< Mike Mansion >
11:30 AM
Dining Hall
The soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain echoed through the dining hall, drawing the attention of both parents toward their youngest daughter.
Mira.
At just fifteen, she was the most pampered in the family—spoiled not only by her parents but by her older brothers as well.
"What's wrong, sweetie?"
Her father's voice was calm, but his eyes were observant.
Mr. Mike—founder of UB Company and a major shareholder of Parker Hospital—sat at the head of the table. Though once a powerful figure in the business world, failing health had forced him into early retirement, leaving the empire in the hands of his eldest son, Barnabas.
Mira's grip tightened around her spoon.
"Why must I go?" she burst out, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay strong. "I don't want to go under the knife… What if something goes wrong? What if I die?"
Silence followed.
Her fear hung heavily in the air.
This would be her first heart transplant surgery—no one expected her to face it bravely. Still, the truth remained unchanged.
There was no other choice.
"We've talked about this,"
Mike said quietly, lowering his gaze back to his plate as though the conversation had already ended.
Mira's shoulders slumped. Defeated, she stabbed at her food, her appetite long gone.
"Mira," Bella's voice cut in—gentle, yet firm. "You understand how important this surgery is, don't you? After this, you'll finally be able to go to school like other children… You won't be trapped in this house anymore."
She paused, her expression softening.
"And your father… he went through so much to secure that heart for you. Instead of complaining, you should be thanking him."
Mira pressed her lips together, her large, sharp eyes narrowing slightly. She said nothing more.
Across the table, Mike shifted his attention.
"Barnabas. How is the company?"
Barnabas, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, lifted his gaze. His calm demeanor mirrored his father's, though his presence carried a quiet authority of its own.
"Everything is proceeding as planned," he replied. "We recently secured a contract with a foreign company. They're interested in purchasing some of our newly developed parts."
Mike nodded in approval.
His gaze then moved to his second son.
Abraham was already on his feet.
"You haven't finished your food," Bella said, concern evident in her tone.
"There's an eye surgery that requires my attention," Abraham replied briskly. "I won't be back today—I'll head straight to the airport afterward."
Without waiting for further questions, he left.
Silence returned.
"Brother…" Mira's voice softened as she turned to Barnabas. "Can I come with you? I promise I won't be a bother."
She looked at him with pleading eyes—restless, desperate for a change from her confined routine.
Barnabas hesitated.
His gaze instinctively flickered toward their father.
Mike waved dismissively.
"Take her."
Barnabas exhaled quietly.
"Fine. But you must stay close to me at all times. Understood?"
Mira nodded eagerly, her mood instantly lifting.
"I'll go change!"
She rushed off.
Barnabas frowned slightly, glancing at her retreating figure.
"What's wrong with what she's wearing?" he muttered.
Moments later, she returned.
This time, she looked even more dressed up—a bunny hat perched on her head, a delicate white gown flowing around her frame, paired with heels far too elegant for a simple outing.
Barnabas narrowed his eyes.
"If that's your idea of looking better…"
Mira huffed. "I can't go out looking like a beggar. It's embarrassing!"
Barnabas said nothing, though the thought crossed his mind—
If beggars dressed like her, no one would remain poor.
"Let's go," he said simply.
Just as they turned—
"Barnabas."
He stopped.
He already knew what was coming.
"What do you think about Miss Sonia?"
Mike's tone carried expectation.
"It went well," Barnabas replied. "She agreed to the marriage."
Bella's head snapped up.
"So soon?" she asked. "You've only just met. Don't you think it's too fast?"
Barnabas remained calm.
He understood her concern.
But his life had never truly been his own.
As the first son, his path had long been decided—including his marriage.
That was why he had always kept his distance from women. No attachments. No complications.
Acceptance was easier that way.
"Sonia is… suitable," he said after a pause. "She's calm, composed. A fashion designer with her own brand. Easy to talk to."
He didn't mention the rest.
Her past relationship. His curiosity. His restraint.
"What's the need to rush getting to know each other?" Mike interjected with a smile. "There's a lifetime for that after marriage."
Bella sighed but said nothing further.
"After this month," Mike continued, "we'll visit her family and formally ask for her hand."
That settled it.
For Barnabas, it felt less like a marriage—and more like a contract already signed.
"…Alright."
At that moment—
"Brother! You're getting married?!"
Mira's excited voice cut through the tension.
He nodded.
"Congratulations!" she beamed, clapping happily.
Barnabas allowed a faint smile.
"Come on. We're leaving."
They walked out together, Mira waving cheerfully behind her.
The doors closed.
And silence settled once more.
Bella turned slowly toward her husband.
"Don't you think this is too rushed?"
Mike leaned back, completely at ease.
"Sonia is perfect," he said confidently. "Beautiful, well-mannered… I watched her grow up myself."
He paused, his expression darkening slightly.
"Barnabas is excellent in every way… except one."
Bella raised an eyebrow.
"He's too distant from women."
Rumors had spread.
Ugly ones.
That his son preferred men.
The thought alone irritated him.
Though he dismissed it outwardly, a small doubt had lingered.
That was why he arranged the blind date.
Now, seeing the outcome—
He felt victorious.
With a satisfied smile, he reached for his phone and began calling his friends, proudly announcing the news like a man celebrating a grand achievement.
Bella rolled her eyes.
Childish.
Yet… she couldn't deny it.
For the first time in a long while—
Her husband looked genuinely happy.