She had awaken from slumber with a throbbing headache, along with small discomfort between her legs. Her eyes needed to adjust to the streaming light of the sun. Shielding her eyes, she looked over to see a strange man lying in the bed next to her.
She was startled, Akiaya was a young woman of refinement, that would never sully her pristine reputation in something as irresponsible as a one night stand. Akiaya attempted to leave the comfort of the warm bed without being noticed only to have her wrist grabbed by the man. Her body stiffened at the touch. Glancing back her eyes roamed over the sculpted tan honey brown skin of the man. Her eyes finally met with his deep grey hues and they were staring at her.
His voice was melodic to her ears. The smile he bestowed upon her made her heart flutter a familiar thrum from the night before. "You weren't going to leave without a good bye right?"
Her cheeks flushed a pale pink. Her voice came out in a stammered whispered. She couldn't face him, with a mix of shame and desire swirling around in her, "I-I um I've never you know I.. this is just unbelievable. I did something with a stranger." She covered her face in her hands, her shoulders dropped.
He moved his hand towards her shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. He understood what she was trying to say. "Hey it's cool, I could tell it was your first time but the way you acted was well it was magnificent." He smiled his dazzling smile at her, not knowing she felt even more horrible.
"Wha-what?! You just don't, that's not something you should be saying you idiot." No longer feeling embarrassed by her drunken actions, Akiaya was now feeling embarrassed about what he had just said. She started gathering the sheets in her arms, wrapping them around herself, as she rushed towards the hotel bathroom. Loecking the door behind her. She could only begin to think back on the actions that lead to this morning. The gears in her brain was winding to the events that lead up to this happening.
8:03 A.M.
Akiaya had just finished her makeup when her phone began to ring. It was an incoming text message from her distant cousin, Eum Chun-Hei. [We're going out to celebrate my engagement kai mai so you better be ready by 8pm.] She shook her head at the message. It's been awhile since anyone had called her kai mai. It was now 8:15. Her driver was waiting by the door to take her to the Eum Family company. It was her job as General Secretary to inform her father about his schedule for the day. She worked for the company for a couple years after making a deal with him, he would allow her to take over the company, if she worked her way up in the company within five years. It had only been two years and she had already became his right hand. Akiaya was quite proud of herself having worked very hard to get this far.
Eum Geun Hye was a strict man. He knew Akiaya could take over the company but he wished for her to see life as his employees did. So, he put her in a small apartment only paying the first month's rent. He had explained to her it wasn't a punishment but an opportunity. Akiaya had been living there for a couple years and maintained her home with the money she earned. Geun Hye was very proud of her rewarding her with a driver to take her to and from work. Although she tried to protest it, stating it went against the lifestyle she was trying to lead that he wanted her to lead, she only relented when her overgrown father held her hands pleading with a pout on his lips and tears brimming his eyelids. How could a man that look so imposing be able to act in such a childish way.
9:00am
Arriving at the Eum company, Akiaya swiped her key card before walking through the turnstile. She was already pulling out the Samsung tablet to login the company website. She reached the elevator doors and waited. Akiaya took the time to respond back to Chun-Hei. [YOU HORRIBLE COUSIN!!! How dare you only tell me about your engagement now. I expect for you to treat me with all the details tonight. ;-P.] Just as she sent the message the doors to the building opened and in walked her father. She hurriedly put her phone in her pocket and bowed.
9:19am
"Good morning father, Mr. Eum, here's your schedule for the day." Akiaya launched into his schedule as they ascended the elevator. She had sent word to the barista on the Executive floor the coffee order for her dad and their ETA. She was looking over the schedule when he cleared his throat.
"Ah hem. Miss Eum, please reschedule my 3:00 with my 12:00. Also Chun-Hei is having and engagement party please make sure to buy her a lavish gift in my honor. Money isn't an object but try not to go overboard and put us in the poor house my sweet and loving daughter." He looked over at her with a pleading look and a smile on his face. She faced him with a bright smile teasing him just a little, "Father if I bought her a lavish gift I would put myself in the poor house. I rely on your generosity to help me survive." She poked his cheek for emphasis. Their brief ride on the elevator was pleasant, one would think their father daughter relationship was a tad bit cheeky compared to others but Akiaya an Geun Hye were just a loving father and daughter pair.
After reaching the top floor the barista was holding out the drink order: one medium black coffee with four spoons of sugar and a dash of two percent milk, along with a Large unicorn blood frost loaded with whipped cream, cup lined with semisweet chocolate and drizzled with caramel. Akiaya reached for both drinks with a smile, internally she was queasy at the thought of the unicorn blood frost her father insists on getting but never wanting anyone to know he loves super sweet drinks. Once they were in his private office she passed him his drink with ice in her eyes. Her demeanor was as frosty as the drink. "I'm going to tell mother you've been sneaking super frilly sugary drinks. You know what she'll say using your daughter to indulge in your whims." He could only smile as he slurped on the drink like a child, a hint of a smile toying with his lips. Akiaya slowly drank her black coffee. Bitter but a hint of sweet. Her shoulders relaxed as the warm liquid flowed through her body warming her blood. She looked over the rim of her cup to see her father eyes dancing with a sugar rush. She shook her head lightly seeing him bouncing in his seat.
12pm
Meeting with the board. Akiaya sat in the meeting taking minutes. Her penmanship was legible and easy to read. It wasn't hard to follow along with the meeting as long as you read Akiaya notes. She was very proud to be more efficient than her father's former secretary, bless her heart. She kept glancing up at the executive director, Victor Johnston, sneakily with her heart pounding. Akiaya had been in love with him for a few years.
Victor was speaking about a new project the company should invest in. His voice was sure and confident in his proposal it made her fall for him even more. She couldn't help the warm feelings growing inside her chest. Victor looked to Geun Hye, to signal he was finished with his proposal, before he took his seat. Geun Hye looked at him thoughtfully before nodding his head. He tapped on the table signaling the meeting was at an end.
3:12pmMeeting with investors at the karaoke club. Akiaya made sure that the room was booked and had an abundance of alcohol, with plenty of food. Every song that she knew each investor liked was queued for them to enjoy. She looked around to see their spirits were high. Her father who never drinks, accidentally picked up the wrong cup. Akiaya watched him put the cup to his lips. She quickly coughed; loud enough to grab his attention. Geun glanced her way, but attempted to take another drink. Akiaya started to cough uncontrollably, which garnered the investors attention along with Geun Hye. He hastily placed down the cup and ran to his daughter. "Akia you alright? Did you not eat properly?" She only nodded her head daring not to speak in front of the investors.Once their attentions returned to the merriment she whispered to her buchin, "Papa you idiot! You almost drank sake. You know what mama says about you having alcohol." He only ruffled h
Akiaya had smiled at the memory and hugged her tighter. She ruffled her hair and kissed her cheek. "You horrid cousin! How could you get engaged before me and then not tell me? I'm inclined to disown you. What is your compensation?" Chun-Hei kissed her back on the cheek before lightly slapping her arm. "Sachon, I promise to let you eat and drink you're belly full and give you all the details of our relationship. Is that compensation enough kai mai?" Akiaya nodded her head in agreement and made her way inside of the Audi R8. She buckled herself in before turning to the driver side to ask her where they were going to go. Chun-Hei didn't look her way instead she just drove off, taking her in the direction of Club Opum. They booked the entire club, catered with tons of food. There were bottles and bottles of alcohol lined up behind the bar. The club started filling up with friends of Chun-Hei and her fiancé friends. Akiaya didn't recognize anyone.8:45pm
12:11amAkiaya woke up in a hotel room. Her head throbbing from all the shots she had consumed. Sitting up slowly, a washcloth fell from her head. She looked around to see a half-naked, strange man next to the bed. "Who the hell are you?" Confusion and terror swirled in her eyes. The man gently patted her hand. "It's alright. You got sick at the club. I mean you actually puked on my shirt. I brought you to a hotel not far, so you could sober up. Doesn't seem like you to get shitfaced like that. Do you want to talk about what caused you take shots like you were guzzling water?" Her face blushed at his candid words. She looked at him wondering if she could tell him the truth. She was starring into his face absentmindedly for several minutes before she explained to him what happened. "Well its like this mister. My cousin is getting married which honestly I am so, so happy for her but the problem I have with it is; that her fiancé is the guy I've been in love with ever since I sta
It was fate when he had seen her in the club. His heart fluttered with glee seeing her wavy hair and almond shaped green eyes. She hadn't changed much from their school days until now. Akiaya was more womanly since the last time he saw her. Her body was much more developed and voluptuous. It could have been the genetics from her mother side. He had sat by the bar watching her. Takeyasu knew she wouldn't recognize him at all. After all, he had changed from the scrawny, glasses wearing kid to a well toned man. Whoever said time changes everything was indeed right. Takeyasu was now a walking Adonis compared to before. Women willingly threw themselves at him, which he happily obliged giving them a bit of slap and tickle.He had seen almost immediately when her face fell and her heart shattered but just as swiftly she schooled her features and was a mask of indescribable dignity and happiness. Watching her walk towards the couple he assumed she knew them just as he had known
Once he was standing he cradled Akiaya closer to his vomit soaked chest and walked towards his car. He had hoped the cool air would help her sober up a bit but she never stirred. Placing her in the car he reclined the seat and buckled her in. Retreating to the driver side he drove them both to his hotel room. Takeyasu picked her up and walked inside letting the front desk know that he will need his shirt laundered. He received a nod of his head and stepped in the elevator pressing the button for the presidential suite. It wasn't always a suite he would use but he had wished to entertain some ladies but those thoughts were dashed when he had seen her at the event. She would take precedence over any other woman.Takeyasu made her comfortable on the bed before removing her dirty clothing. When the knock came to the door he had already had their things in a bag waiting for them. His attention returned to her, but before they could leave he called out to the staff. "I'l
Takeyasu lead Akiaya to the hotel dining room. There before them was a buffet style breakfast laden with food from all over the world. She couldn't help the water gathering in her mouth. Everything looked so delectable. She looked over to him just to see if it really was alright for her to indulge. When he didn't make any complaints against it she grabbed a plate and loaded it with her favorite foods. It had been a godsend when she was able to travel the world with her father and partake of foods from around the world. Her plate was topped with pancakes, poached eggs, whipped cream and syrup. She had grabbed a bowl for soup.When she knew that was all she wanted, she went to take a seat. Bowing to her meal she said her prayers and waited for him. Takeyasu wasn't hungry just yet and instead followed her to the table. The minute she seen he had nothing to eat her scowl became evident. "You need to eat. Go get something. It can be fruit or even just a bowl of soup but you m
The bright sun pulled her back to her senses as she stepped outside of the hotel. She hailed a cab letting them know her destination. The driver pulled off in a hurry to beat the morning traffic. Akiaya looked at the time to see she still had a few hours before she would need to be ready an presentable for work. The desire to call her father and tell him she wasn't well was very enticing but despite the events of last night and this morning her job was more important to her. Nothing and no one would keep her from reaching her goal. Especially that dumb joke made by Takeyasu. Whatever he was thinking she knew he needed his head examined.She was close to her destination when her phone rang. The number had been programmed in her phone as "my one and only." She looked confused and let it continue to ring. The only person she had ever been in love with was Victor Johnston and he never had her number, so she couldn't grasp who it would have been. Her phone rang once more from
The driver got there on time as always and waited for Akiaya to come down. She normally comes down by 8:15 but when she didn't arrive, he grew anxious. When it was thirty minutes past her usual leave time he phoned the CEO. "Sir, Miss Akiaya hasn't come down yet…" Just as he was about to ask what did he want to do she came down the stairs. "My apologies sir she's here now." The call ended before Akiaya got in. "Hello Ryeo. Sorry for being late." She elegantly got in. Ryeo rushed to the driver's side after closing the door. Ryeo put his foot on the accelerator and the car lurched before speeding off into the morning traffic.It took longer for her to get to the office than normal. When she finally arrived her father, Geun Hye, was waiting outside the doors with his arms folded across his chest and a scowl displayed on his face. She knew her dad would be extremely upset if he found out what happened last night. His only daughter sullying herself with a stranger no le
Lu had remained in the hallway until everyone had left. He wished he could continue pretending to be caring towards her but they knew of his deception it wouldn't be smart unless he managed to say he forgot in a moment of panic. With that thought in mind he walked out of the hospital to determine the best course of action.Night had fallen by the time Akiaya had woken up. She felt the familiar weight on her hand. Looking over she the person holding her hand she seen Takeyasu resting his head on his other hand. She rolled her eyes at how uncomfortable he looked. Akiaya smoothed his hair down with her hand. Memories of that night flitted back to her. How his hair cloaked her head and shoulders. He took very great care of his hair. She had hoped that their child would have more of his genetics than her own. Thinking of their child she started to shake him awake. "Take! Takeyasu! Wake up!""Mmm… why you want?""The baby? Is the baby ok?"He turned his head towards her
The car pulled up to the quiet house. No one said a word. As they ascended the stairs. Amor and Emma were waiting in front of the door. They had heard the news of Akiaya being hospitalized. They were worried about her and the baby. Amor was there when the argument broke out. The news of her having a baby shocked him and her was actually happy. They all walked into the home with am anxious Amor in his chair. Just before he was able to speak, Geun Hye turned on Willow and slapped her in her face. Willow wasn't stunned by this, she knew it was going to happen, but she started to scream at him anyway while holding her cheek. "Why would you even slap me? Just because I said I hope she loses that fetus?""That's enough, Willow!" Kenisha placed her hand on her shoulder. Her voice was stern."No! I wont. You've treated me differently ever since you adopted me. I was just your token child used just for show."Kenisha was about to speak when Geun stopped her with a look. "Let her get
The seconds turned into minutes. Time seemed to drag on as they waited. It was silent in the hallway save for the whirling of machines and the clacking of shoes. Lu, finally had appeared in the hallway only to see everyone waiting. He held a tiny smile on his lips as he reveled in their despair. He wanted them to feel her pain. Just as he was turning to leave someone can walking briskly up to the elderly man sitting down. She looked annoyed at having to be pulled away from her priorities. Lu had hurried out of sight. He was standing behind a corner listening in. "Papa, what is it that you called me out here for?""Your sister is inside. She'll want to see you.""… ok? I don't need to be here with her. She's not dying." Willow changed her tine of voice, she almost sounded happy. "Is she dying? Whose going to inherit the company?"Takeyasu couldn't stand the way she was speaking any longer. Just before her father said anything he spoke up. "You are a heartless bitch! I don't
Takeyasu was just about to walk inside the hospital when he saw the same man from earlier. He stopped at the door, unwilling to go inside. Did she really let go of her feelings for him or was this just a coincidence? The man didn't see him when Takeyasu made up his mind to go in. He planned on ignoring him when he heard a small snippet of his conversation. "Yeah, i didn't tell the doctor about the baby. No, they plan on giving her something. She's in the early stages i assume so it shouldn't matter if she has a miscarriage. Yeah fine. Bye."Takeyasu wanted to punch the man right then and there but instead he rushed inside the hospital, bombarding the nurses station. "Ma'am, I need the room for Eum Akiaya. Please, it's an emergency. She's pregnant.""Sir, the patient you are referring to is not pregnant. No one has made that claim. Please take a seat and wait for a moment.""But…""Have a seat sir."Begrudgingly he went to sit down. His anxiety level was creeping
Lu held her in his arms as the paramedics came on the scene. At that moment they could hear a phone ringing. While they loaded her on to a gurney, Lu found her phone in her bag. "Forgive me." The name on the call was Chu. He wasn't sure who it was but someone needed to know what was going on. "Hello?""…" She looked at her phone to check if she dialed the right number. Seeing that she did her face twisted in anger. Her thoughts running in the direction of thievery. "Who are you? Where is Akiaya?""Do you know her? Because Akiaya is going to the hospital for collapsing.""OH MY GOD!" Chun-Hei was grabbing her purse and keys heading towards the door. "What hospital. I will meet her there? Is the baby alright?"Lu looked down at her phone when he heard that. "What baby?"Chun-Hei didn't have time to explain anything she wanted to be there for her cousin. "Let the EMT's know she is pregnant. And get the name of the hospital she is going to. Keep me updated sir. Just text
Akiaya and Lu walked and talked throughout the entire neighborhood. She did feel uncomfortable with his hand against her lower back but didn't say anything. It's not like he meant anything by it. They started to pass by a café when her stomach began to growl. She looked away bashfully trying to hide her embarrassment. "It sounds like you haven't eaten anything. Would you like to go inside?""No, I'll ne fi…" Her stomach grumbled again making her change her mind. "Yes. But I can pay for my own meal.""No its my treat. I invited myself out on your walk. It's the least I can do.""Alright."The two of them went inside. Akiaya let him know what she wanted and he stood in line to order it. As she was glancing around the café her eyes locked on to a familiar pair of grey eyes. No it couldn't be him. He wouldn't follow her. Akiaya looked away just in time for Lu to come back to the table with her muffin and orange juice. She gave him a smile to ward off her desire to find
Willow sat in the board room with her head down. It was as if she was trying to get herself into the right frame of mind. Silently she listened as the members filed in to the room one by one. She thought of her favorite movie that always made her sad. The fake tears streamed down her cheeks. Willow took that moment to look up as the members sat down. "Forgive me for calling for this meeting but its Akiaya."Victor was also in the room when he saw how she looked. It piqued his interest. He waited to hear what she had to say."Akiaya … she… she." Willow stopped for a dramatic pause before continuing on. "She is trying to ruin the company. I've been her assistant for a month and she has not done any of the work my father permitted for her."Victor was the first person to speak, silencing all other members. "You bring this accusation to us now, when the accused is home sick at the moment. Why haven't you told us this before hand?""I was afraid she would fire me. Papa
Takeyasu had made it to the apartment. An elderly woman met him outside with a smile. "Good morning. Are you Takeyasu?"He bowed to her before standing up. "Yes, I'll take the apartment. My brother and I are tired of living in a hotel.""You don't want to look at it the decide?""I've already decided I'll take it but I should look into it so I can have the best room."The woman just shrugged her shoulders. She started to open the door when Take took the handle from her and held it open. She gave him a smile before hobbling inside. Takeyasu followed suit behind her. "Your apartment is on the second floor. Its two bedrooms. We have a community laundry room in the basement." She took him up the stairs. Takeyasu walked slowly behind her making sure she didn't fall.Once they reached the second floor. She started speaking again. "Across the hall is Akiaya apartment. Today she didn't leave for work like she normally does. I think she's sick. Its uncommon for her. She'
Takamasa couldn't understand why Willow was being so bratty at a time like this. He started to wonder if maybe she was a little on the crazy side. He obviously didn't want her to stay in a bathhouse but he knew now was the time Takeyasu needed him the most. Masa started to send her a message then deleted it. Now wasn't the time to bother her. Instead he went upstairs to see how his twin was fairing. He had it in his mind to go see Akiaya the next day.Akiaya was in her bed with food spread out around her as she played music and watched movies. She had hoped that the sounds would muffle the tears she shed as she cried into her ice cream. Just as a scene came up where the love interests confessed to each other she took a huge bite of spicy noodles. "You better make sure he didn't sleep with your sister!" she head was in a fog and her mouth was dry. She got up off her bed to grab the bottle of red wine she had in the fridge. Taking the top off she nearly drank from the bottle