If not for the Contract.

3.

Sia

It's almost past 10, and the person who ordered for the cake is nowhere to be seen. Why would they order the cake if they don't bother picking it up on time? Atleast, I can eat it later heh.

My phone vibrates on the counter. I check it to see I got a text from one of my favourite person in the world. My second elder brother, Max.

Max is three years elder to me while my eldest brother Seth and I have an age gap of six years. Maybe that's why we never bonded much. I don't know.
But what I do know is that nothing could ever beat the amount of love Seth has for us.
Max and I have been very close as siblings ever since I can recall. We rarely fought as kids, always had some adventure to do, that would end up with us getting our forehead flicked by mom. Did I mention we're not even own siblings? Seth and Max are my step brothers. I'll save that part for later.

A huge smile plasters my face as I see his text on the screen. Just a text from them fills me with so much warmth.

Max: How's my lil sista doing? Heard you're back in Seoul. And you don't even bother telling me. Am I the only one missing you or is the feeling mutual here?
Me: I'm good. Watching the bakery for aunty. Maxy, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you! I was so caught up with the shifting and everything.
Max: LOL. It's alright no worries. Call me if you need help with anything;)
Me: I will, thanks. When are we meeting?
Max: Um, let's do it this Saturday. I got my schedule clean.
Me: Alrighty. Do you think Seth will join us?
Max: No idea. I can ask him though.
Me: Please do? I'll see you Saturday.
Max: Yeah, bye.

Don't think the cake person is gonna show up today. I close the bakehouse, and come back home with cake and muffins. It's gonna be a foody night.

Jungkook

Mom picks on a ring. "I can't believe you actually called back! I was just about to call you now!"
"Surprise ig? So, you have something to tell me??" I say. Why do I feel nervous?

"Oh yes, I do! What I'm about to say, just listen to me okay? Trust me whatever I do, it's for your own good. So please just listen to me sweetie, okay?", she says in a worried tone.
I chuckle. "When you put it that way, it sounds wary mom. Can you just say it already?"

She takes a deep breath. "So you know the founder of SIMONE, late Mr. David Kane right? He and your grandfather have been best of friends since like forever. After he died, his son Advid Kane who happens to be our major share holder and friend, along with his sons is basically owning and running the brand."

"Nothing I don't know about, go on."

"It happens that your grandfather and Mr. Kane had signed some kind of a contract and had come to an agreement that, if any of their lineage gets married then their respective shares of the company will go to each other."

"I'm listening", ok this doesn't sound good.

"And it also happens that Advid Kane's daughter from his second wife who passed away 5 years ago, is actually practising medicine in some part of the world. Although no one has seen much her after her mom's death."

What's this feeling in my chest? "Well good for her? Atleast she's doing what she wants" I comment.

She falls silent for a moment. "That's not the point, son. I've heard she has returned, from God knows where in this world. Someone saw her at the airport three weeks back. Soon as I heard the news, I went to Advid Kane's mansion and-"

"And what?" Oh. please. no.

"And.. I might have told him that his daughter and you are a perfect match for each other in every possible way. And that he should consider looking at the contract."

I think I forgot how to breathe. It's okay, you got this. Okay but what the actual hell?
"Mom, have you lost it? I'll just pretend I didn't hear any of this. Bye."

"Jeon wait. Please listen to me. You have to know I have my reasons!" She protests.

"And what is that?" My nostrils flare. I don't think can listen to her anymore without losing my goddamm mind. I refill the whiskey and chug it.
It's gonna be a long night.