Chapter 29 – Fate I – Across the Street
David closed his eyes shut, his mobile phone pressed to his forehead. He was back in Tokyo but it seems that problems continued to sprout one after another like mushrooms after a heavy rain. He was not able to do anything the whole day but answer the calls from their family lawyer that the non-stop ringing of his mobile phone was now inexorably getting into his nerves.
Apparently, his mother was making the situation complicated day after day. The matriarch strongly rejected his withdrawal as the head yet still denied him his freewill. He had to remind them that soon as formalities were completed, he will no longer be Wong but his mother wanted none of it. David let out a frustrated sigh. His mother was extraordinarily contradicting.
Not only their family lawyer but his elder sister was calling him endlessly to reconsider. Madam Lin Li knew his weak spot. His siblings.
After Madeline, the last thing he would ever want was for his family members to step foot in Japan to disturb his peace. And now, just ten minutes ago, his elder sister confirmed her arrival in Tokyo three days from now as emissary to their mother.
He leaned lazily on his swivel chair, its creaking sound barely audible due to his continues tapping of gadget on his forehead. Last Friday's announcement as expected was a disaster though not the way he imagined. Madeline was a no show but left a parting gift, a short video to her unsuspecting parents containing a web of lies, heartfelt apology and a plead for understanding to the utter shocked of both their families, relatives, guests and in all bared honesty, him. They had been the talk of the town from newspapers, TV, radio and social media all making their own ridiculous version of the story.
Until to date, they had no idea of Madeline's whereabouts leaving Beijing with no single trace. First, Miaka. And now, Lien. He was beginning to wonder if disappearing was a natural talent of women.
Yui and Keisukei have yet to hear from Miaka. It's been eleven days and really, his worrying and frustrations were driving him crazy. If she was so mad at him that she can't bear to see him, fine! But why punish her best friend and brother as well?! She could just at least let the two aware of her condition.
Indeed, before he met Miaka, his life was constantly plain boring and empty… and planned.
After he met her, life had become wonderful and beautiful... and crazy.
It was unbelievable that a single person, a woman for that matter would have had the power to change his life, the course of his fate and ultimately destroy it.
He might have given up everything but he was not irresponsible as to just toss his duties in a toilet bowl. He might have severed his ties with his family but that doesn't mean he didn't care anymore. He wanted someone loyal, sincere and selfless to take over the duties of the Patriarch. A clan head that valued principles, with strong backbone not to yield to the demands and pressures of the elders. With formalities still pending, he has no choice but continue to fulfill his duties and look after their business empire until a successor is named. So, life is still busy as usual... but crazy.
Crazy...
Ringggg! Ringggg!
David tightened his hold on his mobile with eyes still shut and brows creased. He swears to throw the piece of gadget if the person on the other line was their family lawyer.
Ringggg! Ringggg!
He opened his eyes and glared at the caller ID in barely suppressed irritation. Surprised at the unexpected caller, he pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Daphne..."
"And they all lived happily ever after... The End..." Miaka finished with a small smile.
"More! Read us some more Miaka Oba-chan!(1) Pleaseee...!"
The door opened with a creaking sound, distracting the people inside. Looking up, they saw the man entered the library room chuckling.
"Rei Oji-chan! (2) You're back!" The twins stood up and ran towards Alexis direction.
"Hello Aki, Aya. I bet you're having a wonderful time. Now who wants Ben & Jerrys?"
The twins screamed in delight and hugged and tugged their uncle. The man laughed and told them the ice cream was already waiting for them downstairs and the children ran outside the room.
"I'm sorry that the children are monopolizing you. I can't believe you agreed to Pipa getting you to babysit her children."
Miaka despite her weary look offered an honest smile. "Oh please Alexis, I'm having a great time with them. For the first time after the accident, I don't feel useless."
"You have an amazing rapport with the kids, you're a natural Miaka. I wonder why you took Tourism instead of Education." Alexis said while flipping the colored pages of Mulan story book.
Why indeed? Miaka mused inwardly. When she was much much younger, she never knew what she really wanted. She remembered wanting to be a princess like the story books she used to read. Eventually, she gave up realizing it was an impossible dream. Before she was whisked away inside the book world, she remembered wanting to become an usherette, so she can watch movies for free. When she and Yui returned to their world, she had become more confused than ever despite the things she learned from her adventure. She felt lacking… It was a feeling that no matter what she accomplished in life, there was a part in her that will remain hollow or empty.
It was only before she entered University that she finally ascertained what she really wanted to become in life.
It was because she wanted to be reminded of her foreign friends in the Universe of the Four Gods that she took what she thought was the closest job to heart. Unbelievable... how the book changed her life. For ten years, the most important decisions and happenings in her life had been influenced by a magical book... memories of her adventure.
"I like travelling."
"You're running a travel agency... not travelling." The man replied. "You quit your job as flight attendant after six months. You and Yui should have had pursued Business Management instead." Alexis replied easily.
Miaka responded with a raised brow and Alexis continued. "But I still think you are better as a teacher... It suits you."
The russet haired girl pursed her lips and smirked. "The twins are adorable. They're smart and loved books! Believe me, when I was that age, all I ever blabber about was what will be our food for lunch or dinner." She said jokingly. "The twins came from a family of geniuses so it's not surprising. I just hope their incorrigible uncle Rei won't influence them to all his nonsense!"
Standing abruptly, Alexis rounded the long sofa, intending to return the story book in one of the shelves but not before offhandedly tugging Miaka's hair fixed in a single pony tail. "Who are you calling uncle, you ingrate?!"
"Eekk!" Miaka laughed dryly while pretending to glare at her friend. "Bully!"
"Aw, poor little girl..." Alexis continued to tease by tapping the book flat on her head.
Miaka tilted her head to the side in avoidance then shot her friend with another glare. "Bully! Meanie! You…" She held her breath thinking of a name to call him. "Thomas!"
"Thomas…" Alexis raised a brow in suspicion. "It better not be the Tom and Jerry…"
The mocking look on her face was enough answer and Alexis felt the urge to strangle the girl. Wearing a bemused expression, he slumped onto the couch opposite the long sofa. "Of all the names you called me… that was the lamest of them all! Where did you brain cells go? You used to be a genius with name calling?! C'mon! Remember Brad Pitt?!" He supplied with wagging eyebrows.
A chuckle escaped Miaka's lips at his friend's display of outrage and it did not escape the man's attention. It was a meager laugh but a laugh nonetheless. Her response to their verbal spars though still lacking genuineness was a huge improvement. Wanting to break through her barrier, Alexis decided to humor her.
"Garfield sounded better? He was annoying yet adorable and huggable!"
The russet haired girl stiffened. Blinking slowly, her smile melted to a slight frown remembering David's reaction when she called him Garfield the first time.
Okay, you are even worse than Felix the Cat! Garfield suits you better!
Garfield? How dare you call me Garfield!
The slip of the brief memory made her heart twist uncomfortably. There was nothing more satisfying than to wake up at the peak of the mountain and caged in the warm embrace of the one you love. There was a sense of completeness that she had never felt before… a sense of rightness that she belonged to him and him to her.
In this world, he wasn't her Emperor. He wasn't her Seishi. That was he inside the Universe of the Four Gods.
In this world, he was her Garfield... He was her Sir Knight... He was her David...
But he wasn't hers… Not really…
Miaka's brows furrowed, eyes glistened in unshed tears.
Placing his arms on his knees with the book dangling on one hand, Alexis puffed his cheeks at the sudden quietness. Despite being perplexed, he decided not to dwell his curiosity about how on earth Garfield affected his friend's mood instead tried to restore the earlier light atmosphere before he accidentally uttered the now labeled 'taboo' word to Miaka.
"Alright…" Alexis stood up, this time, intending to return the story book but back-pedaled to playfully tap said book on Miaka's head. "Hey, shall we eat ice cream, Missy, before the two little mice scarf the whole thing?!"
Miaka gave him a pointed look but then sighed inwardly, irritated at herself. She was acting like an ungrateful bitch and it was unacceptable. Alexis has done nothing but gracious and she has to make amends before he regret helping her. "By the way, I forgot to ask you..." She said while the man paused to listen. "I was wondering if I could come along to the opening of your art exhibit."
"Of course you can!" He replied instantly.
"Great…" She sighed audibly, nodding her head. "Great!"
"Great! But are you sure... I mean travelling from Osaka to Tokyo..." He inquired carefully.
"Sure." She quickly replied. "I mean, I'm honestly feeling bad that I wasn't able to do anything to help you set-up the exhibit when I promised to help last time."
"C'mon, don't be ridiculous! You're the one who found the perfect location and even bargained the contract price." He protested lively.
She rolled her eyes. "And then left you hanging on the bridge with the contract formalities..."
"And there was a perfectly valid reason for that." He stated. "And Yui was there to help with the final touches. So, I am blessed to have two angels disguised as wonderful friends, I couldn't complain."
"Yeah right." She responded flatly.
"Touché." He said grinning.
"Uhmm... Did… Yui confirm what time she's coming?" She asked hesitantly.
"Yeah. Yui, Tetsuya and Keisukei and I believe your entire staff will be there around 6:30pm until closing, afterwards we'll go out for dinner to celebrate." He answered. "It would be great to have you there!"
"Err... Actually," Miaka contemplated silently for a moment, and then she spoke. I was thinking of going to the exhibit around 10:00am with the twins and Pipa then have lunch with you to celebrate. My treat!"
Alexis paused and looked at the woman intently. "Miaka, you know I would never barge in your personal life unless you let me in. But, well... Yui is also my friend... we're all friends and I'm beginning to wonder if you two have a quarrel to sort out."
"W-what? No... No. We're fine... We're absolutely fine!" She replied defensively.
"Then why avoid her? She spoke to me a few times and she was worried about you and asked me if you ever called me." Alexis said and noticed the sudden panic in Miaka's eyes. "Well, of course, I lied. I did promise you not to tell anyone, didn't I?"
"T-thank you." She said, relieved.
"But you should know that I was never proud of lying to her considering how worried she was."
Miaka lowered her head in contrition. "I'm sorry for all the troubles I caused you and everyone else... Of course, I would never want you caught in between if I could help it. It's not fair for you and Yui as well... I could leave this place as soon as possible, so you won't feel guilty the next time Yui –"
"No! You're not going anywhere!" Alexis turned his back and walked anxiously to the shelves, sighing and raking his shoulder length blond hair. "That's exactly the idea. I let you leave and you will disappear from all of us! I would rather feel guilty for keeping my mouth shut than be guilty for letting you go all alone in your current state."
Once he slipped the book in between the other Disney story books, Alexis turned back his head to regard his silent friend staring at her folded hands on her lap.
"Forget about it." He sighed in defeat. "I was just worried that you and Yui were having those girl's quarrels and well, I just wanted to do something for the two of you."
"No..." The russet replied quietly. "Yui and I… Were fine... It's just that... Things are kinda complicated now... Messy! ...I wish I could tell you but –"
"You don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable sharing. I just want to assure you that I'm here as a friend." Alexis said in a sincere tone. "As well as Yui." He finished.
Miaka theatrically raised her eyebrow when her nurse, Saeko told her there were no mails in her apartment mailbox. She asked Saeko to go to her place while she waited in town inside a homely bookstore with adjoining cafe. She wanted to settle her monthly bills and not wanting to disturb Alexis again, she decided to go to Tokyo by train. The russet had gained a little confidence after visiting Alexis' art exhibit two weeks ago. No one had seen her and if she would be triply careful she will return to Osaka in one piece. It was right after they alighted from the train and feeling the cool air of Tokyo lightly slapping her face that she realized her apartment was wrapped by the haunting memories of her second failed relationship and afraid that it will only bring unwanted tears, immediately back-out.
Wearing the same brim hat she wore at the art exhibit to conceal her face, Miaka unconsciously chewed her upper lip. There was only one explanation. Yui went to her place to get the bills and paid it using the company account. The priestess of Suzaku sighed. Alexis was right, Yui has nothing to do with her problems. She was just scared and she doesn't know why. Pathetic.
Suddenly feeling enormously bad for her self-centeredness, Miaka decided to call Yui. She took out her mobile phone only to stare at it, long and hard. The phone was cold and dead in her hand as it was left useless inside her bag for more than a month. A dreadful feeling settled in the pit of her stomach unprepared for the hundred of worried and angry messages and voicemails that would surely burn every single electronic chip inside the small piece of gadget even before all the messages were completely downloaded from the message box.
But… if she would be completely honest with herself and give her person a break for her desperate attempt of self-denial, the voice mails and text messages were the least of her worries. Her mind was primarily centered by the fact that she will be greeted by a handsome face she loved and hate the most the moment she decided to switch her mobile phone on. It has been more than a month and still, she wasn't able to reconcile with the truth. Just a passing thought or memory of him still hurt her like a fresh made wound. And seeing his face will undoubtedly bring tremendous sorrow. In her present condition, it was easy to convince herself that avoiding the cause of her heartache was the best solution. After all, Prevention is better than cure.
After a long moment of consideration, Miaka has finally decided not to use her cellular phone and carefully slid it back in her bag. There are other ways to contact Yui and after heaving a barely audible sigh, Miaka strode towards the counter to pay for the ice blended caramel coffee she ordered earlier.
When the cashier returned the receipt and debit card back to Miaka, the latter smiled and murmured a thanks before slipping it back in her bags front pocket. Looking back up at the middle-aged woman behind the counter, Miaka flashed a shy smile and approached her again.
"Can…uhmm… May I use your phone? My cell phone's battery is dead and I just need to make a quick call to my colleague." She smiled politely to cover up her lie.
The woman obliged with a pleasant smile and handed the wireless phone to the nurse, seeing Miaka's upper body's immobility. She nudged Saeko to the right side of the counter and in front of the magazine rack. Dialing the number, Saeko pressed the phone to Miaka's ear the moment it rang, not giving the russet the chance to relax her tensed muscles.
"Celestial Travel and Tours, Hello!"
The familiar voice of her best friend emanated from the other line exactly after the two rings. Miaka rolled her eyes inwardly. Give it to Yui who was ever attentive and sensitive to calls be it business or personal. Leaning her back on the wall, she took a long deep breath and replied in a small shaky voice.
"Hi Yui."
There was a sound of gasp in the other line and Miaka can practically imagine Yui's facial expression and felt another wave of guilt.
"M-Miaka...?" Yui paused uncertainly. "Miaka... Is that you?"
Biting her lower lip, the russet replied. "Hai, Yui-chan."
"Hah!" Yui sobbed in relief. Miaka's call was indeed unexpected but hearing her best friend's response brought her a mixture of happiness and longing. "Oh bless me Seiryuu! Miaka how are you? Where are you?! I swear I'm going to kill you!"
Miaka chuckle uncertainly, not the least bothered by Yui's threatening words but decided to use it to start the conversation. "That sounds wonderful Yui-chan," she croaked, "makes me want to stay here for good."
"The hell you're not!" Yui yelled between tears and laughs. She was so glad to finally hear her best friend's voice after over five weeks since the accident. "Oh I missed you, Miaka-baka!"
"I missed you too, Yui-chan..." Miaka felt her chest expanded in mixed emotions, assured that her best friend was not completely mad at her. "Can... can we meet out for lunch... today?"
"Of course! Of course! Lunch is less than an hour from now. Where do you want us to meet, MY TREAT!" Yui said, giggling over her last words. She sounded like she was bribing her best friend.
Miaka couldn't think of a place. She felt dizzy in excitement at the same time clouded by anxiousness. She remembered the Japanese restaurant a few blocks from the bookstore.
"I'm here in town. I'll wait for you in Ichiban Sushi."
"Ichiban Sushi it is then." Yui said excitedly.
"Hey, wait!" Miaka gasped, stopping Yui before she could put the phone down. "Uhmm… Yui-chan, thanks for paying my bills and my landlady."
"No worries. You don't owe me anything. You're a part owner and still drawing your salary. The bills were all settled but the apartment rental was paid by David." Yui was talking too fast she hadn't realized her tongue slipped and was too late to take it back.
"Wh-what?" Miaka stuttered in response, her heart contracting at the mere mention of his name.
Yui bit her lip hard. She sighed, regretting her tactlessness. "I… I'm sorry..."
Miaka could only gape in speechlessness, unable to wrap up her mind as to why everyone seemed to want to take responsibility for her temporary neglect of obligation. Sure, she'd understand Yui. She'll do the same thing too. But him…
"Nah, it wasn't your fault..." Miaka tried to brighten up but the tremble in her voice was apparent.
"It wasn't his fault too… you know…" Yui replied quietly.
"No, Yui, it's not like that…" The russet responded tensely, rolling her eyes in frustration as she tried to keep the tears at bay. "I... I just wonder... How and why he paid my landlady, is all..."
The blond sighed in response. "Miaka, David and Keisukei borrowed the spare key to your apartment. That was when you left the hospital... Uhmm, well, you see… They made a duplicate copy of it and visited your place from time to time." Yui paused to hear Miaka's reaction but when the other line remained quiet, she continued. "They were worried about you. We're all worried about you. David was cleaning your place on a weekly basis when the landlady paid a surprised visit. Your long absence made the neighbors suspicious."
"What happened then?" Miaka asked with mixed emotions. She was utterly surprised and confused to learn that the former emperor was invading the privacy of her home… to clean it.
"David invited your landlady inside to make her feel comfortable and explained you were attending some business matters in China and gave her his and your callings cards."
"In what?!" Miaka shrieked, eyes wide in shock. China! There was a tight feeling at the base of her throat. She felt not only hurt but offended by David's lack of sensitivity. What was she supposed to do there, attend his wedding? The thought made both of her hands clenched into fists, making her shoulder tensed painfully.
"It was Keisukei's idea." Yui replied instantly. "That was the alibi he came up with when he spoke to your mom. Keisukei initially suspected you went back inside the book!"
Miaka's eyes blinked in rapid pace, shoulder sagging at the mention of her family. Fists unclenching on its own, she felt a bone-deep weariness due to the sudden assault of guilt and regret. Mom… Keisukei…
Keisukei must be deeply worried if he thought that she went inside the Universe of the four Gods. She dragged them – her mom, Keisukei and Yui – to her own hell by cutting her communication line. Did she really think a piece of paper would be sufficient to appease his worry-wart bother? No… the truth was she wasn't thinking straight when she wrote that letter. She wasn't even thinking straight these past few weeks.
"Anyway, David issued a cheque when the landlady became concerned of the possible delay of your monthly rental pay."
"I see..." Miaka answered quietly. She closed her eyes briefly to gather her bearings. "I guess… I should thank him then... and pay him back..."
"Miaka, David was -"
"I'm alright Yui... really." Miaka cut her off and tried her best to sound cheerful as she changed the topic. She currently didn't want to deal with anything that has to do with the former emperor. Everything about him exhausts her, too exhausting that there was no more energy left in her mind to think of her worrying family. It was her family, damn it! She couldn't just shut them off her life as if they didn't matter to her.
She blinked away the foreboding tears and eyed Saeko who was pretending to be interested in the magazines. "My nurses' hand is getting stiff. She's holding the phone for me. I guess we should just continue our talk later."
"Nurse? …you're still in brace?" Yui asked.
"Well, kinda... They call it immobilizer. You know, to immobilize me!" Miaka laughed dryly. "Oh Yui-chan... I'm such a wreck... like being a baby all over again..." Sighing, the russet lowered her head to hide her forlorn expression. "But I'm trying to heal my wound one baby step at a time..."
Yui knew she wasn't exactly talking about her dislocated shoulder but something else. "Miaka..."
"See you soon Yui-chan! Don't forget, Ichiban Sushi! Bye!"
"Oh, okay... see you soon!"
Miaka released a shaky sigh after ending the call. Her brief conversation with Yui made her feel insecure in so many ways. Closing her eyes, she leaned the back of her head against the wall in the means to release the tension accumulated during the 10 minutes talk. She wanted to focus her thoughts to her family. She owed it to them. She promised Keisukei she will never seek the book again. That she will strive to live a normal life. She and Keisukei promised to always share each other's pain and celebrate each other's joy. But during her period of madness inside the hospital room, she shut him off. Just like what she did to Yui. Not a single word was uttered as she completely isolated herself from the outside world.
She wanted to embrace the consuming anger and pity alone. Perhaps, she didn't want them to witness how broken she was. Because she promised Keisukei she will always fight and never give up! That's why she strived and strived and strived, putting the well-made mask to shield that ugly looking crack.
But how can she face them… truly face them if she knew even the well-made mask was already broken. A part of her didn't want to disappoint her older brother. She can never compare the amount of her own pain to Keisukei's when his girlfriend died. The comparison was shameful and undignified. Theirs were true love. Hers were…
A one sided love…
Her face was briefly marred by bitterness and she lowered her head not wanting to show how the dwelling pain can easily annihilate her self-preservation. She didn't want to quantify the pain. To scale the amount of hurt was a foolish notion. Because pain is pain. It doesn't matter if it's a dull or excruciating kind of pain because she can both feel it. That poking icicle or sickening squeeze or violent churning that accompanies every beat of her heart. The kind of attack that was unavoidable and would left her vulnerable.
Ultimately, she had brought it upon herself. If she was wise enough not to trust her heart so easily, to fall in love so deeply, perhaps there was something to salvage her from this kind of death-like pain. There would be no need for mask and pretenses. It would have been easy to smile or laugh. Because she was free of pain.
But the hard fact was she wasn't free.
It was just a wishful thought.
The fact that David can easily walk in and out of her apartment, fiddling with her personal things were an unforgivable insult. The pain inflicted was not enough that he has to thoroughly exploit her to prove what? That he has complete control over her?
Yes… True… Wasn't it obvious already, how hopelessly in loved she was to him despite the deceit? Embracing her, kissing her, touching her, telling her things only a true man in loved would say so, repeatedly and insincerely. Yes, she had been played in the palm of his hand. And blind as she was, she reveled in his attention, sweet words, sweet kiss, sweet touch… because she was in loved. Was and still.
It wasn't his fault too… you know…
They made a duplicate copy of it.
It was daunting. If the man that caused her pain was faultless in the eyes of Keisukei and Yui, then who was? It would not be fair if there was no one to claim the blame. It will only doubled the tragedy.
What were you doing in my apartment… cleaning it on a weekly basis? Why would you care so much if it turns stinky and dusty? Why did you pay my rental as if it's your business? My life is no longer your concern the moment you deceived me, so what do you really want from me? Why can't you just leave me alone the way it should be?
Were you really worried about me… or you were just feeling guilty?
Her mind whirred to a halt realizing her thoughts had once again wandered to another territory. The last she knew, she was thinking about the guilt and the paradox of her pain and now her mind was engulfed in traffic due to the congestion of questions after questions about David's motives. She was uncertain though if she really wanted it to be answered.
Perhaps, a small part in her just couldn't ignore the very thought of him worrying about her. Somehow, it made her hopeful.
Hopeful about what? Her pessimistic side sniggered.
That despite the hopelessness her pained heart still wished for hope no matter how small and insignificant.
You're stupid! Her mind chided.
'It's not stupidity. It's love.' Her heart countered.
Precisely! A blinded love is a stupid love! Her mind scolded.
'But love nonetheless.' Her heart insisted.
You're hopeless! Her mind was already screaming.
'No. It's rather… hopeful.' Her heart smiled.
Saeko was throwing a weird look at Miaka as her lips instinctively curved in a wry smile though her eyes glistened with a hint of bitterness. Her expression betrayed her conflicting emotions.
Miaka shook her head slightly. She has to do something with her emotional transparency or she will fail to convince Yui that she was perfectly okay. Noting that she should now be heading to the said meeting place, she pushed herself from the wall, taking a few strides towards the side of the cashier counter intending to return the cordless phone.
While waiting for the older woman to finish her transaction with the customer who was buying a book about teenage romance, her eyes fell on the magazine rack on her left side. She scanned the titles perfunctorily when her eyes caught a familiar glossy magazine she used to browse whenever she goes to her favorite hair salon.
The magazine was half-covered by another magazine but the teaser line in light purple floating on the left side of the cover page was enough to catch her interest.
Major Break-ups.
Miaka rolled her eyes in vexation at the large caption of the gossip magazine. Seriously, these columnists should really get a life and just mind their own business. Stupid cheap articles! She snarled inwardly, looking away from the sea of magazines and tabloids. She never had a problem reading this type of materials before. Perhaps, she was affronted by the indirect assault to her person because she was still nursing from her own break-up not so long ago.
Turning her gaze back to the magazine, she glared at the offending text before grabbing the material from the fourth row of the rack. The first thing she noticed was the white doodles in between each couple emphasizing the break up. Her eyes scanned the photographs of the poor victims of gossip, sympathizing for the unwanted poking of slobbery noses into their personal lives.
Her eyes made a double take when she saw a strikingly familiar face and gasped loudly, too shocked and bewildered to comprehend as to why the couples photograph landed in the front cover of the magazine. They should not be sharing the same cover with the celebrity who had his third divorce in less than five years!
She stared at the caption once again with trembling hands. Major break-ups: Showbiz world... Sports world... Business world... Political world...
A pleasant voice pierced through her stupefaction. Shell-shocked, she slowly turned to face the woman behind the counter, the loud thudding of her heartbeat decimating her hearing senses.
She returned the borrowed phone, mumbling a word of thanks. Against her better judgment, Miaka found herself digging in her purse and pushing some cash to the counter. The soft ding of the machine and clank of coins broke her temporary trance and she realized that she had purchased the said article. She walked ahead slowly, hands holding the magazine in tight grip.
When she reached the first shelf opposite the glass panel window, a voice in her mind told her she need to go to the restaurant now but the voice was so distant and small compare to the rattling of her nerves.
It wasn't his fault too… you know…
Yui's voice filtered in her muddled state of mind enough to recall the nagging questions of the man's intrusion in her apartment. Gasping, she ripped the plastic cover and agitatedly leafed through the pages, looking for the lone article that captured all of her attention.
It seems that there will be no wedding bells for one of the youngest successful magnate in Beijing, David Saihitei Wong, and the delectable darling, Madeline Lien Chee, daughter of an equally successful business tycoon and owner of the chains of malls and restaurants both local and international, Wilson Chee.
The most sought out, glamorous party that was attended by relatives and high profile friends of each family to formally announce the engagement took an unexpected twist when the absent Ms. Madeline decided to show up in her party and greet her guests in a pre-taped video.
According to one of the guest who wished to remain anonymous, it appears that Madeline Chee - who would have been a sister in-law if not for the sad unfortunate circumstances - was not charmed by the irresistible looks of David Wong and declared that she was in loved with a small entrepreneur she met, suspiciously, in Hong Kong.
One unnamed source closed to David Wong's circle expressed that the young man was cynical and broken hearted and after giving a short message from the shocked guests, quickly made his escape. The distraught man refused to talk to his family after the said event and left Beijing to seek refuge in an unknown location.
Another source said that the handsome bachelor was equally head over heels in love with a mysterious woman he met in Japan –
Miaka gasped for air, so many rampageous emotions suddenly rift through her. She could feel the contraction of her heart and the unexpected swelling of that almost insignificant speck of hope.
– a few months ago. However, there was no confirmation since David Wong's attention appeared to be focused only in Ranotech Enterprises since he returned to Tokyo. Although another source said that the young man was quite protective of his woman due to her fragile condition and did not wish to entangle her to his already complicated life.
Whispers had it that because of depression, he has decided to abandon his prestigious title as the head of the Wong family. Representative of the family has declined to comment on this issue.
Miaka closed her eyes to force back her tears. David wasn't engaged. Not anymore. He was back in Tokyo... and personally cleaning her apartment. She sobbed helplessly. Oh, David... The name escaped from her trembling lips. Somehow, she wanted to believe the engagement was cancelled because he has chosen her. She suddenly had the urge to see him. What would I say?
A plethora of random weird thoughts assaulted her mind. Some were tolerable and comforting but some were quite outrageous and totally out of place. Unexpectedly, Miaka felt a twitch of frustration that the identity of David's supposed love interest in Japan was left unknown. Her eyes sweep through the article but there was no mention of name. She never imagined herself being caught in a spotlight. There was no reason since she's just an average citizen. Nothing special or extravagant whatsoever.
But at that precise moment, she desired the world to know that she was that woman this most sought out drop-dead gorgeous bachelor was head over heels in love with. She wouldn't mind being in the center of attention. She wouldn't care if her name was all over the cheap-not so reliable kind of gossip magazine. She'll humor them.
Or they can remain as low profile as possible. Let them guess the lucky girl who stole his heart.
It doesn't matter. All she ever wanted was him.
Ah, but what would I say?
Miaka bit her lower lip but failed to prevent the smile from escaping. How funny, half an hour ago she was lamenting the depths of her pain and now her nerves were vibrating from sheer glee. She wondered childishly if she was nearing her happily ever after. She has to stop herself from smiling but burst into a giggle when she caught Saeko staring at her with a dumb confused look on her face. That look was hilarious but who was she criticizing, she must look crazy in Saeko's mind.
Shrugging her shoulder carelessly, she winced at the stab of dull pain and instantly she was reminded of the detested memory of her accident. And the question of whose fault it was?
What would David say when he finally sees her in this pathetic pitiable condition? Was he upset with her? Would he… forgive her if it was truly her fault?
So many uncertainties.
Turning away from the long shelves to face the glass panel window, Miaka took a long deep breath to pacify her nerves only to hold it between her lungs and windpipe when her eyes caught sight of a tall handsome man with long silky hair tied in a loose pony tail briskly walking back and forth in front of the building just across the street.
There is no doubt! It's him!
Her heart thundered ferociously at the unexpected presence of David. She dashed behind the shelf and slowly, inconspicuously peered outside. No wonder she was particularly feeling odd since she entered the bookstore. There was something in the atmosphere that was making her overwhelmingly nervous and sentimental. This feeling was not a stranger to her. When was the last time she felt it – A month ago? Yet it felt only yesterday.
Unable to help her person, Miaka examined the man and for one fine moment she had completely forgotten her heartaches as if his mere presence despite the distance was enough of an antidote.
Despite the obvious loss of weight, she can detect the glow in his aura. David's face was alight in happiness and Miaka wondered what could make him smile like that. What could she possibly offer to be the reason of that wonderful-wonderful smile of his? She gasped and quickly hid behind the tall book shelf when the David turned his face to her direction. She instantly laughed at her own silliness, her heart felt warm. Why was she hiding?
And then she remembered fate.
There was a reason why they were at the same place at the same time. Not exactly the same place but across each other. Could it be possible that Lady Fate was giving them another chance of happiness? Only if one of them would be braved enough to remove the wall. Someone has to reach out. Someone has to cross the other side of the street. Someone has to break the silence. Would it be bad if she make the first move, if she reached out... if she crossed the street... if she breaks the silence...
Just to say Hi?
The sudden giddiness was overwhelming. The same overwhelming emotions she was experiencing, words were not enough to express it. Miaka tried to calm herself and slowly peered again outside the glass window. She felt her heart melting just by looking at David from afar. How she missed him.
Instinct pointing to all the right signs, Miaka decided to throw away all her doubts and inhibitions and follow her heart's will. Heaving a deep shaky breath, she blindly trotted towards the glass door, her legs seemingly bouncing in undisguised happiness. She pushed the door open with her hip to reveal herself and put an end to her hiding, hoping that the man across the street would realize her presence and turn his head in her direction.
Hips successfully opening the door, Miaka turned her face to him and a shocked gasp escaped her lips.
A/N
(1) Oba-chan – Auntie
(2) Oji-chan – Uncle
This would be the hardest chapter so far, took about 14K words before I decided it's ridiculously long so I chopped it, revised it, and then put it back again. Finally I decided much to my consternation to re-shuffle then split it into 2. So I will be posting the other half, hopefully in a week time.
Another unbeta'd chapter but Oohh, wow! Alexis is related to Aki and Aya. I'm surprised too! Well, let me know your thoughts!
