TIES OF LOVE

en

on the sudden meeting and couldn't shake th

into the garage and park. Entering the house, a familiar voice called out, "

me in a tight hug, as if we hadn't seen each other in years, despite meeti

led, "Mom, I miss you too," genuinely responding to her affection. She continued to s

always be my baby," sh

ied, "Honey, your dad is in his study. You know your dad is a bookworm," whis

ith me?" I inquired with a serious t

ber expression, stating, "

going on?" She evaded my question, saying, "Let's

signaled for me to sit, I obliged, accompanied by Mom. The atmosphere felt tensed, raising my suspicions about

silent, observing me sternly. Breaking the silence, I greeted, "Hello

bout?" I inquired, preferring to cut to the

ou'll be celebrating your 27th birthday ne

shell, "It's time

tinued, "you have to get married soon," he said

laimed getting

who the hell is this girl you wa

ady to get married yet or even s

robably lost his mi

you talking abo

dn't care less about the old man's feelings. However, my mother's voice, reminding me to listen to my fath

ing businessman, just starting the construction company. He was returning from a business trip, got robbed, shot, and left to die on a lonely road at night.

g something in return. After much back and forth, they made a deal." I impatiently interjected, "What did they agree on, Fat

ator at the side of the study. He took his sweet time sipping water from the glass, as if he had all the time in

ond between the families," he finally disclosed. Unable to contain my frustration,

. My mom intervened, "Boys, sit down. Let's discuss this like adults," her stern tone made i

e doesn't know anything about the deal either. Her grandfather died when she was 10

iscuss this as the girl in questi

son it is not that eas

tand Dad," I said to

her son," he said w

father," I ask

g wish for the deal to be hon

eal, dad" I

se I don't care who asks me to marry this so-called Brenda or what de

company, son," he declar

rd for the company," I retorted angrily, shocked

company, son." My dad said