Penthouse Daddy

PROLOGUE

KINGS HOLDINGS INC : MAIN OFFICE : UNIC HALL

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you the four additional ships that our company will release by the end of this year. Boasting 12 grand ballrooms and a lavish park for lovers, not to mention the five amusement park, this is the ultimate getaway for couples and-"

The loud resounding clap interrupted Lin Xiu and he takes a step back, his eyes widening at the unexpected presence that grace the room. The curious crowd looked around just like him but Lin Xiu's eyes hold anger and fear.

"Very good. Excellent!" The voice coming from the back only made him sweat. Lin Xiu grabbed the ends of the podium as he takes another step back ready to take flight when he saw his cousin emerging from the crowd – WANG KAI.

Kai flexed his arms and folded up the sleeves of his button up shirt. Standing tall amidst the people, his chiseled face and sharp features is a bonus to his great physique. Both female and male reporters couldn't help but be excited of his sudden appearance seeing as they will be expecting more action. It is far from the boring presentation they are receiving from the pretentious Lin Xiu who thought that his plan is going to work.

"Wang Kai, I didn't know that you are back."

"Of course you will fail to keep note of it, my dear cousin, for you are too confident that these lies will secure you my position." Kai ran his hand upon the thick spine of the binder that Lin Xiu was holding and sighed. "Pity, the family still shuns you for being the second best." Lin Xiu takes a step back but Kai leans closer. Kai studied his cousin's expression before laughing, shocking the crowd of people who were at the edge of their seats. " It seems that seven years of my absence didn't do you any good. You are still ambitious and childlike. You are too obsessed upon thinking that Kings Holding's will finally end up in your hands after I left but you are wrong." Kai gave him a smirk before turning at the crowd, "I would like to announce to all of you that from now on, I will be managing Kings Holdings future proposals for I will be resuming my position. That is all for now, good day to you all. "

Kai gave a slight bow and brushed his hands upon his hair. He can sense his cousin glaring from afar but he couldn't care less. He cannot par with Lin's childish actions.

The reporters scrambled after Kai and asked, "Mr. Wang! You have to make a concrete explanation as to why you've been gone for seven years!"

"Mr. Wang, we all know that you are the key to the success of Kings Holdings now, can you explain as to why you decided to leave seven years ago?"

"The company's worth is tripled than it was before. Real state, ships, production...everything that people needed, is that why you came back? For the money and power?"

Kai smirked at that and turned. He was about to reply to that question but he held his tongue, considering it a good measure to keep the reporters on their toes. He was close to the door when a reporter caught up to him, "Is the rumors true that a woman is behind your departure seven years ago?"

Kai halted, his eyes hardening. He pushed open the door and headed outside, startled by his secretary, Qing, who appeared anxious.

"What's the matter?"

"Boss," Qing bowed his head and produced a sleek green invitation from his coat. Kai narrowed his eyes at it and snatched it from Qing's hand, "It came a week ago and I have failed to inform you. I was so busy handling the arrangements for your return that I totally forgot about this." Qing bit his lip and Kai couldn't help but sigh at the emblem. Qing straightened up and bowed again, "I am sorry. I apologize for my mistake. I promise that this won't happen again."

Kai clicked his tongue and tilted his head to see that Qing was still bowing, "Resume to your position and follow me. What would the paparazzi think of me after seeing you like this?" Qing straightened up, clearing his throat. He adjusted his glasses and smirked, making Kai sigh once again.

If they weren't friends, Qing might have been buried six feet under. Alas, Qing was the brother he never had and Kai would love to keep him even if it means that his own sister will kill him soon. Stuffing his hand in his pocket, he turns at Qing and said, " The party is just starting. We will be able to arrive just fine if we go now." Kai buttoned up his sleeves and Qing followed instantly, lamenting at his mistake as the both of them descended.

*

"I just knew it," Kai looked inside the room to see groups of paparazzi milling around, holding their microphones out while they crowded over the stage. The flashes were irritating and it's a wonder how they can see through the blinding light.

Jia, his sister, who is currently celebrating her engagement party, was smiling and waving at the cameras. She looks unbothered by the attention she is receiving and that made him groan. Kai couldn't understand how she can handle it well.

"Boss, we really have to go inside if you don't want Nainai to-"

"You already know that she's going to make me pay for being late again." Qing knows that the blame is upon him and felt guilty as Kai marched inside the room. He might as well be a sheep walking in the den of wolves.

Being the next generation of Wang's, Kai and Jia are obliged to marry the one they are arranged with in order to strengthen the family ties and to please their ancestors. Which means, Jia will marry Kai's best friend, Gao Zen, a notorious ladies men just like Kai.

Kai stiffened up when he noticed Jia who was making her way to him, her fist balled up. He raised his hand as she began to speak blocking her face though his actions only made her angrier, "How could you!" Jia slapped his arm and he winced, "NaiNai has been very anxious that you might jeopardize your position and risk your status if you keep on refusing to marry. They've been convincing you for seven years but you never listen. You really have to wait for Lin Xiu to step up before you act." She crossed her arms and eyed the crowd before them.

"You are turning thirty seven this year and the family is worried. They are anxious for an heir!" Kai rolled his eyes at her, fixing the sleeves of his tux in a nonchalant manner, "I am giving you this advice because you are my brother. You cannot delay your marriage specially now that I have followed through." She paused, laying a hand upon his arm, "Family comes first, Kai."

"Would they kick me out if I refuse to do as they please?" Jia's face turned red at his words. He waved his hands in front of her and continued, "I don't care of what they do to me, Jia. Status and power means nothing to me now."

"Kai, are you forgetting what our Father could do? They want you to marry Ji-" Kai held out a finger to stop her, glaring across the room. Their relatives are here which means that this is an ambush, a desperate attempt to tie him down.

He has to go before they caught up to him.

"Is it all because of Lian?" her words pull his attention back to her and Kai stiffened.

"No."

Jia huffed, "I know that you are still looking for her, hoping that she will return and marry you but Gege, we've searched and failed. She doesn't want you."

"I don't care."

Kai glared down at Jia but she remain unfazed. "You can never find someone who is intentionally hiding from you. You cut all ties and have distanced yourself from the family hoping that you can prove to her that wealth doesn't matter. You tried to drew her close but Kai, it's a failure. Accept it. Maybe mother was right, Lian only wants to ruin you."

"She is from the past. I am not doing this for her; It is for me. I have to find myself. In doing that, her present and future will belong to me. I will find her no matter where she is hiding."

Kai walks away from her and isolated himself at the bar where he thought he could hide from their viscious relatives. He needs some time to formulate a way to escape this trap.

As the sole heir of The Kings Corporation, he owns the responsibility of keeping the business up the ranks ever since his father step down. It wasn't an easy job, but it has been a decade since he succeeded the position. The corporation owns a third of Guangdong Real Estate and the majority of shipping, hospitality and farming in all of China's main provinces were all his responsibilities.

Managing all these sounded so easy for him now because there is a bigger problem – marriage. With all these power, the pressure of having an heir was the main prospect now after all of the wealthy families were able to produce one.

Kai gritted his teeth as he caught sight of the oncoming paparazzi. With a practice brought by experience, he shifted his eyes at the cameras as they focused their lenses at him and inquired:

"Mr. Wang, what can you say about your impending marriage as said by your grandmother?"

"Do you have any plans to marry this year?"

Kai clenched his jaw, his hands tightening upon the glass of whiskey that is sitting in front of him. How can they blatantly ask him that?

"Is it true that you are arranged to marry someone a few years ago but postponed it?"

Kai gritted his teeth and rise, bowing in front of them. He adjusted his sleeves, loosening up the button while he searched for his grandma from the crowd. He needs to confront her about all these.

"Mr. Wang, you have to answer us at least!"

He turns away from the crowd of paparazzi, heading for the double doors which leads outside the balcony.

"Mr. Wang, please! You have to give us answers. Who is the girl you are going to marry?"

Kai gritted his teeth, wishing nothing but to attack the paparazzi but a voice interrupted him.

"Hey!"

He stared down, his attention caught by the little boy who is sporting a jade green Hanko made of satin, his cheeks stained with ice cream. Kai ignored the child but was surprised when je felt the ice cream oozing down his trousers. Kai breathes in, trying to keep his cool as he takes a step forward, gritting his teeth. The boy held out his ice cream covered hands and wrapped it around his leg, "Kai Xin! Are you trying to ignore me?"

KAI XIN? How did he?

Kai sharply turned at the child who is staring at him with those wide eyes. He crouched down and whispered, "Excuse me but do I know you?"

The child huffed, crossing his arms and shaking his little head. He pointed a finger at me, "I am Xiao Yun and I am your carbon copy. I have never expected that LiLi is telling the truth. You are handsome as me." His eyes lowered down to Kai's stained trousers and he pathetically wiped it with the ends of his hanko, "I didn't mean to do this but you were ignoring me so I bumped into you with purpose. I am still sorry though." He held out his little fingers, brushing it upon the stain leaning so near that he stumbled when Kai took a step back, shocked of what he heard.

Lili?

"It's okay." Kai calmly said as he pulled the child closer, steadying his shoulders and staring at his features. His nose were straight and his chin strong; his jutted lips - a sign of defiance even when he has already offered an apology. Though his eyes, familiar doe eyes – Kai thought hard as he though he had seen them before.

The child's cheeks were bright red with embarrassment and Kai glance at his ears to see that they are equally flushed, just like him.

Kai couldn't help but be startled of his own thoughts, glaring at his hands as he removed them from touching his ear. Did he just thought that this child was just like him? Impossible.

The child narrowed his eyes and flicked my forehead, "What are you staring at? I know I am handsome as you but it doesn't give you a permission to stare."

"Who is your mother?"

He huffed, "My mother is my mother. Are you a fool? Don't feel bad of your shortcomings, I still love you." The child wrapped his arms around Kai's neck, making him stumble back in shock.

"Mr. Wang, who is this child? Does he have any connection to you?"

"Is he your nephew?"

"No, no." Kai took the child from the floor and covered his face with his hands but the paparazzi are forceful, trying to catch a glimpse of him.

Kai wrapped his arms around him and hastily proceed outside.

"Mr. Wang!"

SEVEN YEARS AGO...

KAI

"Can't I have a say with this matter? It is my life you are discussing here, after all."

I glared at my parents, my hands upon my waist as I tried not to combust with the anger I am feeling.

We are currently visiting NaiNai at the family house. It was ancient but well kept; screen paintings decorated the walls, along with our portraits, the roof tiles were intact and shined, the floors polished. Even the lotus pond that sits in the middle of the backyard was weeded out and cleaned.

This weekend dinner arranged by Jia was supposed to be a celebration for the promotion she had. She loves parties after all and family drama was her favorite, especially when the highlight includes me. I was tricked; I didn't know that I'll be trapped in this mess.

"The Wang family was the smallest, yet powerful family in all of China. I cannot have you putting an end to that." Grandma stated as she relaxed on her divan, her eyes focused upon me. My father made a move but did not speak, and my mother still had her head slanted, acting indifferent.

I clenched my fist and straightened from where I was standing. "So, you want me to provide an heir?" I adjusted the sleeves of my shirt and folded it up to my elbows, "Okay. Let me find some woman to do it with and I will give you the heir you so wanted in nine months. I shall go now and find a suitable one." I bowed, ignoring the three set of glares coming from my elders.

Yes , I have to respect them but they are too much. And it's 21st Century, filial piety shall have limitations.

Grandma's eyes grew undeniably wide while my father's face paled, along with my mother who held him back, trying to stop him from attacking me. Jia peered from the window of the room, her eyes alit with curiousity.

She is having fun, alright. As long as it has something to do with my pain and suffering, my sister will delight of it, however small it is.

"You stop there, you rascal!" Grandma rouse from her divan, squinting her eyes as she glared at me, "You insolent, spoiled child!"

She takes her walking stick and used it to hit my legs but I did not flinch. The maids from the entrance to Grandma's bedroom winced at the sight but I stood tall, enduring the pain.

Grandma continue to hit me until my father speaks, "Ma, enough."

"Hu! I have raised you well but you should've done better with him as I have provided you with examples. Why make him like this? "

My father's face redden with my Grandma's words. I bowed my head in shame, "Papa raised me well, NaiNai but I refuse to follow this time. I cannot have you dictating my life. I cannot marry a girl you have randomly selected!"

Grandma hit her walking stick upon the floor and glared at me, holding my chin and pulling me down so I can look at her eyes. I gulped. "She is not random, Kai. I have specifically selected her to be your wife because I want to repay a debt." Grandma sighs, taking a step back and leaning on her walking stick. "I have arranged this with my best friend, Xiu Feng, after she saved me from drowning. I owe my life to her, without her, the Wang Family will be cut from it's base, with no chance to flourish."

"The both of us have decided that the third generation shall marry to seal the friendship between us," Grandma stared at me but I averted my eyes, to angry to maintain an eye contact with her. "The Wang Family are known to maintain connections with people they have done business with. We repay our debts, we stay true to our promises; we are proud but we are merciful." She takes my hand on hers and held my cheek. "I do not want to burden you, Kai, but I am thinking about the next generations to come."

I gritted my teeth, not believing every word my Grandma is saying. Why would I marry a girl I do not know? Yes, that Feng-lady saved my grandma but why do I need to marry their granddaughter to repay that debt? Can't I just pay them instead?

"I know what is going inside your brain, Kai, but a life debt shall be paid equally. It cannot be paid by money. The Xiu family is a good family, and I do not regret my decision of marrying you to their granddaughter."

"But why I should I pay it, why me? Why not my father? Or my uncle? Why wish it upon me?" Her eyes hardened at my question yet she did not answer me. "Can't we just skip this arrangement and pass it to the next generation to come? I will make sure that my child will have no objections."

Grandma shakes her head at me, a small smile on her lips, "You are asking me about why this fate shall be your burden. I have stated that the third generation shall be the ones to marry, not your father or your uncle, but you. It is not a matter of who, but the agreement shall be the one to take effect. Wang does not go back to his words, we do not break our promises."

I am shaking in anger, feeling betrayed. So they called me to this weekend family dinner to be cornered and made to follow their orders? Have I no freedom? Are we only made to follow what our elders want us to do?

I bowed my head in defeat but said in a hushed voice, "I am not going to do it. I will find a way."

"KAI!" My parents chorused but my grandma held out her hand. "You will marry her, Kai. I will make sure that you won't find a way around this. I'd rather have you marry that girl than see you parading girls around Beijing! You cannot put a shame to our family name, I won't allow it as long as I am still alive."

"Watch me do it," I whispered as I take a deep bow, not giving them a chance to stop me as I went out of the door, my legs trembling from beneath me.

Jia was sitting at the bottom steps of the shrine, her face alit with excitement, as she see "Well?"

I huffed, "I'll go back to the city and take Zen with me."

"Why, Zen? Take me instead, this old house is boring, I cannot really focus here." I turned back at her, taking her shoulders and forcing her to stare at me, "Gege, that hurts."

"Then why come here, Jia? Why did you even arrange this dinner? You really loved to embarrass me, right? You are the same as them." I removed my hold upon her and passed the lotus pond, glaring at the maids who scurried away from me.

My irritation is bubbling and I couldn't help but wish to punch someone. I can hear the quiet creak of the doors as Grandma and my parents emerged, looking defeated. I caught their gaze before heading for the kitchen, searching for Zen.

Zen was eating leftover cakes from this afternoon's party when he rises from his seat, "What happened?" I did not speak, instead , I dragged him by his collar. "Hey! What is the matter? Why are you pulling at my collar. I am not a dog."

I glared at him, pinching his ear, "I need a drink."

"But we have plenty of drinks here, and it is free! NaiNai makes the best wine."

"I need drinks and women, Zen. I need women."

KAI

"I can't believe you took me here, Mr. Gao."

"Don't call me that, in this place, I am addressed as Z." Zen stated, narrowing his eyes at me. His hand flew to the drink that was brought by the waiter. A couple of girls smirked at Zen and he tapped their back side, the slapping sound making me cringe. I inhaled, and struggled not to roll my eyes. "What?"

"Zen, the media might-"

"Who cares about the media?" zen rolled his eyes and gave me the drink he snatched from the waiter, "Here. Drink up and forget about your status. You and I know that you need this."

"But the family-"

"Status and power, I know. But in this club, that doesn't exist. As the heir to two powerful families, we needed this as much as these commoners do, so, drink up." Zen urged and I huffed, tilting my head back.

The basement bar is shaking with sweaty bodies, booze and techno music. I glared at Zen as he threw his head back, laughing out of the blue. "You love this kind of treatment, Kai, don't act as though you are a saint."

The both of us paused to observe the girls sliding from the poles while a crowd of men ogled at their exposed private parts. Zen licked his lips and I snorted, earning a glare from him. "Just enjoy yourself, will you?"

"Alright," I huffed, leaning on the seat, "You win. I only agreed with you this time for I am not in the mood to fight. I have way too much in my plate."

"I know. I have heard of your situation before you came to the dinner. Your sister told me first hand."

"And she didn't even bother to tell me?" I mumbled to myself though Zen caught it, shaking his head at me.

"Powerful Wealthy Families, that is what we are. The status shall be maintained thus marriages are done as a form of investment. It doesn't matter who you want to marry or not as long as it benefits them." Zen ran his hand upon the glass he was holding, his eyes misted, "Drink up and forget about everything. We are here to have fun."

I took the glass from him, refusing to gaze in his eyes. Zen snatched himself another glass, his eyes trained on the girls dancing in front of us. Zen gave me a silly smile before he leaves his seat for a girl who pulled at him. I pursed my lips in disappointment and shake my head, glaring at Zen as he climbed the pole.

Draining the last drop from the bottle, I decided to stretch my legs to get away from the suffocating crowd.

The halls are long and dimly lit. I have to steady myself a couple of times, holding out my fingers in front of me and making sure that I walk straight.

"Hey."

I yawned, stretching my arms, "WANG KAI!"

"Huh?" I raised my head, glaring at the disgruntled man in front of me. He is only wearing his undergarments, his face flushed, his hair in disarray. He is holding out his red robes to me as though he is pleading.

"Lend me your coat, will you? Let's exchange clothes."

"I am Kim Jun Wo, CEO of KIWII CORPORATIONS – I need your coat, you owe me."

"Jun Woo-? I don't owe anyone by that name."

"Tenth Grade, Kai. Oh, come on!" He pulled at the strands of his hair and grunted, "Suspenders, curly hair and big glasses. I was there when they took you. If I haven't chased that woman, you are probably gone." His eyes flashed and I breathe out a sigh as I remember.

Jun Woo was a transfer at our school that year when the tragedy happened. He was the one who reported after witnessing my assault. Had it not been for his nosy behavior, my parent's won't find out where I was.

He saved my life.

"You play dirty just like you used to be." I crossed my arms and leaned at the wall, "What do you need my coat for?"

Jun Wo inclined his head and muttered in a barely audible voice, "I need to escape a wedding I was framed for. If you are going to wear this costume and arrive as another man, the bride will freak out and I will be free." I raised an eyebrow at his carefully plotted story, not believing how it will work that way.

I leaned my back on the wall and decided to play with him, "What is it to me?"

Jun Wo turns in disbelief, his eyes growing wider as the door at the end of the hall opened, " I saved you and though it is unintentional, you are still alive. Someday I will repay you. I know your family, Wang Kai, and I have ways to get to you when the need arises. Just, exchange these clothes with me now.

"Well, it's not a bad deal." I take off my coat, using it to choke him, making him end up on the floor. I laughed at Jun Wo's pitiful appearance but did not comment as I snatched his robes and we exchanged. Jun Wo did not complain when I removed my trousers and use it to wipe the floor before handing it to him.

Once we were done changing at the hall, a crowd of people emerged from the opened door. My eyes widened when Jun Wo threw a sack over my head . I wasn't given a time to complain when Jun Wo pulled at me, the crowd helping him to carry me off.

Confused, yet equally enjoying myself, I chose not to complain. From the little hole of the sack, I could see Jun Wo running the opposite direction after we entered a very dark hall that is lit by hundred of candles. The crowd were Koreans, judging by the language they were speaking.

They did not bother to check my face as I was thrown unceremoniously inside a palanquin, lit only by a lone red light. Angered, I took the sack off my head and frowned at my surroundings, a bit puzzled at the haze. I downed the glass of water from the table, gasping when I realized it was spiked.

My surroundings blurred and I have gone deaf. I gripped my head and groaned in frustration, collapsing on the floor, my heart thundering inside my chest. As I was composing myself, the door slides open and a girl was thrown inside.

Instantly, the little red light was turned off. I couldn't see my hands in front of me; my heartbeat serving as the only sound I could hear.

There was a rustle of robes and I frowned in confusion. The feeling of fingers against my skin made me gasp, my eyes widening, "What are you doing?!"

A pair of lips captured mine and I gasped in shock, my heart thundering against my chest. I close my eyes, and returned the treatment, grunting when I felt her hand on my crotch, groping. I could feel the heat circulating inside the palanquin; the walls seems to be closing in on us.

Jun woo have not mentioned anything like this but this is free. I could feel my heartbeat quickening as I whispered in a barely audible voice, "Bon appetite."

Though, I did not allow her to proceed as she want. Her skin felt soft and warm that it is quite comforting. I pushed her on the cushioned floor, attacking her ears, her neck, her bare shoulders. I let my fingers wander down to her chest, circling each of the mounts and my fingers trembled as I caressed her.

I rejoiced at the sound of her mewling, her moans like a symphony attune with my kisses. I groaned, for I feel overwhelmed.

Is this an effect of the whiskey I just drank?

I paused as I felt her harsh breathing. Her little hands were gentle as she touched my face, so light that I have nudged my cheeks on her palm. I have never been caressed like I am loved. I could almost imagined a girl with porcelain white skin, flushed against my chest, looking up at me with gaze full of curiousity. She traced my brows, then eyes and nose to my lips.

Like a blind man memorizing a face, a bit desperate yet gentle.

I leaned down to kiss her lips and she froze. I gently guided her to my rhythmn and she moaned, her lips next to my ear. I caressed her cheeks and felt that they were wet with tears, and I bowed down to her, kissing her forehead before returning my attention to her mouth, circling her tongue with mine and groaning as she bit my lip, lightly.

We are oddly synchronized and it blows my mind how a woman could be so delectable in darkness. It must be the environment, or the drink, but I swear I have never felt so happy being with someone before.

I rested my forehead on hers, caressing her cheeks and rejoicing at how smooth and soft her cheeks were against mine. I spun my fingers around her as though she was an instrument that I needed to strum, her lips captured between mine, leaving her helpless. Growing impatient, I held on her waist and pinned her deeper in the cushions, grunting as I made my way inside of her.

The little cry she lets out tugged at my heartstrings, leaving me speechless so I stopped, "Are you okay?"

The question left me dumb for a moment. Why shall I ask her that question? Why am I being concern to someone I do not know? She chose this, she wasn't forced. This is for status, for money. I am only finishing what she has started. There is nothing wrong. It was just a skin to skin relationship.

I shake my head and scold myself for having this thoughts.

Frowning, I gritted my teeth and did not wait for her reply. Instead, I drove myself deeper, ignoring her cries and tears that is sticking to my chest every time she struggles against my hold. It took me a while to recognize that she was struggling to get ahold of my hair, pulling at it as she moans, her nails scratching my back as she grabs me, whimpering.

She was shaking by the time I was finished with her. I took my robes and put it on, not giving her a backward glance as I slide the door open and leave the room.