Ha-Kyung held on to Cadella’s hand tightly as they headed to the front door to be greeted by his father. Knowing his father, this evening could go one of two ways. If they were to head to the dining room then that meant his father intended on having a more civilized meeting. However, if they were to go to his office, it would be strictly business and those times had a tendency to end unpleasantly. 

As soon as they entered they were greeted by one his fathers’ servants. “Good evening young master Ha-Kyung. May I take your coats, please?” Ha-Kyung removed his jacket, and Cadella mirrored his actions cautiously. “Your father will join you in the dining room momentarily.” The man stated as he guided them in its direction. The servant seemed only to be interested in conversing with Ha-Kyung so Cadella trailed behind and couldn’t help but notice the décor of the home, such as the furniture, elegance, and the  numerous pictures of people along the walls. She tried to look for an image of Ha-Kyung, but she couldn’t get a close enough look. 

‘I’ll ask about those later.’ She thought to herself.

“…are you even listening to me?” Cadella suddenly came from her thoughts and noticed that they had arrived at the dining room. She slightly nodded and took a seat directly next to Ha-Kyung. “…don’t nod your head at me. When you are spoken to, you speak. When you aren’t spoken to, you don’t talk.” Ha-Kyung angrily folded his napkin in his lap. “Are you that foolish woman?” Cadella started to respond when suddenly eight men entered. Ha-Kyung quickly stood and bowed, as so did Cadella.

“Hello, father.” Cadella wasn’t sure which one he was referring to so Cadella just waited to see which face would respond.

“Ha-Kyung” The man in the center spoke firmly and had sharp features. He had an exceptionally tall figure, considering that he was taller than Ha-Kyung, who already had stood at an even six feet.

“Father this is Cadella, and she’ll be marrying me soon.” It wasn’t until Cadella felt a tight squeeze that she noticed Ha-Kyung was holding her hand. “We would have sent you an invitation, but I figured your schedule is too hectic to try to coordinate, and as you know, this is rather a time sensitive issue, in itself.”

“I see.” Ha-Kyung’s father motioned for the maid to appear and, to start the first round of food. “So Ms. Cadella why do you want to marry my son?” 
Cadella was slightly caught off guard but answered as honestly as she could. “Honestly, sir I don’t know.” At the sound of that Cadella could feel Ha-Kyung stare a hole in her head as she tried to avoid his eyes by focusing on Ha-Kyung’s father. “I wake up some morning’s wondering how we even crossed paths, let alone have feelings for one another.” Ha-Kyung’s father looked amused at her answer as he started to eat his food. “He’s extremely moody and more complex than any another human I’ve ever encountered, but when he is kind it’s…” 

Cadella wasn’t sure how to say it without it sounding bad, but I guess Ha-Kyung decided to finish it for her. “See father she doesn’t even know how to think of me,” Ha-Kyung added a very forced smile.

“Is that right?”

“Yes, sir.” Cadella nervously stated.

“Mr. Jeong, can I ask you a question?” He motioned for you to continue. “All those pictures you have along that hallway, are those your family members?”

Ha-Kyung coughed nervously as he lightly squeezed your hand. Mr. Jeong chuckled softly to himself. “Actually no. They are people with whom I have done business with.”

“You must make strong relationships with your business partners. I’ve never worked with some that I liked enough to hang a large picture up of them. Even if I did it would be to throw darts at.” Cadella's humour managed to arouse a small sound of laughter from Ha-Kyung's father.
Dinner continued to prolong itself later and later into the evening. For the most part, the conversation were active and the moments of awkwardness were always short-lived. It mostly consisted of question and answers and whenever the term business was mentioned Cadella couldn’t help think it meant something else.

““Cadella, I am starting to like you more every minute.” Mr. Jeong stated

“Did you not intend on liking me.”

“Not necessarily, I just had an idea of what you would be and you only continue to exceed my expectations, so I apologize.”

“Apology accepted. I’m just glad I could change your mindset a little. Hopefully, as you get to know me more, you’ll grow to like me more as well.”

Son, why don’t you Cadella stay the night. It will give me a chance to get to know you better before you become my daughter-in-law. It is already past midnight?”

“Father I have major plans to make and…” Ha-Kyung started to speak.

Mr. Jeong leaned forward and steepled his hands on the table. “Jeong Ha-Kyung…” He spoke calmly and clearly. Whenever Mr.Jeong said something that wasn’t optional he always used that gesture to communicate what he meant in a different fashion.

“Ha-Kyung, it was a bit of a drive, and it isn’t safe to drive so late because drunk drivers are always on the street during these hours.” Ha-Kyung gave Cadella a stern look.

“Cadella, would you mind leaving Ha-Kyung alone for a while, one of the maids will you to your room.” Cadella stood to her feet as she was led away by one of the maidservants.
...

"I never thought you would think to bring a foreigner to home. Let alone one of her...complexiom." Jeong Ri-Jun stood across his desk from his son. It was moments like this that Ha-Kyung and dreaded the most. "I have to say I figured you'd hold out to marry for love, not because of my words. I guess you'll do any thing for your fantasy life I guess."

"I have done nothing wrong, and she fits within your guidelines."

"That she does my son, but I worry about whether or not she fits into yours." Jeong Ri-Jun took a sip of vodka as he adjusted his 40,000 dollar watch. "I mean honestly, aren't you a little conflicted, I mean you were the one preaching to me about freedom of life choices, but you, my son, have kidnapped some woman you found, solely because her memory is a little shaky." 

"I am doing this only because you have driven me to these lengths. I know what kind of life I want, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get there." Ha-Kyung returned the same blank gaze to his father.

"Jeong Ha-Kyung. When you say things like that, you make me so proud, but you direct towards the most unsightly of situations. You and I are more alike than you'd care to realize and the sooner you realize that, the better your life could be."

"Why am I here-"

*slap "Don't take my compliment to the head and get cocky with me." Ri-Jun stated.

"Father. Is there a reason you wanted us here tonight?"

"The motives for this evening are none of your concern, so it's better for you to think of it as a quick dinner. But I do want you to know that I have changed some of the  guidelines."

"You can't do that!"
*slap "Honestly do you get some high from this or something. You're asking for it. As I was saying, she must have a child born by this time next year or the deal is off."

"That-" Ri-Jun lifted his hand again slightly. "Why are you making this so involved father? Wouldn't it just save us all time to get what we want."

"You are wrong. This ensures that I get some happiness too, my son. If you don't see it now, then you'll certainly see it then." Ri-Jun waved his hand dismissively. As Ha-Kyung walked back towards his room for the night he couldn't help but think what his father's final words could have hinted towards, but Ha-Kyung could only pray that it wasn't anything drastic, but knowing his father, it could only be unimaginably tragic.