I adjusted Pond's tie, making sure he looked perfect from every angle. I didn't want anyone to see a flaw in him, especially not in his appearance.
Today is the day Dad will announce that he's officially handing over everything to Pond. We're already at the office, just waiting for the right timeâand for Dad to arrive. He's still at the doctor's office for his checkup with Mom.
I gently cupped Pond's face, bringing it toward mine. I smiled at him, trying to ease his nerves. He was clearly anxious. In fact, he'd been restless since last night. His tendency to overthink had taken over, and he kept worrying about all sorts of things.
"Everything will be fine, love," I reassured him. "Just relax, okay?"
"I can't, baby. What if the shareholders don't agree? What if they say I'm too young for this position and this responsibility?"
"Love, you've already proven to them that you're capable. Managing and overseeing the new hotel and casino in Europe wasn't easy, and doing it remotely was even harder. Besides, it's not up to them to decide who will take over for Dad. This is your family business, and you're the only child. You're the one who will inherit everything, whether they like it or not. And like you said, you're still youngâyou have a lot of room to grow. No one's perfect in their position right away. They should give you the chance to prove yourself and improve."
"What if they don't want to?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.
"They can leave. Dad won't stop them anyway." I replied firmly.
Pond smiled at me and pulled me into a hug. "Thank you, baby."
"No need to say thank you, love. I'll be your number one supporter in everything," I said with a soft smile.
"Let's get married," he suddenly said.
"Huh? What's that about?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to say it."
"Are you proposing to me?"
"Can I?"
"I'll think about it."
"Why? Don't you want me? I can provide for you, you know."
I laughed loudly. "I never said I didn't want you. I said I'll think about it."
"Okay. It's up to you. Aimee is still around, though."
I quickly pushed Pond away and shot him a sharp glare.
"Really? Then go ahead and marry her instead."
This time, Pond laughed. He pulled me into a hug and kissed the top of my head.
"You're really cute when you're jealous."
I just rolled my eyes. He's been at it with this agenda of making me jealous since yesterday. He gets so much amusement from seeing me jealous, especially when he brings up Aimee's name.
"I'm not proposing to you, not yet at least. There are still things I need to take care of and prioritize. You deserve a grand wedding proposal, and I will give you that at the right time. For now, just let me enjoy seeing you jealous."
"You're crazy." I lightly slapped his chest. He really gets so much joy from seeing me jealous. But fine, I'll indulge him. If it makes him happy and lifts his spirits, I'll go along with it.
"If that's what you want, then fine. Just make sure you can handle me."
"Of course I can. I love you, and I can handle all your tantrums and whatever comes with it."
"Fine."
Let's see if you can really handle me.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted us, and we quickly pulled away from each other.
"Sir Pond, Phuwin, Sir Peter is asking for both of you at the conference room," said Dad's secretary.
"Okay. Thanks." Pond replied, letting out a deep sigh before looking at me.
"Let's go, love." I grabbed his arm and squeezed it gently. I gave him my sweetest smile, then adjusted his suit. He looked perfect in his three-piece black suit and slicked-back hair, exuding that undeniable CEO vibe with his fierce eyes.
As we entered the conference room, all eyes were on Pond. Dad greeted him warmly, while Sam guided me to the other side of the room.
"This is my only son, Pond. Some of you have seen him grow up. For the past six months, I've trained him to handle our family business, and I've witnessed the improvement and the hidden potential within him. You all know about my health issues, and my doctor has been advising me to rest if I want to live longer. I've been neglecting it, but now, I can't anymore. So, starting today, I am handing over my position to my son. I know he's young, but I'm confident he can handle everything. After all, he's my son."
A round of applause filled the room. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that Pond's worries about the shareholders not accepting him as the new boss were starting to fade.
"He is indeed young, but I can see the potential in his eyes," said one of the female shareholders. "I've also seen how he managed the new businesses abroad. For someone his age, I can't wait to see how he will exceed everyone's expectations." The woman paused before adding, "If I'm not mistaken, his name is Mrs. Elai Tawan Metawin."
Phakpum, the oldest shareholder. According to my dad, he was supposed to retire soon.
"We'll get there, Mr. Phakpum," Pond replied calmly.
"Why not start looking for your partner in life, Pond? Time flies quickly. Before you know it, you might find yourself left behind. Why not plan for it now? You don't have to worry about your business; we've already placed our trust in you. So why not consider dating my niece Aimee? Or perhaps start getting to know her better?" Mr. Phakpum suggested.
The smile on my face completely faded when I heard Aimee's name. Can you believe it? She even has an uncle among the shareholders. She's been working hard outside, and now this old pushover is trying to pave the way for her inside. What a clever plan. But it still useless.
"With all due respect, Mr. Phakpum, I decline your offer. I already have a partner and I have no plans of breaking up with him. Don't worry, I'll send you our wedding invitation soon."
I couldn't help but smirk. That's my man for you, sir.
"Oh that guy? His name is Phuwin right? Your not done playing with him yet? It's okay. My niece can wait."
"Who said I am playing here, sir?" Pond's tone had shifted, and I could tell he was on the verge of losing his patience. I wanted to approach him, but I could feel the tension building, knowing that things could escalate soon. But Sam stopped me.
"Let him handle it," Sam whispered to me. "That old man needs a serious reality check. Sir Pond can handle him."
I knew Pond could manage the situation, but I had a feeling it would be done in a way that was far more harsh than anyone expected.
"You're not? C'mon Pond, dear. We are all aware that nowadays, same-sex relationships are widespread, but you can't take that kind of relationship seriously," Mr. Phakpum continued, his words dripping with condescension.
"Why can't I?" Pond's voice was calm, but I could hear the tension building beneath the surface. I had to close my eyes for a momentâI could already feel his darker side starting to surface.
"Pond, a man can't give you a family. He can't give you an heir. He can't give you a future, a legacy."
"Really?" Pond's voice was now cold and sharp. "What exactly is a family to you? A family that consists of a mother, father, and a child of our own blood? Is that it?"
The air in the room grew heavier, and I could feel Pond's resolve tightening. The conversation had shifted, and it was clear that Pond wasn't backing down.
"Of course it is. Adopting is out of option. We are talking about an heir here Pond. It should be from your own flesh and blood."
"Can a family really be measured by blood?" Pond's voice was steady, but there was an edge to it now. "Can we truly consider someone family just because they share our bloodline?"
"Why not?" Mr. Phakpum shot back, not expecting such a response.
"Are you sure?" Pond's question was direct, almost challenging.
"I am, of course." Mr. Phakpum responded confidently, but I could sense that his conviction was beginning to waver.
The tension in the room was palpable, and I knew Pond wasn't going to let this go.
"What if that someone doesn't treat you like family, even if you share the same blood? Would you still call them family?" Pond's voice was calm but the weight of his words was clear.
"Why should I?" Mr. Phakpum responded, still somewhat dismissive.
"Exactly." Pond's eyes sharpened. "Just because someone shares your blood doesn't mean they are family. Not all your blood relatives deserve to be called family. Family isn't defined by blood alone. The bond of blood is useless if there's no love. Even though they say blood is thicker than water, love is stronger than blood. It's not blood that makes a family, Mr. Phakpum. It's the way you treat each other, and the love you give one another as family."
There was a moment of silence in the room. Pond's words hung in the air, challenging not just Mr. Phakpum, but the very idea of what truly defines a family.
"But still..."
"My family, my decision, Mr. Phakpum. I am the one who will decide what kind of family I will build and who I will spend my life with. You may interfere in the management of our company, and I am open to all your advice and suggestions regarding the business, but not about my family. A stranger like you has no right to meddle in my family in any way."
"You will regret it soon."
"I doubt that. Even if I regret it, it's still none of your business. And even if I do regret it, I still won't choose your niece." I don't recycle useless trash Mr. Phakpum."