How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 21&22

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 21&22

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains of Rias’s room, falling on the neat, spotless floor.

She rubbed her temples, still feeling the lingering ache from the night before. Anger, frustration, and heartbreak had tangled together so tightly that it was physically exhausting.

Today was a hospital day, but getting out of bed felt like a monumental effort.

A gentle knock echoed through the room.

“You awake, sis?” Nancy’s voice came from outside, cheerful but tinged with concern.

Rias groaned softly. “Come in.”

The door creaked open and Nancy stepped inside, holding a small glass of milk.

“Here, it’ll help with your headache, probably.” She set it on the nightstand, giving Rias a warm, sisterly smile.

Rias muttered a quick thanks and lifted the glass to her lips, sipping slowly.

The cold milk soothed her throat and stomach, but not the weight pressing on her chest.

Nancy perched on the edge of Rias’s bed, hesitating for a moment before speaking again.

“So… what happened? With… you know, Romeo?” Her eyes were wide, curiosity practically spilling out.

“We divorced.”Rias exhaled sharply.

Nancy blinked, then leaned forward, her voice lowering into a mix of concern and disbelief.

“Divorced? But… why? Doesn’t he… I mean, doesn’t he like you?”

Rias set the glass down and pinched the bridge of her nose. The familiar question, the assumption that she should be crying over him, made her fist tighten.

“Nancy, please. I don’t need a lecture on my life first thing in the morning.”

Nancy frowned, undeterred. “But seriously, Rias… you two were married, and suddenly it’s over? Did he… do something? Or… is it something you did?”

Rias’s patience frayed.

“Look, it’s over. That’s all you need to know. I’ve got more important things to worry about than rehashing my marriage drama with a curious little sister.”

Nancy tilted her head, not ready to back down. “But you’re my sister, I have the right to know! If the marriage didn’t work out—”

Rias shot her a sharp glance, voice cold.

“Nancy, enough!!. Go to school and focus on your classes. Stop meddling in adult stuff you don’t understand. This isn’t something you need to be involved in.”

Nancy opened her mouth, hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “I… okay. I just… I hate seeing you upset.”

Rias softened just a fraction, leaning back against the pillows.

“I know. But some things, Nancy… you’ll understand when you’re older. Right now, your concern is life and school, not my ex-husband.”

Nancy sighed, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off her skirt.

“Fine, fine. I’ll go… but I’m still going to check on you later. You promise you’ll eat something, right?”

Rias let out a small, almost tired laugh. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll eat. Go on, get out of here before I start yelling at you again.”

Nancy grinned, giving her one last sisterly glance before heading to the door. “Alright, I’ll behave… for now.”

Rias watched her leave, her chest still tight with lingering emotions. She took another slow sip of milk and exhaled, mentally preparing herself for the day ahead at the hospital.

_____
[𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞]

🎙️ “Attention students of Shinjuku College. The annual festival is coming up in less than a month. All students who wish to perform must submit their performance details from now until Friday. Have a nice day.”

The announcement echoed through the hall as students began to chatter about acts and rehearsals.

Sky spotted Nancy walking upstairs and immediately started toward her.

“Nancy,” he called.

She turned, a small smile forming. “Sky… I was looking for you. About the duet, we should probably rehearse and—”

He cut her off, stepping closer, his tone sharp. “Forget it. We’re not performing at the festival. Cancel it.”

Nancy blinked, taken aback. “What? Why? I thought you liked the song…”

“I don’t want to,” he said flatly, brushing past her shoulder.

She frowned, frustration creeping into her voice. “Is this because of the kiss? Do you hate me again?”

Sky stopped, glancing at her with a cold, unreadable expression. “That kiss never happened. So no, I don’t hate you. I just don’t care enough to perform with you anymore.”

Nancy’s lips pressed into a thin line, her excitement fading instantly. “You’re… really mean, you know that?”

Sky smirked faintly, unconcerned. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just honest. Stop bothering me as well.”

He turned and walked away, leaving Nancy standing there, stunned.

“Does he just wake up one day and decide to be cruel to me?”

—
[𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨]

The studio was quiet, the heavy curtains drawn, instruments sat scattered around the dimly lit room, and Levi lounged in a chair, headphones on, eyes closed, lost in his own world.

A faint scent hit him, and his eyes opened slowly.

“Nancy?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She walked in and sat across from him, crossing her legs.

“I swear, Sky is impossible,” she muttered, flopping into the chair. “He’s just… ugh. I don’t even know why I bother anymore.”

Levi tilted his head, curious. “Go on. What did he do now?”

She groaned, resting her chin in her hand. “He just… he’s so cold. Mean for no reason. And that whole festival thing—he just cancels the duet like it’s nothing. I’ll just… have to forget about him.”

“Wait. What do you mean by forget about him?”Levi’s eyes widened in surprise.

“I mean… I’ll try to get rid of my feelings for him,” She said firmly.

“As an idol, I love his music, but personally? Sky’s a toxic person. All these two-faced celebrities…” She let out a frustrated sigh.

“So… does that mean…” Levi started, but she cut him off with a shake of her head.

“No, Levi. C’mon. We already talked about this.”

He leaned back, grinning. “Calm down. Did you think I was going to tell you to give me a chance or something?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that what you were going to say?”

Levi chuckled, shaking his head.

“Nope. We already settled this. It’s fine that you don’t see me that way. Honestly, I like having you as a friend better anyway. So don’t worry, I won’t make any more advances.” He said.

She smiled, relieved. “Thanks. By the way… why are you all alone here?”

“Nothing fancy. I don’t have classes today, and I didn’t feel like going to the agency or staying home. Thought I’d hang here for a bit,” He said casually, running a hand through his hair.

Nancy leaned back, tilting her head. “So… when’s your album dropping? I know you’ve been preparing one.”

Levi’s eyes lit up slightly. “Ah, you actually know about it? Ginger and her loud mouth. Yeah, it’s coming together nicely. Probably within the next month, if everything goes smoothly.”

He leaned forward, teasing. “Wait… are you suddenly my fan now?”

“What do you think?”She folded her arms.

“Maybe. Or maybe you just finally admit that I’m more talented than your fav.”He smirked.

Nancy laughed, a little embarrassed.

“Okay, fine, I listen to your songs now. They’re really impressive. And you’re a rapper too… so cool.”

Levi leaned back, pretending to be modest. “Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment coming from the Nancy Gremory, who I know could slay a stage herself.”

She grinned.

“I’ll let you listen to my new songs first hand before releasing it.”He said.

“Yeah, a gift for my very special new fan.” He said.

Nancy chuckled, shaking her head.

“The song you wanted to sing with Sky…. We can perform together if you want.” He said.

She froze looking at him.

“Is that a yes?” He winked.

_____
[𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧]

Emma sat cross-legged on the edge of the couch, her laptop resting on her knees. Kai leaned against the doorway, arms folded, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

“So what was it that you had in mind for the plan?” She asked.

“I need you to organize an explicit role play. Full scenario, follow my instructions exactly. Once it’s done, you’ll send the video to the person I tell you to.”

Emma blinked, a mix of surprise and hesitation crossing her face. “Wait… what exactly is this video going to be used for?”

Kai took a step closer, his eyes locking onto hers. “The person will edit the guy in the video—using Sky’s face. Deepfake. Then it gets uploaded on the celebrity forum, using a completely anonymous account.”

Emma swallowed, trying not to let her nerves show. Her mind raced with the implications, but the way Kai said it, there was no room for debate.

He had that tone, the one that made her want to obey, even when she didn’t fully understand.

“Is… is it going to be public?” she asked softly.

“Yes,” he replied bluntly. “But the account is anonymous. You won’t be exposed. You just need to do your part.”

Emma bit her lip, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “And you trust me to… handle this?”

Kai stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch sent a shiver down her spine.

“I do. That’s why I’m telling you directly. You’re smart, careful… and I know you’ll follow my instructions exactly. You always do.”

“You sure he won’t suspect you?” Emma asked, leaning back against the couch, arms folded.

“Even if he does, he won’t be able to prove anything. Suspicion without evidence is useless.” He glanced at her, calm, almost amused.

“Besides, he’ll be too busy trying to clear his name to look in the right direction.”

Emma studied his face for a moment. “You sound very confident.”

“I am.” A faint smile curved his lips. “I can already imagine it. The headlines. The whispers. His fans turning on him one by one. People love tearing idols down.”

“You really think it’ll work?” Emma asked again, though her tone wasn’t doubtful, just curious.

Kai stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You should know Sky better than anyone.”

She let out a quiet scoff. “Yeah.”

“He’s a weakling,” Kai finished flatly. “Pressure breaks him. Always has.”

Emma nodded slowly, a spark of excitement flickering in her eyes.

Kai reached out, brushing his thumb lightly against her chin.

_____
[𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬] – Records Room

Rias pushed open the heavy door to the records room, the faint scent of paper and disinfectant hitting her as she stepped inside.

She carried a clipboard, ready to pull some medical files the doctor had requested. Rows of shelves loomed around her, stacked high with patient charts and folders.

A few staff members moved quietly between the aisles, filing papers or scanning charts. Rias walked with purpose, sliding a file from the shelf and glancing over its contents.

Suddenly, a female security officer appeared at the doorway, clipboard in hand.

“Rias Gremory?” the officer asked.

Rias peeked out from behind a shelf, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.

“Yes… that’s me,” she replied cautiously.

The security officer glanced down at her notes. “There’s a lady waiting for you in the lobby. She says it’s urgent.”

Rias nodded, carefully tucking the file under her arm.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice calm but alert.

She made her way toward the exit, slipping past the rows of shelves and toward the elevator.

—

Rias arrived at the lobby and immediately spotted Bianca standing near the glass doors, arms crossed.

“Hi,” Bianca greeted, her tone neutral but cautious.

Rias scanned the area quickly, there were people here.

“Follow me,” Rias said sharply, striding toward the hospital’s ground balcony. Bianca followed silently.

Once they were out of sight of prying eyes, Rias stopped and turned to face her.

“And what exactly are you doing here?” Rias asked, folding her arms.

“I just… I wanted to drop by and see you,” Bianca replied.

“For?” Rias’s tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing.

“I heard about your divorce with Romeo…” Bianca started.

“And what about it?” Rias shot back coolly.

“Look, Rias, I don’t have anything against you. We didn’t exactly start off well, and I hope we can get along… especially since I respect your family.” Bianca’s voice was measured, but she tensed under Rias’s stare.

“Correction,” Rias said, circling her slowly, “…you work for my family. That aside, are you here to rub it in my face that you and Romeo are together?”

“No, that’s not—” Bianca started.

“Then what?” Rias’s voice dropped, dangerous and sharp.

“I just—”

“You must be happy, having him all to yourself,” Rias interrupted, eyeing Bianca head to toe, her smirk darkening.

“You really think you deserve him? You’re a slut, a whol0re, a bi+ch he uses to satisfy his cravings because he’s a man.”

Bianca’s fists clenched, her jaw tightening.

“Did you just call me a slu+?” she hissed.

“Why? Is there any better word for you?” Rias’s tone was mocking, almost playful.

“Do you really think he loves you? Or even values you one bit? You need to wake up from your pathetic delusions, Bianca…” Rias leaned in slightly, letting her words sting.

Bianca stepped forward, eyes flashing.

“I’m not going to stand here and take this—just because I came to talk to you!” she said, her voice rising.

“And what are you going to do, huh?” Rias tilted her head, pouting mockingly.

Bianca raised her fist, her body tense, ready to strike. Rias chuckled, dark and low.

“Are you going to hit me? Is that it? Come on, Bianca, I’d like to see you try.”

Bianca hesitated, her fist trembling slightly as she held herself back, one punch to Rias would really land her on a hospital bed but on the other hand, she’d get into trouble with her grandfather.

“Let’s make one thing clear, Bianca,” Rias continued, her grin wicked. “Romeo is mine. He was mine first, and I’m not going to watch a whore like you take him from me.”

“Why are you doing this? I thought you hated him. Why the sudden change of heart? Why, when he chose me over you? Weren’t you being a bitch to him? Why this… territorial act now?” Bianca’s voice was sharp, holding back the fury she wanted to unleash.

“Because he’s my husband. He’s mine, and I don’t need a reason for wanting him,” Rias said, her eyes glinting with defiance.

“You know you’re fighting a lost battle. There’s no way you can keep him.”

“So because he rejected you, suddenly you realize you like him? That’s… the lowest of the low, Rias,” Bianca spat, trying to maintain her composure.

“Enjoy him while you can, Bianca. He won’t be yours for long,” Rias said, her tone venomous as she turned and walked away.

Bianca watched her go, exhaling slowly.

“This kid… really is a brat,” she muttered under her breath.

_____
[𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐮’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Haru noticed Rias was online and he entered her dm and quickly typed:

Haru: Hey… you free tomorrow evening? Let’s hang out 😏

A few seconds later, Rias replied:

Rias: I guess…

Haru: “I guess”? That doesn’t sound very convincing 😅

Rias: Fine 🙄 Tomorrow evening, then.

Haru noticed the difference immediately—the usual teasing, flirty emojis were missing. No playful winks, no heart eyes. Just… flat.

Haru: Alright 😎 Tomorrow it is. Can I pick the location?

Rias: Sure. Whatever.

Haru blinked at the screen. Whatever? That wasn’t her. Something in the tone felt off.

Haru: “Whatever”?? 😳 That’s not you… are you okay?

Rias: I’m fine. Don’t read too much into it 😏

Haru frowned. That smirk emoji didn’t quite mask the boredom he sensed. She wasn’t playful, she wasn’t flirty… it was the exact opposite of her usual tone when they talked.

At that moment, another message came in from an unknown number.

Unknown: You’ll be coming today, right?

Haru: Sure, I’m on my way. I’ll bring a lot of groceries for you too.

Unknown: Thanks.

Haru set his phone down, stood from the bed, and stretched his arms.

“Alright,” he muttered to himself, brushing back his hair. “Time to get dressed.”

He walked over to his closet, selecting something casual but sharp.

As he got ready, he couldn’t shake the thought of Rias’ flat, almost bored tone. He had never heard her like this before.

Slipping into his outfit, he grabbed his car keys. The evening ahead felt different already, and Haru knew he’d have to be careful, Rias’ mood wasn’t the usual fun he was used to, and it made him wary.

_____
[𝐎𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐀]- 4 Hours Later – 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲

The hum of the highway filled the car as Romeo gripped the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead. Bianca sat beside him, looking out the window.

“So… what were you doing at the hospital?” Romeo asked, his tone clipped.

“I… went to see Rias,” Bianca replied, trying to keep her voice calm.

He didn’t look at her. “Why is that?”

“Just… wanted to sort things out with her,” She said, twisting her hands in her lap.

He’s gonna get pissed.

Romeo’s eyes flicked toward her, cold. “Are you desperate for her validation?”

“I just…” she started, hesitating.

“I don’t fucking want to see you begging her for anything. Don’t piss me off,” He interrupted, voice low and dangerous.

“I—I’m sorry,” Bianca said, flinching at the edge in his tone.

He gave her a long, blank look, then turned his gaze back to the road.

“You shouldn’t give me that attitude,” she said, trying to defend herself.

He glared at her, eyes dark, piercing.

“I apologized,” she murmured.

“I’m not mad at you,” he said finally, still cold, his voice cutting through the tension like ice.

“Okay,” she whispered, settling back comfortably in her seat, her heart still racing from the sharpness of his gaze.

—

Romeo parked across the street, engine idling, eyes fixed on the glass entrance of the luxury accommodation suite.

Haru stepped out of his car moments later, coat draped over his shoulders, posture relaxed. He didn’t notice them tailing him the entire time.

Romeo’s fist tightened on the wheel.

“So this is where she is huh?” he muttered.

Haru disappeared through the revolving doors.

Romeo exhaled slowly, fingers tapping the steering wheel once before he killed the engine. His gaze hardened, the calm before something violent.

“Let’s go,” He said to Bianca.

He pulled his cap lower and adjusted the mask over his face.

Bianca stepped out beside him, mask over her face too. Together, they crossed the street and entered the building.

The lobby was quiet, marble floors gleaming. They walked side by side toward the reception desk, their presence alone shifting the atmosphere.

“Good day, sir, ma’am,” The receptionist greeted politely. “How may I help you?”

Bianca leaned slightly forward, her tone pleasant. “Do you have a guest named Haru Kagami?”

The woman hesitated, fingers pausing above the keyboard. “Um… I’m sorry. We don’t disclose the identities of our occupants.”

Bianca looked at Romeo.

Romeo said nothing.

He reached into his coat, pulled out a black card, and placed it on the counter with deliberate slowness.

The soft tap echoed louder than it should have.

The receptionist glanced down.

Then froze.

Color drained from her face as she read the name engraved on the card. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, a shiver running visibly through her shoulders.

She looked up at Romeo, then quickly back down, her hands trembling as he calmly retrieved the card.

Romeo leaned in slightly, his voice low, controlled, carrying no threat yet somehow filled with one.

“You have a guest named Haru Kagami.”

This time, it wasn’t a question.

“Yes—yes, sir,” she stammered, fingers flying over the keyboard. “I’ll… I’ll check properly.”

The seconds stretched. Bianca watched the woman crumble under the pressure, while Romeo stood perfectly still, patience sharpened into something dangerous.

“Mr Kagami is registered on the fifth floor,” The receptionist said quickly. “Apartment 508.”

Romeo straightened.

“Good,” he said.

He turned away immediately. “Let’s go.”

Bianca followed as he headed for the elevator, his footsteps steady, unhurried, like a man walking toward something inevitable.

The elevator doors slid open.

As they stepped inside, Romeo’s reflection stared back at him in the polished steel walls.

Bianca pressed the button for the fifth floor, the numbers lighting up one by one. The air inside felt tight, heavy with anticipation.

“Are you going to charge straight in,” She asked quietly, eyes flicking to him, “..or do we wait for Haru to leave?”

Romeo didn’t even look at her. His expression was unreadable beneath the cap and mask.

“Why wait for him to leave?” He replied calmly. “He should enjoy this firsthand entertainment.”

The doors slid open.

They stepped out together, their movements synchronized. The hallway was pristine, muted beige walls, thick carpet swallowing the sound of their footsteps.

Romeo’s hand slipped casually into his coat pocket, his posture relaxed, almost leisurely, like he owned the place.

“508… 508… 508…” Bianca murmured under her breath as they walked past each door, counting.

They stopped.

Bianca reached out and pressed the doorbell.

Once.
Twice.

She caught the faint movement of the peephole cover shifting, just slightly.

“He’s not gonna open it.”Bianca said.

“Move aside,” Romeo said quietly.

Bianca stepped back without question.

Romeo pulled the gun from his coat with practiced ease, his movements smooth, unhurried.

He screwed the silencer onto the barrel, the faint metallic click sounding unnaturally loud in the silence of the corridor.

His eyes stayed locked on the door as he took a step back, raised the weapon, and aimed precisely at the lock.

Two muted shots.

The lock exploded inward with a sharp crack, the metal giving way instantly.

Romeo didn’t hesitate. He drove his foot into the door, kicking it open as it slammed against the wall, and stormed inside.

Bianca followed, as the door swung close behind them.

“You bastard—”Haru barely had time to curse before he lunged at Romeo, fist flying.

Bianca moved faster.

She caught Haru’s fist mid-swing and, without hesitation, drove her fist into his face.

The impact snapped his head to the side and he staggered back, nearly losing his footing.

“Ow…shit!” Haru groaned, spitting blood.

Romeo stepped forward, calm, unhurried.

“Where’s your bi+ch of a mother?” he asked, voice flat.

“What are you talking about? She’s dead. What are you trying to insinuate?” Haru wiped his mouth, eyes burning.

Romeo didn’t answer him.

He closed the distance in two long strides. Haru didn’t even see the punch coming.

A heavy blow slammed straight into his nose. There was a sickening crack, and Haru screamed as blood poured down his face.

“Argh—!”

Before his legs could give out, Romeo grabbed him by the collar and yanked him upright like he weighed nothing.

Another punch followed immediately, smashing into the same spot. Haru cried out again, pain exploding through his skull.

He tried to fight back, swinging blindly, elbows flailing, but it was useless. Romeo caught him by the hair, fingers tightening painfully at his scalp.

“Stay still,” Romeo said quietly.

He slammed Haru’s head down into the glass dining table.

The glass shattered instantly, exploding across the room. Haru collapsed with it, crashing to the floor amid broken shards.

He coughed violently, blood splattering the tiles as he struggled to breathe.

Romeo stepped over the wreckage and crouched in front of him, unbothered by the mess. Haru looked up weakly, vision swimming, chest heaving.

Romeo met his gaze, eyes cold and focused, as if this was long overdue.

“Now,” He said softly, “…we’re going to talk.”

“I’ll ask again,” Romeo said quietly, pressing the cold mouth of his gun to Haru’s head.

“And if you don’t answer me… your brains will be all over the floor. Then I’ll find your bitch of a mother and kill her. After that, I’ll kill your precious daughter.”

Haru’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, his body trembling against the shattered glass beneath him.

“I’ll ask you again,” Romeo continued, voice steady, almost bored. “Where is Diana?”

“Don’t you dare go near my daughter, you psycho,” Haru spat, coughing blood as he tried to push himself up.

Romeo’s lips twitched—not a smile, not anger. Just irritation.

“Wrong answer.”

He grabbed Haru’s hair and smashed his head against the floor again. The sound was dull, heavy. Haru screamed out, his body going limp for a second.

“I’ve checked everywhere,” Bianca said as she stepped out of the hallway, scanning the wrecked suite.

“Bedrooms, bathroom, even the storage. She’s not here.”

“She’s here,” Romeo replied without looking away from Haru.

“My mother is dead,” Haru gasped. “She’s been dead for years.”

Romeo straightened slowly.

“Okay then,” He said calmly, lifting the gun and aiming it straight at Haru’s chest. “Join her in hell.”

Haru’s eyes widened.

“No—!”

A figure rushed out from the inner room, moving on instinct, throwing herself in front of Haru.

BANG.

The gunshot echoed through the suite.

She cried out as the bullet grazed her shoulder, the force spinning her aside. She collapsed to the floor, clutching her arm.

“No… Mom!” Haru screamed, dragging himself toward her.

Romeo expression felt empty. Just nothing—like this was exactly how he expected it to go.

Haru looked up at him, eyes wide, disbelief written all over his bloodied face.

“You were really going to kill me?!”

Romeo tilted his head slightly, staring down at him.

“Did you think I was joking? Cute” He said flatly.

He lowered the gun just enough to look Haru straight in the eyes.

He then looked at Diana, really looked at her this time.

“You still look exactly how I remember,” Romeo said flatly. “Pathetic.”

Her lips trembled, but before she could speak—

“Bianca.” He called.

Bianca moved instantly. She grabbed Diana by the arm, forced her toward the dining chair that had been dragged out earlier, and shoved her down into it.

Diana gasped as she landed, the chair screeching against the floor.

“Don’t touch my mom!” Haru tried to push himself up.

Bianca didn’t even look at him. Her foot swung out and connected with his face. Haru cried out and crashed back onto the floor, his body skidding across broken glass.

Romeo stepped closer to Diana. She stared up at him, her eyes wide, fear finally creeping in.

“We meet again, Diana,” He said calmly. “Did you miss me?”

“It’s been seventeen years, Romeo!” she snapped, her voice shaking. “Leave me alone! What happened was in the past.”

He let out a quiet breath, almost amused.

“Really? Then why did you run away? You thought I’d tell my parents?” His eyes darkened. “No. I wanted to deal with you myself.”

He dragged another chair forward and sat directly in front of her, legs spread casually, elbows resting on his knees.

“I see you’re still loud,” He said. “Still disgusting. You haven’t changed at all.”

“And you’re still a brat.”She scoffed.

“Why?” Romeo asked, his voice steady, unnervingly calm.

“I’ve always wanted to know. What was it about me that was attractive to you?” He tilted his head slightly. “I was twelve.”

Diana laughed bitterly. “What do you think? I was in love with your father. Angelo knew it. Everyone knew that I was forced to marry Haru’s father, trapped in a life I didn’t want.”

Haru’s breathing hitched.

“After I gave birth to Haru,” Diana continued, her eyes wild now, “I thought if there was anything…anything I could do to make Angelo look at me again, I would.”

Romeo didn’t blink. “So what did you do?”

“I killed my husband,” She said without hesitation. “I made sure Angelo knew I was free. I thought he’d come to me.” Her voice cracked with rage.

“But he still chose to marry Hinata over me.”

“M… mom?” Haru whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Romeo leaned forward slightly. “And what does that pathetic story have to do with you touching me?”

Diana smiled. It was wrong. Twisted.

“At first, I thought about killing your mother when she was pregnant with you…” She said lightly. “But then you came out just perfectly. You looked just like your father.” Her smile widened.

“So I thought—why not have a taste of you instead? I waited till you grew a little, wanted to wait till you were 16, but you might have a more nasty attitude then, so I just took the opportunity when I saw one.”

She laughed, loud and unhinged.

Bianca stared at her, genuine disbelief flickering across her face. “Is this woman insane?”

Haru couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. His world shattered right there on the blood-stained floor.

“You don’t understand how I felt when I touched you,” Diana rasped, her laugh warped and ugly.

“All I could think of was Angelo, his cock inside me, touching me…. I wanted to take you all to myself and—”

BANG.

Her scream tore through the room as Romeo fired straight into her knee. Her body jerked violently, collapsing sideways as blood spread across the floor.

“Romeo!” Haru shouted, panic ripping through his voice. “Stop it! Stop hurting her!”

Romeo didn’t even look at him.

Good thing the gun was silenced. He hated unnecessary attention.

“Stop hurting her?” Romeo said calmly. “Did you hear the nonsense spilling out of her rotten mouth?” He finally turned, his eyes dark.

Haru’s breath hitched.

“I can reach your daughter,” Romeo continued, voice steady, deliberate.

“Right now. How about I send someone to do that to your daughter? I can easily arrange for Bella to be raped right now……”

“Just let it go!” Haru yelled. “It’s been years!”

Romeo nodded once. “Fine, I won’t kill her. ”

BANG.

Two shots. This time into Diana’s thigh.

She screamed again, choking on it, clawing uselessly at the floor as blood pooled beneath her.

“I said stop it!” Haru staggered forward, barely able to stay upright, his face soaked red, his legs shaking. “I’m not going to stand here and watch you kill her!”

Romeo turned slowly.

“I already told you, I’m not killing her. ” He said, stepping closer.

He leaned in until his mouth was beside Haru’s ear. “You’ll do it yourself.”

Haru swallowed. “You’re insane.”

Romeo straightened. “Bianca.”

Bianca was already there, placing her gun into his hand without hesitation.

Romeo grabbed Haru by the shoulder and shoved him forward, forcing him to stand directly in front of Diana.

She was slumped on the floor now, gasping, her legs useless, blood soaking into the tiles.

“Now,” Romeo said quietly, pressing the gun into Haru’s trembling hand.

“Be a good boy and kill her for me.”

“Romeo, stop this…” Diana whimpered, her voice cracking with pain.

Haru’s hands trembled as he took the gun from Romeo.

“There’s only one bullet left in the magazine,” Romeo said casually, his eyes cold. “Better make good use of it. And don’t even think of doing something stupid.”

Haru gritted his teeth, his grip tight on the weapon, glaring at Romeo like he wanted to tear him apart.

“You bastard!!” Haru shouted, aiming the gun at Romeo.

But Romeo was faster. In one smooth, terrifying motion, he grabbed Haru’s wrist, twisting it, redirecting the gun’s position.

The shot fired, and the bullet struck Diana’s ankle. She screamed, stumbling back into the floor.

“Arghh!!!”

Haru cursed under his breath and rushed to her side, clutching her arm, helping her steady herself.

“F+k this…” He muttered, rage boiling in his chest.

He spun back toward Romeo, but before he could react further, Romeo slammed the gun into his ribs—not once, but twice.

Haru doubled over, gasping in pain, clutching his side, fury and helplessness warring in his expression.

“You gonna do it? Or should I teach you?” Romeo asked Haru, almost teasing as he stepped closer, handing Bianca the gun.

Bianca unloaded three of Romeo’s bullets into her own gun, then slid it back to him.

Romeo then turned and pressed the
remaining gun into Haru’s hands.

Haru stared at it, heart hammering, knuckles white on the grip, as Romeo’s gaze bore into him like a predator.

“Your scared, Haru?” Romeo whispered, a dangerous smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“One wrong move,” Romeo said quietly, a dark curve lifting his lips,

“…and I’ll make sure your daughter pays for the sins your mother committed against me. Ask yourself how much you value her.”

Haru’s breath hitched.

“Romeo… stop this madness,” Diana cried, her voice breaking. “If you want revenge, then kill me yourself.”

“No,” Romeo replied calmly. “I want your son to do it. Unless, of course, you don’t care what happens next.”

Haru’s hand began to shake violently around the gun. His fingers felt numb, his pulse roaring in his ears.

“Bianca,” Romeo said without looking away from him.

“Yes?”

“Call Tiago. Tell him I have a job for him…”

“ARGHHH!”

Haru screamed, his mind snapping.

BANG.

BANG.

BANG.

Three shots rang out in rapid succession.

Diana’s body jerked as the bullets tore through her chest. She collapsed backward, lifeless before she hit the floor.

The gun slipped from Haru’s hand.

“No… no… mom…”

He dropped to his knees beside her, pulling her into his arms, his hands slick with blood.

“Mom!!” Haru screamed, his voice breaking apart as sobs ripped through him.

“That was… unexpected. He really did it.” Bianca stared at the scene, her expression cold.

“I did what you wanted!” Haru cried, looking up at Romeo through tears. “Leave Bella alone….please! Not my baby..”

Romeo stepped closer, looking down at him without a trace of pity.

“Clean this up, Haru,” He said coldly. “You don’t want anyone seeing this mess.”

He bent down, picked up the gun, and smiled faintly.

“You know,” He added casually. “…you could be charged with murder.”

Romeo adjusted his mask, turned, and walked out with Bianca without another glance back.

“ROMEO!!”

Haru’s scream echoed through the room, raw and broken, as he clutched his mother’s body.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.