Reina I never thought I would find myself working this fast in fashion again, especially not here in this new country where I have not made some good sales, but somehow, things were falling into place faster than I expected. I was able to meet so many rich folks who were interested in my art. I was excited that some of them had gotten to hear one or two news stories about my work back there in my former country. After weeks of settling into our new life, an opportunity came knocking, it was one that I couldn’t refuse. A fashion gig on the runway. It was a really massive event, and it was enough to get me excited. It felt good to have something to focus on, something creative.. The models were preparing backstage, all of them in a flurry of makeup brushes, hair curlers, and last-minute wardrobe adjustments. The energy was contagious, and I loved every second of it. The bright lights, the rush of adrenaline as the models got ready to hit the runway and it reminded me o
Ethan Moving to a new country was both exciting and terrifying. It was as if I had left everything I built behind. My business, my friends, my life. I know that I can't forget the fact that I have built connections all round but, still it doesn't feel the same. Now, I was here, trying to settle down in a place that felt unfamiliar to me. I watched Reina continue thriving in the fashion world that she was already in, but I was still struggling to find my footing. “Dad, can we go now?” Andrew’s voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see him standing by the door, his backpack slung over one shoulder. His big brown eyes were full of anticipation for his new school, and I couldn’t help but smile at his eagerness. “Yeah, buddy, let’s go,” I replied, grabbing my keys from the table. “We have some schools to check out.” As we stepped outside, the sun was shining bright. The air felt fresh, and it was nice to see children playing in the park nearby. Andrew wal
ReinaI needed to scream at the top of my voice. I had a lot to tell Ethan and it was just proper I do that and stop hiding it from him. I could not stop smiling as I walked into the living room where Ethan was sitting. He was scrolling through his phone, probably checking emails or something important.But I had some big news to share, and I could hardly wait.“Hey, Ethan!” I called out, my voice filled with excitement.He looked up from his phone, a smile already forming on his lips. “Hey, baby. What is going on? What has made you so happy?” he asked. I took a deep breath, trying to contain my excitement. “I just landed a huge contract!”Ethan raised his eyebrows, clearly interested in the conversation now. “Really? That’s amazing, Reina! Tell me all about it.”“Well,” I started, sitting down beside him on the couch. “It’s with this really wealthy client. He is kind of a big deal here. He owns several businesses, and he wants me to design some good outfits for her for the ga
ReinaWhat was screaming at me was money! I could not let this pass me by. Sitting at my desk, I picked up my phone, scrolling mindlessly through my messages. It had been a long day, and as much as I loved talking to Ethan, I needed to hear from someone else.Someone who was not caught up in all the stress of moving and settling down. My thumb hovered over Bruce’s contact for a second before I finally gave in and tapped it.“Hey Bruce. Just wanted to let you know I’m safe here. Miss you. Hope you are good over there, buddy?” I typed out and hit send.Almost immediately, my phone buzzed. Bruce’s response was quick as always.“Hey! It’s good to hear from you. I miss you too. How is everything over there? You settled in alright, right?”I smiled, already feeling lighter. Bruce had that effect on me. I leaned back in my chair, thinking about how to respond.“Yeah, it’s been okay. It’s different, you know? But it’s kind of exciting too. Still feels weird to be in a new place though.”“
ReinaLeonard had texted me the night before. I think he wants us to meet again to finalize everything and sign the contract. That was what I was expecting. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the purple blazer that I had thrown over my dress. It was simple yet stylish, perfect for the meeting I had with Leonard about his gala fashion deal. I was really excited about this job. It was a big deal and could open doors for me in this new country.As I finished getting ready, Ethan walked into the room, his face tight. I could tell he was not happy about something.“Are you going somewhere?” he asked in a rather sharp tone. I turned to face him, a little confused. He already knew I had a meeting today. “Yeah, I’m meeting Leonard for the fashion project. Remember? I told you about it.”He frowned, folding his arms across his chest. “I don’t want you to go.”That caught me off guard that I was stunned for some seconds. Did I just hear right? Or was I dreaming?“What do you mean
EthanI could not stay in the house after Reina came back. I was still feeling guilty about what happened between Reina and myself. I needed to clear my head. Grabbing my jacket, I walked out of the apartment without saying a word. The cool evening air hit my face as I stepped outside. It felt good and refreshing. But no matter how much I breathed in, the frustration I felt didn’t seem to go away.I could not believe how our argument had escalated so fast out of something little that I brought up. I hated fighting with her, but sometimes I didn’t know how else to express my worries. I was not trying to control her. I just didn’t want to see her get hurt or taken advantage of. Was that too much to ask?I wandered aimlessly for a while, my thoughts swirling inside of me. The city was still new to me, but it was not hard to find a bar. The neon sign above the door flickered as I walked in, the place dimly lit and buzzing with low conversations among people who were there. I was
ReinaThe day had finally come. I had been able to get the contracts from Leonard and I was glad that I was given the chance for this project. At first, I thought that this might not work because Leonard didn't message me for some time. But, here we are, starting the big project I had been contacted for. The gala fashion event. It was not just going to be huge, it was huge and honestly, I was both excited and nervous about it all. Was I going to do my best? This was my chance to prove myself in this new city, to show everyone that I could handle something this massive. Luckily for me, I met a few people who had seen my work and they trusted me and gave me a thumbs up. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my outfit for the day. I went for something professional but stylish. As a fashion designer, I needed to look beautiful too, right? My dress was a black fitted dress. I added some little bits of my design but I made sure that it was not too flashy. I wanted to look rea
EthanI sat in the living room, staring at the huge television without really watching it. The sound was on, but I could not focus on what they were saying or acting. At first, I thought watching the television would take my mind off so many things but I was wrong. My mind was elsewhere. Mostly on Reina and that project she had started today. Part of me was happy for her, proud even, but another part… I could not shake this weird feeling in my gut.I knew that I was jealous about her interacting with a man when she just came over here. But, I doubt if I was overreacting I tried to remind myself that this was a big opportunity for her. She had worked hard, and I should be supporting her fully. But the conversation we had had about Leonard kept replaying in my head. I was not sure if I was just overthinking things or if there was something more to it.I picked up my phone and scrolled through my messages, wondering if she had texted me. Nothing yet. She must still be working, I
EthanI could not sit still. Not after everything that has been happening.My fingers drummed against the edge of the hotel desk as my eyes looked towards the door for the hundredth time. I had double-checked the lock, slid the chain in place, and even propped a chair under the handle. But it was not enough. Not when I knew someone was following me.All these things felt like deja vu because something like this has happened to me before I moved to the country my family is in. Why was all these messing up with my life? “They have been watching us. There are cameras in the house.” I remembered Reina's words. And now this being tailed by a black car, the creeping feeling that every step I took was being tracked. I ran my hands through my hair and each strand was damp with sweat. I felt trapped and powerless, and it was eating me alive.My phone buzzed on the desk. I snatched it up, my heart pounding, hoping it was Reina. It was not.It was Carl. He never backed down even when I told
Reina I was scared to death, unaware of what to do. Ethan had been yelling at me that I should call the cops. “Call the cops now! Reina!” I wish I could. My hands were shaking and I could not dial the number correctly. When I was able to call the cops, the line operator answered and I heard a faint knock at the back door. My breath caught in my throat.“Reina?” Ethan’s voice came in again. I knew he heard the noise. “They are at the back door,” I whispered with tears streaming down my face. I could not believe that I would be crying this minute. See what we have gotten ourselves into. “Get out of there,” he said. “Now.”“I can’t. It's not that easy,” I said, my voice barely audible.“Then hide,” he said. “Go somewhere safe and stay there until the police arrive. I’m on my way, Reina. I promise.”On your way? Oh, Ethan. I know that you haven't booked a flight yet even though you pleaded with me that you will book the next available flight. I hung up and bolted toward the pantr
ReinaThe house has always been this quiet in the past few days. The kind of quiet that made every creak of the floorboards and every faint rustle outside feel like something heavy. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the unknown number on my phone screen. My hands were trembling as I read the message again.“You’re in over your head, Mrs. Reina. Tell your husband to back off and leave Japan or you will both regret it.I had seen my fair share of threats in my career. The angry competitors, disgruntled clients, jealous rivals but this was different and more dangerous. I knew Ethan was in danger. I knew I was in danger. But what chilled me to the bone was the realization that whoever sent this message didn’t just know about us, they were watching us. They had their eyes on us. I felt like I was suffocating, the walls of the house closing in around me. I needed air. I needed to breathe. I ran outside so that I wouldn't faint and the cool night breeze kept on hitting my face as I
ReinaThe sun was just beginning to set when I heard the sharp knock on the door. It was unusual. I wasn’t expecting anyone.I froze, my mind immediately flashing back to Leonard’s warnings and Detective Daniels’ advice to stay vigilant. For a moment, I considered not answering, but the knock came again, louder this time.“Reina, it’s me,” a familiar voice called out.Leonard.My stomach churned as I tiptoed to the peephole. Sure enough, there he was, standing in a crisp black suit, his expression unreadable.I opened the door just enough to see him. “What are you doing here?” I asked sharply.“We need to talk,” Leonard said, his voice calm but urgent.“We have nothing to talk about,” I replied, starting to close the door.He pushed it open slightly, his hand on the frame. “Please, Reina. This is important. It’s about Ethan.”That made me pause. I didn’t trust Leonard as far as I could throw him, but the mention of Ethan pulled at my resolve. Reluctantly, I stepped aside and let him i
EthanI stood by the window in my hotel room, staring at the city lights shining brightly against the night sky.The streets below were alive with honking cars and I could hear laughter, and the distant thrum of music right here in my room. Yet inside this room, the silence I felt indifferent. I felt something that I could not quite shake off. The events of the last two days replayed in my mind like a broken record. The redhead, the alcohol, the shame. And Carl, my so-called friend who had managed to vanish when I needed him most.I clenched my fists, anger bubbling under the surface. “You are an idiot, Ethan,” I muttered to myself. “An absolute idiot.”My phone buzzed on the bedside table, snapping me out of my thoughts. I reached for it, half-expecting Reina’s name to light up the screen. But it wasn’t her.It was Carl. “Come on dude. Let me be.”I hated the way I was dwelling on all of these. I had work to do and I haven't been able to do anything yet. For a moment, I conside
ReinaThe dinner with Leonard didn't go as expected. As usual, he was cutting through corners. If he knew that I had submitted his name to the cops, maybe he would have given me more information. I was left to rack my brain over this. This was something that was meant to be the detectives work but I have not gotten any report from them. I wanted to call them to ask if they are making any progress but I guess I should just wait for some time. I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen. The article I had been reading earlier blurred before my eyes. Leonard's words from the night before were still looping in my head. How would I get him to tell me all I need to know?Ethan was in Japan and some unknown people see plotting to kill him. Getting anything from Leonard seemed impossible especially when I knew that he was more interested in my body. But, I can't give in him or anyone. I was w married woman and I had a child. "They see Ethan as a threat,” I repeated as I thought alou
EthanThe cold shower did little to wash away the guilt clinging to my skin. I stood there, water pouring over me, hoping the icy sting would calm the storm in my chest. But it didn’t.I was haunted by memories and all I could see and hear and feel were The redhead’s laughter, her touch, the softness of her lips. it all kept on haunting leaving a relentless echo in my mind.“You are a fool, Ethan,” I muttered, slamming my fist against the tiled wall. “A bloody fool. How could you do such a thing?”I turned off the shower and stepped out, grabbing a towel. My reflection in the fogged-up mirror stared back at me. I looked like a total stranger. A stranger with bloodshot eyes and a fucked up face. This was not me. This was not the man I promised Reina I would be.Reina. My sweet wife. Her face swam before my eyes and I could still see her bright smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. What would she think of me now? Would she even look at me the same way if she knew what
ReinaThe clock on my desk kept ticking loudly and I wondered if it was because I was paying attention to even the little things that I was able to hear it. On a normal day, I would care less about a clock. The sound of the clock was made louder by the silence that engulfed the house. At first, I was sketching a few designs that I was going to put up for sale in the online market but my attention became divided when I remembered that there was something I had to do quickly. tapped my pen against the edge of my notebook, staring at the half-written page in front of me. Research on Leonard had consumed my thoughts for the past two days, but the deeper I dug, the murkier things became.Something about him didn’t sit right with me.I sighed, pushing the notebook aside and reaching for my phone. My messages with Ethan stared back at me, our recent exchange still fresh.“Hey. Busy morning. I will call you tonight. Miss you.”His words these days had been reassuring, but something felt of
EthanI woke up to the sound of a door closing softly, followed by the faint click of heels on the floor. My head throbbed, pounding restlessly that made even the dim morning light coming through the curtains feel unbearable. Letting out a soft groan I tried to sit up, but the heaviness in my limbs kept me pinned to the bed.And then it hit me. I was naked. In her. By this time. I blinked, looking down to see the rumpled sheets tangled around my naked body. My stomach twisted as I began to remember what happened last night. The memories kept flooding back and I could not move. Her red hair glowed under the blue lights. Her laughter. Her hands. Her lips.Oh, my God! What have I done?The door clicked shut, and I turned just in time to catch a glimpse of her fiery hair as she disappeared down the hallway. She didn’t say goodbye. She didn’t even look back.I sat up quickly, clutching the sheets as if they could shield and protect me from the shame threatening to consume me. My cl