Chapter One

Putting the Past Behind

3 Years Later

Mishima (officially Atobe) Fay now got off the bus and enjoyed the cool morning breeze. She looked around and was in awe of the view in front of her. Father really did an awesome job on our landscaping, she thought admiring the greenery around the mansion. She walked through the huge gate, and on the path towards the house.

3 years just passed like that, but oh it was refreshing. I hated lying to my old school mates, but I really didn't want to take any chances for my identity to be revealed. With 2 suitcases in tow, she reached the front gate only to find the butler already opening it for her with a warm smile, "welcome home, Atobe san."

Fay hugged him tightly. "I missed you too," she said with a wink.

The butler blushed, and took a step back. Fay went straight to her father's study, and was about to knock but the door opened and she found herself facing her brother. He eyed her dangerously with a raised eyebrow, and began walking away.

"You could at least say hi!" she snapped.

He paused for a second, but then walked away with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

They were both almost 18 now. He had gotten more handsome, while she blossomed beautifully. Her hair was longer and darker. Their eyes, there was no mistake that they were siblings for they shared the same eye features.

Fay pushed her tongue at him, and then turned and walked into her father's study. "Father," she said, bowing in respect to him. "I've missed you."

He smiled at his daughter and stood up to hug her. Already sign of old age was beginning to creep on him. 3 years ago he did not have the creases of white hair mingled with his dark hair, nor did he have the slight wrinkles across his cheeks. "I trust that going away was a wise choice?" he asked. Normally she would've never snapped like that at her brother.

Fay nodded. "Thank you for having faith in me. I am sure it'll be better now.' I must show no fear and always be strong.

"Good to hear. Now you've both graduated from school, and will be going to University. I've made reservations for the 3 of us. We're going out to celebrate," he said. "The maids will help you dress," he added, leading her outside the study. "We will leave in 2 hours."

Dinner? The 3 of us? We've never done that before, Fay thought, walking upstairs to her room. Maybe that's why Keigo looked so mad, she walked into her bedroom and found 2 maids waiting for her.

At exactly 2 hours later, Fay was at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her father. She stood there awkwardly with her elder brother who was doing his best to ignore her. She stood there in a green v-cut, off the shoulder short sleeves dress. It had sequins and beads as an embellishment. The skirt was long, floor-length with a slight train. Her long hair was tied casually to one side and had light curls flowing at the ends.

She glanced sneakily at her brother who was dressed in a dark suit. It fitted him well, and gorgeously. He had it all, the vest, tie, and suit jacket. It was obvious that it was an expensive piece.

Their father walked downstairs, oh so proudly in a powerful suit of his own. Fay had always admired him, and she was happy that he had accepted her with open arms. I love this man. I'll do anything for him, she thought lovingly.

Mitsuru looked proudly at his children. As the top of his household it was his duty to ensure that no love was lost between them. He needed to do everything in his power to make them feel like a 'family', for he didn't have much time left.

Thirty minutes later, the three of them were seated at a fancy Italian restaurant on the 36th floor of an exclusive hotel. The city that glittered in lights could be seen from their view. They were given a private table by the window with 2 butlers to wait on them.

A glass of Champaign for Mitsuru, while both teens had soft drinks in front of them. They were old now, but he still didn't approve of children below 20 to drink. "Keigo, you've been quiet all day," Mitsuru remarked. "I trust you would've been happier with your sister back."

Atobe Keigo looked at his father and smiled wryly. "I trust then you know my feelings in all this without asking."

Fay felt awkward. "There is no reason to strain your relationship with father because of me."

"Don't flatter yourself," Atobe snapped rudely.

Mitsuru cleared his throat. "We're here to celebrate your graduation. Whatever needs to be discussed can be done later." He looked at his son. "Is that clear?" his voice almost threatening.

Atobe looked at his father then glanced at Fay, "crystal clear."

Mitsuru was disappointed in his son. After his divorce with his ex-wife, he had allowed for his son to spend the summer's with her but all she had done was poison her son's mind against his sister which resulted in his hatred mannerism against her now. I should've never allowed for Keigo to spend time with Akiko. Mitsuru cleared his throat and motioned for the waiter.

A few seconds later, two wrapped gifts were placed in front of each child. They both looked surprised. Before any of them could say anything, Mitsuru simply said, "Congratulations both of you," he said. "This is for graduating high school. Treat it well."

"Oh, a present," Fay said excitedly, I haven't gotten a present in a while, she thought unwrapping it.

Atobe glanced at his sister and noted that excited look on her face as she tried unwrapping it. He looked at his own, and sighed. He knew he better open it as well. Analyzing it, he figured whatever she got; he did as well as both gifts looked the same.

Fay finally opened the box, and found a Rolex case in front of her. She looked at her father, then at the box. "You didn't need to do this," she said.

Mitsuru looked at his daughter, "You didn't even open it yet," he said, amused.

Fay opened it, and found a beautiful steel watch in front of her. It had a black dial with diamonds on the numerals."Love it," she said cheerfully, and then she looked at Atobe. "What did you get?"

He looked like he was caught off guard for a second. He quickly opened his, and looked at it. "Same as you, but with the military green dial," he answered, closing the box.

"Nice one, congratulations," she said, leaning on her chair.

He didn't comment on that.

They dined for a couple of hours together, until Fay stood up and excused herself to refresh up.

Mitsuru waited for his daughter to be out of sight and looked at his son. "You know that she's trying very hard."

Atobe looked at his father and didn't say anything.

"I know that this is difficult for you, but put yourself in her situation. She doesn't have anyone. Only us." Mitsuru explained further. "Do you realize what that means, Keigo? If something was to happen to me then Fay only has you."

He looked sharply at his father, "what do you mean if something was to happen to you? Is there…"

"I meant metaphorically," Mitsuru stressed. "I can't always be the one to protect her; you need to chip in as well. I don't know what your mother has told you, but Fay is not at fault. If anything, it is entirely my fault."

Atobe clenched his jaw.

"I really need you to start trying, and caring," he added finally. "These dinners will be regular, and there will be no excuses to get out of it. Understood?"

He paused for a long time, until he finally said it. "Understood."