THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 12: Terms of Reconciliation

Emil stepped out of the sleek Langston Titan R, its polished surface gleaming under the Seoul sky. The city had never seemed so foreign to him, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of New York. As he walked through the quiet, picturesque neighborhood of Bukchon Hanok Village, he couldn't shake the feeling of trepidation. He had returned to Seoul on Jasmine's call, eager yet anxious about their meeting.

He found Jasmine waiting in a secluded courtyard, surrounded by traditional Korean hanok houses with their wooden beams and tiled roofs. The area was tranquil, a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. Jasmine stood with a determined expression, her hands clutching a folded paper.

"Emil," she greeted him coolly, her gaze steady. "Thank you for coming."

"Jasmine," Emil replied, trying to keep his voice calm. "I'm here. What's this about?"

Jasmine took a deep breath and unfolded the paper. "I've thought this through. If we're going to do this, there are some conditions I need to set."

Emil frowned. "Conditions? What are you talking about?"

Jasmine placed the document on a nearby stone bench and pointed to the points listed. "Here's the agreement I want us to sign."

Emil's eyes skimmed the paper, and he read aloud the requirements:

"I will stay in South Korea for as long as I choose, and so will the baby."

"In the event of a divorce, I will retain full custody of the child."

"This marriage will be a legal formality only. We will not act as a married couple in public or private, and there will be no genuine spousal duties."

"The child will not be considered an heir to Langston Motors. Emil will not have the right to compel the child to inherit the company or its assets."

Emil's face darkened as he absorbed the terms. "You're asking me to agree to a sham marriage? To have no real involvement with our child, should things not work out?"

Jasmine nodded, her expression resolute. "These are my terms. If you want to marry me, this is the only way I'll agree."

Emil's mind raced. The thought of not being actively involved in his child's life was painful. He had imagined a future where he would be a part of his child's life, where they would share moments and milestones together. The idea of a marriage without real commitment, without the ability to influence his child's future, was difficult to accept.

"Jasmine, this arrangement... it means I won't have a real place in my child's life. Are you sure this is what you want?" Emil asked, his voice tinged with frustration.

Jasmine met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "This is about protecting my child and myself. I can't go through the pain of a failed marriage and the complications it would bring. This is the only way I can ensure stability for my daughter."

Emil took a deep breath, weighing his options. He could reject the terms and risk losing Jasmine for good, or he could find a way to make the best of a difficult situation.

"I don't like these terms," Emil took a moment to process, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I understand your position, but I need to think this through. It's not just about accepting these terms; I need to ensure that my rights and my role as a father are also considered."

Jasmine's eyes softened slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not signing this paper yet," Emil said firmly. "I need to discuss my own terms too. If we're going to do this, it has to be fair for both of us. I want to be involved in my child's life, and I want to be able to provide for them without feeling like I'm being shut out."

Jasmine nodded slowly, acknowledging his point. "I understand. Take your time to consider it. But know that I'm serious about these terms. They're non-negotiable for me."

Emil sighed, his thoughts racing. "I'll think it over and get back to you. But let's be clear—this isn't just about making sure everything's legally covered. It's about making sure our child has a future where both parents can be part of their life."

Jasmine gave a reluctant nod. "Fair enough. I'll wait for your response."

As they parted ways, Emil felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. He knew the path ahead was fraught with complications, but he was determined to find a way to be part of his child's life, no matter the cost.