It's you for now

CLASH! The sound of china breaking in the living room was proof that the deal was over.  JP Park Corporation will not give any support to Diamond Estates. This isn't good for the latter because the business needs a financial boost to maintain its operation. And JP Park Corporation can do that and much more. Any company connected with JP Park Corporation is guaranteed to succeed because of its wide reach in any business. And cutting ties with them can also cause irreparable damages. But Diamond Estates was a different matter. Emerald was the first daughter of Edmond Clark, the owner of Diamond Estates. She was engaged to the first son of JP Park Corporation, James Park. Their marriage was supposed to be a merger between two companies, both having benefits with each other. Everything was set for their marriage. Both parties agreed not to publicize the wedding until it was done. Nothing seems to be a problem with James and Emerald because they knew each other for years. The couple seems to like each other genuinely and does not have any problems until now. Three months before the wedding, Emerald ran away from home. It was rumored that she was in love with someone else and cannot marry James. Edmond Clark was furious. It was not only the company that suffers but also the dignity of the Clark family. In the business world, a good name is your best asset. And his eldest daughter is ruining both of it because of love. That's what bought Edmond Clark, and his wife Vivian, to James Park's residence on a clear, Sunday morning. "President, the Clarks are here to see you," Secretary Kim informs James. Although it was a Sunday, James Park is in his business suit, watching the news from different sources. He was having coffee when Secretary Kim announced the arrival of his "guests." "Secretary Kim, please tell the kitchen to prepare something nice for our guests. We don't want to be rude now, don't we?" The tone of the President's voice is polite and low. He also said it with a smile, but the expression in his eyes says it all. Secretary Kim knew James Park well. He knew something is about to happen to the Clarks, but he hasn't yet concluded what would that be. Obliging Mr. Park, he reached for his phone and dialed a number. "Yes, Mrs. Choi, please prepare a sumptuous meal for our guests. President Park wants them to be entertained at once. "He then turned to James Park. "All done, President." "Good. Now, tell the Clarks to wait for me there, and make them comfortable as possible." "Yes, sir." He then left James, and Secretary Kim disappeared at the end of the hallway. James Park is still indecisive as to what to do with the Clarks. The news about Emerald's running away has not reached his parents yet. He made it sure that nobody would tell this to his parents. His mother has a weak heart, and he doesn't want to be the reason why his beloved mother would collapse due to hypertension. Business-wise, James Parks' company can do well without the help of Diamond Estates. It was only James' father who wants to partner with Diamond Estates. His father, Min Woo Park, has been on good terms with Edmond Clark way before he was born. His father said that Mr. Clark had saved his life long ago and that the latter was a good man. To repay his fathers' debt to Mr. Clark, James was promised to marry a daughter from the Clark Family, entwining both families' futures. James suddenly remembered his heated conversation about this with his father. "Father, what you demand from me is my life! Have I no right to choose who to love? What about my own happiness?" "I gave you everything you need to be happy. I gave you freedom when I sent you away to study. You had an easy life until now. You had your choice in women, but none of them wants to stay with you. Now, what else do you want? It's time to face your responsibility as a firstborn of this family." "Son, please listen to your father. We only want what's good for you. You know that. I have met Emerald several times, and I know that she would be a good match for you, so my son, please give it a chance." It was now his mother speaking. She knew that James would listen to her more than her husband. And James couldn't disagree with what his mother wants. He has no choice. Then, after a long silence, a deal was made by his father. "Marry Emerald Clark, and I'll appoint you the next President of our Corporation."  James smiled sarcastically. That conversation happened five years ago, and yet, he felt cheated. As of his knowledge, a deal is made if both parties can have a mutual benefit over the agreement, but in his case, only his father had got what he wanted. Thinking about this situation now, James thought that this might be how the tables would turn for him. This time, if he's careful, he can get his freedom back, served on a plate by the Clarks themselves. At last, spring has come to his life again. He smiled, knowing that he won. He stood up from his study, checked himself upon the mirror, and walked out of the room. His heavy footsteps echoed the hallway. As James moves closer towards the living room, Mrs. Clark cannot contain her nervousness. "Edmond, it is not too late. Please, let's go back and think over this first. We'll find Emerald and—" "No.," the husband interrupted whatever his wife would say. He had made his decision. If he didn't do this now, his company would fall, and there's no way of saving it but with the help of JP Park Corporation. Besides, the Park family needs to hold up at the end of the deal, so Edmond Clark is not so worried. He needs time to convince the man about his proposal. Then, a servant called for the Clarks, requesting them to eat with Mr. Park in the dining room. The couple stood up and followed. The war is about to start.