PROLOGUE

                "Is there a problem, Dad?“ I asked. He’s been staring at me the whole time were having a breakfast.

                “I just want to ask…, uh, are you… are you dating someone?”

                Oh no, not again. My jaws clenched. We’ve been through this. It’s been his mission in life to check on my love life from time to time.

                “Dad… I told you…”

                “Yes, I know. You told me you’re not interested. But Yoona, listen to me.“ My dad spoke calmly as if I’m a special child or something and it annoys me.

                “I’ve listened to you talked about this many times,” I said irritated. “I’ve also explained to you my opinion and reasons but you won’t listen to me.”

                “An opinion I don’t agree with because it doesn’t make sense.”

                “Which of those don’t make sense?” I said exasperatedly. Really, I don’t see the point.

                “How old are you, Yoona?” he asked. “You’re turning twenty-six.”

                “Yeah, practically an old crone,” I sarcastically answered.

                “At that age you should have started thinking of settling down. Or at the very least, be in a stable relationship. But you don’t even have a boyfriend.”

                “Is it my fault if all the guys I met were not meant for me?” I don’t why but every man I met it all ends to friendship.

                “You’re just being choosy. Or maybe you really intend not to like them. Honestly, I think you never gave any of them a chance.”

“Maybe it’s because I am not yet interested in settling down.” That’s the truth. For me being with a guy was something stifling. It was bad enough I have my dad looking over my shoulder and watching my every move. What else if I have a boyfriend?

                I’m used to do anything I wanted. As an only child, I was pampered by my adoring father. He gives whatever I liked in just one blink. I never had a problem. For me settling down is stressing. 

                “When are going to be interested? Look, Yoona it’s for your own good that’s why I’m doing this. I won’t live forever you know.”

‘Yeah, I’ve memorized it, Dad.’ I want to burst it out to him.

                “This one is different,” he insisted. “He’s the relative of a good friend.”

                “No, Dad. I allowed you many times and that’s enough.”

                He looked at me intently as if I slapped him.

                “I’m just thinking of you, Yoona,” he said with tiredness in his tone.

                “You’re thinking of the company not me,” I retaliated.

                He looked down. I think he’s guilty caused it’s true. He was really thinking more of the company. I’m not into business. I liked designing. I majored Fashion Designing in College. At first, I majored in Business Management but I am bored and almost failed its major subjects. So, my dad agreed to me to shift on the course I really wanted. That seemed to also end his dream of having me, own the company he founded.

                “The company is very important to me. After all, I poured my blood, sweat and tears into making it a big and successful enterprise. But it is all for you. Whatever happens to me you have someone to lean on. However, I would prefer it if I see that long before I go. You’re already in good hands. I want to see, what kind of man I would leave you to. What kind of man I would leave the company to.”

                “You can leave the company to me, you know,” I said. He stared at me and burst out laughing.

                “Sorry, no offense meant, my child, but you just don’t have the will and the drive to run the company. I can’t force you on what you don’t like. Having a half-hearted leader for the company is as bad as having a jackass running it. So, humor me, please. Meet this guy. And give him a chance.

                “I can’t. I don’t want to,” I insisted. “Please don’t force me to. Excuse me,” I stand and left him.