"I know how important Mr. Tanarro was in your life," she said, placing her hand on the shoulder of that woman dressed in a black leather jacket, trembling with disgust as she continued her performance. "Let me assure you that nothing is going to change, and the family's charities for the underprivileged youth will continue. We understand your pain; Tanarro has left a great void in our hearts."
Everyone murmured in favor of the woman, thinking that perhaps this individual was an unprotected orphan saved by the family's donations. Her gesture of solidarity made the audience appreciate her virtues. Obviously, that was the effect she was hoping for to win their favor. She would have time later to find out who that person was and why she was there.
"Let go of me, crazy old woman!" replied the motorcyclist, taking off her helmet. "Understand my pain?! Who are you to understand my pain?" She walked confidently toward the casket where the deceased's body lay, took a look, and knelt down, crying. "Kai, you idiot!" she shouted with all her might, not hiding her pain.
Everyone was in shock. The youngest son of Mrs. Tanarro was ready to call security to remove that person from there, but the lawyer intervened when the guards arrived. They exchanged a few words, and the men stepped back, allowing the scandal to continue.
People were curious to know everything about this newcomer. Some observed her as if she were a circus freak, and it was not unwarranted. She was a somewhat robust individual, with slightly reddish cheeks and eyes somewhat irritated from crying. Her long hair, tied up in a high ponytail, consisted of so many shades of dye that it was difficult to differentiate her natural color. Strands of reddish, orange, pink, green, and blue descended onto her shoulders. Several thick silver chains adorned with crosses and skulls hung from her neck. She also wore military boots, and beneath the leather jacket, a psychedelic T-shirt was clearly visible, which threatened to dizzy anyone who stared at it intently. It stood out from the tight leather pants, which not only did her no favors but also highlighted the prominent fat on her legs, hips, and buttocks.
Her eyes were covered by cheap black sunglasses, while her hands were small, just like her stature. She didn't seem to care that people were looking at her in that way. She was used to it and didn't mind. She looked at the man in front of her, an elegant and well-dressed individual who was preparing to ascend the pulpit to pay his funeral respects. She walked towards him, passing him by and lightly pushing him aside to take his place, which caused further whispers among those present.
"Tinarro Kai taught me many things, including the virtue of not showing shame or fear in front of anyone. I see your perplexed gazes, and I won't give you an explanation for my presence. I will just say that I am grateful," she began her speech, interrupted by tears, as little by little, they paid attention to her.
After the funeral honors, the girl got back on her motorcycle, and everyone dispersed. Inside the limousine, Mrs. Tanarro did nothing but complain to her children.
They boarded the elevator, just a few steps away from fulfilling the objective they had set for themselves in recent years. Only a few formalities separated them from receiving the coveted inheritance. After all, they were Kai's only family, and no one else could interfere. They hurriedly entered the boardroom and closed the glass door behind them.
"They look like birds of prey," the head secretary whispered to his assistants.
"They didn't even wait a single second after Mr. Tanarro's death to show up here for the will," one of the girls said. "We'd better resign. No one can stand Yukio."
"I already have my resignation letter ready. If they assign me to Yukio as my boss, I prefer to leave this job. Besides, it's not healthy to work with Yuselso; he's a harasser. Did you see how he stared at the receptionist's backside?"
"It's a shame that Mr. Tanarro died so soon," lamented the secretary, who hadn't taken his eyes off that glass door and could clearly see the occupants of the room. "But if they were his only family, they are the sole heirs. So, we'd better start packing our things."
The conversation was interrupted when the lawyer appeared, a middle-aged, slim man with black hair slicked back, now showing some gray. The man silently entered the room and closed the door behind him.
"It's about time," the woman complained. "Hurry up, we're in a hurry."
The lawyer looked at her with some anger. He always knew that woman was greedy. He smiled calmly, placing his briefcase on the table and took out a CD. Then he looked each one of them in the face, where the word "money" was stamped. He felt repulsion and a bit of fear. He no longer had the strength or support to confront those "birds of prey" who wouldn't settle for a slice of the cake but wanted the entire pastry shop. He swallowed and announced with a trembling voice,
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Tanarro, but Tanarro Kai's wish was to have the entire family present to read his will."
"We're all here. We're the only family he had, so get on with it," Yukio interrupted seriously.
"As I was saying, the entire family must be present before proceeding with the reading of the official will. So, before that, I will leave you a video with the final instructions and will of my client," the lawyer explained, taking a deep breath as he placed the CD into the player and the image of the man they all respected appeared on the screen.
The figure of a mature man in his thirties appeared on the screen. The family turned their gaze toward him as he began his speech. The woman smiled as she watched her eldest son. Indeed, Kai never married and never had children. They were the only family he knew, and blood ties existed between them. After all, she was his aunt by marriage, and her children were the only remaining cousins to carry on the Tanarro name. Satisfied, she continued watching the video...
Yuselso squinted his eyes. So much talk was starting to bore him, and he was falling asleep during the video projection. None of the late Mr. Tanarro's recommendations applied to his case. If he were the president, he would spend the money on a life of luxury and pleasure: parties, women, and gambling.
Yukio, on the other hand, was different. With his tall stature and chestnut hair, he paid attention to the video while glancing at his watch. He surely had things to do. If anyone could take charge of the family empire, it was him, a man with a cool head for business and, of course, a complete workaholic who lives to make money.
"Making the decision of who will be my successor was complex. Should I leave Aunt Aya? Of course not. If my calculations are correct, no more than a couple of hours will have passed since my funeral, and she will have already arranged for the reading of my will. You have always been so greedy, Aunt Aya. But don't worry, I made sure you receive what is fair and what you deserve for your caring assistance," Yuselso spoke with a tone of irony, opening his eyes in surprise. Things were not going as he expected. "Aunt Aya, you must learn to be charitable and kind... What if I appoint Yuselso as my heir? I must be out of my mind to do such a foolish thing. He would undoubtedly gamble the entire company away to a group of mobsters, leaving everyone on the streets in less than an hour. Yuselso, it is up to you to learn to take responsibility for your actions and understand the value of hard work... And what if I name Yukio? Undoubtedly, he is a prepared man who has studied in the best universities in the world and has tirelessly worked to triple his own earnings. But, Yukio, where is your heart? My decision has not been easy, which is why I had to take cautious measures in this matter." He smiled as the video ended, and the screen became blurry again.
Those words were far from cordial; they were filled with the venom that always characterized Kai. Mrs. Tanarro stood up furiously, while Yukio lit his cigarette, and Yuselso barely stretched to continue sitting, trying to fall back asleep.
One of the assistants timidly entered the room and handed a note to the lawyer, who nodded in acknowledgment. The woman left, and the three family members looked at him expectantly, eager to escape the uncertainty and resolve the doubts generated by the deceased's video.
The glass door opened, and the young woman with multicolored hair timidly entered the boardroom. She raised her chubby hands to greet them, and the Tanarro family looked at her in horror. What happened? Why is she there? Who is she? What did Kai do? So many questions arose, causing them to turn their gaze towards the lawyer. The man trembled as he approached the girl with swollen red cheeks.
"Gentlemen, madam, this is Jina Sotomayor, and she is here at Mr. Tanarro's request..."
Four months later...
He finished his cigarette and returned to the room where the girl was still fast asleep. He looked at her face surrounded by the white silk of the pillows. She wasn't an attractive girl, but her face was undoubtedly angelic. He felt strange; he had shared his bed with hundreds of women, but it was the first time in his life that someone had shown him the warmth of a sincere surrender and pure affection.
"It was necessary this time, but it won't happen again," he thought. "I'm sorry, but I'm not that kind of man... It won't happen again."
He was aware that the girl he disliked so much, the one he felt repulsion towards, was not to blame for anything, yet he didn't regret it.
"I'm sorry, it's nothing personal, just business," he whispered as he adjusted his tie and prepared to leave the room, but not before casting a final glance at her.
The sun's rays filtered through the window, announcing the arrival of a warm morning. A pair of grayish eyes opened like small flower buds blooming, and she turned her gaze to the empty side of the bed.
"Yukio?... Yukio?" She searched for him but couldn't find him. She smiled like a silly girl, blushing...
She couldn't understand how such an attractive and handsome man had taken an interest in someone like her and accepted her without conditions. She took a warm bath; the memories of his caresses on her skin were still fresh. She stepped out of the shower and accidentally stepped on something.
Her gaze fell on the device lying on the floor. She recognized it... She picked up Yukio's mobile phone and looked at the screen...
"New text message."
What should she do? Should she check it? No, that wouldn't be right, but curiosity killed the cat. She read the message:
"Yuki, just focus on getting the password to transfer the money. Then you can forget about that brat..."
Four months ago...The Tanarro family fixed their gaze on the newly arrived girl, the same disheveled motorcyclist who showed up unceremoniously at Kai's funeral.She raised her hand to greet them informally; she could barely muster a "hello" that was quickly ignored by the attendees who turned their attention back to the lawyer. Aya Tanarro spoke up, interrupting the prolonged silence."Sir Hidalgo, could you explain to us what this person is doing here?" She furrowed her brow, demanding an answer from the lawyer whom she detested. "But respond, say something!""Well, Kai's last wish was for the entire family to be present..." He swallowed, unaccustomed to dealing with this harassing woman. He opened his briefcase and took out a folder, which he slowly opened, adjusted his glasses, and proceeded to read."My dear family, consumed by this incurable illness, I must inform you that I, Tanarro Kai, in full possession of my mental and physical faculties, of my own free will and responsibi
They looked at him puzzled. Yukio took off his glasses just to make sure with his own eyes that it was true. Yuselso took another cigarette, brought it to his lips, and lit it without any hurry. Mrs. Tanarro looked at him in awe, placed a hand on her chest, and sighed. It seemed that everything had ended favorably for the Tanarro's interests."Jina, I know this news hasn't been easy for you, especially considering that you have traveled hundreds of kilometers to come here and discover this truth. However, you cannot renounce what has been inherited," the lawyer smiled at her, trying to reassure her, and continued reading the additional clause imposed by Kai."I know very well that it has always been the desire of my ancestors that a person from the Tanarro lineage inherit the fortune that we have amassed for centuries. However, if Jina Sotomayor voluntarily decides not to accept the inheritance, it should be fully distributed to charitable institutions."Mrs. Tanarro immediately under
Four months later... He was driving his car at high speed, wondering why he had done all that; he didn't need it. He had his own businesses, his own assets earned with his own efforts, but he knew that didn't compare to the fortune his cousin had left in the hands of that girl. He smiled as he pressed his foot on the accelerator. He took the main road, not wanting to go back home. He didn't want to see Tori, didn't want to look her in the face, especially after sharing intimacy with another girl... No, he was sure she would forgive him for everything except that. Just remembering what had just happened made his skin crawl. He needed a shower, maybe a couple of drinks, or possibly to get into another woman's bed, something to rid himself of the strange sensation on his skin when he recalled the girl's caresses and kisses. He stopped in front of the entrance gate of a luxurious building. He searched his pocket for his cell phone. His cold and calculating face twisted in anger. The id
"Oh... How dreadful!" A grimace formed on that perfectly featured face as she put on her sunglasses. "I'll have to hurry. I don't want this to ruin my image... How could she go out dressed like that?"She drank her glass of cognac while the cheerful Jina arrived, smiling happily and taking a seat."Good day, my love!" She tried to hide the sadness she felt, certain that this wasn't the place to ask her lover directly about the message."What's good about it?" She replied grumpily. "You're late!""What kind of greeting is that?... I missed you so much," she looked at him tenderly while reaching into her pocket to make sure her phone was still there."We were together almost the whole night! How can you miss me when we've barely been apart for a few hours?" She replied, trying to contain her anger. With a hand gesture, she signaled the waiter to come and take their order. "The usual," she replied, handing back the menu as she fixed her gaze on Jina."Pateee Oran... Nah, Sooouuup l...a..
Four months ago...Her lips emitted a loud whistle. The lawyer and the secretary were standing behind her. They closed the door so that no one could interrupt them."This is luxurious!" she exclaimed, running towards the grand presidential armchair and spinning around excitedly as the world revolved around her. She suddenly stopped and looked at the two smiling faces. "But what do I have to do here? I have no idea how to handle all this," she looked at them as if she were a lost puppy."Don't worry, Jina. Secretary Hibara and I will help you. With our guidance, you will do a good job.""But I don't think I'm prepared for this. It's a great responsibility... Besides, I heard that Tanarro Yukio is the most suitable person to sit in this chair.""That could be... But Mr. Kai chose you, so we will place our trust in you," the secretary replied with a smile. "Mr. Hida
He looked at him coldly, adjusting his scarf with his right hand while holding his umbrella with his left. He dared to say,"Sotomayor Jina, you will never change...""Teodoro Eun-Chan!" she shouted in surprise, running towards him. "What are you doing here? When did you arrive? How did you find me? Where have you been? How was university? Will you be coming back home soon?..."A frivolous smile appeared on his face, and with his right hand, he made a "stop" gesture, trying to halt Jina's endless barrage of questions.They walked in the rain until they stopped at a nearby café. Jina looked at her companion from head to toe, admiring him since high school. Everything looked good on Eugene-Chan. She looked at herself again in the reflection of the window glass; she was a mess compared to her friend."Are you going to sit down or are you just going to keep staring at yourself
Three months later..."Passengers bound for Switzerland, please board through gate thirty-two... Ladies and gentlemen, due to the reported weather conditions in the major cities of Spain, flights will experience a delay of approximately one hour... Thank you for your patience..."The message in English was replicated in several languages. Jina walked, dragging her heavy travel suitcase, and approached a foreigner with brown hair and a freckled face who held a huge sign with her name written on it."That's me!" she said, pointing to the sign and then pointing to herself.The man smiled and took her luggage, leading her to the car while speaking several words that Jina didn't fully understand.She peeked out of the window, amazed by the monuments, sculptures, and architecture of the buildings. She smiled in awe. Finally, they stopped in front of a small residence l
Paris, France...Eugene-Chan's house was completely silent. Jina spent the afternoon gazing out of the window, often crying. But on that particular day, she felt calm, thinking that Yukio must have returned from Hokkaido and was probably surprised not to find her there. She smiled and looked around for a calendar where she had marked several dates, including that specific day. She closed the curtain of her bedroom window and walked towards Eun-Chan's occupied study."Mmmmmm...""Mmmmmm, what?" asked the writer without taking his eyes off the computer screen."Mmmmmm..." she repeated while organizing her thoughts. "I'm bored!""Being bored in Paris is a crime," he replied while continuing to type. "If you're bored, go out and take a walk. Paris is full of beautiful places, art, fashion, and all those cheesy things you like...""Yes, it's beaut