Chapter 499 - COMPLICATED FEELINGS

When evening came, Akira declined the offer from her father to stay for dinner. She had already heard his hints. He wanted her to move back to the mansion because he thought it was the best place for her. Like others, he believed that Kaito had abandoned her. 

He did not know the back story behind Kaito's disappearance and the sudden announcement by Takahashi Corporation of his departure from Mountain Ridge. However, he believed that the drama that had occurred and the suffering his daughter had probably experienced was Kaito's fault. 

He believed that he would only feel at peace if Akira was home. 

Of course, he also felt a little lonely. In the past, his home was not rowdy, but he always had a few people around. Unfortunately, he did not have a wife anymore. And his children did not come around to visit him anymore. 

His eldest son had left Mountain Ridge after the divorce with Chiharu. The blow to his views was too heavy after discovering that his love was a result of deep manipulation. He had also voluntarily admitted his wrongdoings to the university instead of waiting for an investigation. 

After that, he left Mountain Ridge without another word. 

The only thing that Daiki could do was to send someone to follow him secretly in case he got into trouble. He did not plan on interfering with his son's life for the moment. He needed to wait until Kazuo healed from the heartbreak. 

As for his second son, the situation made Daiki even sadder. 

Seiji was in Mountain Ridge, but they did not see each other often because their normal lives did not cross paths. His second son only came to check in occasionally, but he had taken up too many projects at the research institute. 

All in all, Daiki was alone and lonely. 

The only time he could enjoy familial companionship was when he visited his father. But all they did was play Go. It made Daiki, who believed he was still relatively young, become even more depressed. As for Isami and his family, they were almost always busy. 

With the twins starting a career in the entertainment industry, the entire family was focused on them. Nanase and Isami took turns to take the girls to their music practice as organised by Double M. Also, they supervised their schoolwork to prevent mistakes during the final period. 

"I will come and stay over later," Akira said after seeing the sad expression on her father's face. 

"You are still my little daughter. You do not have to leave. You can even bring that person to stay over here if you are not willing to part." Daiki was not willing to give up. 

Akira laughed. "I will think about it. But for now, I have some things to handle. Don't worry. I will be staying in Mountain Ridge for the foreseeable future." 

"Alright, then. I will look forward to your next visit." Daiki finally surrendered. 

With that, Akira and Taiki left the property. On the drive back, Taiki looked at Akira who had a tight frown on her face. 

"Are you thinking of staying with your father?" He asked. 

"Mmmh. I don't like being restricted, but I am a little worried about him." She said. "If he is lonely, my mother might take advantage of the situation to cause trouble." 

Taiki was a little puzzled by complex relationships such as Daiki's and Sayaka's. He was not lacking pursuers on Martial Island. Moreover, a lot of girls were interested in him when he lived in the outside world before. 

However, he never felt the urge to get together with someone and settle down. 

Therefore, the complicated history and feelings between Akira's parents were completely alien to him. If Daiki asked him, he would tell the man to use all legal loopholes to make sure she did not show up in front of him. 

"Why does he not deal with her decisively? It is not difficult for a man of your father's position and power to get rid of the annoyance." He finally said. 

"You do not understand people at all," Akira said with a sideways glance. "Kaito told me a little about your situation. You are not close with your family, but you make a lot of effort to protect them and keep them as one of the core powers on your little island." 

"It is my responsibility," Taiki replied even though he did not understand the relevance. 

"How is it your responsibility? Why do you feel like you have to make an effort for them?" She asked.

Taiki was silent for a while as he looked back. "My grandfather asked me to look after the family. I have to protect them for his sake." 

Akira smiled as she thought about Daiki. He could look like a tough guy, but he was a meticulous man. He had a soft heart, especially for his family. It was the reason he spoiled his wife with overindulgent care. 

"This is the same case with my father. He probably feels like he is responsible for preserving the last shreds of Sayaka's dignity for our sake. It would be easy to get rid of my mother, but he has to think how it might affect the children." 

"Actually, it would not be a big deal to me, regardless of what happened to her. The small amount of love I had for her was destroyed when she tried to sell Little Precious. I have not known her for long, so I can let go." 

"But regardless of everything she did, she was a good mother to Kazuo and Seiji, probably. At least, she raised them until they were ȧduŀts. There are a lot of feelings there. If my father dealt with Sayaka decisively, it might affect his sons' hearts."

Taiki understood the explanation. "Then, wouldn't it be alright if they reconciled? You seem completely against the idea, but it would solve a lot of issues. I have seen some couples get back together after a case of infidelity." 

Akira scoffed at this naïve uncle. 

"If I thought Sayaka wanted to reconcile with my father for love, I would not stand in their way. But she is not even sorry for her actions. She just feels like my father's love is her right. She does not want to give up his spoiling, especially in this materialistic city of elites." She said. 

"I see. Do you think something is going on between your father and Butler Maria?" Taiki asked. 

Akira was startled, but she needed to consider the possibility. She tried to picture an affair between her father and his buŧŧoned-up and proper butler. She shivered at her imagination and stopped before her mind could drift to forbidden territory.