This Is One Dysfunctional Family!

The atmosphere was thick with tension as every eye in the room fixated on her, each gaze heavy with expectation. She stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor, each measured stride a careful dance as she fought to maintain her composure in this pivotal moment. A wave of opulence washed over her as she scanned the table, noticing the shimmer of lavish jewelry — a constellation of expensive watches, sparkling necklaces, and exquisite earrings, all set against the backdrop of the latest high-fashion ensembles worn by his relatives.

Oh my god! I was not expecting this AT ALL!

Standing there with an air of dignity were his family members: his mother, radiating warmth; his father, a reassuring presence; his sister, poised and elegant; his brother, exuding charm; and an array of uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents, all embodying a blend of pride and curiosity. As the tension built, his hand slipped around her neck, delicately placing a radiant diamond necklace that rested gracefully against her collarbone, its facets catching the light. It was a perfect complement to the stunning ring he had previously gifted her, both pieces shimmering with promise and love.

"What do you mean, brother? What happened to my sister-in-law, Amelia?" His younger sister's voice trembled with disbelief, her eyes wide as she processed the shocking news. She could hardly fathom that her brother had married someone she considered beneath their family. In a burst of frustration, she slammed her hands onto the wooden table, the sound echoing through the quiet room and drawing startled glances from those nearby. "Is this some kind of sick joke, brother? Because it's not funny at all!" The intensity of her words filled the air, charged with anger and confusion.

"Aira, it's quite a surprise to see you here at the family dinner this time," he said with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Aren't you usually off studying overseas?"

Aira could hardly process the words that had just tumbled from her brother's mouth. At eighteen, with her dark hair neatly tied in a ponytail, she wore an adorable two-piece plaid dress that contrasted sharply with the storm brewing in her heart. Her expression twisted with fury as she shot back, "You do know that Amelia is carrying my niece or nephew?" Her voice rose, reverberating with disbelief and anger. "Take this wretch back where you found her and bring back my sister-in-law, Amelia!"

'WHAT!?' As she stood at the bustling family gathering, her heart raced with the desire to speak up and share her thoughts. However, he turned to her with a firm expression, gently urging her to remain still. "Just hold on," he said.

Aira's voice cracked with emotion, and she felt the sting of tears threatening to spill over. Amelia had been a constant in her life, her brother's partner since Aira was a young child. They had shared laughter, celebrations, and cherished moments as a family, and Aira had always considered Amelia to be just as much a part of her family as her brother. Confusion swirled within her — how could her brother claim this stranger as his wife when everyone around the table, including Aira, had witnessed the love he had for Amelia? The betrayal felt incomprehensible, as if the very foundation of her family was crumbling before her eyes.

"My dear daughter," her father calmly reassured, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling around them. "Don't let his hurtful words affect you. He's merely speaking out in his ass, seeking attention in the wrong ways." The CEO, a figure of strength and wisdom, offered her a warm, protective smile, filled with love and understanding"He is utterly smitten with Amelia; your brother is merely playing a charade."

" Oh, father, I fear you might say that," he remarked with a wry smirk, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement as he slammed the crumpled paper onto the polished wooden table. The document, emblazoned with official seals and signatures, was the marriage registration from the Civil Affairs Bureau- a reminder of a future he found both absurd and entertaining. As he surveyed the bewildered faces of his family members, a flicker of satisfaction sparked within him.

Suddenly, a sharp crack filled the air as his grandfather, with a look of indignation etched deep into his weathered features, raised his cane high and brought it down upon the table with a force that demanded attention. Memories flooded back to him- visions of his younger self linger in his mind, vividly recalling the sharp sting of the cane striking his skin, leaving behind a pattern of bruises that served as a testament to his grandfather's harsh discipline. Each bruise represented a minor mistake—missing a note while playing the piano, or the sting of disappointment when he brought home an A-minus on his report card. His grandfather, strict and unforgiving, reserved these punishments solely for him, instilling a sense of fear that overshadowed his childhood. These memories serve as a haunting reminder of the pressure to achieve perfection and the painful price of failure.

"I am not afraid of you anymore, old man," he declared, his voice steady as he lunged for the twisted cane that trembled in his grandfather's grip. In a swift movement, he seized it, wresting control away from the frail hands that threatened to bring it crashing down upon him once more. Power surged through him, invigorating a sense of defiance against the cruel figure before him.

But the moment hung in the air, charged with tension, until it shattered like glass. A sudden sting spread across his cheek, and he turned in confusion, disbelief etched on his face. The source of the slap was none other than his mother, her eyes ablaze with indignation.

"How dare you disrespect your grandfather, the man who took you in for the first ten years of your life!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with disappointment. The weight of her words struck him harder than the slap itself. "How could you tarnish this day, of all days, on your grandfather's 70th birthday?" The air thickened with unspoken emotions, as the gravity of the moment sank in around them.

Aira's piercing scream echoed through the room, sending a jolt of panic through everyone present. "Grandmother has fainted!" she cried out, her eyes wide with fear. "You need to leave, brother! Your presence is causing suffering for everyone here!" Her voice rose in desperation, filled with concern for their grandmother and frustration for her brother's inability to see the turmoil he was causing.

"We were leaving anyway! I can sense that we've overstayed our welcome," he said, his voice a mix of frustration and determination as he entwined his fingers with Kaelynnee's, gently yet firmly pulling her away from the gathering family. They began to walk past the assembled relatives, their laughter and chatter fading into the background like a distant melody.

As they approached his father, a hushed whisper escaped the older man's lips, filled with critical undertones. "How will Amelia feel about you marrying someone out of spite or pity?"

Kyosuke halted for a brief moment, feeling the weight of his father's words. Then, with a resolute expression, he turned to respond, "Amelia is no longer a priority of mine."

As they exited the building, she felt the weight of countless eyes boring into her back, a mixture of curiosity and judgement that made her skin prickle. Her gaze flickered to the back of Kysouke's head, worry gnawing at her insides. The fine strands of his hair caught the light, but it was the tension in his posture that truly concerned her. This was not the reality she had envisioned; the glitzy facade of wealth was marred by an undercurrent of drama and complications that she had never anticipated. Being born into privilege, it seemed, came with its own set of burdens, and she was beginning to understand just how heavy those burdens could be.

He's been with this woman Amelia for a long time and the two of them have a baby on the way.....But why is he doing this? Why is hurting everyone in his wake? Why did I marry him not asking a single question and yet, I desperately need the money. I can't step down from this contract- What I would give to see my family together at the table once more, he does not know how lucky he is.

She hesitated, her heart racing as she fought against the turmoil within her. With a sudden movement, she snatched her hand away, anger boiling inside her at the thought of how he could abandon his family so easily. The ache of her own loss surged through her; she would give anything in the world just to see her mother and father one more time. The uncertainty of their fates haunted her—she didn't know if they were dead or alive, only that they had left her behind to navigate life on her own.

"How could you do that?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of fury and hurt. Her words died in her throat as she caught sight of his sorrowful expression, a glimpse of vulnerability that surprised her. Before she could process her feelings, he pulled her into a tight embrace, his warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket.

For a moment, she didn't resist. She allowed herself to be drawn close to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek. A mix of confusion and sadness swirled within her; she couldn't quite grasp his hidden motives. He had seemed so carefree, almost mocking towards his own family, yet now he stood before her as if carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Can we stay like this for a few more minutes?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. She paused, contemplating the rare moment of connection between them. Instead of answering him with words, she remained silent, lifted her arms, and wrapped them around him, accepting the solace of the embrace as they both sought comfort in each other's presence.