How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 1&2

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 1&2

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

✦ 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎 ✦

𝑳+𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔+𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒚 𝒂 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆. 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒚, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅.

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏, 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒄𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅.

————————————————

☆ 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 – 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
– 3𝐏𝐌 ☆

The wheels screamed against the runway, metal biting asphalt as the plane slowed to a crawl. The cabin stirred. Seatbelts clicked. People stretched and sighed.

Rias didn’t wait.

The second the sign blinked off, she was on her feet, heels clicking with purpose as she swung her carry-on over her shoulder and stepped into the aisle.

First off the plane.

The glass of the jet bridge caught her reflection in passing. Sharp. Unapologetic. Fire dressed as a woman.

Her makeup burned. Crimson shadow winged to lethal precision, flecks of glitter smudged like embers at the corners of her eyes. Her lips were stained a deep, sinful ruby.

Rias adjusted her glasses, then decided against them. She slid them off, folded them neatly, and tucked them into her coat pocket like an afterthought.

Cool air rushed at her face as she stepped outside.

“Hello, Tokyo…” she murmured, lips curling. “Miss me?”

Swoop.

Something smacked between her shoulder blades.

“Will you come help me before I actually die?” Sasha snapped, wrestling two overstuffed suitcases and a backpack hanging off one arm like a threat.

Rias gasped dramatically, stumbling forward. “Excuse you! I was having a main-character return.”

Sasha groaned. “You have a main-character syndrome every five minutes. Grab a bag.”

“Violence already?” Rias muttered, grabbing one suitcase. “I’ve been gone for years, Sasha. Years. Let me breathe.”

Sasha’s scowl softened despite herself. She nudged Rias’s shoulder. “Welcome home, trouble.”

They reached the pickup lane, luggage parked at their feet as cars rolled past in sleek lines. Businessmen, families, chauffeurs in black.

Sasha checked the road again. “Is your grandfather’s driver late or dramatic?”

“He’s never late,” Rias replied calmly, tapping her phone. “If he’s not here, it’s because he’s making an entrance.”

Seconds later, a black luxury sedan slid smoothly to the curb, silent and imposing.

The driver stepped out.

Tall, Impeccably dressed. Every movement is precise.

He approached them, stopped directly in front of Rias, and bowed deeply.

“Welcome home, Mistress Rias,” he said first, voice respectful and firm. Then he turned to Sasha with another bow.

“Welcome home, Miss Sasha.”

Rias arched a brow. “You’re early.”

The man straightened. “I would never be late for you.”

Sasha shot her a look. “Wow. I leave for college and come back to royalty.”

Without another word, the driver took all the luggage. Both heavy suitcases. The carry-on. Like they weighed nothing.

He placed them carefully into the trunk, then walked back and opened the rear door.

“For you, Mistress.”

Rias smirked as she slid inside, crossing her legs with practiced ease. Sasha followed, shaking her head and grinning.

The door closed with a muted thud. Leather, clean air, quiet power.

The car pulled away smoothly, Tokyo unfolding ahead of them.

Rias leaned back, satisfied.

—–
☆ 𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄-𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 [𝐑𝐞𝐝-𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧- 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]☆

The Kōryū Fortress in Japanese or you can call it, the Red Dragon Fortress in English.

It existed on a stretch of private land overlooking Tokyo Bay, sealed off from the city entirely.

It wasn’t registered as a home. On paper, it was listed as a corporate holding asset, shielded by five shell companies and one international trust.

Only people with permission knew it was a residence. Only his family.

This was where he lived.

The man whose wealth did not come from inheritance, but conquest.

None other than, Romeo Ryūjin Dragoni, his initials [ RRD] .

By 29, he had surpassed his parents so completely that their fortune had become irrelevant. His parents are rich, but he is untouchable.

Trillionaire wealth, diversified across continents, hidden in industries that never collapsed.

Private Hospitals and Private medical research facilities that catered to the elite alone. Automobile factories producing hyper cars so exclusive they weren’t sold to just anyone but they were assigned to specific high ranking status individuals.

Luxury malls across the seven continents, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, where the entire floors shut down when he visited.

Security firms that trained men who later disappeared into unmarked operations.

That was his LEGITIMATE empire.

And then there was the other one.

The ILLEGITIMATE one that only few knew exists.

The RYUKAI [The Dragon Association] and the nickname people from the underworld call him? Ryūo which simply means the Dragon King.

His empire of vice stretched across Tokyo and beyond.

CASINOS glittered with blood-red carpets and gold-lined tables, where men wagered generational fortunes, company shares, and reputations as easily as dice.

GAMBLING DENS hummed with tension, smoke, and whispered deals, where a single miscalculation could cost a life.

STRIP CLUBS and private lounges doubled as arenas for power plays — where debt, desire, and dominance collided in velvet-lit rooms.

Men came to him desperate for money, for influence, for salvation. They borrowed, they gambled, they begged and they knew the cost.

When they failed, Romeo collected. He would not only ruin your life, but that of your generation as well..

He was the devil in human form, the youngest and most feared Yakuza boss Tokyo had ever known.

Men whispered his name in trembling awe, certain he could take everything they loved — and knowing, deep down, that he already had.

Romeo Dragoni didn’t just control money or influence; he controlled life itself.

This was his YAKUZA money.

—

Romeo stepped out of the bathroom, steam curling behind him, towel-drying the last droplets from his hair.

His shirt hung loose around his shoulders, unbuttoned, as he slid into his trousers with methodical precision.

He settled at the edge of the bed, tying his shoes with practiced efficiency.

Bianca lay across the sheets, naked, watching him with a soft, almost pleading pout. Her hair tangled in a mess.

It’s been 3 hours straight. From the living room, to the stairs, to the hallway, to the bedroom, the table, the wall, the bed, the bathroom, the bed again….

3 straight hours of intense sex and Romeo was still breathing properly.

Romeo didn’t go gentle. Never soft, never slow only relentless, demanding, and impossibly brutal when fucking a bitch.

Bianca was the only one who had ever been able to keep up with him, and even she barely managed. Her body bore the evidence, every single bruise and cut on her body was from his s+× torture.

When he was god-damned angry, when the hunger and frustration coiled in him, he didn’t stop. Hours could pass, and she would still find herself struggling to keep pace with the force of him, her body raw, mind reeling.

Every movement, every touch, left her trembling, bruised, and aching, yet somehow, impossibly, craving more.

When Romeo finished the first shoe, she crawled toward him on hands and knees, draping herself over his shoulders.

“Do you really have to go?” she murmured against his ear.

Romeo exhaled slowly, ignoring her, focusing on the other shoe. “Mom and Dad want me at the mansion tonight. They rarely call me for anything urgent. I’m going.”

“Your parents? Since when did you start listening to them?”Bianca asked in shock.

“It’s grandpa who sent for me, that’s why I’m going.”Romeo said.

“Okay.”

He stood, smoothing his shirt before finally turning to her. His eyes were sharp, distant, utterly cold.

“I’ll have Tiago take you home.” He said.

“I can take care of myself, but thanks.” She whispered, leaning in to kiss him.

He allowed it, fisting her hair.

“See you tomorrow, babe.”Bianca quickly palmed her mouth when the word ‘babe’ slipped out.

His expression shifted, his hand stopping her at the neck.

“Didn’t I warn you not to call me that pathetic name?” His voice was low, dangerous, calm enough to make the air in the room tense.

Bianca froze, the weight of his control pressing down on her. She knew it wasn’t anger, not exactly — it was something far worse.

It was inevitability. And in that inevitability, she found herself both afraid and helplessly drawn to him.

“I’m sorry, Romeo… it slipped—” Bianca choked as his fingers dug into her neck, the pressure deliberate, painful enough to silence her.

“It better have,” Romeo said calmly. “Make that silly mistake again and I’ll get rid of you.”

“Yes, Romeo,” she swallowed hard.

Satisfied, he released her and straightened. His lips curved into that slow, deadly smile before he leaned down and pressed a brief kiss to her lips.

“See you later, Whore.”

Bianca trembled. Even his kisses were frightening.

Romeo grabbed his keys, slid on his jacket, and walked out without looking back, leaving her alone on the bed.

She fell back against the sheets with a long sigh, staring at the ceiling.

“He’s so scary,” she muttered, even though she knew damn well that’s how he is.

—–
☆ 𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 — 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐎𝐒☆

The bass thumped through the mirrored room, vibrating in Sky’s chest as he moved. Sweat dripped down his jawline, darkening the collar of his sleeveless practice shirt.

Every turn, every hit, every breath — sharp, precise, lethal. He wasn’t practicing to improve. He was perfecting something already perfect.

This wasn’t just a comeback single.
This was Sky reminding the entire nation why he owned the throne.

And in Tokyo, he was the number one soloist, the face of modern pop.

With 82 million Instagram followers, sold-out stadiums, and 11 Guinness World Records under his belt, Sky wasn’t simply famous — he was a phenomenon.

One of his Guinness titles?
“Most Hearts Broken by a Public Figure.”

A ridiculous title, but the internet worshipped it. Made memes, edits, threads.

He wasn’t a playboy. Far from it.

If anything… he was allergic to women.
Kept his distance. Avoided scandals. Avoided people, really.

The only woman who ever stood too close to him without him pulling away was his manager, Billie and that was purely professional.

Well… Billie and Emma.

His jaw tightened at the thought.

Emma — the only girl he ever let in, the only girl he ever loved. The girl who dumped him because his career was “boring,” because he was “too focused,” because being with a superstar wasn’t as glamorous as she thought.

She left him.
And she left him shattered.

Sky’s heart hasn’t opened since.

If it wasn’t Emma, he didn’t want anyone else. Sky was done loving.

He hit the final move of his choreography, chest heaving as he stared at his reflection — a legend with a broken heart he refused to fix.

And Billie?

Billie managed Sky’s career with absolute control. His schedules, appearances, contracts, and image were handled with precision.

Risks were removed early, scandals were avoided entirely, and access to him was strictly limited.

No one could sabotage Sky’s career as long as Billie still breathes.

Billie stood off to the side with her tablet, glasses slightly sliding down her nose as she scrolled through his schedule.

Sky barely rested after practice, but she still needed to brief him.

“Your teaser hit 50 million views in five hours,” She said, trying and failing not to sound impressed.

“Promotions start Monday. You have dance practice again in the morning, vocal recording at two, a radio interview at five…”

She flicked to the next tab. “And your fan signing on Friday.”

Sky nodded, wiping sweat from his jaw with a towel.

Billie handed him a cold bottle of water and took a step back.

“Learn to hydrate yourself more often. You skipped dinner last night, and your heart rate was high during the last set,” She said, already scanning her tablet.

“Avoid caffeine tonight and eat real food. Also ice your knee. I’ll have the physio check you in the morning.”

He nodded.

He twisted the bottle open and drank, the line of his throat moving.

“Just email me if there’s any other schedule I have for the rest of the week,” Sky said, tossing the towel over his shoulder. “I’m going home.”

Billie hesitated. “Do you need anything else before I leave?”

He paused at the door, hand on the knob. “No need. School resumes next week. I need maximum rest.”

And just like that, Sky walked out of the room, leaving Billie staring after him — clutching her tablet.

—–
☆ 𝐌𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐨 – 𝐎𝐚𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬☆

Nancy lay sprawled across her bed, kicking her feet happily in the air like a lovesick teenager, though she’d deny it if anyone asked.

Her phone was inches from her face, brightness all the way up, volume blasting as she replayed Sky’s teaser for what had to be the 999th time.

Replay.
Scream.
Replay.
Giggle.
Repeat.

If there was one word to describe Nancy, it was DEVOTED.

The type of fan who didn’t just know his songs — she knew his entire discography by breathing pattern.

She could easily pass as president of his fan club, the committee, the security team, and the emotional support group combined.

And yes… he is her ultimate crush.

“Gosh… he’s so handsome,” Nancy whispered dreamily, hugging her pillow as Sky’s smirk filled her screen in slow motion.

The door slammed open.

“NANCY! What on earth are you doing here? Didn’t you follow your big sister back to Tokyo?” Annie snapped, her hands on her hips.

Nancy jolted, nearly flinging her phone across the room. “Mom—! I told you I still had stuff to do. I’ll book my flight and….”

Nancy’s phone buzzed on the bed beside her, and she nearly dislocated her shoulder scrambling to grab it. She opened the message and froze.

📨 PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Sky attends Shinjuku College>>

She didn’t even breathe.

Then—
“AHHHHHHHHH!!”

Annie nearly had a heart attack. “Why are you screaming?!”

Nancy jumped off the bed, spinning like a malfunctioning robot. “My crush!! I just found out what college he attends!”

She didn’t wait another second. She grabbed her phone and dialed with frantic speed.

“Hello, Grandpapa!”

Annie dragged a hand down her face.

On the other end, Rafael Gremory sighed knowingly.

“What is it, my sweet granddaughter? What do you need? Did you crash a car? Destroy someone’s property? Get arrested for over speeding? Want to buy something outrageously expensive?” He asked.

He sounded tired — the tiredness that comes from experience.

Nancy beamed. “Well, Grandpa, I want to get into Shinjuku College.”

“…Huh? I thought you didn’t want to go to college.”

“I want to now. Pleaseeee,” Nancy pleaded, hopping on one leg like the news had electrified her body.

“Sure, I’ll make arrangements.”

“Dad, you spoil her too much!” Annie scolded.

“Please, let my girl enjoy her youth,” Rafael chuckled. “I’ll see you soon, my dear.”

“Okay, Grandpapa! I love you!” she sang before hanging up.

Annie rubbed her temples. “Gosh, he always does what you want.”

For clarity —

Grandpa Rafael’s son, Damian Gremory, married Kiara, Rias’s mother. Kiara passed away from an incurable illness. After three years, Damian remarried Annie.

Annie became the mother figure to Rias and later gave birth to Nancy. Then Damian died in a plane crash, leaving the two girls with Annie and their overly indulgent grandfather.

Rias was the chaotic, rebellious storm in human form — Rafael’s eternal headache.
Nancy wasn’t as wild, she was sweet, charming, would and could never hurt a fly, but she was chaotic, dramatic, and dangerously determined.

Put the two of them together? Disaster.

“I can’t believe you’re going to college because of a guy.”Annie crossed her arms.

“He’s not just any guy,” Nancy declared, clutching her heart dramatically. “It’s Sky. SKY. And I love him.”

Annie snorted. “He doesn’t even know you exist.”

Nancy pointed accusingly. “Stop saying that mom! He will notice me. That’s my ultimate mission.”

To emphasize her “mission,” Nancy grabbed her pillow and kissed it loudly, pretending it was Sky.

She spun around her room singing his teaser at full volume.

She knelt dramatically beside her bed like she was proposing to an invisible idol and whispered,

“Sky, I love you,” to her phone gallery full of Sky photos and started planning her entire college life around one man she had never met

Nancy Gremory wasn’t just a fan.

She was a full-blown, delusional, adorable menace. And she was about to turn Shinjuku College upside down.

—–
☆𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨 – 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧☆

The car slowed as the private gates came into view.

Black iron, crested with gold, opening smoothly the moment the sedan approached.

The driveway curved through immaculately kept grounds, lights guiding the path, water running quietly along sculpted stone.

The mansion waited at the end, vast and immovable, glass and marble standing on decades of authority.

The car rolled beneath the entrance canopy and came to a stop.

Before the engine cut, a guard was already there.

He opened the door and bowed.

“Welcome home, Mistress Rias. Welcome home, Miss Sasha.”

Rias stepped out first.

Another guard approached immediately, taking position as more staff moved forward in silent coordination.

Suitcases were lifted the second they touched the ground, passed neatly into waiting hands.

Workers lined the steps, shoulders squared, heads bowed.

“Welcome home, Mistress.”

“Welcome home, Miss Sasha.”

Bows followed them inside. Deep and Respectful.

Sasha adjusted her coat as she walked beside Rias, unbothered, familiar with every step of the ritual. “Your grandfather hasn’t changed.”

Rias’s lips curved slightly. “He never does.”

The doors opened wider.

Rafael Gremory stood waiting.

The moment his gaze found her, it softened.

“Rias, my sweet cherry.”

Rias didn’t hesitate.

“Grandpapa.”

She stepped into his embrace, his hand resting briefly at the back of her head, grounding, possessive, protective.

“How are you, Sasha? And tell me—did Rias nag you on the flight?”

Sasha dropped onto the sofa and sighed. “Water, please.”

A servant moved instantly.

“She was calm,” Sasha continued. “Very calm. Suspiciously so.”

Rias lifted her chin. “I can behave.”

Rafael hummed. “And in Mexico?” His gaze stayed on Sasha. “Did she cause any trouble I’m not aware of?”

Sasha accepted the glass of water, took a sip, then smiled. “She has a habit of breaking hearts.”

Rias turned sharply. “That is not true.”

“Oh, it is,” Sasha said. “Boys liked her. A lot. She just never liked them back.”

Rafael’s lips twitched. “Never?”

“Never,” Rias said flatly. “They weren’t my type.”

“And what is your type?” Rafael asked.

Rias shrugged. “I’ll know when I see it.”

Sasha laughed into her glass. “Mexico’s entire male population survived on that line.”

Rias shot her a look. “Med school was the priority.”

Rafael nodded, amused.

“By the way, Rias—Nancy will be arriving in Tokyo soon.”Rafael set his glass down casually.

“Huh?” Sasha blinked.

Rias arched her brow. “Why? Didn’t she say she wasn’t coming here?”

“She said she wants to study in Shinjuku,” Rafael replied calmly.

“Nancy?” Rias repeated. “Study?”

“Yes.” He nodded, clearly pleased. “I’m proud of her. She changed her mind and decided to attend college.”

Rias scoffed softly.

“Trust me, Grandpa. She’s not here for college.” She waved a hand. “I’m willing to bet my life she’s here for Sky.”

Rafael looked up. “Sky? Who’s Sky?”

Sasha grinned. “Gosh, Gramps, you’re so old.”

Rias leaned back. “Sky’s an artist. Very popular.” She smirked. “And your granddaughter is a full-on gooner.”

Rafael sighed slowly. “I fear I understood none of that.”

Sasha laughed.

“I need rest. Sasha let’s go upstairs… I need you to help me massage. You’re the best.” Ruad groaned.

Rafael straightened, his tone shifting just enough to signal finality.

“Get dressed by seven,” He said. “There will be a welcome-home dinner.”

Rias stiffened and turned. “Grandpa, didn’t I say I didn’t want a party?”

“I know,” Rafael replied calmly.

“But I still needed to do something. Don’t worry, it’s not some lavish affair. Just a dinner I organized with the Dragoni family and a few business associates.”

Her brows knit immediately. “Business associates? What does that have to do with me?”

Rafael sighed, soft but insistent. “It’s been twenty years since you stepped foot in Tokyo. Aren’t you happy to be back? Your godparents would love to see you.”

“You could’ve arranged a simple dinner with them,” Rias said, unease creeping into her voice. “None of this is necessary.”

“Well, it is,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Because I have a surprise for you. One I’m sure you’ll love.”

Rias didn’t return the smile. Her gaze sharpened, suspicion settling in her chest.

“I don’t like surprises, especially your kind.” She said quietly.

Rafael’s smile remained.

—–

-𝐑𝐢𝐚𝐬’𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦-

Rias’s boots clicked against the polished tiled floor of her room as she paced, back and forth, back and forth.

Her hands were clasped behind her back, then folded across her chest, then tugged at the hem of her blouse—anything to keep her mind from spiraling.

“Rias, you’re making me dizzy,” Sasha groaned from the chair by the window, her legs high on the table.

“I don’t like this,” Rias muttered, eyes narrowing as she paused mid-step. “I have a bad feeling about that party.”

Sasha leaned back lazily, crossing her legs. “Bad feeling? Come on. What’s the worst that could probably happen? Calm down, girl. You’re genuinely overreacting.”

Rias stopped pacing and turned sharply. “You know damn well my instincts are always accurate.”

“I know, I know,” Sasha said, holding her hands up in mock surrender.

“But still… you have to chill. After the party, there’s tomorrow. Remember, we still have preparations. Med school starts in three days. We have other things to worry about than some fancy dinner.”

Rias crossed the room again, biting the inside of her cheek.

“You’re right,” She admitted, though the tension in her shoulders didn’t ease. “I should just stop being paranoid.”

Sasha raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Should? That’s not your style, Rias. You know it.”

Rias glared at her, but the corners of her lips twitched.

“But this… isn’t paranoia,” She said quietly, pacing slower now, hands tucked into her pockets.

“Something feels off. Grandpa said it’s just a dinner, but why with his business associates? I have no business with that since I’m not into business so it’s not my business?” Her jaw tightened.

“I don’t trust it. I just… don’t trust it.”

“But at least, you’ll get to meet your childhood sweetheart,” Sasha said, winking.

“What childhood sweetheart? You mean Romeo?” Rias’s brow furrowed.

“Yes,” Sasha replied, leaning back on the edge of the bed with a smirk.

“That guy isn’t any of my—” Rias paused, rolling her eyes.

“—fucking business. I don’t even know what he looks like. That guy was just… how should I put it… an older brother to me when I was two. Case closed.”

Sasha laughed softly. “Case closed, huh? You sound way too confident about that.”

“I am confident,” Rias snapped, tugging at the hem of her shirt. “I’m not about to waste a second worrying about someone I literally have zero memory of.”

Sasha shrugged. “Just saying, it’s probably going to be… interesting. I mean, you barely involve yourself with any guy.”

“Cause they’re not my type.” Rias muttered, pacing again, arms crossed. “I have high standards.”

Before Sasha could reply, the soft click of shows echoed in the room. A maid appeared, holding a tray with neatly folded towels and a small bottle of bath oils.

“Excuse me, Miss Rias,” The maid said politely, bowing slightly. “Your bath is ready, and everything has been prepared as requested.”

Rias glanced at the tray, then back at Sasha. “Finally. I need this before any of this party nonsense starts.”

Sasha grinned. “Go on, princess. Relax for once.”

Rias rolled her eyes but allowed herself a small, fleeting smile.

—–
– 7𝐏𝐦 ☆

The living room glittered under warm chandelier light, the kind that made every crystal sparkle like it was alive.

Tables were arranged in small, intimate clusters, surrounded by velvet-upholstered chairs.

Maids moved silently between them, carrying silver trays of delicacies, champagne flutes catching the glow of the lights.

Low music floated through the air, soft enough to be background but elegant enough to set the tone.

Everywhere you looked, the wealth of the Gremory mansion was on display, polished floors and walls, gold accents, floral arrangements perfectly symmetrical, and the scent of fine cuisine drifting gently through the room.

Rafael stood near the center, engaged in conversation with some of his business associates, nodding, smiling, exuding calm authority.

Romeo sat at a table with his parents, a glass of whiskey in hand.

He leaned back, one arm casually draped over the chair beside him, eyes scanning the room with mild annoyance.

“Did you guys seriously tell me to come here for some girl’s welcome-home party?” He asked, voice smooth but carrying a clear edge of irritation.

“C’mon, she isn’t just any girl. That’s Rias,” Hinata, his mother, said, voice teasing.

Romeo smirked. “I know. The same Rias I carried when she was a baby. What’s my business with that kid?”

“C’mon, don’t be rude.” Angelo, his father, replied cautiously.

“The only reason I’m sitting here….” Romeo said, voice dropping low, “…is out of respect for Grandpa Rafael… nothing else.”

“Romeo, my boy,” Rafael called warmly from across the room.

“Grandpa,” Romeo said, standing slightly, nodding his head with precision and formality, the barest flicker of respect in his otherwise sharp, calculating gaze.

One thing was clear: Rias’s grandpa was THE ONLY PERSON Romeo truly respected.

Romeo doesn’t even have a single respect for his very own parents.

“You rarely come around the house. I barely see you these days,” Rafael said, his tone calm but pointed.

“I’ve been busy, Gramps. A lot to take care of,” Romeo replied smoothly, reclining again, every movement deliberate, almost dismissive.

“I know. Anyways, it’s good you’re here,” Rafael said, smiling.

Murmurs rippled across the room.

🗣️ “Is that her?”

🗣️ “She’s so pretty…”

🗣️ “Both of them are gorgeous.”

Finally, Rafael’s voice rang out above the murmurs. “Finally, she’s here.”

Rias stepped into the living room, the soft rustle of her dress announcing her arrival.

Her heels clicked lightly against the polished floor. Sasha trailed behind, relaxed, almost lazy, letting Rias lead the way.

The murmurs around the room grew louder as Rias made her entrance.

“She’s beautiful,” one guest whispered, leaning slightly toward his neighbor.

“I heard she’s in med school now,” another added, eyes following her as she moved gracefully across the room.

The minute Romeo’s eyes landed on her, something about her presence twisted in his chest.

He frowned.

What is this crazy feeling? he thought. Oh… now I know.

DISGUST.

“What the…” he muttered under his breath, voice low, venom barely contained.

“Rias’s so pretty, right?” Angelo said, nudging his son.

“Which… one’s Rias?” Romeo asked lazily, tone dismissive but his gaze still lingering.

“Oh, he’s interested…” Hinata giggled softly. Romeo shot her a sharp glare.

“The one in the red gown,” Angelo replied.

It’s her? he scoffed internally.

“Even monkeys are a prettier species than that plastic face.” He muttered, voice dripping with disdain.

“Romeo,” Hinata said, swatting his arm casually. “Control your mouth.”

Rias had finished greeting a few of the guests, nodding politely, offering small smiles.

She walked toward the main table, each step measured, controlled, drawing the subtle attention of everyone in the room.

Hinata spread her arms wide as Rias approached.

“My sweet Rias, look at you,” she said warmly.

“Godmother,” Rias replied, hugging her tightly.

“You’ve grown so much, Rias,” Angelo added, smiling. “I heard you’ve finished college and now you’re in Tokyo for med school.”

“Yes, Godfather,” Rias said, trying to keep her expression neutral. “It’s good to be home… it’s been twenty years,” She added, groaning softly under her breath.

“I know, c’mon, sit,” Hinata said, gesturing toward the chair beside her. “We have a lot to talk about.”

*

From their sitting positions, Romeo leaned back casually, opposite Rias. Sasha, beside him, gave a small, amused smile.

“Hi,” she said lightly.

Romeo didn’t even glance at her.

“What a grumpy old freak,” Sasha muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes. She knew he heard her, but she didn’t give a fuck.

At the center of the living room, Rafael raised his hands, drawing everyone’s attention. His presence commanded the room effortlessly.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, voice calm but warm.

“I’d like to congratulate my granddaughter, Rias Gremory, for all she has accomplished in the medical field. Her dedication, hard work, and brilliance have brought her this far, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Polite applause swept through the room. Champagne glasses clinked. People smiled, nodded, and murmured compliments.

Rias, however, stayed frozen, a tight knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. Her hands clenched in her lap. Her pulse raced.

Rafael paused, eyes sweeping over the assembled families, then shifted slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“And, in the spirit of strengthening our family ties,” He continued.

“…the Gremory’s and the Dragoni’s have decided to join our children—Romeo Dragoni and Rias Gremory in marriage.”

Cheers erupted. Glasses clinked again, laughter and congratulations filled the room.

But all Rias could hear was chaos.

Disaster.

The words rang in her ears, twisting, suffocating, setting her nerves alight.

So this… this was the surprise?

Sasha’s hand went to her mouth, eyes wide. She knew exactly what was coming.

Rias’s face went pale for a fraction of a second before fire replaced it.

She hates nothing more than being told what to do.

RAGE.

Pure, boiling, depths-of-hell rage.

“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” Rias bellowed, slamming her fists against the table.

Chairs scraped back as she stood, walking toward her grandfather with each step radiating fury.

Romeo’s smirk never wavered, but there was a flicker in his dark eyes—a mix of curiosity and irritation.

Sasha stepped forward slightly, trying to anticipate the storm, but Rias was already beyond anyone’s reach.

“Rafael Gremory! How fucking dare you?!” Rias shouted at her grandpa, voice sharp enough to cut through the clamor of the room.

The once-celebratory atmosphere fell into stunned silence. Everyone froze, eyes wide. Even the maids paused mid-step, holding trays in midair.

Rafael, however, remained calm, raising a hand slightly.

“My dear Rias,” He said, voice steady, “…we thought it best… for the families.”

Rias’s hands were trembling, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.

“Best for who?! Best for you, not me!”

“Rias…” Sasha called softly, but her voice was drowned by the chaos around them.

Sasha’s eyes flicked toward Romeo—and damn, the look on his face was cruel as hell. Even his own parents felt it, a chill crawling up their spines.

“You brought me here to get engaged to some bizarre girl?!” Romeo spat, voice low and sharp, slicing through the room like a blade.

“Are you two completely out of your damn minds?”

“Romeo, your words,” Angelo scolded, voice strained, trying to keep control.

Romeo’s gaze snapped toward his father, eyes dark, sharp. “Didn’t I fucking tell you both not to meddle in my personal affairs? Are you that stupid?!”

Angelo’s jaw tightened. “Mind your words, son. I am still your father.”

Romeo’s smirk returned, wicked, venomous.

“And I am still sane enough to know that marrying a child—because that’s what she is, a child—is pedophilia. This is child abuse.”

“Ryujin, just calm down.” Angelo said.

“Angelo, you know I fucking hate you telling me to calm down, and didn’t I tell you not to call me by my middle name? Want to get on my bad side? I don’t think so.”Romeo glared daggers at him, his voice was still calm but extremely scary.

Hinata’s hand clutched her husband’s arm, white-knuckled. “Romeo—”

Rias strode toward her godparents, voice sharp. “Aunt Hinata, Uncle Angelo…”

“It should be ‘Mom and Dad,’ sweetie,” Hinata corrected gently.

“Convince my grandpa to call off the engagement!” Rias demanded, eyes blazing. “I’m not going to marry some random person. This guy’s so old for me!”

“It’s just seven years,” Rafael interjected, calm as ever.

“Did you call seven years… just?” Rias shot back, voice dripping with disbelief and fury.

“Rias… you’re getting married to Romeo whether you like it or not,” Rafael said firmly.

“Grandpa…” Rias whispered, tears brimming.

She knew the weight of his authority, and deep down, she knew she couldn’t disobey him.

“I hate you, Grandpa! I hate you! No one’s going to make me marry this old freak! Not you! Not anybody!!” Rias screamed, her voice cracking as she slammed her fists on the table.

She stormed out.

Sasha bit her lip, eyes wide, knowing Rias was about to lose complete control, especially since her fake tears didn’t work on Rafael.

Yes, the years were fake, don’t be decieved.

“Sasha, please talk some sense into that girl,” Rafael said calmly.

“I will, Grandpa,” Sasha replied, walking after Rias.

Angelo, Hinata, and Rafael turned their attention back to Romeo, who now wore a dirty, evil, vicious smirk that promised chaos.

“Son? What’s so funny? You’re scaring the wits outta me right now,” Hinata whispered, clutching Angelo’s arm.

Romeo stood up slowly, his dark gaze still at the door Rias walked out from. He slowly turned back to them.

“I’ll marry her.”

Hinata gasped, eyes wide.

“What… what did you say?” Angelo’s voice shook.

“I said, I…will…marry…Rias,” Romeo repeated, calm, ruthless.

“Really? You will, son?” Hinata asked, still trying to grasp what he meant.

“Of course,” He said, eyes narrowing slightly, cold.

“The audacity of her words—calling me an old freak. She’ll regret that soon enough. I’ll make her life a lesson in obedience.” He thought to himself.

“Son… you’re seriously… going to get married to her?” Angelo asked, disbelief and unease mixing in his tone.

Romeo’s smirk widened, chilling, merciless.

“Get started with the preparations. I want the future Mrs. Dragoni to come home to her darling husband… ASAP.”

And with that, he stood, straightened his jacket, and walked out of the house, leaving a trail of tension, fear, and silent outrage in his wake.

“Did…he just agree?”Hinata said in shock.

“As in, Romeo obeyed us? For the very first time in his life?”Angelo gasped.

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.