“How can I not meddle when I am part of why you are in this situation?” he asked.“You are just my subject. Even if you are the reason… like what your father had just said, part of my job is to protect you. And I promised to bring you home, unscratched. Yet here you are, you got home alive with bruises on your face. And aside from that, I told you about your family’s secret without his permission. So, your father has the right to punish me. And I am ready to accept whatever punishment it is. Because I failed my mission.”“But-”“No more buts, Mr. Reed. I have to go. I may not be seeing you again, so goodbye.” Mariko left him in the kitchen and looked for Ethan in the living room.When she noticed Ethan wasn't there, she walked straight to Ethan’s office. She knocked three times before she opened the door. Mariko saw Itsuki sitting in the chair in front of Ethan’s desk. While Ethan was sitting on his swivel chair, holding a glass of liquor.“Sir,” she greeted.Ethan looked at her and
Ethan looked at Mariko before he looked back at his son and sighed. “I’m sorry, son. But I can’t let her train you.” “But why? I think she can make me a better fighter.” Marcus asked. He was acting like a teenager wanting something so desperately, but his parents didn’t allow him to have them. “Permission to leave, Master,” Itsuki asked. “Mariko and I need to go back to our camp.” Ethan nodded, giving his approval as they left. “Mariko, father asked me to give you an indefinite leave from work,” Itsuki informed her while they were on their way to the garage where their car was parked. “Mariko!” Itsuki and Mariko turned their heads as they heard Marcus calling her. They both stopped walking to wait for Marcus as he was approaching their direction. “Please, Mariko. Accept my offer. I promise to be a good student.” Marcus pleaded. He really wanted Mariko to stay beside him, as he trusted Mariko. “I’m sorry, but she can’t do anything about it. I am your Trainor, and that’s final.
Mariko arrived at Tokyo international airport. She saw Mr. Watanabe waiting for her at the gate.“Mariko! It’s good to see you again! How have you been, dear?” Mr. Watanabe greeted her with a smile plastered on his face.“Good to see you too, Master.” She greeted him back.Mr. Watanabe hugged her, asked his chauffeur to get Mariko’s things, and opened the door for them.“How’s the moon castle agency? How’s my son?” Mr. Watanabe opened a conversation as they sat in the back passenger seat. “The agency is doing well. And Itsuki,” Mariko chuckled, “he’s still the Itsuki we’ve known. Womanizer... But he’s doing well and is recruiting more fighters.”“That’s great.” Mr. Watanabe smiled, but his warm smile faded as he remembered the loss of Mariko’s sister.“I heard about what happened to Hana, and I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the funeral.” He sincerely apologized, but Mariko smiled, reassuring him that it was okay.“I understand, Master. I know you’ve been busy taking care of the business.
“You will start living with us after your parent’s funeral.” Mr. Watanabe announced.“But… can’t we stay here?” Mariko asked, but Mr. Watanabe shook his head.“I have a business in Country P. I can’t fly back and forth just to look after you. But don’t worry, kids. I will not sell your properties. And you can visit here anytime you want.” He smiled reassuringly. “You will also transfer schools. You will be transferring to Itsuki’s school.”Hana and Mariko have nothing to do but agreed to his will. He is their guardian now, and their father trusted Mr. Watanabe as they were best of friends. And they treated each other as a real brother.***Back to the present…Mariko came back from her thoughts when she noticed their arrival at her house. She looked up at their Minka (Japanese Traditional House).‘This house… Hana and I used to play here when we were young. It brings me back a lot of memories I had with my parents. This Minka used to be our home. And now, no one lives here.’ She thoug
“You are Hana’s boyfriend?”“You’re my sister’s boyfriend?”Mariko and Mr. Watanabe looked at each other as they asked in unison. They couldn’t believe that the guy in front of them was the boyfriend of her sister Hana. How can it possibly be? Hana didn’t mention her boyfriend to him. Mariko didn’t even know about Hana dating someone. She just found out before Hana died until now. If they didn’t find out about her pregnancy, they wouldn’t know Hana was dating someone before.Lincoln looked at them with a frown, confused.“My sister didn’t mention her boyfriend before. Sorry if I didn’t know.” Mariko said.“It’s alright.” Lincoln smiled weakly and sighed. “Actually, my relationship with her was in awful shape before. We need to keep it secret, so no one would know, especially before my father died,” he explained.“Why? Are your parents against your relationship with Hana?” Mariko asked, which made Lincoln nod.“I see. But how did you meet my sister?” she asked.Lincoln told her about h
JapanMariko started visiting the companies owned by her family. They introduced her as the new CEO of the Saito group of companies. Lincoln Webber accompanied her. And what surprised her, was aside from being her business coach, or a business advisor, Lincoln Webber is also the owner of WL foods corporation.WL foods corporation is a manufacturing food company, and it produces thousands of assorted chips and biscuits all over Asia. She also found out that Lincoln was an adopted child of Mr. and Mrs. Luigi Webber. Mr. and Mrs. Webber died. They gave their company to Lincoln and he manage the business well. Now, Lincoln was one of the top ten richest bachelors in Asia.“I never thought that the person who will be my advisor and the ex-boyfriend of my sister Hana is kinda rich.”Lincoln smirked. “I accept the offer after knowing that you are Mariko Saito, the sister of Hana. If it wouldn’t be for you, I would not accept it.” Mariko frowned.“Why?”“Because you are Mariko Saito. I cheris
At Reed’s MansionMarcus was walking back and forth on the balcony when suddenly, the door of his room opened. He turned his head to see who it was. But his shoulders shrugged in disappointment when it was Althea, Ethan’s girlfriend, who came in.“May I come in?” she asked.“You are already inside my room, why ask?” he said in a sarcastic tone.Althea chuckled as if she heard something funny from Marcus, which made him raise a brow and looked at her in disbelief like, ‘what’s so funny with what I said? Are you crazy?’“You know what? You’re funny,” she said seductively.“...” Marcus got dumbfounded. ‘What is she up to? Is she trying to flirt with me?’“What brings you here?” he asked with a stern look on his face.His brows frowned as he put his hands inside his pockets. Marcus noticed Althea biting her lower lip while walking toward him.“Well, your father is not here, and I got bored inside our room-”“Correction! That was my father and my mother’s room, not yours. Let me remind you
Althea raised a brow as she saw the journal that Marcus was holding, which she had left in Marcus’ room. She smirked evilly, as she felt satisfied and victorious for what she did. Althea returned to Ethan’s room to keep the other files she took from Ethan’s vault.When she got inside the room, she laughed like a witch victoriously as she remembered how she took the journal and other documents earlier. Before Ethan left, he opened his safe and took some documents from the underground society. After what happened to Marcus, he decided to rebuild his gang again, to protect his only son. Those documents are the lists of his allies in the underground world and his loyal army.“What are you doing?” Althea whispered in his ears, seductively.Her arms traveled to his body, hugging him from the back as she tried to distract him from what he was doing. Ethan could feel his manhood bulge as Althea continued caressing him. His eyes closed and moaned when Althea traveled her hands down to his man
FINALE!!!Mariko woke up with a dizzy feeling. She looked at the ceiling, with a frown.‘Where am I?’ she wondered.Mariko looked around and noticed that she was in the room. White ceiling and walls with a touch of the color gold. There was a round table and two chairs in front of the king-sized bed.She checked herself if she was still wearing her clothes, and Mariko sighed in relief when she was still wearing the same clothes.‘Am I at the enemies’ den? But why does this place look extravagant? Is the person who ambushed them rich? That would be possible. There are plenty of Mafia groups in this country who are billionaires as well.’ She thought.Mariko also noticed the cuffs that were made of steel locked on her feet. And they tied it in the post, but her hands were free. She also noticed that she didn't have her weapons with her anymore, which made her hiss.Suddenly, she remembered Marcus. ‘What about Marcus? Where did they hide him? Did they also lock him in a room like this?’ s
One Month LaterMariko was busy checking out the proposals that has been sent to her. It’s almost eight in the evening. And she was left alone in her office. She stood up to get another set of coffee as she was thinking of staying in the office until she finished her paperwork. She rubbed her eyes as she felt like she was feeling sleepy.Suddenly, Mariko received a phone call from Itsuki. Mariko frowned.‘Why Itsuki is calling me at this hour?’ She looked at the clock…The time difference between the two countries was four hours. And Country P was four hours ahead of country Y.‘It’s already twelve in the evening there. What does he need at this hour?’ she wondered.After a few rings, Mariko decided to answer the call.“What’s up?” she asked. But Mariko became alert when she heard Itsuki from the other line, breathing heavily.“M-Mariko,” Itsuki muttered.“Hello, Itsuki… What happened to you?” She asked but all she heard were groans from the other line.Suddenly, Mariko felt nervous.
Mariko’s tears suddenly fell from her eyes. As she felt how sincere Marcus was in his words. ‘After what I did…’ Somehow, Mariko felt guilty about everything. She felt sorry for him, as she left Marcus when he needs her the most.“But I don’t deserve your love. I’m sorry, Marcus.” Mariko pushed him slowly before she walked away.Everyone’s eyes turned to them as Mariko ran away, leaving Marcus in the middle of the stage, stunned. Bobbie called his attention.‘Maybe she didn’t love me at all.’ His shoulders fell. As he felt dismayed. ‘Maybe it’s time to let her go.’ He thought, as his face felt defeated.“Hey! Are you gonna stand there?! Aren’t you coming here for her? Are you just gonna let her leave you again? Fight, man!” Marcus turned his eyes at Bobbie.“Go chase her!” One of the lady guests cheered him.“Don’t let her leave you!” The other one said.Everyone has been cheering him and telling him not to let go of Mariko. Marcus’ tears started to fall down his face. Somehow, he f
“I need to talk to her,” Marcus informed Bobbie.Bobbie stopped him from chasing Mariko. “But, she already knew that you were in a relationship with me,” Bobbie reminded him.Marcus heaved a sigh. “I know… But I can’t take this anymore. I don’t want to lose this opportunity. I love Mariko and I missed her so much. I hope you understand. Don’t worry, I will still pay you no matter what happens tonight,” he said.“Alright. If that’s what you want. I won’t stop you. And I wish you good luck.” She smiled as she wished him good luck.“I’ll just have to wait for you in the car. Because you promised mom to bring me back home.” Bobbie wiggled her brows. She doesn’t want to go home, wearing a gown while using public transportation.“Yeah. I did not forget about that. I’ll see later,” he said before he went inside the ball and look for Mariko.Marcus was having a hard time looking for Mariko as the venue was huge and there were a total of six hundred guests who were invited to the event.‘Fuck
“Mariko!” Mariko turned to find out who owned the familiar voice that called her real name. When he turned around, he saw a handsome man in a tuxedo. The man she hadn't seen in two years. The man who melts her icy heart. Marcus Reed. Mariko was surprised to see Marcus on the Gala night.‘What is he doing here?’ she wondered.Their eyes locked with each other as Marcus approached her, but both of them got stunned when George pulled Mariko toward him and kissed her on the lips. Mariko’s eyes widened in surprise, and it felt like her body froze. Marcus stopped walking toward them. He clenched and frowned. ‘Asshole,’ he thought as he was glaring at George.Suddenly, a soft hand crawled down to his hand and it clasped to his. Marcus looked at the person next to him, who was staring at the two people kissing. While Mariko pushed George and wiped her lips. She glared at him, but George seemed not affected by her blazing stare. Mariko looked at Marcus who had now a woman beside him. She fr
“I will pretend to be your girlfriend. Why? Because you’re pitiful, and I wanted to earn money. And my mother doesn’t know about all of this. You can use me to get your woman jealous. In exchange, you will pay me the right price.” “Are you serious?” Marcus was stunned at what she just had said. “Well, I just need money… And you need someone to use to make your girlfriend jealous… So, it’s a win-win situation. Don’t you like it?” she asked. Marcus scrutinized her. If she was dead serious about what she just said. The woman in front of him will not see any remorse. And it was evident that what she said was deep. Marcus heaved a sigh. ‘I don’t want to use her if Mrs. Suarez did not know all this.’ “Go to my office tomorrow, and let’s talk about this matter with your mom. I also want to inform her about this plan before I will agree with you. But get yourself ready. Because if she agrees, then you will be my date on the upcoming gala night.” He informed her. *** Morning came, and Ma
“Was it related to Mariko, your ex-girlfriend?” Catherine asked.“Yes,” Marcus simply answered.“But I think you don’t have to do it.” Marcus frowned at what Catherine had said.“Why?” he asked.“Simply because she doesn’t deserve your love.” Catherine bluntly said.Marcus looked at Catherine. Her face was so severe, and she looked pissed. “Are you mad?” He asked.“Obviously, yes. Because of that bitch, Uncle Ethan died for nothing. He left you when you needed her. She has no conscience. She’s heartless! And I hate her.” ‘Hmp!’ Catherine scoffed. She put her arms crossed under her chest and pouted her lips. While her eyes were glaring sideways.“Are you that affected?” He asked.“Who wouldn’t be? After all the things our family has done for her. You took care of her when she was in the hospital, unconscious. But when she woke up from a coma, the first thing that came to her mind was to leave you. “ Catherine rolled her eyes.“She’s a bitch.” Catherine exclaimed. “You don’t deserve to
Country Y "Welcome, Mr. Reed. I am Mitch Suarez. I will be your executive secretary here at M2M Corporation. I’m looking forward to working with you, Sir.” Mitch said. “Thank you, Mrs. Suarez.” Mitch Suarez led their way to his new office. Marcus was the CEO ( Chief Executive Officer) of the M2M Corp, John was the COO (Chief Operations Officer), and Austin was the chairman. They arrived at the office, and Mitch opened the door for him. The office of the executive secretary was at the side of the entrance of the CEO’s room. When they entered the room, Marcus was in awe, seeing how beautiful his office could be. It was spacious enough to occupy 10 people with their tables but it was only he who will use the office. At the side of the door, before entering the room, there’s a table where the receptionist welcomed them. When you got inside, the floor-to-ceiling window caught Marcus’ attention. It has an automatic curtain operated with a remote, whether you want to close the curtain or
‘He sees me. What would be his reaction? Did he hate me? After I left, I decided not to step into this country again. But things happened and I needed to come here for my company. I did not expect that we will meet again. And this bastard did not tell me and made his actions on his own. Dammit!’ Mariko’s mind was full of thoughts that she did not even listen to what George had said. It was like George confessed his love to her, but she was not interested in what he had just said. She was just interested in the news about Marcus, who followed them. Somehow, her feelings towards Marcus never change.‘If only I could turn back the time. That time before I got kidnapped. I should have been more prepared.’“Mariko, hear me out.” Mariko came back from her deep thoughts when George spoke.Frustrated, Mariko raised both of her hands as if she was surrendering. “George… Stop it, will you? Stop this nonsense. If you don’t, you will leave me no choice but fire you.” Mariko sternly said in a war