The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 85~♫

The night sky spread above their heads. People among skyscrapers crawled like ants.

But beware, ants have unimaginable strength, able to carry a heavy burden. Some individuals forget this and keep watching them with disgust.

Among them was Mrs. Ueno, a successful businesswoman, Samaritan, and the face of many magazines, who build her empire with hard work and sex appeal. Many men fell victim to her charms and honey-coated words, ending in her webs.

Never she had lost an opportunity to expand or turn richer, and no obstacle could withstand her polished claws. However, nature had its ways, and so one man refused to be charmed by her long lashes or shy smiles.

Mr. Kamini, also a businessman and a father of three promising young men, had agreed to meet with her for a casual chat. Mrs. Ueno scheduled their fifth meeting in a noble restaurant at the top of Azure Skyscraper.

Her limousine stopped in front of the glass door, and lights reflected upon the building structure, giving it mesmerizing aura. She gave it a quick look over not impressed at all. Her bodyguard tailed her a step behind, following her through the huge lobby and up the elevator.

Her sparkling and skin-tight dress let her curves speak for her, turning every woman around her jealous. The red lipstick invited men to kiss her and never let go, at least not until she was naked and under them.

Waiters and waitress lowered their eyesight as if afraid she might accuse them of mistreatment. Her high heels clicked against the tiles, swaying her hips back and forth, and the sash around her waist enforced the effect.

"My fair lady," a voice she expected called her.

Widening her lips into a gentle smile, she said, "Mr. Kamini-san, I'm honored you have made time for me." She offered him her hand.

Mr. Kamini, in a lot less expressive and skin revealing suit, accepted and bowed, almost touching her fingers with his forehead. "It's me, who is honored by your presence."

"You are such a sweet talker." A slight blush played on her face as he narrowed. With a hand gesture, she sent her bodyguard away, to stay on the lookout but to not bother them.

They locked their arms, heading to a big table at the top of the small pyramid in the middle. Only rich people could dine here as a mere glass of water cost a fortune. Each table provided a place to enjoy meals from all around the world made from the finest ingredients.

The restaurant was full all year round, making booking a long and tedious process. Not even the Grandfather of continents moved that slow.

However, only the most powerful people could find a free table here, usually by kicking out somebody else. For Mrs. Ueno, this meant nothing, tossing those above her into a chasm became part of her charm.

"You have picked a lovely place." Mr. Kamini looked around as they stopped at the top of the pyramid. "But it can't keep up with your youth."

They no longer stood in a man-made building, but at the top of the jungle with palms, bushes, liana, and plants of all kinds around them. Under the table, grass grew, and around the place bubbled a thin stream of a river.

"You flatter me." She smiled, shaking her head as if she was a shy schoolgirl.

They took their place, and their personal waiter placed menus in front of them. For a short while, they talked about what to get from snails, frog legs, and French-sounding dishes Mr. Kamini didn't dare to read much less to taste.

Finishing their order, the waiter collected their menus and left to bring drinks.

Mr. Kamini flinched a bit.

"Are you in pain? Should I call a doctor?" Mrs. Ueno's hand raced to her small handbag.

"Thank you. Age is only catching up to me. How you do it? Still so young and full of energy."

"Please, stop the flattery." She covered her hand. "We both are in the same age group, after all." A quiet snicker left her lips. "But it's a pleasure to hear it."

She locked her eyes with his, taking in the rather handsome features he still had. Despite the gray hair, he still had no balding place. Working in the office also didn't add any extra fat. All in all, she found him attractive, and it was maddening her she couldn't wrap him around her finger.

"Is something the matter?" he asked, seeing her she tapped with her fingers. "If there is any problem torturing your brilliant mind, allow me to assist you."

A genuine blush spread across her cheeks. "Oh my, is it that visible? I shouldn't bother you with it."

"Please, don't be shy. I wouldn't be able to call myself a man if I let a beautiful lady in distress."

They silenced as the waiter returned with vine, appetizer, and informed them the main dish would be ready soon.

Her eyes glistered with sadness. "I'm afraid I might have failed as a mother. Day by day, my daughter seems to despise me." Instead of taking a sip of her vine, she hid her face in the freehand. "I don't know what to do."

"I understand. I'm also a single parent, and no number of nannies could ever replace the role of parent."

She nodded, taking a sip of the red liquid, and he did the same.

"I'm blessed with three children, but I am scared we may grow distant within the next years. They, after all, need to spread their wings and head the way that is calling them."

"Oh, you mean your position of CEO may not be passed down the family?" she asked with honest interest. It wasn't strange for son or daughter to inherit the family business.

"I sure would be able to rest in peace if it stayed. My eldest, Rigaku, has all the right abilities to lead a group of people to prosperity."

"Right, I've heard only good things about him. He is among the top students alongside my daughter. I hope there won't be a rivalry between them. As I see it, they would make a perfect couple."

Mr. Kamini pondered about it, but perhaps he was thinking about how to eat the undefinable balls without sending them hopping down the pyramid.

"Well, they sure would be able to complement each other."

"I can see it in my mind." She turned a bit younger as her dreamy eyes sparkled. "Her long hair decorated with white flowers, wearing a wedding dress, and your son next to her as a shining knight."

"That sure would be a sight to look forward to," he agreed, successfully maneuvering one ball into his mouth. And in all honesty, it tasted like a chicken, so why, it was so hard to pronounce?

"Oh my," she repeated. "I had this sudden thought, but I'm afraid I may be rude toward you." She also took a bit of her appetizer, finishing it.