"Michael!" She hugged him before turning to everyone again asking: "What did I miss? I heard you all laughing?"
"Nothing. Don't mind them. Let's go to the garden." Aki slightly pushed Kira outside and away from his family. He didn't want them to let Kira know about how his family had been teasing him endlessly whilst she was helping the three kids change into their swimwear.
Everyone found their seats and started enjoying the luncheon prepared by Aki's personal chef, Chef Jacques. Everyone's favorite food was laid out on the table, both vegan and meat dishes. After some time, desserts were served and some alcoholic beverages for the adults.
Kira went ahead and got herself a glass of white wine but before she could even lift it to her lips, a hand quickly snatched it from her grip.
"And what do you think you are doing, Kira?" Aki admonished her.
"Isn't it obvious? I am about to enjoy a glass of wine. Now give it back to me." She challenged him.
"Oh?! Need I remind you that you are still recuperating and under medication? You are not allowed to have any alcoholic beverage until you get a clean bill of health from Dr. Simpson." He scolded her.
"I am no longer under medication, Aki. I can enjoy drinking again." She stated matter-of-factly.
"Not today. You can have a glass in a few days. During our vacation, I will let you drink some. For now, stick to your green juice or tea." Aki said with finality as he emptied the glass.
Kira just gaped at him. She would have wanted to argue but since the whole family is here, she decided to let it go. But he will definitely get a scolding later. 'Hmph. Treating me as if I'm a child. The nerve of this man. And right in front of the elders?! Argh! Shameless!'
"Vacation? Where are you two going?" Ike asked, clearly interested to hear more. He's hoping that his son will already tell Kira. He really wants to have another grandchild soon. Although they are already happy with Loi, having another grandchild or maybe more will just add to their happiness.
"I'm taking her to Harbour Gulf in three days' time. Dr. Simpson said that fresh air and some sun will do wonders to her body. And since I already took some time off from work, it's the best time to go on a vacation." Aki proudly stated.
"Oh my! That is indeed a wonderful idea. Good thinking, Aki." Isa mused, clearly looking forward to hearing wonderful news upon their return. Like a marriage? Isa can't help but hope for the best for this young couple who have been trying to deny the love they have for each other.
"How long will you guys be there?" Michael asked. He really cannot understand how these two keep on dodging the inevitable. Clearly, they are both suited for one another and yet they both choose to play dumb about their feelings. It really is a shock for Michael to see how Aki is acting like an inexperienced teenager when it comes to dealing with Kira. Who would have thought that the 'Great Damascus Lee' can lose his bearings whenever Kira is involved. He silently chuckled.
"Five to seven days. And since I already informed the cafe that Kira needs to rest and asked Pam, Alorenda's manager, to do a good job in holding the fort, there's no need for her to strain herself. I've also already informed the orphanage. So all she should do is focus on getting well. Right, Kira?" Aki answered before looking to Kira for confirmation.
"Five to seven days? I thought it was just going to be for a couple of days though? And I thought you said you only informed the cafe and the orphanage that I'll be gone for a week?" She responded questioningly.
"What's wrong with a longer vacation? You need it. Besides, you have a great manager so you really don't have to worry about the cafe. And I've already arranged everything. Just listen to me, okay?"
"Aki's right, dear. You both should enjoy a vacation. I think it would be better if you could have a longer vacation, say, like a month?" Syvi playfully mused.
"Erm. Five to seven days it is then." Kira awkwardly responded. Not knowing why these people are insisting on her and Aki to have a longer vacation. 'One month? Does Aki need not manage the company anymore? And when did he arrange everything? Besides, I do not remember agreeing to being gone from Alorenda's for such a long period of time? Why is he making decisions for me? It's not as if my health and decision making are badly affected by the incident?' All these questions were playing in her head as she silently admonished him.
Everyone laughed as they continued to enjoy the rest of the feast. However, Kira's discomfort did not miss Ellie's eyes. She sighed. 'This brother of mine is going to get it later tonight. Looking at Kira, it seems like she was not fully informed about this vacation. Obviously, Aki made decisions for her again without a care. This man. I really do not understand how he can mess it up so easily with Kira. Tsk, tsk, tsk.' She then looked at Kira who was silently drinking tea across the table looking a little sullen and lost in her thoughts. 'Stupid Aki' Ellie silently cursed her younger brother.
It was almost five p.m. when they all left, leaving Aki and Kira to themselves.
After everyone has left, Kira was reminded that she still has a bone to pick with Aki. So instead of heading back to her room, she turned to Aki. "We need to talk."
Aki got tongue-tied when he heard Kira tell him that they needed to talk with a serious face. What the fuck?! Why is she so serious now? What did I do? Apprehension can clearly be seen on his face. "Okay." He led her back to the living area and sat her on the couch before taking a seat beside her. "What do you want to talk about?"
"First off, I am really grateful for all that you do for me Aki. You really are a good friend. I am honoured to receive all the attention, time and care you give me. But there is a limit to what I can take. Seriously. I do not appreciate it every time you put me in a tight spot. What was that all about? I know you mentioned about the vacation but was it not just a weekend getaway? And you are making decisions for the cafe in my stead?! When did I ever give you that authority?! You cannot just keep on controlling my life for me and making decisions on my behalf without even asking me. I do have a backbone and I've been making decisions for myself well these past few years, Thank you! Sure, I may have had a lapse of judgment when I allowed my anger to consume me and rushed to confront Mitch. However, that was just a one-time thing! And I know the situation would have been dire had you not been there to save me. For that, I am really grateful. But when did you become the boss of me?! Huh? We are good friends, Aki. And friends do not go the extreme like what you are doing to me. You're acting as if…" I trailed off before continuing, "You're acting as if you're my husband. And a controlling, tyrant of a husband at that! I do not appreciate it when you act as if you are interested in me as if I am one of your women, because we both know that that is not even possible. So, please, we need to set some boundaries here. You are one of my dearest friends, Aki. Stop controlling my life as if you own me. It probably would be touching and sweet if we are in that sort of relationship, which we clearly are not. Heck, no. Not even if we are in that sort of relationship, you cannot just make decisions for me. I am my own person and I can very well make decisions for myself! Doing all these… is sending me signals that make me question what we have. And stop telling me that you are just doing this to keep your promise to my dad! Also, I am not your subordinate! So stop treating me as one!" I tried my best not to snap nor waiver before adding frustratingly and almost in a whisper, "Do not start something you can't finish, Damascus. Just stop it now!"