"Do you like them?"
"Of course I do, love, they're beautiful!"
The blonde girl responded excitedly, looking at the wedding rings.
"I know they're not very expensive, but..."
"That doesn't matter. The important thing is that we'll love each other forever."
She hugged him, giving him a tender, innocent kiss...
"Is anyone there?"
She waved Noah's hand in front of Hayami, who looked lost while holding some rings.
"Of course I'm here. Can't you see me?"
She replied, annoyed. In the last few days, after Ivan's arrival, her memories returned like weapons that didn't pierce her heart, but rather her pride, which made her feel stupid.
"How do you see these?"
Noah asked, having no idea what was going through her mind.
"Yes, I think they're fine, they're very pretty... Hey, by the way, what did you do with the engagement ring you were going to give my sister?"
"I saved it, why? Do you want it? If so, I can give it to you."
She pressed her septum with her fingers.
"You're immature, have they told you that?"
"I know."
The river, she couldn't help but laugh with him; he had a bit of her kind of humor.
"Well, now what? We've already picked out the rings."
"Let's go to the dining halls, let's order something; I'm a little hungry, all I have is a tequila in my stomach."
"Well, I'm not surprised you only bring alcohol; you drink at all hours of the day."
Hayami took his arm, leading him toward a space where there were many food stalls and tables where you could eat in the center.
"You're the boring one."
"And you, too funny." No?
He responded sarcastically.
"That's right, we really are polar opposites."
They approached a pizza place and ordered from a relative because they knew the couple would arrive any moment. They sat at one of the tables to wait for their order. Hayami sat across from Noah.
"There's a meeting tomorrow."
He reminded Hayami.
"I know that."
"Yes, but..."
"He'll be there... I assumed; after all, he's a client for your new bar or whatever."
"If you want, I can talk to him."
"It's my job to advise you on sales strategies."
She sighed and rested her head on her palm, looking at Noah and his green eyes. The two stared at each other for a few seconds; the pizza order was announced, causing Noah to get up and go get it. Just at that moment, Isabel and Hugo arrived.
"You ordered pizza! You guessed my craving," Isabel said, smiling.
"Anything my little nephew or niece wants."
Hayami smiled.
The four of them began to eat the pizza.
"And where were you?"
Isabel asked suspiciously.
"We went to..."
"Let's go for a walk."
Hayami replied, looking at Noah.
"I thought you two didn't get along very well."
Isabel looked at her sister.
"Well, there's tolerance in both of us, isn't there?"
Hayami said, smiling.
"You'd make a good couple," Hugo said.
Hayami and Noah looked at each other and started laughing; both found what the boy had said ridiculous.
"Uh-huh."
He finally answered Noah, still laughing.
"Well, it's time to go, right?"
Hayami said, getting up from the table.
"Yes, sis, I need to rest."
Isabel replied, yawning a little, and Hugo kissed her on the cheek.
The three boys also got up, gathered everything, and, as they left the plaza, the four of them got into Hayami and Isabel's car. Upon arriving home, Hugo said goodbye to Isabel.
"See you tomorrow at the meeting."
Noah turned to Hayami.
"Yes, boss."
Hayami entered her house. Noah took Hugo's arm and then got into Noah's car...
Noah's gaze was fixed on Ivan's, who were staring at Hayami intently, while Hayami noticed the gaze on her; she simply smiled at Ivan.
The meeting had proceeded normally despite Hayami's discomfort regarding Ivan. At the end of the meeting, Hayami stood up from her seat.
"You and I should talk; I'll wait for you in my office,"
She said as she turned to Ivan.
Hayami left the meeting room, leaving Ivan and Noah alone with the two men.
"Well, I guess you can't keep a lady waiting, don't you?"
"I hope you remember what we talked about."
Noah raised his eyebrow slightly, waiting for Ivan's response.
Ivan stood up, smiling.
"Of course I remember, just as I remember telling you it's a matter between us."
Noah sighed; he knew Ivan was right. He just watched as he left the meeting room and entered Hayami's office.
"Tell me... What do you want to talk to me about?"
"I know you're opening a new club and you want to have our tequila as your signature drink. As sales director, my job is to advise on sales strategies."
"Yes, I know, you've become quite the businesswoman."
Hayami looked into Ivan's eyes, the ones she loved madly, the ones she thought would look at her forever.
"Yes, so we can see all those strategies... I thought the family business was about mobile phones?"
Hayami said, looking at some documents. Ivan snorted a little.
"I told you I was breaking up... I..."
"Okay, that's a lot of information. Do you want to go over all the strategies now?"
"Sure! But could we go to the club so you can give me some advice?"
Hayami was silent for a few minutes. After thinking for a bit, she got up from her desk and walked over to the coat rack where she hung her bag every morning.
"Okay, let's go."
"Really?"
He asked, surprised that she had agreed after so much rejection from her.
Ivan also got up from his seat and watched as Hayami finished grabbing her bag and left the office, where he followed her.
"Cancel my calls. Angie, I hope to come back later. If I don't, reschedule my to-do list."
—Yes, Mr.
Hayami continued toward the elevator, and as she pressed the button and it opened, they both entered in silence.
Hayami woke up a little dizzy, she rubbed her eyes trying to focus her vision, she felt like her head was spinning, she thought she was still a little drunk from the amount of alcohol she had consumed the night before. She sat up in bed and a white sheet covered her bare breasts; she inspected the room she was in, realizing that it was clearly a hotel room. She stretched her arms a little, turned her neck a little, as she felt slight discomfort, but stopped immediately when she saw the sleeping man next to her. Hayami looked at his naked torso, noticing that he had good pecs, although she immediately thought she had seen better. The boy's hair was dark, she remembered it as brown, but apparently she had been too drunk to remember it well. She got out of bed stealthily, picked up her dress and her underwear that were scattered around the room, dressed very quickly, grabbed her bag and quickly left the room. She walked out of the hotel, admiring it because it was so elegant and beautifu
Noah was ready just 20 minutes before 8:00 a.m. He got back into his car and headed to the company where his father was waiting for him, as that day he would be given the presidency of the family business. Noah had worked hard to earn that position.Noah Márquez Quivera was the eldest son of José Antonio Márquez Rincón, one of the richest businessmen in Mexico, with one of the largest tequila companies in the country and internationally.José Antonio had run the company for 30 years, and in 2018 he would hand over the presidency of the company located in Nayarit, Mexico, to Noah, his 30-year-old son.Noah had arrived at the company on time, and as he did, his secretary, Ariel, a very attractive, tall woman with dark brown hair, greeted him."Good morning, sir. Your father is waiting for you in the boardroom; he asked me to let you know once I arrive.""Good morning, miss, thank you very much, I'll be right there."When Noah entered the boardroom, his father was sitting in the chairman
Hayami saw the man she had been with the night before; now, sober, she could see in more detail. She looked at his black hair cut in a modern style, his light green eyes that were more visible in the light than in the darkness of a club or hotel room. The color of his eyes stood out against his fair complexion; his height of 6'11" was just as she remembered. Noah was dressed in a black business suit. Hayami approached the four who were still standing; he looked at her with surprise and disbelief."If you stare at me so much, you'll wear me out," Hayami said, laughing. This situation amused her greatly, seeing his attractive, yet confused face."Noah, this is my sister, Hayami," Isabel introduced."Nice to meet you." Isabel didn't mention she had a sister, though.Noah replied, extending his hand as if it were the first time he had seen her."Clearly, I'm the unmentionable one in the family."Hayami greeted Noah, who was still incredulous at the unusual situation."So you're my future
Noah returned to the dining room; Isabel smiled at him, which he did too. Dinner continued, and when it was over, Isabel's parents left them alone in the living room."Now that my parents are gone, I want to apologize for my sister; she's a little...""Weird, huh?"Isabel just laughed, embarrassed, at the man in front of her."Well, yes, she has a bit of a temper... She says things as they mean them, but deep down, she's a good person with a big heart; she has her reasons for being the way she is."Noah snorted."Yes, but very, very... Deep down. Don't worry about your sister's attitude.""Yes, I know."Isabel stood up from the flesh-colored sofa in the luxurious living room; Noah did too."I have to go, Isabel. I have a meeting tomorrow, and there are new people joining the company, from secretaries to new partners.""Yes, I hope you have a nice day; we've been talking."They both walked toward the large front door of the house. Noah approached Isabel and kissed her on the cheek as a
The alarm clock rang, and Hayami turned it off somewhat lazily. She got out of bed and put on a song on her cell phone while she took a bath. When she got out, she dressed in a black skirt. It was circular; it reached below her knees, and a long-sleeved blouse that was a bit sheer. Her black bra was slightly visible. She sat on the bed and put on black sneakers. She didn't like high heels, but coming from a family where image was the most "important" thing, she got used to wearing them when necessary. She combed her wavy hair and let it fall down her back and shoulders. Her makeup was very natural, nothing heavy. She put on a dark red lipstick. She loved those colors. When she finished, she grabbed a few things and put them in a white bag. Leaving her room, she grabbed some sunglasses and, going downstairs, headed to the kitchen, where she sat at an island in the middle of the room. The maid served her a juice."Don't be mean, give me a strong coffee instead, please.""Yes, miss, righ
The meeting was over; Noah was still in a trance, not only at Isabel's house, where he had to tolerate it, but now at work. It seemed strange to him that Isabel hadn't mentioned anything about acquiring a share in the company and that it was in his older sister's name.Noah got up from his seat. They toured the company, and Mr. Beltrán said his goodbyes before leaving. Noah pointed out Alejandro's office."Which will be my office?"Hayami asked, approaching Noah."Yes, come on, I'll show you."They walked and, after passing Ariel's desk, arrived at an office directly across from Noah's. The company offices were made of transparent glass, very elegant; everything could be seen, although they also had a blind that could provide privacy."This will be your office, right across from mine."He said with a touch of displeasure. He didn't understand why she bothered him; maybe it was her personality."Perfect. I imagine Angelica is in front of my office, right?"Hayami hugged the shoulders o
Two weeks had passed, and Hayami and Noah's relationship had been what you might call "peaceful": the occasional bad joke between the two, but nothing remarkable. At work, everything was going very well; the company was proceeding as it should according to the strategies Noah implemented with Hayami. He hated to admit it, but she was very good at her job.That night, Noah and Isabel were going out to do some pending wedding things; although neither of them was excited about the event, it was something they had discussed beforehand."I'm in my room. Come up. I want to talk privately about something important."Noah read the message on his cell phone. Just as he was arriving at Isabel's house, upon entering, the maid took him to Isabel's room. When he knocked, she opened the door. Noah entered, and Isabel closed the door...After talking for a few minutes, Isabel got up from her vanity cushion, while he was still sitting on the bed, looking at her with his green eyes that caught the att
Isabel got out of bed, checked her alarm, stretched a little, and took off her clothes to take a shower before meeting Noah at the "Novias" bridal dress boutique. She thought about how clever they must have been in choosing the boutique's name, but despite the obvious name, it was one of the best boutiques in the city.After finishing her shower, she put on a pair of jeans and a black blouse and finally left her room. She headed to her sister's room, thinking she'd be ready to leave together. She knocked on the door, but there was no answer. After knocking three more times, each time more intensely, she opened the door only to realize that Hayami's bed was empty and untouched.Isabel rubbed her forehead, annoyed."She didn't come home to sleep again."She said to herself as she snorted; She didn't understand why, being the younger of the two, she had to scold her older sister almost all the time. Her cell phone started ringing; she thought it was her sister; however, when she looked a
"Do you like them?""Of course I do, love, they're beautiful!"The blonde girl responded excitedly, looking at the wedding rings."I know they're not very expensive, but...""That doesn't matter. The important thing is that we'll love each other forever."She hugged him, giving him a tender, innocent kiss..."Is anyone there?"She waved Noah's hand in front of Hayami, who looked lost while holding some rings."Of course I'm here. Can't you see me?"She replied, annoyed. In the last few days, after Ivan's arrival, her memories returned like weapons that didn't pierce her heart, but rather her pride, which made her feel stupid."How do you see these?"Noah asked, having no idea what was going through her mind."Yes, I think they're fine, they're very pretty... Hey, by the way, what did you do with the engagement ring you were going to give my sister?""I saved it, why? Do you want it? If so, I can give it to you."She pressed her septum with her fingers."You're immature, have they told
Hugo stood before Isabel's father, who looked at him very annoyed."Sir, I will marry your daughter.""I have no choice but to accept it."The imposing man replied, but he was looking at his eldest daughter.Isabel took Hugo's hand."Hayami told me it will be in a month, right?"Jazmín asked calmly."That's right, Mom."Isabel replied fearfully."And where will the wedding be?"The man sitting with his arms crossed asked again."If I may give my opinion... All the preparations for my wedding with your daughter were almost ready, so you can get married with all those arrangements, no problem."Noah, sitting next to Hayami, commented. Isabel had asked him to be at that meeting for Hugo, because she was afraid for her father."That's fine, since I won't put a single peso into that wedding."The girls' father said, getting up from his seat and leaving.Hayami smiled at the others' awkward expressions."Well, sister, we have to finish some wedding matters. Don't pay attention to Dad, he'll
Noah got out of his car and sighed, knowing Isabel was waiting for him. When he knocked on the door, the employee opened it, leading him into the living room where Isabel was waiting."Hmm...""What do you mean, he's your friend?!"Isabel immediately questioned him without even letting him say hello.He touched his forehead as he looked down."He's an old college classmate; I didn't know he was your sister's ex.""The ex-idiot who made her look like a coward.""Well, whatever, you never told me his name."Noah approached her, taking a seat next to Isabel."I know, excuse me, I never thought in this big world you two would know each other.""How's your sister? I heard she left the company early.""Not just the company, but the house too."He sighed deeply."Knowing her, I know where she is or what she's doing.""Hey! I didn't know your sister was a natural redhead; I thought she dyed her hair, if her skin tone is lighter, but I thought it was because she only spends her time locked up
Hayami arrived home and, upon entering, quickly ran upstairs. Isabel, who was reading a book in the living room, watched her walk past quickly before hearing her bedroom door slam shut. Isabel left her book on the sofa and went up to Hayami's room. After knocking and getting no response, she opened the door, seeing her sister lying on the bed with her forearm covering her closed eyes, biting her lower lip."Did something happen at the office?"Hayami didn't answer."What happened, Hayami?"Isabel asked worriedly when Hayami didn't answer.Hayami took her hand from her face and looked at Isabel, who was standing in front of her."What's wrong? ... That life hates me, that simple, that my heart is a traitor for beating for someone who destroyed it without remorse, without consideration, that fate is playing tricks on me, first making me have something with Noah, and now this.""I don't understand.""Ivan arrived at the office today."Isabel's face grew more concerned when she learned wh
Ariel told Noah that the taxi was waiting downstairs. Upon hearing this, he got up from his seat, grabbing Hayami's car keys, which he had left on his desk that morning, though she hadn't asked for them."Surely she doesn't remember, so she forgets everything."He said, a little annoyed, as he tucked the keys into his pants. Noah left the office and saw Ariel looking at him, indeed, with some compliment, but he just smiled at her before entering the elevator.As he went down and left the office, just as Ariel had told him, the taxi was waiting. As he got in, Noah gave the address of the place where he had picked up Hayami the night before.After a few minutes of driving, Noah arrived at Hayami's car. He got out of the taxi, paid for her ride, walked over to Hayami's car, and put the keys in. As he opened the car, he smelled her scent. Apparently, he liked the scent of perfume, but it was always a soft aroma, not at all overpowering. He sighed, got into the car, and, starting it, heade
Hayami woke up feeling very lazy, and with a severe hangover, but she knew it was Monday and she had to go to the office, even though she had an important position and could skip it if she wanted. She didn't like missing work because of a night out. She got out of bed, took off the long blouse she'd slept in, and took a shower. When she got out, she dressed in a long-sleeved white shirt and a tight black skirt that fell below her knees. She put on black slippers, brushed her hair, leaving its waves loose, grabbed her sunglasses and purse, and left the room, trying not to make any noise. She didn't want to run into her sister, who would obviously attract her attention.As she left the house, she looked at the family chauffeur, approached him, and asked him to take her to the office, since her car had been left there the night before.Noah woke up with a slight headache; He wondered if it was because he'd interrupted his sleep or because he'd had to put up with a drunken Hayami.He cont
Hayami entered the club and, once inside, sat at the bar and immediately ordered a tequila. She downed it in one gulp."Give me another one, please."She asked the man tending the bar. He quickly poured her the tequila she ordered. She was about to take her drink when a blond man sat next to her, staring at her. She noticed him but ignored him."Are you coming alone?"Hayami looked at him, but signaled her hatred with a nod. She was trying to say she didn't hear him because of the music, although she was lying; she didn't want to deal with anyone tonight.He leaned closer to her."What if you're coming alone?"He almost shouted so she could hear."Uh, no! I'm here with my boyfriend, he just went to the bathroom."She jerked her thumb in the direction of the bathroom."Too bad."The blond man replied with a mischievous smile."Yeah, too bad."She responded sarcastically, faking a small smile.The guy pulled away from her, and when he did, he finally took a drink. He ordered another one
Isabel was sitting next to her sister in that restaurant. She was nervous because she would see Hugo after five weeks of not seeing him, but her nervousness stemmed more from the fact that Hayami would meet him. She was afraid of what her sister would think of him. In the past, things hadn't gone well for her with a man of Hugo's same status. She knew the history between her sister and that man, but she also understood there were things she didn't know about. She really didn't know what her sister thought. She had dated several men in those ten years, but they never lasted. It always broke their hearts, although she said it wasn't intentional, just that she couldn't be with someone she didn't love.Hugo and Noah entered the restaurant where the two girls were waiting for him. Noah had arranged for Hayami to meet him. Hayami looked at him, noticing he was a boy with black hair, just like his eyes. He was the same height as Noah. Hayami lightly bumped Isabel's elbow with his elbow."He'
Hayami arrived at the office very punctually, as she did every morning. Ariel looked at her with displeasure, but despite that, Hayami greeted her politely. After receiving a reluctant "good morning" from Ariel, she approached Angélica, who was already at her post."Good morning, Miss."Angélica said as she fixed a strand of hair."Good morning, "Angie." Is there anything I need to do?"No, Miss.""Okay, then do me two favors: first, could you get me a latte from the cafeteria? And second, could you connect me with my accountant?""Yes, Miss. I'll get your coffee now, and as soon as I get back, I'll put you in touch with your accountant.""Thank you, you're very nice."Hayami smiled; Angélica did too, a little blushing. Her boss smiled at her every morning; She was very happy to work with her.Hayami entered her office, looked out her window at the slightly cloudy sky, and thought that day wasn't the best she'd seen since arriving from Canada. Angélica asked permission to enter and, u