"The heck with that old man?"Pond said irritably as we entered his office. He threw the folder he was holding onto the table and then sat down on the couch on the right side of his office.
"Calm down, love." I sat beside him, took his hand, and gently squeezed it.
"Damn him. The nerve of him telling me that our relationship is just a game. I don't play around like his niece does."
I hugged him, burying my head in his neck and placing soft kisses there, hoping to calm him down, or at least ease his frustration a little.
Even though I didn't like what Mr. Pakphum said eitherâhis words were downright below the beltâif it were up to me, I'd want to respond. But letting Pond handle it feels like killing two birds with one stone. First, it shows that the old man's niece has no chance, no matter what they do. And second, it demonstrates Pond's resolve. I want them to see that nothing can shake Pond's decisions. His resolve is unbreakable, and no one can change his mind. I want them to see him as a CEO, not as a puppet they can control.
"I should put a marriage band on you so they can stop," Pond said, letting out a deep sigh.
"You don't have to, Pond. Besides, for people like them, marriage means nothing unless they get what they want," I replied.
"What should I do then?"
"Ignore him, or you deal with the old man, and I'll handle Aimee. After all, I have every right to deal with her. Everyone knows who I am to you," Pond said.
"Okay. I'll ask Dad if pulling their share from the company would cause any major damage," I replied.
"I'll buy their shares then."
Pond chuckle. He snake his hand on my waist and pulled me closer to him. Dangerous is coming.
"You..."
"I think Sam needs me," I said, quickly pulling away from him. It wasn't that I didn't want to be close to him, but this was his office, his company. I didn't want any more rumors circulating.
"Scared? I already locked the door." Pond said, teasing me with his husky voice.
"I'm not. The place is inappropriate." I quickly ran out of the office. I heard Pond laugh as I was closing the door, and all I could do was shake my head. He really locked the door.
"Seems like he's okay." I was startled when I turned around and saw Dad standing right behind me.
"Dad." I awkwardly said.
"No worries, we didn't hear anything," Dad said, then glanced at Sam, who was too shy to look at me.
They really didn't hear anything, but I knew my reaction would give them an idea of what had happened inside. Besides, when I came running out of Pond's office, Dad must have figured out that his son was being naughty, and I couldn't stand it. It was either I was done with Pond or I didn't want anything to do with him.
"Anyway, sorry for what happened awhile ago. I know that Mr. Pakhum is a pushover, manipulator and straight forward person, but I never thought that he would say all of that. He crossed the line and I don't like it either."
"I can't say it's okay, but I know not everyone can accept my relationship with Pond. Most people will think we're just kids playing around, that our relationship is nothing but fun in their eyes. There's nothing we can do to change how others view us. All we can do is ignore them as much as we can and just be happy with each other."
"But I can do something about it." Dad smiled at meâa smile that said, Hey, I did something crazy.
"What did you do?" I asked, already bracing myself for whatever wild thing Dad had done. Pond definitely inherited all his mischief from him. As for Mom? She's always on Dad's case about it.
"I bought Mr. Pakphum's shares and transferred them under your name. Consider it a partial dowry from my son. I also fired Aimee. She's no longer allowed to work at any of our businesses. I don't need her; I can always hire someone new."
My jaw dropped at what Dad said. I was completely shocked that he bought Mr. Pakphum's shares and transferred them under my name. As for him firing Aimee, I was actually happy about it. That's exactly what I wanted to happen. Instead of waiting for Aimee to stir up trouble or cause problems, it's better that she's removed from the company. The saying "keep your enemies closer" doesn't apply here. It's too risky to keep her within our reach and under our watch.
"Anyway, I have to go. I'll have Sam take over as Pond's secretary in the office since she knows everything and needs the job. Her pride is too high, just so you know. But you don't have to worry about her; she already has a girlfriend, and she's loyal to that woman. So everything is safe."
"Dad, about the shares?"
"Nothing to worry about that. It's all yours. Bye."
I had more I wanted to say, but Dad had already turned around and quickly stepped toward the elevator. Sam followed right behind him.
I let out a deep sigh. Just like that, and so quickly, I'm now one of the shareholders of their company.
"My dad is fast, isn't he?" I was startled and turned around.
"Ai sat Pond!" I muttered to Pond.
"What?" He innocently asked.
"Have you been there the whole time?"
"Yeah."
"Then why haven't you said anything?"
"I am just enjoying the show."
I shot him a sharp glare. "No show, Pond. Just your dad handing me the shares in your company like he's giving candy to a kid."
"Well, he said it's a partial dowry. The rest, I'll take care of giving."
"Dowry my ass. "We're not in ancient times anymore for that."
Pond pulled my arms toward him and hugged me. I didn't push him away since there was no one else around. His office was on the top floor, and aside from the CCTV guards, no one else was there.
"Let Dad do what he wants. What matters is that old man and Aimee are out of the picture. You can focus on me now, and no one will interfere with us."
"Are we sure she won't cause any more trouble?"
"Why?"
I pulled away from Pond's embrace and looked him straight in the eyes. "Aimee is not the type of girl who'll stop just because you blocked her. She'll do whatever it takes to get what she wants."
"Whatever she does, she won't get me, and she'll never be part of our family."
"I'm still worried."
"Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her. For now, let's go somewhere. I'm not in the mood to do CEO stuff today."
"Where are we going?"
"Today is Joong and Dunk's anniversary. Dunk's got a surprise for Joong, and he's asking us to come."
"What surprise? Is he proposing already?" I asked, joking.
"Maybe. He even borrowed one of my cars so Joong won't suspect anything."
"He really can't wait a whole year, huh?" I said, shaking my head.
"Well, even I want to marry you, but I want to settle things first. Because I want everything to be smooth on our wedding day and honeymoon."
"Do you really have a plan? Are you sure you want to marry you? Are you sure that I will say yes?"
"Dad already gave you the dowry. He made sure you can't back out now."
I just laughed. I hugged Pond and rested my head on his.
Me, being his other half? Who am I to say no? But just like Pond, I'm not in a hurry either. I want him to settle everything first. I want him to have a firm grip on his position and fully take control of everything in the company. I'm not going anywhere, and nothing will change. It will always be him, no matter what happens.
We decided to buy new clothes since it looked like Dunk was really going to propose to Joong. He texted Pond to wear something white for the event that he had organized himself. Since Pond was already wearing black and we didn't have time to go home, we decided to just buy something at the mall. Dunk also asked us to wear matching outfits. We just said yes and didn't ask any questions. Dunk's voice was so excited, and I doubted he'd have the chance to explain things to us properly.
After changing into our clothes, we headed straight to where we parked the car. As soon as we sat inside, Pond's phone rang. Dunk's name flashed on the screen. Pond and I both laughed. Pond answered the call and put it on loudspeaker.
"We're on our way. We'll be there, don't worry," Pond said.
"Pond. It's me, Joong. Dunk meet an accident."