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<___>
Ren scurried down the grand stairs, following her father . Tadashi was very angry, his eyes bulging in rage, and vertical wrinkles appeared between his eyebrows. He walked with quick, heavy steps.
He entered the sitting room and turned to Ren, and she stopped abruptly. Her face was pleading, her eyes gleaming with tears.
"Enough, Ren! Enough! I don't want to hear this again!" he retorted, his nose flaring.
"But… Dad, can you just listen to me?" Her voice was shaky.
"I've listened enough, and my decision is final. What do you think you are trying to do? Do you know the gravity of your decision?" He turned to Yuzu, who was sitting on the sofa, her face bowed low, her hand on her forehead. "Yuzu!" Immediately, she looked at Tadashi with a moody face. "Ren is being unreasonable right now, and if care is not taken, she will cost us our lives! Everything we have built!"
Yuzu shut her eyes for a while, then opened it. "Honey, you need to calm down also."
"Calm down! Is that what you are telling me! Didn't you hear what she was asking for!" His tone was impatient and authoritative.
She breathed out softly.
"Dad, all I'm asking is to change schools. I didn't say I won't get married to Shin. Why can't you understand me for once!" Bitterness and frustration crept into her voice.
"You can't and you will never. The father of your fiancé owns the school you are going to. They want you close to them, always in their watchful gaze."
"I have done everything to please you and Mum, but still, you aren't satisfied. You want more. I've lived my life doing everything you both wanted and never raised any question, but it still isn't enough. The only time I'm asking you for something, and you won't even grant me my wish. If I don't change schools, I'm cutting off the engagement with Shin!"
A sudden, uncontrollable outburst of feeling swept over her. The fury in her voice was shocking. Her voice was like a clap of thunder which interrupted the warbling birds among the leaves. Her eyebrows drew together, and a vein throbbed on her elegant neck. She stormed out of the sitting room.
Her parents were astounded. They were speechless and gazed at each other with widened eyes.
***
Ren was in her room. She sat on the bed, hugging herself and sobbing. She felt hurt and unheard. A melancholy monotone beat on her heart, sitting heavily on her soul. It was dark with unutterable sorrows. She had never had a heart-wrenching cry like that before.
There was a gentle knock on the door. Ren didn't respond; she continued sobbing. The knock persisted.
"Please go away," she snorted. "Go away."
"Ren, it's Mum. Please open it." Yuzu's voice was soft, a voice that charmed the ear and echoed with a subtle resonance in the soul.
After a few minutes, Ren unbolted the door and opened it. Yuzu came in. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. We didn't wish to see you hurt this way."
"You do, Mum. Dad does."
"Come and sit down." She held Ren's hand gently. They sat on the bed.
"Ren." Her voice was sweet and as smooth as silk. "We want the best for you if only you can think about it that way."
"If you and Dad really want the best for me, I don't have to think about it before I know. Mum, you of all people know I don't love Shin. You know you can't deny that. My feelings for him are like empty shadows." She touched her chest and then sighed.
"For me to be ready to be with someone forever, I should have a loveliness as tender as the flush of a rose leaf and as ethereal as the light of a solitary star for him. But I don't. I'm doing all these for you and Dad. So why can't I just get this little favor I'm asking?"
"Ren. Shin is well brought up, and he is from a prestigious family. You are the heir of our company, and he is the heir to his parents' companies. Can't you see the wealth and influence? His parents are shaping our companies in a way no one can imagine."
"Mum, all you and Dad talk about is the company. None of you care about me. Can't you see it?" She shook her head helplessly.
"I don't want to go on and on with this. And please don't threaten us with calling off the engagement with Shin, especially your father. Please."
She nodded. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "No one cares about who I love. I get it," she bit her lower lip.
"You will learn to love him, Ren."
"I've tried, Mum. I've tried. But it's not just working out."
Yuzu shrugged. "I didn't marry your dad because I loved him at first, but later on, I started loving him, and see where we are today." She gave a half shrug.
"I can never love Shin, Mum. I know. No matter how hard I try. I'm meant for someone and he's meant for someone also, not me."
"Ren. Those things don't matter right now. The universe has brought both of you together. His parents love you. I and your dad have decided you can change schools."
Her eyes gleamed suddenly. "Really, Mum?" A radiant look came over her face, like a sudden burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. Her smile was like a rainbow-tinted spray.
"Yes. But don't let us down, okay? I–"
Ren hugged her, interrupting her. "Thank you, Mum." Her eyes shone with gratitude.
"You have to thank your dad also."
"Yes, yes, yes!" Joy, like sunshine deep and broad, fell on her heart. She stood up to go.
"Wait."
Ren paused.
"Please sit down."
She held Ren's hand. "Sweetie, I know you don't love Shin. I'm sorry for putting you through all these sacrifices. I'm truly sorry. I hope you would find joy later with him."
"I can't get angry with you right now, Mum. Maybe I'll leave it for some other time." She chuckled.
Yuzu gave a bitter smile.
She stood up. "I'm going to thank Daddy."
Yuzu nodded.
Ren danced like the wind to the sitting room to meet Tadashi. She met their househelps bringing in different flowers. A sweet fragrance of the flowers hung in the air.
She looked at her dad questioningly, her brow slightly raised.
"Your fiancé sent them. They are taking them to your room."
"I love sunflowers, and I can't see any there," she said under her breath and then sighed. "Dad, thank you so much. Mum told me. I'm really elated."
"It's fine. I'll have to deal with Itsuki later. I know he would be mad."
"I'm sorry."
"No, no, it's fine. You aren't married to their son yet, so there are some decisions you can still take. But don't let your Mum and I down. We believe in you."
"I won't, Dad." She embraced him. A soothing and quieting touch was gently laid upon her soul.
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