It has been three months since the appointment of young chairman Minho
in JSB. As he had promised, he successfully opened its first bank branch
in Taiwan followed by another two in just one week span. He designed
and improved the electronic services in Mobile-banking and SMS-banking
system and implemented offers such as loans secured by movable and
immovable property. The shareholders and board of directors gave him
positive response after that honeymoon period.
Meanwhile,
cardiac problem complicated Chairman Sunho's recovery after stroke.
Aside from forming disabilities, the stroke damaged the part of the
brain that control his heart making its rhythm beat abnormal which lead
to myocardial infraction. The severity of complication might lead to
sudden death as the mortality rate is high for his age. Upon learning
her husband's deteriorating condition, Hasun prayed earnestly to God
asking strength for her and her daughter to handle this circumstance.
She was already preparing herself to face the worst despite of remaining
hope inside her The heart-rending view of Juniel massaging her Papa's
dysfunction hand, weakened her everytime. She and Sungho have been
together for almost thirty five years, long enough to devote each other.
While Juniel who is just sixteen has to suffer this mysery besides her.
They were old already when the girl came that made her blame their age.
If only they were still younger, Juniel may spending much valuable time
with them especially with her Papa.
Mrs.
Hasun had decided then to pursue their plan for Juniel. While both are
still alive, she needed to secure her daughter's future before any one
pass away. They already talked about this with Choi Monghee and his wife
and that is the arrange marriage between Minho and Juniel. It is the
best option for both the girl and the company. This is common thing
among rich people but she is willing to do it mainly for her daughter.
Thinking that Minho possess everything they needed for son-in-law, with
his good reputation and leadership skill as well as his socio-economic
status that is equal as Juniel. They thought that he will not betray
their trust and wealth unlike other guy. Even without love, Hasun is
confident enough that her nephew will soon learn to love Juniel as she
raised her kind and compassionate girl. Minho is easy to love either,
she knows Juniel will develop deep affection on her cousin afterwards.
It is in their traits that the chances of love may grow. She instructed
Juniel to wear the best dress she has for they will visit Choi Monghee's
residence that cold afternoon. The girl refused first as she did not
want to leave her Papa but the old woman already ordered two of their
private nurses in take caring of their husband while they were out.
Choi
Monghee called together his wife, Minho, and Sulli after Hasun messaged
him. He commanded the chef to cook the best meals for the visitors and
prepare the indoor lounge for this important family matter. Minho had to
postpone the meeting with some foreign clients with this urgent call.
At exactly 6 p.m., Hasun and Juniel arrived at the area where Monghee's
family were already gathered. They greeted one another with kisses and
hand shakes. As usual, Sulli ignored Juniel's presence and the girl was
kind enough to forgive her unnie. Minho came to his cousin and they
shook hands, he greeted Juniel with a charming smile. "How are you?"
"I'm
fine Oppa, thank you." Juniel who was still half-shy in front of him,
put a cute smile on her face. It was three months ago after their first
encounter and it left strange impression on her. The girl wore nice
chiffon aqua dress for the occasssion. She can captivate hearts even
without makeup or jewelry with only her rosy cheeks and natural brown
eyes. Juniel might not be as good looking as his sister but enough to be
called pretty with her distinct natural look.
"Good." Minho stood gorgeous with his casual suit. He then warmly hugged Aunt Hasun as he welcomed her.
They
sat on the leathered couches, facing one another. Hasun begun the
important announcement and they seriously listened when she spoke her
intention.
"Before
my husband got stroke, we already talked about this certain arrangement
with you Monghee-shi and Sunhwa. I think this is the right time to
announce it eventhough my husband is still fighting to recover. It is
our wish before anything happen to us. And it's about Juniel and JSB."
Now
that Minho heard about arrangement connecting to his cousin and
company, it might be the same condition that his father had talked about
before.
Hasun
turned her solemn eyes on her nephew who was sat facing her, "Minho, we
had negotiated with your parents but it's nice to hear it from you. We
carefully check all the possible options and it's you who fits it
perfectly."
"What is it?" The young man remained composed, having its own prediction.
"We
had chosen you to marry our daughter, Juniel." And Minho was right.
Aunt Hasun's statement did not create much impact on him as he expected
it, different with Juniel's reaction. She was quiet listening on her
mother until this words surprised her completely. She had no idea nor
her parents consulted her about this marriage plan leaving her
open-mouthed right there. "We agreed to merge our company with CFG and
will give you inheritance as the consequence of this matrimonial
alliance. You're already doing great as our Chairman and I know that
you'll do great also as being our future son-in-law." She told him.
"Thank
you for you trust Auntie but I can't accept this proposal." Minho's
voice was firm and hardened by his decision. He could not see his self
being tied with someone else especially that his heart belongs to only
one woman. Hasun did not expect him to easily rejects this offer and it
visibly dismayed her as well as Minho's parents.
Sunhwa begged her son who was saddened by his refusal "Son, can you please re-think about it."
"I stand by my words. I'm sorry Ma and Auntie." He said.
"Son,
how can you easily turn it down? This arrangement will give more
benefits for both CFG and JSB's global market status. You know that it
will maximize our shareholding's wealth by combining the two companies."
Reminded by his CEO father.
"It's
possible to merge the two companies without this marriage arrangement,
Pa." It upsets Minho to know that they need to disregard his preference
for the benefits of other person.
"Juniel's
future is very important for us and we're willing to share our wealth
to whoever guy who won't betray our family and her possession. Out of
all the choices out there, It was you we greatly favored, that's why
we're here." Hasun clarified herself.
Juniel
did not know how to react in this matter. She was too naive to think
about this kind of obligation and it hurts her somehow.
"Auntie,
I can't accept this proposal. For you marriage is like a business, but
it needs love to survive and It's not made solely for one person. You
must find someone who had mutual interest with your daughter and I'm
afraid I can't give that."
"I believe love can grow overtime." Hasun got teary-eyed as her proposal got rejected by her nephew.
Minho shook his head, unchanged by his choice. He would never settle with someone he did not desire.
Sulli
who was shaking in anger could not control it anymore. The fact that
they needed to pressure her brother just because of Juniel infuriated
her thus she needed to defend him. She rose from her seat unafraid of
the consequence of her action "This is too much! You already got
everything Juniel even a husband needs to provide it for you. How
relevant are you when you're just a feeble minded adopted girl!
"Sulli, stop it!"
"Yes.
Why everyone is afraid to say the truth? Juniel is incapable because
she's not a Choi. And now Oppa is obliged to marry her just to cover up
her fake blood."
Sulli's
unexpected revelation was clearly out of context and it struck everyone
particularly the naive girl. Juniel's heart beats faster by the
stabbing pain that hurts her, the girl instinctively left them, running
away from this devastating reality.
to be continued...
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