“What did you just say?” Mariko’s eyes watered.“I hit your sister, two years ago,” Marcus confessed. He lowered his head feeling sorry.Her heart feels like it was being tightened as she could hardly breathe. She clenched and punched him in his chest.“Why?” She punched him again which made Marcus fall to the ground. She went on top of him and continue punching him as if he was a punching bag. “Why did you tell me this now?” Why?!” Mariko continued on hitting him in the face exasperatingly. Until she barely recognizes him.“Ahhh!!!” Mariko growled as she was about to use all her force to give him a blow to make his face break but she decided to punch the ground instead. She felt a pain in her fist but she just ignored it.Tears ran down her face and her lips trembles. Mariko stood up and Marcus noticed the blood on her fist dripping. He felt guilty.“I’m sorry. I just found out now. I didn’t recall what happened that day… I am sorry.”Mariko scoffed. She even wiped her tears and the
“Mariko-” Orianna was about to talk to Mariko when she saw her in the elevator of the lobby of their penthouse, but she noticed that Mariko was not in the mood to talk. It seems she didn’t feel her presence and her face looks gloomy.“Not now, Orianna.” She said, without looking at her.Orianna was stunned at Mariko’s reply. Orianna thought Mariko did not see her. But what she wondered most, was what made Mariko upset. Was Mariko mad because she left her at the bar without telling her? Well, she had a valid reason. Her daughter, Sophie, was sent to the hospital earlier because of a stomachache. And her daughter needs her. So she needs to hurry and forgot to inform Mariko about it.“Oh, okay. Are you alright?” she hesitantly asked.It looks like she could make the whole world turn upside down. Her brows knitted, and her nose wrinkled with her teeth gritted. Mariko noticed Orianna became silent, so Mariko looked her in the eye. Worried was evident on Orianna’s face. Mariko took a deep b
“Go ahead and kill me. If that’s what you want. But I want you to know that I like you. I like you, Mariko. And I’m sorry for your sister.”Mariko was stunned that she lose her grip on the knife she was holding. Fortunately, Marcus turned his head and the knife fell directly onto the ground. Marcus sighed in relief.‘What did he say? Does he like me? That’s absurd. He will not fall into someone like me. Besides, maybe, he just say it to save his life. I should not be distracted.’ She thought to herself. ‘You should not like him, Mariko. He’s the reason why you don’t have your dear sister anymore. He deserves to die.’ said her evil conscience.‘No. Don’t kill him. I know you like him too. Forgive him. I’m sure your sister would love to hear that you forgive him, rather than taking revenge.’ Said her good conscience.‘What am I thinking?’ Mariko shook her thoughts away. ‘I should keep my thoughts intact. I don’t want anyone especially this guy, will ruin my plan. I will kill him. But b
“Wait,” Lincoln pressed the stop button, “was he the guy from earlier? So he is the one who hit my dear Hana?” Lincoln asked in confusion.Mariko wiped her tears away and nodded.“Yes. He is,” She confessed.Lincoln clenched. His nose flared as he was glaring at Mariko. He was mad. “But why did you let him go? You should have told me, so I will kill him myself.” He said with his teeth gritted.“He's the reason, why I lost my baby with Hana. He is the reason why you lost your sister! And you let it pass?” Lincoln’s voice thundered.“I did not, okay?! It’s just that, I don’t have evidence yet. Although he confessed about it unto me, yesterday. But I have no proof.” Mariko explained.Lincoln massage his forehead and sighed exasperatedly. “Now that we have proof now… What are your plans?” He asked.‘I don’t know.’ she wanted to say it out loud but she know Lincoln would be disappointed.“I will punish him, myself. I will make him pay for what he did to my sister.” Mariko sternly said.“Go
“Hana, it has been a long time since I came here. Sorry if I did not visit you often. I was ashamed of facing you because I promise to find the person who took you from me. And now I knew… I will make sure, they will pay the price they made. I never thought that the person whom I trusted the most… We trusted the most and we treated him like our own brother will fool me. He betrayed you. And I will never forgive him.” Mariko gritted her teeth.They were in the cemetery where Hana’s grave was placed. Lincoln noticed her clenching. He taps her back to show sympathy toward her. “Hello, my love. I’m with your sister now. I’m sorry if I came here late. I did not know about what happened to you. I’m sorry if I was not able to protect you.” Tears escape from his eyes.“If I should have known… I should not leave you. This is all my fault.” He cried out loud.“I promise to give justice and make those who hurt you will put behind bars… Or might as well I will make their own grave. You did not d
Reed’s MansionEthan called Itsuki, Austin, and John to discuss his plans to retrieve his Mafia and strengthen its power. And how to protect Marcus from Mariko. Right now, they treated Mariko as their greatest threat. Itsuki informed them how skillful Mariko was, that she could work alone and kill them without them noticing her. It would be better if Mariko were on their side. And not as their enemy. But it was too late.They were in the library discussing this matter when the door suddenly opened widely. Their eyes darted to the newcomer.“What are you doing here?” Ethan asked.“Why? Am I not allowed to be here?” Marcus sarcastically said.“You should be resting. Your face is still swollen.” Ethan said.He was concerned about his situation. His bruises were still there on his face and some parts of his body, because of what Mariko did to him. And he knew Marcus liked Mariko. He liked her for his son too, but because of the situation regarding the accident two years ago, in which his
“Master, I found the evidence.” “What evidence are you talking about?” Ethan asked Itsuki over the phone. Itsuki was holding the wire that was supposed to connect to the brakes but it was cut. “I think someone cut the wires on purpose, Master. After the incident happen, we thought it was just an accident. And Marcus was at fault. But we were all wrong. We did not investigate that incident thoroughly. And I am sorry, Master. I’m sorry for failing my duties. But now, I know and I’m sure it’s not just an accident. Marcus was a victim of all of it. I just need to find more evidence to support my conclusion about the accident. Once I find out the cause, I will come to Mariko and explain it to her. So, she will not detest us.” Itsuki explained. “That’s good news then. Good work, Itsuki. I need to go now, I have a meeting with the board of directors.” Ethan said, before ending up the phone call. ‘Now I need to find more evidence so Mariko will forgive me.’ he thought. *** “Marcus!” Joh
“Dammit!” Mariko cursed as soon as she rode on her motorcycle. She took her helmet from its box and wore them.‘Why did I tremble? It was my chance to kill him… Why am I hesitant about killing him when I should not?’ She sighed exasperatedly and closed her eyes to cool down her annoyance before turning on the engine of her motorcycle.***Two weeks LaterMariko went to the famous cafe to meet Megan as she promised to accompany Megan. From the entrance, Mariko looked around and saw Megan, elegantly sitting in the corner, while drinking her coffee sophisticatedly. She looks like she’s in a tv commercial, promoting a cafe.‘Is she promoting this cafe? She looks like she is in a tv commercial, endorsing a coffee shop.’ Mariko tilted her head with her thoughts.Megan’s eyes darted to Mariko, who was still standing at the entrance while looking at her with her head tilted to the side like she was in deep thoughts. Her brows furrowed. ‘What is she doing there?’ she wondered. Megan raised her
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