How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 23&24

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 23&24

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Hinata stormed into the bedroom, tossing her bag onto the table with a sharp clatter. Her eyes were burning, and her fists were clenched tightly at her sides.

Angelo walked in after her, she was actually away in a vacation with some friends as all the Romeo and Rias’s divorce shit was going on and she’s just finding out.

“Why’d you let it happen, Angelo?!” She demanded, voice cracking with rage.

Angelo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “You know how Romeo is… he doesn’t really give a f+k.”

Hinata’s nails dug into her palms.

“He doesn’t give a f+k? Are you kidding me? That boy is about to get married back to Rias whether he wants it or not!” She said.

“Honey…” Angelo started, trying to placate her, but she cut him off.

“I’ve been bending over backwards, letting him do whatever he wants, going soft on him!” Hinata’s voice shook, half with fury, half with frustration.

“I’m done being soft. If Romeo thinks he can go ahead and be disrespectful towards us, he’s in for a world of pain. I’ll make sure he regrets every second of it.”

Angelo raised an eyebrow, silent, letting her storm around the room, pacing like a coiled spring, her anger uncontainable.

“Maybe we should just let him be, I mean Rias agreed to the divorce as well, don’t try to force things” Angelo said.

“Don’t try to force things? Oh my goodness Angelo, can you even hear yourself? You are seriously going to let your son stoop extremely low to be with that woman?!” She snapped.

“Hinata..” Angelo ruffled his hair.

“Of all the people in this world, her? His slut?! Jesus Christ, I don’t believe this!!” Hinata shook her head.

“This ends right now,” she muttered, as she took her phone dialing Romeo’s number.

He answered on the first ring.

Romeo: What is it Hinata? I’m kinda busy right now.

Hinata: Romeo Ryūjin Dragoni, I want you in this house, ASAP.

Romeo: You sound pissed.

Hinata: I sound pissed? Are you seriously tryna give me the attitude?

Romeo: I’m not giving you anything. You called me and started yelling.

Hinata: Don’t play smart with me. You think divorcing her without a word to me was acceptable?

Romeo: I didn’t divorce her for you. Or Dad. Or anyone. I did it because I wanted to.

Hinata: You humiliated yourself.

Romeo: No, I freed myself. Big difference.

Hinata: You will marry Rias again. This isn’t a discussion.

Romeo: See, that’s where you’re wrong. You don’t get to decide what I do with my life. I mean, are you really expecting it to listen to you?

Hinata: Watch your tone.

Romeo: Or what? You’ll yell louder?

Hinata: You’re acting like a child right now. That woman has poisoned your mind.

Romeo: Funny. Last time I checked, I can think just fine without your permission.

Hinata: Come home. Now.

Romeo: No.

Hinata: Romeo—

Romeo: Let me guess you’re angry because I divorced your favorite?

Hinata: You….

Romeo: If that’s the reason why you called me, then I don’t have time for that shit. I’ll see you whenever I decide to visit.

He hung up

” Did he just hang up on me?”Hinata said holding her phone tighter.

She smashed her phone on the wall and it broke.

“You’re honestly stressing yourself over nothing.” Angelo said walking out of the room.

“ He’s going to learn it the hard way.”

Her chest heaved as she stopped in front of the window, glaring out.

_____
[𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

The gate slid shut behind Haru’s car.

He stepped out slowly, like his body didn’t belong to him anymore. His eyes were bloodshot, rimmed dark, his face drained of everything except exhaustion.

He paid people to secretly dispose of the body and burn it.

But the weight of it sat heavy in his chest, crushing, refusing to let him breathe properly.

The front door opened before he could reach it.

“Haru…” Yuki’s voice cracked as she rushed toward him. “Where have you been? You didn’t come home last night. Bella was so worried—”

“Move.” His voice was hoarse, empty.

Yuki stopped short, startled. “What happened? You look….”

He shoved her.

Not hard enough to injure her, but hard enough that she lost her balance. She fell to the floor with a soft gasp, palms hitting the marble.

“Haru—!”

He didn’t turn back.

He walked past her, straight up the stairs, each step heavy, uneven. His head pounded. His hands shook. His heart felt like it was tearing itself apart from the inside.

Yuki stayed on the floor, staring after him in shock.

“Haru…” she whispered, fear creeping in now.

His bedroom door slammed shut upstairs.

______
8:00 PM

Sasha stepped out of the convenience store, a small plastic bag hanging from her fingers. She barely took two steps before a car slowed and stopped in front of her.

The window rolled down.

“Are you Sasha? Hunter’s supposed girlfriend?” a woman asked.

Sasha looked at her, calm. “Yes. Who are you?”

“Billie,” she replied. “Can we talk? Somewhere more private.”

Sasha glanced across the street, then back at her. “My condo’s right there. Come on.”

She crossed the road without waiting for an answer. Billie got out of the car and followed.

They entered the building together, the quiet elevator ride short and awkward. They got to Sasha’s condo floor and stepped out.

Sasha unlocked her door and stepped aside. “You can come in.”

Billie walked in, eyes briefly scanning the place.

Sasha closed the door behind them.

Once inside, Billie sat on the couch, hands folded in her lap.

“Do you want anything?” Sasha asked. “Water? A drink?”

“No, don’t bother,” Billie said quietly. “I just want us to talk.”

Sasha hesitated, then sat opposite her. “I feel like this is bad,” she said plainly. “Go on.”

Billie took a breath. “I’m pregnant.”

Sasha froze. For a second, she thought she’d misheard.

“Well…” she said slowly. “Um. Congratulations.”

“Hunter is the father.”

The words hit harder than the first. Sasha felt the room tilt slightly, like she’d lost her balance.

“What do you mean Hunter’s the father?” she asked.

“I’m sorry,” Billie said quickly. “I’m not here to ruin anything. I just… I can’t be left alone to deal with this.”

Sasha swallowed, forcing her face to stay calm. “Did you tell him?”

“Yes.”

“And what did he say?”

Billie looked down. “He told me to get rid of it.”

Sasha let out a quiet breath through her nose. “How long were you two seeing each other?”

“We dated before,” Billie replied. “We broke up about six months ago.”

Six months. That was around the same time Sasha and Hunter had started talking online.

“And how did this happen?” Sasha asked, her voice tighter now.

“We kept meeting,” Billie said. “Mostly s+x.”

That was it.

“I’ve heard enough,” Sasha said, standing abruptly. “You can leave now.”

She walked to the door and pulled it open, holding it there. Billie stood, hesitated like she wanted to say more, then thought better of it and walked past her.

The door shut.

Sasha leaned her back against it, the strength draining out of her all at once. The tears she’d been holding in spilled over, fast and uncontrollable.

She slid down until she was sitting on the floor, knees pulled in, crying into her hands.

“You bastard…” she whispered, shaking.

“You bastard.”

______
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐒𝐤𝐲’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨 ]

Sky woke up to his phone vibrating nonstop against the nightstand.

He squinted at the screen.

40 missed calls — Billie.

Before he could even process it, the phone rang again.

He answered, voice rough with sleep.
“Hello—”

“Are you seeing the f+king news?!” Billie snapped, panic sharp and breathless.

“What news?” Sky sat up instantly, heart kicking.

“Get dressed. Now. The agency car is already outside your place. Head here immediately.”

The line went dead.

Sky stared at the screen, his chest tight.
“What the hell…?”

He opened his browser.

The first thing that loaded made his blood run cold.

TRENDING #1 — CELEBRITY FORUM- POPULAR CELEBRITY , SKY EXPOSED

A video thumbnail filled the screen.

It was him. Sky’s hands started shaking as he clicked the video.

It played.

His heart dropped.

A video of him in a room, with a mysterious lady who is naked , kneeling in front of him. Her wrists were bound as Sky continuously lashes her body with a whip.

# Comments…

💬 “So this is what he does behind closed doors?”

💬 “Disgusting. I defended this guy for YEARS.”

💬 “Cancel him immediately.”

💬 “Another fake innocent image shattered.”

💬 “You can’t tell me this is AI. Look at his face.”

💬 “I’m throwing away all his albums.”

💬 “Isn’t this abuse?? What the hell?”

💬 “Where are his defenders now?”

💬 “HE IS INNOCENT 😭.”

💬 “Men like this deserve jail.”

💬 “Stop this!! He doesn’t deserve this hate!!.”

💬 “Unstan immediately.”

💬 “Hope the agency sues whoever created this fake video.”

💬 “Who’s the woman?”

💬 “Some goats are still defending him 🙄?”

💬 “I knew he was pretending.”

The setting, the lighting, the movements , everything screamed real.
Too real.

“What… what the fuck is this?” Sky whispered, panic crawling up his spine.

The comments kept multiplying faster than he could read.

He slammed the phone down on the bed.

“No. No, no, no—this is fake. This is fake,” He muttered, running a hand through his hair.

But the fear wouldn’t leave.

The video didn’t look edited.
Didn’t look glitched.
Didn’t look artificial.

It looked like him.

Sky rushed into the bathroom, turning on the tap and splashing water on his face, breathing hard.

“Think. Think,” He told himself.

His phone buzzed again…messages flooding in now. From Billie.

He brushed his teeth mechanically, eyes hollow in the mirror, hands trembling.

“This is a setup,” He whispered. “Someone’s trying to destroy me.”

He changed quickly, pulled a cap low over his face, mask covering the rest.

By the time he stepped out of his apartment, the agency car was already waiting.

Sky got in without a word, phone clenched tight in his hand.

As the car pulled away, his screen lit up again.

Another notification.

#SKY_CANCELLED — now trending higher than before.

His chest felt like it was caving in.

“Who did this to me…?” He muttered.

And for the first time since becoming an idol, Sky was truly afraid of losing everything.

______
[𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭.]

The agency car slowed as it turned into the street.

The noise hit first.

Engines roaring. Loudspeakers blaring. Shouts overlapping each other until they became one angry wave.

Protest trucks were lined up along the road, LED screens flashing CANCEL SKY, ABUSER, WE WANT THE TRUTH in bold red letters.

Inside the car, Sky sat stiffly, cap pulled low, mask hiding half his face. His phone wouldn’t stop vibrating.

A voice crackled through the walkie-talkie.

“We’re outside now. All security units, get in formation.”

The door locks clicked.

The moment the car stopped, security flooded out, black suits moving fast, surrounding the vehicle in a tight circle. Shields came up, shoulders squared.

🗣️ Sky’s here!!

The shout ripped through the crowd like fire.

Sky’s door opened.

The second his foot touched the ground, the noise exploded.

💬 “You disgusting liar!”

💬 “Show your face!”

💬 “Abuser!” 💬

💬 “You think money will save you?”

Something flew through the air. A plastic bottle slammed against a shield. Another object followed. Then another.

💬 “We trusted you!”

💬 “Fake idol!”

💬 “Jail him!”

Sky froze for half a second, eyes wide with tears behind the mask. His chest felt tight, like the air had been sucked out of him.

Security closed in immediately.

“Move. Don’t stop. Head down.”

They formed a moving wall, shields locking together as Sky was guided forward. More things were thrown.

Sky kept walking.

Each step felt heavier than the last.

The glass doors of the building finally came into view. Security pushed through, forcing a path as the shouting grew louder, angrier.

The doors slammed shut behind them.

The noise dulled instantly, trapped outside the glass.

Inside the lobby, everything felt unreal.

Sky stood there, breathing hard, hands shaking slightly at his sides.

His reflection stared back at him from the glass wall.

—–

Sky stepped into the CEO’s office, the heavy door closing behind him with a dull thud.

Billie was already there, standing beside the long conference table. A few senior staff members and legal advisors sat around it, tablets and laptops open, screens filled with headlines, charts, and angry comment threads.

The CEO didn’t waste time.

“What is all this mess?” He demanded, voice sharp but controlled.

Sky stood frozen for a second, his hands slowly curling into fists.

“I—I just saw it this morning,” He said, voice strained. “That video is fake. I swear. I don’t know who that woman is. I’ve never done anything like that. Never.”

Silence followed.

They all knew the truth.
The video was fake.
But the problem wasn’t truth anymore.

It was perception.

Sales graphs were projected onto the screen. A steep drop.
Fan sentiment analysis flashing red.

“The timing couldn’t be worse,” One of the executives muttered. “Your album just dropped. You’re currently our second most profitable artist and our sales just dropped by 20%.”

“And Levi’s album isn’t ready,” Another added. “We can’t stabilize the losses immediately.”

Sky’s chest tightened.

“So because of me…” He whispered. “The company’s losing money.”

Billie turned toward him. “Sky—”

“I didn’t do anything,” He said louder, frustration cracking through his voice. “I worked for years. I stayed clean. I followed every rule and now people are calling me a monster.”

His eyes burned. He blinked hard, but tears still slipped down.

“I can’t even walk outside,” he continued, voice shaking. “They’re throwing things at me. They hate me without even trying to find out the truth..”

The CEO sighed, rubbing his temples.

“We know you’re innocent,” he said. “But right now, public opinion doesn’t care.”

Billie stepped closer to Sky, placing a hand lightly on his arm.

“Panicking won’t help. We’re assessing the situation before releasing any statement.”

A legal advisor spoke up, tone serious.

“We need to move fast. If we don’t control the narrative, someone could file a lawsuit. Even baseless claims like sexual misconduct can spiral.”

Sky’s head dropped.

“So what do I do?” he asked quietly. “Just… sit and wait while my name gets dragged through the mud?”

Billie met his eyes.

“You trust us,” she said. “And you stay quiet. Every wrong move right now will make this worse.”

Sky nodded slowly, wiping his face with his sleeve, jaw trembling with restrained anger and fear.

“I just want to clear my name.” He said hoarsely.

The room fell silent again.

_____

Sky stepped out of the CEO’s office, the hallway feeling tighter than usual, like the walls were closing in on him.

That was when he saw them.

Levi stood near the practice rooms, a water bottle in hand. Ginger was beside him, arms folded. Nancy stood slightly behind them, her face tense. Sky stopped in his tracks.

Levi only brought Nancy along so she could watch him rehearse, and they happen to witness the commotion outside.

“Sky,” Nancy said softly. “We saw the news.”

Sky let out a bitter laugh. “What? You here to mock me or what?”

Levi’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve got a nasty attitude for someone who’s in deep trouble. Did we say anything like that to you?”

“Then why are you here?” Sky snapped. “You must be happy, huh? Or maybe this is your doing. Jealous of me much?”

Ginger stepped forward immediately. “Don’t you dare accuse Levi—”

“Ginger,” Levi said, holding a hand out to stop her.

Sky scoffed, the anger spilling over now. “He should admit it. He’s the only person I know who can pull something like this. You’re jealous of my success, so you want to drag me down with some sick setup.”

Levi stared at him, disbelief turning into anger.

“Jealous of you?” He said coldly. “In case you forgot, I’m still the number one artist bringing this company its money. So watch your mouth.”

Nancy stepped between them quickly, panic in her voice. “Stop it, both of you. Sky, we’re not here to fight. We’re worried about you.”

Sky barely looked at her. “Save the act.”

He shoved her aside.

“Nancy!” Ginger shouted, grabbing her just in time before she hit the floor.

That was it.

Levi’s fist connected with Sky’s jaw before anyone could react. Sky stumbled back, shock flashing across his face.

In an instant, two security guards rushed in, grabbing Levi and pulling him away before things could get worse.

“Let go,” Levi snapped, eyes still locked on Sky.

Ginger held Nancy close, glaring at Sky with pure disgust.

“This is exactly why people turn on you,” Ginger said. “Get help.”

Levi didn’t say another word. He turned and walked away with Nancy and Ginger, security watching closely until they disappeared down the hall.

Sky stood there, chest rising and falling fast. The noise faded, leaving only the echo of his own thoughts.

He ran a hand through his hair, his anger draining into something colder, heavier.

Just who would do this to me…?

______
[𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥]

Rias stepped out of the elevator on the second floor, the soft ding echoing down the quiet hallway.

The carpet muted her footsteps as she followed the room number Haru had sent, stopping in front of the door for half a second before unlocking it and stepping inside.

She shut the door behind her.

Haru was sitting on the edge of the bed, a glass of alcohol loose in his hand, one foot planted on the floor.

The lamp beside him cast a dull glow across the room, shadows stretching along the walls.

“You’re late,” He said, eyes lifting to her. “I think I specifically told you not to be.”

Rias scoffed.

“Are you crazy?” She shot back. “I can choose to leave right now.”

Haru stood, taking a slow sip from his glass. He set it down on the table with a soft clink and turned fully toward her.

“Don’t I get a hug?” He asked, spreading his arms slightly.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Rias said coldly.

She walked past him without sparing him a glance and dropped her bag on the couch.

A low chuckle slipped from Haru as he turned to face her.

“So,” He said casually, leaning against the table, “How’s your husband?”

Rias poured herself a drink, her movements sharp and impatient. “Why do you care?”

Haru closed the distance between them, his hand sliding around hers to take the glass. He set it down, then gripped her waist, pulling her close.

Before she could react, his lips pressed against hers in a forceful, demanding kiss.

Rias squinted her eyes, trying to resist, but the pressure of his lips made her respond reflexively.

Panic fluttered in her chest as his hands roamed her back, moving dangerously low.

She yanked his hand away sharply, breaking the kiss.

“I never said you could touch me!” She spat, shoving against him, trying to break free.

Haru’s grip only tightened.

“Why not? Why can’t I touch you? Aren’t we… having an affair? Or do you really think I’d let you play me?” His voice was low, aggressive, almost predatory.

Rias’s heart raced. “Haru, what the f+k is wrong with you? Are you drunk?”

“Drunk?” He laughed darkly, leaning closer. “You don’t know how badly I want to crush you.”

She leaned back, trembling.

“What are you saying? Let me go!!” Her voice was a mix of anger and fear, trembling in ways she couldn’t control.

“Answer me!” he demanded. “Are you seriously planning on toying with me?”

“And so what if I am?!” Rias yelled.

SLAP!

The sharp impact made her stumble backward, landing hard on the bed. Haru crawled toward her, his eyes dark with fury, his presence pressing her into the corner.

He grabbed her jaw tightly, forcing her to look at him. Pain shot through her face, and she struggled, shoving at his hands with all her strength.

She tried to kick, to push him off, but he pinned her knees firmly apart, leaning close in between her legs, his shadow looming over her. Her gown shifted as she thrashed.

“Get your filthy body off me!” she screamed, panic rising.

“Filthy? Should I enlighten you about what your filthy husband did? He killed my mom,” Haru spat, his tone venomous.

“What?” Rias’s breath caught.

“I said Romeo killed my mom and even threatened to hire someone to rape my daughter! That bastard,” he growled, leaning even closer.

“How’s that any of my business?! And you’re seriously planning on taking out your anger on me?” Her voice trembled but she met his eyes, defiant despite the fear coursing through her.

“Why not?” he chuckled darkly, the sound low and menacing.

Haru leaned closer, a cruel smirk on his face.

“You’re not going anywhere. This time, I’m going to have a taste of you,” He growled.

“Stay still!” he barked, reaching for her as she twisted to get away.

Rias fought back with all her strength, shoving his chest and trying to push him off.

“You think you can stop me?!” he snarled, slamming his fists against her shoulders, trying to pin her down.

She gritted her teeth, struggling, every muscle tensed. Haru forcefully kissed her and she instantly but his lips, blood oozing out.

He hit her face again, giving her cheek a slight cut.

Then, summoning all her courage, she kicked him hard in the groin.

“Get off me!” she shouted, breaking free.

Haru staggered back, momentarily stunned. Rias didn’t wait a second—she grabbed her purse and bolted toward the bathroom door since it was closer, slamming the door shut behind her.

Her chest heaved, hands trembling as she pressed herself against the wall, trying to catch her breath.

Haru’s voice slid under the door, slow and taunting.

“Rias… Rias…!”

He stood right outside the bathroom, and then the pounding started.

The door shook with every hit.

Inside, Rias stumbled back, her breath coming out in short, broken gasps. Her hands were shaking so badly she almost dropped her phone as she dug it out of her bag.

Another violent bang.

“Open the door!” Haru shouted.

She flinched, her fingers slipping over the screen before finally finding Romeo’s name. She pressed call.

Ring.

Nothing.

“Please… please pick up,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Tears blurred her vision, sliding down her cheeks before she even realized she was crying.

“Rias Gremory!!” Haru roared.

The door rattled again, harder this time. A kick. Then another.

Her heart felt like it was tearing itself apart.

She swallowed hard and quickly switched to voicemail, lifting the phone to her mouth with trembling hands.

“R-Romeo…” her voice shook badly.

“I’m at the Orchid Crest Hotel, second floor. Haru is here. He’s… he’s trying to take advantage of me.” She sucked in a sharp breath.

“If you have even a little compassion left—just a little… please come. Please help me.”

Her voice cracked completely at the last word.

Another deafening crash—

The bathroom door burst open.

“Rias!”

Haru stormed in, his face twisted with rage.

“You brat!!”

Before she could scream, he grabbed her by the hair and yanked her backward.

The phone slipped from her hand as she cried out, her body dragged across the floor and back into the bedroom.

Haru’s fist came out of nowhere.

It slammed hard into her ribs.

That was it.

The air left Rias’s lungs in a sharp, broken cry as her body instantly went weak. She collapsed back onto the bed, screaming in pain, clutching her side as white flashes burst behind her eyes.

“I can see you’ve got guts,” Haru said casually, already undoing his belt.

He grabbed her legs and dragged her closer, his mouth twisting into a smirk.

“So sexy…” He licked his lips.

“You might want to think twice about doing that.”

The voice was calm. Too calm.

Haru froze.

Slowly, he turned.

Romeo stood by the door. For a second, Haru’s mind blanked. How the fuck did he get here?

Romeo’s gaze moved past him, straight to Rias. She was pale, shaking, but when their eyes met, she managed a weak smile.

Then Romeo looked back at Haru.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Haru snapped, forcing a laugh. “Why not let me let my anger out on your precious wife?”

“First of all,” Romeo said, stepping forward, “…she’s not my wife anymore. That’s your loss”

Rias bit her lips sadly when Romeo said that.

“And secondly—” He closed the distance.

Haru instinctively stepped back.

“You want revenge on me?” Romeo continued evenly. “For what exactly? You killed that rapist of a mother yourself.”

“You made me do it!” Haru yelled. “It was the past! Why couldn’t you let it go?!”

“I know how to hold a grudge,” Romeo replied coldly. “And now what are you trying to do? Repeat what your mother did to me?” His eyes darkened. “You’re pathetic.”

His fist flew. Haru hit the floor hard.

Rias froze on the bed.

Did she hear that right?

Romeo had been assaulted? By Haru’s mom?

“I see you healed fast from the last beating,” Romeo said flatly, stepping back. “I don’t have the energy to waste on you.”

He glanced at Rias.

“Rias. Do whatever you want.”

She slowly slid off the bed, one hand pressed to her side. Every movement hurt, but she walked over and squatted in front of Haru.

“Just let’s stop seeing each other,” She said quietly.

“Focus on your wife. I’m not interested anymore.” She paused. “And… sorry about your mom. But if she really did that then she was disgusting.”

She stood.

“Let’s go.”

Rias walked out first. Romeo followed without looking back.

Haru stayed where he was, staring at the ceiling, before finally letting his body fall flat against the floor.

_____

The room was quiet in a way that felt unnatural, like the walls themselves were holding their breath.

Rias sat on the edge of the bed, wrapped in the hotel robe the staff had brought up for her.

Her hair was still damp from the bath, the faint scent of soap lingering in the air. Romeo stood near the window, jacket still on, his posture distant.

“Don’t tell my grandpa about this.” Rias said softly.

He glanced back at her, then nodded once. “I won’t.”

“…Thanks. For coming.”

He scoffed lightly.

“Thank your stars I was close by in one of the buildings around the hotel.” His tone was flat. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

She didn’t argue. Her fingers twisted together in her lap instead. That’s when she noticed it.

The tightness in her chest. The nerves. Why was she suddenly getting nervous around him?

“Why are you even still hanging around him?” Romeo asked suddenly.

She looked up.

“Don’t talk to me like you’re some saint,” She snapped back. “I was just having fun.”

“Never said I was a saint,” He replied calmly. “Your stubbornness is actually hilarious.”

Rias stared at him.

Was it true? The things he said earlier. About Haru’s mother. About what she did to him.

Maybe that’s why he needs Bianca, he probably just has s+x with her to satisfy himself.

Maybe Bianca wasn’t love. Maybe she was just… an outlet. Lust. But why even Bianca? When it can be her instead. Just the thought of it.

Romeo turned, reaching for the door.

“Where are you going?” She asked quickly.

“I’ve done what I came to do.”

“Can you stay with me, tonight?”She swallowed.

He paused, hand on the handle, then looked back at her like she’d said something ridiculous.

“Why should I? I’m not your babysitter.”

“Please?” Her voice cracked despite herself.

Before he could answer, his phone rang.

He checked the screen.

Bianca.

“Hello.”He answered.

“Romeo, are you busy?” Bianca’s voice came through the speaker, light and careful.

“Not really. Do you need anything?”

“No… I just wanted to see you. But it’s okay if you’re busy.”

He didn’t hesitate. “Hold on. I’ll come over.”

He ended the call and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Rias’s chest tightened.

Bianca.

Of course.

Don’t say anything stupid, she told herself. Don’t piss him off. He can leave whenever he wants. You don’t need that, you need to convince him to stay.

But when he turned toward the door again, she spoke up.

“Please,” She said, standing up despite the ache in her side. “I’m… I’m really scared right now. I can’t stay alone.”

“Then go home,” He replied, already opening the door.

She took a step toward him.

“You know I can’t,” She said quietly. “I don’t feel comfortable going home after what happened just now.”

He stopped.

Rias pressed on before he could shut her down again.

“You don’t have to talk to me. Just… stay. Sit there. Sleep on the couch. I don’t care.” Her voice softened, deliberately so. “I just need to know someone’s here.”

Silence stretched between them.

“You’re trying to manipulate me,” He said flatly.

“Maybe,” She admitted. “But you’re still standing there.”

Slowly, he let go of the door handle.

Romeo pulled his phone out again, thumb moving across the screen.

Romeo: Is it urgent you wanted to see me?

The reply came almost immediately.

Bianca: Not really
Bianca: Where are you?

He glanced at Rias, who was now sitting on the bed pretending very hard not to watch him.

Romeo: Somewhere. Babysitting a kid.

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Then—

Bianca: Rias?

Romeo: Hmm.

A few seconds passed.

Bianca: Guess I’ll have to make it up to you tomorrow then.😌
Bianca: I’ll make you feel really good when you get back 🫦

Romeo’s mood shifted. His tongue briefly dragged over his lower lip before he even realized he’d done it.

Rias noticed.

Romeo: Don’t start. You’re turning me on just thinking about it.

Bianca: I’m not trying to 🥱
Bianca: Not my fault you can’t resist me 😏

Another pause.

Then a notification popped up.

One-view photo received.

Romeo opened it.

Just her bare back, smooth skin, the subtle curve of her waist disappearing out of frame.

His breath left him in a quiet exhale.

Rias watched his expression change and felt her chest tighten.

Romeo: Send the full picture.

Almost immediately—

Bianca: Nope.
Bianca: Tomorrow.
Bianca: Sleep well 🫦

This time, a low chuckle slipped out of him before he could stop it.

Rias’s eyes lifted from the bed.

She stared at him.

Who the hell was making him laugh like that?

Romeo shook his head slightly, thumbs flying again.

Romeo: Go to sleep.

Bianca: Bossy.
Bianca: Goodnight 😌

Romeo: Night.

He locked his phone and slid it back into his pocket, the faint curve still lingering at the corner of his lips as he turned toward Rias and his smirk disappeared.

She saw it.

Every bit of it.

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the robe, eyes following him with something sharp and unsettled burning underneath.

“Don’t get any ideas,” he muttered.

“So, you staying? Or you’re gonna leave me all by myself?” She asked, letting the shoulder of her robe slip down.

It revealed her bare skin, the curve of her shoulder catching the light just so.

Romeo’s eyes locked onto it, dark and cold, and then slowly lifted to meet her gaze.

Every inch of him radiated control, dominance, and that lethal kind of awareness that made her stomach twist.

She bit her lips, her body reacting before her brain could catch up. His face , the curve of his lips, the dark depth of his eyes.

He was impossibly handsome, and the sight of him made her thighs clench and a wet heat pool between her legs.

She bit her lips.

He stepped closer, each movement deliberate, until he reached the edge of the bed. His hand pressed into the mattress beside her, fingers splayed, almost trapping her.

The warmth of his body pressed against hers, and she could smell him, he was clean, strong, intoxicating.

She swallowed hard, her tongue suddenly thick in her mouth, and a shiver ran through her body.

This guy.

“You better cover up. Little girls your age can’t seduce me at all….” He said, his thumb brushing against her chin as he gripped it with just enough force.

The rough pressure made her pulse spike, and she had to fight the urge to tilt her head into his hand.

She could feel her nipples hardening against the robe, her chest rising faster, the heat between her legs spreading.

The pressure was a silent assertion of power, and Rias could feel it pressing into her, turning her on even as her mind tried to resist.

Her lips pressed together, trying not to moan, but her eyes stayed fixed on his, drinking in the cold, calculated stare that never wavered.

She wanted to kiss him, to feel his lips on hers, to touch him, and she could practically feel herself leaking.

She spoke up when she finally found her voice.

“Well if I don’t turn you on, why ask me to cover up?” She smirked, daring, testing him.

Her mouth was dry, her lips parting slightly, her chest rising and falling fast. She wanted him, needed him, and she didn’t care that he knew it.

He leaned in slightly towards her ear, close enough for her to feel the heat of his breath on her face. His voice was low and controlled, smooth and deep.

“What you’re doing right now, is a cheap imitation of desperation.”

She clenched her fists, but her body betrayed her..

Her lips parted slightly, almost wanting to moan, her tongue darting out to wet them.

His gaze swept over her body, lingering just long enough to make her shiver uncontrollably.

“Throwing yourself at a man, hoping it’ll earn you something,” He continued flatly.

She felt him shake his head slightly, leaning closer, and her chest tightened, heart hammering.

“Getting turned on, Rias?” He murmured, letting his fingers brush the curve of her shoulder.

Her chest tightened. Her breath hitched.

“Answer me, Rias…” He said, leaning in, his teeth grazing her earlobe just enough to make her shiver.

“F+k…” The low m0an slipped from her lips before she could stop it.

“What if I am?” she breathed, trembling, heat pooling between her legs. “Will you… do something about it?”

He smirked.

“It’s embarrassing what you’re doing. So cover up that body before you start mistaking exposure for value.” He scoffed and stood straight.

She wanted him so badly it made her dizzy, and every fiber of her body screamed for him to touch her, to take her, to claim her right here, right now.

She knows she said he wasn’t her type, but damn—this man is every shade of perfect. She’s always loved hard men the way men love tough women.

He’s cold.
He doesn’t care.
He’s so nonchalant.

If there’s one thing she’s learned about Romeo, it’s that he doesn’t chase, he chooses.

And that’s what makes him irresistible. That’s what makes you want to earn a place in his world, to prove you’re worth the space beside him.

She hates this.

Hates the way her thoughts are spiraling. Hates the way she’s here, mentally her mind is screaming logic, warning her to pull back, to stop this before it goes any further.

But her body doesn’t listen.
Her soul doesn’t agree.

There’s an ache beneath her ribs that has nothing to do with reason and everything to do with want.

She can deny it all she wants, but some part of her is already leaning toward him, already yearning for him.

She’s wondered more than once, and more than she’ll ever admit….

What would be like to actually be his woman?

To be touched by him, not carelessly, not out of impulse, but with intention.

To be valued by him. To see the side of him he doesn’t show the world. The side that only comes out when he’s chosen someone and decided they’re worth lowering his guard for.

That thought only pushes her to do more.

Because if Romeo ever chooses her, she knows she wouldn’t just want him.

She’d belong to him.

“Touch me…” Rias mumbled lowly, her eyes locked on his.

“Huh?” He arched a brow.

She stood from the bed, letting her robe fall to the floor, leaving herself bare before him.

Her skin flushed, every nerve alive, and yet his eyes didn’t wander around her body, it stayed fixed on her face, looking really bored and irritated at this point.

“I said… I want you…” She slid her hand into his, pressing it firmly against her waist, leaning into his body.

Her breath hitched as she felt the tension in his muscles beneath her fingers.

“….to touch me.” She whispered into his ear, her voice trembling.

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.