Mariko was drinking lemonade juice when a group of drunk men approached her.“A beautiful lady shouldn’t be alone in the bar.” One of the three men approached her first.Mariko rolled her eyes at them and did not mind them. But the three guys were too persistent in getting her attention.“Hey! We’re talking to you. You should show some respect! Do you know who we are?” The other guy showed his gun, tucked in the holster he was wearing.But instead of being scared, Mariko just looked at it boringly as if it did not threaten her before she then drank the rest of her juice. The three guys find it insulting when Mariko didn’t even show some fear.The guy who has a gun felt insulted, so he grabbed Mariko’s arms and forcedly turned her body to them.“How dare you turn your back on us, woman! You don't know who you're fighting against.” He looked at her with a flare in his eyes, but Mariko looked at her with bored eyes, which had them insulted. Mariko looked in the direction where Marcus an
“Lincoln Webber. His name is Lincoln Webber.” Itsuki said.‘Lincoln Webber… Who is he?’ Mariko wondered.“Hello? Mariko?” Itsuki called her attention when he noticed the other line become silent.“I’m still here. I will go there once we get home.”“Home? Why? Where were you? Who’s with you?” Itsuki asked like he was her strict father asking her whereabouts, which made her roll her eyes in annoyance.“Who else? Obviously, I’m with Marcus. We are at the bar. He asked me to drive him. Satisfied?” she asked in a sarcastic tone.“What are you doing there? It’s dangerous for the VIP to go outside the premises.” Itsuki reminded her. “I know. That’s why I am here with Marcus. And you don’t have to worry. I can take care of him.” Mariko saw Marcus and his friends who had just left the bar.“I have to go… Marcus and his friends are here.” Mariko said.Itsuki was about to say something, but she already drops the call. Mariko put her phone back in her pocket and opened the car door for Marcus. M
“You have to come back here right now. Mr. Reed is looking for his son. Mr. Reed received a threat again. Both of you are in danger.”Mariko scoffed. “How can you say we are in danger? We are total-”“Someone is following you. Mr. Reed received a photo of you beside the shore talking.” Mariko became alert to what Itsuki had just said.“I’ll call you back. I need to secure the VIP,” she said.Mariko hurried and approached Marcus.“We need to leave, now.” She informed him.There was an urgency in her tone, which made Marcus frown. He followed her through his gaze and looked at her back as she passed by her and walked towards the car that was parked on the side of the street.‘What is happening? Why is she in a hurry?’ he wondered.When Mariko noticed Marcus was not following her, she turned around and hissed.‘Damn! Why is he not following me?! Dammit!’ she cursed under her breath.Mariko came back to where Marcus was standing.“Why are you not following me? I told you, we need to leave
“A Mafia Lord?” His eyes widened as he got shocked by what he had just heard.Marcus couldn’t believe what he was hearing from Mariko. How could his father be a mafia? All this time, he only knew his father as a good husband, a businessman, and a nobleman in the country.“Everyone knows about it. Even your cousin, John. ‘Cause his father, Austin Morris, replaced your father temporarily. But their Mafia didn’t go too well now. So, we think the enemies were after your father. As they knew, the Mafia Lord before weakened.” Mariko explained, which made him clench.‘How can they do this to me? How can they not tell me everything about it? It felt like I was being fooled. As they left me behind in the shadows. And how about my mom… Does this mean my mom died because of my father?’ he gasped.“So, my Mom did not die because of mere carjackers, but from those enemies of my father before?” he asked, which made Mariko nod.“Maybe they found out that your father left the underground world. And f
“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
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