I want a business Mr Billionaire! Not you!

"Well, then it is settled, Mr. De Valois. Thank you for sharing your time with me." I gladly said goodbye with a scarce smile while taking my shoulder bag up.

At last, after hours of having a monologue in front of this silent freak, I finally managed to get a foreign investor. However, it seemed quite new in business as his name isn't that popular, isn't it? But that doesn't concern me anymore, as long as he stays true to his words.

And I still need to meet another so I should hurry up. For I should also leave this unfathomable and super-duper cheap in words man as I even don't know if his eyes are naturally as teary as how I see it, but how is it so infusing? As if he has his own alluring world in there where what he always sees is somewhat saddening, which is making him so quiet? But why do I care anyway, I was able to sign a deal with him. And.... that's what matters!

"Sida." Was my understanding of his sudden probably one in a million murmur that stopped me from inwardly screaming?

I can't help but raise my eyebrow as I frankly don't know if he's still talking to me or perhaps he is but in a different language? Oh, maybe he's telling me to go away instantly? Perhaps, I didn't hear it right because I was so celebrating inside? But what if he changed his mind?!

Ah! Calm down, self!

"Uh... yes?" That was all I can say after those many attempts of understanding his own words. I just hope he repeats it. Or else I will instantly run so that he won't have any chance to cancel the agreement if he wanted to.

He slowly put his wine down and looked straight at me. "Sit down." He shortly repeated.

Right, he isn't really the one to be nervous, is he? If analyzed properly, he is sitting aristocratically calm. Which seemed to attract our whole surroundings because I can feel varied stares from different directions. Yeah, whatever. I still need to hear what he is going to add.

"Anything else?" I nervously inquired as I slowly and warily sat down back. I can't help but feel uneasy about this.

Weirdly eyeing me up and down as if he just saw me is what he did next upon me sitting back. Should I just really run? But he knows where I live, where our family lodge stands, and where my office is!

Wait? Why am I being afraid anyway? He is a businessman and quite the rich one who reserved our lodge. That's why I decided to offer him a deal. In which he just signed!

Oh, he merely smiled... Wait?!

"You smiled?" I thought he had some kind of disease that made his entire senses permanently scowl? As his companions, Alejandro and Rosario once said he has long lost his smile.

"Why not?" He out of nowhere asked as I am busy analyzing if his smile is fake or – wait?! Did I just blurt out my words?

I instantly covered my mouth at the late realization as I also tried to hide my whole body on the table. What a dangerous mouth.

Mustering my left pride, "I apologize, Mr. De Valois, it was just so rare to see you smile. Anyway, why did you make me sit back again?" I explained embarrassedly with a sudden swiftness of topic for this humiliating situation to stop. I am drowning here with mortification you know.

But... Why is he now smirking? I promise this man is playful! If only he wasn't a business partner of mine, I would really love to step into his boastful pride.

"I will revamp your small lodge if you want to." Grabbing his drink, he coldly stated with his resonant voice.

Did he say revamp our small lodge? Am I supposed to be happy or not? Because judging from the words themselves, it already is mocking. Which is raising my presumption that something is indeed fishy. I just can't pull their scales out yet, to see what's inside.

Calming myself, I slowly grabbed my left cold glass of wine many hours ago as a distraction to my uneasiness. "For what reason?" I effused trying to match his cold tone.

That's when he again drank his wine while deliberately taking all his time in the world gulping. Should I just smack or kick him? Thank your demon I am wearing a dress or else you've long gone lame.

After extending my patience a little longer beyond its extent, I really can't hold it. "Uh... Mr. De Valo-"

"Be my therapist." He, at last, impassively responded as he cut me off.

But did my ears hear it right? I-Is he asking me to be his therapist? When on Earth did I become a therapist? Do I look like a therapist to him? Well... maybe I'm just hallucinating because of the unbearable silence.

"Yes?" I decided to ask to make sure even if that's merely my hallucination, the word still fits the first conversation of us.

Yet instead of making it clear, "You wouldn't also need to pay back the money I will invest." He replied very far.

I'm beginning to see what needs to be cured in this man.

"So, you're really asking me to be your therapist, Mr. De Valois?" I asked straight to the point. Not considering the profits he's adding. As I am, my mind is beginning to suggest that I should just cancel our agreement. I will preferably find another investor than put interest on such a ridiculous offer.

Before he replied, his phone buzzed when he answered first.

Then glancing at me. "I'm not..." He clarified shortly.

Out of exploding curiosity, "What?!" I scarcely exclaimed. Even with my temper being challenged, I still am very well aware of my surroundings.

He put down his ever-provoking wine and responded. "It's an order."

My mouth stayed slightly ajar for a second before recovering my senses. Then I chuckled loudly at his reply. He's indeed in need of therapy!

Faking faint coughs, I let go of the glass in my hands. "Mr. De Valois, please understand that even if you're from a wealthy family, you cannot order every person in the world. Everything has its limits." I advised sincerely yet burning with laughter inwardly. What a spoiled child.

Not long after I'm done with my life-touching advice, my phone buzzed as well. I checked positively but when I read the report, my hand dropped the phone on its own. I froze as I began to recall what I'd just read.

Sister, mother signed the lodge to be in Mr. Lucretius' hand. Which solved all the worries and problems. Congratulations to us! I gulped a deep one before composing my posture. So that explains why he goes around ordering me? Well, what can I do then? Sho-

"If you agree, I will give it back for free." He nonchalantly stated as he enjoys watching me mourning to myself.

What am I to him anyway?

Esmeralda's Point Of View.

"Our deepest condolences, my dear. Please, don't forget to take care of yourself." My auntie Bianca Pong gently whispered while taking her bag.

She seemed to be one of my father's true business partners indeed. Her sincere eyes showed how she really felt sympathy for us.

Forcely moving my mouth, I tried to reply by scarcely smiling with a nod. She immediately understood and patted my shoulder before silently walking away.

Even with many days of mourning, I still can't help but feel heartbroken for my father's goodbye in this world. I know he is old but why is it so early? He still hasn't seen me become a successful daughter for our family. Yet he already left...

"Esmeralda, dear, you couldn't be crying again are you?" A worried question stopped me.

When I looked up, it's my mother holding her closed umbrella with teary eyes. I tried to smile again and wiped my small tears that I didn't realize were already falling. My eyes were already feeling so rough as if I stayed in the ocean depth with wide open eyes for many hours. And I know they already are as red as a fresh apple's color. But what can I do? I have created a deep bond with my father, colorful memories, grateful days, and smart conversations.

I was blankly looking at mom so she sat beside me tiredly. She started rubbing my back while teasingly saying, "Oh, please! Don't show that bitter smile of yours my dear, it's making you look ugly. Please wear a new brave smile and for sure your father who's already laughing with the angels will surely be more happy." She finished with a little glance at the sky.

I smiled at her frolicsome encouragement. Then I heaved a short sigh. Hah, how am I supposed to not be enlightened when my mother is like a clown even in our saddest moments in life? I couldn't be more grateful to have her. The best mother ever!

I just realized that is indeed a father, a man whose crying face is ridiculous. He would really stare at me with raised eyebrows and questioning expressions for hours if he was here.

So widening my smile, I hugged my mom tightly. "Well, you're right, mom. So please, don't ever follow dad because he is weak you know." I teased in return before pulling away.

Mom did the same and stood grabbing my hand. "Now it's almost night. The sky is going darker so we should let your father have his rest. You know he hated cries, don't you? He'll think it's loud." She said while twitching her nose. Something she often does when she succeeds in making us, her children smile.

After walking for a moment, I turned a good watch back to my father's grave.

Staring straight to the lonely white grave. "Dad, I know only your body isn't beside me but your heart still does. So I hope you'll continue to guide me with my new responsibility that you've passed. I promise you, I will someday make your wish come to reality." I murmured as I gathered up my courage and strength.

"Woah! I know I can do this." I bravely added before leaving.

Coming back to our bereaving home, the smell of cooked food is flying. We both got out of our small truck and hurried inside. I really feel like I'm so tired even though I only cried for the past few days.

Leisurely sitting by the table, my sister Altheia started almost smirkingly and spoke while putting down the new dish. "It's lucky you didn't wear makeup, Esmy, I'm pretty sure you'll be an evil nun if you did." She teased with Fake laughs. This child really enjoys teasing her sister, isn't she?

I was about to give a retort to her when my mom coming down heard her and joined her fake laughs. They really do have almost the same personality don't they, perhaps the only difference was my mom is seriously laughing. Loudly, the whole house is echoing her laughter repeatingly. I'm sure if people didn't leave and heard this laugh of hers, they would think she's celebrating her father's death.

"If you care for this broken family member of yours, you should just sit down so we can pray. At least, the father wouldn't hate you both for teasing his beloved daughter." I finally retorted with a serious look. I'm pretty starving.

Mom and Altheia seemed to realize my serious comment so they instantly stopped and followed my words.

After praying, mom can't take the weird silence so she started another encouragement. "Well, look who's been defeated by a tease. I didn't know you would become weak, Esmeralda? How will you defeat your brother if you've become a weakling?"

They again exchanged a meaningful look after mom was talking. I just rolled my eyes at their smirking faces before continuing. I guess my family's descendants are clowns.

After eating and hearing my sister and mother's jokes, I went straight to take a shower and then to my room. I must take a good rest for tomorrow will be the new crowning for me. To be the new lead of this family. I don't care even if my brother wants to manage the lodge. He is quite incompetent just as father said and so I need to replace him. I can see myself that I will someday make my father's dream come true.

And with those last words, I can feel my head wandering to another world and my eyes following.

*KRING! KRING !*

I faintly hear the shouts of the dancing clock beside me. My senses were not responding so I was again enchanted by another beautiful world when my brain showed the word 'work' to my imagining eyes. Instantly, I opened my eyes and looked straight to the alarm clock. It's already 7:30 which means I just slept for another 30 minutes.

Hah... This is the beginning! I inwardly exclaimed, arranging my bed at a fast pace. Which was followed by a 5-minute shower and another 5-minute breakfast. With brief replies to our conversation with my sister and mother. Yes!

"What an incompetent woman I've become." I murmured while climbing our small red truck.

My service is quite special right? Anyway, it's already 7:50 and I only have 5 minutes to go up to our cute yet alluring lodge at the top of the mountains. The only inheritance we had from our late grandfather.

I need to be competent and serious now... I added as I gently slapped my cheeks. Afterwards, I started driving off.

Third Person's Point Of View.

Italy...

Usual silence with calm mild breeze from the wide gray mansion of the De Valois was domineering until a faint screech of car was heard far at the gate. Instantly, the only person besides the morose master of the house pressed the button to open the towering gates. After a while, taps of briskly walking feet are harmoniously ruining the quietness.

Then at the grayish aisle, two people meet. One suffocates with nervousness which makes the other contaminated.

"Rosario, what is it?" Alejandro finally asked, breaking the pressured silence within them.

He cares for his master's health and so any information that might harm or worsen his dejected condition deeply concerns him.

Rosario, as well, cares less about his news but is bothered by what might his master become if he heard this. Of course it isn't something new, but it is quite a threat.

"H-His mother, master's mother... I saw her breathing." Nervously, yet he managed to report.

Afterwards, Alejandro wore a faint smile and patted Rosario's shoulder. "Well done, Rosario. This will enlighten the master a bit." He praised before turning to Lucretius' room.

Rosario followed his reaction and nodded while walking again as well.

After knocking once, the door automatically opened and there he was.

Leisurely sitting in his black wooden chair with a cup of untouched tea in his hand while impassively looking far at the horizon through his transparent wall.

Roaming his placid room, everything is in the expected place. The dusted books in their hundred years old bookshelf, and the almost white table unknown if it's the natural color or just the dust. With clean papers, the one only looking naturally white in the room. If we dig into more details, there are cobwebs decorating the whole edges of the room. With spiders hanging here and there like a wild monkey in a jungle. If a person accidentally enters this quite rare room, he or she would assume that the owner is long dead and that it is forbidden to touch nor enter there. Which isn't really far from reality, because the melancholic sitting body while staring outside seemed like having his heart literally snatched from his body. As if he is physically present yet long mentally gone.

Unfortunately, he is an hour silent which means everything you could think of as an answer from a boss when someone is to report.

And so Alejandro gestured to Rosario to just speak and let him hear it. It is something he is used to as an old guardian and butler of Lucretius.

"Master, about your mother, madam Ekaterina. I was able to place my telescope and by a window saw her. I can see by the scarce movement from her chest that she is still breathing. I assume Mr. Gualterio was telling the truth, sir." He was done talking but hasn't yet calmed down. For the next reply is what matters the most.

Of course, they care about their madam Ekaterina just as they worry about Lucretius, but seeing his state, he seemed to be in a more desperate condition than his bedridden mother.

They both focused their eyes to his side, waiting to see if he made an expression yet nothing happened. No reaction as if he heard nothing.

Alejandro expected another hour of silence so he was about to express his goodbyes when he slowly opened his firmly shutted mouth. Even this little gesture of his was totally perceptible as he is totally like a statue.

Then, his coarse and resonant voice was finally heard.

"Thank you. You may go." Was his cold and cheap yet appreciative response.

The two at the back exchanged positive looks. Well, that was in the middle of their thoughts actually. One thought worse while the other assumed more. After giving smiles they slightly bowed before leaving. Letting the spider room once again back to it's serene and dark atmosphere.

Sighing, Rosario finally raised his head high. "That was quite good. I do really realize that he becomes softer when the topic is about madam Ekaterina." He pensively stated.

Walking ahead of him, Alejandro made a halt and faced Rosario. His expression is the same.

"You're right there. But after that, he is hurting a lot. So please, if not necessary, don't deliberately mention madame, okay?" He said worriedly.

Even with Lucretius' true father alive, he is the one who stands as his father ever since he was born. Yet even after all the years of being at his side, he cannot enter the inner wall of his personality. Hence, he only understood 50 percent of his nature.

"Is that so? Well, if that's the case, then don't-" Rosario was abruptly cut off by the sudden ring of the main phone of the house.

They gave a questioning look at each other before answering it. It is Sunday and companies were not in work so there are only a few possibilities of who might be the caller. Which if confirmed, will ruin the whole house's mood.

But Alejandro was still quick to answer."Yes, De Valois mansion. May I help-"

He was cut off by the angry shout on the other side. "Open the gates!"

Alejandro and Rosario both froze at the shout. They immediately became tense, because it's him. The one who uses his family just to get everything he wants. The unexplainably evil father of their master. Fortunately, they recovered fastly from their repugnant thoughts about him and pressed the button for the gate.

"Good morning, sir Gualterio, " They hesitantly chorused upon his arrival, then Alejandro coldly continued, "How may we help you?"

While examining the house, Rosario is examining his looks as well. His thick ugly beard is on full display which is at least better than seeing his dry and bulky mouth. Then there, his big heinous eyes looking down on everyone. Rosario, being employed for only a few years from now, couldn't pinpoint which part would agree that he is Lucretius' father. If Alejandro didn't mention that he is, then he will probably expect that he's a drug addict. Considering his abominable overall form and attribute. I mean, who uses his own wife and son just to be wealthier than wealthy right?

Gualterio drifted back his scrutinizing and belittling eyes to them and nonchalantly spoke. "Go get your master now." He left no room for hesitation because he made it more as an order.

So Alejandro forcely did his order while Rosario left without hesitation. He can just shoot the old man if his master didn't forbid them to, anyway. It's not like he is strong, he is even shorter than the normal heights of Italianos to be honest.

Afterwards, the sala is in suffocating silence. For the loathsome father and lonesome son are finally facing each other.

Gualterio didn't take long and drifted his eye contact away from Lucretius. His face is a little uneasy.

Thus, he brought out the document from his leather bag and shoveled it to Lucretius' front.

"You already know that only 40 percent of our assets have been restored since your grandfather died. I investigated it and these are the results." He spoke with indifference as if he's only having a conversation with a stranger he just met.

Alejandro can already feel his pity rising as he listens to this usual distant conversation between them. It's a luck he isn't facing his master or his eyes might be the one to continue letting the teary yet secure and composed eyes of his master's.

Tardly reading the first page in his hands, Lucretius out back down the papers and swiftly stands. "Once the agreement is in your hands, let mother go. This will be my last warning and submission to you." He firmly cautioned. His tense back facing Gualterio while the flooded unfathomable eyes of his are looking beyond the long aisle.

One would really think they are never connected with how cold they talk with each other. Unfortunately, in their kind, water seemed to be thicker than blood.

Following Lucretius' stand, Gualterio wears a hideous smirk. "As long as you get me all of that. Legally and peacefully. With no nuisance staining it. Which means, get rid of his partner's whole party if you need to." He commanded haughtily. Resulting in Lucretius to walk away.

After an hour. Everything was back to normal. The two were temperate yet anxiously waiting at Lucretius' door outside waiting for his order. It didn't take that long when they hearkened to his order of them booking a flight to Singapore. Which will be followed by reserving a whole lodge or hotel for them.

It wasn't that long after they had successfully fulfilled their master's order with the consideration of his preferences. Even though they cannot grasp his personality, they were still able to comprehend his likings. Making their master a little enlightened and subtracting his needs of talking and ordering for what he wants.