Chapter 30: The heavy burden of family expectations

The magnificent manor of the Antonio family, like a historical monument, stands quietly on the vast land. In the garden of the manor, neatly trimmed shrubs and colorful flowers complement each other, and the fountain sparkles with crystal water under the sunlight, as if playing an elegant piece of music.

In the manor's ornately decorated hall, a family gathering is taking place. The elders of the family are dressed in exquisite traditional costumes and sit on carved chairs. Their eyes reveal their deep expectations for the future of the family. Portraits of the ancestors of the family are hung on the walls. Those majestic faces seem to be silently watching this gathering, witnessing the inheritance and continuation of the family.

"Antonio, Sofia, your art and commercial complex project is now the star of hope for the family." The patriarch of the family, a white-haired but vigorous old man, slowly spoke. His voice is low and powerful, echoing in the hall, as if it is a call for the family's mission. "If this project is successful, it will surely inject new vitality into the family business and greatly enhance the reputation and status of our family in London and even the whole of Europe."

The other family elders nodded in agreement. A kind old woman looked at Sofia with a smile: "Sophia, your artistic creativity in the project really impressed us. You have proved yourself with your talent, and now we sincerely welcome you to become a member of the family."

Sophia bowed slightly and responded elegantly: "Thank you for the recognition of the elders. I will do my best to live up to the expectations of the family."

However, the expectations behind this recognition are like a heavy mountain, pressing on Antonio and Sofia's hearts.

"You also know that the continuation of the family is very important." A middle-aged family member changed the subject and looked at Antonio and Sofia, "We hope that you can add children to the family as soon as possible so that the family bloodline can be passed on."

Antonio frowned slightly. He knew that having offspring is an important part of the family tradition, but at this moment the project is at a critical stage, and he and Sofia have invested a lot of energy in it. "Elders, we understand the importance of family inheritance, but the current project requires our full efforts. We will try to balance family and career."

The family elders also mentioned the issue of maintaining the family's image. They emphasized that as a member of the family, Antonio and Sofia's every move is closely watched by the outside world, and they must always be elegant and decent, and follow the family's traditional etiquette and values. Whether in social occasions or in daily life, there must be no behavior that damages the family's reputation.

At the dinner party, the table was full of exquisite dishes, but Antonio and Sofia had no appetite. They knew that the family's expectations were like ropes, which gave them the motivation to move forward, but also bound their freedom and choices.

After the dinner, Antonio and Sofia strolled along the garden path of the manor. The moonlight sprinkled on them, but it could not dispel the haze in their hearts.

"Dear, the family's expectations make me a little breathless." Sofia said softly, with a hint of worry in her eyes. "The project has already kept us busy, and now we have to consider the issue of fertility and family image."

Antonio held her hand tightly: "I know this is a huge challenge for us. But my family raised me, and I cannot ignore their expectations. We can only try to balance and find a suitable solution."

Just as they were thinking, Antonio's mobile phone suddenly received an anonymous text message. The content of the text message was short and obscure: "Behind the family's expectations, there are unknown secrets. If you want to know, come to the old warehouse of the manor alone."

Antonio was shocked. He didn't know what was hidden behind this text message. Is it a secret about the real purpose behind the family's expectations? Or is it a trap set by someone deliberately? This mysterious text message was like a puzzle, placed in front of him, adding new suspense and anxiety to them under the pressure of family expectations. I don't know how they will deal with this sudden situation, and whether they can find a real balance between family and self.