Return to Marina

Stephen bumped his head against the window of the bus as it suddenly stopped. He couldn’t help but look out the window and glance longingly at the Philip Tower as it glistened as the setting sun struck it.

Philip Tower had once been part of his future, it was the headquarters of the Cho business empire. 

Named after his great great grandfather, Philip Cho, the man who had founded the first of many businesses.

“Darling, are you alright?” His fiance, Vanessa Ty, gave him a concerned look as she placed a hand on his arm. 

He met Vanessa in the University he had studied at after escaping his father’s wrath. He had used the money his Uncle William had given him to study in the best school. As a matter of fact, he and Vanessa had only recently returned to Marina.

“Yeah, just nervous.” Stephen said as he gave Vanessa a weak smile. 

Today he was meeting with the rest of Vanessa’s family. 

Most of them had been very much against his and Vanessa’s relationship. They had gone as far as sending her unknowingly to blind dates with men they believed to be better than Stephen.

Sometimes, he couldn’t help but laugh and scoff at their actions. They were so desperate to marry her off to a richer man, when she was already dating the heir of the Cho family.

Before his fake death, Stephen Cho had been one of the most eligible bachelors in the country together with his friends. 

As early as thirteen, mothers had been trying to get their daughters closer to Stephen and his friends. At first it had been disguised as playdates or study dates, but when he turned eighteen they didn’t even try to hide their intentions anymore.

“They can’t stop the wedding.” Vanessa told Stephen as she tried her best to calm his nerves. “I’m the one you are marrying, not them.” 

Stephen smiled and nodded. 

One benefit of the world thinking Stephen Cho was dead was him meeting Vanessa. 

If the world had gone on as it was meant to be, by now his parents would have married him off to a woman whose family was at par with his. The Tys were nothing compared to the Chos.

They were merely insects in the world compared to how powerful his family was.

“Your father will scold us for not using the car.” Stephen grumbled. 

It wasn’t that Stephen was poor, he just wasn’t as rich or from a reputable family, but he made a decent living and his home was in a good enough neighborhood.

“Gas is too expensive and the restaurant they chose is right on the bus route. Stop complaining, you want to save up money for your business, I’m just helping you.” Vanessa scolded him.

Stephen wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“You are too good for me.” He whispered into her ear as he gave it a gentle nibble, making Vanessa melt in his arms. 

“We’re in public, love.” Vanessa grumbled. 

“I promise, I will do everything in my power to give you a good life.” Stephen gave her one last passionate kiss on the lips before letting her go. He knew she would complain about too much public display of affection.

Vanessa smiled and shook her head as Stephen continued to watch as they passed shops and buildings. 

Every so often he would see one that was owned by the Cho family. He would sigh, longing for family once more. Even his mother didn’t know that he was still alive. 

“What are you looking at?” Vanessa asked as she peered over his shoulder. 

“Just the scenery, love.” He said with a smile, not willing to let her know just yet that he was also assessing which places would be most profitable to open up a shop.

“We’re here.” Vanessa tugged on his sleeve as the bus neared their stop.

Stephen nodded as he held Vanessa’s hand and helped her get down from the bus. The restaurant was a short walk from the bus stop, they smiled and chatted along the way.

“Vanesaaaaaaaaa!” A tall woman with model-like features ran out of the restaurant and pulled Vanessa into her arms and hugged her.

Vanessa was in no way short, she was taller than an average woman her age, but next to her cousin, Alona Ty, she looked like a dwarf.

“Alona, could you maybe release my fiance?” Stephen laughed at their interaction. 

Alona was one of the few  members of the Ty family that was actually kind to Stephen. She was the first person Vanessa had introduced him to and she seemed to be the most excited about their engagement.

“Right. Come, everyone is here. Are you ready Stephen?” Alona gave him a sympathetic smile as she led them through the restaurant to one of the private rooms.

When they entered the room, everyone became silent as they eyed Stephen with disgust. 

“If no one will say it then I will.” Vanessa’s uncle, Lloyd Ty, stood up and glared at Stephen. “You, Stephen Sy, are not welcome in this family, and we will do everything to stop you from marrying Vanessa.”