The root of this arranged marriage was their father's company, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. His father, unable to take responsibility due to his illness, would feel devastated if the company, a source of pride and dignity inherited from his own parents, collapsed.
Their grandparents had cared for Ashiro since birth, as their mother could not accept him. Their mother had believed Ashiro was a girl based on an incorrect ultrasound, and when he was born as a boy, she was deeply disappointed. This disappointment continued with their third child, Akiro, who ended up living with their maternal grandparents.
Their father, determined not to disappoint his family, concluded that his eldest son should marry one of his business partner's daughters. However, their elder brother resisted, as he was already in a relationship that could not help resolve the company's crisis. The family had accepted his relationship when the company was still stable.
At first, their mother, Amelia, was against this plan but felt powerless due to her anxiety disorder, which made her unable to handle stress. Consequently, she pressured her favorite child, Akiro, into agreeing with their father's decision.
Unexpectedly, their eldest son disappeared without a trace the next day, leaving his parents terrified. They could not allow the marriage proposal to fall through and tried to convince Akiro to marry Diana's younger sister. However, Akiro had already left the house.
---
A day before Akiro's birthday, during a family dinner, Amelia brought up the topic of marriage. Akiro knew they were planning to arrange his marriage when he turned twenty.
"Akiro, how about starting conversations with influential young ladies at the party tomorrow? They are part of the business world, and it would be a big help for our company," Amelia said, breaking the silence.
"Mom, I've already told you I've decided on the path I will take," Akiro replied with a poker face, trying to maintain his composure.
"I'm not going to let you pursue that culinary course. It's better to follow your family's footsteps," Amelia responded, irritated.
Akiro slammed his fork and spoon on the table and stood up, shocking both his father, Danilo, and his mother, Amelia. This was the first time Akiro had acted out during a meal.
"Enough with this! I won't give in to your stupid decisions anymore, mother," Akiro declared.
Amelia was stunned into silence. She had never expected such words from Akiro.
"Akiro, calm down. We're eating right now, and don't raise your voice at your elders," Ashiro intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
"No, brother! I can't take any more of this from this family!"
Ashiro was taken aback by Akiro's sudden outburst. He had no idea it would make things worse.
"What did you say? Are you saying everything I and your father did was pointless?" Amelia demanded, her irritation growing.
"It's not like that, mother. I'm grateful for everything, but having you decide everything about my life is too much," Akiro tried to explain calmly.
Amelia sighed heavily, trying to calm herself. "Let's stop arguing about this. Tomorrow is a special day for you."
"There's nothing special about tomorrow, mother."
Amelia's irritation was evident as she stared at Akiro. "What did you say?"
"Akiro, stop this argument now," Danilo said, equally annoyed.
Ashiro chose not to intervene further, knowing it would only escalate the situation. He left the dining room and went to the living room, turning on the TV but still hearing the argument.
"I won't participate in this charade anymore, mother."
"Akiro, when did you start talking back to your parents?!" Danilo was now visibly angry.
"Maybe he has a lot on his mind, Danilo. Let's just pretend nothing happened," Amelia said, signaling the helpers to clear the table.
As Amelia and Danilo were about to leave the dining room, Akiro stopped them.
"If you keep controlling my life, then it's better for me to leave this house," Akiro declared, blocking their way.
In frustration, Amelia slapped Akiro, leaving a red mark on his cheek. Akiro remained unfazed, almost as if he had been expecting this moment.
"If you want to leave, then leave," Danilo said, stepping forward and forcing Akiro aside. "Just don't come back begging."
With that, Danilo and Amelia left the dining room, leaving Akiro behind.
"You heard that, right, mother?" Akiro said sarcastically before turning and walking away without looking back.
"Don't you dare, Akiro Valentine De Valle!" Amelia shouted after him.
"Sorry to disappoint you, mother, but I already told you. I'm thankful for giving me life and teaching me many things. However, I refuse to follow your so-called plan. This is my life, not yours. The world doesn't revolve around you," Akiro said before leaving.
Meanwhile, Ashiro was left contemplating his future, understanding that he would now have to shoulder the responsibilities his parents had abandoned.
---
After Akiro left, his parents believed he would return after some time. However, weeks passed with no sign of him. They eventually learned that Akiro was working multiple part-time jobs and living in a cramped boarding house.
Their parents were shocked to discover that Akiro had decided to live independently and would not return. Initially, they were furious and tried to threaten him, taking away his cards, cars, and luxury items. However, Akiro reassured them that he had sold all his possessions and returned the money, showing he had not touched any of his cards or valuables.
Faced with no other option to save the company, the only solution was the marriage to the business partner's daughter, whom his father trusted. Amelia, indifferent to whether Ashiro or Akiro married, focused only on their eldest son. She blamed both sons for the family's situation.
Although initially angry about leaving his grandparents, Ashiro chose to take responsibility. He married Diana, as her parents required, and had a child with her, fulfilling their conditions to help the company.