Rafael returned to Manila with Karl, both boarding the presidential jet. Karl felt a profound sense of relief after Riho finally accepted his marriage proposal. His joy was indescribable. Upon their arrival at the airport, the Presidential Security Group escorted them to the Presidential Palace.
Inside the presidential study room, Karl stood by the window, watching his grandson, Ryoma, play in the garden with his friends. Rafael joined him, standing slightly behind and gazing out at the scene.
"Time flies," Karl remarked, a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he watched Ryoma's carefree play.
"Ryoma is really growing fast," Rafael replied, his eyes following the boy's movements.
Karl sighed, a wistful smile forming. "I'm sure he'll be a responsible man in the future."
Rafael's expression darkened. "He didn't have the chance to live in our home. You took him under your wing, and that disappoints me a lot."
Karl turned to face Rafael, his expression firm. "Stop your lamentations and disappointments," he said, pulling documents from his desk and handing them to Rafael. "I hate it when you take orders from an airhead, but this time, she is right. It's time to end this war once and for all."
Rafael sat on the couch, opening the documents and spreading them out on the coffee table. They contained maps and reports detailing the drug transactions and counterfeiting activities of the Red Scorpion.
"You can't depend on the police nor the special enforcement units," Karl remarked, his tone grave. "This mission is dangerous, which is why I objected to her notion."
"I am willing to do this mission, and I accept the dangers accompanying it," Rafael said resolutely, his voice steady and determined.
Karl shook his head and sighed deeply. "This is a suicide mission."
"I have made up my mind," Rafael insisted, his voice unwavering. "Many lives have been shed because of this conflict, and as the leader of the Phoenix group, I will lead this war on your behalf."
"Rafael," Karl murmured, his eyes filled with anxiety and a father's worry.
Jessica entered the presidential office, sitting beside her brother with a smirk and crossing her legs elegantly.
"What's wrong?" Karl asked, sensing her amusement.
"I'm just here to congratulate you," Jessica answered with a playful grin. "Kyoko told me everything. You are now engaged to the woman that Mom bullied."
"Aren't you happy?" Rafael asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
Jessica chuckled, covering her mouth with a delicate hand. "I am not the one getting married, so why ask me?"
"You're the youngest," Rafael pointed out, leaning back on the couch.
"I am not," Jessica smirked, tapping her brother's shoulder playfully. "Well, according to Riho, we also have a daughter aside from Kazuki," Karl said, his voice tinged with surprise.
"Oh, great!" Rafael exclaimed, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. "Bianca and Jasmine's younger sister."
"I'll take care of them," Jessica interjected, standing up and heading towards the door with Rafael.
Jessica Faye Marino, known as Haruka Minomoto to the world, was the youngest child of Karl and Riko. From a young age, she developed a talent for singing and dancing, qualities that her sister Bianca helped nurture. She inherited her mother's looks but was twice as beautiful as Riko or Nozomi. Jessica's exquisite beauty set her apart from her siblings. She admired her older sister Rina, with whom she grew up, and adored Bianca, who stood as her second mother. However, she loathed Takeru.
Jessica was a sweet girl, inheriting her father's kindness and compassion. But, like her siblings, she was cunning, tenacious, and wise. Just like her mother, she became an actress and famous pop singer in Japan and the Philippines. She was regarded as one of the richest young adults in the region, with some of her fortunes hidden by Karl in various banks in Europe and the Caribbean.
------
The next day, Jiena was in her office with Kyoko, Bianca, and Jasmine. Rafael stood just outside the door, talking with Eugene, convinced it was just another routine day. Suddenly, Emi and Yuuna arrived and walked straight into the office.
"Do you have any appointments with us?" Kyoko asked, her tone crisp and professional as she looked up from her desk.
"Jiena," Emi said, her voice steady but her eyes filled with urgency. Jiena met her gaze with a serious expression.
"Please, let us have an audience with your father," Emi requested, her voice now carrying a hint of desperation.
"What for?" Jiena asked, her brow furrowing. "Your terms ended when Mom died."
"We would like to remind you that if it weren't for me, your father would've lost the election!" Emi exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation.
"Because you and Mom diverted Marco's funds?" Jiena retorted sharply, her eyes narrowing. "You think I didn't know that?"
"All we want is to stay in our posts as secondary hostesses," Yuuna pleaded, her hands clasped together in a begging gesture.
"Both of you are divorcees," Kyoko interjected coolly. "You two weren't much help when Mom was alive and even less when she went missing."
"And that authority will be passed on to Riho," Bianca added, her tone firm and unyielding.
"Riho is a weak woman," Emi insisted, her voice growing more strident. "She wouldn't even be as powerful as your mother was during her lifetime. When Riko was alive, I was her second in command. Together, we achieved what was unachievable, more than what Evita or Imelda ever gained."
"And that is why I didn't support you when you asked us to suggest your name as the next first lady," Marla said, stepping forward and standing behind her older sisters.
"All of us kids worked tirelessly to support Mom and Dad," Jasmine added, crossing her arms. "I'm not even sure if Riho would want you by her side."
"Stop chasing the illusion of being a powerful woman like Mom," Rina said, her tone cutting. "The nine of us took turns handling Mom's duties while the two of you were busy politicizing and picking up things that Mom left behind."
"And using the same threat against Dad," Kyoko added sternly. "You better be careful with your words."
"Maybe you can ask Riho after she assumes the title to keep the two of you," Bianca suggested sarcastically.
"Look, Dad is very busy. Uncle Gustav just died, there is no Prime Minister, and he is having problems because Uncle Charlie is resigning from the vice presidency. Now, if you will excuse us, we've got work to do." Jiena dismissed them with a wave of her hand, leaving Emi and Yuuna both disappointed as they walked out of the office.
Later that night, Karl and Riho were having dinner at the palace with Jiena, Rafael, and Sachiko. The incoming first lady was silent as she sliced her steak, her hands trembling slightly, betraying her nerves.
"What's wrong?" Jiena noticed, her brow furrowing in concern as she set down her fork.
"I'm quite nervous right now," Riho replied, managing a faint smile, her hands shaking as she tried to steady her cutlery.
"Is it because we are here, madam?" Sachiko queried gently, her eyes filled with empathy.
"We thought so," Jiena said, "My other siblings are on their way."
Riho glanced nervously at Karl, her forehead beginning to glisten with sweat, and her feet tapping rhythmically on the floor.
"Relax," Jiena said reassuringly, reaching across the table to touch Riho's hand. "You're no stranger to us anymore. We're family, remember?"
"I know," Riho replied, her voice trembling. "But your youngest sister, my daughter, has never seen your father nor all of you."
"Hmm, that's quite a challenge," Jiena murmured thoughtfully, glancing at Jessica, who was walking towards them. "But I think I have an idea for that."
Jessica entered the dining room, greeting her father and Riho with a warm smile. Jiena gaped at her youngest sister, "Oy!"
"What?!" Jessica blurted out, glancing sharply at her older sister, her eyes narrowing playfully.
"I have a request for you tonight. Would you come to the study room later?" Jiena asked, her tone softening.
"Is that how you make a request?" Jessica grinned, raising an eyebrow.
"Please?" Jiena added in an apologetic tone, her hands clasped together. Jessica rolled her eyes, pretending she didn't hear anything from Jiena.
The next week, Rafael and Jessica arrived at the airport to fetch Riho's daughter. The two waited at the arrival area, scanning the surroundings to spot their half-sister.
"Do you have a photo of her?" Rafael asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
"I don't have one," Jessica promptly responded, shrugging.
"Do you know her name?"
"I forgot to ask Riho."
"What kind of escort are you?!" Rafael exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he threw his hands up in exasperation.
"Relax, everyone knows us," Jessica said calmly, patting her brother's arm.
"She doesn't know who we are!" Rafael protested, walking towards the smoking area to light a cigarette.
Jessica strolled around the passenger arrival area, holding her head high as she glanced up at the second floor. Suddenly, she bumped into a lady, causing both of them to fall.
"Jessica, you are not paying attention," Rafael remarked, rushing over to assist his younger sister.
"Are you okay?" Jessica asked the lady as they both stood up, extending a hand to help her. The siblings were struck by the lady's physique and beauty.
The lady had a slender body, a tiny waist, a fair complexion, and eyes and lips similar to Riho.
"I'm fine," the lady answered, brushing off her clothes.
"I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was walking," Jessica apologized, her face flushed with embarrassment. The lady looked at Jessica, recognizing her.
"Aren't you Haruka Minomoto?" the lady queried, her eyes widening.
"I am," Jessica responded promptly, smiling. "May I know your name?"
"Sahoko... Sahoko Tojou," the lady replied hesitantly.
"Tojou?!" Rafael and Jessica both exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes, I better go. Someone is fetching me," said Sahoko, glancing around.
"Maybe she's the one we are fetching," Jessica whispered to Rafael, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"Why don't you ask?" Rafael responded, nudging her forward. Jessica approached Sahoko once more.
"If you don't mind, are you related to Riho Tojou?" Jessica asked, her tone gentle. Sahoko shyly nodded.
"There you go, Jessica. She's the one we're looking for," Rafael quipped, a smile spreading across his face.
"You know my mom?" an anxious Sahoko asked, her eyes wide with hope.
"Yes, and she is waiting for you," Jessica replied, leading Sahoko to their vehicle, her arm around her shoulder.
-----
Rafael, Jessica, and Sahoko arrived at the grandeur of the presidential palace. The usual security procedures were in place, a necessity after recent breaches, and even the president's children were subject to the same thorough checks as other guests.
As they entered, Sahoko's eyes widened in wonder at the palace's opulence. She paused in the Reception Hall, which was adorned with exquisite portraits of former presidents, her gaze captivated by the glittering chandeliers and the impressive artworks.
"This place is amazing!" Sahoko exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she took in the lavish surroundings. She turned to Jessica with an excited expression. "My mom said she's marrying a powerful person, but why are we here?"
"Sahoko," a voice called out, cutting through her awe.
Sahoko turned sharply, her face lighting up in surprise as she saw Riho approaching. "Mom!" she cried out, her voice full of joy as she dashed forward and threw her arms around Riho. The embrace was tight, filled with the relief and excitement of their reunion. Jessica stood a few steps back, observing the emotional scene.
"I missed you so much, Mom!" Sahoko sobbed, clinging to Riho.
"Oh, my dear child," Riho whispered, her hand gently brushing Sahoko's hair. "Of course, I'll always be here."
"But you're staying here in the Philippines. What about me?" Sahoko's voice quivered with uncertainty.
"No, you'll be staying here with me too," Riho reassured, her hands still caressing her daughter's face tenderly.
Sahoko's expression shifted from joy to concern. "Why are we here? And who are you marrying?" Her eyes moved to the portrait Riho pointed at.
"That is the man I am going to marry," Riho said softly.
Sahoko's face fell, her joy replaced by visible anxiety. "You're marrying Riko Minomoto's husband? Are you out of your mind?"
"Riko Minomoto is already dead," Riho tried to explain.
"But, Mom, after what Riko Minomoto did to you? She made you suffer so much!" Sahoko's voice cracked with emotion.
"Sahoko, Riko helped us in our darkest times. She even paid my hospital bills when you were born," Riho said, grasping her daughter's arms and looking deeply into her eyes. "I've forgiven Riko for everything. I hope you can too."
At that moment, Jiena and Rafael arrived, standing behind Jessica and observing the unfolding drama with concerned expressions.
"What did we miss?" Jiena asked, her tone laced with curiosity.
"Sahoko was surprised. She didn't know her mom was marrying our dad," Jessica explained, her eyes following the tense exchange. "She still holds some resentment towards Mom."
Karl entered the reception hall, his presence commanding immediate attention. As he approached, Sahoko's eyes locked onto him, filled with apprehension and anger.
"Sahoko," Karl said, his voice soft but edged with discomfort.
"You... you are the reason for all our suffering!" Sahoko erupted, her words punctuated by a mix of anguish and anger. "You and your wife caused us so much pain."
Karl's face went pale with shock. He stood motionless, his eyes reflecting a mix of guilt and sorrow as he faced his daughter's accusations.
"How can you expect me to be happy for my mom when she's marrying someone as irresponsible and heartless as you? Especially after what your wife did?" Sahoko's voice was filled with bitterness.
"Sahoko!" Riho interjected firmly, trying to defuse the situation. "Let's go to your room. We need to talk."
Riho gently but firmly led Sahoko away from the reception area, leaving Karl, Jiena, Rafael, and Jessica behind.
"Kyoko went through a similar phase," Jiena said quietly, her gaze following Riho and Sahoko. "She was very upset with Mom too."
"What did you do?" Jessica asked, her concern evident.
"It's a natural phase," Jiena answered. "You and Sahoko are experiencing similar feelings. It's up to you to help her through it."
Five days before the wedding, Riho and Sahoko visited Riko's tomb. The atmosphere was heavy with a mix of excitement, sadness, and anxiety. Riho knelt in front of the tomb, lighting a candle and offering a heartfelt prayer.
"You always told me never to give up," Riho began, her voice breaking as she spoke. "Even when I caused you great trouble by having Karl's child, I knew you were angry. You could have killed me or turned me over to my enemies, but you didn't. You protected me even at the risk of your own life. I thought you were cruel, but I was wrong," she said, her eyes brimming with tears.
Years ago, Riho was pregnant with Karl's child when she was pursued by merciless loan sharks. As they were about to end her life, a mysterious woman intervened, killing the goons. Riho, barely conscious, saw the silhouette of the woman holding a pistol before she blacked out. When she awoke, she was in a rest house by the beach. In the living room, Riko was preparing food.
"You fainted when those sharks tried to get you. Have something to eat," Riko said, her voice calm as she looked over her shoulder.
"I won't eat. You might have poisoned it," Riho responded, her eyes staring out at the serene ocean.
Riko chuckled softly, her hand covering her mouth. "Do you think I'm crazy enough to kill you? I'd gain nothing from that. You're neither a billionaire nor a president."
"Why are you doing this?" Riho asked as she reluctantly began eating the food Riko had prepared.
"If I kill you, my husband, my mother-in-law, and my brother-in-law, who is a bishop, would all condemn me. I'd be the chief antagonist of the family. They told me I shouldn't harm anyone with Marino blood. So, I follow their principles," Riko explained.
"So, you're a martyr?" Riho questioned, her tone skeptical.
"No, just a faithful follower of my family's principles," Riko replied.
"I don't know if I can trust you," Riho said, her voice tinged with doubt.
"I don't care if you trust me or not, Riho-chan," Riko said with a shrug. "I'm not foolish enough to kill you or any of my husband's mistresses. I couldn't even harm the woman who controls him."
As Riho remembered Riko's words from twenty years ago, she felt a deep sense of mercy and compassion. Tears streamed down her face as she reflected on Riko's sacrifice and kindness. A white butterfly landed gently on her shoulder. To Riho, it was a sign that Riko had given her blessing.
"I hope you find it in your heart to forgive Riko and accept Karl. He is your real father, and that's a truth I never hid from you," Riho said softly to Sahoko.
Sahoko remained silent, standing behind her mother with a conflicted expression. Jessica approached them and sat beside Riho, placing a bowl of food in front of Riko's tomb.
"When I was growing up, it was my dad who taught me everything because Mom wasn't around. If not for him, my siblings would have had to take care of me," Jessica began, her voice steady and reflective. "I never understood why Mom and Dad would argue or why one of them was often away because of work. What I know for sure is that Dad made sure we were well taken care of. He's busy but responsible. Kazuki can attest to that."
"Still, I can't understand why my mom would marry someone whose wife caused her so much pain," Sahoko said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"My mom can't answer that anymore because she's gone," Jessica explained gently. "But I believe she would have asked for forgiveness for any wrongs she might have done. What I ask of you is to give our father a chance to show you he can be a good father."
Sahoko sighed deeply and looked at Jessica, her resolve softening. "I don't object to the wedding, but I will try to open my heart to him."
Jessica's face lit up with a warm smile. She reached out and took Sahoko's hand. "And by the way, I'd like to spend more time with you and get to know you better. I've always wanted to have a little sister or brother."
Sahoko's eyes sparkled with gratitude and wonder. She never imagined having a sister who was not only a world-renowned pop star but also so genuinely kind and eager to connect with her.
On the wedding day, the cathedral was alive with energy and anticipation. Members of both Penthouse and Innovare, along with the commission supporting their former chairman, filled the space. Cardinal Julio Marino presided over the ceremony, and the air was filled with joy and celebration.
Karl and Arjan stood near the altar, their faces reflecting a mixture of solemnity and joy as the bride and her daughter made their way down the aisle. The cathedral's grandeur seemed to pale in comparison to the emotional weight of the moment.
"I just hope this is the last wedding I'll officiate for you," Cardinal Julio remarked with a wry smile as he began the ceremony.
"Don't worry. The next time you'll celebrate a mass with me will be at my funeral," Karl responded, prompting his brother to give him a curious, amused look.
Karl then turned to Riho, taking her hand in his and gazing deeply into her eyes. "Riho, please allow me to love and serve you for the rest of my life. I want to make up for all those years you suffered."
Riho, her eyes brimming with tears, looked back at Karl with a trembling voice. "Karl Marino, please accept my love. I will be a faithful wife to you and serve you all the days of my life."
As the doors of the cathedral opened wide, a new chapter began for both Karl and Riho, marking a significant moment not only for them but also for the entire Marino family. The future remained uncertain, with the weight of Riko's legacy hanging over them. Only time would tell if Riho's presence would honor Riko's memory or if it would lead to the Marino Clan's undoing.