Disclaimer: I do not own Skip Beat!

Summary: Will hatred be enough to stop someone from loving another?

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My breathing came in close intervals as Ren moved closer. He placed his head at the side of mine and gently whispered.

"What offer, Kyouko?" His breath, close to my ear, produced a tingling feeling that caused goosebumps.

"He wasss… of..offer…ring" I stuttered as I felt the discomfort overcame me.

"He was offering what?" he pressed as he leaned his body closer to mine. I was still in my sitting position while he supported his body with his hands; one firmly pressed on my desk and the other on my arm chair. I placed my hand on his chest and gently pushed it, in order to bide some time. Unfortunately, he didn't give me that. Instead, he got hold of my hand and squeezed it and asked again.

"He was offering what, Kyouko?"

Resigned, I took a deep breath, stared into his eyes and said "He was offering me to marry him"

At that moment, I saw pure, genuine anger appear in his eyes. He was ranging mad as he struggled to get up. I got a firm hold of his arms while he struggled to wiggle it free.

"Let go, Kyouko! I'm going to kill that bastard!"

I didn't bulge at his attempt to let go. Suddenly, he looked at me and gave me a questioning glare.

"You don't intent to accept his proposition, right Kyouko?"

I stared at his beautiful eyes and saw a flash of pain that was replaced by fury evident before. I looked at him in incredulity as my arms remained locked in his.

"Don't be absurd! Of course not!"

"Then why are you still holding my arm?"

Even though Ren tried to hide it, I could sense his anger and jealousy… Jealousy? Is that it? I mean, Ren did say that he harbored some affection to me but… Is it possible that it is so great to the extent that he would be this angry? I wonder… But, I can't hope… I just can't because as a rule, you experience the greatest pain when you hope! But as I stare into his eyes full of emotions, I could only imagine a life really worth living and it really made me want to hope.

Instead of pondering and entertaining my inner demons, I focused my attention to the situation at the present. Regardless of the reasons, he was blazing with anger and a change in the atmosphere was really called for.

"Can't I lock arms with my handsome husband?"

He almost choked at my sudden boldness. Instead of playing my role and act innocent, I suddenly burst into laughter that I can't control. Honestly, I didn't know what made me laugh. Is it Ren's reaction when I tried to look cute or is it my own boldness to do that, when I have never done before? Regardless of which, one thing is indeed sure, the atmosphere was light again; the heavy, dark one had vanished to thin air. I looked into his face that was quite confused but smiling.

"What are you smiling for?" I asked him

"You know, you're very beautiful when you smile. You're eyebrows come closer when you do and it tempts me to kiss it; like this!"

He leaned down and placed a kiss between my eyebrows. After which, he stared at me intently and smiled that made my knees literally weak. I could feel my blood rushed to the top of my head as he continued to smile innocently.

In order to escape this embarrassing situation, I asked him about the food. Thankfully, he suddenly got off me and suddenly unpacking the food from the bag. I watched him as he explained the nutrients found in them and it was good for the baby.

"…This is grape juice, some says it's really nutritious and this one is full cream milk, you need to have a stronger bone and this…" he stopped as he saw my expression... I was crying, for goodness' sake, for no apparent reason! Ren's expression suddenly became guarded as he asked me what's wrong.

"Is there something wrong, Kyouko? Do you feel pain somewhere? Is it the baby? Please, tell me… Wait! The doctor! The number…" As I saw him worry and panic in front of my eyes because of the baby, I realized maybe… just maybe… this marriage just might have a chance.

"Ren, I'm okay. It's just hormones, I think" He looked at me before kneeling down and hugged me softly while he whispered "Thank God"

***At the Party***

"I told you not to wear that" Ren whispered in my ear as we entered Kanae's house. Earlier this evening, Ren and I had an argument about the dress. Well, it was the 5th and it might as well be the last one I would try tonight. He forced me to try a lot of clothes for his reasons that it was too short, too sexy, too…I don't know.

"You also told me not to wear the other 4! What do you want me to wear, my pajamas?" I asked sarcastically as I saw his face lit up a little.

"That would be better than what you're wearing tonight. You're too delectable to my taste and others are seeing it freely. Come now, you can still change your mind. I bought a long sleeves…"

He was interrupted as Kanae noticed us. She immediately excused herself from the man she was talking to. Well, that must be her boyfriend. He was tall, looking from my side, but I can't see his face yet due to the fact that he wasn't facing us. Before Kanae came to us, Ren excused himself when, suddenly, his phone vibrated. I saw him exited the house as I felt Kanae' arm slip through mine. We walked hand in hand as she sang praises to her boyfriend.

"…Well, he is a vice president of an IT corporation. He is handsome, fashionable…he is great!"

We continued to walk until we reached the man's destination. He seemed familiar but I brushed it off as a feeling of uneasiness overcame my whole being. I immediately forced myself to calm down but was in vain. The moment he turned around, series of pictures, memories that haunted me came back. Suddenly, the noise inside me broke as if to remind me that it was there all along.

"Ren, you know Kyouko Mogami, right? What is she like?"

"Come on, Ren. You can't have all the fun! Come on!"

"She's a lady with a chubby face; she's a gullible fool too. She's actually my stalker and if…"

Before Kanae could utter the name belonging to a man that was partly the reason why I became guarded, I muttered it under my breath.

"Yashiro"

Unedited.

So, that's all for now. I'm really sorry for the delay! Believe it or not, I didn't have time for anything other than my studies. I was not even lucky to have 3 or 4 hours a night to myself. Sorry Hmmmm. I know this isn't enough to compensate all those months but still, I just wanted to update. I will try to update whenever I can, that I can assure you. Please review! That's one of the things that keep me writing. Hehe. Thank you so much for the support and I wish you will still support this fanfiction even though its writer is such a… I don't know But still, Thank youuuuuu! Please don't forget to review!

Also, did anyone of you felt giddy when you read chapter 204 and 205 of Skip Beat? Well, I sure did. Ren was so smoking hot coming from the water! Haha

Please review. Honestly, nothing motivates a writer more than a little encouragement or critique. I will gladly welcome your positive or negative feedbacks! (Although I wish a great number of which will be positive ;)) Just…be kind, I guess )

Till we meet again. hopefully soon.\

Xoxo~muahh16

Also, I would like to hear your thought in this story Hope you would give me feedbacks!

The sun was almost setting, the air was misty yet warm, the sky was in a shade of dark blue, and the sea waves crushing softly to the shore; soaking those powdery white sands of Boracay.

"No matter how many times I've been here, the beauty still fascinates me" I muttered to myself as I stand in the balcony of my room. I was leaning closely as the sun disappeared completely; replaced by the white circular moon that lit the sky. The stars twinkled continuously as if they know how happy I am at this moment. I was thrilled, alright. For the first time in 15 years, ever since the vacation in Paris, my family and I had a family trip within the country. I only see them once or twice a week, at most. I know how busy my parents were. Thus, I never said anything even though I was dying to spend time with them. Although I had been travelling a lot in the past years, this had been the first time since a decade and a half that we were complete as a family and as I was engrossed in my thoughts, the memory of that faithful day, February 26, entered my mind.

Flashback

We were in Paris. I was excited to see the country for the first time. I was only 5 years old back then, carrying my rabbit doll with me, wearing my red, polka dots, sleeveless dress. I had been ecstatic to visit and roam the unknown. While enjoying the view through the second floor of the Eiffel tower, my parents suddenly bumped into someone they know and were immediately invited to their colleague's home. I didn't want to go but I had no choice in the matter. We proceeded to the house after touring the world class structure. At the party, I was suddenly introduced to a bunch of 10 year olds who had stoic faces. We wore tuxedos that quite resembled those of adults. I thought they were all nice since they said "Hi" to me but as soon as my parents conversed with their associates, one boy suddenly pushed me and called me "fat", "ugly", and "pig". I got up as if nothing had happened and strode to reach the outside of the mansion. I found a tree and hid behind it. I was sobbing and sobbing while continuously wiping the tears that fell from my eyes. But the tears just won't stop. A boy then suddenly appeared out of nowhere and handed me a handkerchief, gently patted my head, squatted in front of me and said "Whatever you are feeling will go away, just smile and spread your wings. You are very beautiful, don't forget that, little one" He then stood up and head back to mansion. I immediately adjusted my position and looked at the back of the sweet boy and shouted "Thank you!" while grasping the handkerchief he gave me as I instinctively put it near to my heart. The boy turned around and winked at me.

I smiled at the recollection of my first love. I never knew the name of the boy and I never saw him again. I knew that a future together was impossible. Thus, I tried very hard to forget him but failed. Maybe, time will come and lingering feelings will just go away. I was already 20 years of age. I am currently finishing my master's degree in De La Salle University. I am also in my final year in school before I inherit my parents' company, BDR Corporation.

A knock on the door caught my attention. I immediately put on my robe and answered. "Come in" An old lady with silvery hair entered the room. She gently lowered her head and said to me

"My lady, you are requested to be downstairs by your father and mother" I then looked at the digital clock located in a small, brown table beside my bed and saw some red numbers saying "11:30" located at the center of it. I then wrinkled my nose, looked at the old lady and replied "At this hour?"

The servant gently bowed and said "Yes, my lady" I nodded indicating that I'd be down in a minute. When the servant began walking to the door, I suddenly blurted out "Next time just call me Lizzy" she turned around and caught my smile; she smiled back and nodded again. She then exited my bedroom. I put on one of the robes I saw hanged in my closet and hurriedly gone to the private reception area. I saw my parents sitting side by side in a long velvety sofa near the grand piano. Their faces were grim and unreadable. At that moment, my feet involuntarily stopped but I forced myself to reach my final destination. As soon as they caught sight of me, they stood stiffly and asked me to sit down. What they said next frightened and shocked me "You're getting married. We have arranged a very suitable life partner for you." At first I thought they were joking but as soon as I saw their faces again, I dismissed the idea. My heart began to beat really, really fast. As I pull myself together, I forced myself to mutter "To whom?" between my trembling lips. When they didn't answer me, I asked the same question again.

"To Liam Co"

My heart pounded heavily as my mind went black.

I woke up in a haze the next morning. I didn't dare to open my eyes for I can hear people talking seriously with each other. My parents were arguing terribly with a person who I think is their lawyer.

"You can't make her marry him, John! You see what the news did to her. She fainted, fainted!" my mother said to my father in an alarmed voice. My curiosity then won out and I peeked at the scenario in front of me. She was clutching my father's tailor made coat as she sat in a chair near her. My father then tried to calm my mother and said "I won't, you know that. I thought it was a good idea, at first. Liam was a good man. I met him but If Lizzy doesn't want to get married then I won't force her. I love our daughter far too much to marry her off to a person she doesn't want." As he rubbed her shoulders in up and down motion. I was ready to tell my parents that I love them too when their lawyer suddenly cleared his throat "Mr. & Mrs. Del Rosario, you know perfectly well that if you don't agree to this marriage, you will lose the CEO position because of the debt. Mr. & Mrs. Co gave you this opportunity because they know how wise and intelligent you are. They know that your current situation was not because of your own doing. They are willing to cancel your debt if Elizabeth marries their son, thinking that the company will then be co-owned by their and your child. Please think this through"

I knew how much time and effort my parents exerted in order to establish that company and I will not let them lose it. I vowed silently determined to finish my part of the bargain knowing how this marriage will crash every illusion I have being married to a man I love.