BENEATH THE ICE

Eto Iguchi has just arrived from his room after a session that turned into a debate. Some politicians were trying to raise the current tax for sin products like alcohol and cigarettes but other politicians were against it. Personally, Eto was in favor, because although he drinks alcohol, it is just very moderate and occasional. He doesn't smoke cigarette, though he did when he was in high school and peer pressure led him to try it. He hated the first stick, and never smoke again.

He looked at the time, it is almost lunch. He took out his phone to look for a picture, it made the crease on his forehead soften. It was the picture of Ivy that he secretly took when she was putting his son to sleep. She has a very warm and soft expression on her face that made his heart skip a beat.

If only I can make her mine….

He leaned back on his chair and closed his eyes, filling his imagination with the image of her gentle face and warm body…

The knock on the door made him open his eyes, and he did not recognize his own angry voice when he said 'come in'. He was just interrupted in his blissful reverie.

His personal assistant, Maki, felt uncomfortable at the obvious glare that his boss gave him, not to mention the angry tone of his voice. Eto Iguchi is seldom angry, but when he does, Maki shivered at the thought.

"Senator, your father is here to visit you. May I let them come in?"

Eto straightened his back on his chair, a corner of his mouth lifted. He has a vague idea why his father came, but he was secretly hoping that it won't be what he thinks it is.

"Yes, please." Eto's expression returned to its normal, calm and calculating.

His father, Eiji Iguchi was also a former member of the diet, and served twice his term. Even though he is retired, his former position could still be seen on how he carries himself with discipline and elegance.

Eto stood from his chair when his father entered the room, he noticed quickly that he was not alone. Just a few steps behind him is a pretty lady, walking, no, more like gliding as she walks. Her movement was very fine and sensual.

Eto looked at his father, and he bowed. Eiji Iguchi nodded his head and acknowledgment and introduced the lady with him.

"This is Yuki Nakamura, she will become your bride."

Eto was not surprised, as he had been expecting his father to resort to this kind of action. From the moment his parents visited him in his house and asked him about his marriage plans, he has been thinking that it will only be a matter of when and who before they introduce a possible wife for him. He cast a glance at the lady, who has lowered her head.

Is she pretending to be shy and ladylike for me? Eto thought with a smirk.

"Why don't you sit down for a while, Father, Miss Nakamura?"

"No, I have to go back. Your mother is on the car waiting for me. We are going to Australia, to your aunt. I will leave Yuki to you for now. She has not have lunch yet."

With those words, Eiji left the two newly introduced people to themselves. Eto was appalled at how his father could be so indifferent with this kind of set-up. It's a marriage after all, not just a date.

He cleared his throat, looking at the lady who is still looking at her shoes.

Well, is her shoes more good-looking than me?

Eto was a bit disappointed. He is not narcissistic but he knows that he is physically attractive to the opposite sex. Women always cast a second glance at him. But this lady..

She's just pretending to get my attention.

"Miss Nakamura, right?"

It was the first time that the lady met his eyes, and she has indeed beautiful eyes, doll-like round eyes.

"That's right, Mr. Iguchi, " she said in a well-modulated tone. He could tell that she is used to giving lectures with her voice, and she could carry a tune.

"It's nice to meet you. How about we get to know each other over a nice meal?" Eto was trying to act civil and friendly, as he would with any other woman.

"Yes, why not, " Yuki Nakamura replied, and she started to walk towards the door.

Eto was frozen for a while, as he was expecting her to wait for him to open the door. After all, women like gentlemen, right?