Chapter 12 – Escaping Lies and Misery
Rain poured down hard. Having no umbrella, Hitomi arrived at her father's manor dripping wet which heightened her sullen emotions aesthetically. Seeing Hitomi, one of the maids hurriedly grabbed a towel and draped it around Hitomi's shoulders, while another maid ran upstairs to Hitomi's en suite bathroom and prepared a bath. Hitomi muttered a small thank you. She was in no condition to object on the maids' actions, which she usually does.
Hitomi walked towards her room leaving a wet trail behind her. She didn't bother actually using the towel to dry herself up. Instead, she just let it hung, untouched, on her shoulders.
"Hitomi, what happened to you?" said a concerned voice.
Looking back, Hitomi sought the owner of the voice. There, she saw Julianne standing on the doorway of one of the guestrooms. Hitomi simply stared at her blankly, not uttering a word.
This girl has gone mental. Julianne thought to herself. She approached Hitomi. "What's wrong?"
You. Hitomi thought grimly. She was in no mood of a confrontation, so she just ignored the question and asked one herself. "Why are you here?" Hitomi's tone held a bit of disdain.
Julianne's eyes furrowed having her question ignored. I'll figure it out later, she told herself. She answered Hitomi's question. "I'll be staying here for a while for the preparations of the engagement party, which will be held in a couple of days."
Hitomi's eyes widened with shock. "The engagement party is in a couple of days? I was never told about this."
"Well, it's basically a short notice thing. Our father just called me this morning and told me about it. It's fortunate that I have few commitments for the coming days."
"Good for you. Well I'm off to take my bath now." Hitomi turned back around heading to her room. She thought, might as well drown myself in the process. The sudden engagement party means one thing. Daddy and Van's parents are heavily convinced that Van and Julianne love each other. There are no second thoughts. They are moving forward with it.
Julianne snapped Hitomi out of her reverie as she called out after her. "Hitomi! Do you have any idea where Van is? I've been contacting him all afternoon but his mobile phone is turned off."
Hitomi stopped and turned to face Julianne. "Sorry, I don't know where he is. Why are you asking me? He is your fiancé after all."
"Yeah. He is MY fiancé. You should have been relieved that you don't have to marry Van anymore. I believe that an arranged marriage is not a good way to go. Even though you guys were given time to get to know each other, you won't deny the fact that underneath it all it is merely a means of creating a cash flow between the two families."
Hitomi raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the reason why you and Van are getting married in the first place? They just changed you over me."
"That is true, but there is something that my marriage with Van contains that your marriage with Van lacks. Love."
Hitomi wanted to shout out 'You're wrong!', but she refrained herself. There is love; well my unrequited love for Van, Hitomi thought sadly. Getting back her composure, she said, "So you're saying that even if there weren't any money problems going on, Van has his intentions of marrying you?"
"Yes. When we were still together, he told me that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He told me that he'll take me as his wife when we both have already finished our tertiary studies and have entered the workforce."
Julianne's words were definitely piercing Hitomi's writhing heart. She struggled to compose herself. She answered in a bit of a stutter, "Th-That's nice. I-I wish you all the best then. Well I better go take my bath before the water gets cold." Hitomi turned back and headed to her room, now tightly clutching the towel around her shoulders.
Julianne, in turn, went back inside the guestroom. As she closed the door, she muttered, "Hitomi is in love with Van. It's written all over her. It is very clear that Hitomi has a very passive nature. She loves Van and yet she has never told our father about it. She never did once disregard the plans. She just let things go, but I still have to be cautious. I hope that lying about Van having real intentions of marrying me is good enough to keep her away. Van has been acting peculiar lately. I'm really afraid that Van has actually developed feelings for Hitomi. Hitomi would surely keep her distance, thinking that Van and I love each other. She just had to. I can't let Van slip from my grasp again. Being with Van is my utmost desire. I've been given a chance and I'm not damn wasting it away."
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It was the night before the engagement party and a feeling of anticipation and enthusiasm was hovering around the air, mainly radiating from Julianne who held a wide smile and glittering eyes while adhering to the last minute preparations for the party. Of course, there will always be a hint of negativity and dejection that is likely to never fade away.
Hitomi was worse than ever. She tried to hide her face with a mask showing sheer delight and happiness but she always failed miserably. Everyone treated her differently, always asking what is wrong while sporting a concerned face and offering any help whatsoever. Of course, being Hitomi, she merely gave them a smile reassuring that nothing was terribly wrong and that there is nothing to worry about. It was only Yukari, Millerna and her mother that she confided it with. Yukari and Millerna did their best on cheering her up but nothing worked. It was now Ms. Kanzaki that went to Hitomi's aid. They were inside Hitomi's room.
Ms. Kanzaki held her daughter, who was in tears, tight in an embrace. "Hush now, honey." She stroked Hitomi's hair and continued to comfort her.
"Mom, why does it hurt so much?" Hitomi sobbed. "Why is it that all these horrible things are happening to me? Am I getting punished? What did I do wrong?"
"Honey, I assure you that you never did anything wrong to receive some kind of punishment. Besides I think you shouldn't think of this as a punishment. It is something that you will definitely learn a lesson from. I believe that you're going through an eye-opening moment in life. Once you've overcome this hindrance and have learned this lesson, you will find yourself in a milieu of changes that you may find as desirable. You have to figure out what lesson there is to learn. Stand up and make your decisions. Don't keep yourself in a dead end within this maze that we call life."
Hitomi just couldn't stop crying. Once she had settled down, she pulled away from her mother and wiped her eyes away. Her mother held both her hands. She then looked at her mother's eyes.
Ms. Kanzaki held Hitomi's hands tighter. "Hitomi, I have been offered a job in Tokyo, Japan. I won't lie to you. This job is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would gladly take it, but I am not about to leave you to face all this. I will only accept this job if you agree to come with me. The company has set up our accommodation and everything, so a place to stay won't be a problem. I'm really sorry that I'm putting this on you, adding another burden. This choice has been given to you, if ever you want to start over. Please think about it, honey."
"I will, mom. I will." Hitomi answered meekly.
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Meanwhile in the other part of the manor, Mr. Kanzaki left his study and headed to the verandah as he decided to have a rest and breathe in some fresh air. He also thought about checking the preparations for tomorrow's shindig while on his way. Walking on the hallway, he met Julianne, who was humming a tune filled with delight. He smiled at the sight. This served as an indication that he had made the right decision. "How are the preparations going?", he asked Julianne.
"I believe that everything is all set." Julianne answered cheerfully.
"That's good. It is great to see that you're happy."
"I am happy. Thanks to you, dad." Julianne leapt up and threw her arms around Mr. Kanzaki. "Marrying Van is what I truly want and you had given me the chance to fulfill this want."
Mr. Kanzaki hugged his daughter back. He was really pleased that she had called him 'dad'. His only connection to his late first wife, whom he loved dearly, had now wholeheartedly accepted him as her father. "I am more than willing to provide you with this chance."
Letting go of Julianne, his thoughts now centered upon Hitomi. For the past couple of days Hitomi was acting differently. Her normal cheery self was nowhere to be found. He grew deeply concerned about this. He tried asking his daughter about it but all he got was a smile and her saying that it was nothing to worry about. He asked Julianne, "Have you spoken to Hitomi lately?"
Julianne was taken aback. She thought quickly what she's going to say, thinking she can't afford to commit slip-ups, which could definitely jeopardize her chance of marrying Van. "Oh…Umm… The last time I talked to her was couple of days ago. I remember that she wished me well for my marriage with Van."
"How was she acting when she said that?"
"Umm… I remember that she was smiling and all." Julianne had yet told another lie.
"I see. Well then, I advice that you call it a night and have a rest. It's a big day tomorrow." Mr. Kanzaki said, smiling.
As he and Julianne parted ways, he thought, if Hitomi is not bothered by the upcoming marriage then what is she bothered with? Maybe I should take her word that it's nothing to worry about. If she's shutting me out at the moment, then, I'll just wait for her to open up to me.
Reaching the verandah, he sat down on one of the outdoor chairs turning his back from the bright lights emanating from his house. A maid arrived shortly placing a bottle of scotch and a glass at the table near him. He muttered a small 'thanks' and then poured himself a drink. Feeling at ease, he closed his eyes. Ignoring the bustling about inside the manor, he has put his mind to rest.
"I didn't know that you take breaks." A woman spoke out which brought Mr. Kanzaki back to his senses.
Hearing that the woman was walking towards him, he waited for her to be near with his eyes still closed. Feeling that she was now standing next to him, he opened his eyes and saw his ex-wife. "I didn't know you were here. Did you visit Hitomi?"
"Naturally." Ms. Kanzaki took a seat in a nearby chair.
"May I pour you a drink? I'll ask for another glass."
"No thanks. I'm about to go home."
"So do you want to talk about something?"
Ms. Kanzaki smirked. "You read my mind." Not hearing any reply from her ex-husband, she continued. "I'm thinking of moving to Japan and I asked Hitomi to come and live with me."
That took Mr. Kanzaki's full attention. "Why?"
Ms. Kanzaki explained how she got offered a job opportunity that she's willing to take. "I'm only going to take the job if Hitomi agrees to come with me."
"Why did you place the decision upon Hitomi? You know so well that this is Hitomi's home. You can leave as you wish and she will be taken care of. Even though she is not of my blood, she is still daughter to me."
Ms. Kanzaki smiled. "That's glad to hear, but I've made up my mind. Hitomi means the world to me and I will not bear having her thousands of miles from me." Ms. Kanzaki refused to tell her ex-husband the real reason behind her motive. Knowing her daughter, Hitomi would not tell her father about what she is going through since she believes that nothing can be done to her benefit as well as the benefit of others that she wishes to go along with it. She will definitely not dare to sever the love that still lingers between Van and Julianne.
"I see." Mr. Kanzaki sighed. "Well if she does decide to come with you, just make sure that she'll come back here. This is her home and she will own it someday along with half of my possessions."
"Hitomi is still going to own half?" Ms. Kanzaki grew surprised.
"Of course she will. Don't be ridiculous. Julianne may be my only daughter in blood, but that doesn't guarantee her all of my possessions. Besides, she told me herself that she doesn't care much of the riches."
"That's very nice of you. I'm pretty sure that Hitomi will come back. Well, I got to go. Perhaps I will see you tomorrow." Ms. Kanzaki left the verandah and headed to her car leaving her ex-husband alone again.
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"Ladies and gentlemen let us now welcome the newly engaged couple Van and Julianne!" The night's entertainer bellowed.
Glass doors were opened, giving way to Van and Julianne to join the party which was situated in the garden of the Kanzaki estate. The couple walked down the path lined with shrubs studded with small specks of yellow light. Julianne was clinging onto Van's arm, smiling widely, while Van looked so uncomfortable and rigid, trying to force a smile. The guests, only a hundred in number, were upstanding, rendering a loud applause for the couple.
As newly engaged couple reached the grandly designed gazebo and sat down at their table strewn with rose petals, which accommodated luxurious pieces of china, sparkling wine glasses, silver utensils, bouquet of flowers and candles; the guest settled themselves in their own respective tables. The string quartet started playing and the party has officially started. It was a perfect night.
Julianne was ecstatic. Everything was beautiful and was going well. Everyone was enjoying themselves. In contrast to this, Van held a straight look in his face. His eyes roamed around the garden trying to find a certain someone.
Hitomi, where are you, Van thought to himself. Not finding her anywhere, he stood up and excused himself. He knows that he shouldn't leave his fiancée but he just had to talk to Hitomi.
Julianne looked up at Van. "Where are you going?"
Van answered, "Just around, going to go for a smoke, perhaps."
"I'll come with you." Julianne looked at Van worriedly.
Van merely smiled. "You stay here and have fun. I'll be back in a bit."
Van headed for the manor. He thought that if Hitomi wasn't in the party, she must be somewhere inside. He hoped that Hitomi didn't leave the estate.
The hired help for the party was bustling about in and out of the kitchen, as Van entered the manor. Thinking that Hitomi might be in her room, he headed there first. Along the way he met Clarence. "Good evening Clarence. Have you seen Hitomi around?"
Clarence returned the greeting with a bow. "Sorry Mister Van. I have not seen Miss Hitomi since the party had started. Although I am quite sure that she is not in her bedroom."
"Thank you, Clarence." Van headed to the upper floors anyway, thinking that Hitomi must be somewhere around there.
And there she was. Van found her standing in a dimly lit balcony, on the other side of the manor, away from the party. She was looking out the horizon the night has to offer.
Van walked towards Hitomi's side and asked, looking out at the same horizon. "Why aren't you in the party?"
Hitomi didn't need to look at who joined her company. She knew it was Van and she simply ignored his question. "Why are you here?" Her voice held a stern tone.
"You've been avoiding me for days and I really want to talk to you." Van answered sincerely.
"What didn't you understand when I asked you to leave me alone?" Hitomi slammed her fists upon the balcony rail and turned around to storm out of the balcony. But as she was about to walk off, Van caught her arm. She struggled out of his grasp. "Let me go!", she demanded.
"Why are you doing all this? Why are you acting this way?" Van pulled Hitomi into his arms, holding her near.
Hitomi stopped struggling and just broke down crying, her head resting upon the nook of Van's neck. She answered in a silent whimper, "Because I love you."
Those few words had explained everything to Van. He held her closer to him.
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Julianne grew apprehensive that Van hasn't come back. She looked around and caught no sight of him. Where the hell is he, she fumed to herself. Smiling sweetly to the guest, she excused herself to the guests, telling them that she needs to go to the ladies room. She stood and headed to the manor, trying to refrain herself from storming off, which would attract the guests' attention.
Inside the manor, she asked numerous maids if they have seen her fiancée but no one knew where he was. Luckily, to her sake, she bumped into Clarence, who told her that he last saw her fiancée lurking around the second floor. She thanked Clarence and headed to the second floor, almost running.
And there he was in a balcony, holding Hitomi in his arms. She quietly walked towards them. When she was near, she loudly cleared her throat.
Both Van and Hitomi's heads sprung up. Van quickly let go of Hitomi. They both faced Julianne.
Julianne started off, looking at Van. 'Well, well, well. This is not what I call 'going for a smoke'. Tell me Van. Tell me, clearly, who your fiancée is."
"You are." Van answered.
"Right." Julianne voice started to quiver. "Then, why are you here?" Hearing no reply from Van, she walked towards him. Tears were now pooling under her eyes. "I love you so much, Van. You love me too, don't you?" Julianne now stood right in front of Van. She stared into his eyes. "Do you love Hitomi, instead of me?"
"There's no use for Van to choose whom he loves." Hitomi spoke up struggling to compose herself. "I'm moving to Japan with my mother. I'm sorry for all this. I-I'll leave you too alone….for good." Hitomi left the balcony, walking briskly. Being quite far from the balcony, she ran to the solitude of her room. Crying, she thought, Van didn't say anything. He didn't call me back. He doesn't love me. It's that simple. I have made the right decision.
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A/N: Phew! Woah! I can't believe I wrote all that in a short amount of time! Well really sorry that the chapter seemed rushed… I just had to rush it because I made sure that I updated this story before a leave for my holiday, which will be a month long. I am going to say sorry in advance that I will be updating really late. I made this chapter extra long, well longer than my other chapters. And I updated in less than 2 weeks! That's definitely a record for me. XD hope this chapter is okay! PLS REVIEW!
I'm pretty sure that this chapter is the second to the last chapter. One more chapter to go and this story will be finished! Hope you guys stick around!
THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who reviewed! I love you guys!
This update is my Christmas present to my readers! Hope you guys enjoy!
Review replies:
babycoh04 – AWWW…I'm really flattered that you love this story! Thanks so much! Love ya! The ending will be up next year:D
pbee – THANK YOU for the birthday greeting! Well I'm 17 now…:D awww…I'm really sorry that I'm ending that story soon. Its really nice to hear that you're enjoying this story! Means a lot to me! Thank you! I promise you that it will be a happy ending! Hmm…how will I do that? Hehehehe…;D thanks for the review:D
Kathya – I'll be untangling all this in the last chapter! XD! Thanks so much for the review! Hope this chapter is ok!
Inda – the major fixing will occur in the last chapter! damn Julianne! That bitch! LOL! XD! Hitomi told Van that she loves him! Watcha think? Thanks for the review! Hope this chapter is ok!
killua – yay! You reviewed agen! Thanks heaps! Van will definitely make his decisions in the last chapter! hope this chapter is ok:D
Chocolate-Covered-Coffee-Beans – THANK YOU for the birthday greeting and the confetti! LOL! XD I love confetti, especially the sparkly ones! LOL! Thanks so much for the review! Hope this chapter is ok:D
tigger093061 – THANK YOU for the birthday greeting! Your review is definitely a great present! Thanks heaps! Your questions will be answered in the last chapter! hope this chapter is ok:D
Shizuka-naTenshi – yay! New reviewer! Um..van will be realizing his true feelings in the last chapter! Thanks so much for reviewing! I'm really glad that you're finding the current interesting! THANK YOU for the birthday greeting! Hope this chapter is ok:D
Take care people! Hope you all have fun this Christmas holidays! Merry Christmas and a happy new year! Woohoo! throws confetti! XD
elena-maria