In 24 years of her life Jongdae never once thinking that she will be sitting here in his father’s room without the said man, well,  at least not for another 20 years. She never sees her mother looks so weak like this- that is a word that she never associates with her mother because she is a strong woman. But today, it’s different, they’ve been crying and so very tired after spending days in hospital and finally today, the dreaded news has come. Her father, one of the best business tycoons in Asia, Han Geng, finally passed because of his heart complication. Her mother still looks shocked about the news since coming back from the hospital to prepare the funeral. It’s as if she is acting on automatic and will collapse soon.

In front of her, in her father’s chair sit Choi Siwon, her father’s trusted lawyer, with papers and files in his hand. It’s her father’s last will and she is so not ready for this. Baekhyun, her best friend and Mr. Choi’s daughter, brings her some water but she thinks she’ll throw up is she drinks and just push it away.

“Ahem..”

Mr. Choi clears his voice and looks at Jongdae’s mother and she nods.

“Alright, I will read the last will of Mr. Han Geng now.”

 I, Han Geng firstly appoint Choi Siwon to present this will as my lawyer and my closest friend. Second, for the one I left behind, my wife, Kim Heechul, I love you with all my heart and I am happy that I can fulfil my wedding vow to you, to be with you until my last breath. I left the H Foundation for you to take care of, I know that you are not that fond about children that are not your own but I hope you can give all those children we’ve taken care of a brighter future.

For the one that I love as equal as my wife, my lovely daughter, Jongdae, I left the Grand H hotel in your hand, you are 24 now and I know you can do well. I know you’re never interested in this major but I will feel more in peace to leave the management to you, my own blood and flesh. To help you in understanding about the H, I appoint Choi Siwon as your guide until you can manage it by your own or if one day you will be married, I’m hopeful about your husband will do well with you at H. Beside the Grand H, I am leaving the pet shelter in your hand too because that is something that you begged me to made and I really want you to be responsible for it.

I left all of my wealth for my wife and daughter under the management of Choi Siwon and as my trusted friend I hereby give Choi Siwon 10% of H stock. I also left the cottage near the lake for Byun Baekhyun whom I cherished like my own daughter, I know when you or Jongdae sulk you girls always go there so I’m leaving it to your care. I also leave Jongdae in you hand, for you are the friend she trusted the most and I hope you can put some sense into her to care for the Grand H. Also Baekhyun, I know you will take care of my wife too, Heechul cherish you a lot and she really likes your paintings, so please be nice to her even if she is sometimes hard to understand.

The last is for everybody that I left, I love you and trust you with my heart and this will be my last greetings.

Love,
Han Geng

Siwon puts down the file and heaves a long sigh. He looks at the three girls in front of him and finds them all sobbing quietly. This is a sorrowful event for them all. It’s such a shocking news such a strong healthy man like Han Geng suddenly just dropped sick and gone like this. He worries about Heechul because he knows deep down Heechul can be a wreck without his husband, but what worries him the most is Jongdae. Jongdae is the only daughter and Han Geng has been spoiling her to the fullest, letting her do what ever she wants. He still remembers his conversation with Han Geng a year ago when Jongdae comes to her father to beg for animal shelter and Han Geng just laugh, telling her it would be done tomorrow.

“You should not do this anymore to Jongdae, Geng. She is 23 now without an inch of business knowledge. You should tell her to study business instead of letting her built a shelter.”

Han Geng clasped his shoulder, a small smile on his lip.

“A shelter is not that bad, you know how she has a weak spot for stray animals and beside I’m still strong enough to take care of H. Perhaps I’ll let you teach her around 5 more years, my friend.”

“She’ll be 28 by then and by that time she would probably made  you opened her own preschool and you will probably let her go like that. She is very much like Heechul, Geng, you should not say yes to her all the time. She is your only heir.”

“If that’s the case I’m going to marry her off to some talented young businessman, a handsome one for that because Jongdae will throw a tantrum if I choose the one below the standard for her.”

Siwon remember how Han Geng just laughs, joking about the perfect husband for Jongdae who’s also a perfect businessman. Now that he thinks about that, he should have been more aggressive into making him get Jongdae to study business. He looks at Jongdae and rubs his tired eyes. There are still so many things to prepare.

“Jongdae” He calls. “Did you listen to your father’s will alright?”

Jongdae sniffs and nods lightly.

“I hope you understand that now the Grand H is in you hand, so you better prepare to come to office tomorrow.”

Jongdae cries harder and Baekhyun hugs her, patting her friend’s shoulder.

“How could Daddy do this to me? He knows I have no interest in that..”

“You are the only heir Jongdae, of course he will leave it for you and it’s your father’s hard work from scrap do you want that hard work gets into someone else’s hand? There are many people that are after that spot especially right now with the stock dropping and the hotel in chaos with your father leaving.”

Jongdae glares at him. “Of course not but I can’t- I know nothing about Grand H”

“I will help for the time being beside I am one of the stockholders now, I cannot let the revenue drop right?” He tries to laugh but Jongdae just cries harder. He sighs and looks at Heechul, her eyes red, just sitting there with a thoughtful face.

“What are you thinking, Heechul?”

Heechul gives him a determine look and then glances at Jongdae.

“I remember something, something about the hotel and Jongdae.”

Siwon raises his eyebrow and Jongdae looks at her mother.

“I remember talking about this with Heng, I remember telling him that Jongdae is not interested and she is so much like me that it will be impossible to make her do something she hates and I remember exactly the solution he gave.”

Heechul looks at Jongdae with that little smile, her proud little smile.

“I know exactly how to get you out of this, Dae”

“What? How?” Jongdae looks intrigued with this. She will do anything to get out of this one.

“Do you want to keep doing what you are doing now right? Being free and just go whenever we want, buy the first limited edition bag and having fun, right?”

Jongdae nods.

“Then you have to do exactly as I said.”

“What is it Mother?”

“Get married.”

There is a silence blanketing the room, every eye pays attention to Heechul with surprised look. Jongdae is the one that get the most shocked. She actually wants to laugh at her Mother’s suggestion but her Mom doesn’t look like joking.

“WHAT?”

Heechul laughs, the memories with Han Geng plying in her eyes.

“In my defence, that’s not my idea, it’s your father’s actually. He easily told me that if you want to get out of this, just go find a husband that is suitable for the Grand H, that way, he said, he can kill two birds with one stone. You get to get married, he gets the businessman he wants and probably a grandchild later on.”

Jongdae stands in front of her mom, still cannot believe what she just said.

“I am sorry but what? Getting married?”

“What? You don’t want to get married?”

“It’s not that” Jongdae turns around, holding her aching head. She’s been crying too much and this new information is making it hurt more. “I don’t even have a boyfriend how could you tell me to get married easily?”

“So you don’t hate the idea”

“What? No.. I mean yes!” She turns back to her mother but she doesn’t know what to say. She is having no problem with an arranged married but it’s just so sudden and shocking.

“Listen to me Jongdae,” Her mother stands, holding her shoulder. “Think about it like this, you get married, your husband will take care of the Grand H and you will be free to do whatever you like, you can be a teacher, a volunteer or just laze around. It’s simple like that.”

“No Mom, it’s not that simple…” Jongdae looks at Siwon, asking for help.

“I can’t say I agree with your Mom, because that’s just not right”

“Thank God, someone who understands me” Jongdae goes to stand next to Siwon, feeling proud. Siwon then looks at her and the smile drops.

“But I also think that’s not a bad idea, it’s like you will learn through him and one day you can manage it on your own, also your father has told me too about this before.”

“Uncle, you should be on my side! If I get married, then grand H will be in somebody else’s hand, you don’t want that, right?”

“Technically, Jongdae, it’s not. It will be still under you name, your husband just runs it for you”

Jongdae opens to protest but then Baekhyun holds her wrist.

“Think about it, Dae. It’s like the shelter, it’s under your name but you have people to manage it. You just sometimes come there to take a look and pet some animals. It’s really not a bad idea”

“What? Are you out of your mind? It’s different, it’s not some other people but this is a person whom I have to marry.”

“Exactly! It means you can control it easier and beside you can leech off him.” Baekhyun gives her an evil smile that reminds her so much with dead bunnies.

Jongdae looks defeated and the other three know she’s going to agree in no time.

“I need to think about it first, give me some time.”

“Think fast Jongdae because I’m going to find you a husband tonight.”

This makes Jongdae more angry than shocked.

“What? Mom, we just lost Dad and tonight is the funeral ceremony and you want me to find a husband?”

“Exactly. Tonight is the funeral and there will be a lot of your father’s business colleagues to come and that’s when we will do the screening. Beside, if we don’t do this fast enough there will be some fat ugly businessman trying to get their filthy hand on your father’s chair, we don’t want that, right?”

Jongdae pouts but shake her head at that. He father works so hard to get where he is now and Jongdae won’t want that comes to waste just because of her selfishness.

“So, now Jongdae, you need to be alert for tonight and you will come with Siwon tomorrow to the hotel, show everybody that everything’s fine and under your control.”

“Why don’t you just take over the hotel? Why does it have to be me?”

Heechul laughs. “You are kidding, right darling. I control everything from home and I have better things to do than being Chairman. But you, Jongdae,” Heechul’s eyes turn soft. “You have your father’s blood in you, even if you can’t now, your intuition will lead you well. You are a Kim and also a Han, you are smart like your father but also have a good sense like me, you are a tough one, honey.”

Heechul grins at her and Jongdae can’t help but hugging her Mom.

“I love you Mom”

Heechul squeezes her shoulder and then slaps her .

“Now, get ready for tonight, you big baby. You are crumpling my blouse.”

Jongdae laughs and then walks hand in hand with Baekhyun to her room.

*****

Heechul and Siwon are left alone in the room to talk more about the will.

“Don’t you think it’s too much for Jongdae?” Siwon asked from arranging his papers.

“It’s fine, Jongdae is strong and she knows from the start that Han Geng will arranged her a marriage one day and because of that she doesn’t even bother to find a boyfriend.  Beside, she is so much like me that she will think what the best for our benefits is first.” Heechul looks at Siwon. “Beside, isn’t that how our society works? I am pretty sure you already has someone in mind for Baekhyun too.”

“I know that, but is this the right thing to do? Will she be happy?”

Heechul gives him a look and she laughs.

“I am happy and I don’t even like Geng at the first time.”

“But you love him after, what if-“

Heechul stands up and raises her hand to stop Siwon.

“She will be happy, if she’s not she will find a way to be happy. I believe in her and you should too.”

Siwon sees the serious look on Heechul’s face and he laughs, nodding.

“Of course, if the guy doesn’t make her happy, I am sure you will make sure she’s happy.”

Heechul snorts, not denying it. “Now lets go, we have so many things to do tonight, we need to find someone suitable for Jongdae.”

Heechul walks toward the door but Siwon grabs her wrist.

“Are you gonna be okay?”

Heechul is trembling in his hold but she doesn’t look at him.

“Geng is in happy place, I know that much. I cannot be sad for that. What’s important now is protecting what’s left, Grand H. I don’t know how to face him one day if his hard work is crumbling.”Heechul glances at him, eyes red. “Beside I have you here, what’s there to be afraid of. I am the Kim Heechul, nothing will scare me.”

Siwon squeezes her fingers and lets her go, not following her because he knows best she doesn’t like to seem weak in front of people. She doesn’t like to be seen crying which is what she will be doing in her room. He will just take care of the funeral for tonight.

****

Jongdae is sitting blankly on her bed with Baekhyun rummaging her closet for clothes. Baekhyun comes out victoriously from the closet holding the black clothes. Jongdae looks at her and grimaces.

“I never thought I’ll ever be wearing that clothes this early.”

Baekhyun puts the clothes on the couch and goes sitting next to her.

“I am really sorry…”

“Why are you apologizing?” Jongdae gives her a hollow laugh and Baekhyun hugs her.

“I just- I lost my mom when I was born Jongdae, I can’t say I know how you feel but the empty feeling in your heart I understand it well.”

Jongdae cries to her shoulder. “I don’t know what to do now, Baek.”

Baekhyun pats her back, “You still have your Mom and me and also my Dad. Don’t worry too much.”

Jongdae pulls away from Baekhyun and smiles. Baekhyun and Jongdae are practically sisters, they grow up together and live just across the street until Baekhyun moved out few months ago to get her own apartment which Jongdae sulks for that- she wants her own house too but her Mom won’t listen to her. Her father and Jongade’s Dad were friends since high school and they decide to be close since then. With Baekhyun’s mother’s death when she was born, Jongdae’s mom, Heechul who was in the middle of carrying Jongdae decides to step up and care for Baekhyun like her own child. It’s natural they go to the same school since kids but when they went to the university, they don’t have the same dream. Baekhyun wants to be a painter and succeed in achieving that. She already has her own gallery now. Jongdae was supposed to take business course but she has no interest in that, she chooses education instead. She is thankful her parent didn’t object to that but this time she feels like regretting her choice.

“I don’t want to get married yet..” Jongdae whispers while playing with her hair. Baekhyun pulls at the hair and laughs.

“It’s fine, just live like you are still single. It’s an arranged marriage of course you don’t want to.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You do know about that pre marital statement right?” Jongdae nods. “Just made that with your soon to be husband and set the boundaries. But if you fall in love with the guy, well then I’ll get easier.”

Baekhyun winks at her playfully but Jongdae just pushes her.

“You know I don’t believe in love at the first sight, that’s just lame, Baek”

Baekhyun laughs and pushes her too.

“Whatever you say, Chengzi.”

Jongdae gasps hearing her Chinese nickname that her father gave which means orange and yes, it is embarrassing.

“You are an awful girl…”

“Thank you, I pride my self by being awful to you. Now go get ready, you have to look pretty or there won’t be any young genius businessman fall for you.”

Baekhyun pushes her to the bathroom and Jongdae stops, looking sad again.

“Won’t my Dad be mad at me for doing this at his funeral?”

Baekhyun stares at her and squeezes her friend’s hand.

“I am sure he won’t mind because this is all for the Grand H he loves and I am pretty sure he still wants you to look pretty wherever and whenever you are.”

Jongdae smiles and hugs her. “Thanks Baekhyun…”

****

The funeral is crowded; it seems all businessmen in S. Korea come for the last greeting. Mr. Han is known for his kindness but there are still people who hate him just for being successful. So, the location is not only packed with saddened friends but also the happy enemies for one rival going down.

One of them is Kim Youngwoon, owner of largest Dept. store in S. Korea. He comes with his son, Sehun. At place like this, while people are sad about the situation but it’s also a perfect place to meet business colleagues and sometimes a good place to make a deal and Mr. Kim is here exactly for that reason. The left ones are still vulnerable at this state so it’ll be easier to get to them.

Mr. Kim and his son bow to the Heechul and send his condolence. Kangin then shakes hand with Siwon who stands next to Heechul.

“I was really surprise after hearing the news, I still can’t believe it, such a strong man like Geng Hyung is gone like this.”

Heechul nods at him, looking half sad and half alert, eyeing Kangin and his son.

“Thank you for coming, Kangin ah. Jongdae’s father must be happy seeing you here, moreover you are also bringing your son”

Kangin nudges Sehun and Sehun bows to her once again. “I am the second child, Sehun, Ma’am. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Heechul eyes the young man up and down and smiles her special smile.

“Ah, Sehun, the prodigy? The one that finished business school in only 3 years on full scholarship abroad?”

Sehun just nods calmly and Kangin pats his shoulder, looking proud.

“Yeah, he’s a bit obsessed about business and thinks that he needs to finish school early so he can join me at the store.”

“You must be very proud, as his father.” Heechul smirks, feeling happy. A perfect candidate for Jongdae.  Now she just needs to get Kangin on the boat and looking at it, it won’t that difficult. She knows Kangin well, he is not the man who’ll just let this kind of opportunity pass.

 “By the way, I don’t see Jongdae anywhere. Is she fine?” Kangin asked curiously and Siwon then looks at the seated area where Jongdae and Baekhyun sit close, looking alert to the people around them. Kangin follows Siwon’s line of sight and smiles sadly at Heechul.

“It must be hard for her to lose her father, she was so close to each other.”

Heechul nods. “Yeah, it’s kind of stressful for her, not like me she still has a weak heart. She is so young and her father left her all this big responsibility.”

Kangin eyes the small smile on Heechul’s face and smiles back, offering his hand.

“If you need anything, and I mean anything, I’d be pleased to help. Beside Leeteuk won’t want to see you, her friend to suffer alone.”

“Thanks Kangin, I am sure I am gonna need your help in the future.” They both smile, thinking about two different things where their kids’ future will be hold in line. “Where is Leeteuk by the way? Is she alright?” Heechul looks concerns and Kangin offers her a saddened smile.

“Her chemotherapy schedule was this morning, so she can’t make it here. My daughter, Minseok,  accompanies her at the hospital”

Heechul looks at Sehun “It must be hard for you too, Sehun, seeing your mother like this. I really hope for her recovery to be faster.”

“Thanks Ma’am, I will make sure to send her your greeting”

Heechul nods and then nudges Siwon. Siwon gives the father and son a smile.

“Let me take you to have a seat, Hyung”

The father and son bow and left to the sitting area but then Heechul calls them back.

“Kangin, why don’t we have some tea tomorrow? I’d very much like to hear your advice for the Grand H, because you know, I don’t really understand all of those business talk”

Heechul uses her innocent voice very carefully and Kangin uses his business smile like he has hit a jackpot and offers his hand. Heechul smirks at his reaction and grabs his hand.

“Of course, if Leeteuk’s well enough I will take her to meet you too, Noona.”

Heechul nods and then bows a little. Heechul can’t help but smile meaningfully after they left. It’s like Jongdae has find her soon to be in laws.

****

Siwon, knowing the thinking of Heechul decides that bringing the father and son to Jongdae’s seat first will be a good choice. He clears his throat and both girls look at him warily. Siwon eyes the father and son and it takes a second for them to set their eyes on the younger man. Both girls glance at each other and spread a wide welcoming smile for them, and stand up.

“Jongdae, Baekhyun, this is Mr. Kim Youngwoon and his son Sehun.” Siwon then look at Kangin. “I suppose you still remember my daughter Baekhyun, too?” Kangin just nods.

Both girls bow and Jongdae then offers her hand to Kangin which he accepts gladly.

“I cannot say it’s nice meeting you in this circumstance sir, but still thank you for coming.”

“Oh, of course I have to come. Your father is precious to all of us, Jongdae. ” He then turns to Sehun, making him come forward. “This is my son, Sehun”

Jongdae nods, scanning the young man’s blank face. “Thank you for coming, Sehun-sshi”

Sehun just nods, not saying anything.

“I am very sorry for your loss, Jongdae ya.if you have a hard time, you can come to me, I will gladly help.”

Jongdae bows a little, thanking the old man. After they left, Jongdae turns to Baekhyun who’s busy giggling.

“Why are you laughing like that?”

Baekhyun fans herself and then glances at Jongdae’s mother who’s eyeing them.

“I think your Mom already find your match.” She grins, Pulling Jongdae back to the chair. “He is handsome and for what I heard he’s smart.”

“What do you know?” it supposes to be harsh but Baekhyun is used to that so she ignores it.

“He is Oh Sehun, the golden boy of the Kims. He graduated at 21, business major of course in Germany. Now he’s the GM of Giant Dept. store.”

Jongdae snorts at her explanation and drinks the makgeolli served. “He must be a boring guy and why is he an Oh if he’s actually a Kim?”

Baekhyun clicked her tongue, looking disapprovingly at her best friend. “You really know nothing, don’t you?” Jongdae just shrugs; this kind of society doesn’t match her. Baekhyun then pats her cheek, thinking. “I don’t really know the reason but he changed it at senior high. Come to think of it, from what I heard, he used to be a trouble maker but then change drastically after graduating high school. It’s like in one night he became the perfect kid every parent’s jealous of.”

Jongdae glances at his table, examining his blank face and then pokes Baekhyun’s side, making her jump.

“Stop doing that! You know I’m ticklish”

Jongdae ignores her whine and points at Sehun who sits straight and pays attention to his father.

“What’s wrong with his face?”

Baekhyun looks and raises her perfectly manicured eyebrow. “What’s with it? He’s good looking.”

Jongdae piches her cheek, bringing Baekhyun’s attention to her.

“It’s not that, you stupid.” She looks at him again. “It’s just he’s there, staring blankly at his father. Does he has some face muscle problem or something?”

Baekhyun revenges her with pulling at her hair and laughs.

“You are unbelievable. Just because you smile all the time doesn’t mean everybody’s like that.”

“I have a nice smile, of course I have to smile all the time. This smile” Jongdae points at her own mouth while smiling. “can kill, you know.”

“You are talking nonsense again, you look more like a cat smiling like that, creeps me out.”

Jongdae pats her face. “You are just jealous, I understand. But hey, where do you hear all the stuff about that Sehun guy?”

Baekhyun glances at her from her phone and lazily send a text message, Jongdae suspiciously think that it’s a guy, the guy who bought Baekhyun’s ugly painting for $100 cash.

“I heard it from one of my friend, beside I’ve seen him and his mother with another girl at my gallery.”

Jongdae squints her eyes. “What friend? You only have me and what girl? His girlfriend?”

Baekhyun hits her as a reflex and answers without even looking at her. “From the look at it, it’s probably his sister and there is this one friend…”

“A guy friend? The one who bought you for 100 bucks?”

Baekhyun gasps dramatically. “It’s my painting, you ert girl and his name is Chanyeol by the way.” Shen then gets back to her phone.

“And when will I be meeting this Chanyeol?”

“He is busy, no time for peasants.”

“You are a peasant but he’s meeting you.” They both laugh, as if forgetting that they are wearing black clothes and some people crying around them.

****

The ride home from the funeral is filled with silence, the emotion that they didn’t really sho to others suddenly just came out when Heechul accepted the ashes of her husband and Jongdae keeps on crying on their way. Heechul too couldn’t contain her emotion that she almost collapsed. Thankfully, Siwon was with them for support.

“It feels so real now, that I am holding this” Heechul whispered to Siwon, holding the jar close to her chest. Siwon can only hug his friend.

Jongdae got it worse, she wailed seeing the jar and she just can’t help that this is it for her and her dad, there will be no shopping together any more, no lunch date, no more tricking her mom just so she can steal her dad to have a walk in the park, there is no longer a father for her.

Jongdae insists on bringing the jar home and put it on the book shelves contains mostly her dad’s books in the living room. Heechul too then take a frame picture of their little family and put in beside the jar.

“Your dad is in a better place, Jongdae. Stop crying now, you know he hates it when you cry.” Heechul touches the picture lightly and glance at Jongdae. The girl stands next to her and wipes her eyes.

“I am sorry, Mom”

Heechul faces her daughter and wipes her tears, smiling sadly. Heechul rarely shows her kind side at people but for her family, Siwon and Baekhyun include, she just puts down all her mask.

“You are a Kim, this will be your last time crying like this in front of the crowd. You are now the president of Grand H, you should only show people that you are a strong woman and will never let them step on you because you will step on them first. There are only us now Jongdae and we should protect what’s your dad had work so hard, protecting what’s ours.”

Jongdae nods and wipes her eyes. She looks at the picture. “I’m not going to let anybody touch your position, Dad.” She looks back at Heechul, determined.  Heechul squeezes her shoulder and walks to her room.

---