Chapter 1620

She said, "I know." Her voice was gentle and soothing. Ron asked, "Got a guy you're into?" Emma shook her head. "No, really?" Ron pressed. Emma suddenly looked up at him, her eyes fierce. "If you don't believe me, go check for yourself." Ron chuckled coldly. "Check? You think I've got nothing better to do? Let me be clear: I don't like you. Whether you're into some guy or not, it's none of my business." "I know." "You know what?" "I know you don't like me," she said. "Well, at least you're aware of that," Ron remarked. Emma continued, "Even you can't change what our parents have decided. I certainly can't. We're going to end up married, whether we like it or not." Ron burst into laughter. "You're really ready to let others dictate your life? Marry a man you don't love?" Emma did not want this, not one bit. As Ron said, being born into such a family meant they were fated to have little say in their own lives. She knew from a young age that her family would arrange her marriage, so by the time she was eighteen, she did not even dare to have a crush. Ron stared at her. "I can't stand touching a girl I don't like. So even if we get married, I won't lay a hand on you. You get that?" Upon hearing this, Emma did not lose heart. Instead, she breathed a sigh of relief. Looking up at him, she smiled sweetly. "I understand. When you're strong enough to marry the girl you want, I'll step aside. I won't be in your way." That smile was the sweetest Ron had seen from her tonight, revealing that Emma, like him, was deeply opposed to this arranged marriage. But he did not want to see her happy. Trapped in his own hell, he could not let her be content. "Don't your parents want you to produce heirs for the Hagrid family soon?" Ron asked. The smile on Emma's face vanished instantly, her complexion turning pale. Her parents had repeatedly instructed her to capture Ron's heart and body and had suggested she get pregnant with his child even before their marriage. She knew she was just a tool for them to bolster the family's legacy. Ron, seeing her pallor, felt a sudden surge of satisfaction. "What's your name?" Emma bit her lip, struggling to compose herself. "Emma." "Emma? Nice name, but too bad you don't seem too bright," Ron quipped. Emma remained silent. "So, school is starting soon. Which college are you at?" Ron asked. "Valtara University," Emma replied. Valtara University was one of the top universities in the country, known for its insanely high entrance requirements. Only the cream of the crop could get in. Ron could not believe this seemingly dim-witted girl got into Valtara University. "Did you pull some strings?" he asked. "No," Emma said firmly. "I had extra points for my art skills, which put me well above the admission score."