Welcome again, peeps!

Back with chapter number 3! Hope you enjoy!

And yes... one of the guest reviewed that Dawn was really underweight for 175 cm and you're right! Well, the thing is... I added the height thing in the last moment like I was just about to post it, then I thought of mentioning it and at that time, I didn't think about her weight! So, thanks for pointing it out! I've edited it and changed it from forty-four to fifty-six kilograms. Now, she won't be an underweight! Thank you, again for letting me know! ; p

Anyway, thanks everyone for letting me know your thoughts! Your comments really encouraged me a lot to write this next chapter, sooner! So, thanks a million!

And bro, this chapter is way longer than I expected it to be... I actually planned it for something 5k words but it turned out to be around 6k+ words! To be honest, I don't really mind writing pong chapters, in fact I love to keep them long but I think that it might be too much for you guys... like you all might be short on time and would want to quickly read and be done with... so that's how it is. And if you prefer, chapters longer than this, then lemme know!

Ok, shush! You can go and read first, we can talk later! ; )

Chapter - 3

Only for your sake, mom!

Now, Dawn was seated opposite to her best friend, Leaf in a cafe, while drinking a cup of cappuccino. "So," she started, "you both decided to divorce after a year, right?" The brunette asked, calmly.

She was wearing a plain dark red sleeveless tshirt, white shorts and white sneakers. Her hair was tied into a bun while she wore a headband to prevent the bangs from falling onto her face.

"Mm," Dawn nodded.

"You think that won't cause her a heart attack? That won't hurt her? After how much they dreamt of seeing their children getting married and their happy family, you both suddenly say that you don't like being around each other and want to divorce, you think that won't affect her health? Are you guys serious?!" She said, sarcastically. "They have been yearning to see two together for over freaking ten years! You guys need to think about it!"

The blunette didn't say anything but just took a sip of cappuccino.

"Rejecting the marriage now seems like a lot better option than giving them such bad news, later!" She continued, glaring at her. "Just imagine, Dawn. How would you feel if you had dreamt about something for a long time and suddenly everything shatters? Wouldn't that leave you broken?"

"You're right, but..." Dawn sighed. "We can't turn down the wedding... now because they look... so happy and I haven't seen them brimming with smiles each day like recently. I mean... they always had a tension of either the company or about us but... they seem like they are enjoying everyday, now..."

"Exactly, my point!" Leaf slammed the table, making a few people look at her. Then, she emphasized, lowering her voice, "That's what I'm trying to tell you! You need to protect those smiles! And it's possible only if you two accept each other!"

She looked down into her cup, replying, "But, I don't want to spend the rest of my entire life with him!"

"Why?!" She asked, with a questionable yet irritating look.

"Because he doesn't like me and I don't like him!" She reasoned.

"Then, start liking each other!" She yelled, slightly.

"We can't do that!"

"Why?!"

"...I dunno."

Leaf looked at her with a very annoyed expression. "Y'know, you guys are so insane, so crazy... so utterly stupid that I feel like putting you guys in a sack and punch the hell outta you!" She said through her gritted teeth, while clenching her fist and still glaring at her best friend.

"Listen, Leaf... the reason why I don't want to like him is because I already did once and I don't want to repeat it again and besides... he doesn't see me anywhere as a girl he's supposed to love," she stated, rolling her eyes.

"Why are you both being so selfish? You're just thinking about yourselves! Think about your poor parents, damnit!" Leaf slammed the table once more, earning 'oh my god' looks from people, again.

"But... we are the ones who are supposed to spend the rest of our lives, together!" She said, pressing every word.

"Really? You're realizing that now? When you already knew that you were both engaged since your were ten years old!" She said, with a raised eyebrow and a look of disbelief on her face. "If you disliked the idea, you should've opposed since the beginning! It feels like you're giving fucking fake hope to someone that you're going to date him but in the end, you go out with someone else!"

Dawn argued, "We were very young back then!"

"When you're over eighteen, you aren't young, y'know," she retorted, instantly.

"I tried to accept him but he didn't and that's his fault. And now, I don't want to accept him. Besides, when I was in Paris, I tried to ignore the fact that we were getting wed," she replied, eyebrows furrowed, feeling quite angry at Ash.

Leaf said, "If you hadn't ignored it at that time and made an excuse like you found yourself a boyfriend and you don't want to marry Ash, then the problem would've been solved, right?"

She's a got a point. "Yeah... I know."

"Now, you've got no other option except to accept your parents' decision," Leaf stated, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms.

"I dunno... but I'm definitely not ready to spend my life with him," she responded, stubbornly.

"Why?!" She screamed, again. "I don't see the freaking problem in it! You guys understand each other more than anyone else, you guys know each and every fucking thing about each other and you don't need to tell to let the other person know what's on your mind! You'd never find any life partner like that!" She said, taking deep breaths, getting more and more ticked off.

Dawn rolled her eyes, again. "How would you feel if you're getting married to your ex-boyfriend who used to be your best friend and now there's nothing between you two, anymore? It's just like that for me!" She leaned back in her seat, annoyed.

"Ha!" Leaf mocked, as she continued through her clenched teeth, annoyed to the core, "You know what? You both should just freaking jump off a cliff and die! I won't even show up on your funeral."

The blunette didn't say anything but just looked in the other direction. And she just scolded me on behalf of that fucking bastard as well! In fact, he should just die.

"Ah, Leaf, take deep breaths. It isn't worth raising your blood pressure for dumbasses like them. In," she said to herself, while closing her eyes and inhaling the air. "Out," she exhalled and continued to do so for a few more seconds. Just then, she received a notification and she took out her phone to check out. Her eyes widened as she called, "Dawn! What's this!"

She raised her phone and showed the picture on her screen to her. "Ah, I knew it," the blunette muttered, in annoyance.

It was a picture of Ash and her happily smiling and sitting across each other in the restaurant, earlier. Wait, when did we both smile at each other...? I don't remember smiling at him. Ah, whatever.

"How could they have this news before me! Aren't all news about you supposed to be first covered by me!?" She exclaimed.

Dawn shrugged. "I don't know. There was a bunch of paparazzi tailing us, when we were talking earlier."

"Ugh, those dirtbags!" She cursed under her breath. "Anyway, y'know, your wedding news is among the top ten trending ones!" She informed, excitedly.

She rolled her eyes as she looked at her phone screen. "I know, I saw."

"Isn't it amazing how popular you've become? Everyone are so shocked that the new CEOs of the two most famous brands are going to tie the knot!" She exclaimed, triumphant over how many people were viewing their news.

"Oh," she said, ignoring her. "You posted a new poem, huh?" She read it over quickly.

"Yep!" She nodded, smiling. "And guess what?"

"It's nice," she commented as she looked up. "What?"

Leaf became shy as she said, "He commented on it!"

Dawn looked at her, amused. "What did he say? It's not like he never complements you."

She said, with a hand her chin, staring into a daze, "The way it touches my heart... I wonder if it's your magic."

"Ugh... he seems like a flirt to me," she cringed.

Leaf shook her head. "He is so not!" She retorted. "He isn't like that, okay?"

She shrugged. "We won't know until we meet him. So, did he ask for a meetup?"

She nervously replied, "Ah...no?" She laughed, in the same manner. "I think he will, soon, don't worry!"

She nodded. "Alright," she said, taking a sip.

She's so gonna be mad at me, if she finds out! Leaf thought, gulping.

It was night and Ash was lying on his bed, shirtless and only in his grey shorts, which reached just above his knees. His hair was a little damp since he took a shower just a while ago. I wonder if there are any messages.

He saw that he received two texts from Gary, one from his secretary and another one from the page he follows, 'The Mysterious Soul'. Ugh, right. I wasn't able to go to the company all day today. Brock is definitely mad at me! He shut his eyes, in regret and opened them again to check the text from 'The Mysterious Soul.'

Since we're both from Sinnoh... do you think we can meet-up? I mean, in person? 4:44 p.m.

"He wants to meet me?" He mumbled. I am actually kinda curious as to what kind of a guy he is... a typical nerd or a flashy guy or a cool dude or a guy who's depressed all the time or someone who hides his real personality but expresses it by penning down his thoughts... He chuckled, typing quickly and sending it.

Sure! I'd love to! 11:32 p.m.

Just then, his eyes widened. "Ugh, there's this wedding, too!"

But let's meet after a week? I'm kinda very busy, these days... 11:32 p.m.

In an instant, he received a reply saying, 'okay! I'll send you the details, then!' And he nodded to himself. Anyway, I better text Dawn, if she didn't reach home safely then mom is gonna slit my throat! He thought, gulping.

He quickly typed, 'Hey, Dawn! Are you at home?'

After a few minutes, he received her response and his eyes widened.

Nope! I'm at a bar, partying! Don't you dare tell mom about this! 11:37 p.m.

"Why is she partying, now?!" He exclaimed as he sat upright. "I better call her!" He dialed her number and waited for her to pick up.

"Hey!" She greeted from the other side of the phone.

"What are you doing at a bar?! This isn't Paris, where you can get drunk all you want and nothing will happen to you! They are a lot of bastards loitering on the street, I heard! Which bar are you at? Tell me, I'm coming to pick you!" He yelled over the phone, getting up from his bed and taking out a tshirt from his closet. "C'mon, hello! He-"

He stopped talking when he heard her giggle. He frowned, "What the heck? Why are you laughing? Have you lost it, already? Man, I'm coming! Send me the address!"

She continued giggling, making Ash annoyed as he stopped in his tracks. "Wait... don't tell me..."

"Yes, I was kidding... I wanted to know what kind or response you'd show and congrats, you're still the same as before!" She said, laughing.

He narrowed his eyes. "I was really worried, y'know... Ha! I'm sure the next when you're actually in trouble, I'll think that you're joking and you will be at the mercy of someone else!" He huffed as he sat down on his bed.

"No, I don't think so," she replied. "You're Ash Ketchum. The world's biggest worrier, no matter how many times I joke, you'd still have the same response!"

He rolled his eyes, trying to hide the fact that he felt warm and happy about her compliment. "Shut up! I'm serious I won't be coming to your rescue next time!"

"Okay," she responded, nonchalantly. He knew that she was smiling ear-to-ear.

"Anyway, did you reach home safely?" He asked, remembering his original intention.

She said, "Duh! I wouldn't be talking to you like this if I didn't!"

"Okay, good," he said, nodding. Now, that I think about it... her voice seems so close to my ear, it kinda tickles and also, makes me conscious for some reason. I wonder if she feels the same way...

"Anyway, gotta go! I'm very sleepy," she said.

He nodded. "Okay, me too! Bye!"

"Bye!" She said, hanging up the call.

He jumped on his back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Wedding... I'm not as anxious as I thought it would be... maybe because we were brought up with the thinking that we're going to get married that we don't feel scared anymore? He thought, while pursing his lips, thoughtfully.

Oh... and I don't really believe her. Does she really not like me? Is she really over me? I dunno but it feels very awkward... I really didn't want to loose her at that time so I thought not giving a reply would be better... but I didn't want her back in my life like this, either.

Ugh! My brain is going to collapse if I keep thinking about it! I better go to sleep! I need to go to the company, tomorrow! He quickly pulled the blanket over him.

She's going to the company for the first time, tomorrow. I hope it goes well for her...

Wait! Ash Ketchum! Why are you thinking like that for her!? He scolded himself mentally.

But, I was hoping everything would go well for her as a best friend! Right! He slapped his forehead. I'm her best friend. Since childhood!

Then, his expression fell. Or maybe... former best friend.

"Feeling nervous?" Johanna asked, entering the elevator and pressing the button to the fourth floor. She wore a white button-up shirt, a dark red blazer without any button and parallel red pants, along with red heeled shoes. A red bag of her own company in her left arm.

Dawn shook her head. "Nope," she replied. She was donned in a half-sleeved pale creamish-yellow A-line frock, which extended till her knees and had a white buttoned collar. She wore white sandals to match her dress. Her hair was left open. She applied a bit of mascara and a light shade of pink lipstick.

"Good," she said, smiling. "I've asked all my staff members to gather in the meeting hall."

"Right," she nodded.

The fourth floor was completely alloted for meeting purposes. It was huge hall covering up almost the entire floor and had a washroom in the corridor. Her secretary, James was standing at the entrance of the meeting hall.

"I'll go first and when I call you, you need to enter, alright?" She explained.

Dawn nodded as she stood outside, watching her mom enter, alongside James.

"Good morning, everyone," Johanna greeted with a professional but genuine smile.

Everybody stood up, instantly as soon as she entered and bowed to her. "Sit down," she gestured and they obeyed. "I'm sure you all might know the reason why I have asked for all of you to gather, here, right?"

The assistant director nodded, "Yes, of course!"

She nodded at James, who signalled Dawn to come in. She nodded as she entered, confidently and stood next to her mother. She bowed her head, slightly before saying, "Hello, everyone! My name is Dawn Berlitz and it's a pleasure to meet everyone."

They all nodded back. "She will be the new CEO of Berry, starting now. So, I hope you all will make her feel welcomed!" She announced with a smile as she put a hand on Dawn's shoulder. Everyone cheered and clapped, in response, making the younger blunette smile.

"Thank you! I assure you that I may look young and lack in experience but I'm definitely going to handle the responsibilities of Berry with utmost care and I will put all my efforts into managing it. In fact, I'm going to take our brand to better heights and make our company more popular. And that will be possible only with joint efforts of both you and me. So, I'm expecting a lot of cooperation from you guys!" She spoke with her beautiful smile fixed on her face.

The staff members smiled back, clapping once again.

Johanna smiled, proudly at her daughter. My sweetheart... I'm so proud of her. I never knew that this day would come so early! It feels like it was just yesterday she learnt to speak and now, here she is. Addressing our company! She looked fondly at her.

She snapped back to reality and turned to the audience, saying, "I'll still be the chairwoman of Berry, so, those who want to talk to me can come and meet me in my room on the third floor. So, that's all for today. Let's back to work now, shall we?" She laughed when everyone nodded.

She exited the room, with Dawn and James. "You did well, sweetheart!" She complimented, patting her back.

"Really? Thanks!" She replied, feeling proud of herself, now.

They entered the elevator, pressing the fifth floor button. When they reached that floor, Johanna guided her to a room with a door, which had 'CEO Dawn Berlitz' carved on a plate stuck at the centre of it.

Ah, makes me feel so proud looking at the door plate! She thought, grinning. As soon as she entered, she gasped. Whoa!

It was a huge room; as soon as you open the door a table with all the computers and it's connections and rotating chair could be seen. The walls were painted with a pale orange color, ceiling was white and the floor was carpeted with a soft plain navy blue carpet. Behind the chair, instead of a cement wall, there was a glass wall, currently with navy blue curtains over it.

On the left side, there was a set of cream-colored comfortable couch and on the right there was another door, which was probably a washroom and next to that door, there were shelves with many files and folders in it.

She blinked twice and thrice before she was snapped our of reality by her mother, who pulled away the curtains, allowing light into the room. "Welcome, Dawn!" She beamed.

"Did you renovate this place?!" she asked, stunned.

She nodded, triumphantly. "Yep! You like it?"

"Yes!" She exclaimed, making her way to her chair. She sat down on it, suddenly feeling like the gap between her and her dream has vanished.

"Cynthia," Johanna called as a golden-woman entered the room. "This is Cynthia, she'll be your secretary from today."

"Hello," she greeted. "I'll be under your care, now."

Dawn nodded as she smiled at her. "Yes!"

"Oh, she's older than you and has much more experience than you think. She's been working under me for the past three years and she's great, trust me," her mother said to her, winking. Then, she looked at the blonde and said, "Please, take care of her, will you?"

"Of course, ma'am," she replied, nodding.

"Then, start reviewing your work. I gotta do some preparations for your wedding, so see you later, dear!" She said, kissing her daughter's cheek and leaving the room.

Dawn asked, "So, is there anything I should be doing now?"

Cynthia nodded. "You need to look at budgets of our company and the profit we earned this month. Also, you'll need to prepare for a meeting in the evening with the foreign delegates, who has been promoting our brand in their malls in China."

"Alright," she nodded. "Where are the files?"

She came and handed her the file. "Here."

Dawn opened the folder, while grabbing a pen. "You can go, now, Cynthia?" She said, a little hesitant.

The blonde woman nodded. "Don't worry, you can call me Cynthia. I prefer we be professionals, right?"

She nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking!"

She smiled at the young lady before her and exited the room. I wonder if she's as amazing and capable as the chairwoman...

After an hour, Dawn was done with reviewing the files. She leaned back in the chair, while stretching herself.

I can't believe the wedding is tomorrow! I feel like it's a dream from which I should wake up soon... Like Leaf said, I wouldn't be in this situation if I've had been honest and tried to do something about it... looks like I've got no choice but face it head-on! She sighed. And besides, we're going to get divorced, anyway!

Just then, Cynthia called her, "The chinese people are here. And here are the files, which you need to talk to them about."

Dawn nodded. "Coming!"

It was night, already and Dawn was seated in the driver's seat of her car. "Just because it was your first day and also, tomorrow is your wedding, you were able to come home early. Or else you might have had to stay the night and learn all the things you don't about our company yet," Johanna reminded.

"I know, I know," she replied, her eyes on the road. Just then, her phone rang. She looked at it from the corner of eyes, wondering who it was. Her eyes widened when she saw the caller ID; Ash.

Her mom giggled as she teased, "I won't mind if you pick it, y'know. He must be worried how his wife's first day as a CEO went!"

She rolled her eyes. "Mom, I'm driving."

"Then, are you going ignore his call?" She asked, glaring.

She rotated the steering wheel, turning around a corner. She replied, "I'll call him back when I get home."

"Fine... or do you want me to pick it up for you?" She asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Dawn shook her head. "No need!" What if says something unnecessary to mom, thinking it's me! He's a dumbo, after all!

"Okay, okay, I don't want to interfere between you two," she said, shrugging. Then, she continued, "Tomorrow is your finally awaited wedding day."

What is she bringing that up now? She thought, glancing at her, while humming, "Yeah."

"Y'know, ever since you we fixed the engagement between you two, we've been planning for the day when you two would marry each other," she said, staring at the road with a soft smile. "Sometimes, we'd be unsure whether our decision was correct. Maybe we were being too persistent and annoying for you two. But as time passed, we saw how you two would treat each other. You both cared a lot. And, we'd feel 'yeah, good job, you've made the right decision!'"

Dawn couldn't say anything, but just listened to her. It was the first time she was sharing her point of view.

"I'm sure you must have thought 'why is mom acting like this? Why is she putting her feelings onto me? I'm the one who has to face the consequences!' Oh and I don't blame you for that, though. I was being very pushy on you, after all," she said, glancing at her daughter, chuckling.

Ah, did I ever think like that? ...Oh, yes, I did. And why do I feel guilty now?

She sighed. "But, trust me, I just don't want my daughter to go through the same phase I went through. I just want you to be happy. We might be rich today but we don't know if we're going to be tomorrow, too. And at that time, you'll need a trustworthy person, whom you can depend on... for mental and physical support. And I know it too well that Ash won't let me down. He's Ash Ketchum, he would never abandon you when you need him the most. In fact, if you call him now and say you're in trouble even as a joke, he'd come running to you," she said, letting out a small laugh.

Definitely! Dawn couldn't help but laugh, along with her mother. He's that kind of an idiot, afterall. She turned left and put the brakes when they reached their parking lot.

"Listen, Dawn," she said, taking a breath as she turned around and held her daughter by the shoulders, looking seriously into her eyes.

She nodded. Mom seems really upset... I can see it in her eyes.

"Sorry if you ever felt like this wedding was a nuisance foqwr you but you need to accept it. You might have this stupid misconception that you'll first fall in love and then, get married to your destined person. Trust me, it's all just plain stupidity and unreal dreams. Men aren't that simple, they get tired of people..er... women easily. They don't trust you as much as you do in them. You haven't faced the cruelty of his world and neither do I want you to. So, please, trust me on my decision and you'll enjoy the rest of life without any fear or tear. Hmm?" She asked, as she stared further into her eyes.

Dawn couldn't help but nod. "Yes, mom," she replied.

"You're my heart, my life. I wouldn't want anything that's bad for you, alright?" She said, holding her chin, lovingly.

I want to cry... for some reason. She nodded, again, holding back her tears.

Then, she placed her palm on Dawn's cheek. "Ash is a gem, you gotta treasure him, okay?"

Slowly, she nodded, again before engulfing her mom into a hug and finally releasing out her emotions.

"What happened? Did my lecture make you emotional?" She laughed, a tear escaping her eyes as well.

"I... sorry, mom! ...I'm so... sorry!" She sobbed, harder. I'm so sorry, mom! You're going everything you can to keep me happy and... here I was. Thinking that you were just forcing me to fulfill your dreams. Sorry! I never once thought that what you did was for my benefit! I was being so selfish and yet... you kept thinking about me each day!

"C'mon, you're my daughter. I know you so well, you can't hide everything from me," she said, smiling as she hugged her tightly. It's been so long since I saw her cry like this... if feels like I'm back to her childhood.

She took a deep breath, before pulling back from the hug. "I feel better, now," she said, still a little short on breath.

Johanna patted her head and said, "Let's go and have dinner."

Dawn nodded, feeling her throat dried up. "Mmm." Ah... when was the last time I cried...

Meanwhile, at Ash's house, he went downstairs and walked into his mother's room to see what she was upto. He entered the room, only to see his mother's eyes wet with tears. He frowned as he quickly went over to her. "Mom, what's wrong?" He panicked.

Delia looked up and wiped her tears. "Nothing, dear," she replied, her voice hoarse.

He was about to ask further but shut his mouth when his eyes landed on the picture in Delia's hands. It was a man with the same raven-colored hair, tanned skin and the same grin as him. Dad...

He didn't say anything but slowly sat down next his mother, placing his hand on hers. "Mom," he called.

"Ash... my son, y'know, ever since your Dad passed away... I've only had you as my support, my happiness and my life. You were mine. But from tomorrow, I'll have to share you with Dawn. It makes me feel a little upset but the feeling of happiness over weighs my uneasiness," she said, smiling weakly. Her eyes all red and voice sounding hoarse.

Ash quickly said, "No, mom! I'll always be yours!"

"C'mon, don't say that. It will be unfair for Dawn," she replied, laughing at her son's antiques.

She doesn't even need me! He shook his head. "Mom! It's not like I'll completely belong to her! A part of me will always be yours!"

"Sure, sure," she said, ruffling his hair. After a few seconds of silence, she continued, "Your dad and I were in an arranged marriage. We were against that idea since the beginning but he fell for me in the first few weeks and I still wasn't ready to accept him. But as days went by, I realized that nobody except him could make me feel secure and safe. The way he smiled at me and made me feel important, I couldn't imagine anybody else in his place. And then, you came along and we were beyond ecstatic." She smiled at the memory, while she held his hand, gently.

Even though, I'm listening it for the third time... I can still feel her love for Dad. He thought, smiling to himself.

"We both were so excited and recorded every moment of your life, since the day you were born in this world till the day the you learnt how to speak and walk. We recorded even after that till he said us goodbye... Actually, your dad always wanted a girl, I haven't really told you this before because I thought it would upset you," she confessed, glancing at him.

He blinked twice and thrice. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yes, he was a bit, only a bit disappointed when he found out that it was a boy but he quickly got over it and was happy, nonetheless."

If he was alive, I was definitely going to interrogate him for that.

"Haaha, don't be annoyed! C'mon, when you have expectations and you don't get it, it feels upsetting, okay?" She said, laughing lightly. "And he loved you more than me! Trust me on that one!"

He gave a stiff nod. I would still question him.

She continued, "And when Dawn came to our house and we got to know her, he started looking at her as if she was his own daughter and he loved her."

"More than me?" He asked, instantly with narrowed eyes.

She chuckled. "No, no. I don't think so... but definitely, just a little less than you! She would always come by to eat food with us when Johanna was away for work and we all would spend the day like a happy family."

I definitely remember those days. He smiled. She used to be so stubborn and rude yet pretend to be all lovely in front of mom and dad!

"To be honest... it was your dad, who first suggested that we take her as our daughter-in-law," she admitted, laughing. "He was so excited by just imagining that scenario!"

I knew it! Such weird ideas can come only from his brain... he thought, rolling his eyes. "Oh," he reacted to his mother.

Delia nodded. "Mm! At first, I took it as a joke but when he passed away, I was very depressed and cried everyday. You shut yourself in your room and you wouldn't come out, no matter what I did. I got too stressed out for you as well but then, Dawn came to me and you know what she said?"

He furrowed his eyebrows, asking with curiosity, "What? What did she say?"

A smile crept on her face as she said, "Don't worry, Aunty, I am going to make Ash the happiest! I promise! So, you can leave him in my hands!' ...And that took my heart away. She said it with such confidence, it really made all my worries wash away. She sat down next to your bedroom door, till you came out. Even at night, she would fall asleep there, waiting for you. I saw how much hard she trying to get your spirits back and I knew it, she was the only one who can make you happy, even more than me."

Ah, seriously? We were just kids, back then! She must've said a dialogue from a movie, I'm sure! But, he couldn't help but smile at how persistent and stubborn she was back then.

"You know, Ash," she said, looking into his eyes. "You must be annoyed that we got you engaged at such young age and that prevented you from dating and falling in love with other girls... but, that was what I wanted."

He gulped. Maybe, that didn't happen as you expected... but, sorry!

"Ash, when you're young, you feel like love is a blessing and you end up thinking that you'll end up marrying her but you break up and you get heartbroken... I'd never want to see my little boy's heart being broken by some random girl he knows for only a few months. Also, you'd meet some girls who only love to play with the feelings of innocent boys like you and end up cheating on you. That makes you depressed and I'd really hate to see you like that!" She exclaimed, concerned.

He looked back into her eyes, seriously listening to every word of hers with slight guilt.

"Those are just my personal feelings as a mother of an extremely charming son. But, the real reason is..." she took in a deep breath.

Ash continued to look at her, intently.

She continued, "Listen, your dad and I have created such a huge business for you and our generation. I really, really don't want it to fall into bad hands... I mean, if your wife was some two-faced girl, who acted like a innocent girl in front of you but was actually a really dirty woman, only marrying you for the sake of money and would later manipulate you, which could destroy our empire. Or if it was a girl with a weak personality, who can't handle the losses we bear sometimes or a selfish girl, who wants you to be with her all the time... and trust me, Dawn belongs to none of those categories. She has become a strong woman, who'll support you when you need her. She'll help you in finding solutions to your problems. She'll never let you down, trust me, Ash."

He couldn't help but think about what she just said. She's right. I was only thinking about myself, without knowing her reasons at first. She only wanted a person who could keep me happy, stress-free and a support for me and our A&D...

She continued, "You need to treasure her as much as you can. I know you two had become distant for the past couple of years but try to overcome that distance, will you? Did you know that whenever she came to meet me, the first thing she'd ask me was about you, if you were safe or if you were in good health or were you doing well or if you came to Japan recently. She kept making sure that you were doing okay and the look of relief on her face told me that she loves you and cares deeply for you... more than anyone else can."

He looked down, feeling extremely guilty about not talking to her for the past years. I wish I'd still talked to her... then, maybe things would have been different?

"You need to be careful when selecting a life partner... and if you don't, you just end up divorcing them. Isn't that very common these days? Ha, it's all because of kids who think that she is the right person for him, after meeting only for a few times and end up marrying, then they think that they weren't meant to be. Marriage isn't a child's play," she retorted, feeling annoyed at the youngsters. "And I can bet on it with my life that the girl I chose for you will never cause any problems! You'll never even think about divorcing her! You'll happily live your lives and have a beautiful family, later..."

He nodded, raising his head only to see a few tears trickling down her face. "Mom," he said, pulling her into a hug. "I trust you on your decision, mom! And you've mistook my relationship with Dawn. We both are very happy with each other!" He comforted her, while thinking, I don't even know of it's the truth or a lie...

"I raised you into a fine, young man so that you can protect her and your family, alright? You're never allowed to leave her alone," she said, wiping her tears and a smile appearing on her face. "Alright?"

He nodded. "I promise!"

She smiled, wider as she pulled his face and pressed a kiss on his forehead. "I'm sure you won't disappoint me! My beloved son!"

He smiled back at her and laughed. Then, he stood up and helped her lay down on the bed. "You better sleep now. It's too late. Oh and did you take your medicines?"

She nodded. "Yes. Don't worry about me and go sleep." She ruffled his hair, laughing at him.

He nodded, exiting the room while switching off the lights. He went to his room and sat down on his bed, leaning back and laying down on his back.

I didn't realize mom had so much to tell me... she opened up to me after a very long time. He smiled, grabbing his phone. It was Dawn's first day, I better ask her how it was.

He dialed her number, after listening to a few rings and she still didn't pick up, he disconnected. She must be busy... she'll call me when she sees my missed call.

And I need to tell her something as well. He thought, taking a deep breath and holding a confident and proud expression on his face.

Dawn sat on her bed and propped herself against the pillows. She dialed Ash's number and he instantly picked it up.

"I need to tell you something/I need tell you something!" They both said, simultaneously.

"Youfirst/You first!"

"No/No!"

"Ugh/Ugh!"

Dawn breathed out, saying quickly, "You go first!"

"No... you," he replied.

"Alright, if you say so," she shrugged. Then, she took a deep breath, before continuing, "Ash... I'm not going to divorce you, later."

Ash's eyes widened. "Wh...wha..."

She interrupted, "I know it may sound unexpected and weird for you but..."

"No, no!" He yelled, making the blunette frown in confusion. "Actually, I wanted to say the same thing as well," he admitted. "I don't know why you're saying it but... I don't want to disappoint mom."

"You, too? I mean, I don't want to disappoint my mom, either," she replied, quickly, feeling quite relieved that both of them shared the same feeling.

"So... yeah," he said, awkwardly.

She smiled. "Let's get married. For the sake of our parents."

He smiled as well, replying, "Yeah, for the sake of our parents." They both ended up laughing at each other's antiques.

Maybe... it won't be too bad. Both of them thought in unison, smiling to themselves.

That's that, guys! What do you think?! Was it emotional for you guys? Did it touch your heart? Please, tell me! I intended to make it as emotional as possible and... maybe there wasn't much of comedy in this one but... I didn't plan it for being so sentimental, either! But, anyway lemme know if it touched your heart!

(Tbh, I felt like Johanna's talk felt more touching than Delia's... just my personal feeling, bro! But what do you think?)

And, finally! They won't be signing their divorce after an year! Isn't that a good thing? They are accepting each other and will finally look at each other in the light of a husband and wife? I'm very excited to type the next chapter! Gaaah!

That talk with Leaf... do you think it was necessary as her best friend to talk on it? And I think they guide you better, when you're confused.

You guys must be waiting for Gary, right? Don't worry, he'll show up on their wedding! ; p

Okay, so keep reading and stay tuned for the upcoming chapters!