How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 33&34

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 33&34

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

“Hit me…!! Hit me some more, Romeo…!!”

The words were still hanging in the air when his hand loosened.

Romeo’s fingers slid away from her throat slowly, deliberately, like he was forcing himself to let go. He knows that the next slap she would get from him would really knock the lights out of her.

The moment the pressure disappeared, Rias folded forward, coughing hard, sharp gasps tearing out of her chest. Her lungs burned.

Her eyes stung, vision blurring red at the edges as she dragged air back into herself like it had been stolen.

She tasted iron.

When she looked up, he was staring straight at her.

He shook his head once, as if disgusted, as if she wasn’t worth the effort anymore, and turned away without a word.

The sound of his footsteps faded down the hall.

Rias’s back hit the wall as her knees gave out. She slid down slowly, her body heavy, boneless, until she ended up squatting on the floor.

Her palms pressed against the cold surface, fingers trembling, breath coming in uneven pulls.

She laughed weakly under her breath, dragging a hand through her hair.

“For a second there…” she whispered hoarsely, trying to steady herself, “I really thought he was going to hit me again.”

Her chest rose and fell erratically. Her throat throbbed where his hand had been, the ghost of his grip still there, warm, possessive, violent.

“God…” she muttered, swallowing. “I’d probably be unconscious by now.”

Despite the ache, despite the sting in her eyes, a crooked smile tugged at her lips.

____
[Hunter’s Room]

Sasha sat on the edge of the bed the moment they walked in, her shoulders stiff, her gaze fixed on the floor. She didn’t look at Hunter once.

Behind her, the door clicked shut. Hunter locked it, the sound sharp in the quiet room, then tossed his phone onto the bed.

“Have you eaten?” he asked casually as he started unbuttoning his shirt. “I ordered room service. It should be here soon.”

She didn’t answer.

Hunter paused, then moved closer and sat beside her.

“You’re pretty quiet,” he said, his tone lighter than the weight in the room. “What’s wrong?”

She shifted away, just a little. His eyes followed the movement. He reached out, fingers closing around her chin, lifting her face until she had no choice but to look at him.

“What is it?” he asked.

Her voice came out small. “Can I… can I sleep in my room tonight? Please?”

He studied her for a moment, then smiled faintly, his thumb brushing her chin. “Don’t you want to stay with me?”

“I…” Her lips parted, then closed again. The truth sat heavy in her chest, unspoken. She couldn’t find the courage to say it.

“Nothing.”

His smile widened. He leaned in and pressed a light kiss to her lips, testing. When he pulled back, his thumb traced her mouth slowly.

“F+k…” he murmured, and kissed her again.

This time there was no gentleness. His hands framed her face, his mouth claiming hers with a force that stole her breath.

She didn’t respond, didn’t push him away either, frozen somewhere in between. He deepened the kiss, demanding, until a small sound escaped her despite herself.

Her back hit the mattress as he followed, his presence caging her in, his control absolute.

A sharp knock broke through the haze.

Knock. Knock.

“H-Hunter… the door,” she whispered, turning her face away, trying to catch her breath.

“Forget the door,” he said quietly, his voice firm, his grip unyielding as his hand slid into her top.

“Hunter, stop,” she breathed, panic slipping into her tone. “I’m not ready.”

Something in her voice made him pause. He looked at her for a long second, unreadable, then straightened and stepped back as if nothing had happened.

He went to the door, collected the food without a word, and shut it again. The room fell silent except for Sasha’s uneven breathing.

She sat up slowly on the bed, heart racing, realizing with a cold twist in her chest that this relationship wasn’t just suffocating her.

It was terrifying her.

“Eat up, I’ll go take a shower.” He said to going into the bathroom.

______
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞]

The campus had been in chaos since morning.

Phones were out everywhere. Screens shoved into faces. Whispers turned into shouting matches. Hashtags trended faster than lectures could start.

The news had hit like a bomb that Sky might be sued for s+×ual assault and cancelled as an idol.

Clusters of students crowded the courtyard, stairways, even the hall entrances. No one was neutral. You were either for him or against him.

Nancy had barely stepped through the gates when the noise hit her.

Loud. Ugly. Relentless.

A group near the fountain was the worst. Voices overlapping, fingers pointing, accusations flying.

Haters:
“So it’s finally out. I knew it. These idols are all fake.”
“Sexual assault? Please, you don’t just get accused for nothing.”
“He’s always looked full of himself. Typical.”
“Cancelled already. Sponsors are pulling out, did you see?”
“Good riddance. Another trash man exposed.”

A few people laughed.

Nancy’s jaw tightened.

Across from them, Sky’s fans were visibly shaken but holding their ground.

Fans:
“You don’t even know if it’s real.”
“The video is fake. Anyone with eyes can see that.”
“He hasn’t even been charged yet, you idiots.”
“Cancel culture is insane. You ruin people before the truth comes out.”
“He would never do that.”

Non-fan:
“Whether you like him or not, you can’t just label someone a criminal overnight.”
“Deepfakes exist. This isn’t 2010.”
“Let the investigation happen first.”

That only made the haters louder.

Haters:
“Oh please, here come the defenders.”
“Why are you all so desperate to protect a man you don’t even know?”
“He’s rich and famous. Of course you’d believe him.”
“His fans are delusional.”

Nancy stopped walking.

Her gaze locked onto one girl standing slightly ahead of the others. She was smiling…smiling and clearly enjoying the attention, clearly enjoying stirring the pot.

“You people are embarrassing yourselves defending a predator. Open your eyes. He’s done.” The girl said.

That was it.

Nancy stepped forward.

The crowd noticed her immediately. The way she walked in—calm, deliberate, unafraid, it made a few people go quiet.

She stopped right in front of the girl.

“Say that again,” Nancy said evenly.

The girl scoffed, eyeing her up and down.

“Oh? Another fan?” She sneered. “Let me guess, you still have his posters on your wall.”

Nancy didn’t raise her voice. That somehow made it worse.

“You’re spreading unverified accusations like facts,” Nancy said. “Do you know what defamation is?”

The girl laughed.

“Wow, listen to you. Defending a criminal. All his fans are the same—dirty, desperate, pathetic.” The girl yelled.

A murmur ran through the crowd.

Nancy took a step closer.

“What did you say?” She asked quietly.

The girl didn’t back down. In fact, she leaned in, enjoying this.

“I said you’re just as dirty and pathetic as your filthy idol..!!”

Nancy’s eyes darkened.

She didn’t hesitate.

Her hand came down hard against the girl’s face, the sound sharp and cracking, loud enough to silence the entire hallway

The impact sending the girl reeling straight into her friend and both of them crashing to the ground in a messy heap of limbs, screams tearing out of their throats as phones slipped from their hands and the crowd froze in shock.

Before anyone could react, Nancy was already on them.

She grabbed the girl by the collar and yanked her upright just to slap her again, and again, and again, the hits coming fast and unforgiving, each one landing with precision.

The girl cried out, hands flailing uselessly as Nancy didn’t give her room to breathe, didn’t give her time to think, the arrogance being beaten right out of her face.

“Open your mouth properly,” Nancy snapped, her grip tight, her voice cold with fury, another slap landing immediately after. “If you’re so loud when you’re talking shit, you can be loud now too.”

The girl was sobbing uncontrollably now, face red, tears pouring, but Nancy didn’t stop.

She slapped her again, then shoved her back against the pavement, towering over her, eyes blazing.

“Admit it,” Nancy said, sharp and commanding. “Say it clearly. Say Sky is the best.”

The girl shook violently, words choking in her throat, another slap cutting her off before she could hesitate.

“Say it.”

“I— I—” she cried, voice breaking, fear flooding her eyes.

Nancy struck her again, slower this time, harder. “Sky. Is. The. Best.”

The girl finally broke completely.

“Sky is the best!” she sobbed loudly, voice cracking as it echoed through the crowd.

“He’s the best, okay? He didn’t do anything, the video is fake, I was just talking rubbish, I’m an immature hater, I was talking shit!”

Her friend beside her was already crying, nodding frantically, panic written all over her face. “He’s the best, he’s innocent, we were wrong, please stop!”

Nancy released the girl and straightened slowly, looking down at them with nothing but contempt.

“Now scram,” she said flatly.

They didn’t wait. They scrambled to their feet, faces streaked with tears, stumbling over each other as they ran through the crowd, heads down, disappearing as fast as their legs could carry them.

For a second, everything was silent.

Then clapping erupted, loud and explosive, cheers breaking out, students murmuring in shock and excitement, phones lifting again, this time not to gossip but to capture the aftermath.

Nancy finally exhaled and turned.

That was when she saw Levi and Ginger approaching her through the crowd, both clapping.

Ginger was grinning like she’d just watched a live legend being born, while Levi’s expression was calmer, proud in a quiet, steady way.

Ginger tilted her head, a crooked smile on her lips as she fell into step beside Nancy, the noise from earlier still buzzing faintly around them.

“You really pulled a fast one back there, didn’t you? Couldn’t stand your crush getting badmouthed, huh?”

“Those girls were way out of line,” she said evenly. “And the idea that Sky might be cancelled? Never. I won’t allow it.”

“Won’t allow it?” Ginger blinked, amusement fading just a little.

Nancy finally glanced at her, her expression sharp, dangerous.

“I’ll do whatever it takes. His career won’t end because of some shitty fake video, and if I find out who posted it, I’ll ki–” she stopped herself abruptly.

Both Ginger and Levi were looking at her now.

Nancy inhaled, forcing her shoulders to relax, the edge in her eyes dulling just enough to pass as normal.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. “Forget it. Let’s just get to class.”

She moved ahead of them, but Levi reached out and caught her by the elbow, his grip firm but not rough, pulling her to a stop.

“Nancy, wait,” he said, lowering his voice. “What are you up to?”

She looked at his hand on her arm, then up at his face, forcing a small, careless smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Nothing,” she repeated. “Forget I said anything.”

She slipped her arm from his hold and walked ahead again, leaving Levi and Ginger exchanging a look behind her.

_______
[𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚]

All their classmates were gathered under the wide shade near the resort woods, chatter overlapping, laughter mixing with competitive murmurs as Giselle stood on one side with a clipboard and Keifer on the other holding a stack of folded maps, both of them clearly enjoying the attention.

Giselle clapped her hands to draw everyone in while Keifer stepped forward, eyes scanning the crowd like he was about to announce something serious instead of a game.

“Alright, listen up,” Giselle said, voice clear and confident, “…with the number of people we have here, we’re doing this a little differently.” She gestured toward the woods behind them.

“There are seven flags hidden out there, which means only seven duo teams will be able to capture one. The rest of you will go back empty-handed, so choose your partner wisely.”

A ripple of reactions spread through the group, excitement sharpening instantly.

Keifer continued, “Each duo gets one map. Follow it through the woods, find a flag, and bring it back here. Simple.” He lifted three fingers. “The first three teams to return with a flag win. No shortcuts, no switching partners halfway, and no stealing flags from each other once you’ve got one.”

Giselle smiled, already anticipating chaos. “Pick your partner and come get a map. Once the maps are gone, the game starts.”

Movement exploded immediately.

Kiss grabbed Reed by the arm without hesitation. “You’re with me, bsby.” She declared, already dragging him forward.

“Bro, tell me the quickest route to where you hid the flags.” Kiss pouted dramatically, leaning closer.

“Yeah, don’t act like you don’t know exactly where they are.”Reed laughed as they approached Keifer.

Keifer didn’t even blink. “Don’t think I’m gonna tell you.”

“I’m your sister,” Kiss shot back.

“I don’t care,” he replied flatly, handing them a map anyway.

Reed frowned. “You two are being unfair, we’re family.”

Giselle cut in smoothly, eyes narrowing just enough to be playful but firm. “Cheating is a crime. Take the map and move.”

They groaned but stepped aside, already arguing about directions.

A little farther back, Hunter glanced down at Sasha, his tone calmer than usual. “Do you really want to join?”

“Yeah,” She said lightly, forcing a small smile. “Doesn’t matter if we win or lose. Just for the fun.”

He studied her for a second, then nodded.

“Sure. Hold on.” He leaned in and kissed her quickly, then added, “I’ll go grab a map.”

As he walked off toward Keifer, Sasha exhaled slowly, watching the crowd break into pairs around her while the woods loomed ahead.

—-
Rias planted herself firmly in front of Romeo, hands on her hips, eyes narrowing as she stared up at him.

He was leaning back casually, shades on, hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans.

“Don’t even think for a second that I’m joining in,” He said, voice low and flat.

“Why not?” she pressed, tilting her head.

“Must you know why?” He replied, eyebrow twitching just enough to be irritating.

“But I want to join,” she insisted, stepping closer.

“Then go find yourself a partner,” he said.

Rias crossed her arms, frustration flickering across her face.

“I don’t want to team up with someone I don’t know!” she said, her voice softening into a plea.

He let out a slow sigh, shaking his head.

“I’m not doing this because I want to. It’s just so you’ll stop nagging me, crazy bi+ch.” Without another word, he turned on his heel and started walking toward the tables where the maps were laid out.

Rias’s eyes lit up instantly.

“Yes!” she squealed under her breath, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

Romeo strode to the table where Keifer and Giselle were, picking up a map with precise, deliberate movements.

“You’re actually participating?” Keifer asked, leaning back casually, a teasing smirk on his face.

“Got a problem?” Romeo replied smoothly, never breaking his stride.

“Nope,” Keifer said, leaning closer, slinging an arm around Romeo’s shoulders. “You’re really going to hang out with her? Alone in the woods? Thought you hated her?”

“Does it look like I don’t?” Romeo countered, keeping his cool.

“Um… you definitely hate her,” Keifer muttered with a smirk, finally letting him go.

Romeo’s eyes, hidden behind the dark shades, flicked forward as he started walking away, map tucked neatly under his arm.

Rias fell in step beside him, her grin stubborn and triumphant.

“Glad I convinced you.” she said quietly, matching his stride without missing a step.

He didn’t respond, as they disappeared toward the edge of the woods, the map between them and the game just beginning.

______

Rias gripped the map tightly, leading the way as they trudged through the dense underbrush, her eyes flicking between the trail ahead and the sketchy map in her hands.

The ground was uneven, littered with loose rocks, gnarled tree roots, and slick patches of moss that made her balance precarious.

A gust of wind swept through, brushing her hair into her face and making her wobble. Romeo followed silently behind, hands in his pockets, shades still on, his presence a steady anchor behind her.

“If we get to the other side, we can reach the flag,” Rias said, her voice a mix of determination and nerves.

She stepped over a particularly jagged rock, but her foot slipped on a slick patch of moss. Her arms flailed, trying to regain balance, but it was too late—she fell forward, bracing herself with her hand on the rocky ground.

The map flew from her grip, tumbling through the air before spinning over the cliff edge. She gasped as she watched it disappear into the waters far below.

“Oh crap! I lost it!” she said, eyes wide as she scrambled to the edge, peering down.

She turned to Romeo, panic creeping into her tone. “How are we gonna find it?”

He scanned the surrounding forest, eyes sharp but unamused.

They were practically in the middle of nowhere, trees and undergrowth stretching endlessly around them, no landmarks in sight. His jaw tightened.

“It’s pointless if we proceed without the map,” he said calmly, voice low but edged with frustration. “We’re going to have to go back.”

Rias groaned, frustration and embarrassment washing over her. “Seriously? All that way and now we just turn around?”

Romeo didn’t answer, already turning toward the path back, shades reflecting the dappled sunlight as he walked with his usual steady, unbothered pace.

Rias sighed, falling into step beside him, her earlier excitement dampened but determination still flickering behind her eyes.

Just then, she stumbled over a protruding root and landed with a soft thud.

“Ouch!” she yelped, gripping her ankle.

Romeo stopped and looked down at her, his expression blank, the shades still shading his eyes, but the tilt of his head was sharp, assessing. He took off his shades.

“Won’t you help me?” she pouted, forcing a hint of charm.

He sighed, his gaze sweeping from her face to her ankle. There was a faint redness forming around it. He stepped closer and squatted before her.

“Sit here,” He said, gesturing to a small rock. She carefully lowered herself onto it, wincing.

His hand moved to her foot, slipping off the sneaker, and cradled her ankle gently in his palm. The warmth of his hand was comforting, but his grip firm.

Rias’s eyes lingered on his face—the way his hair fell slightly over his eyes, the sharp line of his jaw, the calm, almost effortless way he looked.

How could someone look this good without even trying? So collected, so controlled, yet there was a tension beneath the surface she could sense.

“Don’t you know how to walk properly? I hate people being a burden to me,” He scoffed, voice flat but edged with irritation.

She stayed silent, her fingers reaching out almost instinctively, brushing back a stray lock of his hair.

He arched an eyebrow. “What are you doing?”

Embarrassed, she withdrew her hand, and he stood.

“Can you walk?” he asked.

“No… it kinda hurts,” she admitted, her teeth gritting against the discomfort.

This really f+king hurt.

“Don’t think too much about this,” He said, and before she could protest, he leaned down and scooped her up into his arms, holding her in a firm bridal carry.

Rias gasped, her heart hammering wildly. She hadn’t expected this, not from him. Not from him.

Her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, the closeness of his body against hers sending heat rushing through her chest.

She felt every beat of her own heart, loud and erratic, while she clung to him as he stepped out of the woods with that effortless, controlled stride.

She could feel the tension in him, the barely-contained energy, yet there was no softness in his face, yet every instinct screamed at her that she was the only thing holding his attention right now.

She liked this so much. Maybe hurting her ankle was a blessing in disguise.

______
[Villa]

The villa hallway was quiet as Romeo closed the door behind them, and Rias’s room loomed ahead. When they got in , he set her down on the bed, but she didn’t let go, her arms still locked around his neck.

“Let go,” he said, voice low, controlled, his jaw tight.

“I don’t want to,” She whispered, her gaze tracing his every feature.

“Rias, I’m not in the mood for this madness.” He muttered, stepping back slightly.

“Can I kiss you?” She asked, her voice barely more than a breath, eyes locking with his in an intense stare.

For a heartbeat, everything seemed frozen. Then he pulled her away from him, standing straight, his expression unreadable. She reached out, grabbing the front of his shirt, holding on.

“Romeo,” she pressed.

His hand slapped hers off without hesitation, firm and unyielding.

“Please… just give us a chance. I’m not always like this, you know. I’m just… really desperate right now. I love you so much and—”

“I don’t love you. I can’t love you, Rias. Don’t you get it?” His words hit her like steel, sharp and final.

She shook her head, frustration and disbelief flashing across her face.

“Then why did you agree to go into the woods with me? You carried me! You were… nice to me!! It’s so odd for you when you almost choked me yesterday!”

“Didn’t I tell you not to read meaning into it? I guess you never learn. If I wanted to teach you a lesson, it would be so easy. I could play you, toy with you, and dump you without a second thought.”He let out a humorless scoff.

“ But I don’t have time for this. Learn to put some respect on yourself before I start seeing you as the whore you are.”

And with that, he turned and walked out, the click of the door echoing like a final punctuation.

Rias’s fists clenched so tight her nails dug into her palms. She screamed, the sound raw, desperate, burning through the quiet room.

“Can’t love me, huh? We’ll see about that,” She hissed through gritted teeth, chest heaving, eyes blazing with a fire that would not be snuffed out.

_______
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Nancy was lounging on her bed when a knock came at the door.

“Miss Nancy, you have a visitor. He said his name is Sky,” the maid announced.

“Sky? What is he doing here?” Nancy murmured to herself, arching a brow.

“Lead him to my room,” she said, and the maid nodded before quietly leaving.

A few minutes later, another knock echoed.

“Come in,” Nancy called.

The door opened, and Sky stepped inside. The instant he did, his jaw dropped, and he instinctively shut the door behind him.

His eyes roamed over her, taking in the casual ease of her look—messy bun, bra top, jean shorts.

Most parts of her skin were exposed, and yet there was no pretense.

“Why are you here? How… did you even know where I live?” She asked, trying to focus but failing as his gaze lingered.

Nancy smirked faintly.

“I asked Levi,” He replied simply.

“I saw the video… what you did to those girls at school before it was taken down. On the school website,” He said, his voice low but steady.

“Oh,” Nancy replied, leaning back slightly.

“Thanks for defending me. You really didn’t have to do that,” He said, taking a careful step closer, his tone softening.

“You’re welcome,” she said, her eyes meeting his as she sat squarely on the edge of her bed.

“Sit,” She gestured to the space beside her, tapping the mattress.

He hesitated a second, then eased down beside her, careful not to invade her space too much, though his eyes kept drifting to hers.

“So… why are you here exactly?” She asked, her voice low, her face turning just slightly to glance at him.

The question was simple, but the intensity in her gaze made it anything but simple.

Sky exhaled, leaning slightly forward.

“I came to see you.”He swallowed, shifting slightly, his hands fidgeting at his sides.

“Why?” Nancy asked, her tone sharp but curious, tilting her head as she studied him.

“I just… wanted us to hang out,” he said, eyes flicking to hers, holding them a fraction longer than necessary.

“Why’s that?” she pressed, crossing her arms.

Sky hesitated.

“Do you… still love me? I don’t mean to pry.” His voice was softer than usual, unsure, almost vulnerable.

Nancy blinked, letting a small smirk tug at her lips. “No.”

His shoulders slumped slightly.

“Why?” There was a quiet edge to his disappointment, something in his tone that made her heart twitch.

“I lost interest. You told me to forget about you, didn’t you?” she replied casually, though her eyes didn’t leave his face.

“I… didn’t mean it. I just…” His words trailed off, his gaze dropping for a moment, then snapping back up with that raw intensity she remembered.

“So… you like me now because Emma left you?” Her voice held a hint of teasing, but it was layered with challenge.

“No. It’s not that. I just… Nancy.” He stopped, swallowing hard, as if trying to figure out how to explain what he hadn’t even fully admitted to himself.

She raised a brow.

“Unless you can make me fall in love with you again,” She said, leaning back just slightly on the bed, arms crossed, daring him to try.

Sky’s chest tightened. He shifted closer, closing the distance between them by a careful, measured pace.

Nancy let her fingers brush his arm lightly, just enough to make him shiver, a small, involuntary reaction that made her smirk.

“I can..do that.” He said confidently.

“Really?” She murmured, her hand retreating, “You can make me fall in love with you again? Can you really do that?”

Sky swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.

“I—I can.” His voice cracked slightly, betraying the calm he usually carried in front of cameras and fans.

Nancy moved a fraction closer, letting the edge of her shoulder press against his, her gaze locked on his.

She reached up and ran a finger along the line of his jaw, teasing, light enough to make him flinch.

“You’re getting all fidgety. Do you get nervous often?” She asked, her voice low.

Sky’s breath hitched, and he leaned slightly into her touch without meaning to, caught off guard.

“I… I don’t know what you mean,” He said, voice uneven.

Nancy leaned even closer, tilting her head, letting her lips almost brush his. He froze, eyes widening.

She’s going to kiss him. Again. He tried to kiss her first but she pulled back at the last second, a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Not yet.” She whispered.

“Can I… can I kiss you? I want to kiss you, Nancy.” His voice was barely above a whisper, edged with desperation.

Nancy shook her head lightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“Not yet. I’ll decide.” Her hand lingered on his chest for a while before she withdrew, leaving him still shivering from the contact.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get snacks..”
She stood , giving him a small, mischievous smile.

Sky nodded, still stunned, his pulse racing in a way it hadn’t in years. As she walked out, tossing him a glance over her shoulder, he realized she wasn’t just thw meek Nancy he knew

This one was different ,she was in charge, and he was completely, utterly caught in her charms.

_______
[𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫- 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 – Private Runway]

The private plane touched down smoothly, rolling to a stop on the secluded runway.

Romeo didn’t even wait for the steps to fully extend before he swung open the door and stepped out, hands in his pockets, moving with that effortless, impatient pace that always made him seem untouchable.

Hunter and Sasha descended behind him, their steps quieter, more measured.

Rias was last, her shoes clicking against the metal stairs, her gaze sharp as she watched Romeo move ahead without a backward glance.

He didn’t even speak to her throughout the trip and she spent the last day doing nothing but drink since Sasha was always with Hunter 24/7 of the day.

At the waiting area, Bianca sat alone, her jacket draped casually over the back of her chair.

The moment the group entered, her eyes lifted, locking on Romeo, and she couldn’t hide the smile that spread across her face. When her gaze met Rias’s, it flicked away.

Romeo slowed only when he reached Bianca. She stood on her toes, pressing a quick, confident kiss to his lips.

His hand rose slightly, digging into her hair as he deepened the kiss, and when she pulled away, he licked his lips, voice low.

“Missed you,” He muttered.

“Me too,” she replied, a playful wink punctuating the words.

“When did you get back?” He asked, keeping his hand around hers as they started walking toward the exit.

“This morning. How was your trip?” She asked, stepping alongside him.

“Boring. Let’s head home, I’m tired,” he said, tugging her gently by the hand, already moving toward the exit.

Hunter leaned down to Sasha, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

“I’ll see you later,” he said before walking away, leaving Sasha and Rias standing together.

Sasha exhaled, finally looking at Rias, whose jaw was tight, her eyes dark with barely contained irritation.

“Rias?” Sasha murmured cautiously.

“The nerve of those two,” Rias spat under her breath, voice low but sharp.

Sasha sighed, tired of the tension. “Can we go already? I’m exhausted.”

They were just about to leave the private area when Rias’s noticed Bianca’s jacket still on the chair.

Almost then, Bianca was already on her way back after realizing she forgot the jacket.

Rias took the jacket.

“Rias, what are you doing?” Sasha asked, glancing at Bianca who reached them.

“Hand me my jacket,” Bianca demanded.

“And if I don’t want to?” Rias shot back.

“I don’t have time for your silly games, Rias. Stop trying to create an argument between us. You’re none of my business, now give me back my jacket,” Bianca said firmly.

“Do you want to know what happened between your precious boyfriend and me? I don’t think he’s going to tell you, so I would,” Rias sneered.

“What… are you talking about? What happened between you and Romeo?” Bianca asked, confusion flickering across her face.

“I hope you don’t get mad that I had to borrow your boyfriend for a while. I mean, it was just a kiss, and he carried me and… I don’t think you want to know the full details,” Rias taunted.

Bianca’s head dropped down for a second before she burst out laughing. Rias frowned.

“What’s so funny?” Rias snapped.

“I’ve heard you… then what?” Bianca chuckled.

Rias clenched her fists.

“Can I have my jacket back? Romeo is waiting for me.” Bianca demanded.

“Okay,” Rias said and dropped the jacket on the floor, deliberately stepping on it.

“Rias… stop,” Sasha said, alarmed.

“This is none of your business, Sasha,” Rias snapped.

“What the heck is your problem?!” Bianca shouted, her patience thinning.

“My problem is you. Everything was going to go according to plan, I would’ve still been with my husband if you didn’t ruin everything. You’re not just a whore, you’re a home wrecker as well,” Rias yelled, her voice sharp and venomous.

“Home wrecker for a home that was built on nothing but hate? What exactly happened between you and Romeo to make you claim that you had a home with him?” Bianca shot back.

“He was my husband!” Rias screamed.

“WAS. Thank God you realize that. Well, guess what, he’s mine, and it’s not like he was ever yours to begin with,” Bianca said, stepping closer, unshaken.

“You were nothing but a slut to him. You were just a fuck toy, someone he uses to satisfy himself! I want you to disappear totally from his life. You’re not good for him, he doesn’t even love you!!” Rias spat, rage burning in her eyes.

Bianca had already had enough. She took two steps closer to Rias, standing her ground.

“I’ve been silent on every petty little thing you’ve done and all the insults that you’ve given me all because I respect Romeo and your grandfather, but this is the height of it, Rias. He loves me, and I can bet my life on it that you forced yourself on Romeo. What now, were you begging for his attention?!” Bianca snapped, her voice loud and unwavering.

Rias’s hand shot up—and then SLAP.

Rias slapped Bianca, but it barely fazed her. Bianca barely flinched; the strike felt like a breeze against her. Rias’s eyes widened, not even in her wildest dreams could she have imagined what would happen next.

Bianca retaliated instantly, delivering two sharp, ear-blocking slaps—one with her palm, one with the back of her hand.

A thin cut opened on Rias’s cheek, a trickle of blood running down, and Rias yelped.

“You crazy bitch!” Rias shouted, stumbling slightly.

Bianca’s stance was controlled. She was holding back, as she gave Rias a slight punch in her ribs just to weaken her a bit.

Sasha rushed forward, arms out, trying to push between them. “Stop it, both of you!”

But Rias wasn’t listening. She lunged, grabbing a fistful of Bianca’s hair with both hands.

Bianca’s reaction was instantaneous; she wrapped one hand around Rias’s hair and yanked hard, sending Rias’s head snapping backward.

“Let go now!” Rias screamed, face twisting in pain.

“Why should I, you crazy woman!!” Bianca growled, fisting Rias’s hair tighter.

“Arghh!!” Rias howled, stumbling backward under the pull.

Bianca pressed her advantage, her voice venomous.

“Listen closely, Rias Gremory, cause I’ll only say this once. The only time you’ll ever have Romeo is if I’m dead. So pray hard. I want you to pray fucking hard—make sure my death is in your prayers—’cause that’s the only time you’ll ever have my man, do you understand, you pathetic psycho!!”

She shoved Rias hard, and Rias staggered back, hair tangled, face a mess of slight blood and sweat.

“Bianca.”

The deep voice cut through the chaos. They all froze and turned. A few meters away, Romeo stood, his eyes calm, taking in the scene.

He had come back after noticing Bianca was taking too long to return to the car.

Rias’s gaze flicked to him, but his attention wasn’t on her—it was locked on Bianca.

“Rias, enough already,” Sasha pleaded, stepping closer.

Bianca walked over to him, brushing a strand of hair from her face, exhaling deeply.

“I didn’t want to hit her, but I have my limits too. And I’m not sorry about it either.” She said.

“I thought you’d just keep letting her disrespect you without doing anything.” Romeo’s lips curved faintly.

“I just…” Bianca hesitated.

“Shh. You did well,” He said, placing a hand on her head, patting her hair softly. “What did she tell you?”

“You two kissed?”Bianca’s eyes flicked to him.

“Um… that’s right,” he admitted lightly, but his tone was steady.

She frowned, her jaw tightening.

“You already know I wouldn’t actually kiss her.” He added.

“I know, but I don’t like the idea,” Bianca said, frowning deeper.

Romeo rolled his eyes just a little.

“Stop frowning,” He said, his voice calm.

Bianca exhaled and held his hand.

“Let’s go,” She said, and together they walked away, leaving Rias behind, her anger unresolved.

—
Sasha was already giving Rias a hard enough lecture but Rias wasn’t listening.

“Sasha I don’t need your lectures,” Rias snapped, her voice sharp.

“Do you actually love Romeo?” Sasha asked, voice low but cutting through Rias’s defenses.

“Yes, I do. I know I seem pathetic and petty as fuck but can you blame me? He’s the first guy I’ve fallen in love with,” Rias admitted, her words almost trembling with honesty.

“I honestly don’t think you’re trying to make him like you, it’s like your goal is to make him hate you,” Sasha shot back.

“Sasha…” Rias began, but Sasha cut her off, her eyes blazing with frustration.

“Look, I know that after telling you about how my relationship with Hunter is going, I don’t have the right to lecture you about love or relationship or anything. But what you’re doing might backfire on you,” Sasha said firmly, stepping closer, her hands clenched into fists.

“Not every tough guy like Romeo who also likes tough women wants the woman to be a weapon fashioned against them! You don’t know a single thing about this guy.”Sasha yelled.

“You don’t know his favorite food, his hobbies, likes and dislikes, his birthday, what makes him happy, what triggers him to pick interest in someone, what perfume he uses, fuck—you don’t even know anything about how he runs your family’s joint Yakuza or his own company! Nothing, Rias. You know nothing!!” Sasha yelled, her voice breaking slightly with exasperation and concern.

“Look, I’m your best friend and I will always support you. You love this guy even if he has a girlfriend? Go ahead, I got your back. But your method of doing it is childish, immature, and pathetic!!” Sasha’s words hit Rias like a punch to the gut.

“And who asked for your opinions on what I can or cannot do?” Rias shot back, her face flushing with anger.

“You can’t even get your own man to treat you right or keep his dick in a place and you’re advising me?!” Rias’s words came out harsher than she intended, venom dripping with hurt and frustration.

“Ri…Rias…?” Sasha said, her voice catching in pure shock.

Rias froze. Her chest tightened, her hands trembling as she realized what she had just said.

“Sasha, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it,” Rias said quickly, her voice small, remorseful.

“It’s fine, I get it, you’re not wrong anyways,” Sasha said softly, shaking her head as she turned and walked away.

“Sasha!!!” Rias called, her voice cracking as panic and guilt set in.

She sank to the ground, squatting, palming her ears, her body trembling. Tears streamed down her face before she even realized it.

She hadn’t just yelled at Sasha—she had hurt her best friend, the one person she trusted most.

“I didn’t mean it…” she whispered to herself, her voice breaking.

“I didn’t mean it…” she repeated, more desperate this time.

“I’m sorry…” she sobbed.

“I’m sorry…” she echoed, curling in on herself as the weight of her own anger and regret pressed down.

The tears wouldn’t stop.

“It’s not a crime, is it? He’s the only guy I’ve ever fallen in love with.” She sobbed into her hands, shaking, the pain in her chest raw and suffocating, a mix of love, guilt, and helplessness.

“I just want Romeo to love me back. I don’t want him to hate me…” She cried harder.

“But I don’t know how to do it. I’ve never fallen in love before, so I don’t know what to do.” She whispered, voice breaking, barely audible over her sobs.

She buried her face in her hands, trying to hold herself together, but it was impossible.

“I’m not a bad person.” she said, almost pleading with herself as much as with the empty space around her.

Her voice cracked with every word, each one carrying the weight of all the pain she’d been holding in.

“I… I don’t want to fight him or force him. I don’t want to play games or manipulate him. I just… I just want him to care about me. To want me. To love me. Is that so wrong?”

She shivered, curling into herself on the ground, hands clutching at her knees.

“I… I’m scared. I’m scared he’ll never feel the same way. That he’ll just look at me and… hate me instead. And I don’t think I could survive that. I… I can’t…”

“I’m not a bad person,” She whispered again, repeating it as if saying it enough would make it true right now. “I just… I just love him, and I don’t know what else to do…”

.

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𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.