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
Mariko woke up with a heavy feeling in her stomach. When she opened her eyes, Mariko got startled to see Marcus sleeping beside her, facing her direction with his arm on her stomach. While his other arm served as her pillow. ‘What the heck happened last night?’ she wondered. Mariko also noticed Marcus’ jacket wrapped around her as if it was a blanket covering her. She stared closely at his face. ‘How can I fall in love with this man? He doesn’t even look manly to me. He’s even weak and always in danger. How can this guy take care of me?’ she wondered. Mariko was in deep thought when Marcus woke up and opened his eyes. He noticed Mariko was staring at him with a cloud in her eyes. “Am I that handsome for you to stare at for a long time?” he teased. Mariko got stunned, which made her slap him in the face. Mariko immediately got up and left Marcus dumbfounded. ‘What on earth happened? Why did she slap me? I was kind enough last night and helped her to get her fever down. And yet s
*** At Mariko’s Mansion in Japan***“Have Mariko and Marcus been found?” Ethan asked Itsuki.It has been three days since Mariko and Marcus were gone after they chased Lincoln. Itsuki remembered what happened that day before they went missing. ***Itsuki hurried to the floor where CEO’s office was, he saw no one but Lincoln's unconscious men. Itsuki looked around to find Marcus and Mariko but he didn't see them. Then, he heard a noise coming from the chopper. He thought they might be on the rooftop. So, Itsuki hurried to the rooftop, but he couldn't catch up with them. He just saw the helicopter going away where Lincoln, Marcus, and Mariko were hanging.“Shit!” He cursed under his breath as he pulled his hair out of frustration.He fished out his phone and immediately called Ethan to inform him that Marcus and Mariko left with Lincoln.“Master, Mariko, and Marcus left with Lincoln. I think they were chasing him while Lincoln was trying to escape with a helicopter. And they already fl
“No, dad! Because of her, why I am still here, and alive. If not for Mariko, I will be dead by now.” Marcus informed him. Ethan shook his head in dismay. “You were just blinded by your love for her.” Ethan scoffed. “No, Dad. I was the one who chased, Lincoln, first. But Mariko followed me right away when she saw that we were leaving. And Mariko saved me before the helicopter exploded. Do you think, Lincoln will let me stay alive if Mariko weren’t there? She was the one who got hurt in the first place. She was the one who always saves me when I’m in trouble. So, don’t blame her. Instead, blame yourself for putting us all in this situation.” Ethan frowned at Marcus’ remarks. “Yes dad, everything that happened was because of you and your dirty deeds!” He clenched as he remembered what Lincoln told him. “Lincoln confessed and told me why he loathed us. Mariko and her sister was just a victim, and Lincoln used them. He even blamed you for the death of his father whom you punished in f
One month after, Mariko woke up with a heavy feeling in her head. She felt like her world was spinning around and every time she stood up, she always feel like she was going to vomit.‘What on earth is happening? Why am I suddenly feeling nauseous?’ she wondered. “Arghh! Dammit!” she groaned.Mariko was lying on her bed inside her bedroom when she heard a knock on her door. She rolled her eyes feeling irritated. “Mariko, are you alright? Can I come in?” Alexis asked. “Come in,” she said, and Alexis went inside her room.“Are you alright?” she asked again when she noticed Mariko was as white as a sheet.Mariko shook her head. “Do I look like okay? I am not,” she replied in a sarcastic tone.“I feel like the world is upside down. And I can’t stand up because I feel like I’m going to vomit.” Covering her mouth with her two hands, Alexis gasped and her eyes widened in surprise.“What do you want, anyway?” Mariko cleared her throat as she felt like there was a phlegm blocking her esophagu
*** ONE YEAR LATER*** Mariko and Alexis went back to country P. Alexis excused herself as she needs to go to the restroom, while Mariko was carrying a baby who was sleeping in her arms. From afar, Marcus was waiting for his chauffeur to come, when he noticed Mariko. He frowned upon seeing a baby carried by Mariko. ‘Was she married? No, it can’t be. Then whose baby is that?’ he wondered. Suddenly Marcus remembered what happened to them on an island. ‘Could it be our baby?’ he thought. Marcus immediately went to approach her. “Mariko!” he called. Mariko looked around and saw Marcus walking towards her. She frowned upon seeing his serious face. ‘What is this guy up to?’ she wondered when she noticed Marcus was clenching. “I want to ask something but you should tell me honestly,” Marcus said. Mariko frowned but eventually she nodded. “What is it?” she asked. “That baby… is that ours? Am I the father of the child you are carrying?” Marcus asked. Mariko tilted her head and wonder
“Uh, excuse me, but Mariko and I need to go.” Alexis awkwardly said, while looking at the couple hugging in front of the airport where people were watching them, which embarrassed Mariko.Marcus noticed Mariko was struggling from his grip, so he let her go. “Sorry about that,” he apologetically said and smiled at her.“Do you have a service? You can ride with me.” He offered his car to them, but a BMW Sedan suddenly stopped in front of them.Three pairs of eyes narrowed at the person who had just got out of the car from the driver’s seat. He’s wearing a pink polo with sleeves rolled up to his elbow paired with white pants. Marcus’ brows knitted when the guy looked at Mariko and smiled at her, showing off his brightest teeth.“I’m sorry, love. Did you wait for too long?” he asked, which made Marcus’ jaw drop.‘Love? Is this guy Mariko’s boyfriend?’ He looked at them in disbelief, especially when the guy kissed Mariko’s cheeks while holding her waist. And what makes him feel annoyed was
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