Chapter 19: A Father’s Visit

Desiree's POV

An awkward silence hung heavy in the dining room as the three of us sat together. I couldn't predict how the conversation would unfold, but one thing was certain—it would revolve around Aizen's outburst from last night. Spending ten million just to keep other men away from me was sure to be the main topic of discussion. 

The Chairman's voice resonated through the room, each word carrying the weight of authority and pride. His eyes, alight with a glimmer of amusement, danced over to me, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity mixed with disbelief at his proclamation. "First," he announced, his tone rich with significance, "Allow me to share a delightful piece of news. One of our esteemed guests from last night happens to be a dear friend of mine. He is none other than the distinguished proprietor of the illustrious luxury brand, Meikyū no Tenshi and he wants you to become the face of their brand."

"Me?" I questioned, my confusion palpable. 

Wasn't I too fat for the Japanese beauty standard? 

"You're perfect," the Chairman asserted, his words carrying a weight of authority. "That's what my friend emphasized. He seeks a fresh face that exudes both luxury and innocence, and you embody precisely that."

Aizen and I exchanged bewildered glances, our minds struggling to process the sudden turn of events. 

The Chairman took a leisurely sip of his tea before continuing. "I witnessed your performance last night," he remarked casually, as if discussing the weather. "And I must say, you captivated the audience effortlessly. Moreover, your past experience in modeling lends itself perfectly to this endeavor."

Aizen's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his voice edged with barely contained anger. "You didn't deem it necessary to consult with us before making such a decision?" he demanded, his tone sharp. 

Sensing the tension rising, I interjected, reaching out to grasp Aizen's hand in a silent plea for restraint. "Aizen."

"Why?" the Chairman inquired, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. "She possesses both the appearance and the talent. This presents a wonderful opportunity for her."

Aizen's frustration reverberated in his voice as he spoke through clenched teeth. "You didn't see fit to consult me before adding her to the lineup last night," he retorted sharply. "Why involve yourself in our affairs?"

The Chairman's response was lighthearted, almost playful. "Last night's events certainly brought you two closer, didn't they?" he teased, a knowing twinkle in his eye 

Feeling the tension mounting, I squeezed Aizen's hand gently, silently urging him to maintain his composure. "Please understand, Father," I interjected respectfully, "that Aizen and I need to discuss matters like this before making any decisions. We value your guidance, but it's important for us to have a say in such opportunities."

The Chairman's smile widened at my words, indicating his approval. "You epitomize the ideal daughter-in-law," he remarked warmly, his gaze shifting to Aizen. "Indeed, Aizen is fortunate to have you."

"So, what else is the reason you're here?" Aizen's tone was chilly, his demeanor guarded. 

"You certainly made quite the spectacle last night," the Chairman remarked, his expression inscrutable. "Ten million dollars is a significant sum. That will be deducted from your inheritance."

Aizen's response was nonchalant. "Is that all?" he queried, his voice tinged with skepticism. "No additional demands?"

"You complied with my instructions and are beginning to fall in love; what more could I ask for?" The Chairman's grin was almost mischievous. "I only hope that a grandchild will soon be on the horizon before I depart from this world."

Concern laced my words as I interjected, "Are you unwell, Father?" It was a foolish question, I realized belatedly. Of course, he was. That was precisely why the contract stipulated five years of my life. Aizen had estimated his remaining time to be that long.

The chairman waved off my concern with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm old. Everyone dies," he reassured me. "But you have a whole life ahead of you. I'm excited to see how it unfolds. I always wanted a daughter, and now I have one. So, whatever opportunities come your way, don't let this man stop you." He playfully jabbed his finger at his son. "He's no fun at all."

I grinned, acknowledging his words with a nod. 

"How was the visit to the orphanage, by the way?" the chairman inquired. 

The memories flooded my mind, bringing a smile to my face. It had been an incredible experience. The children were delightful, and the staff were kind-hearted. Even Aizen had shown a different side of himself there. 

"It was a wonderful experience helping them," I replied happily. "I wish we could do more... I organized the funds they requested and took care of some necessary repairs."

"I heard you played family," the chairman mentioned. 

"What?" Aizen responded with disinterest. 

"You, Desiree, and a little boy," the chairman clarified. "They said you looked like one family."

"Oh, Ajin," I recalled fondly. "He was such a sweet boy. I grew quite fond of him. I hope he finds a loving home soon." Pausing, I added, "But whoever adopts him, I hope it's to genuinely love and care for him. Unfortunately, many families are merely bound by blood, offering nothing more. Life can be harsh, and I wouldn't wish a harsher fate upon him."

"So, why don't you adopt him?" the chairman suggested casually, catching me off guard and causing me to choke on my pancake. 

Aizen hurried to offer me water, shooting his father a disapproving glare. "What's gotten into you today, Dad?" he demanded. "Why are you acting like this? I've been managing our empire well, so why punish me and my wife?"

The chairman furrowed his brows. "It was just a suggestion," he explained. "Besides, I can see how attached you already are to the kid. You're all he knows as family."

Aizen shook his head resolutely. "It's too dangerous," he asserted, his tone carrying the weight of his concerns. "And you know that."

Is it though? I understood our family's status and the potential threats we faced, but was adopting a child really too perilous? How significant was the danger?

"I would love to adopt him," I confessed, "But I'm twenty-one, Father, and Aizen is twenty-two. We're not ready to be parents yet."

The chairman chuckled softly at our apprehension. "I understand," he remarked, his tone tinged with amusement. "Young people these days are focused on enjoying their youth." He offered us a warm smile. "But do consider it." With that, he retrieved a cigarette from his jacket, preparing to light it up. 

"Not indoors," Aizen interjected firmly. 

The chairman raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You can smoke, but I can't?" he questioned incredulously. 

Aizen smokes?

I glanced at Aizen in astonishment. "I didn't know you smoked," I admitted quietly. 

I had never been fond of cigarettes. Coming from a family where smoking was commonplace, I harbored a strong distaste for the habit. While I wasn't perfect and had tried smoking twice in my life, I quickly realized it wasn't for me. Many of my friends smoked, but it was something I always disapproved of. 

"I quit a long time ago," Aizen confessed, his cheeks flushing slightly as he scratched his head. "I know about your medical history, Des... You suffered from acute bronchitis. I didn't want to risk aggravating it."

I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks. I hadn't expected his consideration... It was unexpectedly thoughtful of him. 

The chairman sighed, stowing away his cigarette. "I apologize," he said sincerely, "I won't smoke when I'm around you."

Concern was etched into my features as I addressed the chairman respectfully. "Actually," I spoke up, "I would prefer it if you quit smoking altogether, Father. I wouldn't want to witness your health deteriorate any further... My paternal great-grandfather succumbed to lung cancer due to smoking, and I would hate to see history repeat itself."

"You heard her," Aizen said, his voice carrying a firmness that hinted at underlying emotions. Despite his nonchalant façade, it was clear to me that he did care about his father, despite the years of neglect. 

"I'll do my best," the Chairman responded, his tone carrying a hint of sincerity and determination. Changing the topic, he said, "Since you're family, it should be right that you be part of this empire."

Aizen's fists clenched, his eyes flashing with a cold intensity. "Father," he said sharply. 

"I meant to give her the hotel and resort," Chairman clarified. "She should take a course on business management as well as a course on running a hotel and resort effectively. She'll work and study behind the scenes for now. I'm sure that by the time she reaches thirty, she'll be able to handle it as the CEO and owner." He smiled. "You heard that right, Aizen. I mean to give her our hotel industry. Actually, it's already hers. I had it transferred to her name."

Why? Why would you do that? We barely know each other.

Chairman's smile remained unwavering. "I'm sure that you can handle it," he said, a note of assurance in his tone. Then, his expression grew serious. "Consider it a precautionary measure in case Aizen decides to divorce you or harm you."

"How dare you insinuate such a thing!" Aizen's voice reverberated through the room, his anger palpable in both his tone and his piercing gaze. 

I rose from my seat, reaching for Aizen's arm. "Aizen, please," I implored, enveloping him in my embrace. "Don't let this escalate. Let's calm down together." My gaze shifted to the Chairman, my expression resolute. "Thank you for your concern and generosity, Father," I acknowledged, my tone steady. "But I assure you, I don't need such measures. I have faith in Aizen."

The Chairman nodded, his demeanor grave yet paternal. "I understand your confidence," he acknowledged, his voice carrying the weight of years of experience. "But in matters of business and legacy, caution is always warranted." His gaze shifted to Aizen, holding a mixture of expectation and wisdom. "You were tasked with finding a bride you could genuinely love, not just to secure the Nara lineage, but to ensure the continuity of our family's legacy. It was the condition upon which your inheritance hinged." Rising from his seat, he adjusted his glasses with a thoughtful air. "Yet, as you well know, the landscape of business is ever-changing. One can never be too careful."

Why do I have a bad feeling? 

"The hotel is a gesture of goodwill," the Chairman clarified, his tone unwavering. "But to ensure the integrity of our agreement, the entirety of the empire will be transferred to Desiree in the event of a divorce." His words carried a weight of finality, leaving no room for negotiation or ambiguity. 

My heart sank. If things fell apart between Aizen and me, I'd be stuck in this marriage for good. Aizen wouldn't let me go, not when his inheritance was on the line. 

Did the chairman find out about the contract?

"What did you just say?" Aizen's voice was controlled, but the tension in the room was palpable. 

Chairman met his gaze without flinching. "While you're married, the empire remains yours," he explained. "But should you choose otherwise, it passes to your ex-wife and any children you may have."

Before Aizen could react, I stepped in between them, enfolding him in a tight embrace. "Don't," I pleaded, feeling the tension radiating through his body. 

"Leave," Aizen demanded, his voice low and commanding. 

As the chairman left, his tight-lipped smile leaving an unsettling echo in the room, I dared to meet Aizen's gaze. It was frigid, sending shivers down my spine. When he pulled me into his arms, it was as if I had been enveloped by an icy embrace, tinged with a sense of foreboding. 

I didn't know how to feel. I flinched as he wrapped his arms around me. It was an unexpected gesture from him. 

"What now?" I ventured, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

Aizen's embrace tightened, a mixture of emotions swirling in his eyes. "Now," he said, his voice low and determined, "we navigate this together." 

At that moment, I couldn't help but wonder if this would be the beginning of our salvation or the start of our downfall.