Femme Fatale

Chapter 14: Family Affairs

“Morning, dad, mom.” sits on my usual chair whenever I dine with my family at home

“Well good morning, Don!” mama Rhea greeted me enthusiastically “It’s kind of new that you’re here Monday morning, I suddenly miss your other siblings, it seems yesterday when I have my six children dining with us.” getting emotional while talking about the good old days

“Mom, Ter’s in the Northeast mansion while Hera’s in the Northwest, both of them are just staying at home, taking care of the children, you may call them here anytime you want.” start my day with milk before I go for my honey pancakes

“They already have their own families now, son, just like your older brother, who’s living at the Southeast mansion, we can’t just summon them here anytime, I wonder when are you going to take the slot at the Southwest?” papa Cronus about to give me a lesson about settling down again

“Oh, here we go again.” sighing heavily “Dad, I told you too many times before, I’m still searching for her, besides don’t you want me staying here with you? You still have three unmarried children, so us three can spend our times with you whenever you want us too.”

“I could understand with Toto and Tia, they haven’t reached the age 25 yet but you, I’m telling you son, you only have at the end of this year to get married, though we should be expecting a grandchild from you at this moment, but how would that be possible if you never been with a woman before?!”

“The Trainor family are just waiting for you to accept Meghan, you only have to say the word, Don.” mama Rhea looking at me to get my attention

“We’re just friends, I don’t want to marry anyone just because I have no other choice, it’s unfair for the both of us who’s doing the marriage.” I said

“Alright then, we’ll help you to find her, Rhea and I will go to Busan today, on the other hand, you take care of the company while we’re gone.” papa Cronus making a deal with me “Also I’m going to pay all the expenses that you’re going to incurred for the two weeks’ vacation you’ve planned.”

“Is it the other way of saying, you two are going on a vacation and you’ll be paying me on doing your jobs on your behalf?” staring at them both

“Well Rhea and I never had a long vacation before, we’ve been working non-stop until all of you graduated from college.” papa Cronus hold mama Rhea’s hand and give it a squeeze “Now that we’re done supporting everyone’s education and basically all of you can live independently now, don’t you think we deserve a break too??” appealing to me with his puppy eyes “Besides you’re the only one we can rely on at this time, are you going to reject us?”

“Cron and I are staying at Busan for a week and we’ll be out of the country on the second week then back at home right before your planned vacation.”

“How can I say no, if you two already planned it out??!” shrugging my shoulder “But how am I going to manage the company?? I only have a 1 ½ years’ experience of being a marine engineer and almost 5 months experience as a professor, I don’t have a qualification yet to run a company.”

“You’re my son, that’s the only qualification you need to represent me, besides you’re my most trusted child, you’re also the best at public speaking.”

“You’re flattering me too much, dad.” figuring out what he’s planning for me to do “Are you having a lot of interviews and conferences to attend to??”

“Secretary Park will fill you up with the details, she’ll be arriving in an hour so you should be ready.” papa Cronus wiping his mouth with the napkin

“Don’t blame me if everything goes wrong with the company, you’re leaving someone who doesn’t know how to run a construction business.” I said

“Nah, it’s just two weeks Don, what could go wrong within that short time frame??!” mama Rhea smiling at me as if she’s betting on me

I went back straight to my room after having breakfast with my parents who are eager to have their own vacation. I should be on a vacation right now, but I’m preparing for work and my parents are also all prepared to go for a vacation to Busan instead of work.

“Good morning, it was two years ago when I last saw your handsome face, how come you’re getting more and more handsome as time passes by?!” Secretary Park staring at me in astonishment “Don’t worry I’ll be on your side for two weeks; I’ll be of your assistance while your parents are gone.”

“I know I can count on you Secretary Park.” smiling at her as I turn to my parents “Enjoy your vacation mom and dad, I’ll call you every day so stay …”

“No, don’t call us, we call you, we won’t accept any work-related calls during our precious break.” papa Cronus said sternly “Why are you disturbing us?”

“Our seals are in the office, if you need to stamp on documents you may do so.” mama Rhea cling into papa Cronus arm “See you in two weeks, Don.”

“I can’t believe they’re doing this to me.” looking at my parents walking towards their car “Did you agree to this, Secretary Park?” turn to Secretary Park who bowed her head to my parents “Aren’t they horrible bosses??”

“No, they’re not.” Secretary Park shaking her head “In fact they’re the most amazing bosses I could ever have, I thought I won’t last on my first job, but look I’ve been their secretary for 16 years now and I don’t see myself filing for my resignation soon.” leading me to the car

“You said it yourself this is your first job; how would you know they’re the most if you haven’t got any other bosses yet??” getting in to the car

“Ah, I used to be a working student when I was in college, I had a lot of work experiences before I graduated office administration in college.”

“I see, so what’s in their schedule for today that I have to abide?” looking at Secretary Park taking out her notebook from her bag

Since it’s Monday, I have to attend a lot of meetings, so even in transit to the office I had to read the documents I need to know before the said meetings. I know I won’t learn everything in just a day but I should’ve at least got an idea on what I’m about to hear from the meeting.

“Good morning.” I walked in to the conference room after staying an hour inside father’s office as Secretary Park briefing everything to me “I’m Poseidon Nevaeh, second son of Cronus and Rhea Nevaeh, they’re currently on a vacation so I’ll be their representative for two weeks.” bowing to everyone before I sit on the center chair “I’ve been given full control in decision making so you don’t to worry for any delays.”

“Are you going to be the successor of this company?” gentleman A “Architect Nevaeh will be retiring this year, are you going to be your mother’s replacement for next year??” gentleman B added and all of them are focusing on me

“I’m a marine engineer so I’m probably going back to the sea to have my own adventures, I don’t have any intentions to take a position that I don’t deserve, I’m only here for two weeks on behalf of my parents, please don’t make me stay here permanently, what’s theirs is theirs, I won’t claim it.”

“Shall we proceed to the real agenda of this meeting?” Secretary Park intervenes after everyone looks satisfied with my answer

Every department head discussed their weekly reports from their respective fields. Father is too meticulous that he has this weekly meeting with leaders to monitor everyone’s performance. I know that I’m the youngest in the room and they may not take me seriously but I proved them wrong.

After an hour meeting, I still have another hour left before lunch break. I’m reviewing the documents that are still pending with father’s stamp. I just found out that we’re constructing a mental health facility in Beijing to be opened next year and aside from that the construction of Yixing Construction Company will commence at the start of next year too.

“Why do we have to change the company name when we’re expanding to China?” asking Secretary Park who came in to the office after I called her

“It’s President Nevaeh’s idea to change the company’s name into Chinese to make the people familiarize, since we’re competing with a lot of construction companies in China.” Secretary Park explained “We’re not expanding, we’re actually transferring the main branch from Korea to China after 5 years.”

“Transferring from Korea to China??” thinking deeply “Is my clan moving again after 5 years?”

“I’m sorry but I don’t know the answer to that question, I only know the plan of transfer but President haven’t announced it yet officially so if you could also keep it as a secret from everyone, aside from me and your parents no one knows it.” Secretary Park said secretively

“Oh, then there’s only one person I know who can answer that question for me.” talking to myself “Anyway, I have a scheduled interview later, right?”

“Yes, at 2pm, but they might be here an hour before for the preparation.” Secretary Park look at her wrist watch “It’s lunchtime, are you going out for lunch or have your food deliver here in the office?”

“I’ll go to the cafeteria downstairs; it’s alright you don’t have to join me you may go with your friends.” noticed the other employees waiting for her outside “I can eat on my own, I’m not a kid anymore Secretary Park, you don’t have to feed me.”

“Hahaha, then I’ll leave first, I’ll be back in my post right away.” Secretary Park walking backwards to the door

“Take your time, maximize your lunch break, you don’t have to rush to come back.” watching her leave the office “Enjoy your lunch, Secretary Park.”

“Yes, thank you.” Secretary bowed before she leaves and went with the other women who also bowed to me before they walk off

“What should I eat today?” stand up and get my suit buttoned before I walk out the door “I’m in middle high when I last went in this building, but still the architectural design never failed to amaze me, no wonder this is the best construction company in the country.” muttering to myself

“Oh my god! You’re Poseidon Nevaeh!!” a young woman standing in front of the elevator doors hesitating to go in or not

“Come on in, the doors won’t be open for a long time.” smiling at her like I usually do with everyone “It’s alright, there’s a lot of space here.”

“Th-Thank you sir!” she’s stuttering as she walks in to the lift “I can’t believe that I’m seeing one of my bosses in children, you really are handsome!!!”

“Are you also going to the ground floor?” noticed that she didn’t push any floor buttons after she walked in

“I’m actually going to the fourth floor to have these papers sign at the marketing department.” young woman shyly answered

“It’s already lunchbreak would there anyone to receive those papers for you?” talking sense to her

“Right, I guess I’ll go for a lunch too, are you eating outside the building or at the cafeteria?” young woman trying to act friendly to me

“Do you know what they’re serving in the cafeteria today?” making the conversation going instead of awkward silence

“I’m not quite sure about the main menu, I only know the dessert, they’re serving Valentine Cupcake today, even though it’s not Valentine’s day.”

“Ah I see, it’s alright my older brother Zeus also cares about the dessert more than the main dish.” trying to keep our conversation alive

“Really, I didn’t know your older brother got a sweet tooth too, how about you what’s your favorite food??” getting comfortable at me

“I like seafoods, but I specifically like …” the elevator door opens “Oh we’re here, ladies first.” gesturing her to walk out from the elevator

“Kim Mi Yeon!” a young man approached her “Come on, let’s have lunch together.” about to hold her hand but she avoided him and turn to me instead

“Do you want to go for lunch together, sir??” Kim Mi Yeon acting like the other man isn’t standing beside her

“No, I’m good, you should go lunch with your boyfriend.” leaving the two coolly “I hope my girl isn’t someone like her who easily get swayed by others.”

I walked in to the cafeteria and fall in line like everyone else, when the man in front of me noticed me standing behind him. It took him three more turn to finally solve his curiosity.

“You’re President Nevaeh’s son, right?” man A who’s standing in front of me “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here as a temporary employee.” answered him in puzzle “Please don’t tell anyone else that I’m here, let me be unnoticed.”

“How can I do that, if I’m completely aware of who you are??” man A toned down his voice

“I just want to blend in, don’t mind me, just pretend you didn’t see me at all.” look at his ID “Please act normally, Mr. Kim Jun Su.”

“Can I at least let you be in front of me then, how can I ignore your presence, sir??” Kim Jun Su insisting to switch places with me

“Alright, thank you.” switching places with him but I can sense he’s keeping his eyes on me

It only took a few minutes when my camouflage completely failed. If not for the woman who turned around to talk to her colleague and both of them stares at me then not everyone in the line will get curious as to who I am. They all insisted to give me a pass and not to fall in line so I accepted their offer for them not to feel uncomfortable around me.

After lunchbreak, I’ve gone up to the top floor again and just like what Secretary Park told me the press were already on standby. Secretary Park told them the situation but instead of delaying the interview and wait for my father they proceeded as plan with some improvisations.

“If you were President Nevaeh, we should be asking about his family matters but since you’re one of his family and I’m pretty sure every single ladies out there are curious to know, Poseidon Nevaeh, with godlike features that you have, why are you still single??” interviewer sudden question

“Because I’m still searching for the woman, I want to marry, now that I think about it this is a great opportunity to somehow get her attention.” taking out the photo from my wallet “I had this portrait made by a street artist in Paris, I described how I saw this woman in Haeundae Beach two years ago and he’s the only one who exactly get the picture of my description, this is the woman I need to find.” camera closing up to the photograph

“Do you know anything about her? Like who she is, where she lives, anything at all that could help you to find her easily??” interviewer asked

“That’s the most unfortunate part, I only know what her face looks like and I’m pretty sure she lives in Busan not that certain if in Yeongdo-gu.”

“If you want to give her a message, you may do so.” interviewer gesturing me to look at the camera “Tell her to come out wherever she is.”

“I know that we don’t know each other and it must be too much for me to say I want to marry you.” getting embarrass for my boldness “I want to propose to you formally to be my girlfriend, I want to ask you out personally, I need to find you, please show yourself to me.”

“And there you have it, Poseidon Nevaeh, fall in love at first sight, whoever this woman is … you’re a one lucky girl to be asked by one of the most handsome face in the world, you must have save the country in your past life, so wherever you are I’m telling you, don’t miss the golden ticket!” interviewer closing the show “Thank you very much, Poseidon, this is a big news for everyone, you will make our ratings hit the top with this interview.”

“It’s a win-win situation, I get to broadcast in TV that I’m looking for her, I’m desperate to find her so even if I had to go public for her to show then I’m gladly do so.” I didn’t intend to but thanks to her improvised question I got the idea of getting the public’s attention

The interview will be air on Friday night and because it’s also a crucial time for the network to spread the news before the show they agreed to keep it confidential for the time being. So, I had a peaceful life for the remaining weekdays, but after the show aired, Saturday morning the media are standing by at the gate of the Nevaeh residences. Everyone knows what I did last Monday and now I have their attention, specially my clan members.

“Don! Don!” Hestia barged in to my bedroom “I’ve watched the news in the plane earlier, do you really fall in love at first sight with that woman?!” pointing at the portrait hanging on the wall across my bed “Are you really going to marry her when she show up??!”

“Tia, I just got out from the shower will you give me some time to wear clothes before you ask me a lot of questions, are you one of the press now?” wiping my wet hair with the towel as I walk to my closet “Did you go to the North mansion before you go here?”

“No, I rushed to get in here, I’ll greet Lolo Uranus later after you answered all of my questions.” Hestia walking around my room as I hear her heels from the closet while I’m getting decent “I didn’t know you’re quite a romantic person, Don, how did you come up with such plan??”

“I just grabbed the opportunity to look for her, now everyone in the country knows her, hiding won’t be easy.” done with my pants and walk out from the closet while wearing my shirt “She’s going to show herself soon, right?” wearing the white sleeves on top of my shirt “She either accept or reject my proposal, but it’s least likely I’ll be rejected, she won’t reject me right?”

“If she rejects you, she must be blind or there must be something wrong with her brain.” Hestia helping me to button my long sleeves “But what if she’s not the person you think she is, you want someone with beauty and brains, right?”

“Well she’s a beauty, I’m pretty sure she’s smart too, how could she hide herself from a thorough searching of our people and with the use of technology, she hides herself well as if she’s invisible.” looking myself through the mirror after I put my beads necklace on to match my outfit

“You’re handsome already, now answer my questions while we’re heading to the North Mansion, I’m sure Lolo Uranus would like to see you after you lead the media attention to us once again.” Hestia chose a white rubber shoes for me to wear “Shoes color must be the same with your top.”

“Thanks, sis, at least I’m not home alone from now on.” wearing my socks first “Mom and Dad won’t be at home until next week, they’re enjoying their vacation while I’m here working on their behalf, I wish Toto is here too.” putting in my shoes while I’m sitting on the couch

“He’ll be here next week too, he never missed our First Sunday, but I’m sure he’s also itching to know everything from you instead of knowing it through the news on TV or what’s written on the newspaper.” Hestia lay down on my bed as she waits for me to prepare myself

“Have you two reconciled already?” recalling their big fight a few weeks ago “You guys are no longer kids, you even major psychology, it’s not even a serious matter but you two brawled like children.”

“He started it first, he always says bad things about me whenever there’s a guy around who’s taking an interest on me, because of him I never had a boyfriend like everyone else, I’m still single until now.” rolling to my bed like a kid as she whines

“He’s in working in Canada, miles away from you, you may go on a date without him knowing but you still chose not to, you’re only interested to men when he’s around, you know that Toto’s overprotective towards you, right?”

“That’s why I’m only dating the man he approves.” Hestia sits up “You know what, I envy you two, you’re working in Busan while Toto’s in Canada, but I’m here still stuck in Seoul with mom and dad, they won’t let me find a job outside the capital, but you two can work anywhere you like.”

“You’re our youngest, definitely mom and dad won’t just let you go easily, the only way for you to get out is when you got married.” walking towards the door “Come on, let’s go to the North Mansion.”

“Not just because I’m the youngest, I’m also the only girl left unmarried in our family.” Hestia clings to me while pouting like a kid “They always favored the boys in this family and their stricter to us girls.”

“That’s because you need more protection than us, but it doesn’t mean that they’re being biased.” patting Hestia’s head “Sometimes you make me wonder if you’re really a psychology major, you should know better than I am.”

“Brother, I’m only a psychologist graduate it doesn’t mean that I acquired a telepathic ability after graduation, but I know what you mean.” Hestia looking at me with a sweet smile on her face “You should be the oldest instead of Ter and Hera, I wouldn’t be in this condition if weren’t for them, who get pregnant first before they actually take their vows as lawfully wedded wives.”

“It’s for your own sake, sister.” walking with her at the hallway “Anyway, how was your trip?” diverting her attention to another topic

“Well I enjoyed it to the fullest, I actually have another plan to leave next month, you know before I start being an adult and earn my own money with my own effort this September, I know this this will be the last summer that I could be free-spirited.” Hestia began telling her travel story to me

Though I thought she’ll continue talking about her adventure, the moment we hopped in to my car she remembered to interrogate me. Hestia is the youngest of my siblings the reason she’s the most spoiled brat among us but she’s not that bad as a person.

When we arrived at the North Mansion, Hestia energetically went to Lolo Uranus’s study room to pay her respect for coming back home after a week vacation outside the country. Lolo Uranus expected me to come and even if he wanted to speak with me in private, Hestia insisted to stay and listen.

“You announced to the national TV that you’re going to marry a stranger, though obviously you’re just attracted to her charming face.” Lolo Uranus said as if he’s giving me puzzle to solve “Are you that desperate to get married because of the burden you have to shoulder as a man in our family?”

“No, Lolo Uranus, I won’t call it as burden, it’s my responsibility to continue the lineage of our clan, but yes, I am desperate, desperate to find her and make her mine, I know it sounds absurd, but the first time I saw her I knew she’s the one for me.” explaining myself clearly

“Don, fall in love at first sight with that woman Lolo Uranus.” Hestia added “And logic doesn’t apply when you’re in love with someone.”

“I know exactly what you mean, Tia.” Lolo Uranus smiling as he got reminded of our late grandmother “It’s not that I’m against of the way you revealed your vulnerable self to everyone but have you ever thought of the reason that woman can’t be found?” giving me a meaningful look “I know that you’ve been searching for her discretely since two years ago and you just involved a lot of resources for the last five months, now you used every means to find her, I wonder if she show herself up to you because of what you did but I do hope so that’s the case for you.”

“But there’s a possibility that I drove her away with what I’ve done.” I just realized the negative effect of proposing in public

“Well it depends, us girls got different perspective when we got confessed in public, either it’s romantic for us, because you just proved how much you love someone by letting everyone know, or it’s embarrassing, if we actually don’t like the one who’s confessing his love to us in front of the public.”

“I got everything a woman can dream of, thanks to the great DNA you’ve passed to my father that he also passed to me.” flattering Lolo Uranus

“No doubt about that, but Don, us men should only gain confidence when the women we have interest in also shows the same way towards us, we are never sure of what women want because they could always get beyond our expectations.” Lolo Uranus responded “We should never be confident on our own selves from the unknown, like in your case, you know nothing about her aside from her face and where to find her but not her exact location.”

“I guess I did too much of romance, but how can I undo something already done??” thinking of a solution “Everyone is now curious as to what happens next like they’re watching a drama series, I dug my own grave.” realized how bad I messed up by starting a story to media

“Either you finish it quick with a disappointing ending or continue with the next chapter, it’s definitely up to you, Don.” Lolo Uranus giving me a clue

Sunday morning, I managed to stay at home the whole day yesterday and not to entertain the press with the interviews. But the media was just the beginning, a lot of ladies from Yeongdo-gu claiming that they’re the one in the portrait and I should marry them. The Nevaeh residences is well-known to everyone but not anyone could just come in without permission from anyone in the mansions. If not for the high walls and the tight security guarding these walls like their guards of royal family, people might be surrounding the South mansion at the moment.

“Good morning, brother!” Hestia glance at me when she notices I’m walking towards her “Look how many girls are lining up for you at the gate.” handing me her binoculars “If not for the distance of the front yard from the main gate we could actually hear them screaming your name.”

“I have an excellent idea.” making the worst scenario into the best one “Since the media won’t leave without getting any news and these ladies insist that they’re the one, I should make this opportunity in a good way, right?”

“Are you telling me that you’re using the media to get rid of those ladies chasing after you?” Hestia having a naughty smile on her face “That’s actually brilliant! I’m coming with you; I want to see the actual scenario of your great plan.” tagging along

“I’m walking to the main gate to make it more dramatic, you sure you want to come?” trying to persuade her to stay home instead

“Well, I’m wearing my new sneakers, it’s not bad to test how comfortable these shoes are with a long walk.” Hestia following me to the main gate

A normal walk from the South mansion to the main gate will take 22 minutes. Our mansion is the first house to see upon entering the main gate, that leads to the main road that is usually a busy with all the cars passing by every minute of the day. I just led these women to Gangnam district from Yeongdo-gu so in order to get them back is to make a screening test with the help of media.

I had the huge photograph of my portrait displayed at the gate and the media had every woman pose the same way to easily identify the one in the portrait. I closed a deal as to whoever get me the one, I’m looking for, I make an exclusive interview with them, and so the party search begins.

Some even push their luck in the company, so the last week I had to stand in for my parents were kind of chaotic. Thanks to the network whom I had my first interview with, they conducted a show to formally organized everyone claiming that they’re the one.

First Sunday of August, my parents are finally back from their vacation in Canada. They brought Pluto back to attend our family gathering and of course, I’m one of the topics that everyone is interested to talk about.

“The show will be aired every Friday, the producers told me that the first episode will be on the last day of this month, but they already started with the shooting last Wednesday.” telling to everyone in the clan about the nationwide search for my future bride “I do really hope this works for me.”

“You’ve used any method to find her, son, if it still fails then you should learn how to move on.” papa Cronus raised his glass to me before he drinks

“This is so much fun! I never imagined that the search can this be large-scale!!” mama Rhea clapping her hands in excitement “I can’t wait to watch it!”

“Too bad I can’t watch the show.” Pluto pouting “But I’ll be home immediately when the search is over, you’re a total celebrity now, brother!”

“No, I’m not, I just want this to be over, and if it fails just like dad said, I’ll move on.” thinking deeply

“So, you’re going to the matchmaking dates that mom will arrange for you next year?” Pluto looking at me with worried eyes

“No, I won’t.” trying to avoid mama Rhea’s glare at me when I answered Pluto without hesitation at all

“Wrong answer, Poseidon, you will go even if it takes me to drag you around to meet your match.” mama Rhea threatening me with seriousness “I’ll be a full-time mother next year and I’ll be focusing on you more.” pointing at me “You need to get married before you turn a year older.”

“Mom, there’s no such rule that we have to get married at the age of 25, what happened to Iap, Leto, Ter, Hera, and Zeus are purely coincidences.” Hestia reasoning out to mama Rhea “Just because they all got married with that age doesn’t mean that us remaining must do the same too.”

“Not the rule, but the standard at least, so whether you three like it or not, you must follow the standard age.” mama Rhea insisting her reasoning

“Don’t look at me.” papa Cronus getting at the safe zone “You all know that your mom rules our house, I can’t do anything about it.” smiling at us

“You can’t or you won’t?” I replied to papa Cronus “You are only against mom if you want to win but that rarely happen, because you always let mom win.” I’m not angry but I’m just saying what I’m thinking at the moment “You seldom sided on us, dad.”