CHAPTER 12: Wounds
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AUTHOR's NOTE:
Back with the next chapter of A Promise of Forever. Hope you enjoy this (Shout out to every single one of you, we just crossed 5600 reads!).
I can see so much hate directed towards Takumi, it almost makes me laugh. Well, He did make some mistakes and I think he deserves it. As for Tora, he isn't an angel either, well he has never been an angel. Let's see what happens with them all. The only question remains, Will Misaki be able to survive all this?
I promise that even if Tora doesn't end up with Misaki, he will have a happy ending. I cannot say the same for Misaki though.
I was really happy with the response of last chapter, some even told me that it was one of the best chapters so far, I agree! It did turn out to be beautiful. Heh.
Okay guys, exam week is here, I hope to update every story soon but I guess it won't happen till the 1st of October.
Thank you for the lovely support and love:
ReaderWriter101(You're welcome, here's the next chapter for you), Minniemiss123(I loved your review, yes, she had finally met him. Don't cry! (: ),putiaryx(You really hate Takumi, don't you? hahah), Takumisa17(I did!),Aya(Thank you!),GreenCabbage(Hope you like this, I really like your username!),MistWizard(Tora will have a happy ending, promise (: ), Lalala(I'm still not sure If it will be toramisa or takumisa),Amber83(You're gonna have to read to find out (: ),Kimi Ayuzawa(I know right, I love that book, I don't think Takumi knows about her condition yet though. And the reason will be revealed soon. Love you too!), Guest(The suspense is over (: Read in to find out!), Ryokensai(I guess It is (: ), Knight Lynx(here you have it!), Guest( (: ) , Guest(I do not appreciate the comment about hambree),Evangeline Allen(I'm still not sure if it's a takumisa or toramisa), infinitebliss321(Thank you so much *fangirls back*).
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"What hurts more than the wounds that don't bleed? The wounds that don't bleed."MissKirei
"Say you'll remember me, standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset, babe. Red lips and Rosy cheeks, say you'll see me again, even if its just in your wildest dreams.",(TaylorSwift "Wildest Dreams")
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Presently,
Was she dreaming?
Was this a hallucination?
She bit her lip. No, this was real.
Stunned
Shocked
Hurt
Angry
Broken
All the words above described the look on Misaki's face as she muttered the name she thought she would never hear herself say again. She looked at his emerald eyes, begging God to not make her fall for those eyes again. She backed off immediately as she saw his…his handsome face. It was heartbreaking. Her heart beat so fast that it actually hurt. She placed her palm on her chest, words flowed out of her mouth but they were incoherent and a soft whisper. Enough to cause her heartache.
Before the man standing in front of her could utter a single word. Misaki left.
Misaki walked fast.
She left the stage. The sound of her heartbeat was the only thing that she was able to hear. She took long strides and her walking turned into running. She didn't care if she was creating a scene. She started to run and only stopped in front of the Ladies' room.
It was a good thing she brought tissues in her purse, because she was going to need them tonight.
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Earlier
Takumi looked around searching for Tora. He was supposed to be at the gala by now. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around. He saw Tora, who was alone. Wasn't he supposed to bring Misaki? Takumi looked around for raven hair and honey-brown eyes and gazed back at Tora when he found none.
"Easy there. She's here" Tora said, he had a dark expression on his face. Takumi couldn't help but feel strange. Although he was grateful for Tora for shouting some sense into his brains and dragging his ass back to Japan, he couldn't help but feel that his presence wasn't appreciated by Tora.
"Okay" Takumi finally said. Tora kept glaring at him. Takumi only stared back.
Their cold war continued until Tora looked around and saw Misaki searching for him. Maki had announced the rules for the dance and it was time for them to put on the masks. Tora extended a hand towards Takumi and put on his business smile.
"If you hurt her again" Tora said as Takumi shook his hand, both gentleman smiled. To the world they looked like two business partners who shook hands signifying a bond of friendship between the two companies. But, the reality was different and they both knew it.
"I won't make the same mistake twice; and if I do," Takumi said as he put his mask on, "You'll get my body before you can send your men to kill me" having said that, he walked away into the crowd of people.
The dance bored Usui Takumi to no end. His eyes searched frantically for straight raven hair but they found none. He frowned. Where was Misaki? Did she know he was going to be there? If she did, she wouldn't even think of setting foot into the gala, Takumi shook his head. He had really did it this time. He looked up again with a little hope as he found Tora, I'm going to set things right and make it up to you, Misaki. No matter what.
Takumi had found Tora dancing with a lady in a long black dress. Takumi frowned, Misaki didn't have curly hair. So she wasn't her. Takumi looked at Tora, who motioned for him to come over. So this is Misaki, He looked at the young lady who was dancing with Tora. She was the same height as his Misa. But she was thinner. Takumi scowled, she has lost so much weight. I wonder how much she overworked herself in the past six years.
Takumi vowed to take care of her as soon as he took her hand for the dance. He was never leaving her again. He wasn't a naïve seventeen year old anymore. He was Takumi Walker, The powerful CEO of Walker Corporation, and he didn't play puppet to anyone. Not even to his brother and grandfather.
Takumi kept frowning the entire time they were dancing. Firstly, He wasn't able to see her beautiful face because of the stupid mask they were wearing. Secondly, she had lost so much weight! He wanted to make her sit down and make her eat lots of food until she couldn't breathe. Hell, He wanted to kiss her until she couldn't breathe.
He shoved his thoughts away as he tried to enjoy her presence. It had been six years. Six years since he had held her in his own arms. He noted how his mere presence was able to make her nervous. He still had that effect on her. Takumi couldn't help but smile. You're so sly.
He easily made her move along the music. She kept on fidgeting. How he wanted to run his hand through her hair. He noted that she had curled her hair from the tips. So she had learnt a little girlish things over the course of time. A smile played on his features as he saw her grown up form. She looked like a lady. A very well gifted lady.
Takumi was lost in thoughts as he thought of how she would react upon seeing his face. It was bound to not end up well. He was anticipating at least a punch from her, because Ayuzawa Misaki was never a woman who would accept him with a smile after what he had done to her.
When the last announcement was made, Takumi couldn't help but smile. It was about time he saw her face for the first time in six years. He was going insane speculating. It was hard for him to control the smile that crept up his face whenever he was around her. He took off his mask and looked at the girl who had his heart, right from the start.
She had grown up.
She had grown up a lot.
"Ta…k…mi?"
Takumi had frozen in his place. Before he could utter a single word to stop her, or hold her wrist, Misaki fled. She literally ran! Okay, He hadn't expected this. He couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt and guilt wash over him as she walked away from him. She had been caught off guard when he took off his mask. She wasn't expecting him to be there. He looked down at the floor as he stood helplessly. The look of pure shock on her beautiful face was soon replaced by pain the moment she recognized him. It was like he had been slapped right on his face. Takumi lifted his face up once again. With determination in his eyes, he wasn't going to give up that easy.
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Misaki stared at the wash basin as she stood in the Ladies' room. Thankfully, nobody else was there. She had locked the door from inside. She kept staring at the wash basin as she tried to blink away the tears that were helplessly falling from her eyes. What was he doing here? Had Tora invited him purposely? She had mixed feelings about seeing him. Why was he here? There was a flood of questions in her mind as her heartbeat thrummed rapidly. She breathed heavily and even had to sit down on the floor, to calm herself down. This wasn't good…
What was she supposed to do? Give him a hug? Tell him "Welcome back, Master"? Cry?
After a long period of time, Misaki dried her face using the tissues she had in her purse. She looked up in the mirror and took out some face powder she had kept in her purse. She successfully hid her puffy eyes behind a layer of powder and looked in the mirror. If he was here to mock her, or just because he was bored, She wasn't going to cry and give him the satisfaction. She was going to show him just how strong she had become. Misaki's thoughts were interrupted by a text.
Tora~ Dinner's served. I'm waiting in the main hall. Our new partner is here too. Show up.
Misaki looked at her reflection once again as she flipped her hair and put on a smile. She wasn't going to lose business just because she saw an ex. She barged out of the restroom and headed straight to the dining hall.
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Misaki headed to the main dining hall in which only a few important people were present along with Tora and his team. Misaki walked over to him. Before she could ask him what Usui Takumi was doing in the event, he was snatched away by some other businessmen. Misaki stood there awkwardly and soon found Miss Akira standing alone with a glass of wine.
"Miss Akira" Misaki walked over and they both exchanged greetings.
Miss Akira smiled on the mention of her name, "Why hello there Misaki-san. I saw you up there with that handsome man. Did you know him?"
Misaki said nonchalantly, "Never seen him before"
"Well he sure was charming. Oh look! The new business partner is here. I think we should head there" Miss Akira said as she walked towards the huge dining table that was set. Some of the guests were sitting and Miss Akira followed.
"Okay" Misaki said as she followed Miss Akira. They sat somewhere in the middle of the dining table. On their opposite ends were a few people Misaki recognized from her office. She politely greeted them and they engaged in small talk.
Everyone stood up when Tora came in. Misaki did so too, along with Akira and others. A tall man followed Tora Igarashi and shook hands with him. Misaki looked at the man standing next to Tora, she could recognize this face even with closed eyes.
"I present before you, the CEO of Walker Corporation and our new Business Partner, Mr. Takumi Walker" Maki said with his ever so present smile.
"Just great" She mumbled and close her eyes.
People clapped and Misaki opened her eyes as she struggled hard to maintain her stoic face. Takumi sat down on one end and Tora did on the other.
Everyone sat down except for Misaki. She was still standing, looking at Tora. She was glaring daggers at him.
"Miss Ayuzawa? Is something the matter?" A voice said, fluent English—a must in business parties, Misaki nodded and sat down effortlessly. Her eyes were still fixated on Tora Igarashi.
"Oh nothing. It's just that, I wasn't informed about our new—business partner, which is strange because I'm Mr. Igarashi's Legal Advisor." Misaki smiled. A few people raised their eyebrows.
Tora joined in the conversation soon, "Well, Miss Ayuzawa was on leave for the last two weeks due to an illness"
All eyes were now on one Misaki Ayuzawa. Miss Akira looked at her worriedly.
Misaki glared at Tora, who bit back a smirk, "Well, Mr. Igarashi, why don't we have a meeting right after dinner, So that you can inform me about all that I've missed?"
Tora was enjoying this too much, it was really fun to bicker in English! Misaki scowled at him.
"I'll make sure to brief you about everything, Miss Ayuzawa" Tora replied as he chewed on his food. If it weren't for everyone else who was present, Misaki would have put Tora's head on a silver platter by now.
A two week sick leave? Knowing her, she must have been forced to take the leave; but still, two weeks is a long time. How sick were you, Ayuzawa? Amidst all the conversation, Takumi Walker kept his eyes solely on one Ayuzawa Misaki. He had noted the puffiness of her eyes, she had been crying. Takumi lost all appetite as the treacherous thought crossed his mind; He had been the source of her distress. He wondered how many times he must have been the source of her tears. He sat up straight and barely ate. He was surrounded by various people, some from his company and some from Igarashi Corp. He remained indifferent to all of them, his eyes were still fixated on one Ayuzawa Misaki who was effectively ignoring him.
"So, Mr. Walker, did you enjoy the gala tonight?" , father of Tora Igarashi spoke, upon sensing Takumi's uninterested appearance. All eyes were now on Takumi who was unmoved by the attention.
"I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you very much" Takumi smiled in delight as he remembered the dance. His eyes were back on Misaki, who found her fork quite fascinating at the moment.
After dinner, Misaki excused herself and headed to the powder room with Miss Akira.
"Who knew that handsome man you danced with would turn out to be our business partner" Akira nudged Misaki playfully who was now mortified.
"You know he had his eyes fixated on you during dinner. Love at first dance maybe?" Akira continued to tease Misaki.
"It's not like that!" Misaki looked away. How was she supposed to explain Akira that they weren't strangers?
They headed back and Misaki wished Usui was gone by now. She was going to have to face him every fucking day at office. It was going to be mentally and emotionally hard for her. Misaki frowned, her tears were coming out a little too much lately.
She found Tora talking to some associates. Misaki walked towards him and greeted the gentlemen, who complimented her.
She saw Takumi walking towards her with some other people from his company. She wanted to run so far away from him, but Tora kept her in place.
"Miss Ayuzawa, I'm sure you have met Mr. Walker by now" Tora spoke and the men looked at her. Takumi gave her a smile and extended his hand out.
"Mr. Walker" Misaki said to him, she looked straight in his eyes.
"Miss Ayuzawa, It's a pleasure to meet you" Takumi replied with a soft smile, his hand was effectively ignored by the women, like she would want to have physical contact with him.
"But I cannot say the same for myself", she mumbled but this reached his ears, and before more small talk could be made, she excused herself; "Sorry, I have to head home now. Good night gentlemen" Misaki politely spoke.
Takumi looked at her, "I shall escort Miss Ayuzawa"
"Thank you, but I'm a grown up, not to mention—independent, woman. I can get my way around the town. It's what I've been doing on my own for the past years" Misaki said, with her venom like voice coated with sweetness. How dare he? Trying to be all gentlemanly and chivalrous in front of her. Where was this chivalry when he had left her with a thirty second phone call?
Tora was by Misaki's side in an instant and whispered, "Let's not get feisty already. You didn't bring your car. I'm not gonna send you in a fucking taxi when I can drop you off myself." His words were absolute but that didn't deter Misaki.
"I can go on my own" Misaki glared. She was really angry right now and whoever got in her way was sure to get burnt.
"At least take my car" Tora said exasperatedly as his butler handed him the keys.
"Fine" Misaki took the keys and started walking towards the parking lot. She bid her goodbyes to everyone and left.
She walked soundlessly into the parking lot. She unlocked the car to find the car by its beeping voice. She found the black car which was parked in the end of the isle.
As Misaki walked towards the car, she found Takumi standing next to it as he patiently waited for her to come. Misaki tried her best to ignore him.
"Misaki—"Takumi spoke, and before he could say another word, Misaki cut in.
"Mr. Walker" She trembled, "Goodnight"
It took a lot of strength on her part to say such simple words as she looked into his dark green eyes cautiously. Before he could make her stay, she got in the car and drove away.
As Misaki drove away from the love of her life, she knew she wasn't going to get any rest tonight. She was sure to dream of blond hair and emerald eyes.
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A few weeks ago: London, England
"Can't say it's a pleasure meeting you, Walker" he spat as he sat on one of the recliners in front of his desk, he tapped the base of his cigarette into the ashtray and put it in between his lips.
"Likewise, Igarashi." The said man spoke with a smile, it was not a genuine smile—it was merely darkness coated with the curl of lips. Tora couldn't help but snicker.
"So, to what do I owe this peculiar visit? It must have been important for you to fly in a private jet just to meet me. I didn't know I meant that much to you, Igarashi?" Takumi spoke as he closed his laptop and paid full attention to the man sitting in front of him.
"Save your words, Walker. I just dropped by to catch up, after all we were rivals once." He smirked as he exhaled smoke and put the half burnt cigarette in the ashtray.
"I never considered you my rival, Igarashi" he spoke as he stood up from his recliner and looked at the city view from his large floor to ceiling windows. His tone was nonchalant and it angered the other blond haired man. He broke out into an evil toothy laughter, "I'm glad, because I don't have to be your rival anymore." He spoke with a smirk as he placed his right leg over the left one.
"Finally found love, have you?" Takumi turned around, his tone was bored and he couldn't help but question why the Igarashi had paid him a visit.
"Sure, if you call it love, I must say I am thankful to you" He said as he played with his platinum lighter, to this, Takumi merely narrowed his eyes, "And why should you be thankful to me?"
"Oh because you left Ayuzawa for me, of course." he said, an arrogant smirk was stuck on his face and he couldn't help but enjoy.
"I do not concern myself with the matters of Ayuzawa Misaki anymore." Takumi spoke, his tone went from bored to lazy in a moment. He sat on the plush couch by the windows, "Is that why you're here? To thank me for ending an immature relationship years ago?"
Tora laughed, again, "Sure, but I still am curious as to why you left her. I wouldn't leave such a feisty kitten in this damned world alone."
"I got bored" he said, simply. "This is getting nowhere, Igarashi. Is that why you really came all the way?"
"I thought you were hopelessly in love with Ayuzawa, poor girl, she always thought I was the asshole." Tora made a mocking face with puppy dog eyes, he was enjoying this way too much. He placed the lighter on the glass table.
"But aren't you the asshole, Igarashi? Always playing people?" Takumi said, a lazy smile overcame his features. A waiter came inside the office and placed two glasses of champagne on the table sitting in front of the couch.
"I never feel ashamed of my actions, Walker. I play people, so what? That's what a businessman always does. Sure, I fuck bitches, but what's the harm? They get what they want—money, fame, whatever, and I get what I want, what's the harm?" He spoke as he stood up from the chair and picked up a champagne glass. "At the very least, I never make them believe that I'm in love with them, like you?"
The other blond man picked up his glass lazily and looked at Igarashi impassively "Ayuzawa Misaki is a delusional girl." He paused, but continued later, "Her matters do not concern me anymore." He said as he looked out of the window.
"Then congratulate me, bastard!" Igarashi spoke as he clinked his glass with that of Takumi, "Cheers to me for fucking Ayuzawa every single night!" Takumi turned his face and looked at Igarashi again, "If you're here to see if I still care about the past, I don't Igarashi."
Tora laughed in his face, after all, he didn't miss the way Takumi's hold on the glass had tightened at his remark. He was enjoying this way too much, he didn't care if he was wicked, evil or an asshole. He was having fun.
"I know" he said as he sipped his champagne "But you're damned stupid, Walker."
Takumi spoke nothing. But that didn't stop Tora from talking, "Remember once I had kissed Ayuzawa in front of you when I'd helped her come here to meet you? Now that I think about it, she really was a delusional girl" he laughed "But anyway, delusional works for me as long as I get to put my face between her lovely legs" he said with a toothy grin, "Anyway, when I'd kissed her, I knew I was going to end up addicted" he said with a sigh, "That Ayuzawa is really something, I ended up becoming more than addicted." He chuckled as he turned around from the city view and looked back at Takumi "Damn, I'd never leave such a girl" he paused with fondness, and laughed more "and that's why you're stupid".
"As I said before, I got bored. So I left her. Is that a big deal? I get it—you're addicted her, but what does your love life have to do with me?" Takumi said with a lazy smile, his glass laid half empty in his hands, he'd stopped drinking.
"Who said it was love? It's just the sex, plain unadulterated sex." Tora said as he placed the champagne glass on the table, "That girl has one good pussy, always unsated" he grinned wickedly as he heard the sound of a breaking champagne glass which didn't belong to him, his laughter doubled as soon as he found himself being slammed into the glass window angrily.
Takumi held him by the collars of his crisp shirt and glared at him "You stop talking now."
"…and it's time you began talking, Takumi." Tora smirked again, as he addressed the man in front of him with his first name.
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Tora stood out of Takumi's office, with a smile on his face, "I'll dare you, Walker. Show up in front of Ayuzawa unlike the coward you are being right now by hiding."
"I am not hiding from anything, Igarashi, stop being so feisty" Takumi smirked, "Are you scared that I'll steal her away from you, like always?"
"Dear business partner" Tora laughed "I challenge you to show up in front of Ayuzawa. I'm not even threatened by you. She won't even look twice your way. And this doesn't mean I'm giving up on her. If you're not sharp enough, I'll steal her away in the blink of an eye."
"She is not an object to be won, Igarashi" Takumi said with a glare. Tora rubbed his jaw which was bruised now.
Tora stopped talking for a moment, "I know" he was silent for a while, "Which is why she deserves to know why you left her. But I want you to sort it out yourself, the final choice is hers."
Takumi nodded as he ran a hand through his hair, his bleeding knuckles made a red trail on his forehead. Tora laughed, "Your hair just went from blond to red".
"Don't talk as if you're in any better position, Igarashi" Takumi smirked as he looked at the mess he had managed to make, Tora's white shirt was red, his jaw bled and was turning purple; and his neck sported a very large bruise as well.
"I know, damn you, Walker" Tora sighed.
Takumi chuckled dryly, "Proper up, Igarashi"
"Likewise, Walker. Clean up the mess you've made" he said as he left, Takumi looked at his destroyed office, he knew Tora wasn't talking about his clothes and his cabin right now.
"And I will" he sighed. He was going to clean up all the mess he'd made.
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In the review section, write your favorite quote so far from this story, it can be the quotes I put at the start of every chapter or any dialogue from any chapter. I really wanna know what you thought of this chapter too!