Mariko was lying on her bed and ready to get back to sleep when she suddenly remembered Marcus. ‘Dammit! I forgot! He’s drunk, and I pushed him away. What if something bad happened to him? What if he might get into trouble? Or worse, he might get into an accident. Damn! I should have let him stay here.’ She shook her head.‘No. It can’t be. Alexis is here, and she might wonder why Marcus is here.’ Mariko sighed exasperatingly.‘Maybe I shall follow him until he gets home safely. Right! That’s what I will do.’Mariko went back to her room to change clothes and took her motorcycle key before she went out to follow Marcus. Mariko looked around and saw Marcus in the park, trying to insert the key into his car.Annoyed, Marcus hissed and kicked his car after several attempts to insert the key, but the stubborn key did not insert into the hole. So, Marcus had made a decision. And that is to leave his car in the park. Mariko wanted to help him but had decided not to interfere unless he was i
Marcus’ eyebrows furrowed when he opened his eyes and immediately saw a woman with short hair, wrapped in a white blanket while sleeping with her back facing him.A smile immediately appeared on his lips when he realized who was the woman he was sleeping next to. ‘Am I dreaming? She’s here. Sleeping beside me. So, last night wasn’t a dream at all.’ Marcus leaned closer to her and put his arms under her head and wrapped the lady with his arms.Mariko moved as she was disturbed by the movements of the person next to her. Mariko was awakened but she did not open her eyes as she felt a bit embarrassed. What made her think about why she decided to stay and sleep with this guy when she was pushing him away?“Good morning,” Marcus greeted her with his baritone voice, which made her feel hot.Mariko was blushing and she tried to hide it from him by using the blanket that was covering her naked body.“Can you face me?” Marcus asked, but Mariko shook her head.Instead, she woke up, brought the
Mariko and Marcus came back to her penthouse, where Alexis was patiently waiting for them. “You may go home now,” Mariko said to Marcus.“Alright. Bye.” Marcus kept on smiling at her as he doesn’t want to let go of her hand. But he needs to go home still because he needed to talk to his father about his relationship with Mariko.Mariko sneered. “You may let go of my hand now. So, you can go home.” Mariko reminded him, which made Marcus follow her. He waved his hand to bid goodbye once again while he was walking backward on his way to his car. Marcus even made a flying kiss at her which made Mariko shook her head while chuckling.Mariko took a deep breath before she went inside her penthouse. Mariko found Alexis standing while swinging the crying baby in the living room. Mariko looked around and noticed that the house was in a mess. There were toys and other children's things everywhere. She even noticed Alexis who looks exhausted as if she didn’t have a goodnight's sleep. And she was
It was late in the afternoon when Marcus went to Mariko’s place to get her. Marcus’ mouth was agape when she saw Mariko. She wore a black lace bodycon cocktail dress that reached below the knee with a slit on the right leg up to her thigh. Her hair was in a wet look brush-up style.Mariko raised her brow when she noticed Marcus was drooling over her. “Close your mouth. I saw some flies flying near you. It might enter inside your mouth.” Mariko joked.Marcus invited Mariko to attend Ethan’s birthday. And also, Ethan wants to talk to her. A few weeks ago, Marcus called her to set a meeting with his father, Ethan, but because Mariko was busy babysitting Alexis’ daughter. Then after that incident, Mariko needed to fly back to Japan for a meeting with the few investors in her company. And she just went back three days ago.“You look dashing,” Marcus complimented her.“Thank you,” Mariko said.“Shall we?” he asked, which made Mariko nod.****A limousine arrived in front of a five-star hote
Marcus walked out of the hall while holding Mariko, who was struggling from his grip.“Marcus! Let me go!” Mariko said exasperatedly.They reached the garden, where Marcus loosened his grip on her.“What do you think you’re doing?” Mariko glared at him with her brows knitted.She scoffed and shook her head in disbelief as she remembered what Marcus did in the stage earlier.“What?” Marcus asked as if he didn’t know what Mariko was talking about.“Do you think your father will allow that to happen? Do you think I will marry you? Come on, Marcus! Your father has already said it… He even announced to everyone that you are moving to country Y and will stay there for business. Isn’t it clear to you? Ethan did not give his blessings for our relationship.” Mariko scoffed.“And now, you’re making it worse,” she stated. “My father can't take back what I said earlier. I know him. He loves me, and I can force him to get us married. Especially since I have already announced to everyone that we a
Mariko laid down on her bed lazily. She looked at the little black box she was holding and opened it. She took the diamond ring inside the box and measured it on her ring finger. It amazed Mariko to see that the ring was the size of her finger. ‘It fits me,’ she complimented. ‘Hmm… He seems to know what I like.’ Mariko touched the small diamond in the middle of the ring. And she felt satisfied. But then Mariko removed the ring and put them back in the box. ‘I will not wear it yet.’ She thought and put the box inside the drawer beside her bed. Mariko was busy drying her hair while she was in front of the vanity mirror when she heard a clicking sound of the door as if someone had entered her house. She wore her robe and took a gun with a silencer from her desk and tiptoed out of his room. The surroundings are dark and only the light that comes from the moonlight serves as her light. Mariko looked closely to see if anyone else was there aside from her. She immediately turned on the ligh
“Do you have any idea about who’s behind this?” Ethan asked, which made Mariko shake her head.They were in the camp. They were watching Austin and Itsuki, interrogating the leader of the attacks earlier. It still puzzled Mariko about the incident that had happened earlier. She still had no idea who might be the person behind the attacks.“I don’t know,” she replied.***She remembered what happened earlier when a group of men attacked them and hit her car. The thugs were laughing like crazy, as if they were some kind of psycho or like they were under the influence of drugs while they were hitting Mariko’s car. Luckily, the car, especially the glass was waterproof and it couldn’t be easily broken. They kept on hitting them, and Marcus, who was in the driver’s seat wants to get out and fight them, but Mariko stopped her.“Don’t,” she warned him with her eyes widened and her brows were frowning as she shook her head. “We can’t fight them. They will corner us here. Once we get out of thi
“It was an order from we so-called, Grim Reaper. I haven’t met him yet, but my boss… He’s the one who talks directly to the grim reaper.” The guy confessed as he struggled to breathe due to the continuous flow of blood from his face.“Tell us, where is your hide-out?” It was Itsuki’s turn to ask. While Mariko took off the knuckles from her hand and wiped her bloody hands with wet wipes.The man looked at Mariko who also sent him daggers through her stare.“What is your boss’ name? And which gang are you?” she asked.“We called him King Cobra. He had a huge cobra tattoo on his body. He’s known as a fearless gang in the underground society. I bet Ethan Reed knew him as they fought before.” he explained, which made Mariko look at the rectangular-sized mirror, where Ethan and Marcus were listening.“He has a deep grudge against Ethan so he agreed to cooperate with Grim Reaper,” he added.Mariko nodded as if she understood everything now. “Now, can you treat my face? I am in pain, as you c
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