Chapter 16 - An Unexpected Proposal

- Daisy POV's -

When the morning comes, I woke up much earlier than usual. Grateful that I woke up in my own room, my Mom's home. Ah, it feels like a dream to be at Mom's home. It's as if I haven't occupied it in a long time since Zen, with his power making me settle in his apartment. Surprisingly, Mom was not even angry, seemed resigned, and just obeyed. Maybe Zen also guarantees all my life and Mom.

Unfortunately, I'm used to waking up in Zen's apartment. Cook for him, then have breakfast together. Do I miss it? I don't know... I still find it hard to describe how I feel right now when I'm with Zen. There is a sense of calm, safety, and comfort. Maybe also because I don't get much from Reza. But yes, never mind.

Of course, today is a holiday, so I ask Zen for every Friday night to Sunday, I stay at Mom's home. And well, Zen doesn't necessarily leave me alone without his men. There are two of his men here. Tino and Yanto were sent by Zen to take care of me when I'm not with Zen.

A morning run is what I want when I'm home. So I decided to run alone with the bodyguards watching over me.

"You've been working with Zen for a long time?" I asked Tino as we decided to sit on the park bench.

"I've been with Boss for eight years, Miss," replied Tino. Meanwhile, Yanto chose to remain silent. Indeed, he is the most silent among the others. But its power is unmatched.

"Tell me about what made you so loyal to Zen, Tino."

At first, Tino seemed reluctant to talk about him and Zen, but I knew everyone would need some time to think before answering.

"I was found by the Boss when I was confronted by school gangsters, Miss. Even though we were only three years apart in age. Then Boss helped me and made a deal. So yes, this is what I am. He helped me a lot."

I nodded my head. It turns out that Zen has a noble heart. But somehow when he's with me, he always acts cold. Only occasionally.

The deal Tino said made me want to take a closer look. But seeing how Tino explained, it was clear he didn't want me to ask deeper. So, I decided to change the topic by eating chicken porridge in the garden.

"Miss, Boss wants to talk." Tino handed me his cell phone while I was still trying to finish the bowl of porridge. I didn't have my phone with me, so Zen was definitely looking for me.

"Hmm?" I mumbled.

"This afternoon please tell your Mom, we will lunch with my family," said Zen informed.

My eyes spontaneously widen. I was surprised because it seemed like I had not seen his family for a long time. "Again?" I asked in disbelief.

"So what? I think it would be better if I did it once a month. To continue the relation."

I fell silent. There is nothing wrong with the sentence. But what did he say? Once a month? Last month didn't do it, why does the month do it now? Strange.

"Don't argue. OK? Give it back to Tino," Zen said stopping me from trying to argue but failed.

***

I can't believe I'm at Neva's house. Again. It felt a little awkward because of the crowd of his family, while it was me, just me and Mom. We did have a family, but Mom was against not wanting to see some of the others because of past family problems.

The dress Zen bought was too much. It's to my taste, but only for dinner? It really feels like too much. Sorry, I repeated the same word.

"You're beautiful," he complimented in my ear.

I swallowed hard saliva. Praised to the ears, made my blood boiled, then sent an overreaction in my stomach. What is this feeling? Feels good? Happy? Indescribable.

"Thanks," I replied.

"And sexy ..." again, he continued the compliment almost made me fall.

Gosh, his voice is really really heavy. Sexy and I'm not a hypocrite that Zen is handsome in any way. His face looked even more cheerful than usual.

"So, what's this? Am I really not in the know?" I asked feeling awkward about all this.

"Soon, you will know."

Sitting opposite Zen and his parents, with Mom by my side made me nervous. Then all around us the Zen family. So silent. Oh no! I mean, it's quiet but there's the melodious strain of instruments. Happy love songs instrument.

I must admit. This is sweet, nice, and adorable.

"Weiske, I, as a male parent, on behalf of Zen, would like to ask for your approval, that Zen wants to marry Daisy as his future wife. Are you willing?"

Suddenly, Gerald, Zen's Dad asked so. Wait, does this mean... Did I propose? Is this what you call an application? Then yesterday was not a proposal? What is this? Why this sudden? Why does it feel like I'm the stupid one here?

"Yes, Mr. Gerald, I am willing to have my daughter, Daisy, become the wife of Zen," Mom answered without hesitation.

I was really surprised. Angry and annoyed. But why do I feel like I can't express it? Seeing how Mom can answer calmly, without hesitation ... is she happy with me being Zen's wife?

Good grief! Mom has loved it from the start! Suddenly I don't know everything. All of this ... all of this is Zen arranged. Mom even I think knows it too.

***

I chose to return to the apartment. I have to ask Zen. Mom doesn't even matter where I want to live. As long as I'm with Zen, she feels calm.

Seriously, my Mom likes him a lot!

Until the apartment, I crossed my arms over my chest. Staring at Zen who rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. His face looked normal. "What is it?" he asked.

"What was that? A proposal?" I asked.

Zen just shrugged his shoulders in response. He then went into the kitchen and grabbed his beer.

"Without my consent?" I asked again.

"I don't have to ask for your approval, Daisy," Zen replied flatly.

"But ..."

"Listen ... my proposal has been accepted. I don't accept rejection or anything like that from you. OK? Get some rest," he cut me off.

I stomped my feet that were still wearing heels, then I slammed my bedroom door violently.

Today is a bad day! I hate you so much, Zen!

***

I didn't leave my room all day. Yesterday was my worst day. Even though I really want an application in which I take part, not just obey and follow. But Zen arbitrarily did not accept the refusal.

I'm so confused, whether he really loves me or is just obsessed with me.

"If you don't leave your room, it's up to you. But if I find out that you don't leave your room at night, I'll break down this door, Daisy. And ... make you sleep in the same bed with me," Zen threatened from behind my bedroom door.

At first, I was normal, but when I heard the last part of his sentence, I remembered the first time I was naked in front of him. Fulfilling his request that was angry and annoyed by my attitude.

Forced, I opened my bedroom door. It's so small that only half of my face is visible.

"I opened it, and don't make me sleep with you again, Zen," I said then.

Without replying to my words, Zen just kept quiet and looked away from the front of my room. I left my bedroom door open and I myself went back to my bed, reading a book.

"Daisy!" call Zen.

Gosh, I haven't even gotten into bed yet, the sound of the call really surprised me.

"Hmm?" I muttered.

"I told you to open the bedroom door, not for you to shut yourself up again, come out and sit across from me," he ordered.

"Now what?" I asked like a robot obeying its owner.

"Relax, you've been too tense since yesterday's proposal," he said.

I wanted to refute, but I didn't want to. Because it's useless to fight the big Boss who has everything and has power over everything.