How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 7&8

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 7&8

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]

Rias stirred slowly, stretching beneath the covers before reality crept in. Her head throbbed the moment she sat up, a dull ache pulsing behind her eyes.

She winced and pressed her fingers to her temple.

Last night came back in fragments.

That stupid old man.

She exhaled sharply, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

“Good morning, my lady.”

Rias looked up, instantly alert. A young woman stood a few steps away, posture straight, hands folded neatly in front of her.

“…Who are you?” Rias asked, her voice still rough with sleep.

“My name is Sota,” the woman replied calmly. “Boss said I’ll attend to you whenever you need anything. I’ll be your personal servant.”

Rias blinked once, then twice.

She gave a short nod. “Okay.”

“I’ve already drawn your bath,” Sota continued. “Breakfast will be ready once you’re done. I’d also like to ask if you have any favorites, or foods you don’t like, so I know what to avoid.”

Rias rubbed her forehead again. “I… don’t really dislike anything.”

“Understood, my lady.”

Silence stretched between them. Rias glanced at Sota briefly, then looked away, her jaw tightening.

“He already left for work,” Sota added gently, clearly referring to Romeo.

“I didn’t ask,” Rias snapped as she stood.

Her bare feet met the cool floor, grounding her slightly. She took one step forward and swayed, catching herself on the edge of the bed.

She groaned softly. “God… I should stop drinking.”

Sota moved instinctively, then stopped herself, keeping a respectful distance.

“Boss asked me to take good care of you,” she said quietly. “If you need anything at all—”

“I’ll be fine,” Rias cut in, already tugging her clothes off as she headed toward the bathroom. “Really.”

She paused at the door, staring at the marble tiles beyond, steam curling faintly from the bath. Her reflection in the mirror looked annoyed, tired, and far too aware of where she was.

Living under his roof already felt suffocating.

Rias stepped into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.

—–
[ 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 ]

Yuki sat on the edge of the bed, arms folded tight across her chest, lower lip pushed out in a small pout that betrayed how long she’d been holding it in.

Across from her, Isla lounged on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, shaking her head slowly as if she’d already heard this story too many times.

“He barely spends time with me anymore,” Yuki said at last, her voice soft but strained.

“I know he loves me, Isla. I know he does. But something is wrong. He’s always working. Always distracted. Even when he’s home, he’s not really here.”Yuki sighed.

Isla let out a humorless laugh.

“Girl, this is Haru Kagami we’re talking about.” She leaned forward. “You know how head over heels he was in love with his dead wife. And then there’s you—the mistress he got pregnant.”

Yuki’s head snapped up. “Isla, watch your tone.”

“What?” Isla shrugged.

“I’m being honest. Face it. He’s with you because of Bella. He loves you because of Bella.” Her eyes sharpened.

“You wanted his love. You wanted his name. And lucky for you, his ex-wife died in an accident.” She paused, lips curling. “Oh wait. You staged the accident.”

Yuki stood abruptly.

“Isla, shut up.” Her voice trembled with fury. “What exactly are you trying to imply?”

“I’m implying you’re getting too comfortable.” Isla said calmly.

“You’re his wife. You’ve been married for two years. And yet you’re acting like a placeholder.” She gestured around the room.

“You need to step up your game. Make him see you as a wife, not a replacement.”

“I do everything for him.”Yuki clenched her fists.

“And that’s the problem,” Isla shot back. “You do everything for him, but what efforts does he make for you.”

Yuki’s breath hitched.

“If you don’t get a grip on Haru now,” Isla continued, voice lowering, “…he’s going to forget about you. And trust me—men like him don’t stay lonely. There’s probably another woman already.”

“That’s impossible,” Yuki whispered.

Isla scoffed. “Once a cheater, always a cheater.”

Silence slammed into the room.

Yuki’s eyes darkened, something sharp and dangerous flashing through them. Her hands slowly relaxed, then tightened again.

“If I find out any woman is trying to take him from me,” she said quietly, each word deliberate.

“I will kill her.”

Isla studied her for a moment, then leaned back against the couch, satisfied.

“Good,” She said softly. “That’s the wife I was waiting to see. Don’t worry girl, no one’s taking your position.”

—–
[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞]

The heads of every department were seated around the long obsidian conference table, their backs straight, tablets open, attention sharpened.

Romeo’s office was massive, coldly elegant, built to intimidate without trying. Floor-to-ceiling glass overlooked Tokyo like it belonged to him.

Behind his desk, shelves stretched wide and tall, stacked with countless awards, plaques, international commendations, trophies etched with the Dragoni name.

Romeo sat at the head of the table, jacket off, sleeves rolled just enough to show he meant business.

“Begin,” He said.

The Head of Production stood first, projecting holograms of their newest car models. Sleek, aggressive designs. Limited editions. Military-grade engineering masked under luxury.

“Export demand has risen in Europe and the Middle East,” The man reported. “We’re proposing an increase in production by fifteen percent.”

“Shipping?” Romeo asked, eyes sharp.

The Logistics Director answered quickly. “Sea freight is cost-effective for bulk export, but air transport guarantees faster delivery for high-profile clients. Especially the Gulf buyers.”

Romeo leaned back slightly, fingers steepled. Silence fell. No one interrupted him when he thought.

“Sea for mass export,” He said calmly. “Air for VIP and private orders only. I don’t want delays tied to port congestion..”

“Yes, boss,” several voices answered in unison.

The Head of Sales chimed in. “Clients in Germany are requesting exclusivity clauses. They want assurance Dragoni won’t flood the market since, it’s their first time.”

Romeo’s lips curved into something close to a smile. “Give them controlled scarcity. Limited supply increases hunger. Besides, I don’t really like doing business in Germany, it’s such a drag .”

Nods circled the table.

Then his secretary stepped forward, tablet held to her chest. “Sir, the International Automotive Award Gala is scheduled for next month.”

A few executives exchanged looks.

“As usual,” She continued, “Dragoni Empire is nominated across multiple categories. However… Kagami Scents have also made significant achievements this year. The media is calling it a tight competition.”

One brave executive added, carefully, “It may be tougher than previous years.”

Romeo didn’t even look up.

“Haru Kagami?” He said flatly.

He scoffed.

“He’s just a perfume seller playing industrialist,” Romeo continued, voice calm but dismissive.

The room relaxed instantly.

Romeo waved a hand. “Meeting adjourned.”

Chairs shifted, executives stood, offering quick bows before filing out, one by one.

Just as the door was about to close—

Knock. Knock.

The sound echoed sharply through the office.

Romeo’s eyes lifted, dark and alert.

“Enter,” He said.

A guy walked into the office and Romeo frowned instantly.

“Why are you here?!” Romeo frowned.

The guy grinned like he’d just won a bet.

“C’mon, bro,” He said casually, shutting the door behind him. “Aren’t you happy to see your favorite cousin?”

Hunter Dragoni.

Same sharp Dragoni features, but worn with mischief instead of menace. Where Romeo radiated intimidation, Hunter carried chaos.

His jacket was unzipped, attitude relaxed like this wasn’t the most feared office in Tokyo.

“You’re my only cousin,” Romeo replied flatly. “Stop that favorite shit.”

“I see.” Hunter hopped onto the edge of Romeo’s desk, completely unbothered. “Still cold as ever.”

“Damn. You’ve grown more handsome, I’ve only been away for a few months.” Hunter whistled.

“Why are you in Tokyo?” Romeo asked..

Hunter leaned in, lowering his voice theatrically, whispering into Romeo’s ear.
“There’s this rumor mom told me.”

Romeo sighed, already knowing.

“Is it true?” Hunter asked.

“Yes.”

Hunter’s eyes widened. “What? Why didn’t you tell me you were married?! I thought we were brothers.”

“It was an arranged marriage,” Romeo replied calmly. “I knew you’d find out sooner or later.”

Hunter stared at him like he’d just discovered fire.

“Even though, bro,” he said slowly, a grin spreading, “…so tell me… is she pretty?”

Romeo didn’t answer immediately.

“She’s stubborn,” He finally said. “And real tough.”

Hunter laughed. “Woah. You met your match, huh?”

“Whatever.”

Hunter leaned back on his hands. “So what is she like? You guys live together, right?”

Romeo shot him a look so sharp it could cut glass.

Hunter blinked. “Oh no. Don’t tell me you hate her?”

“I did.”

Hunter froze. Then his grin turned wicked.
“Hold on… you said I did. Not I do.”

“You heard right.”

“So she got you intrigued?”Hunter’s eyebrows shot up.

“Not really,” Romeo replied coolly. “I’m still trying to figure her out. All that doesn’t matter. What matters is that she’s mine whether she likes it or not.”

He stood, straightening his jacket.

“And I’m going to tame that stubbornness in her. The audacity of her to call me an old man.”

Hunter burst out laughing. “Oh, this is gold. Absolute gold.”

“It’s not funny,” Romeo said flatly. “Let’s go to a bar. I want to drink.”

Hunter immediately slung an arm around his shoulders. “Now you’re talking.”

Romeo stopped walking.

“Hunter,” He warned, voice deadly calm, “…haven’t you heard about ‘no physical contact?”

Hunter looked down at his arm, then back at Romeo, confused.

“What is that? Is it English?”

Romeo exhaled sharply, already regretting this.

—–
[𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞]

Nancy stepped into the cafeteria with quiet authority. Two guards flanked her until the entrance, then stopped as instructed. Their presence alone drew attention. Inside, only Fiona followed her.

The noise dipped. Conversations softened. Eyes tracked her every step.

“Remember,” Fiona said under her breath, “you should watch what you eat.”

Nancy barely acknowledged it as she ordered, listing items with precise calm. When her tray was ready, they moved to a table near the windows.

She sat.

And felt it immediately.

The stares.

Some curious. Some hostile. Some openly judgmental.

Nancy glanced around, discomfort tightening her shoulders.

“Why are they looking at me like that?” she asked quietly.

Fiona leaned closer. “Don’t mind them, mistress. Just eat your food.”

Nancy picked up her fork, but before she could take a bite—

“Hey, beautiful.”

She looked up.

Levi stood there, hands in his pockets, smile easy and confident. Too confident. His gaze lingered like he was trying to read her.

She stiffened.

Sky’s rival, she reminded herself.

He tilted his head slightly, studying her. She’s a cute girl, he thought. Calm. Guarded. Clearly not impressed.

Nancy didn’t respond.

“That’s cold. I was just saying hi.”Levi chuckled softly.

No answer.

He pulled out the chair opposite her and sat anyway.

“I’m Levi,” He said. “You’re new. Thought I’d be friendly.”

“I’m not interested,” Nancy replied flatly, eyes back on her plate.

Levi raised a brow. “Wow. Straight to rejection?”

Fiona shot him a warning look. “You should leave.”

Levi ignored her. “Relax. I’m not trying anything. Just friends.”

Nancy finally looked at him, her expression unreadable.
“I don’t want friends.”

That earned a few reactions.

🗣️ “Did she really just say that?”

🗣️ “Who does she think she is?”

“You’re harsh.”Levi laughed, unfazed.

“I’m honest,” Nancy said. “Please go.”

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “You know, people would like you more if you weren’t so picky.”

That did it.

Nancy pushed her chair back slightly. “I didn’t ask to be liked.”

Around them, whispers grew louder.

💬 She’s so picky.

💬 Acts like she’s above everyone.

💬 Why even come to the cafeteria if she hates people?

Levi studied her for a moment longer, then grinned and stood.

“Alright. Rejection accepted.” He winked. “See you around, beautiful.”

He walked away like he hadn’t been dismissed at all.

Nancy exhaled slowly, appetite gone.

Nancy stared down at her untouched food as the murmurs continued around her, the cafeteria buzzing with judgment she never asked for.

“Can I sit?” a girl asked.

Nancy looked up from her tray and nodded. “Sure.”

The girl dropped into the chair opposite her with an easy smile. “That was a stunt you pulled there. I’m Ginger.”

“Nancy.” She smiled back, small and polite.

“Wow, you’re cute,” Ginger said, tilting her head as she studied her.

Nancy’s smile faded a little as she glanced around the cafeteria. Whispers. Side-eyes. People deliberately turning away.

“Um… can I ask you something?”She leaned forward, lowering her voice.

“Sure.”

“Why does everyone seem to be avoiding me like I’m some kind of plague?”

Ginger didn’t sugarcoat it. She rested her elbows on the table. “First off, they all think you’re immature.”

“Immature?” Nancy echoed, eyes widening.

“You carry a nanny around everywhere, your security is always following you…” Ginger said bluntly.

“What’s bad about that?” Nancy frowned. “I need the security because my grandpa thinks it’ll be safer. And Fiona here is just to attend to my needs.”

Ginger sighed. “That’s the point. They think you’re actually showing off.”

“Showing off?” Nancy repeated softly.

“Not just that,” Ginger continued, lowering her voice. “There’s this rumor that your family is a Yakuza.”

“Yakuza?” Nancy blinked. “What the heck is that?”

Ginger raised a brow. “Did you grow up in Japan?”

“Nope.”

“Yeah, I guessed right.” Ginger leaned back. “Yakuza means Mafia. And apparently, no one wants to associate with you because of that.”

Nancy’s shoulders drooped. She pouted, fingers tightening around her fork.

“And there’s more,” Ginger added carefully. “You’ve gathered a massive amount of hate from the Sky fan community because you confessed your love to him yesterday.”

Nancy bit her lip, eyes dropping to her tray.

“Plus,” Ginger said, softer now, “…your incident with Levi just now. You’re kinda picky. Levi didn’t do anything wrong. That just gives them more reason to say Sky doesn’t like you cause you’re a spoilt brat.”

Nancy swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I didn’t mean to upset anyone… I just… I really like him.”

Ginger studied her for a long moment, then sighed. “You’re not doing anything wrong, Nancy. You’re just… very visible. And people here don’t like what they don’t understand.”

Nancy nodded slowly, sadness clouding her eyes as the noise of the cafeteria buzzed around her.

—–
[𝐁𝐚𝐫]

The bar was dim, washed in amber light and thick cigar smoke. Low jazz hummed in the background, barely cutting through the murmur of dangerous men and clinking glasses.

Hunter leaned back against the counter, swirling the ice in his drink. His eyes slid toward Romeo, who sat beside him, calm on the surface, lethal underneath.

“So,” Hunter said casually, “how’s the underworld?”

Romeo took a slow sip of his whiskey. “Same as always. Everything’s moving smoothly.”

Hunter nodded once, then hesitated.

“Does Rias know?” He glanced at him. “About our families. The Yakuza.”

Romeo didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened slightly.

“I don’t think so,” he said at last. “And I don’t plan on telling her.”

Hunter raised a brow. “Ever?”

“No.” Romeo set his glass down with a muted thud.

“It’s better she stays out of it. I don’t want anyone using her against me.” His lips curved into something sharp, humorless.

“It’s already bad enough that we’re married. I’m not about to babysit a kid on top of that.”
Romeo said.

Hunter hummed in understanding, taking another drink.

A moment passed before he spoke again. “So… are you still looking for her?”

Romeo’s fingers tightened around his glass. The ice cracked softly.

“Yes,” he said, voice dropping. “My men are still searching.”

Hunter watched him carefully. “You really think she can hide forever?”

Romeo let out a short, cold laugh.

“If she does, she’s delusional.” His eyes darkened. “She made a mistake thinking she could disappear from my life.”

Hunter tilted his head. “Don’t you think her family might know where she is? What if they’re hiding her?”

“There’s a possibility.” Romeo admitted. “I’m looking into it.” He lifted his glass again, the liquid catching the light. “But rest assured…”

He paused, then drank.

“When I find her,” Romeo continued calmly, “I will torture her for what she did to me.” His gaze hardened, merciless.

–FLASHBACK — 17 YEARS AGO – CAMP

The camp was quieting down as the sun dipped below the tree line. Wooden lodges dotted the grassy field, each filled with the chatter and laughter of mothers and children celebrating Mother-Child Day.

The smell of pine and campfire smoke hung in the air, and lanterns flickered along the pathways, casting long shadows.

“Romeo, it’s late. Don’t you want to go to bed?” Hinata called from the lodge, her voice tinged with mild concern.

“I’ll just be out for a bit. Stop trying to babysit me—I’m not a kid,” Romeo replied, brushing past her gently.

Hinata sighed.

“Okay, don’t wander too far with the other kids,” she warned as he stepped out.

Outside, small groups of children played games across the field, their laughter mixing with the rustle of leaves and the distant crackle of the fire.

Romeo tucked his hands into his pockets and headed toward the edge of the woods, where shadows gathered and the forest seemed to swallow the fading sunlight.

He found a large, smooth rock by the lake and sat down, skipping small stones across the water’s surface.

The soft plinks echoed through the quiet, rhythmic, almost meditative.

“You’re all alone here. Why?”

The voice startled him. He turned slowly to see a woman standing a few feet away, partially concealed by the trees.

She was one of the students’ mothers. Diana.

“Go away.” Romeo said.

“You’re just like your dad, top of your class, brightest one around.”

Romeo glanced up from the tree he leaned against, his expression hardening.

“I don’t need company, go away.” He snapped rudely, turning away.

The rejection stung, but it only fueled her thoughts. *Just like his father Angelo,* she fantasized, her mind drifting to Angelo’s chiseled face, tousled dark hair, those full lips.

*Gosh.* A sharp tingle sparked between her legs at the memory, heat pooling as she imagined Romeo mirroring him perfectly.

She moved slowly behind him, syringe hidden in her palm. Then—

“Ahh!” Romeo screamed, but Diana clamped her hand over his mouth, plunging the needle into his neck.

No one would hear out here, deep in the woods.

“What’s that?” He staggered away, eyes glazing over with dizziness.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be just fine,” Diana purred, shrugging off her clothes with deliberate slowness.

Romeo collapsed to the forest floor, his body igniting like fire. The drug coursed through him—a brutal mix of pleasure and pain crashing in waves.

His veins burned as if scorched from within, every nerve ending screaming in agony, yet beneath it surged an uncontrollable ecstasy, forcing blood to rush southward.

His erection swelled involuntarily, throbbing with insistent, humiliating intensity he couldn’t fight, his skin flushing deep red from the overwhelming heat.

“That’s right, get all hot for me,” Diana said sluttily, her voice dripping with hunger.

“Stop it. I don’t like… ahhh,” Romeo’s voice dropped low, ragged with strain.

“I can help you stop it,” Diana murmured, her naked body gleaming in the faint moonlight filtering through the trees.

“No… get away from me,” He cried, but it was no use.

His body betrayed him completely—limbs weak and heavy from the drug, muscles refusing to obey as he tried to scramble back.

He couldn’t run, couldn’t fight; raw lust clawed through him, overriding every instinct.

Diana saw it all—the flush creeping up his neck, the desperate twitch in his hips, his damn body unable to resist.

“C’mon, touch it,” she coaxed, her voice a sultry whisper.

Romeo fought to keep his trembling hand down, fingers digging into the dirt, but the surge was too strong.

His resistance crumbled as she knelt closer, unzipping his belt with a slow, deliberate pull. She gasped softly, her fingers brushing his throbbing er£ction.

“F+k, you’re just 12 but you’re packing a good size. You’ll be such a thick guy in the future,” She breathed, leaning in to take him into her mouth.

“Yes….fu+uckkk youuu.” Romeo moaned, the sound torn from him as she sucked harder, pleasure ripping through his core like wildfire.

Tears welled in his eyes, spilling over as shame and ecstasy warred inside him, his body arching uncontrollably.

•~•~

Romeo sat submerged in the chilly lake, the water lapping at his chest as Diana bathed him, her hands scrubbing his skin with unnerving gentleness.

The drug’s haze had faded, leaving him hollow—not himself anymore. After… she really fucked him. Devastation clawed at his chest, a deep, shattering violation that left him numb.

But worse, twisted beneath the pain, he felt *good*. A shameful hunger stirred, craving more, even as weakness pinned him in place, body and soul too spent to fight it.

She dried him roughly with a towel, and he dressed in silence, movements mechanical.

“Are you gonna tell your mommy Hinata?” Diana pouted, tilting her head like a teasing child.

“No. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” he muttered, voice flat, eyes averted.

“Good boy,” Diana cooed, ruffling his damp hair.

***

Hinata sprinted toward the lodge as she spotted Romeo trudging up the path, his clothes clinging damply to his frame.

“Romeo, where were you?” she called, breathless with worry, pulling him into a quick hug.

“You’re cold. Did you swim in the lake?” She frowned, rubbing his arms briskly to warm him.

He nodded, avoiding her gaze, his skin clammy under her touch.

“Are you okay, son? You… feel different,” she pressed gently, searching his face for answers, a mother’s instinct prickling at the emptiness in his eyes.

But he was too damn cold.

“Let’s go to sleep,” Romeo said dully, slipping past her into the lodge without another word.

–FLASHBACK ENDS —

“After that night, I found myself wanting more,” Romeo growled, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

“I watched p0rn, read 18+ manga, masturbated almost every day—but it wasn’t enough. I even had to start f+king girls when I turned 18, but they either left me ’cause I was too rough or… agghh… Thank goodness for Bianca, or else I would’ve lost my shit.”

Hunter shifted, breaking the heavy silence. “So Diana—no word from her yet?”

Romeo’s eyes darkened, fists clenching on his knees. “It’s been 17 years since she left. People believe she’s dead, but I know she’s alive.”

“That bastard, Haru’s mother,” he snarled, voice rising with venom.

“I will kill her.”

—–
[𝐙𝐌𝐈]

Outside ZMI, Rias and Sasha stood by the school gates, the afternoon sun reflecting off the sleek metal of their files.

Both were flipping through the hospital postings and doctor assignments, checking their placements for the upcoming rotations.

“RRD Medicals?” Rias raised an eyebrow, scanning her file.

“Hmm. I heard it’s one of the best hospitals around. Lucky me, I got posted there too,” Sasha said, smirking as she tapped her own folder.

“This gynecology path I’m going through isn’t gonna be easy,” Sasha muttered, shaking her head.

“Speak for yourself,” Rias quipped, leaning back against the gate. “Anyways, I have a date with Haru later.”

“You’re still pushing through with it?” Sasha asked, raising an amused brow.

“Duh, yes,” Rias replied, flipping her hair.

Sasha glanced at her knowingly. “So… you’re going to disobey all of your husband’s three rules in one night?”

“How?” Rias asked, feigning innocence.

“Curfew, associating with unapproved people, disobedience… Honestly, gurl, I love your guts,” Sasha laughed.

“I love my guts too, baby,” Rias said, grinning.

“But seriously… going on a date with him? Be careful,” Sasha added, her tone softening.

“100%,” Rias nodded confidently, sliding her file into her bag.

The two friends walked toward their cars. Sasha’s phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see a message from HD.

HD: I’m in Tokyo. Meet up?

A smile spread across her face. “Seems like I have a date too,” she murmured.

Sliding into her car, she started the engine, the hum of the vehicle matching her rising excitement as she drove off.

Rias slid into her car, shutting the door with a soft but final thud. She dropped her file onto the passenger seat, started the engine, and pulled out of the ZMI parking lot.

She drove off, a small smile playing on her lips, excitement buzzing under her skin.

•~•~•

She didn’t notice the man standing by the corner of the building.

Tiago stepped out of the shadows, his eyes following her car until it disappeared into traffic. He pulled out his phone and dialed.

“Boss,” He said calmly when the line connected, “seems like your wife is fooling around.”

There was a brief pause.

“What do you mean?” Romeo’s voice came, low and controlled.

“She has a date with a guy,” Tiago reported. “From what I heard, she’s purposely disobeying your orders. Should I stop her from going?”

Another pause. Longer this time.

“No,” Romeo said at last. His tone was unreadable. “Just find out who she meets and report back. Don’t do anything else. Let her enjoy her date.”

Tiago’s brow creased slightly, but he didn’t question it. “Okay, boss.”

The call ended.

Tiago slipped his phone back into his pocket and turned toward the car, already preparing to follow her.

—–
[𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞] – 4PM

Sky was already at the parking lot, fingers brushing his car door handle, when his phone rang.

He stopped.

The screen lit up.

EMMA.

His heart skipped so hard it actually hurt.

For a second, he just stared at the name, throat tight, memories crashing into him all at once. Then he answered.

“Hello?” His voice came out rougher than he intended.

“Babe.”

The word hit him square in the chest.

Sky inhaled sharply. “Emma? Is that you?”

“Yes, babe. It’s me.” Her voice was soft, familiar, the same voice that used to calm him on his worst days. “I’ve been thinking about you.”

His grip tightened around the phone. “You just… disappeared. Where have you been?”

“I know. I’m sorry.” A pause. “Can we meet? Please?”

Sky leaned against his car, eyes unfocused. “Meet?”

“Yes. I really want to see you.” Her tone dipped, almost fragile. “I’ll text you my address.”

Silence stretched between them.

Every logical warning in his head screamed, but his heart drowned them all out.

“…Okay,” he said quietly. “I’ll come.”

She smiled through the phone. He could hear it. “I missed you.”

The call ended.

Sky lowered the phone slowly, staring at the blank screen. His chest felt tight, his pulse racing.

Is this real?

Emma was back.

She called him babe.

And just like that, everything he thought he’d buried clawed its way back to life.

“Sky..”

Sky stopped so abruptly that Nancy almost ran into his back.

The parking lot was quieter than the campus, the late afternoon sun slanting across rows of expensive cars.

He turned slowly, irritation already etched deep on his face.

“You again?” His voice was sharp, clipped. “What are you? A pest? Why do you keep following me around?”

Nancy froze. The words hit harder than she expected, but she squared her shoulders anyway.

“Nothing,” she said softly. “I just… I wanted to apologize for what I did yesterday. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Sky arched a brow, clearly unimpressed.

“Apologize?” he echoed. “Is that it?”

She nodded, clutching the strap of her bag like a lifeline.

“And about what I said yesterday… I know I’m just a fan, but I don’t regret it. I love you, Sky.” Her voice trembled but didn’t break. “I just want you to talk to me. Or be friends, at least.”

He laughed, low and humorless.

“Friends?” Sky repeated, stepping closer. His presence was overwhelming, cold confidence radiating off him.

“Why should I? I don’t desire anything even remotely close to friendship with my fans. You should really stay out of my personal life.”

He moved past her as if she were invisible.

“But… Sky…” Nancy reached out, her fingers brushing his hand.

In one swift motion, he shoved it away.

“I don’t like you,” he said flatly. “Not one bit. As a person. So leave me alone.”

Her breath hitched. “But I don’t want to,” she blurted out, desperation spilling free now.

“I came to Japan solely because of you. Because I wanted to be with you.”

He stopped again, slowly turning back this time.

“I even hired the best private investigator to gather information about the school you attend and—”

“You did what?” Sky scoffed, disbelief flashing into something darker. “You were stalking me?”

Nancy’s eyes widened. “No— I mean— I just wanted to know more about you. I wanted to be close to you, to understand you better. I wasn’t trying to hurt you.”

“That’s exactly what stalking is,” He snapped. “Do you even hear yourself?”

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

“I tried to be with you, don’t you see?. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

He stared at her like she was speaking a language he didn’t understand.

“No,” Sky said coldly. “It doesn’t.”

The word landed like a slap.

“You’re crossing lines you don’t get to cross,” He continued. “You don’t know me. You don’t own me. And loving someone doesn’t give you the right to invade their life.”

She shook her head, lips trembling. “I just thought… if you knew how serious I was—”

“I don’t want your seriousness,” He cut in. “I don’t want your devotion. I don’t want you.”

Nancy’s shoulders slumped, the bravado finally cracking.

“I’m not a bad person,” she whispered. “I just… love you too much.”

Sky looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

“Learn the difference between admiration and obsession,” He said over his shoulder.

Nancy sobbed openly now, covering her face. “I just… I just want to be near you, Sky. Even if I have to do anything… pay you… I just want your attention!”

Sky scoffed and laughed, a harsh, biting sound.

“A spoiled, obsessive stalker. That’s exactly what you are. You think money or crying can make me care about you? Get over yourself. You’re pathetic.”

Nancy gasped, tears streaming down uncontrollably. Her body shook with a mix of hurt and desperation.

“I… I don’t care! I just want you!”

Her cries carried through the parking lot, and Levi, who had been walking toward his car, froze.

The sound of her sobs was impossible to ignore. He rushed over, his brows furrowed in concern and anger.

“What the heck are you doing to her?” Levi barked, stepping in between Sky and Nancy.

Sky glared at him, stepping back slightly, voice sharp. “Mind your business, Levi. This girl is insane—obsessive, spoiled, and completely delusional. I have no interest in her, don’t get involved.”

Levi’s jaw tightened. “All she said was she liked you! Don’t you have a heart?”

Sky’s lips twisted into a cold smirk. “A heart? For a brat like her? Never.”

Frustrated, he opened his car door and slipped inside, engine roaring to life.

The tires screeched as he drove off, leaving Nancy trembling, her sobs echoing in the empty lot.

Levi turned back to her immediately, concern softening his features. He crouched slightly to meet her gaze.

“Are you okay? Why do you keep chasing after him? He’s so full of himself… you don’t deserve that.”

Nancy shook her head, tears flowing freely. “I just… I just want to be close to him… I can’t help it.”

Levi’s chest tightened at the sight of her like this.

Her lashes, her quivering lips, her small, fragile frame and face, it made his heart ache.

Why did she have to love Sky? Why couldn’t it be him?

He brought his hand to her face, wiping her teary cheeks with his thumb.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arm gently around her shoulders, pulling her close.

Nancy collapsed into him, crying harder, letting out all her pent-up emotion.

“You… don’t have to chase after him,” Levi murmured lowly, his lips brushing the top of her head.

“Just… love me instead.”

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.