Zodiac Sigh!
Author's Note: --
Chapter 12 – Manhattan Mania!
"Is this really a hotel?"
"Why, yes it is! I guess your criteria were way too much for your expectations." Sakyo said bluntly.
This presidential suite decorates with fine Victorian pieces of furniture, arts and designs. How deep is Sakyo's knowledge about the term "luxury"? This man is so amazing that a woman like her needs a life-support that would recuperate her body. Moreover, it has the most fantastic view of Manhattan that dominates the city lights and its skyscrapers. She can visibly see the car's lights way down below the midtown street.
She can only see this city through pictures and TV scenes but not this. Never in her entire life would replace this kind of visual ecstasy as Shizuru explored the whole area by her bare feet. She can feel the softness of the rug and she can bet that these are worth hundreds of thousands…in dollars!
The kitchen area is supply by finest food of cheeses and wine. Not to mention, even the succulent steaks and freshest fruits that she can find in the fridge, all are there waiting to eat. She took one strawberry and for some reason, it sends her to heaven. It was juicy and sweet as she took another one to eat it. Sakyo could not help himself but to take one grape from the bowl as he, too, shares the moment with her. Being with Shizuru is a wonderful way to dislodge his stress. Seeing her with all the giggles and having a woman with a child-like attitude, his heart warms up so easily.
"This is the only time we get to experience our laziest moment. It is better to savor it until it lasts." He advised her.
"Don't worry, I am making every seconds meaningful from this trip." Shizuru said happily. "I will never sleep!"
Manhattan is definitely the city that never sleeps!
The clock read 3:30 a.m.
Shizuru had fallen asleep from the queen size bed.
Sakyo left his room shortly to call his colleague back home in Tokyo. He dialed the long-distance number. Goro's voice greeted his ear as he asked his fellow on how things were doing there.
Goro replied that everything is fine except some media frenzy that they want him to have another exclusive interview. He had enough of the interviews as they started to ask him some questions regarding his private life. Sakyo has to deal with the pressure of revealing it since he started it anyway. However, the media in Japan is different. Good-looking executives are sensationalizing it up towards to showbiz. Unfortunately, he does not want to be part of it. All he wanted is business and nothing else. Some matters have taken so far to the point his admirers are now getting obsessed with him.
He hopes that no one in his company has the same feeling.
(Tokyo, Japan)
Goro Kobayashi told his colleague that the company is working well except from the outside distracters. He also told him the company's stocks are in good position as they predicted, it will last for four or five months. Investors are lining up to gain the stocks as they are taking an opportunity to enrich themselves. Sakyo told him it was the greatest news that he ever heard of. He advised him to look carefully about the annoying rival scavengers. Goro assured him that no one would ever blemish the company as he keeps a good observation on it.
Someone overheard their conversation behind the door, as she cannot believe that Shizuru was with him. Surely, she would get her hands as she already had an evil plan. All those nights of careful evaluation and planning, she needs to execute it while the prey is nowhere in sight.
(New York City, USA)
Both of them are getting ready for the awards night at the hotel's starlight roof. It was part of the hotel's luxurious room designed for meetings and conventions. As they exit their way out from the room, they took the elevator immediately. Sakyo was wearing his black tuxedo suit while she wears a black silk halter dress with asymmetric and layered skirt. A few jewelries accessorized her overall being.
The starlight roof was breathtaking especially at night. The room's rotunda is design with sturdy marbled floor with circular patterns. On the lateral view are two palm leaves planted in gold-crested pots. At the far view, there was a classical black piano with a musician playing the timeless masterpiece.
As they arrived at the main room, Shizuru felt she was in the 1920s era with bouquet of white roses stood as the centerpiece of the table. Tables were covered with neutral colors of linen cloths. Chairs are elegantly crafted with meticulous and tantalizing designs.
Tonight came a dazzling moment when many people showed up to receive their respective awards. Sakyo was one of them as he socialized gallantly among the men and women in global business.
While Shizuru was having a good time drinking red wine, it gave her a slight headache. She decided to take only a sip, as she does not want to get herself drunk.
If she gets too much drink, then she might end up at the floor lying hopelessly.
She prays that it will not happen especially in front of everybody. She notices that the media were all set with their cameras, microphones and even speakers. The host came up to the podium as everybody gathers to their seats.
He spoke for a few minutes about tonight's main event. As the flow goes, three men won this year's prestigious awards. Of course, Sakyo was one of them while the other two are Caucasian figures that she somewhat not familiar with. Their names are mention over the microphone as all of the three men stood up and received the awards. The host made brief backgrounds to each of them as he emphasized the statement "the turning point of technological advances." He made it clear and simple that not all are possible without these outstanding visionary men.
Each of them took the stage with their self-made speech as Sakyo is preparing himself. Honestly, he did not anticipate it as whatever comes into his mind would be it. His speech goes like this:
"Ladies and gentlemen, this award is dedicated to all my colleagues and subordinates who have worked so hard to get on top. The dream we build has finally made its full recognition all throughout the world. I am so proud standing here before you that anybody who sternly believes in his or her dream will come true. We all hope that all capitalists in the world will share the vision and mission of making this planet a better place to live."
That's it! Shizuru thought disappointingly.
Well, so much for the speech as Sakyo had some limited English. However, he delivered it right and the audience gave him a loud applause. He received some remarks from the famous and not-so famous people he met on his way. He holds his plaque close to his chest as if he was telling everybody, "Finally, I had it with me!" She has seen his bona fide smile as it swept her away. If only he was not her boss, then she should end up as his lover.
Her imagination has gone too far.
Sakyo decided to dine with Shizuru at their suite as his butler carefully places their food in front of them. It was the most romantic night for the couple. There are no distractions around and no deadlines to meet. At least, there is a certain moment when both of them can truly appreciate the word "peace."
"Tomorrow will be much exciting…we are going out shopping." Sakyo declared secretly.
Shizuru felt uncomfortable when he mentioned, "shopping". It gave her a smashing reality that she cannot spend her money foolishly. Sure, shopping is a wonderful word to hear for the women but for her; it badly hurts. She stared down at her food wishing that she had lots of money.
Sakyo noticed that the news he had, brought her face to demise. He wondered why as he began to ask curiously.
"Don't you like shopping?"
"I love to, but…"
"You need to save some money." He continued.
She nodded just to agree with him.
"Shizuru, I understand what pain you are going through and I don't want that to happen."
Sakyo stopped eating his meal as he searches something out from his wallet. She did not see to what he was doing since he hides it underneath the table. Finally, a platinum-colored plastic card surfaced above the table as he pushed it with his fingers towards her.
Shizuru raised her one eyebrow.
"Use it." He ordered.
Her jaw dropped open. It was an odd response.
"Use it." He repeated.
"Who's going to pay the bills?" she asked in protest.
He winked his one eye at her.
I just don't know how to say, I love you. Shizuru thought dreamily.
This is it!
These famous names dominated the fashion world. Every woman wanted to be in Shizuru's place right now, as she strolls every corner of the street and avenue that bears signature names written on it. Seventh Avenue or also known as the Fashion Avenue is necessary sight for the tourists like them. Somehow, a constant turn from her neck in every angle gave her a stiffening movement. However, she doesn't feel the pain as every dose of her shopping gives an antidote to it.
There are so many people rushing and buying as the windows displayed the "SALE" sign. However, she has the slight problem on how to get through.
"Leave it to me." Sakyo assured.
He entered one of the boutiques as the sales personnel quickly recognize the billionaire. The personnel quickly called up the manager as he ran beside him. He gave him a hospitable treat as both of them leads into the VIP room.
He was so powerful that through his presence, everybody focuses his or her attention to him.
Nordstrom…Anna Klein…Sak's Fifth Avenue…Banana Republic…Chanel…Armani…DKNY…Prada…Bebe…Versace…Escada…Givenchy…Gaultier…
The list goes on…
…and she has all of them.
She was so dead tired with the way she hunts all the items that fancies her liking. Not to mention that she bought also some dresses for her colleague and her family. A sense of euphoria wraps her mental being as she already had enough of shopping spree. Perfumes and accessories are on the list as she crossed out all of them.
"My, you must be exhausted!" Sakyo remarked.
"Am I?" she asked that question with a silly expression in her face.
He bought himself some shoes and men's perfume. Of course, he couldn't forget his associates who kept nagging him for some treats, which he wouldn't mind. Additionally, he bought an extra luggage since he needs it to bring them all home.
Shizuru was lying down in the couch with her feet hanging in the armchair. It shows a clear indication that she can no longer carry on herself to the bedroom.
"Perhaps, it would be much better if I send you to your bed."
"Please, do it." She authorized.
Embarrassment does not hold a barrier between the two since both of them are enjoying every minute of their escapade. Shizuru began treating him like her own best friend. He picked her up with his strong arms as she gave him her tight embrace around his neck. He ordered Louie to pack the excess items to the luggage. They are few days away from leaving this city.
Sakyo uses his body to open the door fully as he carefully lays her down to bed. All he could hear from her is the snoring sound.
He grinned as if he observes on how his secretary behaves when she sleeps. He tucked her with a thick blanket.
Is this all he can do for her?
An idea came into Sakyo's mind, doubting whether he will do it right away. He does not want to take advantage of her.
On the other hand, it would be much better to do it now since there is no one in sight to intrigue both of them.
He planted a small kiss in her forehead.
-To be continued-