This was the furthest he could have gone, yet he didn't regret it. He was convinced that the situation couldn't be worse. He observed the twenty-year-old young girl sleeping deeply beside him in the darkness of the immense room. Her arms surrounded him, so he moved carefully to avoid waking her.
He got out of bed, his skin bathed in the moonlight, appeared radiant and beautiful. He glanced sideways at the angel with tousled hair who continued to rest, her body wrapped in the sheets.
He closed his eyes, feeling somewhat disgusted and wondered, "How had he fallen so low?" But still, he didn't regret it. He walked silently toward the bathroom, and once there, he leaned against the door. The screen of his cellphone illuminated for a few seconds, and without haste, he checked the device.
"New message received.
Total messages: 10
Read Dismiss"
"Hello..." he whispered in response. "I don't know, I'm locked in the bathroom. She's still sleeping. I warn you, this is the hardest thing I've ever done. No, she didn't suspect anything. She still thinks I love her, but what happened tonight won't happen again, but..."
He ended the call, anger etched on his face, and stepped into the living room. He sat down on one of the armchairs and while he observed the moonlight seeping through the windows, he brought a cigarette to his lips and smoked it slowly...
Four months ago...
The veil covered her face, and from time to time, she would bring the handkerchief to her cheek to wipe away the few tears streaming down her face as she received condolences from acquaintances and people close to the family. Her watchful gaze settled on each new face entering the funeral parlor; she was certain that from that moment on, her life would change forever.
By her side stood her eldest son, a man of approximately twenty-five, with a cold gaze and a frozen expression, elegantly greeting those who approached to offer their condolences. His black suit, along with the matching tie, accentuated the white shirt he wore with distinction. He glanced sideways at his mother, who continued to sob.
Crocodile tears, he knew them all too well. After all, they had been waiting for this precious moment for several years.
He furrowed his brow upon recognizing the presence of the old butler accompanied by the stern lawyer among the attendees. He observed them as if they were two dogs he needed to chase away. He had worked very hard to get to where he was, and he no longer wished to have any ties with those two men who always managed to obstruct him in one way or another.
He had made up his mind. Michael, the elderly family servant, would receive a check with a small amount of money that a man of his low status would appreciate as compensation for his years of service in the Tanarro household. He would learn to appreciate the generosity of his new boss since his mother's wishes simply consisted of throwing him out on the street without a penny.
As for the lawyer, now that his relative had passed away, he would take his place as the head of the family after the reading of the will and could dismiss him. A scrupulous lawyer was of no use to him, especially one who constantly compared him to the previous owner. He eagerly anticipated that moment, wishing to see the face of the man who had opposed his path to the presidency from the very beginning as he banished him from his life forever.
He smirked, and the gesture did not go unnoticed by the woman, who immediately nudged him lightly.
"Act natural... All eyes of these riffraff are on us," she murmured quietly, almost under her breath, covering her lips with the white handkerchief.
"Everything is fine, Mother," the man replied.
A small group of people had just arrived, among them a young woman dressed in an elegant black silk kimono. Her long hair was tied up in a braid, which ended with a youthful ribbon of the same color as the kimono, gracefully cascading over her shoulder.
"Miss Tori has also come to greet us... Pretend to be deeply saddened. We women like to see a sensitive man from time to time," the woman suggested, nodding her head in approval at the newcomers.
The arrival of the young woman in the kimono had a very special meaning at that moment, not only socially but also because it served to reaffirm the relationship they had, something that was very convenient now that he was just a step away from becoming one of the richest men in the world.
The idea of marrying that girl did not displease him; in fact, his feelings towards Tori were more special than those for the rest of the women. Furthermore, this woman was not only beautiful and intelligent but also came from a respectable and influential family, an excellent match in his mother's eyes.
The young girl approached to greet them formally according to tradition, and quickly another man arrived and immediately approached the area where the veiled woman was sitting.
"Apologies for being late..."
"Where have you been, Yuselso?... I thought I made it clear for you not to miss this appointment. You smell like cheap perfume. We'll talk about that later..." The woman whispered to him once the young girl moved away a little to talk with her eldest son.
"Yes, mother," he replied ashamed, lowering his head and taking black sunglasses out of his lapel pocket and putting them on.
The new family picture was complete and ready to head to the cemetery. Everyone spoke of the family unity that reigned in the Tanarro household even after the head of the family's passing.
Once the priest finished the prayers and chants, he stood up to ascend the pulpit, hiding his victorious gaze behind his dark glasses as he observed the old man and the lawyer sitting in their chairs, waiting for the moment to bid a final farewell to the gentle man who had finally managed to leave this world.
A scream made the solemnity interrupt, and he stood perplexed in front of the altar. His eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing...
"Oh, why did you have to die!" He shouted at the top of his lungs from his motorcycle, making a turn in front of the altar to park it in front of everyone. "Kai! You senseless son of a bitch! You had no right to die without letting me know!"
Mrs. Tanarro felt herself shrinking amidst the whispers and murmurs of those present, just like them, she was distressed. She took a deep breath, hoping it was only a dream, but she was mistaken. The most bizarre and vulgar scene she had never imagined was unfolding before her eyes at a moment when everything in her eyes should be crucial.
Who was that woman? How dare she speak to the respected deceased like that? Where did she come from? How was it possible for the distinguished and refined Mr. Tanarro to know someone so vulgar and disrespectful? These questions hammered the minds of everyone, especially Mrs. Tanarro and her children. The woman stood up and walked towards the newcomer as he dismounted from the motorcycle and confidently approached the altar.
"I know how important Mr. Tanarro was in your life," she said, placing her hand on the shoulder of that woman dressed in a black leather jacket, trembling with disgust as she continued her performance. "Let me assure you that nothing is going to change, and the family's charities for the underprivileged youth will continue. We understand your pain; Tanarro has left a great void in our hearts."Everyone murmured in favor of the woman, thinking that perhaps this individual was an unprotected orphan saved by the family's donations. Her gesture of solidarity made the audience appreciate her virtues. Obviously, that was the effect she was hoping for to win their favor. She would have time later to find out who that person was and why she was there."Let go of me, crazy old woman!" replied the motorcyclist, taking off her helmet. "Understand my pain?! Who are you to understand my pain?" She walked confidently toward the casket where the deceased's body lay, took a look, and knelt down, cry
Four months ago...The Tanarro family fixed their gaze on the newly arrived girl, the same disheveled motorcyclist who showed up unceremoniously at Kai's funeral.She raised her hand to greet them informally; she could barely muster a "hello" that was quickly ignored by the attendees who turned their attention back to the lawyer. Aya Tanarro spoke up, interrupting the prolonged silence."Sir Hidalgo, could you explain to us what this person is doing here?" She furrowed her brow, demanding an answer from the lawyer whom she detested. "But respond, say something!""Well, Kai's last wish was for the entire family to be present..." He swallowed, unaccustomed to dealing with this harassing woman. He opened his briefcase and took out a folder, which he slowly opened, adjusted his glasses, and proceeded to read."My dear family, consumed by this incurable illness, I must inform you that I, Tanarro Kai, in full possession of my mental and physical faculties, of my own free will and responsibi
They looked at him puzzled. Yukio took off his glasses just to make sure with his own eyes that it was true. Yuselso took another cigarette, brought it to his lips, and lit it without any hurry. Mrs. Tanarro looked at him in awe, placed a hand on her chest, and sighed. It seemed that everything had ended favorably for the Tanarro's interests."Jina, I know this news hasn't been easy for you, especially considering that you have traveled hundreds of kilometers to come here and discover this truth. However, you cannot renounce what has been inherited," the lawyer smiled at her, trying to reassure her, and continued reading the additional clause imposed by Kai."I know very well that it has always been the desire of my ancestors that a person from the Tanarro lineage inherit the fortune that we have amassed for centuries. However, if Jina Sotomayor voluntarily decides not to accept the inheritance, it should be fully distributed to charitable institutions."Mrs. Tanarro immediately under
Four months later... He was driving his car at high speed, wondering why he had done all that; he didn't need it. He had his own businesses, his own assets earned with his own efforts, but he knew that didn't compare to the fortune his cousin had left in the hands of that girl. He smiled as he pressed his foot on the accelerator. He took the main road, not wanting to go back home. He didn't want to see Tori, didn't want to look her in the face, especially after sharing intimacy with another girl... No, he was sure she would forgive him for everything except that. Just remembering what had just happened made his skin crawl. He needed a shower, maybe a couple of drinks, or possibly to get into another woman's bed, something to rid himself of the strange sensation on his skin when he recalled the girl's caresses and kisses. He stopped in front of the entrance gate of a luxurious building. He searched his pocket for his cell phone. His cold and calculating face twisted in anger. The id
"Oh... How dreadful!" A grimace formed on that perfectly featured face as she put on her sunglasses. "I'll have to hurry. I don't want this to ruin my image... How could she go out dressed like that?"She drank her glass of cognac while the cheerful Jina arrived, smiling happily and taking a seat."Good day, my love!" She tried to hide the sadness she felt, certain that this wasn't the place to ask her lover directly about the message."What's good about it?" She replied grumpily. "You're late!""What kind of greeting is that?... I missed you so much," she looked at him tenderly while reaching into her pocket to make sure her phone was still there."We were together almost the whole night! How can you miss me when we've barely been apart for a few hours?" She replied, trying to contain her anger. With a hand gesture, she signaled the waiter to come and take their order. "The usual," she replied, handing back the menu as she fixed her gaze on Jina."Pateee Oran... Nah, Sooouuup l...a..
Four months ago...Her lips emitted a loud whistle. The lawyer and the secretary were standing behind her. They closed the door so that no one could interrupt them."This is luxurious!" she exclaimed, running towards the grand presidential armchair and spinning around excitedly as the world revolved around her. She suddenly stopped and looked at the two smiling faces. "But what do I have to do here? I have no idea how to handle all this," she looked at them as if she were a lost puppy."Don't worry, Jina. Secretary Hibara and I will help you. With our guidance, you will do a good job.""But I don't think I'm prepared for this. It's a great responsibility... Besides, I heard that Tanarro Yukio is the most suitable person to sit in this chair.""That could be... But Mr. Kai chose you, so we will place our trust in you," the secretary replied with a smile. "Mr. Hida
He looked at him coldly, adjusting his scarf with his right hand while holding his umbrella with his left. He dared to say,"Sotomayor Jina, you will never change...""Teodoro Eun-Chan!" she shouted in surprise, running towards him. "What are you doing here? When did you arrive? How did you find me? Where have you been? How was university? Will you be coming back home soon?..."A frivolous smile appeared on his face, and with his right hand, he made a "stop" gesture, trying to halt Jina's endless barrage of questions.They walked in the rain until they stopped at a nearby café. Jina looked at her companion from head to toe, admiring him since high school. Everything looked good on Eugene-Chan. She looked at herself again in the reflection of the window glass; she was a mess compared to her friend."Are you going to sit down or are you just going to keep staring at yourself
Three months later..."Passengers bound for Switzerland, please board through gate thirty-two... Ladies and gentlemen, due to the reported weather conditions in the major cities of Spain, flights will experience a delay of approximately one hour... Thank you for your patience..."The message in English was replicated in several languages. Jina walked, dragging her heavy travel suitcase, and approached a foreigner with brown hair and a freckled face who held a huge sign with her name written on it."That's me!" she said, pointing to the sign and then pointing to herself.The man smiled and took her luggage, leading her to the car while speaking several words that Jina didn't fully understand.She peeked out of the window, amazed by the monuments, sculptures, and architecture of the buildings. She smiled in awe. Finally, they stopped in front of a small residence l
And in the hospital....While the doctor finished checking Tanarro, Sotomayor walked back and forth through the hospital corridor, looking at every health promotional poster and observing the faces of the doctors and nurses on duty, she walked without any hurry, with her hands in her pockets, her hat gave her an air of mystery. She observed the nurse leaving the doctor's office and approached her." Ah, but it's you!... Are you here to take care of your boyfriend? It was the sam e nurse who treated Yukio a month ago."" It was nothing serious," explained the doctor, "You only have a slight hematom a near your right eye caused by a blow, regarding your loss of consciousness, you can rest assured, there is no cranial compromise or affection of your nervous system... I will give you the prescription for the medications..."Eight o'clock in the morning...The two walked side by side without saying a word to each other, finally leaving the hospital, the Korean woman remained serious and im
Hours later..." Yukio Is something wrong?" Nothing special! “ Around him several cups of coffee and several crumpled sheets of paper." It's just that you've been acting strange lately, as if you were absent..." Absent, please?" His icy face remained unchanged, his gaze fixed on his computer s creen." Like your body is here, but your mind is som ewhere else," the red “haired man leaned back against his big armchair, "Does it have som ething to do with Jina and Tsuchiya?" I don't know what the hell you're talking about!... What would they have t o do with it?" What do you m ean?... It always has som ething to do!... You've changed since the arrival of that woman..." Don't you think it's not enough to have to put up with her all the time? He finally looked away from his computer and looked directly at his friend's face: "She even sneaks into the apartment whenever she wants!... That idiotSotomayor gave her a copy of the keys! And they even work together!... She won't stop bother
Eight o'clock in the morning...The sound of the apartment door woke him from the deep sleep he was in. He opened his eyes as he laid his head on that warm skin, shivered as he felt the warmth of that body, and closed his eyes again." How nice! ....” An annoying voice forced him to open his eyes again: "Very nice!"" Eh?... How?...” Everything was a bit blurry, his head hurt, he put his hands to his eyes and rubbed his eyelids, he looked at the pair of long legs in front of him: Na... Na... Namie!He sat down immediately, in front of him was the blonde smiling at him, she took a seat across from him and crossed her legs as she watched them ." What do you think you are doing..." He asked her with astonishm ent when he saw her calm attitude." What do you think, idiot, I'm getting comfortable," he replied, leaning back against the back of the seat, "Don't you feel cold?Yukio looked down at himself to find that he had nothing on except for his boxer shorts. Namie picked up a shirt fro
And that night at the party...He appeared dressed in an elegant black tuxedo, his white shirt illuminated his handsom e face and attracted the attention of all the partygoers." What did I miss?" He approached Ankit." Nothing extraordinary...” They took a glass and took a sip “ There are a lot of people tonight, even the ladies from the social foundation came." It's a great gala, every year the same thing happens, except the year before, Jina sent a statement canceling the celebration due to Kai's passing," he murmured as the y walked back and forth with the cup in hand, waving to the people who came to greet them ." By the way, I just saw your mother and brother!" They were not going to miss the gala party, you know that the family always attends these celebrations," he observed his mother walking towards him, "And speaking of the king of Rome...." Ankit, how nice to see you," she greeted him with a smile. Yukio, you look so handsom e my son," he smiled at him as he greeted the
Another night in front of his laptop chatting with that stranger who is getting closer and closer to him, he leaned back against the bed thinking a bit about that conversation. He turned off his computer while he thought a little:"And now, how do I explain to the wild cat "He put away his laptop and went back to bed, sank into the heavy sheets and tried to sleep, but h e could not. In his room the brown”haired man tried to sleep, but he couldn't, he kept thinking about the conversation he had just had with the Korean woman, he smiled to himself, he had learned to access the world of Sotom ayor's secrets through those short chats."So that's why you're avoiding me lately, because you feel I confuse you and then you're afraid of me."He got up in the early morning, the first thing he did before going for a jog, as he almost always did; was to go to the red”haired girl's room. She was sleeping comfortably with the blankets thrown on the floor and her arms stretched out on either side.
Tokyo, One year later..." It's a nice car... Thanks for the choice Yukio," she gave him a sidelong glance as they entered the parking lot." I just kept that stupid promise....Sotomayor hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek." Isn't that President Jina... Is she kissing Mr. Tanarro," asked one of the wom en inside another ca r in the parking lot." It's true... Do they have a relationship? “ His companion also recognized them “ That explains why they have been arriving together lately... They are lovers!" What a waste," the woman said enviously, " Two such attractive people in such a plan...." But what a little secret between the two of them... I still can't believe it!... Wasn't Mr. Tanarro going to get married?" I guess that's why he didn't get married, I bet his girlfriend found out everythin g and that's why she left him at the altar," he continued looking at what was going on inside Miss Jina's car without missing a single detail." Stop hugging me!... What will happen
Nantes, France, the previous year..."I'm fed up! I have soft skin, in my bubble bath, I splash around, and I laugh!" Eugene-Chan sang, swaying his hips sensually beside the small Volkswagen they used to drive around in. It was obvious he was drunk.Sotomayor just watched him from the sidewalk. They had been in that small village near the city of Nantes for about three days. She looked around at the small colonial-style houses and felt like she was part of one of those medieval paintings.Soon, the rain began to fall. Sotomayor ran toward where the writer was, but Eugene-Chan simply opened his arms and lifted his head to the sky."Rain, rain, drench my body! Sotomayor, come get wet with me!" He grabbed her hands and forced her to dance with him in the rain while he continued singing, "My fish moves in my bubble bath, I wrap it up, I say to it!"It was one of those “short” trips the writer often took. One day, without warning, he appeared in front of Sotomayor and said:"We’re leaving!
Three days later...The evening illuminated the apartment's large windows with an orange hue. Yukio and Sotomayor remained seated, each at one end of the sofa in front of the television."And in world news, a fierce battle unfolded today in the Gaza Strip near..."The sound of the doorbell made both of them look at each other. Yukio stood up, smiling, and went to open the door."Where do we install it?" asked the man in a blue overall."I don't know... Sotomayor, come here."The Korean approached the door and looked at Yukio and the blue-clad men carrying a huge package."What is that?" she pointed at the package with curiosity."It's a gift, for you from me," replied Yukio, stepping away from the door and returning to the television."Huh?..." The black-haired woman walked toward the package and opened it. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!""Why, don't you like it?" the brunette looked at her from the comfort of his seat. "I thought it would look fantastic in your room... It's a more intimate
The brown-haired man stood up and walked towards the door, descended again to the gallery room, and stopped in front of the large portrait. He looked at it with nostalgia."I forgot that Tori used to paint... This is the painting everyone talks about, the one you posed for her... Sotomayor, how could you pose naked for her!..." While observing the painting, he imagined that woman who was once his flirting with the Korean. He imagined Sotomayor appearing before his eyes wrapped in that white robe:"I want you to paint me wearing just this!" She takes off the white robe and lies naked on the couch."Just that?" The shameless Tori asks, preparing her charcoals to portray that woman."Just this..." She adjusted her body delicately. "I'm tired of paintings where I look like a doll; I want a real one... And as a paying customer, I expect to be satisfied." She handed the girl a few coins."Alright, put your hand on your face... Like that, very well... Relax your body and don't move..." She i