The Nail That Sticks Out

Chapter Seventeen: Slow

Olivia Mei Sasaki

"What the fuck?"

Shocked eyes turn to me.

Oh, I said that out loud.

"Olivia," my father reprimands. His eyes blaze into mine and I feel my face redden.

"Father," I splutter. "Y-you know I'm only 19 right? Marriage, are you...are you out of your mind?"

"Enough," he booms. He closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Let. Me. Finish."

I shrink back into my seat and will myself to calm down.

"I can see how this might seem to be an absurd suggestion for you. But that's merely what this is. A suggestion. I will not force you into marriage. With that being said, I do strongly hope that you will approve of this arrangement since you are my only daughter and seeing that you refuse to even take up the education for hotel management, the least we can do to carry our name down in the business is to have you marry the next CEO."

He looks me straight in the eye. "This is for you too, Olivia Mei. For over twenty years, I have built this company into the empire that is is now. When it is time for me to step down, I may not have the financials to support you as I have been doing so far. Trust me when I say that this is the way to ensure stability for your future."

"I can support myself, Father" I bite out. "With research in Biology."

"And then what of Muses Corporations?" he asks calmly. "Muses has been in the hands of the Sasaki family for generations. I need you to inherit the company in one way or another and if not as CEO, then at least as the CEO's wife. Then I will pray, Olivia, that your progeny will take on the company in the future."

My fucking progeny.

My head spins and I feel a compelling urge to laugh at the ridiculousness of this whole situation. One minute my father's no where to be found in my life--barely home, barely in the country. The next minute, he's handing me off to some man in the name of marriage. And he's talking about the prospect of me bearing this stranger's children.

"Kenzo-san," Haru cuts in. "I must put myself in your daughter's shoes. I'm afraid she must be taking this all in shock, as it is an arrangement that would not often be made for those as young as her. May I suggest that we take things slowly?"

My father narrows his eyes. "How so?"

Haru turns to me with a warm smile. "I'm sorry that this is such an unexpected turn of events for you, my dear. Your father only wants what is best for the company and for you. I'm sure you know. How about we take some time to get to know one another first? Let me take you out on proper dates and treat you the way you deserve."

I flush at his forwardness. What the hell am I supposed to say to that?

"And if you still feel uncomfortable with taking my hand in marriage," he continues. "You do not have to. As Kenzo-san said, he will not be forcing you into marriage. Isn't that right, Kenzo-san?"

My father stays silent for a moment, contemplating. Then, he slowly nods.

"If you really disagree, Olivia, then I will respect your decision," he says gruffly. "But as your father, I only ask that you give this a chance. Kimura-kun is a wonderful person, as a business partner and as a man."

Haru grins sheepishly. "You are too kind, Kenzo-san. So what do you say, my dear?" He turns to me with a questioning look.

What do I say? Suddenly taking up Hospitality Management doesn't seem like such a bad idea anymore. But could I forgive myself for dropping everything I've done for the past two years in Biology for a life dedicated to Muses Hotels? Could Mom forgive me?