It's passed 8 o'clock in the morning when the two came back to the mansion. They notice two unfamiliar car on the parking but neither of them knows who it belongs. Both of them look at each other with question mark on eyes and Henrick strides a walk ahead of her if ever his parents have an important visitor. As soon as they enter, the two stop at the entrance. Henrick frowns while Georgina steps back in surprise. The memories from that day came back to her mind. It's her parent who are sitting on the long sofa looking in their direction. Henrick's parents are also on the sofa, sitting side by side.
"Oh, Georgina. Good, you're back. We're talking about the engagement..." her mother said, but she look away instead of greeting them.
"Go upstairs, take a bath, and prepare yourself for later. I'll talk to them by myself." Henrick said. He pushes her a little towards the stairs, gives a sign to go. Even though she doesn't want, it's still not the time to talk to them.
A silence lingers in the living room as soon as Georgina leave. Both Henrick's parents glance at each other, trying to read the awkward atmosphere. They didn't know the reason he accepted the marriage after refusing it to death. But they know he still has a reason for all his actions. Neither his father nor mother expected to receive a call from Georgina's mother, telling they want to talk about the marriage and the reconsideration of partnership with Serino Company.
"Hi. Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Alvarez, I'm Henrick Jung. I didn't introduce myself last time but I'm glad to see you again." Henrick said in polite way.
"We are talking about your engagement. Georgina should be present here." Coleen, Georgina's mother, said.
Henrick's reaction changes into a serious one but it goes back to gentle, he walk straight to the single sofa and sits there while crossing both legs. The rest of them look at him like expecting something to happen but he just look to Georgina's parents.
"Can you call Georgina again?" Coleen asked the maid who bring them a drink instead of following her, she glance to Henrick. "Hey, can't you hear me? Can you call Georgina over here?"
"A-ah..."
"Her presence not needed here, Mrs. Alvarez," Henrick interferes, give a sign to the maid to go ahead. "If you need to talk about the engagement, then I'm here to listen. Make it quick because we need to visit the hospital."
"Is she sick?" Her father asked, full of worry.
"No. It's just a general check-up. Some people need to take one to maintain their healthy body."
"You don't need to worry, Mr. Alvarez. We're always taking care of your daughter." Amanda said with a smile.
"Anyway, you can tell your own opinion about the marriage while we're all here." Henrick blurted out.
"Yeah, we're here for that purpose. Both my husband and I want to suggest that the wedding will happen after Georgina graduated from high school. It doesn't need to be a big one, just between the families, then after their graduation in college they can get a proper wedding ceremony. Isn't it bad, right?"
Georgina's mother laugh while holding into her husband's arm, but Henrick's reaction is getting gloom as he hears her talk. Both his parents couldn't believe on what she said to them. It's not like there's a problem having two ceremonies. If this marriage is a mutual desire of two families, then both of them will benefit. But they don't want to force their son if he doesn't want to get married. The negotiation that Coleen Alvarez wants will only benefit them. Once the two got married, some of Henrick's shares in Jung's family will transfer to Georgina. In exchange, Henrick can have access to the Alvarez Company affairs. Besides, all Elite has at least one company that they manage.
It's kind of tradition to all Elite Family who wants to make an arrange marriage between their family. A literal give and take rule.
Jung Family is one of the elite. Most people in the business world respect and admire them. In fact, they don't need the arrange marriage. They've just got captivated by the presentation of Serino Company on their upcoming new launch technology, which is still in the making. Both his parents want to get involved in the project so badly as they can see a potential of success in it. Amidst of everything, the CEO of the company suggested having an arrange marriage with his niece which is Georgina. Later on, they met Coleen Alvarez and talk about the possible arrange marriage and the rest just happened in a flash.
They saw how their son totally against it and didn't bother to continue the negotiation anymore. Neither of his parents wants to interfere with their son's decision.
"What do you think?"
"Georgina is about to graduate next year... If I marry her, then I'll definitely give half of my shares in this family."
"H-half? You're willing to give half of your shares? In other cases, they only give 10-20 percent of their share but half..." Coleen said in disbelief. Her eyes widened while looking towards Henrick.
"Isn't it too much? You're not trying to buy my daughter, right?" Her father asked.
"What are you saying, Mr. Alvarez? Both of you are already selling Georgina to me, so I just named her price. Isn't it fair?"
"Y-you... Who told you I'm selling my daughter? You're rude to your age, kid." The man stands up, pointing his finger to him that alert Henrick's parents.
Henrick stands up too and looks at them with a serious face. "Many people know how rude and straightforward I am despite of age difference. I'm just telling you... Once I marry her, she's mine and no one can manipulate her without my consent. If both of you understand what I mean, then this little family meeting is done. Be careful on your way home, my future in-laws."
He smiles to them and walks up stairs where Georgina left before. A silence remains in the living room but he didn't care about it and continue to walk. He knows his parents can handle the rest of the negotiation, besides they're not new in these kinds of matters.
As soon as he opens the room, the unexpected sight welcome him. Its Georgina sitting anxiously in the bed, clasped both hands while head bows down. He told her to take a bath and prepare herself for the check-up, but here she is, not moving an inch. A sigh escapes his mouth before sitting beside her without telling a word of comfort. The deafening silence continues to linger inside the room.
"Who is it?" Henrick breaks the silence while sit lying on the bed.
Georgina looks at him with confusion, but he's staring at the ceiling. "W-what are you talking about?"
"Who is the man your father is talking about that day? It seems like he's worried for you more than your mother does. It makes me feel bad talking rude to him." He said. "I think he's mad at that man rather than you. Am I wrong?"
She didn't talk and remain silent.
"Is it the man who's always with Kiela? The both of you know each other, right?"
"You don't need to know such a thing. It's my problem."
"Fine. I won't ask about him, but fill me up about the details of your plan. You're planning to get revenge on your mother, so I want to lend you a hand."
"What are you talking about before with my parents? Is it about the marriage? Why are you trying to help me now? Did she tell you something unnecessary?"
Henrick sits down, looking straight into her eyes. It's full of worry and fear. "She told us her plan. It's ridiculous and too obvious plan but she wants us to get married after your graduation next year,"
"W-what? You didn't accept it? Tell me you didn't accept..."
"It's the latter," he said. "Use the privilege I'll give you and let those who hurt you kneeled in front while begging to death. I don't have any grudge towards your family, but I'm a nice person."
"W-what are you saying? You and I getting married for real? Are you out of your mind? You don't need to do this much just to help someone like me."
"Do you know what's the rules are in arranging a marriage between two elite families?" Henrick asked.
"H-huh?"
"If we get married, you can take some of my shares in Jung's family. In exchange, I can have all access to your family's company. Besides, no one can manipulate you. Isn't it good enough to accept the marriage?"
Georgina clenched both fists, looks down, thinking hard on what he blurted out. She's not aware of the rules of Elite, but still marriage is a serious talk and not some kind of game. They are young to take everything fast, both of them have a dream, problem to solve and many things to do without getting bind to anyone. Besides, they didn't even love each other.
"Think about it again. The next time I'll ask you, I want a straightforward answer." He said before standing up. "Take a bath and get ready. We'll go to the hospital like what I've planned."
She nod her head while looking at him go outside the room.