THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 67: A Web of Tensions

Jasmine sat quietly in the back seat of the sleek, black limousine as it glided down the long, tree-lined driveway towards the Kim family mansion. Beside her, Yoo Na, her personal assistant, was scrolling through her tablet, briefing her on the schedule for the day. But Jasmine wasn't listening. Her thoughts were consumed by the imminent meeting with Mrs. Kim, Dae Ho's mother and her future mother-in-law. The last time they'd met, Mrs. Kim had been clear about her disapproval of the relationship, making it painfully obvious that she believed Jasmine wasn't fit to marry her son.

"After the meeting with Mrs. Kim, we have a lunch scheduled with Mr. Kim," Yoo Na said softly, glancing up at Jasmine. "And you'll also need to review the latest wedding arrangements later this afternoon."

Jasmine gave a nod, but her mind was elsewhere, thinking about what Mrs. Kim might say this time. The memory of Mrs. Kim and Dae Yoon, Dae Ho's sister, visiting her café in Molsheim flooded her mind. They had practically begged her to leave Dae Ho, making it clear that they didn't want a woman with a past—a woman who had already been married and had a child—as part of their pristine family.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the towering gates of the mansion. As Jasmine and Yoo Na stepped out, the staff lined up, bowing deeply in respect. Mrs. Kim's personal assistant approached them with a tight smile, inviting them inside. The opulence of the Kim mansion was overwhelming. Jasmine had never seen anything like it, even in her time with Emil. This was wealth beyond comprehension—generational, old money that radiated from every ornate wall and gilded frame.

As they walked through the grand hallway, Jasmine couldn't help but notice a family portrait hanging on the wall. In it were Mrs. Kim, her late husband, Dae Ho, his sister Dae Yoon, and his brother Dae Jun. It was a stark reminder of the fact that Dae Ho came from a family with standards far beyond what she could ever meet. A surge of anxiety washed over her as she remembered the cold, judgmental stares from Mrs. Kim and Dae Yoon in Molsheim.

Then she heard it—the voice of Mrs. Kim. Cold, sharp, and commanding.

"I told you to leave my son, Jasmine. Yet here we are. Dae Ho has defied his own mother for you."

Jasmine snapped out of her thoughts and quickly bowed in respect. Mrs. Kim stood before her, poised and elegant, yet with a menacing air that made Jasmine's skin crawl.

"Mrs. Kim," Jasmine greeted her, trying to mask her nerves.

Mrs. Kim didn't respond immediately. She gestured for Jasmine to sit as a staff member came to pour tea. Mrs. Kim settled into the plush sofa, her sharp eyes never leaving Jasmine.

"How are the wedding preparations?" Mrs. Kim asked, her tone laced with disinterest, as if the entire ordeal was beneath her.

"It's almost done," Jasmine replied, her voice soft and measured.

Yoo Na, standing behind Jasmine, kept her head bowed out of respect, fully aware of the tension in the air.

Mrs. Kim let out a small, disdainful laugh. "It's such a shame. I had already found the perfect bride for Dae Ho—someone worthy of our family's name. But he insists on marrying you. I can't imagine how this will reflect on Aurelius Hotels Group in the future."

Yoo Na, sensing the tension, bravely interjected. "Mrs. Kim, the public is supporting this marriage. They see it as a symbol of love overcoming all odds."

Mrs. Kim's gaze snapped to Yoo Na. "And will the public bring Aurelius money? Investors are not concerned with sentiment. They care about legacy, about stability, and right now, this marriage offers neither. The news will not be in your favor for long, Jasmine."

Jasmine bit her lip, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "If you're so against it, Mrs. Kim, then why allow it to continue? I never wanted this either."