Like the snow

Chapter 29

*Naoki's p.o.v*

"So you have finally returned, huh?" 

I could sense both relief and annoyance in his emotionless tone …

"Yes father, I'm here now as you can see"

"Does that mean that you agree to marry her?"

"Yes, I'll do what you wish for"

He slightly smiled "great, you can leave now"

I nodded then left …

I returned to my room as I took a picture of little Shiroi and started staring at it

"Naoki san, you're the only one I can trust that with … please take care of my daughter for me"

These were his last words which has always been ringing in my ear since two years ago

It feels so sad, that a little girl in her age have to live without a father

She needs someone to support her and stay by her side …

I promised myself to take that responsibility and make her keep smiling

I consider it as the deep meaning of my existence … 

Disappointing her father, hurting her and breaking my promise … I can't do that …

A knock on my door stopped the stream of my thoughts

"Naoki sama, your father wants you downstairs immediately" said a voice of a maid

"Understood" I said, then went downstairs to the living room

As I stepped in I saw my father and the girl with long black hair I was supposed to meet and another man, her father I believe 

I got closer and sat besides her and I looked at her as I noticed her violent eyes

I greeted her and we exchanged few questions …

Well, her voice is soft and she looks beautiful

But I feel nothing towards her …

I rolled my eyes to my father as I asked: "Can we go to the garden for a while?"

He nodded not knowing what's in my mind and replied: "sure, take your time"

I got up and went there with her …

After moments of silence I said: "Are you satisfied with this prepared marriage?"

"Well I wasn't at first, but now I guess it's fine with me"

Then it was silence again …

…… "can't you just … decline the proposal?"

Her eyes got teary "Why do you want that? Am I … not good enough for you?"

"Whoa! No … sorry I really didn't mean that … please calm down"

"It's just that someone who is away from London needs me …" I completed as I got closer and wiped her tears, realizing that my father is peeking

Luckily, she stopped shedding tears

Few minutes later she got called and returned home

After they went away I returned inside as father asked: "so what do you think about her?"

As If my thoughts and feelings matter to you anymore

"…… Good"

I thought for a moment then asked: "father … can I return to Japan?"

He raised his voice, almost yelling: "No! You're going to marry her and stay here"

"But father, I made a promise and I must keep it"

"Don't talk back! No means no"

I thought for moments then asked: "even with her?"

"That's her decision, not mine" he said with his tone back to normal

Time passed and I returned to Japan … after a week

I entered my apartment hoping that nothing is missing as I left it opened

I quick checked on almost everything as it all was just like I left it

In the bedroom I noticed Shiroi on the bed … poor her … she must have been lonely … I feel bad for leaving her …

I covered her well as she opened her eyes

"Na kun!" she hugged me

I smiled and hugged her back as I pat her head

" ……… who is she?"

I looked back … "ah, you mean Karen? She's my fiancee"