Iana Arceta
Maki rode their family's private jet and settled on the seat with her profile folder.
She opened it up and scanned the profile in front of her. In a quick glance she thought Iana Arceta is the perfect wife material—elegant, kind-hearted, and effortlessly nurturing.
Her warmth extended not just to people but also to her beloved furbabies, animals and elders, children and the less fortunate.
A trait that many admired, including Maki.
She was the kind of woman who could make any house a home. The Lims and Arces always envisioned Maki and Iana ending up together, an unspoken agreement between them.
On paper, it made perfect sense—Maki and Iana would be the perfect match.
Maki received a message from Iana: See you in Niseko. I kept our plans.
Niseko.
Apparently, before Maki’s accident, she and Iana were set to go on a skiing trip in the powdery slopes of Japan. Now, Iana was waiting for her there.
When Maki arrived, she was greeted by the sight of the breathtaking snow-covered mountains, the kind of scenery that belonged in postcards.
Niseko is magical, with its quiet snowfall and picturesque landscapes. Everything felt serene, peaceful—even if her own mind was anything but.
She spotted Iana at the entrance of a cozy wooden chalet, her long coat draped elegantly over her figure, her cheeks slightly flushed from the cold.
“Maki,” Iana called out, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.
Maki felt something tighten in her chest. Iana’s smile wasn’t just welcoming—it felt like home.
“You actually came,” Iana continued, stepping forward and pulling Maki into a tight embrace. “I was scared you’d back out.”
Maki took in Iana’s familiar scent—an addicting sweet floral and earthy scent. “I wasn’t sure if I should… but here I am.”
Iana stepped back slightly, looking into Maki’s eyes with an intensity that made Maki’s breath hitch.
“I kept our plans because I knew if there was one place that could help you remember… it’s here.”
They settled inside the chalet, a warm fire crackling in the corner.
Iana had prepared everything—hot choco, a blanket draped over the couch, and their ski gear already set aside.
“So,” Maki started, taking a sip of the hot choco. “Tell me about us.”
Iana’s expression softened. “We’ve always been close, Maki. Our families wanted us together, and honestly? I'm glad of the idea. You’re the person I can picture myself with for the rest of my life.”
Maki let out a slow exhale. “But did I ever tell you I love you?”
Iana hesitated for just a second before nodding. “Yes. In your own way, you did.”
“And what about you? Do you love me?”
Iana smiled, reaching out to take Maki’s hand in hers. “I do. I always have.”
Maki stared at their intertwined fingers. Everything about Iana screamed perfection—she was stable, loving, and everything anyone could ever ask for.
If there was anyone who made sense to marry, it was Iana.
But why did Maki still feel like something is missing?
She squeezed Iana’s hand. “I want to remember, Iana.”
Iana nodded. “Then let’s make new memories. Come on,” she said, standing up. “Let’s go skiing.”
Maki followed her out into the cold, watching the way Iana glided effortlessly across the snow.
She made everything look easy—heck, Maki even thought that loving her wouldn’t be complicated at all.
But as Maki strapped into her skis and tried to follow, she suddenly lost her balance and stumbled onto the snow.
The coldness shocked her system, but more than that, a flash of something hit her mind—
A hand.
Her hand, holding someone else’s.
A ring. A blurred vision of her slipping a ring onto the person's finger. The image felt important, but no matter how hard she focused, she couldn’t make out the details.
“Earth to Maki,” Iana’s voice broke through her thoughts. Maki blinked up at her, dazed.
“You okay?” Iana asked, concern evident on her face.
Maki took a deep breath, shaking off the remnants of the vision. “Yeah. I just… I just remembered something.”
Iana’s face lit up. “Wow, that’s good to hear. Told you Niseko would help you.”
Maki stood up with Iana’s help, dusting the snow off her coat.
As they continued their skiing session, the unease inside her didn’t quite fade. The vision had been blurry, but the feeling was sharp. Was it Iana’s hand she was holding in that memory?
Later that evening, as they sat in front of the fire, wrapped in thick blankets, Iana turned to her with a small smile.
“You know,” she said softly, “before your accident… you told me there was something important you wanted to say when we got here.”
Maki froze slightly. “I did?”
Iana nodded. “Yeah. You were acting weird about it too, like you were nervous. I had my guesses, but I wanted to hear it from you.”
Maki swallowed. Could it be connected to the vision she had earlier?
After their skiing session, Iana also arranged for a trip to a traditional Japanese onsen, the warmth of the hot spring contrasting beautifully with the crisp mountain air.
They shared quiet conversations under the starry Niseko sky, sipping sake in a secluded outdoor bath. It was peaceful, intimate—almost perfect. Maki stares at Iana and Iana is staring back as if they were about to kiss, but Maki last minute reached for a cherry blossom that fell in the water and put it behind Iana's ear.
As the night ended, Iana led Maki back inside, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Maki’s ear. “You don’t have to force it,” she said softly. “The memories will come when they’re ready.”
Maki wanted to believe that. But the image of that ring wouldn’t leave her mind.