Ever since that hurtful moment in the anniversary of Blanc Group, Yuri noticed a change in her husband's behavior. He easily becomes irritated with the slightest errors committed by his employees. And when Joseph Jung is alone in his office, he's always in deep thoughts. He's also like this when they're together at home. His mind is also often off somewhere when Yuri is discussing with him the status of the resorts Blanc Group invested in. These changes made Yuri worried for the man who loved and accepted her including her flaws.

"Please don't go to work today," Yuri requested when she saw her husband preparing to go to Blanc Group's main office in L.A.

"W-Why? Are you not feeling well? Do you want me to look after you?" Joseph checked Yuri's forehead to see if his wife has a fever but her skin's warmth seemed to be normal.

"I should be the one asking you that," Yuri uttered seriously.

Joseph could not decipher what Yuri is trying to say so he sat beside her and made her look directly into his eyes. "Why? What's the matter?" he asked.

"Something's troubling you, Joe. I want to know what it is so that I can help you. I'm your wife. What worries you worries me too. So tell me what's troubling you please...Is it about Jessie?"

Joseph became mum after that. Mentioning his daughter's name made him remember how powerless he is when it comes to his father. Arthur Jung has always been a strict father to him. He was never able to counter his father ever since he was a child. His train of thoughts became interrupted when Yuri squeezed his hand and repeated her question. "Yes, it is," he admitted. "I feel sorry I couldn't be honest with my daughter."

"Why? Are you keeping a secret from her?"

"It's not just me, Yul. Sooyoung's parents are also doing the same thing with her and their own daughter."

"I don't think I understand. Can you tell me what it is?"

"It's about the fixed marriage, Yul. As far as I know father cancelled the agreement after Mr. Shin died. That is why I didn't tell Jessica that she'll have to marry Sooyoung when the right time comes because father already cancelled the deal."

"Then why did he still make that announcement during the anniversary celebration? Why is he forcing Jessie to marry Sooyoung despite knowing that his grandchild is currently in love with Sooyoung's cousin?"

"It's a game, Yuri. A plan."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Dad wants to prove Yoona's love for Jessica. That is why he told Sooyoung's parents that he will use the nullified agreement to test Mr. Im's daughter."

"He insisted on carrying out such plan even if he'll be hurting three innocent people? What if Yoona fails to impress him? The wedding will go on? Or what if Sooyoung falls in love with Jessie? The cousins' relationship will be ruined, Joe."

"I already told him about those consequences but he doesn't want to stop. Yuri, I tried many times to convince him but my words fell on deaf ears. Many people see me as an influential man. But when it comes to my father I am nothing but a size of a dime. My only hope is for Yoona to be successful in showing that whatever had happened in their past, she's still the one who deserves my daughter."

Yuri had once witnessed Joseph going against his father's will when he decided on something regarding Blanc Group. He didn't win. He failed to bend the board members' trust on Arthur Jung's decision making skills. That is why Yuri understood why her husband feels helpless in the current situation where his only daughter is involved.

 ---

A pair of soft thin