❝ THE GLIMPSE OF TOMORROW ❞

ch. 58

Ten years later...

"The rise of Dias Corporation! Cheers!"

The workers of Dias Corporation clanked their bottles as they commemorate a special day for the company inside a restaurant.

"Madame (L/N)... All of us look up at her hard work." Eri's workers said with genuineness.

"I never doubt how I grew my daughter. She deserves the position in my company." Eri said as she sipped on the wine glass.

After you got admitted to the hospital ten years ago, Eri immediately entered your name in her company. Of course, it wasn't that easy. You had to attend therapy, take your prescription every day, and take extra lessons.

It was like you were in university again, studying business courses for a brief period of time but also needing to join the civil service and earn a degree in business management to secure the position. Even though Eri, your stepmother, had to cover all of your expenses, it wasn't simple to attend classes while still keeping up with your health.

"Cheers to Ms. (Y/N) (L/N), our general manager and heiress of Dias Corporation!"

You merely nodded and offered them a faint, fleeting smile. You're just sitting there, at the corner, while Eri's co-workers are having talks. Honestly, you don't want to interact with them, and you don't just want to interact with anyone in general, but of course, you won't show it to them. You have to maintain your posture and present a welcoming demeanor.

What really happened over the past few years?

You were apathetic to the persistent claims that Dias Corporation had the greatest debt and downfall before. You were too focused on the future that you couldn't care less about the past.

You had a promise to yourself before? What even is that?

As long as you maintain your position, and obtain the prized possession of your mother's business, you're satisfied with it. After all, it's what is delegated to you, and you just have to fulfill it.

"Eri, is (Y/N) interested in someone? I have a son, also an heir to my business. I'm sure the two will make a nice couple," one of her co-workers said.

"(Y/N) is an adult, so I make her have her own choices now, but you know, as much as I want a grandkid right now, it's all up to (Y/N)," Eri replied with a chuckle.

"No," you replied.

"A-ah, right! Of course. It's Ms. (Y/N)'s decision at the end." They looked at each other awkwardly with your sudden stern response.

"You know, talking about relationships, guess who just got engaged...?!" One of the workers exclaimed, trying to light up the atmosphere. You were used to these topics, especially when you hear it on a daily basis. Relationships, relationships, relationships... and all.

Almost everyone is in a relationship... a healthy one.

While you're here, neglecting and rejecting every relationship to focus on the company.

You just can't seem to find somebody who lives up to your expectations. It's like no one is compatible at all with you. That's what you think, and it has been a block for you to look for relationships.

You're not even in a relationship, yet it's already complicated.

"My husband brought me to those firework shows, and he fulfilled my dream when I was still a teenager. I can really never find someone like him," one of the workers said, telling about their love life.

You saw the pure love and infatuation in their eyes, and it will never compare to yours. Your eyes are like in void, while they have hearts in their eyes. Yeah, almost everyone in the company is in a relationship, some are engaged, and some are even planning their wedding.

A healthy love life, family, and friends.

But you? Is it too much to ask for? To have these three?

You felt too selfish and ungrateful. You are aware of the heavenly wealth you possess. You are aware that there are many who admire and even envy you. Not only that, but you are aware of the affectionate stepmother you have, Eri. Even so, you felt as if you'd just reached the average.

What (Y/N) doesn't know, is that she had the same feeling at the start.

The feeling of abandonment and unsatisfactory.

At this point, no one can give you a love that will match yours. I mean, a pure heart loving a heart filled with bandages like yours? By thinking all of this in conclusion, you think too low of yourself to the point that you are unworthy of love.

"(Y/N), is everything okay?"

You snapped out of your deep thoughts as you felt your mother calling your attention. "Yeah. Sorry."

"Are you sure-?" but Eri was cut off with the employees' cheers and talks. She gave you a gesture that she'll just talk to you later.

"A picture! Everyone, look at the camera!" One of them shouted and caught your attention.

You fixed yourself a bit to look presentable at least. You've been practicing in front of a mirror to have a welcoming expression to the company.

"Three... two... one...!"

You forced your lips to curl up into a smile and face at the camera.

After taking a few pictures, Eri turned to face you and saw that you had maintained this state of mind for almost a year. 

"You need a break, (Y/N). Do you want to take a break from the company? Don't worry, the company's condition right now is steady, and its enhancement is continuing. Settle yourself for a time." Eri worriedly told you.

"It's fine. I don't need that. I'm not a teen anymore. I'm an adult. I can take care of myself." You reassured.

Even if it will take years for you to heal again, you would accept it wholeheartedly. It's been a decade, and yet your forgotten memories haunt you. You will continue to heal this heart of yours abused with bandages and bruises.

Although you are aware that you have lost your memory, you are unaware of your past events.

"I don't need a rest, mom."

"Madame (Y/N)!"

You woke up the next morning feeling nausea wash over you. As soon as you got out of bed, you heard frantic knocks on your doors, and someone calling you.

Fixing your hair and appearance for a bit, you opened the door since it seemed like the maids are calling you in a rush.

"Secretary Willbert Zane has been calling you. Eight o'clock is close, and you're going to be late for your supposed meeting, madame!" The maids shouted.

"Fuck," you cursed under your breath.

"Tell Secretary Zane that I'll be there in thirty minutes," you hurriedly added as you closed the door and proceeded on getting ready.

After forty minutes of getting ready, even if you are told that you'll be finished within thirty minutes, you quickly prep yourself and ate at least small portions of breakfast before going out of the house.

"Ah shit, mom will kill me." You thought. You know that your stepmother Eri is the one that holds the highest position in the company, and of course, there will be times that she needs to take her role. She might be the sweetest mother, but when she's in the company, it's a different situation.

"Madame (Y/N)! The car is ready." The servants said.

You looked at your wristwatch to see that you have almost five minutes left to get there, and since you'll travel a bit later than usual, it'll be traffic.

"No need. I'll use my motorbike." You refused and walked to your garage.

"But ma'am— Madame Eri has told you to not use your motorbike in such a rush. It's dangerous. You might be in an accident." The servant worriedly warned.

"It's fine," you replied.

You hopped onto your motorbike and wore a helmet. You also didn't forget to apply hairspray on your hair since it'll get windy and ruffled inside the helmet.

"Ride safe, madame," the servants said as they bowed.

You just gave them a simple nod and thanks as you revved up your motor and zoomed out of the gate, quickly reaching the roads.

You're holding both handlebars so tightly that your knuckles are almost turning white. As the engine continued to rev noisily, you accelerated your pace even further. Even though you were driving in a tight space, your eyes were laser-focused on the road as you passed the cars.

The destination is finally reached, and you parked your motorbike in the company's parking for higher-ups.

"Good morning, madame," the employees greeted you as you entered the company's building.

You greeted them back with a simple nod, and proceed in the elevator.

As soon as you reached the level of the room where the meeting room is hosted, you quickly walked towards it and held the door's handlebar.

But before you did, you quickly checked yourself in front of the mirror to check your appearance. You can't meet other company representatives when you look like you've just joined a marathon.

"You're here," your mother said as soon as you entered the meeting room.

"Thank you for waiting," you simply said as you sat on the middle-end chair.

"Wow! Luckily the company representatives that we'll be meeting today aren't here yet!" One of the employees exclaimed.

"Then that's good. I don't know what will I do if we have the representative team from the other firm waiting for over thirty minutes because our representative, General Manager (L/N) (Y/N), is late." Eri strictly stated as she glared at you.

"I'd say thank you for waiting. Just arrived in time. I'll take note of it." You casually said.

"The reports? Powerpoint? Have you prepared everything?" Eri asked you since you're the representative of the company for the meeting.

"I've reviewed the power point almost quadrillion times last night. No need to worry about anything. Setting up the projector isn't my job." You replied.

"Right," Eri cleared her throat.

"Manager (L/N) must be stressed today! I mean, we're used to her stern and cold demeanor, but what more if she's stressed?" The employees joked, and Eri just chuckled. You're used to your employees' daily jokes, so you didn't seem to mind.

You only coldly stared at them with a stoic face, not even a single muscle in your face moving.

"Sorry," they mussitated.

"The representatives are here." Finally. After some minutes of waiting.

"We apologize for our late departure," the people from the other company said as they settled themselves on the chair.

You didn't bother to bat them an eye and immediately stood up in front of the projector, standing up in front of them.

"Good morning, everyone. We've all come here to discuss a partnership between our companies to help increase stock supplies, revenues, and profits for all. Let's talk about what we have in mind." You said orotundly with professional gestures as you moved the slide in the PowerPoint.

"We all know that there are many tech enterprises out there tackling various problems and creating new products like us, so let me first give you the background of our sector..." You continued.

One of the representatives raised their hand.

"Yes?" you raised your head.

"If we would settle for a company like yours, of course, our target audience would surely look at both companies' backgrounds. They wouldn't want cliché reasons for them to buy our products, right? Based on your first statement and introduction, I see where this is going." The man strictly said, and the others agreed as they nodded.

"Let me retaliate that 'Based on your first statement and introduction', well based on that sole reason of yours, you don't completely understand the purpose of an introduction and how I open my discussion. Sit back and just listen, because I am not yet finished." You sternly said.

Eri just held back her laugh to the other representatives as she watched you proudly.

"As you, Mr. Jack, told us that our target audience might not be interested, let's talk about the quality, price ranges, and how the performance and experience of our dear customers would be." You said in a sarcastic tone, especially when you mentioned his name, followed by the sentences.

"But of course, since you seemed like you're rushing me, let's proceed with the latter." You added as you moved the slide from the laptop.

"Impatient old fugly bastard businessmen, hungry for pecuniary," you thought as you secretly rolled your eyes.

"Obviously, whether or not customers are at risk when using their phones, their safety is always a concern. While many people believe phone addiction is an imaginary epidemic that doesn't have a significant impact on our society, many others are just as convinced that this is an important subject to tackle and we need to do something to make these devices safer. Given the current state of our global economy and the new technologies being introduced at a breakneck rate, it is indispensable to ask: where do we go from here? How can companies like yours stay competitive in this new market industry, which seems to be changing so rapidly?"

"Then what are the answers to those?" One of the men from the other company asked.

"We are aware that a wide range of ethical problems occur as our world grows more high-tech, and it's crucial that we have the appropriate conversations to ensure that we're coming to the proper conclusions. We aim to make the most of artificial intelligence's advantages. Furthermore, we think that technology has the potential to change people's lives for the better." You answered, followed by more talks.

The men just looked at each other and nodded.

"Well, your company is accepted. We're willing to push this partnership ahead and continue. Glad to be working with all of you, especially General Manager and Representative, (Y/N) (L/N), and Chief Executive Officer, Erianne Dhiore." The men said.

"Oh. That's quite meritorious, yet terrible," you said, side-eyeing Eri.

"Excuse me? What do you mean 'terrible'?" The representatives were agitated.

"Yes, you accepted the partnership, but did I say that we'll accept yours?" You said, raising a brow, waiting for their answer that seemed stuck in their tongues.

"That's quite disrespectful—"

"See? Now, this is the reason why you should focus on the purpose of the meeting, rather than the commission and profit you'll receive." You immediately cut them off. At the start, the smell of bad news was already reeking.

"Don't let the greediness of money get ahead of you, okay?" you added, giving them a smile.

Eri is just sipping a cup of tea while enjoying the heated conversation between you and the businessmen from the other company.

After all, only you vs. a group of representatives?

"Let our General Manager decide the final. I know that the two of us, rather, all of us in this room know what would be her answer." Eri said, sighing.

"Well then, I refuse the offer. I don't want to have a partnership with a company full of higher-ups greedy for their profits. How could you run a smooth company, even?" You bluntly told.

"It's important to be greedy for the results sometimes in your company, Ms. (L/N). Are you only a rookie in the world of business?" They laughed sarcastically.

"Oh? So, you don't look at the process of making in your company? Only the bottom line? How can you ensure a proper result if you don't outlook a proper process? Think rationally. C'mon, we're in the modern days."

They looked at each other, and almost everyone in the room, including the employees in your company, stayed silent.

"You're handling a high-tech business, but I think your brains are needed to be the ones that should be high-tech." You bantered.

"How dare—?!"

"Meeting is dismissed," you cut them off and walked out of the room with your heels loudly clanking. Not wasting any time with them.

"Are you sure that she's only a general manager?" One of the representatives asked.

Eri heard their conversation, and she laughed hysterically.

"Yes, she is. (Y/N) (L/N) is a General Manager and our company's representative. She'll take over the Director and Shareholder position soon. She's also my daughter, and most of all, she'll be the future successor of Dias Corporation. She's the one and only heiress."

"It's impressive, Madame (Y/N), the company in the meeting a while ago backed out of their contract."

Secretary Zane Willbert said inside your officer, and he's also the secretary of Eri.

"Yeah," you simply replied while you were busy signing the files.

"Uhm, do you know that company has been pestering us for almost a month? They kept on insisting to push this future plan of theirs and the partnership." Zane informed.

"Why am I only informed now?" you stopped with your work and looked at him.

"Madame Dhiore told me not to inform you since she wants the higher positions to handle this. She didn't want to add up more work for you." Zane said.

"Next time, tell her to have her inform me of every audit that takes place within the company," you commanded.

"Noted, madame."

"Also, madame. Since you refused that company's offer, do you want to move forward with the next company?" Zane asked as he took his iPad out to list information.

"The background of their company?"

"They're also a company that focuses on devices, but their main signature is developing a game. They also manage a runway and tailor who's in charge of the designer clothes."

"What a diverse company," you muttered.

"Yes. Though actually, they were a separate company before, they just merged. The department that handles the devices also contributes to the runways. He develops the websites, and they also have an app where you can explore the garments that the tailor crafts."

"Company name?"

"Boman Firm."

Your brows furrowed and slowly nodded. "What's their representatives' names?"

Zane contemplated for a minute before dropping the name. Hopefully, you won't remember them. Who knew that you'll reacquaint with them again after so many years?

"Haruki Sato and Takashi Mitsuya."

You felt a sharp ache flare in your head as Zane mentioned the representatives' names. Zane immediately stood up, giving you a glass of water and your pills.

"I'm fine. I'll take those later," you said as you just drank the glass of water, and refused the pills.

"Who's the highest among the two? Do their company have a president?" you quickly asked, not caring about your pills.

Zane sighed for a moment. He knows that he's just a secretary under Eri, and he can't and will never disobey Eri's command to him, especially if it's a crucial one that correlates to her dear daughter.

"There are three people that have the higher position among the two."

"Three more people higher among the... Sato... and Mitsuya?" your brows furrowed. "Who?"

"The two are the directors, and the other one is the president. They're a second company in the city, just below us, madame."

"You're home."

Eri said as she was sitting on the couch, reading a magazine and sipping a glass of wine as you entered the mansion.

"By the way, you did excellent on the meeting a while ago," Eri said.

You just nodded, almost ignoring her compliment as you asked a favor in haste. "Mom, do you have time for a talk?"

Eri was taken aback for a minute but nodded. "Of course. I'm available now."

You sat beside her and settled because you know that this conversation might be contentious and lead to something more drastic.

"I know you've told me many times, even before, that I shouldn't bring this topic up."

Eri also prepared herself. She has been anticipating this for so long that you'll bring this topic up as you grow older and older.

And this is the time for that talk to ascend once again.

"Go ahead," Eri said, giving you the signal.

"What happened in my past?"

Silent fell for a moment.

"Why ask out of the blue?" Eri asked, brows scrunching up.

"Mom, you know that it's not 'out of the blue'. You've been expecting me to ask you this, even just once in my life."

Eri sighed. "It's true. What knowledge you teach to anyone, it would always retaliate ten times more, and they might even use it against you."

"Mom, all I fucking remember is the Village Callista. That's all. I don't even remember my biological mother's face... and the other people I became friends with... their names, their faces... their voices... Everything about them is blurry... Mom, I'm struggling so much... I'm an adult... I don't want to die without knowing my past..."

"What made you ask that, (Y/N)...?" Eri asked, her brows furrowing as her eyes became glossy.

"You were the one who said that I'm the heiress, right? I have more positions waiting for me in the company, but why does it seem like you've been hiding such important information from me? Should I be kept in the dark about what's circulating around the company?" You sincerely asked.

"Is my past connected to this? Is my past the reason why you're always so prudent for me?" You asked once more.

"I just... want to know. It won't harm me at all, right? I just want to know. It's been ten years... yet I have no idea what my past is. Please, tell me, even before I grow white hairs and bring this curiosity to my grave. Are my biological parents still alive? Where are they? All I remember is me, waking up in a hospital, meeting an unfamiliar two men... Who are they, also?" You pleaded.

"Just by thinking about your horrid past... rather, our horrid past, makes me sick to my stomach," Eri answered.

"Tell me, mom."

"Would you believe, and forgive me if I told you that I somehow accidentally involved you to my dilemmas? Would you believe, and forgive me if I told you that I made a contract between a criminal organization? Those are just the surface of it... (Y/N)..." Eri said, her voice laden with remorse, revulsion, and guilt.

You noticed the anguish in her voice. You're still perplexed as to her reasons for keeping your past a secret. You felt like you can't trust anyone these days.

"It's fine. No need to continue. I understand." You cut her off.

"(Y/N)..." Eri tried to call you, even console you, yet you didn't turn back.

"I think you're right that I need to take a break from the company," you said as you grabbed your car keys and walked towards the main door.

"Where are you going, (Y/N)?" Eri asked as she followed you around.

"To wind up for a bit. I haven't gone out in such a long time." You muttered as you're getting your bag.

"(Y/N). Do you know how dangerous it is to be outside at this hour?!" She said, her voice raising.

"Mom, please. I just want to be out for a moment. I don't want to stare at that damned computer screen all day in my office, and signing those papers. You're the one who said that I needed rest, right? Then let me be. I'm almost in my 40's. I'm not a kid anymore." You said, insisting. You quickly left the house, leaving Eri standing there as she sighed and rubbed her temples in distress.

Eri was forced to grant you the freedom you deserve since some of your remarks were true. Her overly cautious and protective nature can occasionally make you choke to death. You recognize that she values and loves you as her daughter, but things do happen. She played a part in this, therefore she can't just bring herself to tell you about your past, even though she wants to.

"All I want is my daughter to have a bright future ahead of her."

"More?"

The bartender asked as you're getting yourself wasted on the bar's counter.

"One more shot," you groggily said as your head is laying down the counter.

The bartender looked at you cluelessly with your state. "A heartbreak?"

"Hell? Fuck no," you scoffed.

"My bad. Usually the customers who get wasted, slumping theirselves down on that counter is going through a break up. I believe it's a curse now." He joked.

"Well, I am not. Just fill my glass up, will you? Goddamn," you grunted as you clank your shot glass on the counter.

"Alright, alright," the bartender said as he hurriedly filled your glass up. You grabbed the glass from him, and he's just standing there as you gulp the shot of gin straight.

"Ma'am, seems like your phone has been ringing for minutes now," the bartender said as he noticed the constant dings and rings on your phone beside you.

You raised your head lazily as you checked your phone with your squinted eyes.

74 missed calls from Erianne Dhiore

59 missed calls from Zane Wilbert

And more missed calls from your friends and the employees at the company.

"Give me a break," you groaned as you answered your mother's call. "Hello—?"

"Holy fucking hell, (Y/N)! Where have you been bringing yourself?! Do you know that we've been finding you everywhere?! I've been calling you! Why are you not picking up?!" Eri shouted on the phone, making you wince.

"Ehh?" you sluggishly said, adjusting your sight as you rubbed your eyes.

"Are you drunk?" Eri asked on the phone, and her voice is clearly irritated.

"No, I'm not—" your voice was cut off with a loud cough.

"I'll call Zane to pick you up, or better yet, I'll be the one to pick you up. Where are you? You sneaky one! You didn't even open your location!"

"I am at the center of the earth," you whispered groggily.

"What the hell—?!"

You abruptly ended the call after that and tossed your phone on the counter, which caused the screen to slightly crack. You lay your head on the counter once more, this time closing your eyes and gesturing to the bartender to refill your drink once more that you didn't appear to care.

"One more~," you said, frantically clanking the glass.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid to tell you that customers might have limits here, and us, bartenders, are also obliged to look out for our custom—"

"Just give me the whole damn— tsk— bottle," you grunted as you almost jumped through the counter and grabbed the whole bottle of Tanqueray Gin and gulped it straight.

"Holy shit! Ma'am! That will burn your throat! Oh, holy mother fucking hell!" The bartender quickly jumped on the other side of the counter to snatch the bottle from your hand.

You felt the burn graze your throat as you drank it straight, but the bartender quickly grabbed the bottle.

"Oh my... I almost lost my job right here right now," the bartender heavily sighed.

"I'll give you a position in my company, c'mon!" You exclaimed as you hit his chest.

"Ma'am, I think that it's best if you tell your mother that you're... uhh... drunk," the bartender said. "We have to take care of these kinds of customers, ma'am."

"Do you think I'm in my twenties?" you raised your head.

"U-uhh, yeah?"

"Wow," you chuckled.

"What?"

"Nothing. Whatever. I'll go now," you groaned as you got off the stool and grabbed your purse.

"Alright, ma'am. Are you sure you don't need an accompany? You're going to drive home by yourself?" the bartender worriedly asked, but not holding and touching your arm as he just guided your way.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," you told as you grabbed some money from your wallet and gave him a tip for his service.

"Thank you, ma'am," the bartender bowed and thanked you as you just nodded and walked to the club's bathroom to fix yourself.

"Can't go home when I'm looking like this. Mom will fucking kill me." You thought as you staggered to the C.R., gripping your aching head as you made your way there. Your vision is also becoming blurry as a result of it.

"Has the company accepted the offer?"

A man with a black mask and black jacket spoke on a phone call.

"No confirmation yet, sir," his employee replied.

"Okay. Inform me as soon as they give any response." He said, and then ended the phone call. He then sipped in his glass of beer in the bar, also in the same place as you.

He just decided to go to the club's C.R before leaving the place since he got more pending work in his office.

It's indeed not easy to handle a company, they say.

"Where the fuck is the C.R.?" meanwhile, your head felt as though it was hovering in midair while all you could see was things spinning around. You held onto the wall for support as you tried to reach for the C.R.

As you stepped forward, you didn't notice that there was a stair with two steps towards the entrance, making you stumble as you lost your balance.

You were too dizzy and inebriated to feel that you lost balance until someone caught you.

You squinted your eyes to see who helped you to at least thank them, but all you can see is blurred surroundings and your sight spinning. That's all you can catch glimpse of.

"Are you okay?" he asks yet his tone is monotonous as before, but other than that, everything else about him is fuzzy in your mind.

There it goes again, you felt the pang of pain in your head just by hearing his voice, even if it's just a few syllables.

You didn't know what you responded, but you knew that you nodded, and the next thing you know is passing out.

But before you dozed off from the alcohol, his eyes met with yours. He never felt more overwhelmed and relieved in such a long time.

The same look you gave him years ago.

"(Y/N)...?"

A/N: see you in the final chapter