Dedicated to Madcass for making that awesome cover on the side. =))

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Chapter 55 – Commencing: The Marriage Interview

     Everybody was seated all around the long rectangular table. Sitting on the left part were Jonathan, Daniel and Kristopher. On the opposite part were Chie, Mari and Seth—Kristopher's father. And of course, Richard Yao sat on the head of the table. Mari was sitting directly in front of Daniel and she kept grinning at him, hoping he'd notice and get irritated. Daniel was right. She was a bit like her brother.

       "Well, we are here," Richard said as he smiled at each of his guests. The atmosphere around the adults was a bit tense—Jonathan and Seth looked like they were nervous since they kept fixing their serious gazes on their hands, then stealing glances at their host, and then back at their hands again. They acted like guilty puppies. While the adults were like that, the kids, however...

       "Yay!" Mari beamed. "This is so exciting!"

     Kristopher felt his eyes twitch. How could she be so inconsiderate of the situation? He couldn't believe that this girl was related to Daniella.

       "Mari-chan, be serious." Richard said so casually, as if he was already used to saying it. Daniel and Kristopher were semi-glaring at the twins. Mari and Chie were grinning like fools at their guests. The situation was weird no matter how you look at it. Richard cleared his throat before reaching for Seth's and Jonathan's hand. They both smiled at him and high respect was present in their eyes.

        "Seth-kun, John-kun," he began, he smiled warmly at them. The children just observed them in silence. "I call everyone here for very important announcement. I already discuss it with you two, now; let us discuss it with our children."

     Daniel noticed how his father swallowed hard and Kristopher noticed the big bead of sweat trickle down his dad's face. They really wondered why their dads acted like Richard's little pets. It was very unusual and they were really disturbed with the way their dads responded to their host. Was Richard Yao that amazing? Or was he possibly blackmailing them with something?

       "Daniel-san," he faced him with a smile. "Have you begun extending your business in America? For sure it would be easy for you since you have amazing gift, yes?"

       "Uh..." Daniel mumbled unsurely. He hated it whenever people mentioned his 'gift'. He felt like he was being treated like an exotic creature or something. "I haven't yet. I've been busy with school lately."

     Richard's warm smile didn't faze a bit. He nodded his head, understanding. "Aah. I see. How is school?"

     Kristopher peered at his cousin. Daniel was sitting up straight, his hands were laid on the table and his complete attention was on Richard. His eyes looked serious, just like the usual. Kristopher silently smiled. Daniel was younger and completely inexperienced compared to their dads', but by the way he's looking at their host showed a different level of maturity and superiority.

       "School is school," he said, shrugging his shoulder uncaringly.

     Richard then turned to look at Kristopher. He tensed up at once when the warm smile from their host's face vanished, replaced with a peeking scowl. The man still disliked him. "And you? How is school for you? How are you treating Anne-chan?"

     Kristopher smiled, showing that he was also unfazed, but in truth, his palms were frozen stiff. "Like Danny said. School's cool. I treat Anne just fine."

       "I see," he replied, although sounding like he wasn't listening at all. Kristopher gritted his teeth. Why does that old man hate him so much? "Then you boys no cause trouble, yes? You not like those rebellious teenagers in TV?"

     Daniel snorted. Jonathan gave him a warning look. "Now why would you think that?"

     Richard grinned. "I just curious. No harm come from asking, no?"

       "Tops and I are doing well at school Mr Yao. Why are you so curious about our lives anyway? Does this have something to do with business or not?"

       "Daniel." Jonathan said flatly. Richard laughed shortly, as if he was amused with his reply. He eyed the boys closely as a grin appeared on his face. Light wrinkles formed on the corners of his mouth and eyes.

       "I curious because I want to know more about lives of our future business partners."

     Kristopher and Daniel were silenced. This news was far more surprising than knowing about Richard's twins. They blinked slowly like slow-headed dimwits, exchanged looks, blinked again and then glanced at their dads. The adults were quiet, but were giving them encouraging gazes. Was this poop for real?

     Daniel wasn't convinced. There was something about this that sounded a bit off. He noticed that his father was sweating more than usual and every time he would look at him, he would avoid his eyes. It was suspicious. Ever since he was a child, Richard Yao being the biggest competition was common knowledge. Why was their competition, asking for a partnership?

     He knitted his brows a bit as he glanced at the twins. Chie and Mari weren't paying any attention at the discussion. They were too busy dozing off. Why were Yao's children so laid-back and easy-going anyway? Many questions stirred inside his head. Things just didn't add up.

       "I thought you said you wanted to absorb our business?" Daniel asked.

       "No I do not. Who would say such thing?" Richard raised his brows. Daniel remembered Jacob, Kristina's dad. Jacob had a small talk with him just a few weeks ago and told him about his concerns. He also recalled Jacob telling him about how worried he was for Jonathan.

       "My uncle Jake." He said.

       "Jake?" he repeated. "Who is Jake?"

     Jonathan cleared his throat and explained in his son's stead. "Jacob Karlins. My best friend when I was in high school."

     When Mari heard the surname, she smiled knowingly and stifled a giggle. She flashed her perfectly straight teeth at Daniel as she rested her chin on her intertwined fingers. "Ooh. Krissy's daddy huh?"

       "Why would your friend say that?" Richard asked Jonathan. Jonathan cleared his throat again and pulled back his hair out of mannerism.

       "Because I told him."

     Richard's brows rose higher, almost intimidating him. "And why would you say that to your friend?"

       "You told me you'd take over my company didn't you?" he said grimly. "That's the same as absorbing it. I merely gave my friend a vague explanation about how you work."

     Daniel listened quietly as his dad spoke. The air around them was getting rather heavy and uncomfortable. The respect from his father's eyes seemed to have dissipated already. Or maybe it wasn't even there in the first place. Did he misread something? Kristopher copied his cousin's movements and listened to their conversation.

     Richard chuckled deeply and patiently. It seemed like he was already used to these kinds of talks. "It seems you have misunderstood my reasons again John-kun," he smiled at him as if he was an innocent child. "Why would I do that to my kawaii students?"

       "We always misunderstand because you're always vague and unpredictable," Seth pointed out in a stiff tone.

       "Sou? I no notice!" Richard chuckled again. He was getting amused with their replies. The adults' expressions still showed a bit of tenseness, but it was soon overthrown by their irritation. Their boys were confused. Why the sudden change of expressions? What was going on?

       "You always do this to us Rich." Jonathan sighed out a frustrated breath. He massaged his forehead with his palm.

     Seth lightly laughed at his cousin's troubled look. "Yeah. Please don't make us look like fools in front of our sons."

       "I have every right to tease you," Richard grinned again. Daniel felt sick to his stomach. He always envisioned Richard Yao as an evil person. Instead, here he was, talking to his dad and uncle like how a grandparent would talk to his cute, naïve little grandsons. "I am your senior. You two are my students. It no fun to be so serious always, right kids?"

     Mari and Chie were quick to reply in a jolly good chorus. "Oh yeah!"

       "What is going on?" Kristopher asked, looking confused and sounding impatient. He knitted his brows at his dad but Seth just sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

       "Dad, what's the meaning of this?" Daniel too. From their tone of voice, it was as if they were the parents and the adults were the children.

     Jonathan gave him a weak smile before he motioned his head towards their host's direction. "Yes Rich, tell them what the meaning of this is."

     Richard smiled once more before clearing his throat. He eyed Chie and Mari for a split-second before completely focusing his attention on Daniel and Kristopher. The boys braced their selves for what they were about to hear. "I know the Curtis Corporation is going very well and is in midst of expanding internationally, no? So I plan to assist by being your company's one and only investor and supplier. I know many people in business world. I have many connections all across Europe and Asia. I want to help you."

     Daniel never took his eyes off Richard's. He didn't want to believe what he was hearing. This completely contradicted to his impression of him ever since he was a boy. He had a lot of things he wanted to ask his father. "Is there a catch?"

     His question stunned the bald man. After he quickly recovered, he laughed heartily and nodded approvingly at Jonathan. Jonathan unsurely laughed. "You think of me too badly, Daniel-san! I not bad person you know."

       "Really," Daniel wanted to scoff. "It's kinda hard to tell."

       "Daniel." His father warned him the second time. "Show some respect."

       "No, no," Richard told Jonathan. He faced Daniel and grinned at him. "I like your attitude. You straight-forward and focused. Those qualities best suit an entrepreneur. When you speak to me, just stay as Daniel-san. You too Kristopher."

     Kristopher openly scoffed, which earned him a glare from Seth. Richard is still treating him like a third wheel. Daniel grew confused. What did he mean, 'stay as Daniel'?

       "Thanks," he said, despite the slight confusion. "I will."

     Richard smiled. "Very good." He cleared his throat again and placed his elbows on the table, his chin resting comfortably on the back of his palms. He eyed all the kids in the room individually and his face turned serious. The smile on his mouth turned into a thin line and his kind brows shifted into knitted ones. Daniel and Kristopher felt goose bumps racing towards their necks. Now this was a completely different side of him he was showing. Richard was in dead-serious-business-mode now.

     He cleared his throat once more. Everybody wondered if he had phlegm stuck in his throat or something. "Now let us get into business."

     He fixed his attention towards Daniel. Daniel did the same. The auras surrounding these two seemed pretty equal by means of superiority—Jonathan couldn't believe his own son could stand up to his annoying senior by just a single intimidating stare. "Daniel-san."

     Daniel waited for what he was about to say.

       "You remember what we discuss a while ago? About women?"

     Mari and Chie were holding in a fit of laughter. Daniel noticed but ignored them anyway. "Yeah."

     A sly smile creeped on the man's face. Kristopher began to feel scared and worried for his cousin. He felt like the old man was picking on Daniel.

       "Daniel-san, your father and I already discussed this. You will become CEO of Curtis Corporation in the American branch. You construct your own building and employ own employees. I will fund everything for you to have no trouble, but I know you smart enough to expand it even without my help. But still, I help you."   

     Daniel quietly nodded as Richard continued. What did this have to do with women?

       "It very difficult task for very young man such as yourself. You already famous in all of Europe for having that brain of yours and by holding the title of one of the youngest millionaires—"

       "Danny's a millionaire?" Chie interrupted.

       "Yes," Richard explained. "Even though he young, he works for his father and has own salary. He like you, Chie-kun."

     Chie huffed happily and smiled at Daniel. "Hear that mate? You and I are alike."

       "Hardly." Daniel said flatly.

       "Moving on," Richard dismissed the present discussion and continued on his previous one. "Since you famous, people will soon know that the Yao Group is supporting you. This very serious matter and our name is at stake. I do not always do this to just anybody. Do not disappoint me. Do not taint your or our company's names. Do you understand me, Daniel-san?"

     Daniel nodded his head. He already knew that fact without that man saying, but he was still stuck at his other question. What did this have to do with women? He was getting impatient. "Yes."

       "And another very important thing," Richard said. The whole room became deadly silent as he paused. Everybody was eagerly waiting for what he wanted to say. And after he did, they were all surprised. "About your relationship status."

       "Ooooooh..." Kristopher thought. He bit his tongue out of nervousness. He was getting nervous just listening to him. "He's talking about Tinz..."

       "What about it?" Daniel said in a flat tone, sounding like he didn't want to talk about that delicate matter. Jonathan felt like hyperventilating. He didn't know whether he could carry on with this meeting or not. For sure, his son will be disappointed in him. He wanted to kick himself for doing this to him.

     Richard continued. "You should know very well that it will affect your name and the name of both our companies as well. If people will gain knowledge that you finally have a lover after all these time, the press will not leave you or the girl alone. There will be scandals and other things that will serve as obstacles in your relationship. Are you prepared for that?"

       "Don't worry about those things," Daniel said. "I've already thought about that for a long time. I will handle my own problems."

       "I knew you would say that," Richard mused. "Listen to me Daniel-san, I am concerned. I found easiest way for us to work. The partner you should choose should be aware and open to the business world. She must also have good family background as well."

     Daniel cracked his knuckles hiding inside his pocket slowly. He was getting annoyed. He felt like this man was insulting Kristina. He didn't like it one bit. Richard took in the growing impatience in Daniel's deceiving expression and hid a smile.

        "John-kun and I decided to arrange a marriage interview for you, so you will—"

        "No." Daniel flatly said. "I reject that idea."

     Kristopher glanced at his cousin again. He literally gasped when he heard Richard say 'marriage interview'. He was even more surprised than his cousin. Did Daniel possibly predict that this would happen? If he did, he wouldn't be so surprised.

        "Do not be stubborn Daniel-san," Richard said, his tone the same. "I always do what's best for everyone and everything."

     Daniel felt his fists balling up. "I'm already engaged."

       "That silly engagement has already been provoked."

     His eyes widened and his teeth gritted grudgingly. What was going on? "By whom?"

       "By me." Jonathan said.

     Daniel glanced at his father. His stare almost became a silent glare. He silently asked his father what the hell they were talking about. Jonathan sighed and wiped the sweat off his face. He really couldn't take seeing his son like this. "Son, you don't understand—"

       "What don't I understand, dad?" he said in an impatient tone. He could already feel his knuckles turning white from clenching his fists too hard. He turned his gaze towards Richard. "And you. What makes you think you have the right to run my life just because you're planning to financially support our company?"

     Although he sounded calm like he usually did, his eyes showed a murderous intent. He felt his heart beating faster and his nerves popping one by one. He felt so mad right now. So disappointed. The negative emotions stirring inside him halted for a bit when Kristina's image flashed in his mind. He cursed. He made a promise with her damn it. He swore he'd come back to her side.

     Chie himself felt tense with what just happened. He didn't know how to calm Daniel down because he already looked calm, but he knew he wasn't calm at all. He wanted to pull his hair out. Daniel can make you crazy without even trying or doing anything. Chie wasn't the first to think this.

     Mari laughed inside her head. She loved watching soap operas, and now, a real live drama was happening in front of her very eyes. It was amusing. And knowing that she's gonna have a big part in this real live drama, she felt even more excited.  

       "Daniel-san," Richard pressed, his tone never changing. "Please calm down and listen to me."

       "Asking me to calm down is the only guaranteed way to piss me off more, old man. So save your breath and shut it." He spat.

       "Daniel!" His father yelled. Daniel looked at Jonathan again. It was unintentional, but he glared hard at his father, showing him how frustrated he felt. He never lost his composure before, and he certainly wasn't going to lose it now. He knew better than to let anger take over him. But in this situation, he had every right to be angry.

       "Daniel," Jonathan said pleadingly. "Please just listen to what we have to say. I know what you're feeling right now. We'll discuss it later, but now, please. Cooperate with us."

       "So this is why you made us come back here." He said accusingly. Jonathan flinched when Daniel bore his eyes on his. He could swear he could see his son's eyes turning red with rage. "I can't believe you."

     The guilt-stricken look on his father's face made it clear to Daniel. Richard made him do this. Why must he be so obedient to an old man who lacks hair is still a mystery to him. So what if he was their senior? He had no right to control his life.

       "This marriage interview thing you keep talking about may be natural for you Japanese people, but don't drag me into this." Daniel eyed Richard. "If this is how you want me to work, then I don't want your support. I won't work with you."

     Jonathan held his son's shoulder. He was a bit glad he didn't brush his hand off, but that was the least of his problems. "Dan—"

       "I understand," Richard concluded. Jonathan stopped and stared at Richard. Did he possibly reconsider? He didn't want to get his hopes up. "True, in some Japanese families, marrying our children for business is only natural, but I not type of man to force you to marry someone you do not love."

       "What are you talking about?" Kristopher said in his cousin's stead. He was afraid that if Daniel finally loses it, he may do something terrible. Although that wasn't like Daniel at all, Kristopher was still cautious. He always knew that people who rarely get mad, gets mad... it'll get pretty scary. "You're not making any sense Richard."

       "He never does," Seth answered for him. Kristopher wrinkled his forehead. What were their fathers thinking? "Before you boys let the pressure get into your heads, why don't you listen to what he has to say first? Johnny and I always misunderstand Rich."

     His tone was patient, matured and the worst thing was: he was right. Daniel and Kristopher felt annoyed, but knew they had to follow his advice. They were raised to be patient and to respect their elders, but right now they just wanted to beat some old people up.

     They both sucked in a sharp breath before sighing all the frustration out of their nostrils. Well, some of it anyway.

       "Fine," Daniel said through clenched teeth. He looked at their host and folded his arms. "Then please, explain what you really mean. You are too vague for my liking. Explain, before I lose my patience."

     He was blinking rather slowly and his face was as calm and doe as usual. Richard smiled again, like he was pleased or was expecting this reaction. Why does that old fool keep smiling? He felt like he was talking to a retard. "Daniel-san."

     Jonathan and Kristopher leaned in closer to the table, an attempt to somehow hear his words clearly and understand better. Daniel tightened his folded arms as Richard spoke in his native language, much to their companion's disappointment.

       "Kono kurisutīna no hito wa, utsukushī kanojodesu ka?"

     He felt his eyes widen, his heart come to an abrupt stop and his breathing going frantic. What. The. Hell.

     Jonathan, Kristopher and Seth were the only people in the room who didn't understand what he just said. They were dying to know. They wished they had carried their Japanese dictionaries all of a sudden. Mari and Chie laughed and threw a series of Ooooohs and Aaaaaws.

       "What?!" Kristopher nudged his petrified cousin's shoulder. "What did he say?!"

     Daniel's eyes seemingly looked dilated. Richard burst out in amused chuckles. "Why so shocked, Daniel-san? It just very simple question."

     Snapping back to reality, he stared intensely at Richard, ignoring his cousin's constant nudging. "What the hell does she have to do with this? I asked you a question, and you answered with a question. What are you planning?"

     Richard chortled. "It seems like you are avoiding delicate topic, no?"

     Daniel squeezed his fists. The man was teasing him! He wasn't satisfied enough by tormenting his father, so now he's picking on him as well? He mentally scoffed. As if he'd let him. The question that man asked ran in his head. He understood by he asked it in a different language.

       "This Kristina person, is she beautiful?"

      Beautiful he says? It was already obvious wasn't it? Daniel wanted to flick the old man's forehead.

       "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life, and she's mine." He answered with a straight face and without hesitation. Even Richard stopped laughing when he said that. He was just planning on teasing him a bit. Why was this boy so serious? Jonathan, Seth and Kristopher finally understood what Richard asked, and who he asked about. "There, the answer to your question."

     Richard nodded his head, but Daniel wasn't sure it was an approving nod or not. He stifled a grin. "Irootoko."

     Lady-killer.

       "Shinu," Daniel snapped.

     Die.

     Mari and Chie burst out in a fit of laughter. They've been holding it in since the beginning of the meeting. Jonathan and the rest had spirals on their eyes. They didn't understand at all what they were talking about. But one thing that made it clear: Daniel was ticked off.

     Richard never looked away from Daniel. His eyes were fixed and serious, even though he constantly laughed in between conversations. "You misunderstand me even more now, Daniel-san?"

       "Yes."

       "Good," he said. This sent the confusion raging higher. "I like it that way. I love surprising people."

     Daniel released a sigh. "What do you mean?"

     Richard glanced at Mari and smiled. "What do you think of my daughter? Is she pretty?"

     Daniel glanced at Mari and stared at her closely for a long time. He studied her face, her hair, her body and her clothes. He was raking her entire appearance and it was enough to make her uncomfortable. Kristopher looked at his cousin too. Was he serious? Was he really considering that man's daughter?

       "Danny?" Kristopher asked unsurely.

       "Yes, she's very pretty," Daniel said it to Richard's face. Chie's grin widened as Richard became startled with his honest reply. That was until, Daniel continued.

       "Her skin is fairly smooth and polished as if she just came out of a derma clinic, her hair is silky and healthy, complete evidence of how she usually visits a hair salon, her teeth are too white to be natural, I'm guessing she has a very good dentist, the make up on her face is not too much and is just fine, but the obvious foundation covering the ugly freckle on her nose is disturbing, her clothes are trending in the fashion world, her taste in clothes are decent but I don't like it, her eyes are like slits and it's weird, she's weird, the way she talks and walks is pretty  girly and..."

     He just kept going on and on and he said it all in a single breath. Richard's eyes were already in perfect circles. Mari felt a blush creep in her cheeks. Kristopher could feel his mouth twitching upwards. "That's my cous! He literally evaluated and even critiqued her 'prettiness'! Hahaha! Fantastic!"

       "W-Wait a sec..." Mari stuttered. Chie kept chuckling beside her so she had to elbow his rib to shut him up. How did the tables turn? Everything popping out of his mouth was affecting her too much and she felt her female dignity getting grazed. She actually felt embarrassed! She scoffed in her head. So this was Daniel Curtis. Her opinion of him completely changed.

     Daniel kept a straight face as he glanced at her again. "But I haven't finished explaining about how you got your nose done."

     Kristopher slammed the table and laughed as hard as he could. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

       "WHAT?!" Mari shrieked as she covered her nose with her palm. "I did not get my nose done!"

       "Really? You mean that's really yours?" Daniel pressed. "Your nostrils are so tiny."

     This was his own way of getting revenge. He needed to do something to blow off his steam, so he decided to verbally attack Richard's daughter, in a somehow polite way. It was killing two Yaos in one stone.

     Mari glared at him. "I'm half Asian remember?! And stop making me sound like I'm a fake! UGH!"

       "Did you get a face lift too?"

       "Oh my God shut up!" Marie yelled.

     Jonathan and Seth had to refrain their selves from bursting into loud chortles. Daniel was something, damn right he was. Predicting where this discussion will soon end, Richard cleared his throat loudly, signalling them all to shut it. "Enough."

     They all halted and tried to calm down. Daniel looked unfazed, Mari had to bite her cheek out of irritation, Jonathan, Seth, Chie and Kristopher had to stop their selves from laughing. It was too damn funny.

       "Daniel-san, I've heard enough," Richard said. "I understand how you feel. And I commend you for getting everything right about Mari-chan."

     No sound came out of Chie's mouth anymore. He kept hitting the table upon holding his stomach. He really couldn't contain his laughter. Mari's eyes widened. "Daddy?!"

       "Pfft..." Jonathan accidentally let a small sound of laughter slip. Seth too.

       "However," Richard continued. "This marriage interview will continue no matter what. I will conduct it myself. In the end, it will still be your choice to make, Daniel-san."

     Daniel changed his position and leaned his arms on the table. "That is still the same as making me do something against my will, Mr Yao."

     Richard grinned. "Oh you misunderstand me too much. I good at conducting marriage interviews you know? My way is unique and I sure you will be very happy in the end."

       "Warufuzake teishi," Daniel said.

     Stop screwing around.

     The grin on his face didn't falter. "Watashi wa jōdan no yō ni watashi wa kikoeru nodesu ka?"

     Do I sound like I'm kidding?

     Daniel had no say. What else could he do? He thought about booking a flight and return to America but he couldn't just leave his father behind. Even though he didn't understand at all what their host was trying to say, he had a big feeling that it wasn't good. His father's face said it all.

      Richard Yao was vague. No. Suspicious would be the best way to describe him. Kristopher and Daniel didn't understand him at all. What did he mean? What was going to happen? They were completely deprived of the most important details.

     Not long after delivering that foreign sentence, Richard casually ended the meeting as if it was something ordinary. He also told Kristopher that he wanted to talk to him in private. Daniel felt suspicion rise in his veins yet again. He had a slight idea what Richard wanted to talk to him about. Mari seemed to be completely recovered already. She along with her brother Chie bid their guests goodbye with cheery grins.

     Arriving at Kristopher's house, Daniel went directly to his room. Jonathan wanted to speak to him for a bit but Daniel told him he was tired. Jonathan looked a bit hurt but he knew he had it coming. He was really debating with himself if what he was doing was for the best or not. It might only complicate things more, but he had to try it out. Even though Richard loved playing, his decisions were always right and spot on.

     He had agreed to assist Richard, Mari and Chie with their little 'plan'. Even Seth was involved. The 'plan' was ridiculous but it was worth a try. He knew that no matter what, Daniel or Kristopher must not know about this. It would totally ruin everything.

     Daniel quietly slammed his body on his bed. He was still staying in his cousin's house for now, but next week, he was planning to go back to his real house. He wanted to settle down for a bit and clear his head. He needed to come up with something before the bald-head starts the so-called marriage interview. Daniel was really bothered with the thought.

     What did that man mean when he said he'll conduct the interview himself? How exactly did he work? Daniel was curious as hell. He thought about Kristina and felt guilty. What was he supposed to do? Everything was getting very complicated, and he didn't even understand the situation. Compared to everything he's faced before, he felt like this one was the most challenging.

     He was more worried if he could keep his promise with her or not. This is Daniel Curtis. He is serious with his pinky swears. He's cool like that.

     Checking his watch and doing some quick math, he saw that it was still six pm back at America. He took his phone and sent her a quick message. He just needed to speak to her or just feel her presence right now because he felt like sucking up on his own life.

|I wanna kiss you so bad right now.|

     Kristina felt her pocket vibrate. She was still in the middle of packing her school bag. Their classes will resume in a few days and she was already preparing. She quickly took her phone and wished it was Daniel. When she saw his name flash on the screen, she smiled like a sickly cute puppy. When she read his message though...

|What?|

     She replied and sat on the floor. She felt like her heart was being squeezed. How could he say the exact same thing she wanted to say, but couldn't? Seconds later, he finally replied.

|Damn autocorrect. I mean hey.|

     Kristina laughed. What a lame cover-up. She didn't know what an autocorrect was but she guessed it had something to do with the phone. Her stupidity in gadgets was still amazing.

|Oh. So... What's up?|

     Daniel tightened his grip around his phone. He can't tell her about the marriage interview. He definitely can't He didn't know how or what she might think or do. The worst part was, he wouldn't be there. He punched on his keypad.

|Are you busy? Can we try the Skype thing now? I wanna see you.|

     Kristina wasn't sure, but she felt like something was going on. She glanced at the laptop sitting on her desk and sighed just after zipping her bag close.

|Yeah. I'll just turn my computer on. You call me first. I don't know how.|

|Haha. :) Okay. Hurry up.|

     Daniel put down his phone and switched on the computer he borrowed from his cousin. He felt his fingers shaking as he logged in and clicked on her name. What will he say to her? He didn't want to lie to her at all.

     He started a video-call and Kristina answered after he rang for about three minutes. He guessed she was having trouble with it back there. When she finally answered, her face appeared on his screen. She looked a bit shocked too. Daniel smiled when he noticed she was wearing her usual baggy shirt and left her hair in a messy bun again.

       "I can see you," she said, sounding a bit excited. She was just like a kid that had just discovered a new toy. He felt relieved when he heard her voice.

       "You're beautiful." He said.

     He recalled Richard's question earlier. He had no idea why but he just felt like confessing it to her, as cheesy as it sounds. Even though it was on the computer screen, he could feel that she was fighting a blush. Her expression was definitely priceless. Oh when did he get so smitten with her.

     Kristina knitted her brows. "Is this a new kind of teasing method?"

     Daniel chuckled and sighed. Can he tell her to fly here at London? Even though it was selfish, but can he? Was that allowed? He wanted her to come here and beat Mari herself. That thought was impossible yet interesting. "No. I just miss you."

     She smiled softly at his image on the screen. His tone was duller compared to usual, and he looked exhausted. She couldn't help but feel worried. "Daniel, what's bothering you?"

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A/N:  Hello again lovely people! Here's another cliffy. KILL ME.