##### Chapter 5 : A good drink

Kian's POV

“Dad, I’m mature enough to take the reins of the company. I realize now that my previous insistence on getting married before assuming leadership was unfounded. And, if I may add, the glassware in the wine cellar is excessively clattering. I’m worried it might be a problem.”

“Kian, your behavior is unbecoming of a CEO,” my dad said, his voice laced with disapproval. “Your womanizing and drunkenness are not the qualities I want to see in my successor.” He sipped his Vodka; the irony of his words was not lost on me. I had learned these vices from him, and his hypocrisy was hard to swallow.

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and guilt. My dad’s words stung, but I knew he was right. I had been following in his footsteps, indulging in the same vices I had learned from him. I turned to him, holding up two glasses of different alcoholic concoctions. “Dad, you were the one who taught me to appreciate a good drink,” I said, my voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. “So, no blame, okay? I’m just carrying on the family tradition.” I raised an eyebrow, challenging him to acknowledge his own role in my behavior.

My dad’s expression turned sheepish, and he looked away, his eyes fixed on the floor. “I guess I did set a bad example, didn’t I?” he muttered.

I nodded, feeling a sense of vindication. “You did, Dad. But I’m not trying to shift the blame entirely. I know I’m responsible for my own actions.”

My dad looked up at me, his eyes filled with newfound sincerity. “You’re right, Kian. I’m proud of you for acknowledging that. Maybe we can work on getting sober together.”

I smiled wryly, sinking back into my chair. “That’s only possible if you abandon your insistence that I get married before taking the reins," I said, my gaze drifting aimlessly towards the door and my voice laced with a hint of defiance. My dad’s eyes lingered on me, but I remained indifferent, unbothered by his scrutiny.

My mom’s eyes narrowed; her expression was unyielding. “Kian, we’ve discussed this. Marriage is a vital aspect of your future, both personally and professionally.”

I shook my head, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “You’re not listening, Mom. I don’t need a wife to run the company effectively. My focus should be on the business, not on propping up some outdated notion of family tradition.”

My dad cleared his throat and measured his voice. “Kian, we understand your concerns, but we have our reasons for wanting you to settle down before taking over. Can’t you just compromise?”

I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. “Compromise? You mean, like I should just marry some stranger and settle for a loveless relationship? That’s really beneath me, Dad. I can’t believe you’d even suggest such a thing,” I declared, my voice laced with disdain.

My mom’s face turned red with anger, but my dad held up a hand, his expression calm. “Kian, we just want what’s best for you. Marriage can be a great stabilizing force in one’s life.”

I snorted, incredulous. “Stabilizing force? You call Mom’s constant nagging and your own infidelity a stabilizing force? No thanks, Dad. I’ll pass.”

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. My mom’s eyes flashed with anger, but my dad’s face remained calm, his eyes filled with a deep sadness.

“Wait, Kian, you have a girlfriend, don’t you?” My mom said, her voice deceptively calm. “You can propose to her right now, and we can arrange a quick and simple wedding at the town hall tomorrow.”

I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. “Mom, are you serious?” I asked, my gaze shifting from my glass to her face.

I turned to my dad, who was struggling to stifle a grin. “And you, Dad? Are you actually finding this amusing?”

My dad’s chuckles became more pronounced, and he nodded, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Well, son, it’s not every day we get to see you cornered like this.”

I shook my head, incredulous. “You’re both unbelievable. You’re trying to railroad me into marriage, and you think it’s funny?”

My mom’s expression turned stern. “Kian, this is not a laughing matter. Your future is at stake.” But my dad’s grin only grew wider, and I knew I had an ally in him, at least for the moment.

“If you’re dead set on me getting married, then I’ll have to find a woman who can handle my personality and lifestyle. And I mean it, Dad—I’ll search high and low for someone who can keep up with me. I want to make this happen quickly and efficiently, so let’s get started.”

My dad’s grin faltered, and he exchanged a nervous glance with my mom. “Well, son, I think we can help you with that,” he said, his voice measured. “Your mom has a few connections in the social circle who might be a good match for you.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. “I’m not interested in those high-society women, especially not Mrs. Cynthia’s daughter. I can already imagine her being just as rude and entitled as her mother.” I shook my head, not bothering to hide my distaste. “No, thank you. I’ll pass on the dinner party and the potential matchmaking.”

My mom’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she knew better than to push me on this. “Fine, dear. But you’re not getting out of this that easily. We’ll find someone suitable for you, even if it’s not through our social connections.”

I nodded slowly, a small smile playing on my lips. “I’m shaking in my boots, Mom.” I said, my voice laced with sarcasm.

My mom’s expression turned stern, but I could see the hint of a smile lurking beneath the surface. She knew I was a stubborn one, and she was determined to find a way to get me to settle down.

“I already have someone in mind, actually. Her name is Natalie, and she is a kind and straightforward person who shares my business values. I’ll reach out to her and let her know about our discussion.”