"Opal, I would like you to meet Haru Suzuki, my grandfather. Haru, I would like you to meet Opal. My finace." Kenzo announced. I'm sorry, what the fu.ck did he just say?

My head snapped up to Kenzo, but he just squeezed my side. I'm supposed to be playing along with this? What the hell?

I looked back at Haru Suzuki. He looks.. angry. I can see the resemblance between them though.

Although, Haru looks like he's never smiled a day in his life. I haven't heard much about the old CEO of this company, but I've heard enough to suspect that he isn't a good person. I mean, he's trying to control Kenzo by threatening his job. He's also the reason that Jay and Akane had to break up in high school.

Maybe Haru isn't all that bad. He could have just done some stuff thinking that he was doing what was best. Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt. "Fiance? This girl? Have you lost your mind Kenzo?" Haru seethed.

Or maybe not.

Kenzo held me even tighter to him.

"No I have not. This is why I've been refusing to come see the women you have lined up for me. I have already made my choice." Kenzo said, sounding just as angry. You can feel the tension between the two of them.

"So, because you were feeling pressured, you married some random girl? She's your secretary. What would people think?" Haru asked, stepping closer to his grandson.

How did he know that I'm Kenzo's secretary? Would people really be that upset by it? I mean, I know it's kind of unethical to sleep with co-workers, especially as the boss, but.. If it's love, and a real relationship comes from it.. Is it really that big of a deal? "I didn't feel pressured into marrying Opal at all. I had already asked her before you started calling me. And I couldn't care less what anyone thinks." Kenzo replied.

My cheeks heated slightly. Kenzo doesn't care what anyone has to say about us being together?

Wait!

Why am I happy about that? He's been lying to me all week, he's making me play this little game of is, and for what? Because he really did feel pressured? Haru chuckled. He clicked his tongue and looked down at me. I stared up at him as my face grew hotter. It feels like he's picking me apart with his eyes. "Kenzo, leave us." Haru ordered.

Kenzo's grip on me tightened even more. At this point I'm going to have bruises.

"No." Kenzo stated.

Haru's eyes snapped up at his grandson. He opened his mouth, but I stopped it before things could get worse.

"It's okay Kenzo. I don't mind it if he wants to speak to me alone." I said.

I looked up at Kenzo and plastered a smile on my face. Kenzo stared down at me with worry in his eyes. He looks like he desperately wants to refuse.

"We're going to be family soon. I think it wouldn't hurt to get to know my grandfather-in-law." I said.

"Opal.." Kenzo said softly.

"She said it was fine." Haru stated angrily.

Kenzo's face hardened, but I just smiled up at him.

"It's okay, really." I said.

Kenzo sighed before turning his hard eyes to his grandfather.

"I will be right outside the door." He said, like a warning.

Kenzo reluctantly let me go. He walked to the door of his office. Then he turned around to look at me one last time before closing the door. Although, I did notice that Kenzo didn't close it all the way.

Kenzo seemed a bit more worried than usual. That makes me a bit apprehensive. I'll have to play my cards right if I really want to sell this engagement thing.

Haru walked over to a tall table in the corner of the room. I watched as he poured himself a drink, and then sat down on the couch. I pulled one of the chairs over, and sat down across from him. I didn't say a word, and neither did Haru. I'm sure that he wants to ask me several questions, but I'll wait for him to ask them. The less I talk, the more this lie will sell.

However, I can't help but think about what's going to happen after this. Sure, we can fool Haru, and even the board for a while. Not forever though. What happens when they start pressing about a wedding that isn't going to happen?

"You're in this for the money aren't you?" Haru finally asked a question.

I frowned at him.

"Excuse me?" I asked back.

"Don't play dumb. How much is Kenzo paying you to play along with this?" He asked.

"Sir, you have the wrong impression. I love your grandson. I don't want his money." I said.

I can't believe I said that so confidently. I haven't even told Kenzo that I love him. I know I'm supposed to be playing a part, but.. I really do feel that way about Kenzo, and this is the first time I'm saying it out loud. And it's not even for Kenzo.

"Really?" Haru asked like he didn't believe me.

I nodded.

"Then, I suppose you wouldn't mind signing a prenup?" He asked.

"Not at all." I said.

"Hmm, that's even more suspicious, don't you think?" He asked.

Haru's trying to catch me in some sort of lie, trying to trip me up. I can't let him get under my skin.

Honestly, I'm not surprised that Haru would think I'd be after Kenzo's money. Kenzo and I might not actually be engaged, but we were dancing around the fact that we wanted to be in a relationship. The thought that people might think of me as a gold digger had already crossed my mind. Which is partly why I never used that credit card for personal use.

"Actually, I don't," I said.

Haru's gray eyebrows shot up.

"Kenzo knows I'm not after his money, but it's not surprising that other people would think I am. If he wants me to sign a prenup, I will. If he doesn't, then I won't. We trust each other. It's that simple." I said.

Haru chuckled, but it held no amusement.

"That doesn't make me feel better." He said.

"No offense sir, but you are not the one that matters in this situation. Kenzo is." I said.

Haru narrowed his eyes at me.

"Are you saying that I don't have my grandson's best interests at heart?" He scoffed. "You are nothing more than a secretary. What will you do after marring him? Take care of the house? Raise the kids? Whatever it is Kenzo wants you to do?" He asked. Then Haru leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees.

"Is that what this is? Kenzo bought you in some way?" He asked.

I frowned at the old man.

"I'm not an object for sale." I gritted out. "Kenzo and I haven't had much of a chance to talk about what I'd do after we marry. I most likely will keep this job." I said.

"You're going to keep working as his secretary?" Haru asked, surprised.

I shrugged.

"We work well together, and I think we have more than proven we can be professional." I said.

"Really? Is that why you two were seen fighting behind the building just a few days ago?" He asked.

My face flamed.

He knows about that? Well.. I wasn't exactly quiet, and I was throwing things. Sh.it.

"Couples fight. At least I didn't do it in the office," I said.

Haru opened his mouth again, but unfortunately, I just couldn't help myself.

"Are you married, Mr. Suzuki?" I asked.

"My wife died many years ago." He told me.

"I'm very sorry to hear that." I said. "Kenzo and I-"

"I'm going to stop you right there girl." Haru interrupted me.

Girl?

"What will it take? Huh? How much do you want?" He asked.

I furrowed my brow. What is he talking about?

"I can write a check right now. You can leave the state, no, the country if you wish. Just tell me how much it'll take for you to leave my grandson." He said.

Haru wants to pay me to leave Kenzo? What kind of person would do that? Do I look like I'm easily bought?

When I only stared at Haru in utter shock, he sighed.

"You seem like the type of trash that grew up poor. Both of your parents probably worked every day of their lives, and have nothing to show for it. You've probably struggled for everything that you've had. It's a sad life. I can make all of that go away-" "Enough." I said, interrupting him.

Haru glared at me.

"This is absolutely ridiculous." I said, glaring right back. "I don't care how you see me, Haru. The only person I care about is Kenzo. We are in love, and you cannot buy me off. No amount of money in the world would make me walk away from Kenzo. I mean that from the bottom of my heart," I stated.

Then I hardened my eyes as I stared back at Haru.

"And for your information, I come from a wealthy family. I might not look like it, I might live in a crappy apartment, and prefer the little things, but that was all my own choice. My father is a judge, and has a hand in with some politicians. He had enough money that he and my mother lived in the upper east side of New York. A year after my little brother was born we moved to the Hamptons." I said.

"Most people only have vacation houses there, but my dad was rich enough that we could live there. Also, while continuing his work, and even buying a few businesses in the area. I never needed, or wanted anything growing up." I said.

"I was the one that moved to the city after high school. I was the one that decided I wanted to go be on my own without my parents' money. If I ever desperately needed money, or needed someone to pay for a bigger apartment, my dad wouldn't think twice before handing over his credit card. I chose to be independent, and I think most people would be happy that their grandson found such an independent woman to marry." I finally finished.

Wow.. That was a lot. I can't believe I said all of that without a shaky voice.

Haru stared at me for a few moments, and I held his gaze. I did so well. I can't act scared now.

"I suppose I can't sway you then." He said.

"I would think that you'd be happy for Kenzo." I said again.

Haru chuckled as he stood up. He smoothed out his suit jacket, and walked to the door. The old man turned to me one last time.

"Don't mistake this for a win, girl. I am not happy for Kenzo, and we will see each other again." He stated.

With that last creepy statement, he left.

I blew out a breath as I slumped into the chair. That was so scary. I can't believe that all of this is happening.

Kenzo walked in, came around to my chair, and kneeled in front of me. He grabbed my hands in his, and kissed each of them. Part of me really wants to just relish in the attention. I feel so exhausted after speaking with that old fart. But.. I know that I can't. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Kenzo Suzuki."

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