It's you for now

A heavy breakfast

"Welcome to my home, Mr. and Mrs. Clark. It's good to see you. Come, sit and have breakfast with me". James Park ushered these words with the uttermost politeness. No anger or accusation can be heard in his voice, but the ones who knew James best would know that this is the deadliest expression that this man has.

James sat in his position as host. Seated in his right was Mr. Clark and beside him was his wife Vivian. Breakfast was served, and the three of them started to eat.

“I hope this is to your liking. “James said as he gestured his hands to the table. “I don t usually eat breakfast but-“ he stopped in mid-sentence and looked at the person in his right.

“-Today, I guess, I’ll break that habit. Don’t you think so Mr. Clark?” there was a smile on James’ lips though his eyes were devious.

Mr. Clark was not threatened by this gesture. In fact, He remained composed and returned the smile at James.

“Yes, that’s good for your health, James” it was Mrs. Clark that answered. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You should not skip it, especially if it was made by your-“ and then she stopped herself. She almost spilled it. She looked at James frightenedly.

“My what Mrs. Clark?” James asked innocently. He put a piece of meat on top of his rice, took a spoonful and chewed gently. He showed great satisfaction upon tasting the meat. This was like the signal Mr. Clark was waiting for to save his wife from her earlier statement.

“By your skillful cook James. It seems that Mrs. Choi is improving day by day. You must be happy to be able to eat like this every day”. Mr. Clark finishes. He too took a spoonful of rice and put it in his mouth. He must admit, Mrs. Choi’s cooking is excellent. “Ah, this is good James. Thank you for this wonderful breakfast.”

 “Please help yourself” then James smiled and continued to eat.

Mrs. Clark was too nervous to eat, but she cannot let her husband see this, so she picked up her spoon and started on her soup. Her husband was right. Whoever this Mrs. Choi is, she cooks well. She was suddenly envious of Mrs. Choi’s talent.

The three of them ate silently after that. Mr. Clark decided that he would talk to James once the meal is over. After all, the man had just spent his morning to see them, then he has the time to talk about this matter once and for all.

 And it was exactly what James was thinking. He smiled inwardly. This is how you get your prey. First, you must understand how it behaves. Observe its habits until you find its flaw.  If you find it, then start setting your traps. You must make sure it’s tight and deadly for when the moment comes that the prey lands into your trap, it’s game over.

“James is just like a lion looking at its prey.”  This is what Secretary Kim thought when he looked at James eating. The twinkle in James’ eyes is proof enough that this man is about to be deadly. James may look charming or ruthless depending on who’s he with and right now, he’s about to be ruthless. Secretary Kim noticed that James and his “guests” had just finished eating so he signaled the housemaid to ready the living room and serve some tea and fruits. He then faced James and said

“Tea is served at your living room, President”

“Thank you, Secretary Kim. Shall we?” he asked the Clarks and then he stood up from his chair. He stopped abruptly and said  “Thank you all for your hard work. And please thank Mrs. Choi for me. The food was great.” The house help was thrilled upon hearing James’ compliment. It was seldom of James to give any comments when he’s at home, and today was one rare moment they heard him say thank you to them.

The Clarks are being served with tea when James entered the room. He sat at one of the chairs and picked up his own cup. He was about to sip his tea when Mr. Clark started the conversation.

“James, I know it was hard for you when Emerald left. I’m sorry it took us a while before coming here. You see, we tried to find Emerald but none of her friends or acquaintances knew where she was. We hired the best investigators but there’s still no news of her.”

“She hid herself very well, then” commented icily by James as he put down his cup and saucer.

“We know you are mad because of this matter, but please, give us more time. We can still make this work. We can extend the wedding until we find Emerald. The invites are not yet sent out, and there are still some decisions we need to make before the final preparations so please- “pleads Mrs. Clark. She’s holding back her tears and when James gazed at her, she looked pitiful. She’s still a beauty even at her age but the stress of what has been going on is taking a toll on her. She’s losing weight and there were dark circles beneath her eyes. Her usually bright skin is now dull and lifeless. He has known this woman for a long time, and he ought to feel a little remorse on what he was about to do, but he steeled himself. This is not the time for pity.

“Mrs. Clark, let us not waste both of our time in this nonsense. If Emerald wishes to marry me then, she should have shown herself up weeks ago. This is not an ordinary “wedding jitter” she’s having, and I am sure that she wasn’t kidn*pped either. Now, tell me honestly, did Emerald really ran away with another man?” James Park is now thoroughly looking at Mrs. Clark. He wanted them to confirm on what his sources say about Emerald’s disappearance. The woman said nothing that can condemn themselves more.

“Mr. Clark,” turning to the man now, “The reason I am talking to you now is that we were supposed to be families and I still have a respect for you as a soon-to -be- father-in-law. I gave your daughter my time and energy to build that kind of relationship that we had. “he said this in a polite tone, but the effects of these words were like bullets on Mr. Clark's face. “But she gave no meaning to my efforts. Maybe I am not important to her like she is to me because she broke the engagement first”. There was a hint of accusation in his voice

Mr. Clark is about to say something, but James interfered. “Therefore, after all that has happened, I believe that cutting ties is the best way to deal with this embarrassment. I cannot let the Park Family suffer because of me. I am sorry Mr. Clark but I cannot support all your dealings and projects with the Corporation from now on”.

A tinkle of broken china distracted both men. Mrs. Clark dropped her cup and is now kneeling in front of James.

“I beg you James Park, please do not do this. Not right now. We are in the middle of a crisis and is on the verge of closing. You are the only one who can save us.”

“Please stand up Mrs. Clark. There’s no need for this.  I am a businessman Mrs. Clark, and I understand the situation that you’re in but the best I can do for your company is to let you borrow some money enough to cover for your operational expenses.”

Why is this woman making things so difficult? Is she desperate enough to do this? James thought.

“And be forever in your debt?”  answered quickly by Mr. Clark. “I know how you work James. I have seen you gobble up a whole company and shattered them into pieces. I will not let my company be like some apple pie that you divide and sold into slices. It will not be the fate of Diamond Estates!”

James laughed at the irony of what the man just said. This old man has his company on the edge. He was supposed to beg James for forgiveness because of his daughter but now, the man still has the audacity to tell him that he refuses his offer. This man is so goddamn proud!

“I don’t want to be blunt Mr. Clark but can’t you see that the deal is off? Your good daughter ran away from home, without thinking about its consequences. She left both of you and me in this kind of situation only three months before the wedding. I must recuperate Mr. Clark, you know that. Losses are not good with my company right now. I must trim the dead part of a bush to make it grow healthier.” James then picked up his saucer and continued sipping his tea.

“What did you say?” Mr. Clark looked like he swallowed a piece of lemon whole. He knew that James is an arrogant man but he did not expect him to be this bull-headed. The man simply cannot take excuses. Clutching his fist, Mr. Clark tried to calm himself before speaking to the man. James may be a difficult man to bargain with but, he still has his Card against him.

Mr. Clark stood up, looked out of the window, and smiled.

“You know James, I’ve seen you grown up to be a very capable man. I like how you handle your business, even more so, your personal life. You’re a ruthless man but-“

“If I may stop you there, Mr. Clark. I am quite busy today and there are more business matters that I need to attend to. If you have nothing more to say, then please excuse my-“

But Mr. Clark turned around to see James in the eye and said

“ You must have misunderstood me, James. We are not going to cancel the wedding. “ said Mr. Clark in a plain voice.

James furrowed his brows. “ What in the devil are you talking about? Emerald eloped with a farmer and is nowhere to be found! How can we have a marriage if I don’t have a bride?” he cried.

But Mr. Clark smiled serenely as if there has been no heated argument before this. His eyes were twinkling maliciously as he said these words”

“But you have a bride, James”

James put the saucer down delicately. He really has no patience for a man who seems to be ignoring a point.

“I’ve had enough of this Mr. Clark. The deal is over. I am not marrying Emerald and that nullifies the contract. Now, please leave.”

“I’m not talking about Emerald, James. She’s a lost cause. What I am suggesting is you to marry my other daughter.”

“ And who would that be?” asked James sarcastically.

“Jade.” Mr...Clark answered.

With that, Mrs. Clark fell to the floor unconscious.