The silence that enveloped the room was thick, almost suffocating, as Manjiro and Den faced each other in the solitude of their shared bedroom for the first time since what happened the night prior. The air was heavy with the weight of unspoken words and emotions that were left to be expressed.
Manjiro, a man known for his unyielding strength and leadership, found himself in a state of vulnerability he hadn't experienced in years since what happened to his family and friends way back.
He gently placed Den, who was he carrying on the side of the bed, his movements careful, as if he was carrying his most prized possession in life.
Den on the other hand was not having it. Yes, talking can maybe solve things between them but not now. She needs time to think and settle her emotions but the man in front of her is not giving it to her.
When God spread the words "Personal Space" and "Giving Time to Think and Heal" to the world, Manjiro Sano is sleeping soundly in his room.
As Den made a motion to stand, Manjiro stopped her by kneeling before her, an act of humility and desperation. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pleaded softly, "Please... stay."
Den remained silent, the myriad of emotions swirling within her rendering her speechless. She looked down at Mikey, her supposedly 'husband', the man she had shared countless moments with, both joyous and challenging even for a short period of time. Now, those same brown eyes that had once sparkled with love and laughter were clouded with sadness, disappointment, and frustration which Manjiro could not bear to look at.
"I... I don't want it to be over because of this..." Mikey's voice broke the silence, his words barely above a whisper. He looked up, seeking a glimpse of affection in Den's eyes, but instead, he was met with a whirlwind of emotions that sent a pang of fear through his heart. "I don't want us to be over..."
"Manjiro..." Den began, her voice was soft yet laden with emotion.
"I know, I know what I did is unforgivable!" Mikey interrupted, unable to contain the torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He stood up, his hands gently grasping Den's shoulders as he sought to convey the depth of his desperation. In his eyes, Den saw not the invincible leader of Bonten but a man afraid of losing everything he held dear.
"I am willing to give up everything for you and Emma..." Mikey's voice trembled, his resolve clear. "Please don't leave me... Not now, not ever."
Den's heart ached at the sight of Mikey's vulnerability. She knew the burden of being on the top and the sacrifices he had made for the sake of Bonten. Yet, here he was, willing to relinquish it all for the sake of their family, for her. Den could not deny how shocking it was to hear such a declaration from this man. The very man who lives by the saying "It is, what it is."
'Is his feelings for me that strong and genuine?'
"Manjiro, do you understand what you're saying?" Den's voice was steady, but her heart raced with a mixture of hope and fear. "Leaving everything... leaving Bonten, it's not just about walking away. You have responsibilities, people who rely on you."
"They're also your family you know..." She added.
Manjiro nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I know, wife. But if it means losing you, losing us, then it's a price I'm willing to pay. I can't—I won't—let that happen."
Den's eyes searched Mikey's, seeking the sincerity behind his words. The man before her was the same man she had fallen in love with, yet the gravity of his declaration marked a turning point in their lives. Especially to him.
"Manjiro... I knew that bad things happened. I knew that you didn't intend any of those things. It's just hard on my part. All I need is time and space to think." Den stated as she caressed Manjiro's cheeks softly. "And I don't want you to give up on your everything, your family just for me."
"But you're my family!" Manjiro desperately shouted.
Manjiro took a deep breath, and his decision was made. "For you, for Emma, I'll face whatever comes our way. I'll even face your family and formally ask for your hand in marriage if that's what it takes! I just need you to choose me, wife. Choose us."
"Don't leave me..."
The room fell silent once more, the weight of Manjiro's words settling between them. Den felt the sincerity of his plea, the depth of his love and the fear of losing her piercing through the barriers she had erected around her heart.
"Manjiro, I..." Den's voice faltered, the emotions threatening to spill over. She took a moment to collect herself, her mind racing with the possibilities that lay ahead.
"Denise Laurent no... Denise Lombardi, I love you. More than Bonten, more than anything I've ever known. Please, tell me there's still a chance for us," Manjiro implored, his eyes pleading for a sign of hope.
Den looked into Mikey's eyes, seeing the man who had become her world now together with their little sunshine, Emma.
Den knew what she wanted and who she would choose.
"Manjiro, I... I love you too...." Den finally said, her voice filled with determination and love.
Mikey's heart soared at her words, a glimmer of hope breaking through the darkness that had threatened to consume him. He pulled Den into his arms, holding her close, their hearts beating as one in the silence of their room.
But then, Den carefully removed Manjiro's arms around her. She gently pushes him, steps back and looks at him with uncertainty.
"But can you promise not to leave me in the dark again?" She added which made Manjiro nod his head immediately.
"I promise."
The reconciliation with Manjiro had been a moment of raw emotion, a testament to their love for each other. Yet, the reality of her family's potential reaction to her marriage loomed over her like a dark cloud in addition to why Rika, one of the sources of this drama is here in their lives now. The Lombardi's were a force to be reckoned with, steeped in tradition and influence, and Den knew all too well the consequences of their wrath, especially her Grandfather.
Manjiro, sensing her turmoil, approached quietly, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "What's on your mind?" he whispered, resting his hand on her shoulder.
Den sighed, leaning back into his embrace. "I'm worried about my family, Manjiro. My brother, my grandfather... if they find out what had happened and almost happened, I don't know what they'll do."
"Besides, you're yet to discuss your whole history with that woman you know."
Manjiro's grip tightened slightly. "Rika is just part of the past that I don't want to remember." He then inhaled sharply. " All I am thankful to her is she is one of the reasons why we have Emma, nothing more nothing less. She will leave after settling her mission." Manjiro finished, and his voice gives off the idea that he did not give two shits about the woman at all. "But in regards to your family, I will face them head-on."
"If you say so... I just really hope we can come back in one piece after meeting my family."
Manjiro's expression hardened a flicker of determination in his eyes. "Then we'll prepare for it."
Den shook her head. "You don't even know how hard-headed my grandfather is."
Manjiro cupped her face in his hands. "Listen to me, wife. I know it's sound cheesy and a bit out of character for me to say this but if facing your family is what it takes, then I'm ready."
Den pulled away gently, pacing the room as she processed his words. "We need a plan, Manjiro. If my grandfather decides to take action, it won't just be you he comes after. It'll be everyone associated with Bonten." Den then signed, "He probably knew something. Don must have told him what happened in the restaurant last night."
Manjiro nodded, his mind racing with strategies and contingencies. "We'll gather the executives, and devise a plan ASAP."
Den agreed, knowing the conversation with her brother would be critical in navigating the impending storm. "I'll arrange a meeting with Don. Well, he's already expecting me to be honest..."
Manjiro then gently hugged her and patted her gently, reassuring her that everything would be alright.
"Wife..."
"Hmmm?"
"Thank you..." Manjiro whispered. "Thank you for choosing and believing me..."
Manjiro then gently lifted her chin, his gaze locked onto hers. "I love you..."
Then their lips met in a kiss that sealed their love for each other and their connection with each other. It was a moment of profound intimacy and connection, a testament to the power of their love and the unbreakable bond they shared.
------
Author's Note:
And..... scene! That's a wrap!
Kidding! How are you, people? I am alive for those who are asking. It's been a while. Apologies as I have been very busy. I cannot even promise when will the next update be. You guys have to wait and see. HAHAHA.
I don't even know what am I writing.
03/04/2024