It was pouring rain in Seoul, as Rafael and his sister Jasmine sprinted through the streets of Gangnam, desperate to escape their pursuers. The heavy downpour motivated them to run even faster.
"Have you contacted Kyoko yet?" Rafael asked between breaths.
"She's waiting for us at the hotel!" Jasmine replied sharply. "Just keep running; you always manage to get into trouble."
"It doesn't matter, we need to try and lose them," reasoned Rafael as they quickly turned left and sought shelter behind a garbage bin.
"Do you think we've evaded them?" whispered Jasmine from her hiding spot behind her brother. "Maybe," responded Rafael cautiously, earning a hit on the face from his sister.
"I warned you not to mess with that Ulzzan girl ! What's wrong with you? If Dad finds out about this, we're all done for," scolded Jasmine while playfully thumping her brother's back.
"Let's regroup with Kyoko then," suggested Rafael before rushing away from the trash bin.
---
The two arrived in front of an upscale hotel in Gangnam where Kyoko and Tiffany, the ninth sage and their father's former sidekick, awaited them with disapproving looks aimed at Rafael.
"Rafael, what on earth did you do?" Tiffany confronted him. "She was one of the most popular Ulzzan girls! She could have had anyone she wanted."
"Aunt Tiffany, please don't let Dad find out about this," Rafael pleaded.
"Dad just called and he was extremely upset," Kyoko interjected. "One associate informed him about it."
"What about Sachiko?" asked Rafael.
"She is unaware for now, but we'll make sure she doesn't discover the truth," replied Kyoko sadly shaking her head. "You always seem to attract trouble."
Tiffany informed the trio that she had arranged a ticket for them to return to Tokyo, urging them to depart by the next morning. Rafael, Kyoko, and Jasmine discreetly hid behind a pillar while observing the encounter between Tiffany and the leader of the Ulzaang Gang.
"Greetings, Tiffany Yoon. What an unexpected surprise to find you here at this hotel," remarked the Ulzzang leader as he gallantly kissed her hand.
"I will be departing for New York tomorrow and would prefer staying at this hotel in the meantime," responded Tiffany with her usual composure, concealing any trepidation she felt towards Karl Marino's siblings. "How may I assist you?"
"I was curious if you have come across Karl Marino's son during your stay here? I heard he is also lodging in this establishment," inquired the Ulzzang leader.
"To my knowledge, I have not encountered them," affirmed Tiffany dismissively while rolling her eyes.
"Considering your association with Karl Marino as his accomplice and successor, it seems likely that you know their whereabouts," insisted the Ulzzang leader.
"It doesn't matter if I'm his sidekick. Honestly, I have no idea where they are," Tiffany nonchalantly dismissed the statement.
"You've undergone quite a transformation, Tiffany. From K-pop diva to a sage's assistant, and now an executive taking over your boss's position," remarked the Ulzzang leader with admiration.
"Everyone already knows that. No need to repeat it ad nauseam. It just annoys me," retorted Tiffany sharply.
"Well, as long as you're not harboring those three Marino kids. If I find out otherwise, there will be consequences for you, Tiffany," threatened the Ulzzang Leader.
Tiffany laughed mockingly at the Ulzzang leader and taunted them saying: "Haha! So scared! Trembling in my boots... Please spare me your empty threats; either do something or risk getting taken down by yours truly."
The leader of the Ulzzang Gang was taken aback when Tiffany issued a warning about potential dire consequences if he were to overstep his bounds. Soon after, Rafael, Kyoko, and Jasmine emerged from their hiding spot behind a pillar and approached Tiffany.
"You really should leave," Tiffany said anxiously to the siblings. They understood her concern and together decided to take her advice. By the following morning, they boarded a flight headed for Tokyo where they planned to reunite with Jiena, Bianca, and Mako.
-----
Upon their arrival in Tokyo, the three siblings quickly made their way to the apartment where Jiena, Bianca, and Mako were waiting for them. As they entered, they found Jiena, Bianca, and Mako gathered around Rafael on the couch.
"What did you do to that Ulzzang girl?" asked Jiena. "I don't understand. First it was Kanna, Erina, and Emily who suffered because of you. And now this Ulzzang girl? I thought things would change once you married Sachiko."
"I was drugged," Rafael tried to explain.
"You wouldn't have been drugged if you hadn't accepted a drink from her," interrupted Bianca.
"Alright fine! It's all my fault," admitted Rafael while raising his hands in surrender. "You women are always right."
"It's not just about being women. Dad found out what happened so he arranged for Sachiko to return to Sierra de Oro," informed Mako solemnly to his brother.
"We're all screwed," Kyoko added, "Dad will punish us once we arrive in Manila."
"We have no choice but to face the punishment," Jiena added, "Our flight will be on Friday so you all better be prepared."
-----
After four years of his marriage to Sachiko, Rafael successfully completed his degree in Management and secured a position as an assistant at the prestigious Penthouse Corporation under the guidance of his sister Jasmine. This opportunity serves as invaluable training for him, as he is being groomed to eventually take over his father's empire. Meanwhile, Jiena has pursued a career in law and politics, following in their father's footsteps by becoming a young mayor in Sierra de Oro. Working closely together, Rafael and Jasmine are dedicated to further developing their father's long-established investments.
However, it is worth noting that Rafael has displayed tendencies towards engaging with multiple romantic partners. To incorporate brevity into this narrative summary: Consequently, this behavior has raised concerns from his father regarding its impact on both personal relationships and professional conduct
Kyoko, his step-sister, has increasingly immersed herself in overseeing the operations of the family enterprise. She frequently travels to Tokyo and Seoul to attend to various affairs concerning the familial business. On the other hand, Jasmine, Karl's younger step-sister, has been appointed as heir to the Innovare Group. This prestigious company was co-founded by Karl and his associates and serves as a prominent platform for Takako's ventures in the Philippines.
----
The Marino siblings gathered at their family mansion on a quiet Saturday morning, only to be startled by the presence of all their soldiers. As they entered the mansion, Karl was found in the study room with Gustavo Ojeda, Charlie Ong, Helen Margarito, Teddy Boy Lagman, Jamie Seo and other associates. Meanwhile, Riko could be found in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone when she stepped out to welcome her stepchildren.
"Mum, what's happening?" Bianca asked as she greeted her stepmother with a kiss on each cheek.
"Fernando Escobar has managed to escape from maximum security prison," Riko replied. "Your father and uncles are leading an operation to capture him and those involved in his jailbreak."
"How is it possible for someone like him to escape from such a well-guarded prison?" Jiena questioned innocently.
"Corrupt military officers and prison officials," Riko responded, "Your father is extremely angry. That's why he has asked Jamie to propose an investigation into the incident, while the others will try to locate and eliminate Fernando once and for all."
A few minutes later, the six of them left the study room and got into their respective vehicles in hopes of tracking down Fernando's whereabouts. They left Riko and their children behind in the living room.
"What happened to that Ulzzang Girl you bumped into?" Riko asked her son.
"Mom, I heard Dad found out," Jiena replied.
"Yes, he's really upset about it. That's why he told all of you to come home," Riko said. "In addition to Fernando escaping from prison, your safety concerns him more than anything else."
Bianca expressed her concern, "What if Dad punishes Rafael?"
Riko nonchalantly sat down and lit a cigar. "We'll just have to wait until he arrives to see what decision he makes."
---
The following morning, Karl arrived at the mansion looking visibly fatigued from the pursuit operations. He sat down in the kitchen to have breakfast. Slowly, Rafael approached his parents and greeted them.
"What's good about this morning?" Karl asked with a hint of frustration, "By targeting that Ulzzang girl, you've put Tiffany, Yukari, and even our Korean Headquarters at risk."
"Dad, I never intended for any of this to happen," Rafael responded earnestly. "Intentions aside, you still allowed it to occur," interrupted Karl sternly. "Son, having lived in a world filled with deceit and lies for so long has made me quite familiar with its consequences."
At that moment as Rafael remained stunned by his father's words but managed to hold back his tears while staring intently at him.
"It runs in the family," Rafael tearfully replied. "No one ever complained about your wife, ex-wife, and mistresses. Jiena and I never bothered asking about our real mother." Karl's eyes widened as he angrily threw a mug against the wall. "Well, speaking of her, I wish I had never taken you away from her because all my problems started when she brought you to me!"
Riko quickly intervened, separating Karl and Rafael. "Stop it! This is not the time to argue."
"Just keep him away from me. All I want is to stay alive," Karl muttered while covering his head with a cauldron.
"Rafael, why don't you take a vacation in Bora?" Riko suggested calmly."I'll book a ticket for you. Your father is still quite stressed out because of that pursuit operation he conducted against Fernando."
"What would he do there?" Karl questioned curiously
"Taking a break from your annoying presence," Riko replied, "Just try not to do anything too ridiculous again, my son."
The following day, Rafael was preparing for his trip to Boracay and gathering his belongings when his brothers Muro (aged twenty-five) and Takeru (aged twenty) entered the room.
"We're joining you," Muro informed his brother. "Marla is also getting ready."
"Dad wants us to keep an eye on you," Takeru chimed in. "But knowing us, it'll probably be the opposite."
"I think it's a nice idea," Rafael smiled as he continued packing up.
-----
Rafael and his siblings embarked on a journey to Boracay in an attempt to escape the wrath of their authoritarian father. Seeking refuge at a modest three-star hotel, they leisurely strolled along the expansive coastline of the renowned beach resort. While Muro, Marla, and Takeru chose to bask by the poolside, Rafael found solace near the shoreline as he observed his siblings frolicking in the water while engrossed in reading a book.
Suddenly, a woman's voice resonated through the air calling out Rafael's name. Startled yet intrigued, he turned around to identify who was summoning him.
"Kanna," Rafael whispered under his breath as an inexplicable chill coursed through his body, causing him to remain immobile on his reclining chair.
"It has been quite some time," Kanna uttered sincerely much to Rafael's delight.
"I would greatly appreciate if we could converse privately," requested Rafael earnestly. He yearned for undisturbed dialogue with Kanna—an appeal she graciously acknowledged—leaving Muro, Marla,and Takeru behind at that bustling swimming pool area
The two former lovers entered the executive suite where the Marino siblings were staying, overwhelmed by their emotions. They indulged in passionate kisses and gentle caresses as they settled onto the bed, holding each other tightly. With tenderness, Rafael removed Kanna's delicate undergarments and carefully joined his love into her embrace. As they made love to each other with a backdrop of a rising moon over an awakening sun...
"Do you still harbor feelings for me?" Kanna softly inquired.
"More than anything else," Rafael responded with sincerity. "I long for these moments we share together. And what about you?"
"If only we could turn back time," Kanna replied wistfully, pausing momentarily before continuing. "I will never give up on our love. We are both entangled in obligations and hurdles that need overcoming."
"And if I can ever overcome those obstacles," Rafael promised earnestly while someone discreetly knocked on the door. Startled yet curious, he cautiously approached and opened it—only to find himself astonished at who stood there before him—a figure motionless like stone lying beside them on the bed...
Rafael was taken aback as he asked, "Rina, what brings you here?" His younger sister stood before him in the hotel room.
"I have come to collect all four of you," Rina replied calmly, making her way into the room. She noticed Kanna on the bed, clearly unsettled by her unexpected presence.
"It has been quite some time since we last saw each other," greeted Kanna, addressing Rina as one of the Marino siblings.
Surprised to see Kanna there, Rina's gaze turned sharp as she retorted with a hint of annoyance. "Kanna, it appears that we haven't crossed paths much outside of high school. Please spare me your nostalgic comments."
Kanna fell silent and shifted her attention to Rafael who remained speechless amidst this unfolding situation.
"Let us pretend I did not witness anything and refrain from informing Dad," rationally suggested Rina. "Given Jiena and others' refusal to join us here, Mom tasked me with fetching you and our siblings."
Perplexed by these turn events Rafael enquired anxiously: "What is happening? Why are we being fetched?"
"Fernando and his friend are on their way," Rina replied, "Father has ensured the safety of Sachiko and your daughters by relocating them to a more secure place."
As the conversation extended, Muro, Marla, and Takeru made their way indoors to gather their belongings. They efficiently packed everything they needed before getting into the car and making their getaway. Takeru couldn't help but remark with a grin, "Fernando really knows how to spoil the fun."
As they drove towards the airport, a group of soldiers unexpectedly blocked their path. The Marino siblings wasted no time in drawing out their pistols and preparing for a potential conflict if it came down to it.
"It seems Erina found out we were here," Rina stated grimly, pointing towards the woman in the opposing vehicle.
"Ah, Rina Marino," greeted Erina while brandishing her firearm at them. "The twenty-two-year-old femme fatale."
Rina responded firmly by aiming her sub-machine gun at Erina and her men as she declared: "Either let us pass peacefully or witness bloodshed on this very road."
Erina chuckled confidently replying: "You're just as tough as I expected. Take this message back to your brother - he will be mine."
"In your wildest dreams," Rina replied defiantly, clutching a portable beacon. "Now let us pass or we'll all explode right here."
"Very well, Sergeant Marino," Erina murmured as she and her men quickly retreated, allowing Rina and her siblings to board the plane without hesitation.
"I hope this will be the last time I have to see Kanna with you, my dear brother," Rina said firmly while gripping Rafael's collar. "I don't want our family to suffer because of this anymore. I've had enough of Sachiko worrying about you and Dad being stressed out."
"What do you mean?" Rafael inquired curiously.
Rina gasp a sigh and glanced at her brother "When you handle a Senate, handling a manhunt against Southeast Asia's number one drug dealer, a group of warlords, a fugitive and an eccentric sage, wouldn't you be stressed out?"
Upon their arrival at the airport, the group was swiftly escorted to the stately Marino mansion. Once inside, they entered the elegantly adorned living room and respectfully greeted their parents as a gesture of deference upon returning from their journey.
"So how was your vacation?" Riko inquired of their children, gently planting kisses on their cheeks.
"It was delightful," a slightly apprehensive Muro replied, "We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the beach."
"The same goes for me," Takeru chimed in cautiously, stealing glances at his brothers with an uneasy countenance.
"As we were preparing to board the plane, we unexpectedly ran into Erina," recounted Rina.
Riko's cheerful demeanor quickly faded upon hearing about Erina's reappearance. They sank into the couch and sipped from a glass of whiskey thoughtfully.
"It seems that my plate is overflowing as well," they remarked while casting a furtive glance towards their spouse. Karl reclined against the cushions of the couch and closed their eyes briefly before rising to fixate on a wedding portrait adorning the wall opposite them. "Twenty-five years have passed," Karl murmured contemplatively, "and our marriage has endured with unwavering strength, hasn't it, Riko?"
Riko countered, diverting her gaze from Karl. "It would be beneficial if you refrained from associating with certain familiar women."
Unfazed, Karl focused his attention on his son Rafael and declared, "Rafael, I am appointing you as my close-in assistant. Your Aunt Riria will assume your previous role."
"I have worked diligently to attain what I have earned, and now you are taking it away," Rafael objected loudly to his father. Karl posed a serious and direct question: "Do you desire the position or not?"
Defending himself but accepting the offer nonetheless, Rafael replied defiantly, "Who said I don't want the job?"
"Then consider it settled – you shall become my right-hand man," affirmed Karl as he patted his son's shoulder before retreating to his room.
--Chapter end--