The Promise

Kyo Seolju went back and forth with Old lady Ann in Korean with an occasional interjection from her brothers or grandfather. Although Shekinah and Robert had lived in Korea for five years they had grown up in America so they did not have a deep understanding of the language.

While they were arguing Robert and Shekinah decided to let them stay,

"Of course, you can stay."

Both Kyo Seolju and the twins stopped and said simultaneously,

"Really!"

Nodding his reply, Robert gave in. The three of them became so excited that they didn't even realize her grandfather had taken the baby and given him to Robert.

"You are really here! I love you so much! What about my twin? Is he ok? Why didn't he come?"

Kyo SeolJu's face went from happy to sad in a few seconds. Seeing her so disappointed, the twins knew they had to say something fast.

"He wanted to come but they wouldn't let him come if they couldn't come."

Wrapping his arm around her, Kyo Ryuji's voice was warm and coxing. Kyo Ryujin nodded while pouting,

"Yes, you know your twin couldn't stay away if it wasn't for them. It was a miracle that we were able to get away from them. We had to use you as an excuse so we could come."

"We told them if just Grandpa and great-grandmother came you would be sad. So we got them to let us come."

Kyo Ryuji looked at her with wide eyes begging to be praised.

Because the twins sounded exactly alike, you would have never thought that two people were speaking.

"Ok, ok, I have a question for you."

Kyo Ryuji stood excitedly, pulling Kyo Ryujin up with him,

"Can you tell us apart?"

"Of course, she can!"

Grandpa Kyo laughed,

"She is the only one who can tell you two apart."

"Aigoo, don't sentence me to my death! However, Ji is on the left, and Jin is on the right."

Kyo Seolju smiled like she won a million dollars. The boy's faces were aglow as they picked Seolju up and threw her in the air. Moving to the next room, their laughter was heard throughout the whole house.

"You kids go have some fun. I need to talk to Snowflake's parents. Mr. Kim is waiting for you."

Grandpa Kyo hugged Kyo Seolju, then pushed her towards the door.

"Are you sure?"

Skepticism was all over her face until Old lady Ann scolded her in Korean. Her last bit of hesitation was thrown out when her parents nodded their approval.

"I love you! Bye Bye!"

The three ran out the door before anyone could reply. The tension and awkward silence in the room were almost tangible.

"May I ask what you are doing here?"

All of the politeness Shekinah showed had gone with Kyo Seolju.

"When my son died, he left everything to Seolju. I'm not sure if you have heard of Ann Corporation or Kyo Empire, but both the companies are in her name. Due to his death, he also left her as head of both families. I know this is a lot to take in, but even if you don't allow her to stay with us, at least allow us to come to visit her. The only thing I want is for Seolju to be happy. If you think she should stay here, then I will pay for her to have the very best of everything. Her dance and music lessons will continue to be paid for."

The sincerity and longing in Grandpa Kyo's voice and his eyes made them think twice.

"You were the one who was paying for her classes!"

The shock was evident in Robert's voice. Grandpa Kyo nodded as Robert said fiercely,

"She can't go with you. She is only sixteen and will stay with us. You can't visit her. I think you should go."

You could visibly see the color drain from Grandpa Kyo's face and his whole countenance looked defeated.

"I told you to let me handle it, but you said no."

Old lady Ann scolded, hitting Grandpa Kyo with her cane,

"She is not a child. Kyo SeolJu is of royal blood, and she needs to take responsibility. She will be going to Legacy Elite private school with her brothers. Of course, my grandson had to put everything in her name. We are unable to do anything regarding the companies. She will be trained and helped by her grandfather and brothers. They have spent these past ten years doing nothing but trying to make sure she would become the best once they brought her back."

Seeing their worry and sorrow her face softened. As a parent herself, she knew how hard this would be.

"I know you don't want to let your little girl go. But it would be the best for you and her. You would have a new house, car, and your kids would be able to learn anything they want, anywhere they want. You could send them to school of your choice, and you could stop working. If she came back with us she would be saving both of our families. I promise we will take care of our empress well."

Old lady Ann's speech was convincing, but Shekinah replied,

"No, she can't leave."

"Our companies have been shut down for a month. She's the only one who can get everything running again."

Old lady Ann's wrinkled face returned to her icy demeanor and showed determination, her voice cold and unwavering.

"When would you have to leave?"

Wrapping his arm around Shekinah, Robert's voice trembled.

"Tomorrow. Work begins when we take her back."

The old woman replied with a firm look.

"We can't say anything. Not until we hear what Marie has to say."

Although they knew the answer, Robert and Shekinah still wanted to hear it from her.