Lincoln’s Past“Ahh!”Andrew Jr. jolted as he heard his mother scream. He hurriedly went to the kitchen to see what was happening.“Mom, what happened-” He was about to ask his mother but he was stunned when he saw her in the corner, holding a knife and sliced eggplants, scattered on the floor.His mother was trembling. He felt pity towards his mom. It had been a month since that horrible experience happened. But his mother was still in shock. Sometimes, he wakes up in the middle of the night because he has a nightmare about how they got kidnapped. Sometimes he heard her mother screaming and pleading for their lives. Andrew Jr. has no choice but to send his mother to the mental institution. And to be able to give her medical assistance, he worked in the house of the Webber as their gardener.Mr. Luigi Webber was fond of him and he was longing for his son who just passed away. The couple decided to adopt him and change his name to their son, Lincoln Webber. The couple was happy to have
At Shikoku Valley Clinic“Doc!” The couple asked for help.They were carrying Mariko at the nearest clinic they saw downhill. Mariko was still unconscious but she was still breathing.“Please help her, doc.” They pleaded.“Don’t worry I will try my best to help her.” The doctor said and he asked help to his assistant. “I hope she will be fine. Her family was probably looking for her by now,” the wife said as she looked in the direction where they brought Mariko.“Did you get her cellphone? We can call his relatives here.” Her husband asked.“I did but the number she just called before she passed out was unavailable. Maybe I’ll try to call that number again,” she informed him.After a few hours, the doctor went out to deliver the message.“How is she, doc?” The woman asked.“She’s still alive but barely breathing. We also remove the bullets from her wounds. But because of the blood she lost, I don’t think she will recover right away. But for now, let’s do hope that there were no other
Mariko was half-conscious. She’s still feeling dizzy because she just woke up from a week of being in a coma. “Mariko… Mariko… Do you recognize me? How are you feeling? Do you still feel hurt? Who did this to you?” Mariko rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Will you please, shut the hell up? You’re so nosy,” she said. “You’re really okay now.” Marcus hugged her tight, which made her wince. “Dammit, Marcus. You’re killing me,” she muttered as she groaned in pain. Marcus immediately released her from his hug and moved aside. “Sorry,” he sincerely apologized. Later, the doctor came to see Mariko. Itsuki and Ethan have also arrived. “How are you feeling, Mariko?” the doctor asked. “I’m feeling a bit better,” she said. “That’s good to hear. But you need to take more rest. You lost a lot of blood, and what happened to you is not a joke. You are lucky that there were no organs affected. And they found you right away. Because if not, you are probably dead by now. So, you better take good
“Argh,” Marcus muttered after he got a beating from Itsuki. He was lying on the arena while groaning in pain. It had been a month since they found out about Lincoln, and they were planning how to get back to him thoroughly. They were in the arena where Mariko and Itsuki used to spar. Itsuki and Mariko were the person-in-charge of Marcus' training. And Itsuki made a sparring session with Marcus, while Mariko was seating on the bench, waiting for them to finish. She was in charge of teaching Marcus how to use different types of weapons while in the fight. “Is that all you’ve got?” Itsuki challenged him. Mariko looked at the two men lazily as she was checking her nails. “No. I’m just warming up,” Marcus stood up and tried to throw a punch at Itsuki’s face. But with his reflexes, Itsuki managed to cover his face. But Marcus was prepared he immediately kicked Itsuki which made him fall off the floor. He grinned and made a smug look on his face. “You lost,” He said to Itsuki. He then
“Gun is not a toy. So you better be responsible for taking care of them. First, you should think of its safety. Check if the gun is loaded. If it does, do not point the gun everywhere. Point the gun to where there is no one around. Or unload your gun if you are not using it.” Mariko showed Marcus how to unload the gun. She position herself in the cubicle where the target was in the farthest position. Mariko instructed Itsuki to place headphones on Marcus as she will make a shoot. “How about you?” Marcus asked after placing headphones on his ears. Instead of answering him, Mariko smirked and shot the gun at the target, which had him startle. Mariko made a bullseye. Marcus was amazed by how she gracefully held the gun. His eyes widened in surprise when Mariko unload the gun and disassemble the pistol in just a minu
The day had finally come. Mariko and the others were going to Japan. They put the weapons and firearms inside the private plane they would need for the war they were going to. Mariko was sitting next to the window. And on the other side was Marcus, who kept swinging his legs anxiously, thinking about what would happen later when they attacked the enemy.“Will you please stop doing that?” Mariko said and threw a deadly glare at him.She was feeling annoyed and irritated because Marcus seemed to be restless in his seat, causing her to not be able to rest well.“If you’re that anxious, why don’t you go down and stay here?” she sarcastically asked.“I’m sorry. I was just worried about what will happen later.” Marcus answered.“If you’re thinking about it, I suggest you must stay. Because… in war, there is no place for coward people like you.” Marcus clenched at what Mariko had just said.Somehow, he felt insulted by the way she talked to him. He knew that he was not as good as Mariko when
The employees ran away, upon seeing a bunch of armed men, led by Mariko and Ethan. They even witness some of the security, were unconsciously lying on the ground after they knocked them down in a swift mode. They knew Mariko because she was the former CEO of the company, who was kicked out by Lincoln Webber.“M-mam,” The receptionist stuttered when Mariko approached her.“Where is your new boss?” She asked in a cold tone, causing the receptionist to shiver.Trembling, the receptionist pointed her finger at the ceiling. “H-he’s upstairs, m-mam,” she informed Mariko with her shaking voice.“Thank you. Don’t worry we will not hurt you. Now, call your colleagues and leave this place this instant. I don’t want you to be dragged into our fight.” Mariko ordered some of their men to help the innocent people to get out of the building.The receptionist hurriedly ran outside of the building while screaming her lungs out. The news about Mariko’s arrival reached Lincoln. He immediately called his
Mariko shot Lincoln in the arm, the pain pushing him off the helicopter and throwing him into the sea. To get rid of Althea, Mariko threw a grenade into the chopper, blowing it into bits. Mariko jumped out of the helicopter before it exploded, but parts of it still hit her in the head, rendering her unconscious. “Mariko!” Marcus swam in her direction, but Mariko was already unconscious. He tapped her cheeks several times and when she didn’t awaken, he swam with her to the shore he saw from a distance. Exhausted and thirsty, Marcus moved his arms and feet tirelessly until they reached the island. “Don’t worry, Mariko. I will not let you die.” The island is uninhabited. There was no house and only trees and wild plants around it. Marcus looked around to find a place where they could rest. But he couldn't see anything and he only noticed dry wood and leaves. He pushed the floating door of the helicopter, where Mariko was lying down until they reached the shore. Marcus carried Mariko
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