Rafael and Sachiko strolled through the bustling mall, seemingly oblivious to the rising tensions surrounding them. The couple walked hand-in-hand, lost in their own world.
"Aren't you worried about everything that's happening?" Sachiko asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"I'm here with you, so don't worry," Rafael assured her confidently.
"Are you sure?" Sachiko gazed into Rafael's eyes, seeking reassurance. He nodded and gently kissed her forehead.
As they continued their leisurely walk, Rafael noticed a group of men trailing them. He subtly glanced at Sachiko and whispered, "They're following us."
"What are we going to do?" Sachiko asked, gripping her husband's hand tightly and clutching her bag closer.
Realizing they had no other choice, Rafael and Sachiko began to run, their footsteps echoing through the mall as the goons gave chase. They darted around corners, trying to evade their pursuers, whom Rafael suspected were armed. As they rounded the last corner, someone grabbed Rafael's arm, pulling the couple into a dimly lit area. Rafael turned and felt a wave of relief.
"Keep quiet," Karl whispered, holding boxes of pizzas and food. "Those might be Fernando's people. We need to get to the senate."
"Why are you here?" Rafael asked, glancing at the boxes of food.
"I'm buying food because today is judgment day," Karl replied, glaring at the couple. "And what brings the two of you here?"
"I'm so sorry, Father. It's my fault," Sachiko said, bowing to her father-in-law.
"You should've asked us first before coming here; it's more dangerous outside than ever," Karl scolded them for their recklessness. "But that's not important right now. Let's go to the senate."
They moved swiftly through the back corridors of the mall, Karl leading the way. The sounds of the bustling mall faded as they navigated the maze-like passageways, heading toward the safer exit that led to the senate.
As they approached the exit, Karl spoke in a hushed tone, "The situation outside is getting worse by the minute. We need to stick together and stay vigilant. Fernando's men are everywhere."
Rafael nodded, holding Sachiko's hand tighter. "We'll be careful, Father."
Exiting the mall, they quickly made their way to a nearby car. Karl handed the boxes of food to Rafael and Sachiko, who placed them in the back seat. They got into the car, and Karl started the engine, driving away from the mall and towards the senate with a sense of urgency.
During the drive, Karl glanced at Rafael and Sachiko in the rearview mirror. "This conflict is far from over. We need to be prepared for anything."
"We understand," Rafael said, his voice firm. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect our family."
Sachiko nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with determination. "We'll stand by your side, Father."
Karl nodded, feeling a surge of pride for his son and daughter-in-law. "Good. We'll need all the strength we can muster."
As they approached the senate building, the tension in the air was palpable. Security was tight, and the presence of armed guards reminded them of the gravity of the situation. Karl parked the car, and they quickly exited, carrying the boxes of food with them.
Inside the senate, the atmosphere was tense. Allies and family members were gathered, discussing strategies and preparing for the imminent conflict. Karl led Rafael and Sachiko to a secure room where they could regroup and plan their next move.
"We're in this together," Karl said, looking at his family and allies. "No matter what happens, we fight as one."
Rafael and Sachiko nodded, their resolve strengthening with each passing moment. They knew the road ahead would be perilous, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united as a family.
----
Meanwhile, inside the senate, Karl brought Rafael and Sachiko with him. Before heading to his office, the three of them entered the conference room. Karl was smiling as he walked in, seeing Arisa, his ex-wife, and Riho, his lover, waiting for him. Rafael noticed a young man with long hair, handsome features, almond eyes, and a flower boy aura.
"Kazuki!" Rafael exclaimed, embracing the young man.
"Aniki," Kazuki replied ecstatically.
"What brings you here?" Rafael asked.
"I need to ask Dad something," Kazuki replied. "I don't want to finish my college degree. I want to pursue my passion in modeling."
"Kazuki, you can do both if you manage your time properly," Karl interjected. "I know you can do it, and I'm not against your passion. But please, finish your degree."
"That's what I'm talking about," Riho added. "I also want Kazuki to be part of the family business."
"How about we discuss this after the trial?" Karl suggested in an apologetic tone. "I have an impeachment trial to preside over, and afterward, we can enjoy dinner together."
Arisa and Riho nodded, smiling at the man they both once loved. After Karl left for his office, the rest of the siblings arrived. Jiena, Kyoko, Bianca, Muro, Marla, Rina, and Jessica entered the conference room.
"Rina!" Sachiko exclaimed, unable to contain her elation upon seeing her best friend. Rina embraced her tightly and kissed her cheeks.
"How have you been lately?" Rina asked, holding Sachiko's hand. "Is my onii-chan giving you a headache?"
"Not at all," Sachiko replied happily. "He takes care of me and the kids very well."
"You really don't trust me, do you, Rina?" Rafael teased. "What brings all of you here?"
"Dad is announcing something after the trial, so we had to come," Jiena answered.
The siblings and friends gathered in the conference room, chatting and catching up. The atmosphere was a mixture of relief and anticipation, a rare moment of peace amidst the turmoil that had enveloped their lives for so long.
As they waited, Kazuki approached Riho and Arisa, seeking their advice on balancing his education and modeling career. Muro and Marla discussed the latest developments with Bianca and Kyoko, while Jiena and Jessica kept a watchful eye on the entrance, ready for any sign of trouble.
Rina and Sachiko sat together, reminiscing about old times and sharing stories about their families. Rafael, though still shaken by recent events, found solace in the presence of his loved ones. Despite the chaos and loss they had endured, the strength of their bonds provided a glimmer of hope for the future.
As the time for the trial approached, Karl's words echoed in Rafael's mind: "We fight as one." The unity and determination of the Marino family would be their greatest weapon in the battles yet to come.
To further support Kazuki, Rafael shared his own experiences of balancing responsibilities. He recounted the days of managing the family business while ensuring his family stayed safe, encouraging Kazuki that pursuing dreams and fulfilling obligations weren't mutually exclusive.
Rina leaned in closer to Sachiko, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. "Do you think everything will be okay after this trial?" she asked softly.
Sachiko sighed, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I hope so, Rina. We've all been through so much. Maybe this is the turning point we've been waiting for."
Nearby, Marla was showing Bianca a series of designs she had been working on for a new fashion line. The two women shared a passion for creativity, and the discussion provided a welcome distraction from the heavy atmosphere.
"These are amazing, Marla," Bianca praised, flipping through the sketches. "You have such a talent for this. Have you thought about presenting them at a fashion show?"
Marla smiled, her eyes lighting up. "I have, actually. Once everything settles down, I'd love to showcase these designs. Maybe we can collaborate."
Kyoko, who had been listening to the conversation, chimed in. "Count me in! I'd love to help with the event planning. We need something positive to look forward to."
As the family members continued to converse and make plans for the future, a sense of camaraderie and optimism began to fill the room. Despite the impending trial and the uncertainties that lay ahead, the Marino family found strength in each other, determined to face whatever challenges came their way.
Finally, a senate aide entered the room, signaling that the trial was about to begin. The family members exchanged determined glances, ready to support Karl and each other. As they made their way to the courtroom, Rafael took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
"We fight as one," he whispered to himself, ready to stand by his family and face the future together.
------
Meanwhile, Karl entered his chambers and immediately sat behind his desk. Seated in front of him were President Pro-tempore Charlie Ong, Majority Floor Leader Gustav Ojeda, Assistant Majority Floor Leader Helena Margarito, and Senators Teddy Boy Lagman and Jamie Seo, along with leaders of various Senate factions. Karl stretched his back and yawned, gazing at his colleagues.
"So, what do you want me to tell the others?" Gustav asked Karl.
"What am I supposed to tell them?" Karl retorted.
"You can tell them to remove the two," Charlie interjected.
"Why would I do that?" Karl questioned.
"Number one, it's for the good of the Philippines. Number two, it's for their own good. And number three, it's for the good of the economy," Teddy Boy replied.
"That would make you the acting president," Charlie added.
At that moment, one of Karl's emissaries entered the room and whispered to him. Karl's expression shifted to one of astonishment as he took a deep breath and pulled out his phone. "Tell them to call me. My phone is open," Karl responded to the emissary.
"What's going on?" Senator Minnie of North Luzon asked.
"Alfredo Zaragoza has fled to Italy and left us with a resignation letter," Karl answered, staring at his phone. "I'm just waiting for the call."
"Actually, they're not calling you," Helen said, looking at the door.
A man in his sixties with a mestizo complexion, jet-black hair, and towering height entered, accompanied by a woman with a mestiza appearance, a long nose, short hair, and timeless beauty.
"It's quite unusual that the nation's most powerful man is in the office of the nation's number one presidential punching bag," Karl said, warmly welcoming the president and offering his hand. "Welcome, have a seat."
"Thank you for accommodating us," the president replied, shaking Karl's hand.
President Dante and his wife sat on the couch, facing Karl and the center-right senators. The president gazed at the portraits hanging in the office, particularly locking his eyes on a portrait of Karl posing with Takako.
"I see that you proudly display a portrait with a woman who is not your wife in this chamber?" the president remarked.
Karl shook his head and smirked. "That portrait has been hanging here for years. You should know that; you came here often when you were still a senator."
"I've heard you two are more than friends but less than lovers," said the First Lady, glancing at another portrait where Karl posed with sages who were also leaders of their respective nations. "So this is what they call 'The Penthouse.'"
"I cannot believe all our hard work would culminate in this meeting," the president said weakly. "We were allies, LDP and Liberals."
"We were allies until you had us arrested for nothing," Teddy Boy responded.
"Mr. President, you know how hard we worked regardless of our political affiliations," Helen explained. "When all the foxes were chasing you, we, the wolves, defended you."
"So this is retaliation?!" the First Lady raised her voice.
"Not even," Gustav replied calmly. "We ignored all the harassment you and your cabinet inflicted."
"What did we do to all of you?" the First Lady asked again.
"Mrs. Dante, I was supposed to be arrested in front of my kids and labeled a fugitive. But that's not important right now," Karl said. "We have a constitutional duty to uphold."
"And you, Minnie?" the First Lady looked at Senator Mendoza. "I thought we were friends."
"Okay, that's enough!" Karl exclaimed. "Ladies and gentlemen, vote according to your conscience, not just because someone or party leaders are pressuring you."
"We will!" the six senators exclaimed.
"Mr. Marino!" the president exclaimed.
"I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt, straight from my mouth—no intervention on the vote," Karl said. "Unless you choose which country you want to seek asylum in."
"Wow, can you really do that?!" Gustav was astonished, gazing at Karl's determined eyes.
"Just pick your poison!" Karl dared the president.
"Now, I believe that's the hand of a sage," President Dante responded. His legs were shaking, and his lips trembled as he took a sip of soda from the can.
"No, that's a diplomatic hand," Karl replied calmly.
"Mr. President, Madam First Lady, both of you are a great couple, but the people surrounding you have made it terrifying," said Jamie. At that moment, President Dante made a sacrificial decision.
"I'll step down as president. I have my lawyers here, and I will sign the instrument of resignation right now in your office," the president said, printing the formal letter directly at the Senate President's desk and signing the instrument.
"All I want is for the safety of my family. We will leave for Spain," the president requested.
"That's not a problem," Karl assured him. "Jamie, call Takako and arrange a plane bound for Madrid. I will call Prime Minister Zorroguieta."
"The Spanish Prime Minister?" Jamie asked.
"Yes, the prime minister," Karl answered, handing over a piece of paper to Jamie. "Read those numbers on the line so he'll know who is asking a favor."
As Jamie dialed the number, Karl sat back, watching the president and his wife. The room was filled with a mix of relief and tension, knowing that this critical moment could finally bring some semblance of peace.
----
In the conference room, Karl's children sat in stunned silence, having overheard the entire conversation between the President and their father. They kept their eyes on the door, absorbing the gravity of the situation.
"Oh my God," Jiena murmured, shaking her head in disbelief.
"I can't believe Dad actually pulled this off," Kyoko added, equally astonished.
Suddenly, a deafening slam echoed from the other side of the door. The siblings turned towards the employees' entrance and saw Riko standing there, her eyes sweeping over Riho and Arisa with disdain.
"Is this some kind of harem convention?" Riko asked coldly.
Arisa and Riho met her gaze with equal disgust. The two stood up, engaging in a silent but intense standoff with the legal wife.
"Oh, no..." Marla murmured as Emi slowly approached Riko from behind.
"This is a harem convention," Riko repeated, her words dripping with sarcasm. The tension in the room was palpable, bewildering the Senate President's staff and guests as the four women faced off.
"Mom, please take a seat," Jiena pleaded. "You're causing a commotion in front of the other senators and the president."
"It's been a while," Emi greeted the four, trying to ease the tension.
Riko grinned uncomfortably. "What brings you here?" she asked, her voice strained.
"I'm here to support the President," Emi answered calmly.
Riko's face turned red, a clear sign of her simmering anger. She clenched her fists and closed her eyes, struggling to maintain her composure.
"Stop showing grudge against my guest. Why don't you sit down?" Karl interjected, trying to defuse the situation.
"What is going on? Why are you becoming the president? We talked about this," Riko confronted her husband.
"You cannot dictate to me anymore," Karl replied firmly.
"I never expected this to happen. It happened so fast," Riko said, her voice faltering.
"So did I. The people have spoken, the court has spoken, and the president has resigned," Karl explained.
At that moment, Gustav entered the room. "Mr. President, everything is ready," he informed Karl.
Karl nodded and obliged, heading towards the session hall, leaving behind a room filled with tension and unresolved emotions.
------
Meanwhile, Riko, Emi, Riho, Arisa, and the Marino children entered the Senate chambers and took their seats behind the gallery.
Karl sat behind the rostrum alongside the Chief Justice, waiting for the impeachment court to proceed. The Chief Justice stood and read the resignation letter aloud.
Rafael watched his father, noting the stress etched on Karl's face. He could see his father's frequent gasps for air, a sign of the heavy burden of the presidency and the circumstances surrounding the recent announcement. The Chief Justice called for a brief recess. While Karl and the Chief Justice remained seated, the Marino children approached their father and embraced him, trying to lift his spirits.
At four in the afternoon, the Chief Justice called the Senate back to order. He then requested Riko to proceed to the rostrum, a gesture befitting the wife of the incoming president.
Karl, feeling uncomfortable, gasped for air as he stood beside her.
"Come on, why don't you just act like a civil couple just this once?" the Chief Justice pleaded.
"We are. It's just that I'd prefer to finish this oath-taking and go home," Karl replied, handing the holy bible to his wife.
"Are you ready to take your oath of office?" the Chief Justice formally asked.
"I am," Karl responded faintly, raising his right hand and uttering the words that would seal his fate in history. "I, Karl Marino of Cagayan de Oro City, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines and will, to the best of my ability, preserve and protect the constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the nation. So help me God."
Cheers and applause erupted from the Senate chamber. Karl Marino now stood at the rostrum not as the Senate President but as the acting President of the Republic. He stepped behind the podium and addressed the people inside the Senate hall. "My fellow countrymen, we have come here in a show of force to topple a leadership we were unsatisfied with. Let us thank ourselves for making it possible. Nevertheless, we must work together to bring our nation to prosperity. Thank you."
From afar, his family—Riko, Emi, Arisa, and Riho, along with their children—applauded him. Yet their faces showed anxiety, sharing the burden of their father's new role.
After the oath-taking, Karl and his family went to a restaurant he had booked earlier. Riko, Arisa, Riho, and Emi sat side-by-side in the dining area, while the Marino children followed.
Riko glared at the ladies with disdain. "So why are these women here?"
"Why don't you give them the respect I give you?" Karl asked his wife. "You've bullied Riho in the past, and you think I don't know that?"
"But..." Riko tried to reason.
"Now shut up. You are now the First Lady, and that's something you should ponder," Karl interrupted, clearing his throat before continuing. "Now, because I am the president of this country, I want you to behave."
Karl gazed at his children and paused. "Listen, all of you. Arisa, Emi, and Riho are here because they are part of the family. I want you to know I didn't accept this job because I wanted to. I didn't want to impress anyone or outshine my former colleagues. I accepted this job because the law dictates it."
"So what does that have to do with us?" Takeru, his fourth son, asked.
"Well, you sex-doused maniac, it has to do with everything," Karl replied sarcastically. "If any of you think that now I have taken this new job, you can continue behaving as you did before, you are very much mistaken! All of you have to pull yourselves together."
The entire Marino family remained silent, feasting on sumptuous lamb chops, cream of chowder, rainbow cake, and a first-class Sauvignon Blanc from France.
"Now, Kyoko will officially take over Marino Enterprise as Chairman, with Rafael as Operations Manager. Jiena is still the Mayor of Sierra De Oro, and Rina will run as Councilor. Bianca will take over the PR Department of Innovare, and Jasmine will join the operations department of the same company. Lastly, I have decided to hand over your inheritance as soon as possible to avoid any conflict, so your mothers will not fight to death over a piece of gold."
In that moment, Riko, Arisa, Emi, and Riho fell silent, while the Marino siblings continued to feast on the food, seemingly unaffected by their father's explanations.
-----------------
The day after, Parliament officially ratified Charlie as the new Vice President. In a show of deference to the newly inaugurated President, Karl, several cabinet members resigned, allowing Karl to appoint trusted allies to fill those crucial roles.
At noon, Karl, accompanied by Riko and their entourage, arrived at the majestic Presidential Palace, the symbolic heart of the Republic of the Philippines. Flanked by a throng of media both inside and outside the palace, capturing every moment of their arrival, the team stood poised and resolute in front of the palace's grand entrance.
Gustav, walking alongside the new President, broke the solemnity with a remark, "Well, at least we can boast about bagging a big fish and taking down nine drug lords."
Senator Helena Margarito, ever the pragmatist, asked, "What's our next move, Mr. President?"
"Mr. Vice President, shall we proceed up the stairs first?" Charlie proposed to Karl. "You and Madam Marino can follow afterward."
"The protocol may not allow that, Vice President," cautioned the Protocol Officer.
"But remember, behind every great man is a woman," Gustav quipped with a knowing smile.
"Indeed, a powerful man owes much to the support of his wife," added Senate President Archie Javier, nodding in agreement.
With that, Gustav, Charlie, Archie, Helena, Teddy Boy, and Jamie ascended the stairs to the Rizal Hall, leaving Karl and Riko to cautiously make their way through the palace entrance. As they approached the stairs, Riko halted, her gaze fixed on Karl.
Karl extended his hand towards the staircase, silently signaling to his wife. Riko acknowledged with a nod and a warm smile, taking Karl's hand as they ascended together. Passing by the hall adorned with portraits of former Presidents, they entered the Rizal Hall, where guests and dignitaries rose to their feet, offering a hearty round of applause to welcome the new President and First Lady.
--chapter end--