24K Magic for a Perfect Illusion

Ch 22: Uh Oh

Joo-Hyuk has a carefree personality just like his father, and it seemed that as the president of the Nam Group, Mr. Nam genuinely cares about his employees thus he seek help from the experts, thus he paid the research institute to assist him in solving the problem in his company that the people he paid regularly and working under him can’t solve on their own.

“Do you have a ride home?” Joo-Hyuk asked Hestia as they exited the restaurant.

“Yes, I called home before going here so they must be waiting for me at the parking lot.” Hestia replied.

“I see.” Joo-Hyuk nodded. “About the shoes, I suggest that you order it as early as possible. You need to allot at least one month to make sure that your shoes will be done before you need it.”

Hestia nodded and said, “I guess I’ll be flying to California this coming Friday. I just hope they can do batch order, that will be my gift for the men in my family and my friends.”

“How many pair of shoes are we talking about here?” Joo-Hyuk knows that Hestia has an extended family.

“Well, from my grandfather to my youngest nephew, then my two friends.” Hestia counting in her head. “That would be 17 all in all.”

“Well, it’s less than 20 anyway so I think they can make it before Christmas.” Joo-Hyuk rubbed his chin. “I helped them promote their product I should ask for a commission.”

“Pfft!” Hestia hold back her laughter. “It’s not like you’re short of money, just let them keep their profit.”

“Haha, I guess being a business minded person also runs in my blood after all.” Joo-Hyuk looked at his father on the side, talking with Hestia’s superiors. “My father only knows how to make money. He doesn’t know how to deal with people working for him. Thus, when I found out that he asked for your institution to assess the former and current employees of Nam Group … he’s changed.”

“People change. So, give your father a chance to prove himself to you. He cares about you a lot, you know … he’s also very proud of you. The way he looks at you despite he was scolding you earlier, there’s no doubt that he loves you.” Hestia patted Joo-Hyuk’s shoulder. “I know what it feels like to have a company president’s father, in my case, my mother was also had her own career too, so me and my siblings were technically raised by our attendants.”

“I know.” Joo-Hyuk nodded. “But still I envy your family, not only because the Nevaehs are one of the wealthiest family in the world and the fact that both your paternal grandparents came from the royal family of both Korea and China, but the way y’all staying together and living happily, a picture perfect for everyone.”

“Geez. We’re not that perfect and we’re not happy all the time but we are indeed living in harmony together. So, I can proudly say that there ain’t no family feud in our family because the patriarch of the Nevaeh isn’t just a legendary businessman and a genius aeronautical engineer but he’s absolutely a reasonable man.”

“I’ve read the article about that, and the fact that you’re the only rich family that most people know, including me, who doesn’t like to fight for money and power with each other.” Joo-Hyuk clapped his hands. “I really got so much respect to your family.”

“That’s because we’re not deprived of having anything we need.”

“Yes, and that’s what makes your family outstanding.” Joo-Hyuk stared at Hestia lovingly. “How I wish I can also be part of your family? That can happen if only you give me a chance.”

“Oh, my ride is here.” Hestia pretended that she didn’t hear what Joo-Hyuk said and walked straight to the black SUV with a N-shaped dragon crest on its hood. “Thank you again for giving me the idea about the shoes.” she said over her shoulders before she turned her gaze to her superiors and bid them farewell politely.

In the car.

“Miss Hestia, that’s the young master of the Nam, right?” Edith wants to confirm if what she saw was correct.

“Yes. He’s the son of the Nam Group case that I handled today. I really should pay attention to the profile of the men that Mama arranged for a date.” Hestia sighed helplessly as she leaned her head tiredly on the top of the back rest of her seat. “How’s everything at home while I’m gone?”

“There’s still no phone call or letter from Sir Ves. As for Madam, she found out that you and Sir Hearthof stayed in the same hotel room during your stay in New York.” Irene reported.

“Am I in trouble?” Hestia pinched the bridge of her nose. “It’s not like him and I shared the same bed as there are three bedrooms in the presidential suite.”

“Surprisingly, yes. Madam and Master, didn’t like the news of you and Sir Hearthof in one room even though they’re both aware of the features of a presidential suite of Goddesseth Hotel.” Sharon responded as she keeps an eye to Hestia’s parents.

“I guess I have to prepare myself for a scolding when I get home.”

“Master is sensible, he knows that you’ll be tired when you get home so probably, he’ll convince Madam to delay your talk.” Baby tried to ease Hestia’s mood while driving.

“I hope so, but we all know that it’s always Mama who wins.” Hestia sighed deeply. “By the way, how’s Roro?”

The case about the community development plan has been settled by Hestia’s father but Roro was hospitalized after protecting Mrs. Kang from the last attack.

“She’ll be discharged the day after tomorrow, Miss Hestia.” Edith answered. “The hitman has been abandoned by his gang, so he’s no longer a threat. He’ll surely rot in jail this time.”

“That’s good news then. At least that problem was solved yesterday.” Hestia looked at the view outside. “It’ll be December soon; do you girls think that Ves will really be here on Korea this Christmas? He told me the same thing last year but he never showed up. What if he can’t make it this year again.”

“Miss Hestia, just say the word and I’ll find Sir Ves location right away.” Irene suggested for umpteenth time. “If he breaks his promise again then we’ll drag him out to you.”

“Yeah, I know what y’all capable of but no. Whether he show up or not that’s up to him. I can wait besides I’m also preparing myself on what’s to come between us. I’m still figuring out my feelings for him, if I feel the same way as him or not.” Hestia brushed her long hair with her fingers. “But I do miss him … a lot.”

“We know.” the four responded in unison as they’re finally relieved from their frustration about Hestia’s denial.

Upon arriving at the South Mansion, Hestia noticed Rhea standing at the front door waiting for her.

“Ma, aren’t you cold? It’s not like you won’t see me if you wait in the living room.” Hestia greeted Rhea with a hug but Rhea didn’t hug her back instead Rhea snorted at her.

“Did you two do it?” Rhea’s voice isn’t that loud neither soft but her words are intended for Hestia’s ear only.

“Did what exactly?” Hestia was confused with Rhea’s question at first but then she realized what she meant. “No, of course not!”

Hestia walked past by Rhea to the living room where Cronus is sitting on the sofa watching the evening news.

Cronus then turned off the TV when he noticed Hestia and his husband coming in with a gloomy expression. “You’re back.”

“Pa.” Hestia hugged Cronus and unlike the cold welcome of Rhea, Cronus hugged her back before she pulled away. “May I say my side of the story first before I listen to what you two found out?”

“Are you following your sisters’ footsteps? Getting pregnant first before marriage?? Hestia, we all raised you better than everyone else so don’t let us down. Your father and I are putting our hope on you since your sisters already failed us.” Rhea ranted.

“Ma, I told you nothing happened between me and Hearthof. We’re just friends and to be honest I don’t even see him as a man so there’s no way that I’ll develop romantic feelings for him.” Hestia explained with a hint of frustration in her tone.

“Are you dumb? Can’t you see the way he looks at you?” Rhea raised her voice. “He’s a man and likes you more than a friend.”

“No, Ma. He said it himself not just to me but to other people, that I’m only his best friend and he got not time for love. You just misunderstood his intention but that’s how he treat me as his friend, no more no less.” Hestia stated as a matter-of-fact.

“That’s bullsh*t!” Rhea roared. “He’s lying! He’s lying because he can’t say his true feelings to you as he might lose you as a friend and if that happens what will happen then if you distance yourself from him. Hestia, Hearthof is different from the Sunggyu we all know, he’s not the childhood friend you used to have.”

“What do you about him that I don’t?” Hestia frowned. “As far as I know I’m the one who’s spending time with him and not you neither Papa. I know him better than anybody else!”

“Do you know what his stepfather does then? Aside from the hotel business, do you know what else he does for a living?” Cronus asked since Hestia has the right to know for her to be cautious.

“He’s an American mafia boss. Hearthof told me, he didn’t keep it a secret because he trusts me, so do I but I won’t ever tell him about the deepest and darkest secret in our family. Which is unfair to him because he tells me everything. So please, Ma, Pa, don’t judge him just because of his background, he’s my friend and he’s important to me. You know how hard it is for us to have a true friend as people always approach us for our money and power. I won’t lose Hearthof, just because of what his stepfather identity. It’s not his fault and I can assure you that he’s not involved with Chairman Goddesseth underground business.” Hestia defended as she catches her breath from talking continuously to make herself clear and understood by her parents.

“Tia, we only want what’s best for you and keep you safe always.”

“I know Pa, I’m well aware of how you and Ma wants to protect me from any harm. But you two have to trust me in this, I know him better than anyone else. He won’t hurt me neither cause me any harm, he takes good care of me like an older brother. And I can also say that he spoils me every time.” Hestia smiled faintly. “So, please don’t think of him as a dangerous person, he’s still the boy you used to like before only that he’s not that innocent now as he’s a grown-up man and so am I. Since we’re not kids anymore, we’re responsible with our own actions. We both know what to do and not to do, if you can’t trust me then trust the way you raised me.”

Cronus and Rhea exchanged glances at each other and has a tacit understanding that Hestia concluded their discussion, refuting her words means they failed as her parents and they didn’t teach her well if they still doubt her, Hestia turned the tide to their sides so what else can they do with their smart daughter but to raise their white flag.

“Fine.” Rhea compromised. “I apologize for doubting you, you’re my daughter I should’ve trusted you more because I’ve raised you to be a cultured young woman. You’re wise enough to be fool by people around you and we know how cautious you are in making friends as you don’t trust anyone easily. That’s what makes you different among your siblings, although, me and your father are worried that you’re anti-social but we’re also relieved at the same time because you’re not someone who can be use by people to their advantage.”

“Apology accepted. I’m sorry too for raising my voice earlier, I got carried away with my emotions while defending my best friend to you both. It’s just that I can’t take it if anyone looking down on people, I care the most. That also applied to our family, if anyone badmouthing, one of us I won’t just stand still and say nothing. Of all people, you two know my temper the most, because you witnessed it all, since I was a baby until now.”

“Of course.” Cronus nodded with a faint smile. “I can still remember your first cry when you were born, the sleepless nights that you gave to me and your mother to coaxed you back to sleep, your tantrums when you were little. Those memories were seemed only yesterday, you are our child and we shouldn’t doubt you but instead trust you with your decisions. If you got it wrong, we shall support you on the side and watch you make it right instead of interfering to your matter or criticize you, that’s what parents must do. I know we made a mistake; will you forgive Papa?”

“How can I not?” Hestia sat in between Cronus and Rhea on the sofa and put her arms around their shoulders. “You two are first people who truly love and care for me the most.” she pecked on their cheeks as the sweet child she usually is to her parents.

“If you’re like this you’re making your father reluctant to give you away to any man.” Cronus looked at Hestia dotingly. “If only I could keep you for a lifetime and be my baby girl always.”

“I would love that idea, Papa.” Hestia’s eyes lit up in excitement.

“Well, we can talk to her husband and let them stay here with us just like Z.L. and Leto.” Rhea already has a plan for Hestia’s future living condition when she got married.

“Here we go again.” Hestia rolled her eyes. “Can I just not get married and live with you two forever? It’s not like you’re short of grandchildren as you already have four from the first three of your children. Although, Don and Toto aren’t married yet but I’m sure they will be sooner or later since they’re both have a woman that they fancy. Can I be an exemption?” she hasn’t voiced her thoughts like this to her parents yet but she suddenly felt brave.

“Tia, we’re not pushing you to marriage just because we want more grandchildren.” Cronus said with a gentle tone. “It’s for you to have someone on your side who will take care and love you for the rest of your life. Just like me and your mother, don’t you want a man who makes you feel special every time he looks at you as if you’re the only person he sees despite being in a crowd. Someone who can make you feel safe and protected when you’re in his arms.”

“Am I not special to you two? I also feel safe and protected because I have my ladies around me all the time.” Hestia rebutted.

“Don’t get smart on us, Tia. You know that’s not what your father meant.” Rhea pinched Hestia’s waist. “The love of parents to their child is different from the love you will receive from some stranger who will eventually become your family when you two got married. If you stay single for the rest of your life, you’ll die alone and that’s the loneliest thing one can experience in life.”

“I didn’t think of that ending for the story of my life.” Hestia realized what Rhea said is right. “Well, I’ll think about it but for now.” she yawned. “I wanna go to bed and have my beauty rest.”

Hestia stood up and bid goodnight to her parents before she walked straight to her bedroom.

She took a quick shower first and did her night routine skin care before finally resigning to bed.

The next day, when Hestia got into her office, Anna was sitting comfortably on her brown leather chair comfortably.

“What can I do for you?” Hestia asked impatiently as she doesn’t want to start her day with annoyance.

“What exactly is your relationship with Walter Nam?” Anna get straight to the point.

“What do you want to hear?” Hestia took off her coat and put it on the coat rack as well as her hand bag.

“The truth. I wanna know if I can treat you as friend or remain as foe.” Anna raised her brows while anticipating for Hestia’s reply.

“Acquaintance.” Hestia replied precisely.

“Great! I guess I’ll go easy on you from now on.” Anna stood up and walked towards the door. “Oh, by the way, I don’t like the taste of your tea, it’s too bitter like herbal soup. I’ll give you a box of tea from England next week.”

Hestia watched Anna walked away before she wiped her chair with the tissue, she wet a bit with water, and washed the teacup Anna used with the remaining water from the bottle she opened.

Not that she has obsessive compulsive disorder but she doesn’t want her things to be used by people who has malicious intentions.

Few hours later, while Hestia is too focused with the documents on her hands someone knocked on her door.

“Come in.” Hestia didn’t take her eyes off from the file as she expected the person to speak in an instant.

“You’re busier than the hotel president.” a familiar voice said. “Do I have to set an appointment too, for a lunch date with you?”

Hestia looked up and her lips curved up to form a smile. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you busy at work?”

“Uh oh, I forgot to ask for cutleries.” Hearthof set up the table.