“Mariko!”“Mariko!”Megan and Marcus said in unison. Megan dropped the cup of coffee she was holding, and gasped. While Marcus immediately hug Mariko who had just got awake.Mwah Mwah MwahMarcus immediately kissed Mariko on her face, which made Megan giggle as she was the two love birds having a moment together.“I will call a doctor. I will leave you two first,” Megan exited happily the room.“Can you be a little careful? I still have a wound in my chest. Ouch,” Mariko groaned in pain.“Oops, sorry. I was just excited seeing you awake.” Marcus let go of her from his embrace. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?” he asked.“I need water,” she said.Marcus hurriedly got a glass of water and gave it to her. Mariko mouthed thanks.“By the way, how was your dad? What happened right after that incident?” she asked.Marcus was taken aback. He doesn’t know where to start talking about what happened during that day. Fortunately, Megan came back with Mariko’s doctor. He sighed in relie
“Marcus needs to attend his father’s funeral. Mr. Reed was dead during the operation,” she said continuously while holding her breath.Megan takes a peek at her when she hears nothing from Mariko. Mariko was stunned by Megan's news.“This can’t be…” Mariko muttered.“Mr. Reed is not dead… It should be me who was supposed to be dead,” she said as she shook her head in disbelief.‘He saved me… And yet, he sacrificed his life for me. Now, after what happened to his father, how can I face him?Mariko broke down and cried while Megan keeps on caressing her back. “It should be me who is supposed to be there… I should not be here. I should not be here!” Mariko tried to remove the IV drip that was attached to her hand, but Megan was trying to stop her.“Please, Mariko… Don’t do this. Don’t blame yourself. It was not your fault.” Megan shed a tear, as she saw how devastated Mariko was right now.She blamed herself and her blabbermouth for telling Mariko what happened. Now, she’s panicking as s
“Please help me, John. I’m begging you. I promise I will do whatever you want.” John bit his inner cheeks as he tried to think what he could do to help her. He took a deep breath. “Alright. I will speak with Mariko tomorrow and explain to her that it wasn’t her fault for the passing of Uncle Ethan.” Megan sighed in relief after what John had just said. With her excitement, she even hugged John. And both of them got stunned by what she did. The two immediately separated from the embrace as if they got scorched. “Sorry,” Megan apologized immediately. Then, she made a space between them. The atmosphere had become awkward as they both became silent. Megan looked up and smiled to see the beauty of the full moon peeking out, which was hiding behind the clouds earlier. She immediately hugged herself, when she felt the cold breeze hitting her skin. John noticed his companion and quickly took off his jacket to put on the girl. “Wear this. You might catch a cold.” He said in an icy tone.
“May we call on Mr. Marcus Reed to give his testimony for his late father, Ethan Reed,” the host called Marcus to give his eulogy for his father’s wake.“Good evening, everyone.” Marcus started. He looked around to greet them all.“First, I want to say thank you all for coming tonight. Well, I know most of you know about my dad and me. At first, my dad and I were close. That was before mom died. Even if he’s busy at work, he always finds a way to be with us. But you all knew my dad, and I went off. Because of the incident that happened to them, I hated him for letting my mom die. I hate him for letting this happen in our family. I blamed him for my mother’s loss, not knowing what he felt after my mom, his wife, was gone. But as time passed by, I got to understand dad. I could see how my dad longed for my mom, the way I longed f for my mom before.” He chuckled as he reminisced about the silliness he had done before.“There’s this one time that I sneak around and see what he’s doing in
Megan was busy peeling apples when Mariko asked her to buy her a pizza. Megan frowned.“Why it has to be pizza? Are you craving it?” she asked while looking at her in disbelief.“I know Marcus will come over and visit me later. It’s good if we have food for them to eat.” Mariko stated.Her face remained stoic as she looked at Megan seriously.“But no one will be right here with you,” she said.“But I don’t want to leave you alone here,” Megan said.‘You might end up doing something ridiculous while I’m gone.’ Megan wanted to say this but she rather chose not toMariko looked at her as if she read her mind. “Don’t worry, I will not do anything that will make you worry.” Mariko smile reassuring her.Megan looked at her with her brows raised. “Promise?” she asked.Mariko smiled, “promise,” she replied.‘I’m sorry, Megan. I will break my promise to you.’ She wanted to say this, but she chose not to. Mariko doesn’t want her friend to worry. And it’s better if no one knew about her plan.Me
"You can go on guys. Don’t worry about me. I won’t do silly things.” Marcus promised his friends.“Are you sure are you okay, dude?” Christian asked which made him nod.“Yes. Now, you may go to your home. I can manage here.” he smiled reassuring them that he was alright.Christian, Lucas, John, and Megan left, leaving Marcus alone. He went inside his home. And suddenly he feels empty. The house was too dark and cold. No one was with him, because Marcus asked their servants to have their vacation. Losing his necktie, Marcus sat on a couch, facing the portrait of his parents. A tear suddenly escaped from his eyes as he remembered his parents. It feels like his heart was clenched, and it tightens gradually. No one was beside him, to comfort him. His parents were gone as well as his lover.‘So this how it feels.’ Marcus chuckled while wiping the tears that escaped from his eyes. ‘The feeling of being abandoned by your loved ones, makes me feel insane.’ He heaved a sigh.Marcus removed his
TWO YEARS LATERCOUNTRY Y“What is my appointment for today?” George and his boss arrived at her company. They were heading to the CEO’s office when his boss asked.“Ms. Gibbs, you have a meeting with the new investors at 10 am. You also have an appointment with Mr. Lee at 2 pm. After the two important meetings, you’re free.” George informed her.“Alright. After the meeting with Mr. Lee, prepare the plane. We’ll go to country P. I have personal matters to attend to later.“Aye. Aye, Ma’am.” George replied. He even saluted as he went inside the office.Today was Hana Saito’s death anniversary. And Mariko secretly visited her sister’s grave every time she misses her. Mariko also changed her name from Mariko Saito to Marie Gibbs. And she owns Cherry Inc. One of the most popular gadgets all over the world. Mariko changed the name of their family business. She announced that she had sold the company, under Marie Gibbs, and George was the one who was facing the company's board of director
‘Who is he? I never saw him before.’ Marcus wondered. He fished out his phone from his pocket while not removing his stares from Mariko and her companion. He clenched when the guy put his hand on Mariko’s back as if supporting the girl to walk on the stairs. Gnashing his teeth, Marcus took photos of them secretly. He even put his camera in zoom-in mode to take clear pictures of the guy. ‘You, asshole! How dare you lay your finger on my woman! I will cut them when I meet you again. I will come and find you.’ Marcus followed them until they reached the parking lot. He took more photos of them. Even the plate number of their car, he took a picture of it. When Mariko’s car left, Marcus immediately followed them. ‘I will also know where you are hiding. I’ve been looking for you, Mariko, for a long time, yet you never left your country.’ he thought while driving his car. Mariko’s car arrived at the airport. Marcus tried to follow them secretly until they reached the side of the airport
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