Paul POV

Humming to the course of Chanyeol's Hasta La Vista, I observed my dashing appearance in my full length mirror.

My hair was perfectly styled to match the navy three piece suit I was wearing, and the platinum Rolex on my wrist shined as brightly as the smile on my face.

I was on cloud nine stepping into day 15 as Kayla's boyfriend and to my surprise, the hospital shooting didn't cause the spiral I had been anticipating.

Somehow it actually made my reserved girlfriend even more open, vulnerable, and brighter than she had already become these past few weeks.

Ever since the night of the incident, Makayla clinged to me as much as I always have her. She smiled all the time, even expressing her emotions more than usual, and she kept assuring me our future together was a top priority for her - just like it was for me.

Last but not least, I had been at ease ever since I picked her up from Jackson's gym.

Now that she formally ended things with him, it really felt like she was mine. Even better, she promised she would stop running towards danger and her actions had been backing up her words more than I ever could have hoped.

She kept in touch with me whenever we weren't together and when we were, she was much more present than before.

She wasn't being so careful with her word choices anymore. She wasn't thinking so hard when it came to making basic decisions either, and I could feel her undivided attention when she was by my side now.

I was no longer competing with her ex or that secret of hers, and I was finally witnessing it.

I was seeing my girlfriend clearly - her confidence, her joy, her patience, kindness, and loyalty.

Makayla was finally just being herself, and she was a true beauty.

"Wait, don't start making the eggs yet!" Makayla exclaimed, her voice traveling from downstairs alongside Shawn's. "I need to finish making the bacon. They would be cold by time we eat."

"I feel useless though." Shawn sighed. "You made the french toast, and put me on fruit duty."

"Useless? You have the most important role. I don't know how to make dripped coffee, still!"

"Oh yeah!"

I smirked hearing the two as I sprayed cologne on my pulse points. They had gotten closer as well, to such a degree, they would be enjoying breakfast together this morning while I headed into the office to closeout AHS' biggest case with Johnny.

Turning off the music, I made my way downstairs to join Kayla and Shawn. I could already smell the sizzling bacon as well as the sweet bread that was baking in the oven.

"Hey baby!" Kayla chimed, her gaze fixating on my outfit. "Damn, you look good!"

I chuckled, posing a bit as Shawn commented next.

"Man, I can't wait to get suited up for work like that! Where's the fit from?"

"A custom tailor back in Korea." I replied, making Shawn scoff.

"Ima just stop asking these kinds of questions from now on."

I laughed with the crew, taking my spot beside Makayla before I pecked her lips.

"Do you have time to eat, even if it's just a little?" She asked, our noses grazing. "We shouldn't have gotten so distracted this morning. I don't like sending you off with an empty stomach."

"I'll choose a "distraction" with you over breakfast any day, aein."

Beaming, our lips met again though only for a split second.

The kiss was cut short when Kayla winced feeling popped grease land on her hand.

"You okay?"

She nodded. "Get back though. I don't want the grease getting on your suit."

Doing as told, I started gathering my belongings and making sure all the items I needed were packed in my briefcase.

"You want some coffee to go?" Shawn asked me.

"Please, and thank you."

"You know, me and your girl might have some competition with the way you dote on Ho-seok these days." Kayla teased. "What's her name again? Shayla?"

"Yeah, and if she's even that." Shawn groaned. "She's mad at me again, and I don't understand what I did!"

"Think very carefully." Makayla replied. "What was the last discussion?"

"She asked me where things were going, and I told her I liked the direction we seem to be heading. Doesn't that clarify things, plenty?"

"Wow, for someone who's usually so in tune with women you missed the bait."

He clicked his tongue. "That's not fair! She's the one that was unsure about getting into a relationship at the start of things! Why wouldn't I tread lightly on the idea?"

Glancing from the kitchen table, I couldn't help but smile at the two as they playfully bickered.

Once hated by both of them - Kayla and Shawn brought me so much warmth.

They weren't just my girlfriend and roommate. They were family to me now, too.

"You obviously like her! Just ask her to be your girlfriend." Makayla advised. "This is what girls do - playing it cool to avoid disappointment. She's losing patience though, so you better do something before someone else does."

"Okay, okay. I got it." Shawn caved, handing me a travel mug as I laughed at him. "I had a favor to ask, by the way."

"What's up?"

"This weekend, my moms are coming into town and I thought it would be nice if you joined us for dinner."

"Moms?" I questioned.

Shawn shyly nodded as Makayla stepped beside me and set the cooked bacon on the table.

"I have two moms, and they are married. I was born through a treatment, and one of them carried me but the other is just as much of a mother to me of course."

My eyes widened as a lightbulb went off in my head. "Everything make so much since now."

He chuckled. "They are two of the nicest, caring, and most intelligent women you'll ever meet. Why should they be treated less because of their gender and sexuality? Growing up as their son I've seen some rough shit, which is why I'll always protect equal rights as a lawyer."

"Wow." Kayla gaped. "You're literally everything. If I hadn't met Ho-seok first, I might have seen you differently."

"Your loss, gorgeous." Shawn winked.

"Ya!" I exclaimed.

"I'm just playin, man." He cackled, just like Kayla. "But for real, they want to meet you after all you've done for me. Could you make time on Saturday night?"

"Of course! Where are they staying? I'm happy to lend you my room so they can stay in yours. Assuming my girlfriend is cool with me crashing at her place for the weekend?"

"Obviously." She replied, wrapping her arm around my waist.

"Bet! They're going to appreciate saving some money!" Shawn enthused. "You should join us for dinner too, Makayla."

"I should be able to but my work schedule is unpredictable at times, so don't let my availability impact your plans by any means."

"Cool!" He chimed, just as a beeping noise came from the oven. "The toast is ready! I'll get it."

"That's probably my queue to head out as well." I admitted.

"Wait!" Kayla requested, and she rushed towards the pan holding the baked bread next. "At least take a piece of toast to go. It'll be easy to enjoy on the road with no toppings."

"I'll pack a bag of fruit too." Shawn stated, making my smile grow even more.

The two scrambled to fix my breakfast-to-go before Shawn left it to Makayla to walk me out.

"I have the night shift, and then the morning shift tomorrow." Kayla started. "I might just stay at the hospital, overnight."

"No, no, no." I disagreed. "We got you that apartment for this exact reason. Sleep at home. Plus, as we just discussed I'll be staying with you this weekend."

Seeing the grin on my face, she blushed as I grabbed her waist and pulled her into my arms.

"Come home to me, tonight." I softly pleaded.

"There's just no saying 'no' to you anymore." She giggled, our noses brushing. "You'll get home before me. What should I make for you to heat up when you get there?"

"I can always go for any of your soups when it's this cold outside."

"How about chicken corn chowder? I'll make the low fat version since we're back in the gym."

"Perfect."

Catching Kayla's sweet lips with mine, I struggled to leave her embrace. Even when the kiss ended, it didn't get any easier.

Our mouths barely parted, I was tranced by her big brown eyes and the delicate gaze I'd never be able to get enough of.

"You gotta go, baby." She whispered, my heart fluttering.

I bit my lip, doing my best to refrain from prematurely uttering those three words.

"I'll text you, later." I replied.

Pecking me, Kayla said her final goodbyes while I made my way out for the day.

I cruised down the road, my favorite jams playing as my smile stretched from ear to ear.

I took in the surrounding city I was starting to love - it's historical buildings, the famous Boston river, and it's world known public parks. I had already made so many memories with Kayla at the surrounding landmarks, and in two weeks we would make even more memories together.

A surge of excitement rushed across my body just thinking about our upcoming trip.

Witnessing Min-seok and Danny's wedding, vacationing in Thailand with the entire gang, and splurging on anything and everything as we explored the live city of Seoul.

Though the concern of being exposed to The Elite still lingered in my mind here and there, life beside Makayla was pretty damn perfect and I never wanted this feeling to end.

"Good morning, Mr. Ahn!" The AHS receptionist greeted.

I smiled to her as I walked past the long entrance desk, and through the modern office space - the ceiling high and its air ducts, pipes, and beams exposed. The outer walls were brick, and the lack of inner walls allowed for an open office space.

As a result, I quickly noticed many empty chairs behind the wooden desks often occupied by AHS employees by time I arrived.

It wasn't hard to locate everyone though.

Past the window-lined wall straight ahead, I spotted every Boston AHS lawyer gathered around someone in the break room and my heart sank when I heard an unexpected voice.

"Please enjoy this morning's coffee and breakfast until your heart's content!" Father enthused.

When I entered the room I saw him standing in front of counters full of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, yogurt, and fruit. To the far right, a barista standing behind a portable coffee station.

"I am so proud of this team!" My father continued, Johnny right beside him. "You're the top performing AHS office in the United States, and you handled the tragic hospital shooting gracefully as well as in record time. Thank you all so much for your hard work, and Johnny. Thank you for your leadership, and all you do for me and AHS Boston."

The room applauded my father as he and Johnny shared a warm embrace.

I on the other hand remained still and utterly speechless while those around me rushed to personally great the AHS Founder and CEO.

Amidst the chaos, Johnny spotted me and slyly left my father's side as the man entertained all of his Boston employees.

"Hyung." I softly gaped. "What the hell? You couldn't give me a heads up about this? We've been together almost every day, recently!"

"Exactly!" Johnny whispered. "I had no idea he was coming either! I showed up half an hour ago, and found him getting all this together!"

"Did he tell you why he's here?"

"He said he had business in Boston, so it was only right he made an appearance at the office while he was in town."

"What's the business he's here to tend to?"

Johnny shrugged. "You know he's in tight with Boston officials and politicians. Maybe there's something sensitive he needs to deal with directly."

I sighed, my stomach turning since my intuition was kicking in. This surprise visit was odd, and I had a very bad feeling about it.

"Ho-seok!" My father enthused. I placed a smile on my face as he approached me. "Wow! I contributed to the birth of one handsome, man! Get over, here!"

Pulling me in for a tight hug, my colleagues watched and laughed at his joke.

"Father, c'mon. This is my place of work." I embarrassingly replied.

"Right, sorry about that." He chuckled, his hand meeting my shoulder. "How is Mr. Ahn doing, everyone? He's not causing any trouble, is he?"

"Of course not! He's well ahead of his time in this field! A true prodigy!" Dan, a senior partner, schmoozed. "You raised an incredible young man, CEO Ahn!"

Many chimed in, praising my performance alongside Dan whether they sincerely agreed or not.

It didn't matter, though. They all knew a man like my father only wanted to hear positive news about his heir and if you were on my good side - you were on his as well.

"Thank you all for your kind words!" My father chimed. "Please continue to look after my son. After all, he is the future leader of AHS Group!"

That forced smile stretched across my face, the room cheered for my father and I before they finally went about their own business.

"Johnny, go ahead and grab breakfast then meet me in your office." Father said. "I want to discuss some things with you."

"We have a meeting to close out the MGH Shooting case in an hour." Johnny replied. "I need to review some things before it, especially if you'll be joining us."

"Ho-seok has been working closely on this, no?" Father asked, and Johnny nodded. "Looks like it's finally time for me to see what my son can do. How about he leads today's close out briefing? I need you on something else, and its time for him to step up as a leader."

"Yes, sir." I accepted, briefly bowing to the CEO as he winked at me.

He then patted my shoulder as he walked past me, leaving Johnny and I alone.

"Hyung, tell me exactly what he says." I requested in Korean, given how sensitive the ask was. "Something doesn't feel right."

"If it relates to you, I will. But if it's confidential, you know I can't."

I nodded. "Of course but I know my father pries into my personal life through you sometimes. Promise me, you won't utter a word about Makayla no matter how hard he presses."

"Obviously." Johnny replied, earning a sharp gaze from me. "I promise. I won't say a word about her or even the fact you have someone special. You have my word, Ho-seok."

Taking a deep breath, I put my trust in Johnny as he stepped away to grab breakfast.

Since I ate on the way here, I opted to enjoy the coffee Shawn prepared for me and took a seat at my desk to do as delegated by my father.

I pulled the reports and finalized the slides Johnny had planned on presenting during today's meeting, though I couldn't help but continuously glance at him and my father through the tall windows that lined the front wall of Johnny's office.

Father seemed sincerely focused as they talked through the business he had to discuss with Johnny, and it made me wonder if I was overthinking. He was the CEO of AHS Group, and Boston was one of his biggest offices in America after all.

Maybe he really was just here for work.

Centering my attention back on the briefing, I decided to shake off this paranoid feeling.

It took me 10 minutes to finish the deck and another 15 to come up with the talk track.

I was ready to crush the presentation by time I stepped into the large conference room - it's walls completely lined with glass and its long wooden table surrounded by all 15 of AHS Boston's Senior Executives.

Father proudly smiled as I walked through each slide, the Group's leaders just as pleased with my presentation from start and now to its finish.

"Though there is no price that can be placed on the many lives lost during the shooting, we encouraged MGH to reasonably compensate the victim's loved ones despite the clear evidence demonstrating the hospital followed protocol for such instances.

"Not only did we win the case, saving our client from a 20 million dollar lawsuit but with their generous contributions to the families impacted by the shooting, they have received 2.5 million in donations, which has gone directly towards low income patients in need.

"As a result, the CEO's approval ratings have boomed - meaning his position will remain stable as will our role as the hospital's legal representative."

Concluding the briefing, I bowed to my father while he and his executive leaders applauded the successful closeout of AHS' biggest win this year.

"Well done!" Father praised. "With a presence like that, you'll have no problem swaying a judge and jury! Absolutely phenomenal, Ho-seok!"

"I agree! Amazing, job!" Susan, our CFO and one of my father's US mistresses, added. "Thank you for your hard work!"

"Talking with Johnny, I can see how our KPIs improved even more these past two weeks." Father said. "Who wouldn't want AHS representing them after a win like this?"

I smiled, nodding with Johnny as he basked in his success as AHS Boston's leader.

"This calls for a celebration!" Dan enthused. "CEO Ahn, should we do a company dinner with the entire office this evening? I'm sure the team would be so grateful."

"I'm sorry, but I have other matters to tend to while in Boston. That's why I provided breakfast this morning. Speaking of, Ho-seok I need to steal you for the rest of the day. Let's start with lunch, shall we?"

Tense, I agreed to his request before the meeting was adjourned.

I stepped outside of the room and grabbed my belongings, my heart racing as the paranoia surfaced in my chest again.

"Ho-seok." Johnny called for me. I looked up to see him approaching my desk.

"Do you know what this is about?" I panicked. "Did he talk to you about me?"

"No, we just talked through key performance indicators and the new cases we should take now that we're in even higher demand."

I sighed as he placed his hand on my back.

"Try to relax." Johnny continued. "After the presentation you just gave, he may just want you to meet some people. I wouldn't be surprised if your dad is ready to make you his proxy with our VIP clients at this point. He's proud of you, and so am I. That was amazing, Ho-seok. Even though you have two more years at Harvard, you're ready for the big league little brother."

I placed a smile on my face, though my heart sank hearing my father's voice again.

"Son, you ready?" He asked.

I nodded, looking back to Johnny. "I probably won't be in much next week. I've missed a lot of school as you can guess."

"Don't worry about school." Johnny replied. "I'll be reaching out to the Harvard Dean, making sure there's some serious acknowledgment of what you've been doing for AHS. Your time here should serve as course credits at this point. We need you here, and you'll learn more than a lecture could ever teach you."

"Appreciate you, Johnny. Thanks."

As my father said his final goodbyes to the office, we headed out of the building. I ended up leaving my car behind, and taking my place in the back of a black BMW with him before his driver headed towards our next destination.

"It's nice to be back in Boston!" My father exclaimed, shifting to our native language. "I need to get out here more, especially to see you. How are you adjusting since the holidays?"

"I'm doing fine." I replied, making him chuckle.

"What's up with you? Why have you been so tense? You didn't miss your old man, at all?"

"Of course I've missed you. Sorry, this is just sudden is all." I admitted. "You always gave me a heads up when you were visiting Canada while I lived there. Why the surprise visit this time?"

"Well, because I wanted it to be exactly that!" He gleamed, nudging me. "I know I'm a busy man, and I also know I didn't give you the answers you wanted to hear when you were home in December. You're at a really important point in your life Ho-seok, especially as the successor of AHS. I want to be more present and make sure you're set up for success."

"Really?" I gaped, making him scoff.

"Ouch. Just how poorly of a father do you take me for?" I finally laughed a genuine one, giving him the reaction he wanted to see. "Tell me the latest with you. How are things going with The Elite? Are you making sincere friends here? Are you living comfortably? And most importantly, are you happy?"

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the tension in my shoulders fell as I embraced the familiar warmth he showered me with as a boy.

I told him about the roommate I was hiding from The Elite, and found an opportunity to mention Shawn's class ranking and specific niche. I also told him about my other "friend" and the many good times we had already shared. He was quick to assume Kayla was another man, given the interests her and I shared, but to my surprise it worked out for the best.

I was just like my father, and he had so many ideas that I'd turn into dates for Makayla and I down the road.

"I'm so relieved to hear you're doing better, son!" He chimed. "Even with The Elite. I'm glad you've been able to distance yourself even more, and continue to keep Johnny looped in. Sounds like he's been of help in steering you in the right direction with them."

"Yes, father." I replied.

Looking out of the window, I noticed the driver pull in front of a restaurant and my eyes widened when I saw who was standing in front of it.

"Mother?" I breathed. "What's happening? You're both in Boston?"

Father smirked, a guilty smile forming on his face. "I was hoping you might naturally tell me something, but it didn't come out like I was expecting."

"What?" I gaped.

He chuckled. "Let's go greet your mother."

"Father." I called for him, but he climbed out of the car instead.

Despite how confused and anxious I felt, I followed his movements and stepped outside to be welcomed by my mother with open arms.

"Ho-seok, my son!" She enthused, tightly hugging. "Oh, you look amazing! I'm so relieved to see just how well you take care of yourself when I'm not around!"

"I'd hope so. I'm 24-years-old, after all." I replied as she caressed my cheek. "What is going on, right now? What are you doing in Boston, let alone with father?"

"You didn't tell him, yet?" Mom gasped, looking towards her ex.

"Tell me what?" I impatiently asked.

"We're here for an arrangement!" She enthused, as she playfully nudged me. "How could you keep such a secret? Everything makes so much sense now! Why you've been so opposed to settling down all these years, and why you were so moody the last time you visited me in Canada! You should have told me about you and Samantha a long time ago, Ho-seok!"

My eyes widened, and my lips parted as well. "How do you know about that?"

"She came to visit me last week! The poor girl - she's been through so much. She flew out to Canada to tell me it was all for the best though, since you two have been in love since you were in high school!"

"Eomma." I sighed.

"Her parents showed up with her too!" Mother continued. "They want Samantha to be with the person she loves after such a horrendous end to her engagement with Kang Yu-jun. They were thrilled to find out it was the one and only Ahn Ho-seok, they requested a formal introduction between our families immediately!"

"Excuse me?" I gaped.

"Surprise!" Father exclaimed. "Here I thought you just didn't want to settle down, but you were smitten with someone this entire time! I'm happy for you, son! This is a great match!"

"See! Even your father and I agree on something for once!" Mother chimed, my head spinning. "Samantha is amazing, she's the woman you love, and both families support this match!"

"Are you kidding me?" I asked. "Why would you agree to this without speaking to me, first?"

"Wait, are you're upset?"

"Eomma, how can you be so dense right now?"

"Watch it, Ho-seok." Father scolded, defending the vary woman he cheated on many times.

"You saw it yourself!" I proceeded. "She accepted another man right in my face! In front of anyone of relevance in Canada! Eomma, how could you possibly think her and I are still on good terms?"

"Sweetie don't be so sensitive. You know how things work. Samantha was just fulfilling her duties as the filial daughter of a very prestigious family."

I groaned, walking away from my parents as I took multiple deep breaths.

"No." I declined. "I won't do it. I'm not marrying her."

"Ho-seok." My mother pleaded.

"No!" I roared as I turned around to face my parents. "You can't just show up and make me marry a woman I no longer have feelings for! My answer is, no! I'm not doing this!"

Shocked, my mother grabbed her chest and my father's eyebrows were raised.

"Is the other family already here, Eun Ae?" Father asked.

"Yes." She worriedly responded.

"Go inside, let them know we've arrived, and apologize for our tardiness. Ho-seok and I will join you all after a quick chat."

Mother didn't hesitate to do as directed, my heart racing as I stared down my father.

"Have you lost your mind, speaking to your mother and I like that?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not marrying her." I answered. "You just told me that my happiness was important to you. The moment you force this on me, it's out the door."

"I also told you, as the heir of AHS I would make sure you're set up for success. You know very well, how hard its been for us to break into the entertainment industry - and there's big money there. She isn't the authentic Korean woman I wanted for you, but she is the daughter of a big connection that will open this door for our firm and she's even a promising lawyer that fits our brand as well."

"Father." I tried.

"I thought this was a win, win." He continued. "I was so excited to hear you fell for a woman who would fill this gap for AHS, but even if that's not the case this is a sacrifice I need you to make for the good of the firm."

"What?" I breathed.

"You fell for her once, and for many years. Who knows? It could happen again."

"It won't."

"Why is that?" He pressed, locking eyes with me as he stepped closer. "Now that I know about her and just witnessed how hurt you still are by her betrayal, I see commitment isn't actually an issue for you. You just don't give your heart to women freely, but when you do - it's fierce, isn't it? Is there already another woman?"

"No." I cleanly stated, though he was reading me like a book.

"Let me make myself clear." He firmly stated. "There is a certain criteria that needs to be met for the woman you bring into this family, and Samantha Lee barely made the cut. If there does happen to be a woman you've met in this city, have all the fun you want son. But it is and will always only be that. Strictly fun, and Samantha is your future. Do you understand me?"

Feeling ambushed and extremely overwhelmed, I was speechless.

"Don't turn me into the bad guy, Ho-seok." Father continued, brushing my shoulders down as he tidied me up for lunch. "It won't be you who suffers if you push me in that direction."

As father walked around me, my head fell hearing his threat very clearly.

I took another deep breath, closing my eyes as I composed myself to get through this family introduction.

"Let's go, Ho-seok." Father demanded.

As trained, I tapped into the charming and obedient heir my society knew me as - walking into the building confidently and on the same page as my parents.

The elegant find was a rare one in Massachusetts. It was a Japanese restaurant and similar to the luxury I often experienced in South Korea.

The ambiance was peaceful, and the decor was traditional - elements such as tatami mats, shoji screens, and wooden furnishing aesthetically placed throughout the establishment.

Walking down a narrow hall that housed the restaurants private rooms, we stopped in front of a sliding door before my mother and Sam's family were revealed.

"CEO Ahn Hyuk!" Her father enthused. "It's an honor to finally meet you, sir."

"Please, just call me Hyuk. We're set to be family if all goes well."

The man bowed to my father, as did his wife and conniving daughter before our eyes locked.

The corners of her lips rising, my blood boiled as I digested the hand my ex just dealt me in this vicious new game of hers. 

____

Author's Note: Hello! How did you enjoy the update?

Sam has been busy, ya'll! While Ho-seok and Makayla were getting stronger, she was sealing the deal with his challenging and very conservative parents! 

What does this mean for the couple? Will Ho-seok fold to his parents' wishes following his father's threat? 

Please remember to vote and comment! Thanks for the support! 

- Zelene