Seated in her father's disheveled office, Hara carefully took a seat in front of him.
"What happened?" she asked with concern.
Her father sighed, lost in contemplation. "The business has been struggling lately," he admitted. "I might face bankruptcy soon."
Hara's eyes widened in shock. "What? But I thought everything was going well."
Mr. Chen explained the distressing chain of events that had unfolded.
"Then, what are you going to do next? If you need help, I can—" Hara began, wanting to offer her support.
"No," Mr. Chen interrupted firmly. "You don't even have the qualifications," he added, pausing before continuing, "Do you remember Mr. Tanaka?"
Hara looked down, trying to recall the name but couldn't seem to remember.
"Yuto's father," he explained briefly. "He said he would help me," Mr. Chen said, visibly distressed.
Hara's anticipation grew, and she listened attentively.
"But on one condition," he said with a heavy sigh. Hara gazed at him, waiting for the revelation.
"He wants you to marry Yuto," he said.
Hara sat there, stunned by her father's revelation. The news hit her like a bolt of lightning, leaving her speechless and unsure of how to respond. Marry Yuto? That scary guy? The idea seemed so sudden and overwhelming that she couldn't wrap her head around it.
"But, Dad...I barely know Yuto," Hara managed to say, her voice trembling with mixed emotions. "I can't just agree to marry someone I barely know, even if it's to save the business."
Mr. Chen nodded, understanding her apprehension. "I know it's a lot to ask, Hara, and I never wanted to put you in this position."
Hara took a moment to gather her thoughts, feeling the weight of her father's distress and the weight of the decision before her. She couldn't deny the seriousness of the situation and how much was at stake.
"But what about us, Dad?" Hara's voice trembled, tears forming in her eyes. "What about our happiness and our feelings? Marriage is a huge commitment, and I can't just do it for business reasons."
Mr. Chen looked torn, clearly feeling the same conflict within himself.
Hara nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knew her father was doing what he thought was best for the family and the business, but the idea of an arranged marriage felt overwhelming and unfair to her heart.
"I need some time to think about it," Hara finally said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I can't make such a big decision right now. Please give me some time to process everything."
Her father nodded, his eyes filled with sadness and understanding. "Of course, take all the time you need, Hara. This is not an easy decision, and I want you to be sure about it."
As Hara left her father's office, she felt a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She knew she had to carefully consider the consequences of her decision, not just for herself but for her family as well. The weight of her father's business and their financial security rested on her shoulders, and it was a burden she never imagined she would have to bear.
Inside the Tanaka residence, a heated argument unfolded.
"I won't marry!" Yuto screamed, facing the stern old man before him.
"Yuto!" Mr. Tanaka reprimanded firmly.
"At this rate, there will be no one to take over the business in the future," Mr. Tanaka remarked with a disapproving click of his tongue.
"And you're still infatuated with that commoner girl?" Mr. Tanaka sneered.
"So what if I am?" Yuto persisted.
Yuto's fists clenched in frustration, his emotions boiling over. "She's not just a commoner girl," he retorted, his voice sharp with anger. "She's a kind-hearted and genuine person, unlike the empty and cold-hearted society women you keep pushing me to marry!"
Mr. Tanaka's expression turned stern. "You know very well that the future of our family's business is at stake," he said, his tone firm. "Marrying Chen Hara is the best option to secure our position and expand our influence."
"I won't sacrifice my happiness for the sake of the business!" Yuto exclaimed. "I've watched you do it, marrying for power and wealth, and look where it got you. You're miserable, and I won't repeat the same mistake!"
Mr. Tanaka's face darkened, and he leaned closer to Yuto. "You're being foolish and naive," he said, his voice cold. "Love and happiness are fleeting emotions. In the end, what matters most is power and wealth, and that's what you need to prioritize."
Yuto's anger began to wane, replaced by a sense of sadness and disappointment. "I thought you'd understand," he said, his voice quieter now. "I thought you'd see that I deserve to be with someone I truly love, not just a pawn in your schemes."
Mr. Tanaka's expression softened slightly, but he remained resolute. "You need to think about the future of our family, Yuto," he said. "I've worked hard to build this business, and I won't let it crumble because of your foolish desires."
Yuto took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "I'll take over the business, but I won't marry Hara," he said firmly. "I'll find a way to make things work without sacrificing my happiness."
Mr. Tanaka shook his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. "You're making a grave mistake, Yuto," he said. "But if that's your decision, then you'll have to bear the consequences."
With that, Yuto turned and walked away, leaving his father standing there, a mix of emotions swirling in his heart. As he walked through the hallways of the grand mansion, he couldn't help but feel conflicted. He knew that defying his father would have serious repercussions, but he couldn't ignore his own feelings and desires.
Yuto found himself standing in front of a large window, looking out at the world beyond. Thoughts of Hara, whom he initially had a negative impression of, filled Yuto's mind. His first encounter with her was when Hara had taken Ji-Eun to a secluded spot to confront her closeness with Shen Lu, perhaps due to jealousy. In frustration, Yuto ran his fingers through his hair, contemplating the possibility of marrying Hara and wondering what such a future might entail.
In the days that followed, Hara spent her time in contemplation, seeking advice from Clara, Mr. Dan, and the other staff members she had grown close to over the years. Their support and love gave her strength, but the decision remained a difficult one.
In the end, she made her decision.
Hara agreed to marry Yuto.
Recalling the story's contents, she remembered that Yuto indeed had feelings for the heroine, Ji-Eun, but she ultimately chose the male lead, Shen Lu.
Yuto, understandably heartbroken upon learning of Ji-Eun's marriage to her partner, decided to suppress his feelings for the sake of her happiness. He remained single throughout his life, dedicating himself to taking over his father's business, and never married until his unfortunate death due to conflicts involving the Viper Cartel.
Throughout the years, Yuto remained alone. As Hara read about his life, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Despite her initial fright during their first encounter where he threatened her, the novel depicted him as a genuinely kind person who showed respect to those around him.
With a sigh, Hara walked to her father's office to finally inform him of her decision.
As Hara entered her father's office, she found him still engrossed in his work, but she could sense the underlying tension in the room. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she spoke softly but confidently.
"Dad, I've thought it through, and I've decided to accept Mr. Tanaka's proposal," she said, her voice unwavering.
Mr. Chen looked up from his desk, his eyes searching hers for any signs of doubt or hesitation. When he saw the determination in her gaze, he nodded slowly.
"I know this wasn't an easy decision for you, Hara," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I appreciate your sacrifice, and I promise to support you every step of the way."
Hara felt a surge of relief at her father's understanding and support. She knew that marrying Yuto was not just about saving the business, but also about creating a better future for both their families. She wanted to be the bridge that could bring them together and mend the broken ties.
"Thank you, Dad," Hara replied, a small smile forming on her lips. "I believe that with time, Yuto and I can build a strong relationship and work together to face any challenges that come our way."
Mr. Chen nodded, his eyes filled with pride for his daughter's strength and maturity.
"I have faith in you, Hara," he said. "You have always been wise beyond your years, and I know you will make the best of this situation."
With her father's blessing and encouragement, Hara felt a renewed sense of determination. She knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face it with courage and grace.