"Is this the way to talk, Aelin?" Mrs. Kim, who just entered and heard Aelin's side, said. While Ashoka made the poor, pitiful face as if she really had wronged him. Aelin stare at the old lady, and at that moment, she got that ' I fucked up' feeling.
After all, a crime isn't a crime, if no one knows. But if you get caught red-handed, then it's not a crime, it's a sin. The pissed face of the old lady was clearly explaining her situation. Even the old man was shaking his head, for god knows what.
"Aelin. Apologize, right now." Mr. Kim, who has treated Ashoka as his side, decided to stand for righteousness. Even if that means, going against his injured princess.
As for Aelin, '...'
Fine, humans are stupid. But this much '?!!' Like seriously, can't they see his smiling face, behind that pitiful facade of his. But she knows, if she doesn't apologize then these oldies won't let this matter slide, while this fellow will gain the sympathy of these old folks.
But if she apologizes, then that would be akin to admitting defeat, akin to stepping on her self-esteem. Now, what should she do, in both cases, she would be the one at loss.
" Who is apologizing and to whom?" When Aelin feels like her life has reached the dead-end, they all hear the cold, deep, husky, lowly magnetic voice resounded in the silent room.
Making everyone, including Aelin, stare at the new entry or should I say new entries.
~~
Park Taekook, the heir of the Park Family. The Chairman of AT enterprises, CEO of Hitbit entertainment, and the ED of Yam`es brand. Not to mention the one and only heir of the Park family's business too.
This person has a tall figure, which exuded immense pressure on others. His cold stare, could steal the breath out of living. This ruler of darkness. The ever-so-cold-blooded, merciless, ruthless fellow.
His even a single breath can bring sweat on many people's foreheads. Yet, this person was standing at the door frame, with two people, one on his right [ Min Namjin] and the other on his left [ Kim Sisoek ], with an amicable, sweet smile on his face.
Aelin stares at the newcomer, for a good few minutes. He is handsome, to say the least. Her first impression of his. The newcomer stared at her and there was no expression on his face, except for that little smile of his, which was nothing more than a formality.
Ah! Well, she has seen the crying expression of the lady, the controlled, trying to hide the painful expression of the old man, the cold, terrified, disgusted expression of the young man, when they have seen her.
But this fellow seems really good at masking his expressions. She really can't decipher what's going on in his mind, despite being a phoenix, a goddess on top.
What a shame? Baby, what a shame?
Now I am a human with Aelin Kim's name.
Everyone's expression changed drastically. Ashoka was looking at Park Taekook as if he had seen God from Heavens, just now. Sarah and Aedion have wide smiling faces.
" Taekook, so good to see you, again. My child." Aedion said while hugging the newcomer, who gave a warm, gentle hug and pat on Aedion's back.
" It's been so long, my child. How have you been? How are Sneha and everyone?" Sarah said while engulfing Park Taekook into a motherly, warm hug, who responded equally.
" Everyone is doing good and well, with God's grace. They were worried about Aelin. So, I came to pay her a visit. I hope I haven't disturbed your family reunion or something." Taekook said while staring at Ashoka, referring to something.
" Oh, no-no. We are more than happy that you came. Don't forget we are a family. How silly of us, we were really going to lecture our princess, because of a menial issue. Despite knowing how hard it must have been for her, how painful and unbearable all this must have been?" Sarah said with fresh tears in her eyes.
" Yes. Yes. Ashoka, our Aelin is young. Not to mention she has been through a lot. Come on, be a big man and forgive her. After all, she is still young and naive. She has a lot to learn and understand in her life.
You must be gentle, patient, and understanding towards her. Only then your love life will bloom and become successful. Just like ours. Child, I am telling this from my personal experience.
Treat her with love, respect, and care and she will treat you as her everything." Aedion Kim said, making Aelin gasp at the sudden turn of events.
How did a victim turn into a culprit and a culprit turned into a victim? This is definitely her first time witnessing something like that. Making her stare at the newcomer in the spotlight.
He is handsome, speaks politely, and carries the regal air. Just who is he, to get the same amount of affection and love as her from these old fellows?
Ashoka, who was ready to hear Aelin's apology, ended up clutching his finger tightly at the sudden turn of events. After all, who knows this fact better than Ashoka and how simple and easy it is to manipulate Aedion and Sarah are.
Everything was going well. But then his idol appeared and he ended up landing into this embarrassing position. Once again, he has to lower himself to let them know, he is the type of son-in-law they want for their daughter, this golden egg-laying hen.
Besides, he will let her pay for this humiliation later.
" You are right, father. Indeed, I am in the wrong. Aelin, I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. If you don't like my presence, then I will leave right away.
I will seek your forgiveness till you forgive me." Ashoka said in a calm, polite manner. He expected Sarah and Aedion to melt and support him. But they just smile and encourage him.
Left with no choice, he ended up leaving the Kim family and new entries alone. After all, Taekook just turned a blind eye and deaf ear to his entire drama. Not to mention he even speaks up for Aelin.
~~
Taekook stares at the person, who has been staring at him and who now has a confused look on her face. The very person, for whom he was here. The very same person, who hasn't said anything from the moment he appeared till now.
" Aelin, is everything okay? Is it hurting somewhere? Should I inform the doctor?"
Aelin didn't reply, just stared at the people in front of her.
" Could it be that we hurt her, unintentionally?" Sarah said while staring at Aedion.
" Well, that's highly possible. After all, we took Ashoka's side just now. That must have hurt her. After all, she hates it when we love someone else in front of her. " Aedion said while staring at Aelin.
" Aelin, the father is wrong. Father knows he is wrong. Please don't be sad. Please don't be mad at us. Please tell us what you are feeling. Should we call the doctor?" Aedion said in a pleading, loving voice.
" Aelin, the mother is equally wrong. I know you hate Ashoka. I know you don't want to get married to him. I know you dislike all of us for that. I know, you can't tolerate when I give my attention to him or take his side.
But Aelin, you know your grandfather wants the best for you. Believe me, Ashoka is best for you. I am not saying to force yourself to marry him. But at least try to know him. If you dislike him, then your mother will break your engagement with him.
I promise." Sarah added, to which Aedion nodded in agreement.
While Aelin gets to know one thing, these old folks are that weakling's parents. Just like her. Stupid and idiotic. But full of love for her. The type of people who want the best for her.
" I am alright. I just need rest." Aelin finally utter. After all, who would have thought that a weakling would have parents? Now, this is complicated as hell for her.
" Oh, then please rest. I will visit some other time." Taekook cut himself a slack and was ready to leave, disappointed, nevertheless to say.
" Umm… Thanks for coming to see me. It's just that I am not in the best of my condition. Once I get well then I will come to see you. To express my gratitude." Aelin said while tolerating the pain she was suffering, just so that her voice won't falter.
Taekook turned around and saw how she was carrying that gentle breeze, that summer smile, despite all the pain she had been tolerating. Bringing a small smile on his face in return. Not the formal one. But the genuine one, the encouraging one.
He bowed in acknowledgment in her direction, bid his farewell to Kim's parents, and then left with his entourage. Aedion and Sarah ended up smiling after watching this cute interaction between these childhood friends.
" Aelin, rest well. We will visit tomorrow. Okay." Aedion said, making her nod.
[ Edited chapter.]