Chapter 77

When Ashley and Tanaga returned to the Club, the place was already quiet.   The band finished playing, and only soft music in the background was playing.   All the other customers left and gone home, and there was no one but Sophia and Ashley's family that were left behind. 

Ashley's eyes widened, and she was stunned when she saw Sophia sitting and drinking together with her siblings and parents.  She couldn't believe that a 'Diva' like her would mingle with ordinary people like her family.  A smile procured on her lips as she watches them.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, including Sophia.  Everyone has a joke to say, and laughter could be heard as they walked in.  Ashley couldn't help herself and laughed along with them as she came in...

"Wow! You're all so happy!"  Ashley greeted everyone.  " Ma'am Sophia, thank you so much! I'm so ashamed that my family had kept and wouldn't let you go.  They even held you hostage. Hahaha!" Ashley apologetically said as she sat down next to Sophia.

Sophia patted Ashley's hands and gave her an assuring look.  "Don't fret, and it's no big deal.  I have nothing to do when I get home anyway.  I'm truly enjoying your family.  On top of that, I got paid big bucks for this gig.  Hahaha!"  Sophia banters eyes shining brightly as she spoke.

At that moment, Tanaga turned toward Arman and asked to talk to him outside for a moment. "Arman, can I talk to you for a moment? I need to give you something. Ashley has a surprise for your parents and to all of you."  Said Tanaga sheepishly.

Arman followed suit, and they left the club without question. When they arrived outside, Arman quickly asked. " What is it, sir?  What kind of surprise does Ashley have for us?"  He didn't want to waste any more time because he wanted to get back to Sophia's side right away.  He was hit with 'Love, at first sight, for the Diva.

"Here, take all these keys, your sister wanted to surprise you all and booked a room for all of you to stay a couple of days.  The thing is, we needed to leave soon and go back to Japan.  She was sad that there's not much she could do for all of you.  She asked me if I would help her out this time, and I could take it out of her pay."  Tanaga explained that it seemed reasonable to book a room for them.

"Sir Jones ... We don't need to stay here anymore. We brought the car and Tondo was nearby. It's not too late at night, so it's okay for us to go home when you leave. "Explained Arman to Tanaga while still not accepting the keys.

" Hahaha! I know that. So what can I do if your sister wants to? I can't even get back what I paid for because it was already charged to my card. "Tanaga lied.

" And another, Ashley says ... This is what she dreamed of for all of you.  It's one of the reasons she went abroad. To give you all the luxury life could offer. So, accept it and enjoy yourself. It's only for two days, and you don't have anything to worry about for everything had been settled, including your food. "

Arman was hesitant and didn't know what to do.  "The problem is, we don't even need it!  To be able to see her in such a short time and be with her was good enough for everyone.  We don't need to stay in a fancy hotel.  You and Ashley had done so much already, and we are grateful for that."

Tanaga thought nothing would happen if he didn't insist.  Therefore he uses the only method he knows." If you don't want me to get upset and in turn, be mean to your sister, accept it, and enjoy yourself. That's an order!"  He said sternly this time and with a devilish looking face.

There was nothing else Arman could do but accept the keys to the room.  "I'm only accepting this on behalf of my family.  But, it's not up to me if we would use it or not."  He said then turned around to go back to the club.

===

Ashley's whole family was happy and sad at the same time to learn that they had to return to Japan that night.  They were all sad because their youngest would be apart from them once again.  However, on the other hand, they are pleased because they have a mini vacation.

"Sir Jone! This is embarrassing. You were already kind enough to bring back our youngest child back to us, even if only for a short day, it's already enough for us. We don't have to take this mini-vacation anymore. It's a waste of your money too.  I'm afraid my daughter would owe you so much and be in so much debt that could never come back to us."  Daddy Jessie jokingly told Tanaga.

Tanaga just smiled before telling Ashley's family that he would not charge her anything.  "This is my gift to all of you. Don't worry, and I will not ask her to pay it back. So she'll definitely be back here."  However, in Tanaga's mind... ' With me! '

Ashley's family has no choice but to accept the key and thanked them.  Everyone was thankful and gave Ashley a tight embrace.  It was so tight that it feels like they don't want to let her leave.

Jessie couldn't help himself and tried to persuade Ashley.  Now that she's back already, he no longer wanted to let his daughter go back to Japan.  "Daughter, why don't you just stay?  We're going to survive somehow, and sir Jones will probably understand. "he whispered with tears begins to form in his eyes.

"What is wrong with you? Why would you hold back your daughter, look at her and be so kind to her boss? Where else can you find such a person? Don't worry, child...

"Work hard and be diligent, alright! Don't forget to pray to the almighty.  Don't forget that God is always with you. He will never forsake you, just pray ..." Whispered Fely to Ashley while looking at Tanaga ...

"One more thing, my daughter, don't forget our command ... Don't you ever give up the Philippine flag to Japan without a fight? You know what that means."  Mommy Fely banters with a mischievous smile on her face.

Next to give advice was Ashley's brothers. One by one hugged her and played with her hair and messed with it.

"What the heck! I told every one of you not to touch the hair!" Ashley shouted to the older siblings.

Everyone raised their hands, backed away before they all began laughing...

Then it was Tanaga's turn.  One by one, all of Ashley's brother shakes Tanaga's hand and thanked him for everything.  They were all grateful for his kindness and appreciated that he was treating Ashley so well.  

After so many goodbyes, it was time for them to leave.  Everyone decided to send them off and walked with them all the way to the front door of the hotel.  A Mercedes Benz and all of Tanaga's bodyguards were standing by waiting for them.  The bodyguards didn't show their faces with Ashley's family the whole time.

When Ashley's brothers saw the vehicle and Tanaga's large bodyguards, their eyes widened in admiration. Nothing came out of their mouths but, " Wow! "

"Alright! Mom, Dad, older brothers! You all take care!  Don't worry, and it's only for a year, that's not even a long time before you know it... I'll be back in no time.  Don't worry, and I'm in good hands."  Ashley shouted while she's holding the tears that are about to fall from her eyes.

However, no sooner that she was about to enter the vehicle that would be taking them back to the yacht... Tears began to flow like a Niagara falls.