HIS WOMAN| J.JK

Chapter 9

Yn

After a long and exhausting day at work, I found myself yearning for a moment of relaxation. Just as I was about to close up the bookshop, an elderly gentleman walked in and purchased the entire series of thrilling books that I had on display. His enthusiasm sparked a wave of excitement in me, rejuvenating my spirits.

Eager to celebrate the unexpected sale and to show my appreciation to Nick and Steve for their hard work, I decided to treat them to a delightful dinner. We headed to a cosy Japanese restaurant known for its delicious sushi and flavorful glass noodles.

As we entered the restaurant, the owner's eyes widened in surprise, mistaking Nick and Steve for bouncers due to their impressive stature. I couldn't help but chuckle at the misunderstanding as I explained that they were my companions for the evening.

"You two must be quite the chYncters," the owner remarked with a chuckle, placing a plate of delectable sushi rolls in front of us. The aroma of freshly prepared food mingled with the warmth of the restaurant, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Nick grinned, his eyes lighting up with amusement as he surveyed the array of sushi. "We try our best," he replied warmly, picking up a piece of sushi with practised ease. His expertise in handling chopsticks was evident as he effortlessly savoured the flavours.

Steve nodded in agreement, his usually stoic expression softening with a hint of mischief. "It's all about balance," he added with a playful wink, reaching for a serving of glass noodles.

Throughout the meal, the restaurant owner treated Nick and Steve like her own sons, anticipating their preferences and ensuring that each dish was to their liking. She exchanged friendly banter with them, sharing stories of her own family and the joy of seeing young men enjoying good food and company.

"You boys remind me of my own sons," she said fondly, wiping away a tear of nostalgia. "They used to come here often, just like you two. It warms my heart to see such camaraderie."

Nick and Steve exchanged grateful glances, touched by the owner's genuine hospitality. "Thank you for making us feel at home," Nick said sincerely, his usual stoicism melting away in the warmth of the moment.

As the meal concluded, the owner surprised them with complimentary cakes, each decorated with a playful design. "Enjoy the cakes, on the house," she said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with motherly affection.

It was a late night, the kind that cloaked the world in shadows and whispered secrets. Earlier, I had informed my mom about being late due to a best sale party hosted by Nick, Steve, and me—my mom's favourite sons, as she fondly called us. The night air was cool, carrying a hint of mystery as I made my way home.

Quietly unlocking the door, I slipped inside and locked it behind me. Nick and Steve were waiting outside, their presence a reassuring comfort in the darkness. "Thanks for the ride, guys. I'll see you soon," I whispered, not wanting to disturb the peace of the night.

As I stepped into the familiar surroundings of my house, a sense of unease washed over me. The faint dim light emanating from my parents' room and the half-opened door caught my attention. Murmurs floated through the air, mingling with the silence of the night.

Something didn't feel right.

Instinctively, I tiptoed closer, straining to catch snippets of the conversation. Words like "trouble" and "danger" sent a chill down my spine. I knew I had stumbled upon something serious, something that demanded caution and evasion.

"I don't know how we'll recover from this," my dad admitted, his voice laced with worry.

Mom reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "We'll find a way, we always do," she reassured him, though the uncertainty lingered in her eyes.

Then, my dad dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the air, freezing me in place.

"The investor and shareholder has proposed that our daughter marries his son," my dad revealed, his tone filled with resignation.

Mom's eyes widened in disbelief, her expression shifting from concern to incredulity. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He believes it will help stabilise the company and restore investor confidence," my dad explained, his words heavy with the weight of the proposal.

Mom looked torn, her emotions warring within her. "I'll give you my savings, we can find another way," she offered, desperation creeping into her voice.

But dad shook his head, his resolve unwavering. "It's not about money anymore. Even your savings won't make a dent in the company's situation," he admitted, the truth hanging heavily between them.

I stood outside their room, my heart pounding with a mixture of shock and helplessness. How could I possibly help in such a dire situation? The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, leaving me grappling for answers and a way to ease my parents' burden.

As I retreated to my room, the night seemed darker, the future more uncertain than ever. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I vowed to find a way to support my family and navigate through the storm that had engulfed us.

The night wore on, filled with uncertainty and the lingering echoes of secrets hidden in the shadows.

The weight of my dad's struggles bore down on me like a heavy burden, and despite my earnest desire to help, he always pushed me away, insisting that my happiness and fulfilment were his priority. But as the days passed and the situation grew more dire, I couldn't ignore the ache in my heart, knowing that my parents' happiness was intertwined with the fate of our family's legacy.

"I want to be by your side, Dad," I pleaded one evening, as we sat in the dimly lit living room.

He looked at me with a mixture of love and concern, his eyes reflecting years of hardship and determination. "You don't need to worry about us, sweetheart. Focus on your own dreams and aspirations," he urged, his voice gentle yet resolute.

But deep down, I knew that my dreams were intertwined with theirs, bound by a sense of duty and love that transcended words.

"I can't stand by and watch everything crumble," I confessed, my voice trembling with emotion. "I'll do whatever it takes to restore what you've built, Dad. Even if it means sacrificing my own happiness."

Dad's expression softened, his gaze filled with pride and a hint of sadness. "You don't have to make such a sacrifice, my dear. We'll find a way, together," he reassured me, though the uncertainty lingered in his eyes.

But I knew that time was running out, and drastic measures were needed to salvage our family's legacy. With a heavy heart and a determination born out of love, I made a decision that would change the course of our lives.

"I'll marry him," I declared, my voice steady despite the tremors of fear and uncertainty. "I'll marry the investor's son to restore the company that you built with your blood, sweat, and tears."

Dad's eyes widened in shock, a mixture of pride and concern flashing across his face. "No, you can't do that. Your happiness is more important than anything else," he protested, his voice filled with emotion.

But I stood firm, knowing that this was the only way to save what mattered most to us all. "My happiness lies in seeing you and Mom happy, Dad. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen," I affirmed, my resolve unwavering.

As the night wore on, a sense of determination filled the air, mingling with the echoes of unspoken fears and hopes. I knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and sacrifices, but for the love of my family and the legacy we cherished, I was ready to walk it with unwavering determination.