Rightfully Mine

Chapter 1

Paparazzi were swarming all over the place to get some photos of the celebrities attending the grand celebration of the Saotome Corporation. Exclusive for the rich and famous, the party is organize annually to broaden the Saotome's acquaintances and possible business partners. However, this yearly celebration not only been made for widening their business affiliations but to flaunt their assets and influences. The party is always conducted a week before Genma's birthday, a somewhat an advance celebration of it.

The place crafted beautifully with each design being well thought. It was majestic: flowers everywhere and a water fountain at the center. They've turned the place into a beautiful garden with lots of colorful flowers, which was perfect for the party's theme.

"Ryoga, why didn't you say that you're going to invite me to this party? I could have at least worn something quite fitting for the occasion," Akane said while still in awe at the place, "You know I could have borrowed Kasumi's formal dresses or loan some money from Nabiki's account to buy myself a gown."

"Relax. You look beautiful just the way you are," Ryoga assured her.

"Liar," laughing softly, "but frankly speaking this place is beautiful. Everything seems so real like I'm really in a garden," she truthfully stated.

Ryoga laughed at Akane's naivete. She's like a child sometimes: innocent, fun and gay. He then took her hand and guided her to the center.

They smoothly find their way towards their table where his father, Genma Saotome was waiting for them.

"You're late," Genma said while enjoying the third music played.

"I'm sorry, father," laughs off and scratch his head, "I had to pick-up Akane first and then there's the lobby which is crowded by reporters and bystanders," Ryoga expressed.

"I see," shifting his attention to the woman next to his son, "Akane, I'm glad you came. Where's your father or your sisters? I was hoping to see them with you tonight?" he said expressing his dismay.

"Daddy has a flu and the doctors advise him to stay home. Kasumi stayed home to attend to his needs and Nabiki has to meet a possible business investor so she couldn't come," Akane answered openly.

Just as Akane finished speaking, a lovely woman in a black cocktail dress came to their table. She has a beautiful long hair and her figure is quite slim. Her black dress is very provocative with a huge opening up until her chest, which reveals her full breast.

"Good evening, uncle," she said taking a step towards Genma Saotome.

"Good evening, Ukyou," the only response she got.

"Nice to see you again, cousin. When did you arrive?" Ryoga asked trying to lessen the building tension between his father and his cousin.

"Two days ago. America is great so as the Americans," she answered sarcastically then taking a gulped on her wine. "so who's your friend, dear cousin? She's a new face," transferring her attention to Akane.

"This is Akane Tendo, my fiancée. You haven't got the chance to meet her since you're always traveling," he replied.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Saotome…," the emcee announced catching all the attention of the crowd including Ryoga and his company. It was a rather long introduction before the host called onto Genma to make an opening speech. Everyone had their ears on him, listening intently on every word he says except for Ukyou who was busy talking to her phone. This did not escape Genma's eyes but he paid little attention to it for it would ruin his night.

"Where are you?" Ukyou asked. "What? I can't hear you," she said loudly.

Before Genma's speech was over, Ukyou excuse herself on their table and went out of the door to meet someone. It was a relief for everybody at the table to see her leave for she had only brought humiliation to their table. Her dress and her vulgarity, which she did intentionally, brought shame to Genma.

"Will you excuse the rudeness of my niece. She used to be a very good child. I don't know where my sister had failed on her," Genma proclaimed to his audience at their table.

"She's really nice Akane, you just caught her at the wrong time," whispered by Ryoga, "and she hates my father so much which is why she does these things. She just couldn't stand with him in the same room," he added.

A few minutes later, they saw Ukyou inside clutching to a man in a black tuxedo. When dinner was done, the waiters took their utensils and the people were led to the dance floor where the musicians had played a slow music.

Everyone was dancing when Akane and Ryoga finished talking to their acquaintances. Genma was nowhere to be found and Ukyou was still clutching to the man. Ryoga and Akane danced for a while until both were grasping for air. Then they went to the lobby to get some air and to check on some of the guest who were busy smoking. But the one person had caught Akane's eyes. He was pacing back and forth while arguing on his phone. His face is undetermined because he lies in the shadows but his eyes are emotionless. It's hard as a diamond and staring back at it drowns you to oblivion. Yet Akane felt attracted to them, she felt like she had seen those eyes before but she could not remember when or where.

"Akane, what's wrong?" Ryoga asked noticing that she was somehow drifting away.

"Nothing. I just thought of something but it's nothing now," she answered.

"Ryoga! Come here, cousin," waving her hands, "I want you to meet someone," Ukyou shouted out as she saw them.

"Ucchan, stop it. You're humiliating us. You know how father hates it when you act like this," he commanded, "and don't make a mess. Its bad enough that you're seen drunk, don't make it worst," restraining Ukyou's behavior.

"Fine. But I just want to clarify some things. I'm not drunk. And oh, I want you to meet my…," searches the man behind her, "Oh well, he was there a while ago must have gone to the restroom or something… anyway, when did you got engage?" Ukyou continued changing the subject.

But unknown to them, Akane saw where the man went. As soon as Ukyou called out Ryoga's name, he slipped inside without bothering to see where Ukyou went. Somehow, he needs to do something that he couldn't accomplish with Ukyou beside him so he took his chance and left her with them.

Ranma stood by the door for a second, searching for the only man that he came for to see. He was like a panther in the wild with blazing eyes watching every corner for his prey. Spotting the place he where his prey is he headed forward speaking to no one on his way. A few people immediately recognized him and then as if on cue they paved way for him to pass. The host saw this and motion the spot light to him and announced to the crowd who he is.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are privilege enough to have with us, Mr. Ranma Masaki of RM Corporation…," then comes the applause of the onlookers which Ranma acknowledge with a wave of his hands.

As the introduction ended, the crowd continued to dance while Ranma was then shaking hand with Genma.

"Finally, I have the met the legendary business man of our country," Ranma uttered as he grip tightly on to the other man's hand.

The three entered the hall after twenty minutes. They automatically headed to their table where Genma was busy talking to a man. Ukyou quickly recognized him and ran toward him.

"I've been looking for you. I thought you've left without saying goodbye to me," she said feeling relieve to have foundhim.

"I see that you know my niece Ukyou," Genma stated, "I hope she's not giving you any trouble, Ranma."

"Yes, she's a good friend. So far, she had never gave me trouble on anything," Ranma answered. "I think she only gives troubles to you, Mr. Saotome."

"Indeed… she had always profess her dislike on me," looking at Ukyou then back to Ranma, "but I'm quite certain that she is fun of you."

Ranma smiled at his opinion making no objection of it.

Ryoga and Akane reached to their table just in time when Ukyou and Ranma were about to swept to the dance floor.

"Ranma, hold on for a second. Before you go dancing with my niece, I want to introduce you to my son, Ryoga and his fiancée Akane Tendo," Genma called out.

Ryoga, Akane, this is Mr. RAnma Masaki of the RM Company."

Ranma shook hands with Ryoga and gave a slight nod at Akane. Then he left with Ukyou and went to the dance floor. Even though Ukyou is a bit tipsy, Ranma managed to lead her in the floor. His dancing was exquisite that he mesmerize his audience.

The waltz was the last dance they did before the two fled the floor and went to hotel's balcony to breath some fresh air.

At the table, Ryoga and Genma were in deep conversation about the newly acquainted friend. They have come to conclude that Ranma's attendance to their celebration is a good sign for their business proposal to RM Company.

Meanwhile at Ryoga's side Akane was still in shock in seeing Ranma. She saw him in the television appearing on some show, in the magazine for winning an award and in the newspaper's headlines where stories of his misconducts were written. But she had never thought that she would see him again. He looks different: bigger, taller and tougher. His aura is strong , domineering and forceful. He walks with confidence and authority that even if you're far from him you would see that he is an important persona. Just like Genma, his presence can be observed in every corner of the room. And as he held Ukyou by the arm, women are making glances on him.

Seeing him for the first time in five years, Akane had a mixed emotions. She is happy to see him well, proud for his accomplishments, awe in his change and hurt by how he acted towards her. Didn't he recognize her or Ranma has forgotten about her but either of the two, she was still hurt on his actions. He could at least tell them that they were acquainted with each other but he didn't. He kept silent and didn't even bother to say something when they were introduce.

"What had happen to you, Ranma?" Akane thought as she watch him dance.

A minute later, Akane went to the balcony to get some fresh air. She needed it to release the negative thoughts away.

"It's no big deal if he didn't acknowledge me," she said convincing herself. But the fact that Ranma didn't admit it, Akane was hurt. It was a slap in her face and she couldn't do anything about it. It infuriated her that she wants to punch Ranma in the face and spit all the memories they had together.

Akane was so caught up with her own thoughts that she didn't notice a man coming behind her. It was when he spoke that Akane felt that she was no longer alone.

"You look more beautiful than I have remembered," he said without even looking at her.

Akane was surprised with his words. For an instant, she thought it were sincere but with his mocking tone, she knew it were not. If only she had seen his eyes to know the truth.

"Why are you here?" she asked.

"Don't flatter yourself to think that I came here to be alone with you. I just want to make things clear between us," turning and leaning his back at the railings, "I have plans Akane. And I don't want someone like you to ruin it."

"There was no us, Ranma. And do whatever you wish to do because I wont take part of it."

"Good then. Co'z I don't want you spilling something about me. So for the record Miss Tendo, I don't know you and you certainly don't know me. We met only in this party and nothing more."

"Oh, it would be a pleasure to tell that to everyone. It would save me from any explanations."

"Good," without hesitation he slid his hand onto Akane's cheek and lifted her face to face his. He was looking intently on her lips as she was doing the same. They were dangerously close and yet in an instant Ranma chose to brush his lips to her cheeks then whispered to her, "Never again…" And with those words Ranma left the stunned Akane.

"What does he mean?" Akane asked as she regained her composure back.

For a split second, she saw something on his eyes; a flicker of emotion that had quickly disappeared.

He could feel his hands burned as he held her cheek. For a second there he felt like the old Ranma, ready to gamble for love. She was so close that he could sense her sweet and pleasant scent of Lilies. And when he brush his lips to her skin, he felt the jolt of electricity that had attracted him to her. He could have claim those red lips of her right there and then. But it would never going to happen again, not until he remembers their past.

"Never again, Akane. Never again," he muttered as he walked away from her. "I will never again be a victim of your deception," then taking a glass of wine from the waiter who happened to pass by and immediately gulped it up.

At that moment, Ukyou spotted Ranma standing by the door. She swiftly came to him and offered another glass of wine of which Ranma had gladly accepted. Then the two continued their celebration along with everyone else.

The party was a success and everyone had a great time except for two souls who were haunted by each existence. The first one is haunted by her past that suddenly conflicting with her present. The other is terrified of the possibilities that may transpire as someone on his past may ruin his plans for the future.