An ambulance arrived at the entrance of the funeral home, its lights flashing as it came to a halt. The media quickly gathered outside, their cameras and microphones ready to capture every moment. Karl Marino, accompanied by his children, stood solemnly by as Riko's body was carefully lifted from the ambulance and carried inside. The sight of her lifeless form, bruised and battered, sent a wave of grief and anger through Karl.
Inside, the embalmer, a professional who owed Karl a favor, awaited them. As Karl gently uncovered Riko's face, the embalmer's expression shifted to one of shock and sadness. Her once-beautiful face was barely recognizable, marred by the brutality of her final moments.
"Karl, I'll do everything I can," the embalmer promised, his voice heavy with empathy. "She'll look beautiful again."
Karl nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "Thank you. I don't want her brother or the rest of my children to see her like this." He looked down at Riko, tears welling in his eyes. "Those bastards... look what they've done."
The embalmer began his work, and Karl led his children outside to wait. They sat on the curb, the weight of their grief pressing down on them.
"I failed to protect her," Karl murmured, wiping a tear from his cheek. "I failed as a father and a husband."
Kyoko, holding her stepfather's hand, sighed deeply. "There are no words for this."
Silence fell over them, broken only by the distant murmurs of the press. Karl's mind replayed the last few days, the arguments, the love that had gone unspoken, and now this. His marriage had ended in the worst way possible.
A few hours later, the rest of the Marino siblings arrived. Muro, Marla, Rina, and Jessica joined their father in the small chapel where Riko lay. Karl stood as they approached the coffin, his eyes red from crying.
"She lived a good life," Karl said softly, addressing his children. "Your mother loved you all very much."
"Dad, what happens now?" Rafael asked, looking at Riko's peaceful face.
Karl's expression hardened. "The mastermind is dead, but others are still out there. I never gave her the one thing she wanted most."
"Your love," Rina interjected. "You showed her you cared in your own way."
Karl nodded, guilt and sorrow mixing in his eyes.
Later, at the palace, Riko's body was prepared for the public viewing. As mourners began to arrive, Karl stood by the door, greeting each guest with a nod. Among the mourners was Riko's brother, Hiroshi, who had not yet heard the news.
Hiroshi's face twisted in horror when he saw his sister's coffin. "What happened? Who did this?" he demanded, turning to Karl with accusatory eyes. "This is your fault! You should have protected her!"
"It's not Dad's fault," Kyoko interjected, stepping between them. "We all failed her."
Hiroshi sneered. "No wonder my father despised you," he spat at Karl. "I do too."
"The door is open," Karl said coldly, his face a mask of control. "You can leave."
Hiroshi stormed out, and the siblings gathered around Karl, trying to offer comfort. Later, Karl sat alone near Riko's coffin, keeping vigil. A woman approached and bowed her head in respect before sitting beside him.
"Riho, it's been a long time," Karl greeted her, managing a small smile.
"My deepest sympathies, Karl," Riho replied, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Karl sighed, looking at her with tired eyes. "Thank you. I'm sorry you never got to speak with her."
Riho nodded, her expression soft. "I forgave her long ago, and you too. You did your best."
As the night grew darker, Riho suggested they walk in the palace garden. They strolled silently, the moon casting long shadows around them.
Meanwhile, Rafael and Sachiko arrived at the chapel, noticing the absence of Karl and their siblings. Rafael, concerned, decided to find them. Outside, he spotted Karl and Riho on a bench, deep in conversation. He hid behind a bush, soon joined by Kyoko and Jiena, who had also noticed the unusual pairing.
"What are you doing?" Jiena whispered, startling Rafael. He gestured towards their father and Riho.
"Just listening," Rafael whispered back.
As they watched, Megan, Bianca, and Jasmine joined them, curiosity piqued.
On the bench, Karl and Riho reminisced about the past. Karl's voice softened as he spoke, the pain of recent events momentarily easing.
"Riho, I want to apologize for anything Riko may have done to hurt you," Karl said, his voice breaking. "And for not stopping her."
Riho squeezed his hand gently. "I forgave her and you long ago. You did everything you could."
As the clock neared eleven, Riho stood, ready to leave. "Take care, Karl," she said, leaning down to kiss his cheek. Karl watched her walk away, a strange mix of sadness and relief washing over him.
Riko's funeral was a grand affair, attended by politicians, business leaders, celebrities, and diplomats. Even some of their rivals came to pay their respects, creating a tense atmosphere. Karl, ever the politician, greeted each guest with a nod, though his heart wasn't in it. His thoughts kept drifting back to Riko and the life they had shared.
At the Marino residence, dinner was a quiet affair. The siblings, along with Karl, sat around the table, eating in silence. The absence of Riko was palpable, casting a shadow over the meal.
"Say, Dad," Kyoko finally broke the silence, looking at Karl with a mischievous smile. "We saw you with Riho the other night."
Karl choked on his food, taken aback. "Were you spying on me?"
"Not just me," Kyoko grinned. "All of us."
Karl looked around the table, seeing the knowing smiles on his children's faces. "Why were you all spying on me?"
"We haven't seen you smile in a long time," Muro explained, leaning back in his chair.
"So Riho makes you happy," Marla continued, prompting nods from the others.
"Dad, why don't you court Riho?" Bianca suggested, her tone serious.
Karl's eyes widened in shock. "Your mother just died! It's disrespectful."
"Dad, your marriage was already over," Jessica said softly. "We all know it."
The siblings nodded in agreement, leaving Karl speechless.
A few months later, Karl, Jiena, and Rafael flew to Tokyo for a business trip. After a series of meetings, they decided to visit the Penthouse Tower. Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by the staff. Takako, Karl's old friend, welcomed them on the 38th floor.
"You made it!" Takako exclaimed, embracing Karl warmly.
"I couldn't forget," Karl replied, though his expression was serious.
They sat down, and Karl couldn't help but notice the stack of documents on the table. "So, why did you call me here?" he asked, leaning forward.
Takako's expression turned serious. "I'm lobbying for your brother's promotion in Rome," she revealed, surprising Karl.
"You know my stance on interfering with the Church," Karl replied sternly.
"We have a lot of money in the Vatican Bank," Takako reminded him, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Karl frowned. "We could move it to the Bahamas."
Takako laughed, a musical sound that filled the room. "And what? Announce all the countries where we've stashed our money?" She rattled off a list of countries, causing Jiena and Rafael's eyes to widen in shock.
Karl glanced at his children, then back at Takako. "Stop sharing these stories," he said, a hint of a smile on his lips.
"You were a master at it," Takako teased, handing Karl more documents.
Karl's smile faded as he read about an advanced Intaglio Printing Machine. "Fernando has it," Takako informed him.
"But I killed him," Karl protested, confusion furrowing his brow.
Takako shook her head. "You killed the man, not the organization. The Red Scorpion and the Golden Triangle are still operational."
Karl sat back, stunned. The realization that his fight was far from over weighed heavily on him. Rafael and Jiena exchanged worried glances.
"I should have destroyed them completely," Karl muttered. "Riko might still be alive."
Takako placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Regrets won't bring her back. Focus on what you can do now."
"Aunt Takako is right," Jiena agreed, looking at her father.
Takako leaned forward, her voice firm. "You need to find that printer and destroy it. End this."
Karl sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm not a miracle worker," he muttered.
"Rafael can do it," Takako suggested, handing Rafael a golden box. "He's capable, even if you've kept him on the sidelines."
Karl looked at Rafael, conflicted. "Are you serious?"
"Rafael is ready," Takako insisted. "You've underestimated him."
Karl hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, Rafael. Do your best. But if anything happens to him, Takako, it's on you."
"Stop treating him like a child," Takako scolded. "He's more than capable."
Rafael nodded, feeling the weight of his father's expectations. He knew this mission was dangerous, but he was determined to prove himself and protect his family.
Riko's internment was attended by politicians, businessmen, celebrities, diplomats, a couple of head of states - most of them are members of the Penthouse and most of all, the leaders of their rivals who approached Karl and paid their respects, Antonio who is at his side during the funeral was grinning at their enemies, Charlie rather remained silent while Arjan was clinching his fist, and all of them were insulted by their presence.
Rafael looked into his father's eyes. Knowing that he has come into terms with Riko's death, he was smiling as he greeted the dignitaries.
At the Marino residence, Karl was having dinner. The aura was not as vibrant as before. Riko's presence left a deep space in the household. despite Kyoko cooking sumptuous dishes such as Lechon, Kare-Kare, Salad and Kaldereta. The family ate in silence, trying to move on from what happened.
"Say dad, we saw you one night with Riho," Kyoko said. Karl was surprised, the meat he was chewing slipped into his throat, choking him for a bit.
"Are you eavesdropping on me?" Karl asked
"It's not just Kyoko," Jiena interjected, " All of us were eavesdropping."
"Why the hell would you do that?" Karl glared at his children.
"We haven't seen you smiling for the year," Muro answered
"So all it takes was for Riho to be with you," Marla continued
"Why don't you court Riho?" Bianca suggested, prompting Karl to raise his eyebrows.
"Riko just died, and it's disrespect on her part." Karl argued.
"Dad, your marriage was already in shambles," Jessica, the younger daughter replied, "Everyone agreed on this one without due respect to the dead."
"We agree," the rest of the Marino siblings responded. prompting Karl to hold a second thought to the idea.
-----
A few months later, Karl, Jiena, and Rafael traveled to Tokyo for a trade mission, accompanied by several government ministers. After a series of successful meetings, the trio decided to visit the Penthouse Tower in downtown Tokyo. Word of their arrival spread quickly, and employees eagerly stepped outside to greet their former leader.
At the tower's 38th floor, Karl and his children entered a spacious office, settling onto a plush couch. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Takako. The twins immediately stood and bowed deeply, a gesture of respect for the chairman of Penthouse Corporation.
"You're here!" Takako exclaimed, stepping forward to kiss Karl on both cheeks.
"I would never forget to visit you," Karl replied, taking her hand and kissing it gently. "Though, I must admit, my mind tells me I shouldn't come here."
"Your thoughts deceive you," Takako said with a warm smile, motioning for them to sit down.
Karl leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "So, why did you request my presence?"
Takako's expression grew serious. "I am planning to lobby for your brother's promotion in Rome."
Karl's eyes widened in surprise, his throat suddenly dry. "I've told you several times not to interfere with the Church. You are not Catholic, and they are not your government," he scolded her.
Takako remained unfazed. "Remember, we have stashed a tremendous amount of gold and cash in the Vatican Bank," she pointed out, spreading a stack of documents before him.
Karl's eyes narrowed as he skimmed the papers. "Well, why don't you scatter it in the Bahamas?"
"You want me to announce to the world all the nations where we've stashed our funds?" Takako countered, listing off countries: "Monaco, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Vatican City."
Jiena and Rafael exchanged shocked glances, their eyes wide with disbelief. They looked at their father, who pretended his children weren't in the room.
"Are you really that wealthy, Dad?" Jiena asked, her voice tinged with awe. "Where did you get all that cash for Madam Takako to put in different banks?"
Karl sighed, lowering his voice. "The loot."
"Just imagine the loot we had during the war," Takako elaborated, her tone matter-of-fact. "That is why Fernando and the Fontierras are after your father. They wanted to kill him, find the loot, and rule the Philippines like a hegemonic kingdom."
"No wonder Dad could afford to have many children from different women," Rafael quipped, shaking his head.
Karl shifted uncomfortably. "Now I understand why you resigned as Prime Minister," he said.
"I've told you many times, I don't want to babysit my brother, let alone an entire nation," Takako interjected, handing Karl another series of documents.
"Stop telling my kids those stories," Karl muttered, glancing at the papers. "I got the fortune because I worked hard for it."
"Yeah, right," Takako mocked him. "Working hard for loot and consultancy fees."
Karl's eyes scanned the documents and a picture Takako handed him. "This is the latest Intaglio Printing Machine."
"Yes, and Fernando has it right now," Takako confirmed.
"But I killed him," Karl protested.
"You didn't destroy the organization," Takako corrected. "The Red Scorpion and the Golden Triangle are still operational. You never destroyed them; you only scared them like rats."
Karl fell silent, knowing she was right. Rafael and Jiena looked at their father, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.
"It's my fault," Karl admitted, his voice heavy. "If I hadn't made peace deals with the Fontierras or the rival clans, Riko might still be alive."
Takako approached Karl, her expression softening. She gently patted his cheek, offering a sympathetic smile. "Lamentations, regrets, and resentments can't bring the dead back to life."
"Aunt Takako is right," Jiena agreed, looking at her father with concern.
Takako leaned closer, her voice firm. "You need to find that printer and destroy it. End this."
"I'm not a magician, and I have a lot on my plate," Karl protested, glancing at Rafael and Jiena, who were darting looks between him and Takako.
"Rafael can do it," Takako suggested, handing a golden box to Rafael. "You've been keeping him idle by making him your sidekick."
"Takako, are you out of your mind?!" Karl exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.
"Not at all. Rafael has potential. You allowed him to lead the underground, and now you are hesitant," she replied calmly.
"It's not that—" Karl tried to explain, but his throat dried up. He raised his hand and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"Rafael, I trust that you can do the job on behalf of the Penthouse family," Takako told Rafael, her gaze unwavering as she glared at Karl. "I will give you the documents and the equipment to locate and destroy the Intaglio printer and, at the same time, wipe out the rivals."
"Whatever she says, consider it my decision," Karl interjected, his voice stern. "But if something happens to him, I'll pin the blame on you."
"Oh, please, stop treating your thirty-five-year-old son like a baby," Takako shrugged off, rolling her eyes. "Remember, I am protecting Arisa and your other daughter—"
"What?!" Jiena and Rafael both exclaimed, their shock evident as Karl quickly covered Takako's mouth.
"I didn't know that both of you could still have it," a flabbergasted Jiena said, her eyes wide with surprise.
"There are things you should pretend you never heard," Karl said, flashing a stern look at his twins.
"Enough of the chitchat!" Takako exclaimed, handing over a pile of documents to Rafael. "Your father will meet Riho tonight, so you better study and investigate the location of the Intaglio printer because I'm pretty sure Fernando is still alive and badly burned."
In the elevator going down to the lobby, Jiena and Rafael couldn't help but gape at their father.
"Stop thinking about what she said," Karl advised, his tone firm.
"Is it true?" Jiena and Rafael asked simultaneously.
"Don't believe her; she's just bluffing," Karl replied, shaking his head. "Now, Jiena, do what I asked you to do, and Rafael, do what Takako asked you to do."
"Where are you going?" Jiena asked, her curiosity evident.
"To a date," Karl answered, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You told me it's okay for me to go on a date and get married again."
"To whom?" Rafael asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Riho, of course," Karl confidently replied as he walked out of the elevator.
Later that night, a limousine parked outside a high-rise apartment in Roppongi Hills. Karl, dressed in his usual blue mandarin collar, glanced at his watch nervously. Moments later, Riho emerged from the reception area, wearing a stunning blue cocktail dress. Karl quickly opened the door for her.
"You look lovely tonight," Karl remarked, his face turning red.
Riho chuckled, glancing at him. "Am I only lovely tonight?"
Karl's face reddened even more as he led Riho into the limousine, heading to a fancy restaurant in Roppongi.
They arrived at a long-established teppanyaki restaurant known for its exquisite A5-ranked Omi beef and Matsusaka beef. Karl, nervous and shaking, acted like a gentleman, aiding Riho in sitting down. He gazed at her, mesmerized by her beauty.
"You're still as beautiful as ever," Karl remarked, his eyes soft with admiration. "All these years, you haven't changed."
"Thank you. People say I take detoxifiers, but this is purely natural. Your eyes haven't changed either," Riho responded, flattered as dinner was served.
As Riho started eating her fillet steak, Karl couldn't help but watch her. "Do you believe in love the second time around?" he asked, his voice tinged with hope.
"Do you mean if I believe that love is sweeter the second time around?" Riho corrected, her eyes meeting his. "Well, yes, I do."
"That's it. That's what I'm talking about," Karl said, his face lighting up.
"Tell me, are you falling in love with me again?" Riho asked directly, visibly nervous.
"What if I say yes? Would it change your feelings towards me?" Karl replied, his heart pounding.
"Not at all," Riho calmly responded, though deep inside, she was shivering.
"This might be awkward for you. You might think I am not courting you or we'll go through the girlfriend or boyfriend phase because we knew each other even when Riko was alive."
"You want marriage?" Riho asked, the cold air sending chills through her bones.
"Yes, but I could wait for you if you want," Karl explained, mustering enough courage and kneeling in front of Riho. "Riho, please accept my proposal. Will you marry me?"
Riho's mind was filled with fear and confusion. She thought about the time Riko had hidden her from the man she fell in love with. "I'm afraid if I say yes, I can't speak or move freely," she contemplated.
"Riho, my country isn't a monarchy; it's a republic. And if you don't want me to run for president again, then I won't," Karl said, his eyes pleading.
"What about your kids?" she asked again, her voice trembling.
"You shouldn't worry about them; they have unanimously agreed to it."