After All

The End of an Era

It was nine in the morning at the Innovare Center, and the atmosphere was thick with whispers and speculation. The news of Rafael and Karen's sudden breakup had already spread like wildfire, becoming the latest buzz among everyone connected to the Marino family and their sprawling enterprises. Every corner of the building seemed to hum with the gossip, from the executive offices down to the staff lounges. It was the talk of the town—Rafael Marino, the eldest son of the powerful Marino clan, had ended his relationship with Karen Asnin, the daughter of a formidable millionaire.

In the boardroom, the tension was palpable as the Marino siblings gathered for an urgent family meeting. For the first time in what seemed like ages, every single member of the family was present, making the room feel smaller than usual. There were the familiar faces of Rafael, Bianca, Jasmine, and Natsume, but also the less frequent visitors—Rumika, Karl and Riko's long-lost daughter who had been recently found, and Yume, the half-sibling of Bianca, Jasmine, and Natsume. Each of them had their own thoughts about the news, though few spoke openly about it.

Rumika, who had been slowly integrating into the family, sat quietly at the table, her eyes darting around the room as she tried to gauge the mood of her siblings. Though still an outsider in many ways, she could sense the undercurrents of tension that were flowing through the room. She had heard about Rafael's breakup only moments before entering, and now, seeing him in person, she couldn't help but wonder what had led to such a drastic decision.

Yume, seated next to Jasmine, wore a look of mild curiosity. Though not as close to Rafael as some others, she knew the weight that any of his decisions carried within the family. Her posture was relaxed, but her eyes were sharp, taking in every detail as the meeting was about to begin.

Bianca leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed as she observed Rafael, who sat at the head of the table. Her expression was inscrutable, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. The breakup, she knew, was more than just a personal matter—it could have serious implications for the family's business dealings, especially considering the influence Karen's father wielded.

Jasmine, always perceptive, kept her gaze focused on Rafael. She had been the first to arrive, and now that everyone was here, she could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on them all. Rafael's decision to break things off with Karen wasn't just a scandal—it was a potential crisis. She glanced at Natsume, who seemed equally absorbed in thought, before returning her attention to Rafael.

Natsume, ever the strategist, was already thinking several steps ahead. He knew the stakes were high, and he could see that Rafael's decision, while perhaps necessary, would require careful navigation in the coming days. He sat with his hands clasped together, leaning slightly forward as if ready to speak but waiting for the right moment.

Rafael, for his part, remained calm. He knew that all eyes were on him, and he could sense the unspoken questions hanging in the air. He had anticipated this reaction and was prepared for the inevitable discussions and debates that would follow. But first, he needed to address the matter at hand, to explain his actions and reassure his family that he was in control of the situation.

Jessica, the formidable daughter of the family, glared at her brother Rafael with a mixture of disdain and reluctant relief. Her face, usually so composed, revealed the depth of her frustration and the slight easing of tension now that the situation was somewhat clearer.

"Looks like Dad's on your side," Nozomi remarked, her tone tinged with disbelief. She glanced at Rafael, struggling to reconcile the fact that Karl seemed to be backing him despite the tumultuous circumstances.

"He was drunk when he overheard Kanna and me," Rafael explained, though his voice lacked conviction. It was evident that his attempt to excuse his father's actions was falling flat.