How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 9&10

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 9&10

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

“Just… love me instead,” Levi murmured lowly, his lips brushing the top of Nancy’s head.

Nancy stiffened.

Slowly, she pulled away from the hug and looked up at him, confusion clouding her teary eyes.

“What did you say?” she asked softly.

Levi’s expression shifted almost instantly. He looked away, jaw tightening as if he’d said more than he meant to.

“Nothing,” he replied quickly. “I said you should probably get going. Your… security must be looking for you.”

Nancy studied him for a second, as if she sensed something unspoken beneath his words. Then she nodded.

“Oh,” she said quietly.

She turned and walked away, her steps slow but steady, disappearing toward the waiting car at the far end of the lot.

Levi stood there, watching her go.

Only when she was out of sight did he release a deep breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. His chest felt tight, his thoughts loud and unfair.

Why Sky?

Shaking his head, he turned and headed for his own car, the echo of her sobs still ringing in his ears as he drove off.

—–
[𝐊𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬]

The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor.

Yuki stepped out, heels clicking sharply against the polished marble as she made her way down the quiet corridor toward Haru’s office.

The building smelled expensive, a blend of clean air and luxury perfume, but her hands were warm around the basket she carried. Neatly arranged snacks. His favorites. Things she had taken her time choosing.

She stopped at the secretary’s desk which was right outside Haru’s office.

The secretary looked up immediately and straightened.
“Good day, Ma’am Yuki.”

Yuki offered a faint smile, controlled and practiced.
“Is Haru busy?”

The secretary hesitated only for a second before replying, “He cleared all his schedules yesterday. He didn’t come in today.”

The words landed softly, but they cut deep.

Yuki’s fingers tightened around the basket handle. Her expression didn’t change, but something dark flickered behind her eyes.

“I see,” she said calmly.

The secretary nodded politely and excused herself, disappearing down the hallway.

The moment Yuki was alone, her smile vanished.

She stared at Haru’s closed office door, jaw tightening. Yesterday, he had told her he would be here. That he had meetings. That he was swamped.

A lie. A careless one.

Her breathing slowed, dangerous in its calm.

Yuki turned, walking toward the trash bin near the corner. Without hesitation, she tipped the basket over. Snacks spilled out, wrappers crinkling as they hit the bin.

She shoved the basket in after them, pushing it down hard, as if crushing the thought behind it.

Her nails dug into her palms.

“How dare you lie to me, Haru?” she muttered, her voice low, venomous.

Her reflection stared back at her from the glass wall nearby.

Yuki straightened, smoothing her coat as if nothing had happened. She turned on her heel and walked back toward the elevator, every step measured.

Whatever Haru was hiding, she would find it.

And when she did, he would regret ever thinking he could deceive her.

—–
[𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚’𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭]

Sky adjusted the brim of his cap one last time before stepping was sure to disguise himself properly without getting noticed.

He moved quickly, quietly, like he was afraid the moment would disappear if he hesitated.

He walked into the apartment.

“Emma…” Sky called softly.

A figure descended the stairs inside the apartment, slow and deliberate. Long hair cascading over bare shoulders. Familiar posture. Familiar scent.

It was her.
Pretty as ever.

“Sky,” Emma pouted, her voice sweet, fragile.

She ran straight into his arms.

“Emma.” Sky hugged her tightly, instinctively, like his body remembered her before his mind could catch up.

His grip tightened, relief flooding him in a way he hadn’t prepared for.

She pulled back first.

Both her hands came up to cup his cheeks, thumbs brushing gently under his eyes like she was checking for damage.

“How have you been, huh?” Emma asked softly.

Sky swallowed. “I’m okay. I… I was really lonely after you said you wanted to break up.”

Her expression faltered instantly. Hurt. Regret. Guilt perfectly placed.

“I know,” She whispered. “I was horrible to you.”

Sky shook his head. “You didn’t even explain. You just said you needed space and then—”

“I was scared,” Emma cut in quickly.

“Everything was moving so fast. Your career, the pressure, the attention. I felt like I was losing myself.” She sighed, eyes glistening. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I was selfish.”

That word landed exactly where it needed to.

“Emma…”Sky softened.

“I never stopped loving you,” She said, stepping closer again. “Not for a second. Leaving you was the biggest mistake of my life.”

He searched her face, desperate for truth, desperate to believe. “Then… what about the guy you left with that day? Who is he? I wasn’t able to see what he looked like.”

Her lips curved faintly, dismissive.

“He was nothing. A distraction. I used him to convince myself I could move on.” She shook her head. “But I couldn’t. So please, forget about him. He doesn’t matter.”

Sky hesitated, doubt flickering.

Emma noticed immediately.

She slid her arms around his neck, forehead resting against his.

“You’re the only one who’s ever understood me, Sky. No one else knows me the way you do.”

His breath hitched.

“I came back because of you,” she continued softly. “Because I realized I don’t want a life where you’re not in it.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy and dangerous.

“You still… love me?” Sky asked quietly.

Emma smiled. Slow. Reassuring. Certain.

“I never stopped.”

“Can…I kiss you?” Sky asked.

Emma’s fingers lingered on his cheeks, her thumbs brushing lightly as if she were memorizing him all over again.

She leaned in when he asked, her lashes fluttering once before she nodded.

Sky closed the distance.

The kiss was soft at first, familiar, loaded with everything he’d missed. Emma melted into it easily, like she’d never left, like there had never been another man or another goodbye.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing closer, deepening it just enough to make his chest tighten.

When she finally pulled back, she rested her forehead against his, breathing him in.

“Hope no one was bothering my baby while I was away,” she said lightly, though her pout carried something sharper underneath. “No girl pestering you, right?”

Sky scoffed, the image of Nancy flashing uninvited into his mind. Her tears. Her voice. He brushed it away just as quickly.

“It’s no one,” he said.

Emma tilted her head, studying his face too closely.

“You sure?” she pressed, her tone sweet but insistent. “C’mon. Tell me if there’s anyone.”

He shook his head, sliding his hands to her waist, grounding himself in the present. In her.

“I’ll tell you later,” he murmured. “First… you. I really missed you.”

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile.

“I know,” Emma whispered, pulling him back into her arms.

She smirked.

—–
[𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭]

Sasha froze as she stared at the god in front of her, her jaw almost dropping.

“H-Hunter Dragoni?” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “So that’s why your initials were HD?”

Hunter grinned, leaning back casually in his chair. “Yeah. Small world, huh? Who would’ve thought my cousin is married to your best friend?”

Sasha blinked, taking him in. Up close, he was nothing like she had imagined. Strong build, sharp eyes, and that easy, confident stance—it was almost overwhelming.

She had never even seen his face before, not in photos, not in video calls. All this time, she had been talking to a stranger online, and now he was right in front of her.

“I… I didn’t know what to expect,” She admitted, fiddling with the edge of her napkin. “I mean, we’ve been talking online for months, but I’ve never… I’ve never even seen your face.”

Hunter leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Ah, so the mysterious Hunter finally reveals himself. I wanted it to be… real, no filters, no pictures. I was savoring this moment.”

Sasha’s heartbeat quickened. “Real, huh? I feel like I barely know you, and now… wow. This is… a lot.”

He chuckled, a warm, deep laugh that made her chest flutter. “I could say the same about you. Honestly, I was nervous, too. Meeting someone in person after talking online… it’s a gamble.”

Sasha smiled nervously. “Well, you passed my test. You’re… nothing like I imagined, you’re better.”

Hunter smirked, his gaze locked on hers. “Good. That’s exactly what I was going for..”

Sasha leaned back, taking it all in, her excitement and nerves battling inside her. “So… you were really not going to let me see you in photos or video calls before this?”

He shook his head, playful yet firm. “Nope. I was actually thinking of it but nah..”

Sasha laughed softly, shaking her head in disbelief. “You’re really something, Hunter. I’ll give you that.”

He grinned wider. “And you, Sasha… you’re even more captivating than I presumed..”

The waiter had barely cleared their plates when Hunter leaned back, studying her like he was trying to memorize her face.

“So,” he said casually, “how’s school going? You always dodge that question online.”

Sasha sighed, then smiled. “Because it’s exhausting.”

He laughed. “Figures. Tell me anyway.”

“I’m on hospital posting now,” she said, resting her chin on her hand.

“Long hours. Barely any sleep. I’ll start assisting with rounds, observe tons of pregnant women and deliverie, sometimes, run errands for seniors who act like gods. Some days I feel smart, other days I feel completely useless.”

Hunter listened without interrupting, eyes steady on her.

“But I like it,” she added softly. “The hospital feels real. Messy. Scary. But real. When patients thank you, even for something small, it reminds you why you’re doing it.”

He smiled, slower this time. “You talk about it like you care a lot.”

“I do,” she shrugged. “It’s stressful, but it’s where I’m meant to be.”

“You’re impressive,” he said simply.

“You’re beautiful too. Even when you’re complaining.”

Her cheeks warmed instantly. “Wow. You don’t waste time, do you?”

“I don’t see the point in pretending,” he replied. “So let me ask you something.”

She raised an eyebrow. “That sounds serious.”

Hunter leaned forward. “Be my girlfriend.”

Sasha blinked. “Already?”

He smiled, completely unbothered. “Do you think I’d be talking to you all this time if I didn’t want to get together?”

She laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’re bold.”

“I’m honest,” he said. “There’s a difference.”

Hunter leaned back slightly, watching her like he was amused by how much she was thinking.

“So…” Sasha started, hesitating, then shrugging lightly. “Do you… have any plans of taking this to the next level?”

He raised a brow. “Next level?”

She cleared her throat. “I mean— I’m not trying to impose or anything. I just thought I should ask instead of assuming.”

He frowned, genuinely confused now. “Assuming what?”

“That we’re… you know. Dating.”

He stared at her for a second, then let out a quiet laugh. “Sasha… aren’t we already?”

She blinked. Once. Then twice. “Huh?”

“What?”

“You never asked.”

His expression shifted, half amused, half incredulous. “Wait— you don’t know that I already consider you my girlfriend?”

Her lips parted slightly. “You do?”

“Of course I do.” He reached for her hand casually, thumb brushing over her knuckles. “Why else would I be here with you?”

She looked down at their hands, then back at him. “So this isn’t… casual?”

“No,” he said simply. “It hasn’t been casual for a while.”

She exhaled slowly. “You could’ve said something.”

“I thought it was obvious.” He gave a small smirk. “Guess I should’ve checked.”

There was a brief silence, then she nodded. “Okay. Good to know.”

He lifted her hand and pressed a quick, restrained kiss to her knuckles.

“Now it’s official,” he said. “Happy?”

She huffed softly. “I think so.”

“Good,” he replied. “But just so you know, I can be really demanding.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing.”He smiled.

—–
[𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭.]

Levi sat at the mixing console, headphones snug over his ears, scribbling down lyrics in his notebook.

The hum of the equipment filled the room, punctuated by the occasional tap of a pen against paper.

“You’re in a really good mood today,” Ginger said, leaning against the doorway with a sly smile.

Levi glanced up, smirking. “Is it obvious?”

“Yes,” she replied, raising an eyebrow. “What’s amusing you?”

“It’s nothing,” Levi said, shaking his head. “Just Nancy.”

Ginger tilted her head, curious. “Really? What about her? Do you… like her?”

“Is it bad if I say I do?” Levi asked, a hint of vulnerability slipping through his usual calm demeanor.

“Oh… no. Not at all,” Ginger said softly, stepping closer.

Levi looked at her for a long moment. “Ginger… I—”

“What?” she interrupted gently, holding up a hand. “You don’t have to worry about me. It’s okay if you like someone else. All I ever had for you was a stupid childhood crush.”

Levi shook his head. “Your crush on me wasn’t stupid. I just… I can’t really return it. We grew up together—I consider you my sister.”

She smiled faintly, a little sad, a little relieved. “It’s okay…”

“But right now…” Levi hesitated, his pen tapping nervously on the notebook.

“…I don’t know if I even stand a chance with Nancy. She’s wrapped up with Sky, and that guy—he’s being a complete jerk.”

Ginger chuckled, crossing her arms. “More wars are coming between you and Sky, I can tell. Especially with Nancy in the middle.”

Levi sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I know… I just…”

Levi tapped his pen against the notebook, eyes narrowing. “I can’t just watch her drift toward Sky. I… I need to try and win her over.”

Ginger raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “Careful not to overdo it. You don’t want her to think you’re just doing all this cause you hate Sky.”

“I know,” Levi admitted, his jaw tightening. “But I’m not backing down. Nancy… she deserves someone who actually sees her. Who cares for her without having to hurt her.”

Ginger studied him quietly, sensing the rare intensity in his tone. “And you think that’s you?”

“I hope it is,” He said sharply.

She smiled softly, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Just… remember, Levi. Be patient. Don’t let your rivalry with Sky blind you. Nancy’s not a prize to win—she’s a person. And she’ll make her choice.”

Levi let out a slow breath, staring at the ceiling as if trying to convince himself.

“I know… but every time I see her obsessing over Sky, it feels like my chance is slipping away. I can’t just… sit there, I know I just met her, but still..”

Ginger’s smile turned a little bittersweet.

He nodded, determination hardening in his gaze. “I will win her over.”

—–
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈]- 8PM – Dark Room

The dimly lit room smelled faintly of smoke and alcohol. Bianca stood stiffly before Romeo, her hands clenched into fists.

“Our shipment… it’s gone,” She said, her voice tight with controlled fury. “The armory cargo ship was hijacked, and it was blown up. There are no remains of the cargo.”

Romeo’s sharp gaze sliced through the gloom. “Who was in charge?”

“It was Mio.”

Romeo didn’t move. His fingers drummed lightly on the table before he said. “Call her in.”

Bianca nodded, her jaw set, and left the room. Outside, she found Mio just about to walk past. Bianca grabbed her arm, pulling her gently but firmly back.

Mio chuckled, tilting her head. “What is it now?”

Bianca didn’t answer. Instead, she let the silence hang like a blade.

“What happened to the ship?” she asked finally. “You were the only one of all our men who came back alive.”

Mio’s smile was sharp, predatory. “Calm down, sweetie. I just happened to be lucky.”

“I don’t believe you,” Bianca snapped, glaring.

Mio leaned in, her voice icy and venomous. “Don’t tell me you actually think I’m the one behind it. That’s a heavy accusation, Bianca.”

“I never accused you,” Bianca shot back, eyes flashing. “But you said it yourself—why shouldn’t I question it?”

Mio’s glare was electric, her patience gone. “Just because you fuck the boss doesn’t make you high and mighty. Stay in your lane while I stay in mine, whore.”

With a shove, she freed her arm and stalked into the room, heels clicking ominously against the floor.

Bianca’s hand slammed into the wall, the impact splitting her skin. She stared at her bleeding knuckles, teeth gritted.

“That bi+ch…” she muttered, the rage burning hotter than ever.

—

Mio strode into Romeo’s office, her boots clicking sharply against the polished floor.

“Boss,” she said, bowing slightly.

Romeo didn’t look up immediately. His eyes were sharp, unreadable. “What happened to the shipment you were entrusted with?”

“The ship was attacked,” Mio said, her voice steady. “I don’t know if the guns were destroyed in the explosion or if the enemy managed to take them.”

Romeo’s eyes narrowed, and his hands clenched tightly on the desk. The air in the room seemed to thicken, colder, heavier.

He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl.

“Do you want to die? You had one job, Mio. One job!”

Mio opened her mouth to defend herself, but Romeo’s hand shot out, gripping her neck.

She shivered instantly under the pressure, feeling the lethal power behind his touch.

Her pulse raced, and she knew, without a doubt, that he could end her right there.

“You have twenty-four hours to find out exactly who’s behind this,” He said, each word deliberate, low, deadly.

“Fail me, and there will be consequences you won’t survive to regret.”

Mio’s smirk returned, sharp and controlled, hiding any trace of worry.

“Understood,” she said coolly, turning on her heel.

Her coat swished with every step as she left the office, leaving the heavy silence of Romeo’s fury behind.

Romeo leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting dangerously, exhaling slowly, the room still charged with his unyielding presence.

Tiago looked at his phone and a message came in.

“Boss.”Tiago called.

“Hmm.”

“Mistress met with… Haru.”Tiago said.

Romeo’s fists clenched at his sides, jaw tightening.

Of all the people she could fool around with, she chose the worst of them all, he thought, the rage simmering just below the surface.

“Who’s Rias?” Bianca asked, walking back into the room, curiosity lacing her tone.

“The boss’s wife,” Tiago replied quietly, but Romeo cut him off before any further explanation.

“Romeo, you’re married?” Bianca’s voice was soft, almost disbelieving.

“Tiago, leave.” Romeo’s voice was sharp, commanding.

Tiago bowed and left without another word.

“When did you get married? Is she… living with you?” Bianca asked, her voice dropping into a whisper, soft but probing.

Romeo’s gaze flicked to her. “Come here, Bianca.”

She obeyed without hesitation, moving closer.

“Sit.” He gestured to his lap.

She perched herself carefully, her body instinctively leaning into his. The moment she did, he captured her lips in a deep, consuming kiss.

There was no tenderness—just raw heat and possession. Bianca’s hands wound around his neck, holding him close, pulling him in deeper.

“You don’t have a problem with it, do you?” Romeo murmured against her lips, his voice rough and low.

Bianca smirked, though a flicker of envy ran through her. “I’m kind of jealous. You probably have a new woman to satisfy you.”

His hands tightened around her waist. “She’s just my wife, nothing more. Besides, you’re the only one who can keep up with me. She’s a kid.”

Bianca’s lips curved into a mischievous smile, but there was a warmth in her eyes—attachment, dependence, a need for him even when she didn’t love him.

“I can go for an hour right now,” She said, deliberately slipping out of her clothes.

In seconds, they were stripped down, bodies pressed together, movements synchronized. His cold, demanding nature didn’t intimidate her; it drew her in.

She nuzzled against his chest when he pulled her close, whispering and moaning, craving the heat, the possession, the intimacy only she could provide.

She was attached—tangled in his dominance, addicted to the way he claimed her completely even if her heart didn’t belong to him.

And Romeo, ever the predator, reveled in the control, letting her attachment feed his own dark satisfaction, each moan and shiver a testament to the power he held over her.

—–
[𝐁𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐭]

The private room was dimly lit, the glow from the chandelier reflecting off the polished table.

Haru and Rias sat across from each other at their VIP table, a feast of carefully plated dishes waiting untouched between them.

Haru couldn’t keep his eyes off her. The red gown clung to every curve of Rias’ body, the short hemline barely brushing her thighs, revealing more than it should.

The open back showed the smooth line of her spine, her heels making her legs look endless.

“You’re so beautiful, Rias,” he said, voice low, almost reverent.

“I know,” she replied with a smirk, tilting her head slightly. “No need to flatter me.”

Her tone was casual, but the way she leaned forward, letting her hand rest lightly on the table near his, made his pulse spike.

The faint scent of her perfume teased him, making him hyper-aware of every inch of her.

“So, Rias, I’d like to know more about you,” Haru said, trying to maintain composure, but his hand twitched as he reached for a glass of wine and quickly withdrew.

“For starters,” She said, letting her fingers brush the rim of her glass slowly, “I’m a Gremory….Rias Gremory.”

“Gremory? As in—”

“Yes,” she interrupted, her voice soft but teasing.

“I know our families don’t get along because of your rivalry with Romeo Dragoni, but… it doesn’t matter now, does it?” She tilted her head, letting her hair fall over her shoulder as she leaned a little closer.

“Oh,” Haru swallowed, trying not to focus on the way the low-cut back of her dress drew the eye, or how her leg crossed toward his side under the table.

“Also,” She continued, tracing a finger along the edge of her plate before placing it lightly on the table near his hand.

“I’m a med student. Neurosurgery, to be exact.”

“Wow… really ambitious. I love that,” Haru breathed, leaning forward despite himself, the heat rising in his chest.

Rias’ eyes glinted mischievously. She leaned back just enough to let the neckline of her gown slip slightly, exposing a hint more skin of her boobs.

“How about you? I know you have a wife and a daughter.”

Haru’s throat went dry.

“Y-Yuki… and Bella,” She said softly, the corners of her lips curling.

“So… you knew,” He said carefully, trying not to sound weak under her gaze.

Rias dragged her fingertip along the rim of her wine glass, then gave him a slow, deliberate wink.

He swallowed hard, heat rising to his ears. “You did….your homework.,” He stammered.

Her voice dropped lower, almost a purr, as she leaned forward, letting her hand hover just above his wrist.

“Don’t tell me you’re being a bad boy, Daddy…”

Haru’s chest tightened.

Every subtle movement she made, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, letting her knee brush against his under the table, the slow, deliberate way she spoke—made him burn with heat.

Rias smiled faintly, sensing how easily she had him.

“Well, a man’s gotta have fun. I hope you don’t have a problem with us having fun, right?” Haru said, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Of course not,” Rias replied casually, lips curling into a faint smile as she focused on her plate for a moment. “I mean, you’re hot… and I like hot men.”

Haru’s gaze lingered on her, his pulse quickening. “Have you dated anyone before?”

“Hmm… not really. No,” she said, her tone light but teasing, letting the silence linger like a spark.

“Why’s that? You a player?” he asked, leaning a little closer, curious.

Rias smirked, putting down her fork and letting her hand brush against the edge of the table, deliberately close to his.

“Let’s just say… no man has ever been able to capture me the way I want,” she murmured.

“Tough woman,” he muttered, swallowing hard, his eyes darkening with desire.

Without warning, Rias stood, gliding gracefully toward him. She hovered behind his chair, close enough for him to feel her warmth.

Her fingers traced teasing lines along his chest, and she leaned in, letting her lips brush lightly against his ear.

“I hope Bella won’t get mad at me,” she whispered, her voice low and sultry. “I’d like to borrow her daddy… for a long while.”

Haru stood and faced her and his hands immediately went to her waist, pulling her flush against him.

“Of course she won’t,” he said, his voice rough with need. “I love s+×y, hot women.”

Rias tilted her head slightly, lips brushing his jaw as her fingers danced over his shoulders.

“How about your wife?” She murmured, her tone teasing but sharp.

Haru swallowed hard, heat rushing to his face.

“You’re hotter than her. She’s… not in your league. She’s a housewife and belongs in the…,” He faltered, words catching as his body responded to her teasing closeness.

“Hmm,” Rias hummed softly, savoring the effect she had on him.

He tried to kiss her but she straightened, letting just a hint of her gaze linger on him as she returned to her seat, the sway of her hips slow, deliberate.

Haru’s lips parted, and he ruffled his hair.

“Calm down,” she said lightly, her voice teasing, almost a command. “You’re in a haste. If you want to get in between these legs, you’ve gotta work for it.”

He bit his lip, struggling to maintain composure, every nerve alight as his eyes devoured her.

She smirked, knowing perfectly well the hold she had over him, the delicious tension sparking between them, impossible to ignore.

—–
[𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚] – Hours Later

Haru walked into the villa, shrugging off his coat. A maid greeted him at the door.

“Good evening, sir,” she said politely.

“Evening,” Haru muttered, barely acknowledging her, his mind still buzzing from the day.

He made his way upstairs to his room, expecting quiet.

As soon as he opened the door, Yuki was there, arms crossed, eyes blazing.

“Hey,” Haru said cautiously.

“Where were you?” Yuki demanded, her voice sharp, full of accusation.

“At work, where else?” he replied, shrugging.

“At work? I went to your office. Your secretary said you didn’t come in. You cleared your schedules,” she shot back, anger simmering.

“I was out. Happy now?” he asked, irritation creeping into his voice.

“With who?” she pressed, taking a step closer.

“Do you have your nose in my business? You don’t see me prying into your personal affairs!” he snapped.

“Personal affairs? Haru, we are married. I’m your wife!” Yuki’s voice trembled with fury.

“And what difference does it make?” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Is it a woman? Are you seeing another woman?” she demanded, stepping forward, rage building.

“So what if I’m with another woman? Let’s stop lying to ourselves and admit we’re not a happily married couple,” he said coldly.

“Haru…” she shook her head, incredulous.

“I don’t love you, Yuki. You know it. I did you a favor by marrying you, nothing more. I love my daughter, not you,” he said bluntly, his words cutting like knives.

Yuki’s hands clenched into fists. “You think you can just say that and walk away? I’m your wife, and if there’s another woman, I will deal with her. You’re mine!”

Haru’s patience snapped. He slapped her sharply across the face.

Before she could react further, he grabbed her hair roughly, holding her in place as his eyes burned with frustration.

“You don’t own me, Yuki! Respect yourself before I kick you out, bitch!”

Then he shoved her away and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door.

Yuki stood there, her cheek stinging from the slap, rage and humiliation boiling inside her. She pressed her hands to her face, trembling with fury.

“You think you can treat me like this… and just walk away?!” she hissed under her breath, fists trembling.

“Whoever you are… I will kill you.”

—–
[𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]- – 11:30 PM

A sleek black car skidded into the driveway, tires screeching slightly as it came to a halt. Tiago stepped out immediately, his face blank.

“Let me go!!” Rias screamed, struggling against his firm grip as he practically dragged her out of the car. “I said let me go!!”

“Boss’s orders, Mistress. Just come with me,” Tiago said, his voice calm but unyielding.

Rias kicked and twisted, her heels scraping the pavement, but Tiago was relentless. Within moments, they reached the fortress doors.

She practically stumbled inside, trying to straighten her short, red gown, her chest heaving with frustration.

The moment she entered the living room, Romeo’s figure came into view. His gaze fell on her, cold, unreadable, and Rias instinctively straightened her back, trying to regain her composure.

Tiago stepped back.

“I’ll leave you two, Mistress,” He said, bowing slightly before retreating.

Rias crossed her arms, her voice sharp. “What’s the meaning of this? Why send your men to drag me home like some common criminal? That was humiliating!”

Romeo’s eyes narrowed, a low, dangerous scoff playing at the corner of his lips.

“To my room, kiddo,” he said coolly, stepping aside just enough to let her pass.

“Like I’d ever listen to you,” Rias shot back, trying to sound defiant, though her heart raced.

His gaze dropped fully onto her then, that cold, piercing glare that made her shiver despite herself.

Every inch of her wanted to turn away, but she couldn’t.

“Go to my room right now,” he said, his voice low, deadly, leaving no room for argument.

Rias exhaled sharply, rolling her eyes.

She spun on her heel and began walking up the grand staircase, each step heavy with both frustration and the strange, thrilling tension that clung to his words.

—

Romeo entered the room and shut the door behind him.

The sound echoed.

Rias stood near the wall, her arms crossed loosely, her posture defiant even as her fingers trembled at her sides. She refused to show it.

His room felt wrong. Too dark. Too quiet. The walls seemed to close in, the air heavy with something she couldn’t name.

“What do you want?” she asked, lifting her chin.

Romeo didn’t answer immediately. He walked further in, slow, deliberate, like a predator circling prey.

“Where were you?” he asked.

“As if I’d—”

“Do not,” He cut in sharply, his voice dropping, “….make me lose it, Rias.”

That did it.

She froze.

She knew it then. He wasn’t joking.

“I was on a date,” She said, forcing the words out. “I believe I’m entitled to that.”

His jaw tightened.

“What rules did I make in this house?”

“I don’t give a damn about—”

He moved in a blink.

His fist slammed into the wall behind her head with a brutal crack. The shelf rattled. Rias gasped despite herself, her body flinching before she could stop it.

Her back hit the wall, breath leaving her lungs.

“What rules,” He snarled, his face inches from hers now, eyes dark and furious, “…did I fucking give you in this house?”

“I…” Her throat tightened. “…I—”

“You disobeyed me,” He said coldly. “You stayed past curfew. And worst of all, you went on a date with that bastard Haru.”

His voice rose, sharp with rage.
“Of all the idiots in Tokyo, you choose to fool around with my enemy?!”

“Why are you yelling at me?” she shot back, even as her hands shook. “He’s your enemy, not mine!”

He laughed once, humorless.

“Do you know why I told you to stay away from people I don’t approve of?”

“Romeo… stop,” She whispered, her bravado cracking. “You’re scaring me…”

“Oh?” he said quietly. “You can get scared?”

He stepped back, just one step, but it felt worse than when he was close.

“Once I’m done with this,” he said, voice dangerously calm, “…you won’t even think about disobeying me again.”

Her eyes widened.

“Are you going to hurt me?” she asked softly.

For the first time, the fear was real. Naked and Unfiltered fear.

Romeo didn’t answer.

Instead, his hand went to his waist.

The metallic sound of his belt loosening filled the room.

Rias’s breath hitched.

He looked at her then, really looked at her, his expression unreadable, controlled, terrifyingly calm.

“Romeo… what are you doing?” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound defiant.

He grabbed her hand, tugging her roughly so she couldn’t escape.

Before she could react, he tossed her fully onto the bed, her back landing hard against the mattress.

“Romeo…” she gasped, panic rising in her throat.

He held the belt in his hand, his other hand holding the waist of his pants to avoid it falling, eyes dark and cold.

Rias swallowed, that gesture right there looks insanely hot on him.

She shook her head. Is she seriously checking him out? No.

“Now, which would it be, Rias? How would you like to get punished?” He asked, his voice low.

“What do you mean?” She stammered, her heart racing.

Her gown had shifted during the struggle, leaving her feeling vulnerable and her underwear exposed.

She tried to adjust it and his dark gaze fell on her hand, she quickly took her hands away.

“Would you want this belt on your bare ass? Or my cock buried deep inside you?” He said, letting the threat hang in the air.

Rias’s stomach churned.

Is this guy for real? He’s really… asking her that?

Belt… the pain would be sharp, burning, humiliating. But… the other option… oh God, that’s something else entirely. I can’t… I can’t even think about it.

The thought that both his options requires her exposing her body to him is making her sick and hot at the same time.

Rias, what are you thinking?

Her mind spun with fear and indecision.

“You’re crazy!” She cried, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. Fake tears.

“Oh yes, I’m crazy.” He said with a low, dangerous smile. “You better start talking. Don’t waste my time, and those fake tears of yours, it’s irritating me.”

Her body shook. He’s hell-bent on punishing her. Rias swallowed hard, her throat dry.

Every muscle in her body wanted to curl up and disappear, but she couldn’t move.

Herr eyes moved to the belt in his hand and then his hand on the waist of his pants.

God-damnit. This guy….!!

He walked closer till he stood at the foot of the bed, his eyes dragging down her exposed body, he smirked.

“Stop it… please… how long are you going to keep this up?”She demanded.

“That..,” He said, his voice dropping even lower, almost a growl.

“…depends on how quickly you learn, kiddo.”

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.

…