Chapter 1619

Ron's gaze lingered on Emma, a fact that everyone in the room noticed. Seeing this, Philip quickly steered the conversation toward Emma. "Emma's violin playing is superb. She must've been practicing for years," he said. Regina replied with a smile, "Mr. Hagrid Sr., we've always emphasized artistic development in our family. Emma started learning various instruments at the age of three and has since mastered them all. "Just recently, she was accepted into a prestigious music academy abroad. However, her father and I would prefer her to attend Valtara University, so she can spend more time with Ron and nurture their relationship." Philip nodded in approval. "The Hagrid family needs a lady of her caliber." Regina beamed. "It's a great honor for Emma to be chosen by you from so many girls." The two families discussed their children as if they were commodities to be bartered, right in front of them. Ron's eyes met Emma's once again. Emma, her pristine face adorned with a flawless smile, sat upright. But Ron could tell—she yearned to study at the music academy. Probably due to family pressure, for the sake of family's interest, she had to enroll at Valtara University instead. Ron chuckled inwardly, musing that they were both pawns in a game neither cared for, pushed together by their overbearing families. He was lost in thought when Regina's sudden change of tone jolted him back to reality. "Mr. Hagrid, why don't we let the youngsters take a stroll in the garden? It might help them bond." Emma gently tugged at Regina's sleeve, a silent plea that was blatantly ignored. "Emma is eighteen now; she's an adult," Regina hinted, not so subtly implying her readiness for more adult commitments. Emma's grip tightened on her own sleeve, her face paling even as she forced a smile. Ron smirked internally, thinking how eager the elders were to throw Emma into his bed. But he was not going to let them have their way so easily. He stood up and led the way. "Let's take that walk." Emma remained seated until Regina pinched her sharply and whispered in her ear, "Aren't you going? Remember why you're here, to join the Hagrid family. Don't forget your purpose." Without a word, Emma stood up and followed Ron out of the living room. Once outside, away from the scrutinizing eyes, breathing in the fresh air, she felt a wave of relief. But as she looked up, she met Ron's intense gaze. He was only two years her senior, yet his look was so piercing, she instinctively stepped back. Noticing her skittish reaction, Ron could not help but find it amusing. "You're so timid, yet you're set to be my wife in the Hagrid family. You might not even know what you're getting into." Emma bit her lip, silent; she had never imagined herself as his wife. Ron said, "Follow me." Emma complied obediently. Deep in the garden, Ron suddenly stopped and turned to stare at her intently. "You don't want to marry me, do you?" Emma instinctively nodded, her mother's admonitions flashing through her mind, then quickly shook her head. Ron looked at her, exasperated at the thought of marrying such a mute. "Are you speechless?" His loud outburst startled Emma, making her retreat further. Seeing her frightened and pitiful, Ron's frown deepened, almost forming a crease. But when he spoke again, he tried to soften his tone. "Your parents are the ones pushing you into this difficult situation, not me. I'm not going to harm you; I'm not the one you should be afraid of," he said. Emma remained silent. Ron, growing impatient, got straight to the point. "You don't want to marry me, and I don't want to marry you. But born into families like ours, we don't have the power to decide our own marriages until we're independent. We have to follow what our elders arrange." Emma was painfully aware. From a young age, she knew she had no say in her own affairs. Her family constantly reminded her, drilling into her the duty she carried for the Blue family's enduring legacy.