people’s futures. Her daughter was an adult now, and she couldn’t just steamroll Selene’s wishes.
That wouldn’t be right.
"I understand your family’s concerns," she said diplomatically, "but I still think we should take our time with this."
She took a deliberate sip of tea, appearing completely unruffled. "Besides, you’re already engaged. What’s the rush?"
Selene secretly exhaled in relief, nodding enthusiastically at Alpha Astra when Hugo wasn’t looking. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Alpha Astra had hit the nail on the head—this was exactly what Selene wanted. She wasn’t ready to throw away her freedom so soon. Why rush into marriage when she could enjoy being young and independent?
Alpha Astra had clearly read Selene’s signals perfectly, which explained her response. Maybe Selene’s earlier hesitation had been about exactly this issue.
Hugo pressed on, "Alpha Astra, I understand your perspective, but my parents—"
"Then have your parents come speak to me directly," Alpha Astra cut him off sharply, her patience clearly wearing thin. "If you don’t have any other business here, you should go. I need to rest."
Hugo got the message, even through his thick skin. He couldn’t ignore Alpha Astra’s obvious desire to see him gone.
"Of course, please rest well. I’ll visit again soon," he conceded.
Alpha Astra merely hummed in response, showing no further interest now that she’d figured out Hugo’s real agenda.
"Walk him out, Selene," she instructed.
Selene happily obliged, following Hugo outside.
Once they were alone, Hugo immediately went on the attack: "Selene, what the hell is your mother thinking?"
"Oh, dropped the ’Alpha Astra’ act already? No more respectful titles now that we’re outside?" Selene’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Hugo’s face darkened at her mocking tone.
"Selene, do you have to be so hostile?" he asked, clenching his fists. "Can’t we just have a normal conversation?"
Selene shrugged. "Sure we can. Start by telling me why your family is so desperate to rush me into marriage."
Hugo’s expression brightened momentarily, only to sour again by the end of her sentence.
"Didn’t I just explain everything to your mother?" he snapped, growing visibly frustrated. "Why do you keep harping on this? What’s the point?" frёewebnoѵēl.com
Selene laughed, but it was cold and mocking.
"You think it’s pointless for me to keep asking questions, but somehow it makes perfect sense for you to keep pressuring me into marriage?"
Hugo was rendered speechless by her pointed question. The real reason his family was pushing for the wedding had to stay buried.
Otherwise, they’d never get what they needed.
Taking a deep breath to regain his composure, Hugo tried again. "Selene, look—just talk to your mother again. My family really wants to move forward with the wedding as soon as possible."
He reached for her wrist, attempting to pull her closer, but Selene jerked away.
"Don’t touch me," she warned.
Hugo awkwardly withdrew his hand. "Fine, fine. I won’t touch you."
"Just... think about it, okay? I only want us to be together sooner rather than later. I hate being apart from you."
Selene ignored his plea entirely. "You can leave now. I need to get back inside."
Repeatedly shot down, Hugo’s expression grew thunderous. With no other options, he prepared to leave. "Alright then, Selene. Make sure you talk to your mother. I’ll be back soon."
