How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 17&18

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 17&18

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

Romeo was driving. Hunter sat in the passenger seat, scrolling through his phone, while Bianca sat quietly in the back.

Romeo’s eyes lifted to the rearview mirror without him even realizing it. Bianca was leaning against the seat, looking out the window.

When their eyes met in the mirror, she didn’t look away. Instead, she smiled faintly, then turned back to the passing view.

Romeo’s hand tightened on the wheel. He looked back at the road, then glanced at the mirror again.

Hunter noticed the silence stretching longer than usual. He shifted in his seat, glanced at Romeo, then checked the mirror and caught Bianca’s reflection.

Something was off.

“Um… Romeo, can you drive faster?” Hunter said.

Romeo rolled his eyes.

He pressed harder on the accelerator anyway, his focus returning to the road, though his mind clearly wasn’t there.

—-
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈]

Aizawa’s men had already flooded the compound.

Some scaled the fence, others rammed the gates, boots hitting gravel as gunfire erupted almost immediately. The air filled with the sound of automatic rifles.

Romeo’s men, positioned along the walls and towers, responded without hesitation, mowing them down as they poured in.

Bodies hit the ground. More men replaced them.

The gates finally burst open and the firefight intensified.

Then—

Romeo’s car tore through the smoke and chaos, forcing its way straight into the courtyard.

Brakes screeched.

The moment the engine cut off, the shooting stopped.

Not gradually. Instantly.

Romeo’s men froze with fingers still on triggers. Aizawa’s men halted mid-aim, confused, tense.

The car doors opened.

Romeo stepped out first.

Hunter followed, alert, hand already near his gun.
Bianca stepped out last, composed, eyes scanning the scene.

“They really did have the guts to send their men here.”Bianca scoffed.

For a split second, no one moved.

Then guns were raised again.

Aizawa’s men aimed directly at the three of them.

“I thought boss said Romeo wouldn’t be here.” One of Aizawa’s men panicked.

Romeo’s men immediately turned their weapons on Aizawa’s soldiers, forming a tight protective line behind their boss.

One wrong move and the courtyard would explode again.

Romeo stood in the center of it all, unbothered. He adjusted his jacket slowly, eyes lifting to meet the men pointing guns at him.

“You all have the guts to actually show your face here? Didn’t anyone lecture you on who you’re messing with?” Romeo chuckled, low and calm.

The moment his voice carried across the yard, the atmosphere changed.

Aizawa’s men froze.

They still had their guns raised, fingers tight on the triggers, but none of them moved. A few swallowed hard. One man’s arm trembled despite his effort to steady it.

They knew that laugh. Everyone in the underworld did. It meant the fight was already over.

Their eyes darted between Romeo, Hunter, and Bianca, then to Romeo’s men surrounding the area.

No one wanted to be the first to shoot. No one wanted to be the one who made the wrong decision.

“Boss,” one of Romeo’s men said, stepping forward slightly. “What should we do with them?”

Romeo glanced around lazily, taking in the bodies already on the ground, the blood pooling near the gates, the silence hanging thick in the air.

“Just let them go,” he said.

There was a brief pause, disbelief flashing across Aizawa’s men’s faces.

Romeo’s men lowered their guns.

That was all it took.

Aizawa’s men broke. They turned and ran, boots pounding against concrete as they rushed toward the cars lined up outside the compound.

Doors flew open. Engines roared to life. Tires screeched as they sped off in a desperate line, not looking back.

Less than thirty seconds later, Bianca lifted the small remote in her hand and pressed the button.

The explosions hit almost at once.

Fire tore through the line of cars ahead. Metal twisted. Shockwaves rolled back toward the gates. The night lit up, then settled into smoke and flames.

“That old man really has audacity,” Hunter muttered.

Romeo turned slowly, scanning the yard. As expected, the bodies left behind were all Aizawa’s men. None of his own.

“Hunter,” Romeo said calmly, “find your way home. Bianca, let’s go.”

“Bro,” Hunter started, shaking his head, but Romeo was already walking away.

Bianca followed without a word.

They reached the car. Romeo opened the driver’s door and slid in. Bianca took the passenger seat, smoothing her dress as she shut the door.

The engine started, and he drove off.

—–
[𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Romeo’s car rolled to a smooth stop in front of Bianca’s condo. The engine went quiet, and they stepped out together before the door shut.

“Want to come in?” she asked, already turning toward the entrance.

He nodded and followed.

Inside, Bianca slipped off her heels the moment the door closed, setting them aside. Without them, she barely reached his shoulder now.

She moved toward the kitchen, nerves showing in the way her fingers fidgeted.

“Do you want anything? Water?” she asked, already walking away.

Romeo caught her wrist and pulled her back.

“I won’t stay long,” he said. “It’s late.”

“Sure,” she replied, avoiding his eyes as if they might give her away.

He studied her face. “You don’t look happy. Is there a problem?”

“It’s not that,” Bianca said quickly. Then she took his hand, holding it like she needed it.

“I just… I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel. You said you love me, but I don’t know what that means right now. You have a wife. Your families approved everything. I feel like a third wheel.”

He let out a short chuckle, low and quiet.

“Are you being insecure right now?” he asked.

She lifted her chin slightly. “Can’t I be?”

His hand came up to her hair, fingers moving slowly through it, calming, familiar. His touch made her shoulders relax before she could stop it.

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

She nodded without hesitation.

“Good,” he said. “Then don’t think about my marriage..”

She nodded again, still holding his hand, her grip tightening just a little.

“I’d like you to do something for me. You’re really smart at fishing things out,” he said.

Bianca looked up at him. “What is it?”

“Diana. I want you to see if you can find a clue on where she is.”

Her brows pulled together. “It’s been seventeen years since she disappeared. Finding her is almost impossible. That’s if she’s even alive.”

“She’s alive,” Romeo said without hesitation. “And I’m pretty sure Haru knows where his mother is.”

Bianca studied his face, searching for doubt, but there was none. Only certainty.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “I’ll see what I can do.”

He nodded once, satisfied.

“Sleep well,” He said, leaning in and pressing a slow, soft kiss to her lips.

“I will… you too,” She replied, her voice dipping. “Babe.”

He smiled at that. Her face softened instantly, like she’d been waiting for that small curve of his lips.

She lifted both hands, cupping his face, her thumbs brushing his jaw.

“Your smile is so pretty,” she said, smiling as she kissed his cheek.

“You’re the only one seeing it,” He murmured, his hand coming up to stroke her hair, fingers lingering longer than necessary.

“I’ll go ahead now,” he said, though neither of them moved immediately.

Bianca watched him turn toward the door, the quiet settling in after him.

When it closed behind his back, she stood there for a moment, hand still warm from where he’d touched her, already knowing sleep wouldn’t come easily tonight.

—–
[𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]

Rias was in the living room, coffee untouched in her hand as she paced back and forth. The sound of the door opening made her turn instantly.

Romeo stepped in.

She rushed to him without thinking.

“You’re… home.”Her voice faltered when her eyes landed on his cheek.

A lipstick mark.

Romeo caught the pause, the way her gaze lingered, just a little.

“Were you waiting for me?” he asked.

“Yes. I wanted us to talk.”

“Rias, I’m not in the mood to argue.”

“I’m not trying to start an argument.”

“Oh, that’s new.”

She took a breath, steadying herself. “Who was it that wanted me dead?”

He stopped moving.

“Where did you get that idea?”

“Hunter told me. I asked Tiago too, but he wouldn’t say anything.” Her grip tightened around the coffee mug. “The bullet you took… it was meant for me.”

A second passed.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “Someone tried to kill you.”

Her eyes flashed. “Then why would you keep that from me? You’re still treating me like a kid. I’m supposed to know what’s going on.”

He exhaled slowly. “If I tell you, would you listen and stay away from him?”

“What do you—”

“You really think Yuki wouldn’t want you dead for messing around with her husband?”

“Yuki?”

He didn’t wait for her to respond. “Just be careful.”

He moved to walk past her.

“That’s all?” she asked, turning. “You won’t yell at me for still seeing Haru? Or for trying to go out with him?”

He stopped and turned back, his expression unreadable.

“You’re old enough to do what you want,” He said. “Isn’t that what we always argue about? That I’m too controlling?”

“You’re trying to make it sound like I’m the bad person here.”

“Well, am I ?” He shot back. “You’re the one who keeps pissing me off and then getting overly sensitive.”

She sighed, shoulders dropping.

“Just be careful,” He continued, his tone calmer now.

“And inform me of your whereabouts whenever you leave. It’s easier to protect you when I know where you are. That’s why I enforced the rule in the first place… but you can forget about that.”

“Oh,” She murmured, unsure whether that was freedom or something worse.

“Is it true? That you’re really part of a Yakuza?” she had asked, her voice quieter than she expected, almost hesitant.

“Who told you?” he replied, his tone calm, almost teasing, but his eyes sharp.

“I called Grandpa a while ago and he finally told me everything,” she said, folding her arms, trying to sound casual.

“Well, now you know,” he said, glancing at her briefly before turning to walk away, the confidence in his stride undeniable.

Rias hesitated. “My curfew… can you just remove that?” she asked, hopeful.

He paused for a moment, looking back at her over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded.

“Okay, as long as you’re careful.”

And with that, he continued walking, leaving her alone in the living room.

Rias’s gaze dropped to the floor,, replaying the image in her head. Was that lipstick on his cheek? Bianca? she murmured, her heart skipping a beat.

She felt a mix of irritation and jealousy.

“Can’t believe he gets to have fun, but not me?”Rias scoffed.

“Well at least, there’s no rules binding us again.”She chuckled.

—–
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞]

The school courtyard buzzed with energy, a cacophony of voices, laughter, and camera clicks filling the air.

Sky, arriving early for his first class after his album release, was immediately swarmed by fans holding flowers, letters, and meticulously wrapped gifts.

The school’s security staff worked tirelessly, carrying away the growing pile of presents while keeping the crowd at bay.

“I love you, Sky! Your album is everything!” one fan shouted, holding a bouquet.

“I’ll keep streaming every song on repeat! You deserve all the love!” another called, waving her handmade banner.

Sky smiled warmly, crouching to take pictures with students, laughing at their jokes and posing for selfies.

Each interaction seemed effortless, his charm naturally drawing people to him.

From a distance, Nancy stood with Ginger by her side, holding her own neatly wrapped gift. She hesitated, twisting the ribbon nervously between her fingers.

“Won’t you give him your gift?” Ginger whispered, nudging her.

“I… I’m having second thoughts,” Nancy murmured, her eyes flicking toward Sky as he posed with another group of fans.

“Goodness, girl, you’re being too much,” Ginger said, exasperated but amused.

Nancy tightened her grip on the gift.

“I’ll give it to him in private,” she said softly, determination threading her voice, even as her heart raced at the thought.

Sky’s laughter rang out across the courtyard, bright and magnetic, making Nancy’s resolve wobble.

—-

–Private Classroom–

The classroom was quiet, the hum of the air conditioning the only sound as Sky sat at a desk.

His phone sat beside him, silent, and his mind wandered anxiously. Emma hadn’t called or texted him in hours.

Not even a “good luck” for his album’s release.

“C’mon, Emma…” He muttered under his breath, biting his lip.

The door creaked open slowly, and Sky looked up. A familiar figure stepped in, holding something carefully in her hands.

“Hi,” Nancy said softly, a small smile on her face.

“Nancy?” he asked, surprised.

She approached his desk, holding a neatly wrapped gift.

“Congratulations on your album,” She said, placing it gently in front of him.

“Thanks,” Sky replied, taking the gift, glancing at her curiously.

“You… were having second thoughts about giving it?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

Nancy nodded faintly, chewing on her lower lip.

Sky shook his head.

Nancy set down the gift and reached into her bag, pulling out her tablet.

“For our project,” She said, sitting across from him, “I wrote some lyrics.”

She handed the tablet to him, her fingers brushing his as he took it.

Sky opened it and scrolled through the words.

The lyrics were neat, organized, and full of emotion. It read:

••

Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat
Even when you’re far away, your presence I seek
I thought I could play it cool, hide what’s inside
But these feelings for you, I no longer can hide

I’ll write your name in every line, every song
You’ve been the muse I’ve waited for so long
Even if the world says we can’t be
My heart belongs to you endlessly

••

Sky’s eyes lingered on the words, his fingers hovering over the tablet. A slow smile spread across his face.

The song wasn’t just words—it was emotion, raw and sincere.

“This… this is really good,” He said finally, looking up at her. “It’s… beautiful. The way you put all this into words—it’s like I can feel everything you were thinking when you wrote it.”

Nancy’s cheeks warmed slightly.

“You… really like it?” she asked quietly, hope threading her voice.

Sky nodded. “Yeah… I do. A lot.”

She let out a small, relieved laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders.

“I… I just wanted it to be honest,” she said softly.

He shook his head already knowing she had him in mind when she wrote it. This girl is funny.

Nancy slid the tablet back into her bag, glancing down at her phone as it lit up.

Levi: You busy? I’m going to the studio later, wanna come?

Sky noticed the notification, his eyes narrowing slightly. He stayed silent, watching her hands move.

Nancy quickly typed a reply and dropped her phone back into her bag.

Sky didn’t say anything at first. After a long moment,

“You and Levi… are close now?”he asked quietly,

Nancy looked up, slightly startled by the tone.

“Um… he’s a friend. He’s nice to me,” she said softly, trying to sound casual.

Sky didn’t respond. He leaned back in his chair, shutting his eyes, his fist tightening just slightly.

Nancy, feeling the tension, leaned forward, her face closer to his.

Nancy’s face hovered a little closer to Sky’s, her eyes tracing the sharp line of his jaw, the curve of his lips, the intensity in his expression.

She leaned in slightly, unconsciously drawn to him, admiring him in silence.

At the same time, Sky shifted in his chair, leaning forward without thinking, his eyes closed, his mind somewhere else entirely. And then—

Their lips collided.

It was sudden, unplanned. Sky’s eyes flew open in shock as he realized what had happened.

Nancy froze, her eyes wide, heart racing. The kiss was brief but electric, a spark neither of them had anticipated.

Nancy pulled back immediately, fumbling with her bag. “I… I’m so sorry, Sky… I—”

She bolted for the door, cheeks flushed and hands trembling.

Sky stayed still for a moment, his fingers instinctively touching his lips, tracing the spot where hers had met his.

His chest was pounding, sweat forming at his temples.

His mind was spinning, confusion and something deeper, something he didn’t fully understand settling in his chest.

He whispered to himself, half in disbelief, half frustration.

“What… just happened?”

His gaze remained fixed on the empty doorway, the image of her so close, refusing to leave his mind.

—–
[𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

The clink of metal echoed through the gym as Hunter pushed through another rep, sweat rolling down his temples.

His muscles flexed under the harsh lights, focus locked in—until Sasha’s voice cut through the rhythm.

“So,” She said, arms folded as she leaned against the wall, “…mind telling me where you were last night? You came home really late. I came here thinking you’d be around.”

Hunter finished the set, breathing steady. “I was out with Romeo.”

Her brows lifted. “Where?”

He racked the weights with a dull thud and turned to her. She handed him a bottle of water.

He took it, twisted the cap, and drank slowly, eyes never leaving hers.

“Do you really want to know?” he asked.

She nodded, lips forming a small pout. “Yes.”

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “It wasn’t a place you’d like.”

“That’s not an answer,” she said, stepping closer. “Try again.”

Hunter took another sip, then lowered the bottle.

“Romeo and I are in a Yakuza.” Hunter said.

She gasped, eyes widening.

“You’re joking,” she whispered, taking a small step back.

“Grandpa Rafael and Romeo’s parents were part of it too, but they’re retired. So basically… Romeo and I are in charge.” He said, calm, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Sasha stumbled back, her heart racing.

“So… that’s why you have a gun?” she asked, voice trembling.

“Yeah.” He nodded, unconcerned.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” she added, fear creeping into her tone.

“I just met you in person,” he said, stepping closer, “…you think I’d tell you that? So you’d run away from me? Nah.”

Her hands flew to her chest.

“Y-you’re… serious,” she stammered, wide-eyed, taking another step back.

Hunter’s expression softened as he reached for her, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“Don’t worry,” he said quietly, his voice low and steady. “Nothing’s going to happen to you.”

Sasha’s fear mixed with something else—her chest tightened, her cheeks flushed. She didn’t move when he leaned in, pressing his lips gently against hers.

She froze, heart hammering, feeling the warmth of him close, the unexpected tenderness against the danger he carried.

When he pulled back just slightly, his eyes locked with hers.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “Such a cutie.”

Her fingers instinctively went to her lips, still tingling from the kiss.

Suddenly, his phone rang.

He took it out from his pocket and Sasha caught a glimpse of the caller.

BILLIE 😒

He answered the call, connecting it to his earphones and wore it.

Hunter — What is it?

Billie — Let’s meet up, I know you’re back in Tokyo.

Hunter — And?

Billie — Let’s meet at the usual hotel, 8pm.

He hung up.

“Who was that?” She asked.

“No one important.” He dismissed immediately.

She nodded.

—–
[𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧]

The headquarters of the Jaguar Clan was thick with smoke and the stench of burnt gunpowder.

Aizawa’s face was red, veins bulging as he paced in front of Kai, fury radiating from every movement.

“How… how could you fail at such a simple mission?!” Aizawa bellowed, slamming his fist against the table. “Both you and Mio shamelessly outsmarted ! Do you even realize how much we lost today?!”

Kai’s jaw was tight, his expression unreadable, but his voice steady.

“Mio… she didn’t stand a chance against Hunter. He’s too strong. There was nothing she could do.”

Aizawa’s eyes narrowed dangerously, his nostrils flaring.

“And the men? The rest of our men? why weren’t they properly overseen? Where was your plan, Kai? You had everything to work with, yet you sent them to die like lambs!”

Kai’s hands clenched at his sides. “I… I did what I could. I miscalculated the plan I set for them. It wasn’t supposed to go this way.”

Aizawa took a step closer, the air around him seeming to crackle with anger.

“Miscalculated? Miscalculated?! Do you know how much men we lost? You don’t just ‘miscalculate’ against Romeo!!”

Kai’s throat tightened. “I know… I’ll make it right. I’ll—”

“Make it right?!” Aizawa shouted over him, pointing a trembling finger.

“There’s no ‘making it right’! Do you even understand the humiliation this brings? This was your responsibility, Kai!”

Kai swallowed hard, trying to contain his anger and shame. “I… I won’t fail again. I swear—”

“There’s nothing like again. You must be stupid to actually think you’d stand a chance against Romeo.” Aizawa said.

Kai clenched his fists.

—–
[𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚- 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦]

The phone rang twice before Rias picked up, her voice light, almost teasing.

“Hello… Haru?”

“Hey… are you free tomorrow? I was thinking we could meet up.” His tone was low, deliberate, carrying a tension only she could recognize.

Rias hummed softly, letting her voice drop an octave, playful. “Mmm… I think I can make some time for you…You know I like surprises.”

Haru chuckled, his grip on the phone tightening. “You always find a way to make me… impatient.”

She giggled, leaning her head against the wall. “Good. I like that about you. Makes me feel special.”

A pause. She tilted her voice, softening it like she was a victim in need of protection. “Haru… you should warn your wife.”

“What?” he said sharply, suspicion and rising anger threading through his voice.

“She… she tried to… she tried to kill me.” Rias said slowly, dragging out each word, letting it sink in.

Her tone was almost innocent, cute, trembling slightly to ignite his protective rage.

Haru’s jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck tensing. “What… what did she do?”

Rias pouted over the phone, sighing softly. “Oh, you know… she sent someone to kill me, I was almost shot. I guess she still isn’t happy with me being around you. Poor me, right?”

Haru’s hands tightened into fists, the anger in his chest flaring.

“That… Yuki… I’ll deal with her.” His voice was dangerously low, laced with fury.

Rias giggled again, playful and teasing. “Don’t worry… I’m fine. But you should keep an eye on her… you know… your psychopathic wife.”

Haru’s lips pressed into a thin line, his breathing deepening. “I’ll make sure she regrets even thinking about hurting you.”

Rias purred softly into the phone.

“Good… I like it when you sound protective.” She let the words linger.

Haru growled softly, the raw heat of possessive anger evident in his tone.

Rias leaned back, smiling to herself, before ending the call. “See you tomorrow, handsome. Don’t be late.”

The line clicked dead, leaving Haru gripping the phone, his jaw tight, eyes blazing with fury—and a desire to protect her he couldn’t hide.

—–

The door to Haru’s study flew open with a sharp bang.

His footsteps echoed down the hallway, fast and furious,. The air around him felt heavy, charged, like something was about to snap.

Yuki was stretched across the bed in their room, phone in hand, scrolling lazily, one leg crossed over the other. She didn’t even look up when he entered.

Until the mattress shifted violently.

Her phone slipped from her fingers.

Before she could react, Haru’s hand was in her hair, fisting it tightly, yanking her upright and dragging her off the bed.

She gasped, fingers clawing at his wrist as her feet barely caught the floor.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Yuki snapped, pain flashing across her face. “Have you lost your fucking mind?!”

Haru didn’t answer immediately. His breathing was uneven, eyes dark, fist clenched so hard it trembled.

“Did you,” He said slowly, dangerously calm, “…send someone to kill Rias?”

Yuki froze for half a second.

Then she laughed.

A short, sharp laugh full of contempt.

“Oh,” She scoffed, straightening as much as his grip allowed. “And so what if I did?”

The words hit him like a match to gasoline.

“So it’s true,” Haru said, his voice dropping. “You really did it.”

Yuki yanked her arm free and shoved him back, fury blazing in her eyes.

“Why are you acting like this? Over her?” She shouted. “What is it about that girl that makes you lose all sense?”

She stepped closer now, jabbing a finger into his chest.

“She’s using you, Haru. Can’t you see that? She doesn’t care about you, she’s just playing you. And you…” her voice cracked with rage.

“….you’re throwing everything away for her.”

He said nothing.

“You’re wasting your time,” Yuki continued, voice rising. “You have a family. I am your wife. We have a daughter, Haru. Or have you forgotten that too?”

That did it.

The slap came fast.

The sound cracked through the room, sharp and shocking.

Yuki staggered back, her hand flying to her cheek, eyes wide—not with pain, but disbelief.

“You hit me?” she whispered.

Haru’s chest heaved.

“You’re choosing her over us?” Yuki screamed. “Over your own blood?”

“Well she’s not the one with a filthy attitude, you just tried to commit murder!” Haru shot back.

Yuki laughed again, but this time it was hysterical. “I did it for you. To get rid of the problem. To protect what’s mine.”

He grabbed her again, shoving her back hard, his voice shaking with rage. “Stay away from her. You hear me? You don’t get go near Rias again.”

“Or what?” she challenged, tears burning in her eyes.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he struck his fist into her ribs, this time fueled by months of resentment, guilt, and obsession he’d refused to face.

Yuki cried out, stumbling, trying to fight back, nails scratching, fists swinging—but he was stronger, angrier, completely unrestrained.

“Don’t touch her,” He snarled. “Don’t even think about her, you get it?!”

A small gasp came from the doorway.

“Mommy… Daddy…”

Both of them froze.

Yuki’s breath hitched as she turned. Bella stood at the doorway, her little hands clutching the hem of her floral gown, eyes wide.

She took one look at her mother’s tear-streaked face, the way Yuki’s body trembled, the redness blooming on her skin—and she gasped.

“M-Mommy…?” Her voice cracked.

Yuki didn’t even think. She dropped to her knees and pulled Bella into her arms, shielding her instinctively, her own body curling around her daughter.

Bella burst into tears.

“Daddy, why are you hitting Mommy?” she cried, her tiny fists pounding weakly against Yuki’s chest as she sobbed.

Haru stood there, chest heaving, fists clenched so tight his knuckles were white.

His eyes flickered with something close to regret, but it was drowned by anger and chaos.

“Bella…” He reached out.

She shoved his hand away with all the strength her little body could muster.

“Don’t touch me!” She cried, shaking. “Don’t touch Mommy!”

That stopped him.

Haru staggered back a step, dragging a hand through his hair roughly, his breathing uneven.

He looked away, like he couldn’t stand the sight of what he’d done reflected in his daughter’s eyes.

Yuki rocked Bella gently, pressing her lips into her hair, whispering broken reassurances through her tears.

“It’s okay… Mommy’s okay… I’m here… I’m here…”

Bella clung to her, sobbing harder.

“Please, Daddy,” Bella begged through hiccups. “Please don’t hit Mommy again. Please… I’ll be good. I promise.”

The words hit him real hard.

Haru squeezed his eyes shut, turning his face away as if that alone could erase the moment.

Slowly, Haru lowered himself to his knees in front of her, the anger draining from his face, replaced by something raw and shaken.

His hands hovered in the air, unsure, before settling gently on her shoulders.

“I’m… I’m sorry, baby,” he said, his voice rough, barely holding together. “Daddy’s sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. I shouldn’t have scared you.”

Bella sniffed, her tiny fists clutching the front of her dress. “You made Mommy cry,” she sobbed. “I don’t like it when you hurt her.”

Yuki pulled Bella into her arms immediately, holding her tight, rocking her as if she could shield her from everything.

Her own tears soaked into Bella’s hair as she kissed her forehead over and over.

Bella peeked over Yuki’s shoulder at Haru, her lips trembling.

“Daddy… hug Mommy,” she said softly, like it was a rule that could fix everything.

Haru hesitated.

Then he stood, stepped forward, and wrapped his arms around Yuki and Bella together.

His embrace was firm, almost too tight, his hand pressing against Yuki’s back as Bella stayed between them.

Yuki stiffened for half a second before holding Bella closer.

Haru lowered his head, his lips brushing near Yuki’s ear as his voice dropped into something only she could hear.

“I’m not done with you.”

Yuki’s fingers curled into Bella’s sleeve, her body tense, her heart pounding but she didn’t pull away.

Bella hugged them both, believing, for that moment, that everything was fixed.

—–
[𝐊𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬] – 5PM

Bianca moved silently down the dimly lit corridors, her janitor disguise perfect—baggy overalls, mop in hand, a cap pulled low over her face.

Every step was calculated, careful not to draw suspicion.

She had waited for the right moment, for Haru’s secretary to leave her office for the night. Timing was everything.

The faint click of the office door locking behind the secretary was her cue.

Reaching the door, Bianca quickly retrieved the pass key she had stolen earlier, sliding it into the lock. The door opened with a soft click.

She paused for a moment at the threshold, taking in the quiet emptiness of the office. The lights were dim, the room still smelling faintly of polished wood and expensive cologne.

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

She moved further into the office, ready to find exactly what she had come for.

Bianca slid into Haru’s leather chair, the subtle creak of the material barely audible in the silent office.

She placed her small hacking device onto his laptop, fingers working quickly and efficiently.

The screen flickered for a moment, then she was in—full access.

She opened his email first, scanning through messages with precision.

Her eyes caught a pattern almost immediately: his credit card was being used at the same location at a precise time each month. It was in Osaka.

She searched for location duration on the laptop.

Apparently, Tokyo to Osaka..

By train (Shinkansen): ~2.5 to 3 hours.
By car: ~6-7 hours (depends on traffic)
By plane: ~1 hour (flight time), plus airport time .

Noting the detail, she quickly printed the email on the printer beside her.

“Romeo was actually right, you probably know where your mom is.” She smirked.

Next, she checked his calendar, confirming her suspicions. The same date this month had a timer set—Haru’s pattern was consistent and predictable.

She jotted down the details mentally, making sure nothing was overlooked.

Satisfied, she removed the device, shut the laptop, and quietly slipped out of the office, leaving no trace of her intrusion.

Once safely outside, she pulled out her phone and dialed.

“Babe..,” she said, her voice low but excited. “I’m on my way over. Got some interesting news.”

—–
[𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]

Romeo dropped his phone, leaned back against the cool stone wall of the cellar, swirling the dark liquid in his glass.

The dim light caught his sharp features, making him look even more intense than usual.

“I still can’t believe you and Bianca would eventually start dating. I thought you were going to reject her,” Hunter said, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I wasn’t going to,” Romeo replied, his voice calm but firm. “Even if she asked me earlier, my answer would’ve been the same.”

Hunter raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “Do you really love her?”

Romeo’s gaze drifted to the glass in his hand before locking onto Hunter. “Does it look like I don’t?”

“I don’t know,” Hunter admitted.

“I took a long while to think it over,” Romeo continued, voice quieter now, more reflective.

“Bianca and I have been together for years. I know the kind of person I am—difficult, stubborn, hard to read. But you already know I wasn’t ever unfair to her. Maybe harsh at times… especially when she tried to call me ‘babe.’ I didn’t want to admit it, even to myself, but I was afraid I was actually in love with her.” He paused, taking a steady sip.

“So yes, I love Bianca. I care about her and she’s important to me.”

Hunter was quiet for a moment, processing. “And Rias? How do you feel about her?”

Romeo let out a short, humorless chuckle. “Bro… Rias is like my female version. Difficult, stubborn, always pushing me to the edge. I don’t feel anything for her… we just fight constantly.”

Hunter tilted his head. “But it’s not like you hate her either, right?”

Romeo’s eyes softened just a fraction, almost imperceptibly. “No… not hate. I don’t hate Rias.”

—
Rias came out of her room and checked Romeo room. She wanted to go out with Sasha and would be home late so she wanted to tell him.

Rias stepped softly down the stairs, her curiosity piqued. She hadn’t expected anyone else to be in the house at this hour.

As she neared the living room, muffled voices reached her ears, and she froze.

“Hunter is here?” She whispered to herself, stepping closer.

From around the corner, she caught sight of Romeo and Hunter, sitting near the bar, deep in conversation.

“But your parents will be really pissed at you,” Hunter said, leaning against the counter.

“Like I’d listen to them,” Romeo replied casually, his tone indifferent, yet there was a sharpness behind it.

Hunter frowned. “So what are you going to do? You can’t date Bianca and be married to Rias. That’s hypocrisy, especially after you told Rias not to associate with Haru.”

“I know,” Romeo admitted, taking a slow sip from his glass. “But associating with Haru won’t do her any good.”

“And you can’t divorce Rias either,” Hunter pressed.

Romeo shrugged. “Who said anything about divorce? I know I can’t divorce Rias, so I’m not going to stress myself with it.”

Hunter’s brow furrowed. “So what are you going to do? You can’t just keep Bianca aside if you love her. It’d be unfair to her.”

Romeo’s expression darkened for a moment, thoughtful. “I’m thinking of talking to Grandpa personally about the marriage. If he refuses to call it off, then I’ll just go with plan B.”

“Plan B?” Hunter asked, suspicious.

“I’ll marry Bianca as a second wife.” Romeo said.

“Marry Bianca?”

They heard a soft voice behind them and turned.

“Rias…” Romeo called, stepping forward, his presence filling the room.

He halted just in front of her, eyes locked on hers.

“So, you’re really having an affair with Bianca?” she asked, her voice even but her chest felt tight.

He nodded.

“And you told me to stay away from Haru, the hypocrisy..!!” she continued, her hands clenching at her sides.

“What’s special about that guy? He’s a cheater and a fake,” Romeo said casually, like it was nothing.

“And you’re better than him?” she shot back, her voice sharp.

“Yes, I am. I already gave you permission to do whatever you want. There’s no point arguing,” He replied, calm and unbothered.

Rias clenched her fists, trying to shove down the unusual tightness in her chest.

Why does this feel like it’s stabbing me? she thought. I don’t even like him. I’ve never liked him… so why does it hurt seeing him with someone else?

She forced a laugh, bitter.

“Fine then. Since it’s official that we both don’t approve of this marriage, we can talk to Grandpa together.”

Her voice shook slightly, though she didn’t mean for it to.

“Let’s get a divorce,” She said, almost defiantly, but the words sounded heavier than she expected.

Her eyes betrayed her, glassy, though she refused to look at him.

I should feel relief. I’ve wanted out of this marriage forever. So why does my chest feel like it’s closing in? Why can’t I just… be free without this…without him hurting like this inside me? She thought to herself.

Romeo’s hand moved, resting lightly on her chin, tilting her face up.

“A tear slipped,” He murmured softly, as if reading her thoughts, his thumb caressing her chin.

Rias’s stomach churned. Why does this matter to me? I shouldn’t care. I don’t want to care…

You know that feeling of dislike you have for someone… You dislike them but can’t stand them being with someone else either.

Her heart was racing, betraying her own mind. I hate this feeling. I hate that I’m feeling anything…… but it’s like a punch in the gut seeing him claim someone else.

“Do you…love her?” Rias asked him.

“Yes, I do.” Romeo said, his hand still on her chin.

Seeing him actually thinking of finding happiness after acting like he owned her own life. It pissed Rias off.

She raised her hand and slapped his hand away from her face.

“Don’t….touch me, Romeo.”

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.