Author note:After such a long time, I finally had the decency to update a new chapter. Soon would have been 3 years. Time passed very fast.

As alway, please excuse my poor English. Grammar mistakes, and wrong, weird sentences are everywhere.

I am looking for a beta, for this story to have a makeover.

Chapter 16 Wise man - and no, it is not Sesshomaru

These being said...

Happy reading!

Chapter 15

Old Foe

"Vegetables, fruits and meat," Rin muttered to herself. She was out, shopping for groceries, for him, the man who did not call her when she claimed him as her man in front of another woman, and who now apparently had fallen ill. Earlier today she was scared to death when she had seen him close to a state of unconsciousness.

"It's exhaustion. This is nothing serious." The doctor, a man in his fifties, said to the young impatient woman near him.

"Does he need medication?"

"Healthy food is more than enough. No need for medication when vegetables, fruits, and some proteins would do wonders for him. Just be sure he takes properly rest for few days and have regular meals."

"Thank you! I would make sure he would be back on his feet in few days time. I will take care of him."

Rin took advantage of him sleeping to do some groceries; she was shocked to see he had nothing in his fridge, except for water. She wondered for how long he lives like that, not taking care of his own health and body. She was glad she asked Kagome long time ago to bring him his lunch along with her husband's.

With a basket filled with all the ingredients she needed to cook him a good meal she headed to pay for those. She was immersed in her thoughts - about him and the life he had while away from her - when a familiar voice woke her up from her trance. The voice she had heard she could recognize it anytime. It was impossible for her heart not to remember the woman who caused her so much grief. It was no need for Rin to see the woman to know that she's few meters away from her. Every fiber of her body felt her presence nearby.

Instead of running, Rin lifted her gaze and watched the woman who years ago trampled her heart and marriage. During all these years Rin struggled to forgive the people who made her suffer, who turned her from a warm-hearted woman to a cold one who plotted revenge. The wound he inflicted on her she let it heal, from a bleeding gash becoming a light pink scar.

But this woman –

Rin couldn't get herself to forget, nor forgive her. A woman should not take another's woman's man. Women should respect each other. It was a naive thought but Rin lived according to that principle.

Rin couldn't get her eyes away from her. She watched her carefully and laughed inside when she saw what the mistress turned into after a couple of years. She was a shadow of the woman from two years ago. Her ears didn't miss a word from Meiya's discussion with the clerk. Apparently she had no enough money to pay for her groceries. A smirk appeared on Rin's lips.

"I will pay for those." She decided to step in.

"These are worth 10000 yen." The clerk added.

"I know her," she smiled gently and handed her credit card.

"There's no need to. I will give up on some." So many years since Meiya hadn't seen his wife, and when she sees her she needs to go through such a shame.

"At least this much I can do for you. You did so many for me in the past. It will be a shame not to repay you." the clerk didn't notice the hidden hostility from Rin's words, but the mistress could detect everything. She knew Rin wants to humiliate her; she knew Rin is looking down on her. She wanted to run away and never turned back. "You should join me for a coffee. It will be nice to catch up." The former mistress didn't let herself fooled by Rin's fake smile.

"Okay," Meiya replied. At least this once she should face his former wife with dignity. She should show her that she's not done for.

o.O.o

"I was surprised to see you. I thought you left town." Meiya watched Rin in the eyes, her blue irises were not escaping Rin's expressionless reaction. Rin's fingers traced circular patterns on her coffee mug while her chocolate orbs bore into the ones of his former mistress.

"I did. But returned. Work called me here again."

"I see."

"And I missed him so much. I couldn't stay away from him for too long. He missed me too." Rin added nonchalantly.

"He?"

"My husband. Sorry, my ex-husband. We are in touch again."

"You're together with him?" if there was something Meiya was sure was that his wife will never want to see him again. She couldn't believe her ears.

"When a man and a woman spend time together, alone, in a hotel room, how would you call it?"

After everything which happened to her, Meiya couldn't stand to see the woman gloating about her life, how he still loves her. He may never return to her, but she will damn make sure his innocent wife will not forget what he made her go through.

"Love affair. that's how I would call it." Meiya retorted after she sipped from her now cold coffee. "I remember spending many nights in your husband's arms in various hotels' rooms. I always picked the best."

"I know. You may not believe it but I know more than you think. You may not know – after all, there was no man who married you – but the wife knows a lot more than a mistress can think."

"He wanted to marry me. He proposed and gave me a ring." Rin smiled gently. Two years ago she would have been bothered by it, but not now. During the time they were apart, she accepted his infidelity, the hurt which came along with it. Because of that pain, she cried day and nights.

"I know. I see you still have it…the ring. But shouldn't you sell it? I may not have a crystal globe but I can tell when someone has a rough life. Though you aren't dying of hunger, nor live an unsheltered life. Kamis know that out there in the world are people who die of starvation, or due to cold. According to their definition, you're still rich."

Meiya was seething with anger. The last two years were indeed bad for her. The three-room apartment – the one Sesshomaru bought for her when they were still together – she sold it soon after their break up. She couldn't afford to keep it anymore. With the money she bought a one room apartment in a good neighborhood, and the difference she used it for her daily expenses.

If her life will continue as it did in the last years she will be forced to give up this apartment too, and probably move someplace else – somewhere cheaper. Thinking of her dire situation she couldn't stop blaming the woman standing in front of her.

His wife was supposed to be short on money, to have nowhere to stay, with no loving man beside her. Meyia was supposed to live in a grand house, have everything she ever wished for, with him on her side, loving her.

"And whose fault is that? Because of your friends, there's none willing to work with me. My model career is over."

The news about their affair flooded the tabloids. Netizens were posting malicious comments about her person. Normally, she wouldn't care what others say about her as long she has everything she wishes.

Her lover refused to come to her side even if he was now single. He didn't allow her to come near him anymore – his staff made it possible. To take revenge on him, she talked to the press, revealing hot details about their affairs. But her strategy backfired on her.

In the industry were less and fewer people willing to work with her. They were unwilling to work with someone as shallow as her.

When her manager finally found her a job, she took it without hesitation. The photo shoot she was about to take part will re-launch her modeling career.

White was not her favorite color. The role of an innocent woman was not fit for her, but she did not care – she was desperate to have her career back on track. During this photo shoot, she will show her talent as a seductress. After this will be over there will be many swirling around her, just like before.

"Saseko-san" the photographer's voice brought her back to reality "for this add you need to play the role of an innocent woman." She was starting to lose her temper; it was for the tenth time this day when the man told her exactly the same thing. They were two days behind the schedule because of her – at least according to the photographer.

She was working with the man for the first time; she hated him already.

"Narumi-san, I did everything you requested of me. Aren't you exaggerating a little bit more?"

"Saseko-san, your inability to act as you were requested for it's not my fault. The problem lies with your person."

"Or you have a problem with me," she added harshly.

"Kantoku-san" the man turned his back, refusing to pay her attention "it's impossible to do this add. The model is not fit for the role; you should change it – the model that is."

"Narumi-san" the people surrounding them were surprised by the events which took place on the set "is that really necessary. I mean, can't you do something?" even if she was known for the scandals surrounding her career, she was also known as someone who does her best during working hours. The people recognized her talent in the industry; they were shocked to hear the photographers option of changing the main model.

"I am sorry Kantoku-san. Not even my talent in photographing people will do wonders. If you desire for this add to be done, the model needs to be changed. Saseko-san is unable to perform for this add."

"But – "

"However, if you are willing to have her in your add then I see myself forced to step down. My pride as a photographer cannot allow me to show to the people a poorly done job."

The world was spinning with his every word. Her future was disappearing with his every spoken word.

"Bankotsu – " the producer couldn't hide his conflicted expression. If things are left how they are he will be forced to choose one of them: the woman he gave a chance as a favor for her manager who was his university colleague, or Bankotsu Narumi who happens to be the most desirable photographer in their industry, the same man he always wanted to work with.

"I will gather my things shortly."

The producer made his decision.

*three weeks later*

"The job is not confirmed. In order to be part of the modeling show you need to impress the eccentric Jakotsu. Do not create another disaster; he might be your stepping stone."

Three weeks ago, when Bankotsu offered to step down, the producer gave her a chance 'Go after him and convince him to work with you – that if you want to be part of this add. Between you and him, I will choose him. Models better than you I can find; he, however, is unique."

Meiya ran after him, she begged him to give her another chance. She kneeled even. His words struck her. 'I tried to be professional. It was hard to accept a job having as a model the woman who made Rin-chan suffer. I tried to leave my personal feelings aside. I was wrong. I cannot take pictures of you. Your talent as a model didn't help either. You do not fit this role Saseko-san. In the future, chose jobs to fit your personality. Innocence is not for you.'

Having lost the job, publicly humiliated by that man, she couldn't let it slide.

She accused him of sexual harassment.

He destroyed her; she will destroy him.

For an entire week, the press had them on the first page. 'He refused to work with me because I refused to sleep with him' were the words she said when she was asked by the press, by everyone she knew or knew her.

During that scandal, however, a few were on her side; the public doubted her allegations. When he publicly stated he never did such thing, when he confessed being gay, her future dissipated in the thin air. The doors, one by one, were closing down for her.

"You have no idea what I had to do to get you this audition." Her manager stated. "Do not screw up. He might be your stepping stone. What Jakotsu touch turns into gold. If he will not work with you then no one will. If you don't open the entrance door you will not open other doors either."

"I will not screw up. I will get the job." She was confident in grasping the opportunity; more than once she was the main model for lingerie's shows. She was the perfect choice even for the famous fashion director Jakotsu.

Dressed in a red bikini, she was standing on the stage, waiting for the director to arrive and chose the models for the show.

When he arrived - he was just as he was depicted by her manager – he inspected each model thoughtfully and chased half of them.

"You?" he made her sign to step forward "are not in the right place. Do me the pleasure of leaving the building."

"What? Why?" she did not understand. She did nothing to make him want to chase her. He had not given her the chance to prove her worth.

"I don't like you."

"Why?"

"Bankotsu is my lover. You tried to tarnish his reputation. You put your filthy hands on Rin-chan's husband. What Bankotsu loves I love too; you dare to touch my darling's husband, pay the consequences now. Get off my sight."

Despite being away from Tokyo, Rin was aware of everything which happened around her loves one. She wanted to fly back when news about those false allegations reached her, to confront the woman who created them.

"I don't know if you heard but there's a thing called karma. What goes around comes around. By now you should have known how society works. There are places in the world where behavior like yours – stealing another woman's husband, making false accusations – is accepted by the public; but not in Japan. You should have known by now how our society works. It's not my fault you have zero alive- neurons; if you know what those are."

"Because of your friends I cannot even advertise for an unknown shop in the countryside. You and your friends are at fault."

"Once again you blame others for your own mistakes. You are the one who decided to reveal private details about your affair with a married man, and it was still you who made false allegations about someone else, Those backfiring on you were to be expected. But you are wrong when you say you cannot found work; a night club fits you perfectly. You are used to undressing for men. I heard the pay in that industry is good."

"You – "

"You trampled on my marriage. Without shame, you flaunted your affair in front of me, and the public. After all, these you should not expect kindness or compassion from me. I doubt that day will ever come. If you will excuse me, I will take my leave. Sesshomaru is waiting for me."

o.O.o

"Sesshomaru?" she quietly asked as she entered his room with a tray of food in her hands.

"Hn," she smiled at the sound of his voice. She wanted him to be awake; she wanted him fit to answer her to all her questions. In order to move on, to start anew with him, she had no know.

"Are you awake?" she wanted to make sure he's fit to go through her quest. But first she needed him with a filled belly. "do you think you can eat?"

"Maybe later. What time it is?"

"Around 7 pm." Rin simply replied as she put the tray on the nightstand. She was surprised to see him trying to stand up.

"We need to go," Sesshomaru added during his futile attempts to stand up from the bed. "We are already late."

"We are not going anywhere. You will be staying in bed and recover." she knew he was stubborn, but not this way. She will not have him collapse again; at least not under her watch.

"You do not understand. We need to go."

"No, you do not understand. You are not leaving this very bed until I won't consider you won't collapse again. Your unhealthy lifestyle almost killed you."

"But Rin -"

"I will not take a no for an answer."

"You're the one who doesn't understand. We have to be there. I have prepared everything for us. We only need to show up."

"I have no idea what you are talking about. No matter what you have prepared, it must wait. But since you mentioned it, you might tell me what did you prepare." Since he was so adamant at not being still, she at least wanted to know why. "You can at least make understand you." She was still furious with him ignoring for the last couple of days.

"I have worked more these days in order to gain three days off work. Since that night, I have planned a little vacation for us; a vacation in which I will try to woo you, to beg you for another chance. I have found out a cottage near the Ao lake. It's the perfect place for us to escape the city and found peace in the mountain. I have heard the lake change its color because of the sun rays. You would have liked going there. There, I wanted to tell you I love you."

"Sesshomaru –"

"While I was separated with you, I have realized that I love you, that I have no excuse for what have I did to you. I married the perfect woman, but cheated on her with something not worth for."

"Since you mentioned her, why?"

"If at that time I had a reason, now I realized I have none."

"I am not asking why you cheated on me, but why you didn't go to her when our marriage ended? After our separation, I have thought you will go to her, and marry her because you were willing to end us."

o.O.o

He was counting the days Rin had left him; he was counting the days since he signed the divorce papers. 16 days passed since he did not feel whole anymore. Their house felt empty without her. He tried to remember the good time he had spent with this lovely wife while in their house. He couldn't recall any of those happy times.

His mind was flooded with that woman; he seemed to recall only the day when he brought her into his home.

He cursed that day. That shouldn't have happened. To his marriage it was fatal.

"Sesshomaru"

The said man lifted this gaze only to see that cursed woman in front of him.

"Are you okay?" worried that he ignored her, scared that he might leave her, she came to see him. She also knew his wife wasn't around her anymore. Rumors about his divorce flooded the scandals papers.

"What are you doing here?" he was angry with her. It has her who tempted him, it was her who on that night begged to be brought into his home. In this moment, he couldn't trust himself. He wanted her gone from this world.

"I was worried. I called you countless on times and you ignored me. It's normal to be worried about my lover."

"Lover? Why am I your lover?" suddenly he felt as a fool for dating a woman as Meiya. She had nothing to surpass Rin.

"Because you gave me a ring. You proposed while on a romantic vacation. Since that day you have become forever mine." His wife might have been a foul for leaving a man like him, but she had no intention of giving up easily. She was willing to fight for what she thought it was rightfully hers.

"We broke off months ago. I have never thought you as the intelligent type, but at least that much you could have understood. You don't need to be a genius for that."

"But now it's different. At that time you were still married; you are divorced now. There is no wife no stop us being a couple. We are free to love each other." She closed the gap between, and silently asked for a kiss.

"Leave Meiya. And never come near me again. This time, it won't work anymore. We don't exist anymore. It ended the day I realized I still love her. I regret each day I spent with you, each day she shed tears, each day she suffered."

"No, baby. You might think now like that, but as time passes by, you will know we are meant for each other. You are made for each other. You are my soul mate, as I am yours."

"My soul mate is Rin. I have no desire for a woman who is not her. Leave and never show yourself in front of me."

"You will pay for this!" for the humiliation he made her go through, she will make him pay. "I am going to tell everyone about us. All will know about you being unfaithful to your wife. I will let them know dirty details about our affair. You will suffer loses."

"I was already punished for my wrongdoings; losing her is the price I paid. Money loses…I don't care about them. Do whatever you want!"

o.O.o

"I had to lose you in order to realize how priceless you are to me. We, human beings are indeed stupid."

"Humans tend to do stupid things. I also have my share."

"Harada Rin, do you want to date me?"