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Chapter 1

"Neal, I am sorry, but Candy has to be the one to decide who she wants to marry," said Albert. ( Quoted and taken directly from "Candy Candy" Manga by Kyoko Mizuki, Yumiko Igarashi)

Neal couldn't believe what he just heard. He was so closed to get engaged to Candy, but too bad, suddenly out of the blue Sir William appeared to ruin his dream. He could see all eyes were looking at him. How he wished the floor would open up to swallow him. At the end, all he could was to run away in tears. He was devastated, embarrassed, angry and sad all mixed up together. No one had ever opposed him before. His mother always did anything for him lovingly and gently. With his name and family relations, he could get almost anything and be treated with the utmost respect. It's unthinkable that someone dared to oppose him, even worse, in public.

The first day Neal was angry, but gradually he started to realize the sad reality. Candy was not his. He was very sad and heartbroken. It seemed that the world fell apart. He didn't eat, he didn't go out, he just shut himself in his room. It's so depressing that he couldn't be with her.

Sweet Candy, dear Candy, why you refuse my love, Neal asked repeatedly to himself.

He also knew that his parents were not spared from the embarrassment either. Many said that the Leagans were opportunists who were willing to do anything to cling to wealth and power, including by marrying to an Ardlay family member by force. That made him even more depressed. How come no one believed that he genuinely loved Candy. He didn't do it for prestige, name, fame, or money. The feeling was genuine. It's a true love that came from the bottom of his heart.

A few days later, after careful discussion with Sarah, Phillip Leagan, Neal's father, finally called him to end his anguish.

"Son, when we you were born, we're overjoyed. We were imagining all good things you'll become as a Leagan. You'll be a dependable person, responsible person and someone to replace me in the future just like I continue my father's work in the past. The Leagans were known for their hard work and competitiveness. Don't disappoint us. Do something useful for the sake of me and your ancestors."

"There's more to life than to think about marriage. You're still young. Go to University of Chicago, study seriously, get more friends and be a useful person. I understand how much Candy means to you, but she chose not to be with you and she's not the only girl in this world."

"We will not move to Florida. The Leagans don't hide. We don't run away from life. We face reality."

Neal was silent. His father's words stroke his heart. He didn't want to be a useless person. He wanted to be a man worthy carrying a Leagan name. He obeyed his parents' suggestion to go to school. Candy had flatly rejected him, it's time to move on.

So Neal went to school. He was grateful that he followed his parents' advice. Life at home was so boring with not much thing to do other than matchmaking activities, watching operas, or accompanying his sister to go shopping. In school, there's so much fun and work to keep him busy and occupied. He's busy with homework, took interesting classes and met so many new friends. He really enjoyed it!

-To Be Continued -

Thanks for reading!