Author's Note: Since the story is already finished, I decided to upload all the chapters. Please leave a review! Thank you so much! :D

Chapter 12: Unexpected Surprises

Three days later, Rika did not report for work because she was busy accomplishing the requirements for her passport renewal. Now that she was back at home, she became busy fixing her things inside her house when she heard her phone ringing. When she answered it, it was Henry who was on the other line.

"Hello?" Rika answered.

"Hey!" Henry greeted her. "How are you?"

Rika's face wore a smile as she realized that it was Henry who called her.

"Why'd you call?" Rika asked, wondering why she had called him at home.

At that moment, Henry was smiling to himself as he realized that Rika was clueless. He loved Rika whenever she was confused or clueless.

"I just want to talk to you right now," Henry answered with a smile.

Rika snorted. "Well, you are talking to me right now, Henry."

"Rika…" Henry chuckled. "You never fail to amaze me, you know."

"Ha-ha! What's that thing you called anyway?" Rika asked sarcastically.

Henry took a look at his calendar. "I want to invite you to a dinner at my house later tonight at seven."

At that moment, Rika was surprised with what Henry just mentioned.

"Me? A dinner at your house?" Rika asked consequently. "Oh come on, Henry! You can't be serious!"

Henry just laughed at Rika's remark. "Of course, I am! What are my reasons?" he teased.

Rika decided to spill the answer even if might be wrong. "Because you love me?" she asked.

Henry smiled. At least, Rika told the answer for him. "Correct. Now you know!" he grinned.

"Thank you," Rika answered casually as she held the phone while fighting her blush.

"You can't say no, Rika," Henry answered with a hint of teasing in his voice.

Rika let out a sigh. After all, she had gotten back to her friendship and love with Henry after what happened in Okinawa during their vacation. She could not say no to Henry anymore. That was how she loved him. She listened to him and understood him.

"Okay…" Rika answered. "I'll go."

At that answer, Henry's face lit up like a Christmas tree. He decided that tonight would be his most memorable date with his love.

"Okay…" Henry concluded. "But you have to wear something beautiful for tonight."

Rika's forehead creased at the suggestion. Beautiful? What was the occasion all about?

"Uh… What's the occasion?" Rika asked Henry.

"I told you it's a family dinner," Henry answered with a smile on his face.

"Really?" Rika asked as she started walking towards her dresser so she could search for her possible outfits.

"It is," Henry answered. "And you have to be there."

"Alright," Rika answered while holding the phone right next to her ear. "Anyway, I have to go. I still have to find that beauty that you're saying."

"Yeah. But nothing's more beautiful to me than you, Rika," Henry answered.

"Henry…" Rika mumbled because she felt herself blush. "I've got to go. See you later."

"Okay. I'll pick you at 6:30 P.M," Henry answered. "Bye!"

With this, Rika had removed her phone from her ear and placed it on her bed. She opened her dresser and began scouting for clothes to wear. As she took one hanger, she saw that it was a sky blue dress with short sleeves and it had buttons on it as well as a collar and a belt. She decided that it would be best for the occasion later on at Henry's house.

I wish that everything will be fine later on, Rika thought. I'm feeling nervous, really.

She saw at her watch that it was already 5:45 P.M. she recalled how tiring it was in the application of her passport renewal earlier.

I'm glad I got into Batch 1, Rika thought. Batch 2 had the most number of problems during application.

She eventually pulled out the dress and wore it. Once she was finished, she saw that it was truly the best for the occasion later on. And best of all, blue was her favorite color. She decided to use the remaining minutes in fixing her hair and her face.

Not long after, she was done with herself and decided to go outside of her house. When she heard a car honking, she was sure that it was Henry. When she got out, she saw a black convertible parked in front of her.

It's Henry! He's here! Rika thought. I'd better get out so he won't really wait for me all night!

When she got out, she locked all the doors and closed the gate. As she was closing it, a blue-haired man was already standing next to her.

"Hey, Rika," Henry greeted. He was wearing a white and long-sleeved buttoned shirt and a pair of black slacks together with his black shoes.

Rika looked up and turned around. she saw Henry and her sweat dropped.

"Oh! Hi, Henry! Sorry I'm late!" Rika answered as she turned to face him.

"No, it's okay. In fact, you're just in time," Henry answered and kissed her on her cheek. "And you really look beautiful tonight."

Rika blushed because of Henry kissing her cheek. "Henry, you gotta stop doing that."

"I can't help it, Rika," Henry said with a grin. "You're so irresistible to kiss."

"Okay?" Rika said with curiosity.

"Now let's go," Henry said and extended his hand for her to get it.

Eventually, Rika went with Henry and approached the car. Henry opened the passenger seat so that Rika could get inside. He proceeded to go to the driver's seat and started the engines.

"Why did you want to take me? You could've taken Ryo, Takato, Kazu…"

Eventually, she was silenced with Henry's lips crashing on hers. Rika felt herself kissing him back. When they broke apart, she saw Henry grinning madly at her.

"What are you complaining for?" Henry asked her dubiously yet teasingly. "Aren't you glad that I'm your date for today?"

"No, I'm glad actually," Rika answered. "But I'm afraid of what your parents would say. I dumped you just like that six years ago because I thought I was going to die."

"They won't say a thing, Rika," Henry assured her after the sensitive topic was brought once again. "Trust me."

Rika nodded as she unconsciously placed her finger on her lips because Henry had been kissing her ever since they had their vacation in Okinawa. Unfortunately, she was not sure of their relationship because they only continued what they left off previously.

Eventually, the couple arrived at the Wong residence since there was minimal traffic. Henry got out first in order for him to assist Rika and went towards the passenger seat area. Rika hopped out and took out her bag.

"Thanks a lot, Henry," Rika said as Henry locked the car.

"No problem," Henry answered back. "Let's go, Rika."

The couple walked towards the Wong residence. When they knocked on the door, someone opened it. The person who opened it was a girl with mauve-colored hair and wearing a pink dress. Rika recognized the young woman as Suzie Wong, Henry's younger sister.

"Hi, Henry!" Suzie greeted and saw the auburn-haired woman standing in front of her. "Rikaaaaaaaaa!"

Eventually, the younger woman threw her arms around the older one.

"How are you?" Suzie asked brightly.

Rika smiled as she missed Suzie. Before she left and almost died, Rika had been a customer at the Wong residence and even to the point that she became the Wong family's adopted daughter.

"I'm fine," Rika answered as she hugged the younger girl back.

"Oh, big brother! I'm so glad you and Rika are here!" Suzie smiled as she took Rika's left hand and Henry's right and joined them together. Both of them were surprised and happy at the same time because of what she just did.

"Yeah," Henry answered, while increasing his grip on Rika's hand affectionately.

The couple walked inside and followed Suzie towards the dining room. And like before, it was still the longest table inside the residence itself. As they reached the table, Henry led Rika to her seat for her to sit down. Henry followed after and sat beside her.

"I'm nervous, Henry…" Rika said to her ersatz boyfriend for the first time.

"Don't be," Henry whispered encouragingly.

Eventually, Henry returned back to his sitting position. At the same time, Suzie went towards them and hugged them together.

"Rika! I'm so glad you're back!" Suzie said with a hint of excitement.

"Me too," Rika answered with a smile. She had grown fond of Suzie when she was younger.

Suddenly, they stopped short when they saw a couple walking to the dining table. There was a man with tan skin and a short yet black-haired woman and Rika recognized them to be Henry's parents. Her nerves stiffened for she did not know what to say if she was asked regarding her "break-up" with Henry.

"Oh! Look who we have here!" Mr. Janyuu Wong remarked as he recognized Rika through his glasses while sitting down.

Henry's mother seemed surprised with Rika's presence so she began to remark as well.

"Rika? Is that really you?" she asked the auburn-haired young woman.

Rika nodded as Henry's parents seemed to look at her intently. She did not know suddenly what to say.

"Yes, it's me," Rika answered simply.

"How are you?" Mrs. Wong asked her. "It's been six years…"

"I'm fine, Mrs. Wong…" Rika answered again. Yeah, six years…

"Where do you live now, Rika?" Mr. Wong asked.

"I still live in my mom's house… but I'm now living alone," Rika answered in a casual tone.

The Wongs raised their eyebrows including their daughter Suzie. They were startled with what Rika said.

"Really?" Mrs. Wong asked, taken aback. "Where are Rumiko and Grandma Seiko?"

"They're already in America," Rika answered. "They're already there for six years."

Mrs. Wong began forming the puzzles together. Six years ago was the tremendous event for them: Rika disappearing without a trace and her guardians were already in another continent.

"Why?" Mr. Wong asked.

"Mom got accepted in an international job because of her being a model," Rika answered. "I didn't want to go because I had to finish my university education here in Japan."

Henry was actually intrigued with what Rika took because she was an employee of Shinjuku Publishing and she was an editor in the said company.

"What did you take?" Henry asked.

"Business," Rika replied. "I took the job since it was a recommendation of my former employer in the university to her friend. Fortunately, I got in."

The Wongs gave a smile of satisfaction when they heard Rika's answers. Somehow, the auburn-haired woman must have disappeared from their lives in order to pursue her own dreams. That was why they also sent Henry to China so he could study as well.

"That's good," Mrs. Wong complimented her. "Now I don't see a reason why you're not able to support yourself alone!"

Rika only nodded and smiled courteously. Not long after, they heard a feminine and loud voice.

"Hello everybody!" the voice said.

Rika turned around and saw a tall and black-haired woman who was dressed in a black trench coat and black high heels. She was agape as she recognized the older woman as Miya Chen, the woman who used to be her mother's co-worker in the fashion league before.

Miya? What's she doing here? Rika thought in confusion. And why do they know Henry's family anyway?

Meanwhile, Henry grunted under his breath. His parents before had been pressing him to answer to the arranged marriage that was given to him because he was no longer in a relationship with Rika at that time. But this time, he was surprised to see the person betrothed to him and his parents did not inform him about this kind of reunion and dinner.

Why do they have to be here? Henry thought furiously but decided to be calm because Rika was just beside him. I'm already with Rika and all they have to do is ruin everything!

Not long after, Mrs. Wong's face wore a smile as she saw a younger woman who was dressed in a white dress and black stilettos as well. Rika looked to see that the younger woman was Aimei Chen, who appeared in some modeling stints in Japan during her teenage years.

Is this Aimei? Rika thought as she saw the younger woman.

"Aimei! Good to see you!" Mrs. Wong greeted pleasantly.

Rika suddenly became pale as she heard Aimei's name. Henry looked at her and noticed that Rika was getting nervous every second.

"Rika?" Henry asked and felt for her hand. It was getting cold already. "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yes," Rika lied. "Yes, of course!"

Rika suddenly felt an odd pain after seeing her friend. Before, Aimei was her friend because their mothers used to star in a single modeling stint. But right now, she did not know what to do. even greeting her was not a part of the plan. But what she did not expect is that the young woman saw her and smiled at her.

"So, is the wedding to be held soon?" Miya Chen remarked.

Somehow, the Wongs were also taken aback. Now that they saw Rika again, they did not know if they would push through with the wedding. But an arrangement was an arrangement and they had to follow traditions as well.

"Yes," Mrs. Wong answered, hiding a trace of uncertainty in her voice. This caused Suzie only casting a glare at the floor.

Henry only looked down as he realized that he could not be with Rika any longer. He loved her so much but this time, an arranged marriage was going to stop him from having a relationship with Rika. As he looked at Rika, the auburn-haired woman was not talking at all.

An arranged marriage? Rika thought. Henry's engaged to Aimei?

With this, she turned at Henry's direction and whispered, "I need to go to the comfort room."

"Okay." Henry permitted her. "But be back, okay?"

Rika nodded but deep inside, she needed to process everything that she just heard. The two parties were ignorant to see that Henry's real guest had stood up and walked away from the dining table.

As she was walking towards the bathroom, her mind was restless and she was unable to speak anything. She was totally shocked with what she just learned. When she entered the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, she felt that she was no match for Aimei Chen, daughter of the famous model Miya. Even if Rumiko was also a model, she could not help but degrade herself.

Man… Rika thought. Now I know why I don't feel like going back to having a relationship once again. Some trouble arose from this.

When she got out of the bathroom, she was surprised to see the tall young woman standing near the living room.

"Hi, Rika!" Aimei said with excitement and threw her arms around Rika. "How are you?"

Rika definitely faked a smile here as Aimei hugged her. "I'm fine, Aimei. Nothing new!"

Aimei's smile became bigger. "So you really knew Henry?" she asked.

"Uh… Yeah! He's my…" Rika trailed off as she suddenly remembered of her status with Henry. "He's my best friend."

"Wow!" Aimei exclaimed. "Small world! It's amazing!"

"I know," Rika answered simply for she did not know what to say anymore to Aimei right now. The information about Aimei getting married with Henry was not yet ready to digest.

"If I get married, I'm sure that you'll be my maid of honor!" Aimei answered back excitedly. "And I think we'll get along because you are the best friend of the guy I'm supposed to marry!"

Rika only smiled wryly. "Right. Anyway, let's go before they ask where we are as well."

"You're right," Aimei remarked.

The two made their way towards the dining table. Once they returned there, Rika went back to where she sat and was surprised to see that the food was there already. The meal was composed of heavy Chinese and Japanese dishes. One of them was a yakitori and it was made by Mrs. Wong herself.

"Let's eat, Rika," Henry offered.

Rika only nodded as she took a spoon and fork while Henry served her rice and viands. She felt embarrassed because she did not belong totally in that dinner for real.

I'm sorry, Henry, Rika thought. Now you gave me a reason to why I can't say yes in your request.

However, Henry wore a glum face. He wanted Rika but he was set up in a marriage with someone else. He was already twenty-five, for Pete's sake!

Please, Rika… Whatever happens, don't leave me here, Henry thought. I need you so much.

Meanwhile, Rika realized that she was not recognized by Miya Chen. Fortunately, she did not have to know each other again because Miya had a foul personality. It was lucky that Rumiko had learned to tolerate such obnoxious behavior.

The Wongs were now in a quandary. Now that they had said yes, there was no turning back. They were concerned with Henry and his future but right now, it was not enough for them. They figured that Henry would be the one who was disappointed that much.

The black-haired older woman looked at Rika's direction and instantly recognized her.

"Are you Rika Nonaka? Daughter of that famous model?" Miya asked as she acknowledged the presence of Rika.

Rika suddenly froze for a second. Busted.

"Yes, I am Rika Nonaka," Rika replied casually. "Pleased to meet you again."

"That's good," Miya Chen remarked as she continued eating.

Not long after, the Wongs, the Chens and Rika were finished. The Chens stood up because they had to go and visit another friend. at the same time, Rika also stood up so she could get home early.

"Rika, where are you going?" Henry asked.

"I need to go home," Rika said. "I need to accomplish something in my house."

"I'll accompany you," Henry offered.

"Mayumi, Janyuu, we have to go now!" Miya said and turned to look at Rika's direction. "And you, Rika… Say hi to your mother for me."

Rika only nodded as Henry stood with her. Once the Chen mother and daughter pair was gone, Rika followed suit.

"Henry, why don't you take Rika home?" Mr. Wong requested. "After all, it's dangerous outside."

"Yes, Dad," Henry answered and took his keys from the pocket. "Let's go, Rika."

Rika had not mumbled a word or two as she followed Henry towards the garage. She was too shocked to hear that the Henry was engaged yet he did not tell it to her. When they reached the car, Henry opened the door for her so she could get in. He proceeded to go to the driver's seat as well.

"So, you and Aimei know each other," Henry said simply as he started the engines.

"Yes," Rika answered casually. "Quite a surprise, huh?"

"Yeah. How do you two knew each other?" Henry asked, intrigued what he just learned too. "You seemed close with each other."

Rika took a deep breath for she was about to divulge the greatest secret that she would have in life.

"Her mom's a model and so was she. We went to the same modeling workshop when we're in high school but I didn't push through because modeling wasn't my type."

Henry was taken aback with her answer. "Really?" he asked.

"I'm serious, Henry," Rika answered seriously. "And Miya Chen's one of the most influential models of all time!"

Henry sighed. His fiancée was actually a model. He decided to spill the truth as well to Rika once and for all.

"When you were gone, this fiasco happened," Henry explained. "They arranged me to get married with Aimei so that they could have partnership with her company. But I had a loophole to go with it, I decided to accept my grandfather's offer and run the business by myself provided that I can do two things at the same time there. But they can't let me run it myself and now, they wanted me to accept that stupid engagement!"

Rika was aghast with what she just learned. Now she had to choose what was best for her and for Henry as well as everyone.

Henry was close to tears as he spoke this, "They didn't want me to back out this time. But I don't want to lose you."

Rika only looked at Henry intently. "Then do it. You won't lose anything if you follow what they wanted from you, Henry."

Henry sighed. "I'm sorry, Rika. I didn't pay attention to you that much during dinner. Everything was such a mess and I can't stand the fact of me the boss becoming a pawn again to a not-so-wholesome bitch down there."

Rika placed her hand on Henry's leg as he was driving. It may seem weird but somehow she did not want to be in any kind of mess when that happens.

"Don't worry about me, Henry," Rika explained. "The important thing is that you know what they have in store for you. You're getting married, so be it! I'll be happy for you and Aimei."

Henry nodded but he was still sad. Rika had to make another sacrifice just for him. If only he could do something just to reverse everything but nothing would not seem right. Rika was not that type of person who would be in another person's way. Even if she was cold, she knew what the right thing to do was.

Maybe telling him to do it was the best, Rika thought. I don't want him to be a disappointment to his parents.

The journey was so uneventful that they had reached the Nonaka residence in a few minutes. When they pulled to a stop, Henry loosened his grip on the steering wheel and went outside of the car so that he could help Rika hop down. When he did, Rika alighted and went towards her house.

"Anyway, thanks for everything, Henry," Rika said softly.

Henry looked at Rika and went towards her. He loved her so much that he did not want to let her go again this time.

"You're welcome," Henry answered back. "I really don't want to accept their offer. It feels wrong for me."

"You have to do it, Henry," Rika replied as her right hand caressed Henry's cheek as she traced how disappointed and frustrated Henry was right now. "I'm happy that you can find someone better than me as you go through your marriage with her. Just do it for them."

Henry's left hand traveled to Rika's right hand and held it. It felt good for him by just touching Rika's hand. He moved towards her and when they were already inches away from each other, he kissed her forehead affectionately.

Rika was surprised to why Henry kissed her forehead. She felt his warm lips on her head and realized that his love for her was greater than anything. When they broke apart, Henry was looking at her intently.

"I'll try my best to think about it, Rika," Henry said. "I don't want to think that you're letting me go that easily."

"But it's for the best, Henry," Rika pointed out. "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore. Your parents already gave me an odd look when you brought me to the dinner earlier."

Henry nodded, not wanting to accept that Rika was letting him go again. "Rika."

"Anyway, good night," Rika answered dully. "Get some sleep so you could have the energy to think about it… if you will really think about it…"

With this, she went towards the gate and opened it. Henry only gave her a pining look as she walked away. It was an awkward good night for the both of them. He was now pining after her because of what had just happened.

"Good night," Henry only mumbled as he felt his heart beating for Rika alone. I love you.