Chapter 10

(Once upon a time)

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon. The clouds were grey, the sky wept, as did the mourners. After the funeral, Masaki's orphaned cousins moved in with her family.

Little Masaki's twin cousins were older than her, a boy and a girl in their teens who didn't look anything like the other. Being the only child, Masaki was very happy to have company. She took a liking to the older girl immediately, who then became the elder sister she never had.

It was only natural that Masaki's father took the twins in. They were children of his only younger brother. They were their only family left.

Masaki's father was a wealthy business man, he paid for the teenagers to go to the best of colleges - they were brilliant students, top of their class, smart but in different ways. They graduated with honours, secured good jobs in prestigious firms, and climbed the corporate ladder quick.

Then young Masaki met Isshin, fell in love, got married and moved to a little town called Karakura. She wasn't a career woman, she was happy being a housewife and carer for her family.

In a few years' fast forward when Masaki died, her father was left heartbroken, so the twins had stepped in with managing his business.

Yukiko Kurosaki was always smart, had a good eye for detail, and she was a good judge of character. She didn't rise to her position just through hard work and dedication. It required more than that.

Her twin brother also worked hard at Blut Corp and his driven ambitious nature brought Blut to where it was through successful merger and acquisitions.

Yukiko was savvy and had the charm to influence.

But her twin brother was shrewd.

Slight difference.

And their uncle noticed.

So he appointed Yukiko as CEO.

Her twin brother left Japan to manage the overseas operation.

After their uncles passing, Yukiko took the Chairman position. But the intention was to develop Ichigo so he could take over eventually.

Yukiko was married but didn't have children. She was career minded and only met her husband later on in life. As advocates for the environment, they both agreed they were happy without children, their time and talent were put elsewhere to better contribute to the society, and leave the world better than they found it.

Did she regret it?

No, her hard work paid off as she became a force to be reckoned with in Japan. Her achievement (financially, socially) was not something any woman could have attained even if they tried.

Most women get tired of rat race and politics and give up before even attempting what Yukiko had to endure in a male dominated world.

Now that Yukiko is on top, what she is most looking forward to - is to travel with her husband, maybe move to the countryside, and paint.

But now, she has taken on the responsibility of mentoring Ichigo for succession, full time painting will have to wait.

While Yukiko is planning for retirement, her twin brother...

Her heart winced at the thought of him.

While he was disappointed when he learned that Yukiko was appointed CEO over him, he was genuinely happy for his dear sister.

But things took a dramatic change upon learning about their ailing old uncles' will - to leave Blut Corp for Masaki's son. He didn't return to Japan to see the old man in his final days, and even refused to attend his funeral.

Yukiko sighed.

"I hope you're well Yhwach,"

.

.

.

To be continued...

I'm sorry for the late update, where has 2019 gone?

Dedicated to my lovely readers and a shoutout to my reviewers:

livingwater1996

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JFK

insomniac1970

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Star

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RoaringGoat

Hope you're well too reader-san and do continue to love this fic.

blitch xx