How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 35&36

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 35&36

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐮 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 – 7pm]

Romeo and Bianca stepped out of the sleek black car, the evening sky painted in streaks of gold and purple.

Bianca followed him toward the fortress, but Romeo stopped halfway, his hand resting lightly on the doorframe as he turned to her.

“What is it?” she asked, curiosity and a hint of impatience in her voice.

“Go to my room,” He said, his voice low, commanding, yet impossibly soft. “I prepared something for you. Put it on and come back.”

She tilted her head, suspicious. “Huh? What is it?”

“Don’t ask,” He replied, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “You’ll ruin the surprise.”

Bianca hesitated for only a moment, then walked up the staircase, her heart already pounding from the tension in his tone.

She reached his room and paused outside the door, feeling the faint hum of something electric behind it. She opened it slowly and froze.

In the center of the room stood a white mannequin draped in a dress that looked like it had been spun from midnight itself.

The black fabric shimmered with scattered diamonds that caught the soft light, like stars trapped in a gown.

The dress was daring a deep open back that tapered just above the small of the waist, delicate straps tracing a pattern across the shoulder blades, and a slit that promised every movement would flow with fluid elegance.

Every inch of it whispered power, beauty, and seduction.

“Oh my… God…” she breathed, stepping closer, her hand reaching out but stopping just short of the fabric.

Her chest fluttered, heat crawling through her veins.

Bianca’s fingers trembled slightly as she held her phone, staring at the dress on the mannequin for the hundredth time.

She didn’t even notice she’d dialed him until his deep, familiar voice answered.

“You like it?” Romeo asked, low and teasing.

“Like it? I—” Her voice caught. She blinked rapidly, speechless. Her words dissolved into silence.

“I love it,” she finally whispered, heart hammering so fast it was a miracle she could breathe. “When did you get the dress? How—”

“Yesterday. I asked Tiago to meet the designer and have it delivered here. It’s your favorite color too. Black.” His voice was calm, but there was a possessive undertone, the kind that made her stomach flutter and her pulse spike.

She stared at the screen, utterly speechless, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, the obsession, the care he’d put into this.

Every detail screamed him—Romeo.

“Dress up. I’m still waiting,” he said, and the line went dead.

Bianca exhaled shakily, dropped the phone onto the bed, and moved almost on autopilot. She headed to the bathroom, letting the water wash away her nerves.

The warm cascade soothed her, but her thoughts were still tangled in him, in the intensity of his gift, in the way his voice had held her in a grip she couldn’t escape.

When she stepped out, her skin still damp, she reached for one of his lotions, inhaling the faint scent he always wore.

She rubbed it onto her arms, shoulders, and neck, letting it cling to her. She caught her reflection in the mirror—her hair damp, eyes wide, chest still racing.

She brushed her hair carefully, then applied a touch of gloss to her lips. Her heartbeat quickened as she stepped into the gown.

It hugged her curves like it was made for her, the open back daring yet elegant, the diamonds glittering faintly in the soft light.

Her eyes fell to a box at the foot of the bed. With a small, curious gasp, she opened it. A pair of black Louboutins gleamed back at her.

Her lips curved into a small, incredulous smile. He thought of everything… every detail. Every. Single. Thing.

—

The second the door opened, Romeo looked up. His gaze fell on her, and it was like he’d been waiting for this moment his entire life.

Bianca stepped out, her heels clicking lightly on the stone, her nerves fraying but her chest swelling with anticipation.

“How do I look?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Romeo’s eyes darkened, his breath catching in that deep, controlled way he always had when he felt something intensely.

“You look… like every dark fantasy I’ve ever imagined, Bianca. Like I’d die and be reborn just to see you in this moment again. You… you’re irresistible, and I’m—” His words faltered as he stepped closer.

“…completely lost to you.”

Bianca’s heart slammed. She shivered, caught between desire and awe. His gaze wasn’t just appreciation—it was obsession, possession, love, and a hunger that left her breathless.

She knew, at that moment, that she had him entirely… and that he had claimed her in a way no one else ever could.

“So, where are we going?” Bianca asked, sliding into the passenger seat.

“On the date I promised you. I wanted to take you out as soon as I got back,” He said.

“Really? Aren’t you tired from your trip?” she asked, glancing at him.

“Me, tired? Nah,” he replied with a confident smirk, his hand brushing over the steering wheel.

“Let’s go.”

He started the car, the engine humming smoothly, and they pulled out of the fortress grounds.

_______
[5 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥] ☆ [𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞]

The hotel staff led them through a quiet hallway and opened the doors to the terrace. Bianca stepped out, eyes widening as she took in the sight.

The garden terrace was bathed in soft, golden fairy lights, twisting around the trellises and hanging from the trees.

Roses of deep red, blush pink, and ivory lined the edges of the terrace, petals scattered delicately on the floor.

Tables were set with crystal glasses, gleaming silverware, and the faint aroma of gourmet food drifting from the carefully plated dishes. Wine flowed in carafes, reflecting the soft glow of the lights.

Bianca turned to him, unable to hide her astonishment. “What the… Romeo.”

He simply stepped forward and pulled out the chair for her. “Sit.”

She lowered herself onto it, her eyes still drinking in the beauty around her. He sat across from her, his deep gaze never leaving her.

“For you.” He nodded toward the bouquet waiting on the table.

Bianca’s lips curved into a soft smile as she picked it up. “Thank you.”

“Forgive me if tonight’s a little messy,” He said, a faint, crooked smile tugging at his lips. “It’s my first time planning a date. Hunter kinda tipped me off.”

She shook her head gently, her voice warm. “It’s okay, I love it.”

—-
They began to eat, the clink of silverware and soft murmurs of the staff around them filling the space.

“So, how did your trip go?” she asked between bites.

“It was boring, honestly. Don’t even know why I went,” he said, eyes still fixed on her.

Bianca nodded, chewing slowly, but couldn’t shake the feeling of his gaze. She finally looked up, meeting his intense, unblinking stare.

“Hey… you’re not eating anymore?” she asked, a small laugh in her voice.

Before he could answer, a sudden burst of color lit the sky. Fireworks exploded above the terrace, rainbow-colored sparks showering the night sky.

Hearts, stars, and bursts of gold illuminated the night, reflecting in Bianca’s wide, sparkling eyes. She gasped, a hand flying to her mouth in delight.

Romeo didn’t move his gaze from her. Calm, precise, and deadly in his intensity. His hand dipped into his jacket pocket, as he slowly withdrew a small box.

Sliding it open under the table, the diamond inside caught the light of the fireworks, glittering like a captured star.

He looked at her again, a silent question burning in his eyes.

Is this the right time?

His heart hammered in his chest, every beat synced with the fireworks above. His expression was flat, almost unreadable, but his eyes betrayed the storm of emotions inside him.

Love, Obsession, Fear, and the need to protect her at all costs even if she can actually protect herself.

Bianca turned to him, breaking the tension with a soft recollection. “Remember when we first met?”

He nodded and slid the box back into his pocket.

“Honestly… you were so scary,” She said with a laugh that didn’t reach her eyes.

“I was literally shaking when I was assigned to work alongside you and Hunter, like Tiago. Every day with you felt like a death sentence… but it didn’t stop me from falling in love with you.”

Her hand reached for his across the table. “I hope this actually lasts forever. I don’t want to lose you, Romeo.”

“Lose me?” His voice was low, firm. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Promise me.” She extended her pinky, trembling slightly.

Instead of taking it, he grasped her wrist, holding her gaze. She arched a brow, confused and wary.

“Hold still,” He said, his voice calm, deliberate.

From the table, he took a small knife and, with a precision that made a shallow cut across her pinky.

She gasped, eyes widening as she felt the sting of pain.

He did the same to his own hand, then pressed their pinkys together, the mingling of their blood warm and shocking.

“The… f+(k, Romeo… do you know what you’re doing?” She whispered, breath catching.

“I promise,” He said, his voice low and deadly serious.

“I’m not going to leave you. So you… you better also stick to your promise.”

“I promise.” Her lips trembled as she nodded.

They pulled their hands back, pinkies still slightly red, the small act binding them more than words ever could.

She leaned slightly forward, resting her forehead against his across the table. His hand instinctively covered hers, holding it tight.

“You’re so corny.” She chuckled.

_______
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐊𝐚𝐢’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Emma was already on her knees on the cold marble floor of Kai’s bedroom, her body trembling, tears blurring her vision.

Her cheeks burned, her ribs ached, and every breath felt like glass scraping her lungs.

He had hit her again and again, each blow calculated, merciless, as though he were venting weeks of rage through her skin.

And it still wasn’t enough for him.

Kai grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her head up, forcing her swollen eyes to meet his furious glare.

“I thought you said he was dead,” He snarled. “Did you spare him on purpose? Are you feeling pity for him or what?!”

“I didn’t!” Emma sobbed, her hands shaking as she tried to steady herself.

“I swear I didn’t spare him. I made sure he stayed in the apartment before I left. I blew it up. I didn’t know how he escaped the fire, I didn’t—”

His hand struck her face again, snapping her head to the side.

“What if he traces it back to you?” Kai roared. “You were the last person who visited him. What if he uses it against you, huh?!”

“I’m sorry,” she cried, her voice breaking into pieces. “I’m so sorry, please—”

“You had one job, Emma. One job,” he said, pacing in front of her like a predator.

“And that was to eliminate Sky. And you still failed.” He stopped abruptly, turning back to her. “Tell me, are you in love with him or what?”

“I’m not!” she screamed, shaking her head desperately. “I swear I’m not. Please stop hurting me.”

For a moment, he released her.

She slumped forward, gasping, hope flickering weakly in her chest.

Kai scoffed. “Shit. I should’ve known you were incapable of doing anything right.”

Emma crawled toward him on her knees, grabbing onto his pant leg with trembling fingers.

“You won’t let me get implicated if he suspects me, right, babe?” she pleaded. “You’ll help me. I know you can.”

Kai looked down at her, then slowly squatted, gripping her chin harshly and forcing her face up again.

“What do you think?” he said coldly. “You think I’ll let you drag me down with you?” His eyes were empty. Dead. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m a Yakuza. I can bend the law to my will.”

Her lips quivered.

“But if someone has to pay for what happened to Sky,” he continued calmly, “It won’t be me.”

Her heart stopped.

“You’ll take the blame.”

“No,” Emma whimpered, shaking violently. “No, please. Babe, you can help me. I know you can. Don’t do this to me, please. I’ll fix it, I swear—”

Kai kicked her hard in the stomach.

She cried out, collapsing to the floor, but still clung desperately to his leg, sobbing into his trousers like a lifeline.

“Please,” She begged brokenly. “Please don’t leave me like this. I’ll do anything. Anything.”

He shook her off with disgust.

“Well, you should’ve done a better job.”

He turned away, heading for the door.

“You better pray they don’t investigate further,” He said over his shoulder. “Because I’m not cleaning up after your failure.”

The door slammed shut.

“Kai!!” Emma screamed, dragging herself across the floor. “Kai… please… Kai!”

Silence answered her.

She collapsed fully, her body curling inward as sobs tore out of her chest.

“Oh my God,” she whispered hysterically, clutching her head. “I’m finished. I’m completely finished.”

Her cries echoed uselessly in the empty room, unanswered, unheard, as despair finally swallowed her whole.

_______
[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐒𝐏𝐀 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦]

Hinata sat back as the maid finished filing her nails, the faint scent of polish lingering in the room, when the door opened and Angelo walked in, his presence immediately shifting the air in the room.

Hinata glanced up at him and smiled faintly, already sensing it.

“Go on ahead,” she said calmly, tapping the maid’s wrist. “I’ll call you back later.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the maid replied, bowing respectfully to Angelo before leaving and closing the door behind her.

Hinata stood and walked toward her husband, studying his face.

“Why does my husband look like he’s mad at me?” she asked lightly, though her eyes were sharp. “Is there a problem?”

“You know exactly what you did,” Angelo said, his voice low and controlled.

“What I did?” She replied, tilting her head, feigning innocence. “Honey, what have I done this time? You’ve been pissed all week, and I don’t like it.”

“Dad called me,” He said, his gaze never leaving hers. “He said Rias came home crying after that California trip, and he thought she went with Sasha for some personal trip.”

“And?” Hinata asked, folding her arms.

“And did you send Rias to follow Romeo on purpose, to whatever trip he went on with Hunter?”

“Oh,” Hinata said quietly, understanding dawning. “Now I see why you’re mad.”

“Honey, this isn’t funny. Answer me,” Angelo pressed.

“I just gave her a little push,” she said simply. “She needed to get closer to Romeo.”

“And you really thought that was going to work?” he asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.

“Honey—”

“Hinata,” He cut in, stepping closer, “I understand you love Rias, and I know you want her for our son, but you can’t force him. They’re already divorced, and if he doesn’t want her, there’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m not going to accept Bianca,” Hinata snapped, her composure cracking. “If he can’t be with Rias, then he should forget he has a mother. I made that clear.”

Angelo stared at her. “You sound exactly like your parents.”

“Don’t start this,” she warned, her voice tightening.

“You’re doing the same thing they did to you to Romeo,” he said.

“It’s different,” she insisted.

“How is it different?” He demanded. “Your father literally tried to kill me because we were dating. He didn’t want his precious daughter with a Yakuza, thought you were too good for my kind of world. Did you listen to them?”

Hinata bit her lower lip, the memory cutting deeper than she wanted to admit.

“Angelo, this isn’t the same,” she said, though her voice wavered.

“How is it not?” He pressed. “You don’t want Bianca because you think she doesn’t deserve him. I get it, this marriage arrangement was my idea too, and you think I’m happy it failed?”

Hinata let out a long breath, frustration written all over her face.

“So what do you want me to do?” She asked sharply. “Just let him be with that woman? The only reason I haven’t put a bullet in her head is because of Romeo and her usefulness to the clan.”

She stepped closer to him, eyes blazing. “I don’t like Bianca for Romeo, and nothing is going to change that.”

With that, she turned and walked out, heels clicking sharply against the floor.

“Hinata!” Angelo called after her, but the door was already closing, leaving him standing alone.

_______
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Rias lay back against her pillows with her phone propped up in front of her, Annie’s face filling the screen, calm but visibly disappointed, the kind of disappointment that didn’t need shouting to hurt.

She had told her mom everything, from the divorce to Romeo’s cold distance, to California, to Bianca, to the fight, to Sasha, every ugly detail she had been carrying alone finally spilling out.

“Seriously, Rias,” Annie said, rubbing her temple, “I can’t believe you did all this. Since when did you start being desperate for a man?”

Rias’s throat tightened immediately.

“It’s because it’s him, Mom,” She said, her voice breaking.

“You know I’m not like this. I’ve never chased anyone, I’ve never begged, I’ve never humiliated myself like this. But I’ve never loved anyone the way I love Romeo. I just… I wish we didn’t get divorced.” Her nose burned as she sniffed.

“And now I think I made him hate me even more, and I hurt Sasha too.”

Annie’s expression softened, but her tone stayed firm.

“Rias, listen to me. You cannot force someone to love you. If he doesn’t like you, then you leave him alone. Love isn’t something you bully into existence.”

“But I love him, Mom,” Rias cried, tears spilling freely now. “I don’t know how to stop.”

Annie sighed, long and tired. “Do you want to come back to Mexico? I can tell dad to arrange a transfer at the hospital. You don’t have to stay there and torture yourself.”

Rias shook her head immediately. “No… I don’t think I should. I don’t want to run away.”

“Rias—”

“I’ll just come for a vacation,” She rushed out. “I miss you already.”

“I miss you too,” Annie said gently. “But remember what I told you. Don’t force yourself on him. If you insist on still chasing him, then start by being normal. Be a friend. Not an enemy or a problem, and honestly, with everything you’ve told me, I doubt he’ll leave his girlfriend, so just stop, Rias.”

“But Mom—”

“No buts,” Annie cut in. “Stop being a baby right now. You’re stronger than this.”

Rias wiped her face with her sleeve and nodded weakly. “Okay, Mom. I heard you.”

“And one more thing,” Annie added, her voice firm again. “Go and apologize to Sasha. I don’t even care what you said to her. Fix it. Don’t lose the one person who’s actually been there for you.”

“I will,” Rias whispered. “I promise.”

They exchanged quiet I-love-yous before the call ended, the screen going dark and reflecting Rias’s swollen eyes back at her.

She let the phone slip from her hand onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling, unmoving, her chest aching like something had lodged itself there and refused to leave.

Romeo was the only thing in her head, his face, his voice, the way he looked at her like she was nothing, the way he looked at Bianca like she was everything.

She squeezed her eyes shut, but it only made it worse. His face appeared instantly, sharp and vivid.

“Stop,” Rias groaned, burying her face into her pillow as if that could erase him.

She turned onto her side, hugging the pillow tightly against her chest like it might hold her together.

“Why?” She whispered brokenly. “Why did I have to fall in love with someone I can’t have?”

Tears soaked into the fabric as she reached for her phone again, almost without thinking, pulling up a photo of Romeo, her breath hitching as she zoomed in on his face, tracing his features with her eyes like she was memorizing him all over again.

Her lower lip trembled.

“It hurts,” She murmured. “You know that, right? I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you if you hadn’t agreed to marry me in the first place.”

She dropped the phone like it burned her and stared ahead blankly, the room suddenly too quiet.

“Am I really going to give up?” She whispered into the emptiness, the question unanswered, hanging heavy in the air as her tears continued to fall.

_______
[𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭]

“I’ll have the grilled salmon with garlic butter, truffle mashed potatoes, and an iced coffee, no sugar,” Nancy said smoothly, handing the menu back with a faint smile.

“I’ll have the creamy chicken pasta and a lemonade,” Ginger added.

“I’ll be back in five minutes,” the waitress said before walking away.

Ginger leaned forward, elbows on the table, studying Nancy’s face. “So tell me, how’s Sky? Have you been able to speak to him? I know he’s a brat but damn, can’t believe he was almost killed.”

Nancy’s lips curved into a smug little smirk. “Well, he’s fine. We already met a couple of times and things are going well between us.”

Ginger narrowed her eyes. “What’s with that cocky smile, did something happen between you two?”

“Nothing much,” Nancy said lightly. “Let’s just say that I’ve succeeded in wrapping Sky around my fingers.”

“What do you mean?”

“Apparently, Sky is in love with me. I know it.”

Ginger’s eyes widened. “What! Are you for real?”

“Yes.”

“So you two are dating now? I mean you got what you wanted.”

“Dating?” Nancy scoffed softly. “I’m not going to make it easy for him. He has to work for it.”

Ginger smiled, clearly impressed. “I see what you’re doing. And I support it. I mean, he gave you a really hard time when you were chasing after him, he should earn it now.”

“Exactly,” Nancy said, unable to hide her excitement as she squealed under her breath. “But f+k, I’m so happy.”

“I know,” Ginger said with a sigh. “You got what you wanted. Wish I could say the same for myself.”

Nancy tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about Levi,” Ginger admitted, her voice quieter now. “I hate the fact that he sees me as his sister or something. It really hurts.”

“You’re in love with Levi?” Nancy asked, surprised.

Ginger nodded.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” Nancy said. “Won’t you let him know about your feelings?”

“He knows,” Ginger replied. “He knows about my crush on him.”

Before Nancy could respond, the waitress returned, carefully placing their plates in front of them, the smell of food filling the air, and set their drinks down with a polite smile before leaving again.

Just as Nancy reached for her fork, her phone buzzed against the table. She glanced at the screen.

DANZO.

The playful gleam in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by something dark and sharp.

“I’ll be right back,” Nancy said, standing and excusing herself.

She stepped aside and answered the call. “Hello.”

“Mam. We already have the person behind Sky’s deepfake video and his apartment incident,” Danzo reported.

Nancy’s fist tightened, her fingers curling around the phone as a slow, chilling smile spread across her lips.

“Good. You know what to do. Take her to the warehouse. I’ll meet you in an hour.”

“Yes, mam.”

The call ended. Nancy lowered the phone, her expression unreadable now, eyes cold and merciless, as if a switch had been flipped.

She returned to the table, picked up her iced coffee, and took a calm sip like nothing had happened.

“Hmmm,” she thought to herself. “Whoever it is better start praying for God’s mercy.”

_______
[𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Sasha walked out of her room when the doorbell rang again, sharp and relentless, echoing through the quiet apartment.

“I’m coming,” she muttered, irritation heavy in her voice.

She swung the door open and froze.

Rias stood there.

Her eyes were red, lashes clumped together, shoulders tense like she was bracing herself for impact.

“What are you doing here?” Sasha asked flatly.

“Sasha, please, let’s talk,” Rias said, her voice already trembling.

“We have nothing to talk about,” Sasha replied without hesitation, and slammed the door shut.

The sound echoed loudly in the hallway.

Sasha leaned her forehead against the door, shutting her eyes as she sucked in a slow, shaky breath, trying to steady herself.

On the other side, Rias’s voice broke through the silence.

“I’m sorry… Sasha,” she said softly. “I’m sorry for what I said to you.”

Sasha’s fingers curled against the door knob.

“We’re best friends,” Rias continued, her voice cracking, “…and not just that… you’re practically my sister.”

Sasha swallowed hard.

“I shouldn’t have used your relationship to mock you when all you did was try to look out for me,” Rias said, words tumbling out between quiet sobs.

“I was selfish, and I’m so sorry. Just… don’t hate me.”

Her voice wavered.

“I don’t like it when you ignore me,” she admitted, sounding small, vulnerable.

There was a pause, then Rias whispered, “I was just angry at the moment because… because I really love Romeo.”

Sasha’s chest tightened.

“Actually,” Rias went on bitterly, “I’m the pathetic one here. I’m the one throwing myself at a guy and trying to force myself into his life.”

Tears slipped down Sasha’s cheeks before she even realized it.

“Please,” Rias pleaded. “Let me talk to you. I didn’t mean it, Sasha. Please.”

Her crying became unmistakable now, raw and unrestrained.

Sasha opened her eyes, heart breaking at the sound. She reached for the doorknob and pulled it open.

Rias stood there, tears streaming down her face, shoulders shaking.

“Sasha…” she whispered.

“Get in here,” Sasha said quietly.

Rias didn’t hesitate. She stepped inside and wrapped her arms around Sasha, clinging to her like she was afraid she’d disappear.

For a moment, Sasha stood stiffly, overwhelmed. Then slowly, she lifted her hands and hugged her back, pulling her close.

“I’m sorry,” Rias whispered.

“It’s okay,” Sasha replied gently. “I was just surprised. I know you didn’t mean it.”

She loosened the hug and guided Rias toward the living room. They sat down together on the couch, close enough that their knees touched.

Sasha turned toward her and lifted her hand, carefully wiping away the tear tracks staining Rias’s cheeks.

“How long have you been crying?” Sasha asked softly.

“All day,” Rias admitted, her voice hoarse.

Sasha sighed, brushing Rias’s hair back from her face. “You know it’s bad for you, right? You might fall sick.”

“I know,” Rias said weakly, her lips trembling. “But I can’t help it.”

Sasha hesitated for a moment. “Is it Romeo?”

Rias nodded, and the tears spilled over again, her shoulders shaking.

Sasha smiled sadly and pulled Rias closer, pressing her head gently against her chest.

Rias instinctively wrapped her arms around Sasha’s waist, clinging to her like an anchor. Sasha rested her chin lightly on Rias’s head, stroking her hair in slow, soothing motions.

“Remember what you used to say back in Mexico?” Sasha murmured.

Rias sniffed. “What?”

“Every time I introduced you to a guy,” Sasha said, amusement lacing her voice despite the sadness, “…you always had something to complain about. ‘He’s not my type,’ or ‘He’s too ugly,’ or ‘His personality stinks.’”

“Stop teasing me,” Rias muttered, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.

“You even swore,” Sasha continued, chuckling softly, “…that no guy was ever going to catch your attention in Tokyo. You said you’d finish med school and go straight back to Mexico.”

She laughed quietly. “Look at you now.”

Rias let out a broken sob-laugh.

“You’re here, sulking,” Sasha went on, her tone warm but honest, “…because you had your first love… and he doesn’t love you back. It sucks. I get it.”

Rias tightened her arms around Sasha. “What do I do?”

“Nothing,” Sasha answered calmly.

Rias pulled back slightly, frowning. “That sounds worse.”

“It’s not,” Sasha said gently. “I’m not telling you to kill your feelings for him overnight. Just don’t try to force yourself into his life. Let things be.”

She cupped Rias’s cheek.

“Gradually, your feelings will either fade… or they’ll grow stronger. Who knows? You two might actually end up together someday. I can feel it.”

Rias swallowed hard. “Thanks, Sasha.”

“No need to thank me,” Sasha said softly. “Now look at me.”

Rias lifted her head, eyes red and glossy.

“Stop crying,” Sasha said with a small smile. “Let’s go out and have fun, okay? We have to go to the hospital tomorrow.”

Rias nodded slowly.

“Now smile for me,” Sasha urged.

Rias managed a genuine smile through her tears.

Sasha smiled back, relief washing over her. “That’s my girl.”

_______
[𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞]

Emma’s eyes fluttered open slowly, lashes heavy, vision blurred. She squinted, a dull ache pulsing behind her temples as she tried to focus.

The smell hit her first. Dust, rust, damp wood. When her sight finally adjusted, panic crawled up her spine.

An old warehouse.

Rust-eaten walls. Broken planks scattered across the concrete floor. Wooden crates stacked carelessly like forgotten corpses.

A single hanging bulb flickered overhead, casting uneven shadows that made the place feel alive in the worst way.

She tried to move.

Pain shot through her wrists.

Her breath hitched.

She was tied to a chair. Thick rope biting into her skin, her hands wrenched behind her back, ankles bound tightly to the chair legs.

The last thing she remembered was leaving Kai’s villa. The gate. Then nothing.

A slow clap echoed in the space.

“You’re finally awake.”

Emma’s head snapped up. A man sat casually on top of a wooden table across from her, arms crossed, legs dangling like this was some kind of entertainment.

Danzo.

Her heart slammed violently against her ribs.

“Who are you?” she demanded, forcing strength into her voice. “What’s the meaning of this?!”

Another man stepped forward from the shadows, broad-shouldered, expression blank.

“We’re just following orders, so don’t take it personal,” He said calmly. His name is Martin.

“Following orders?” Emma snapped. “By who?! Who’s the fool you call your boss?”

A slow, deliberate clicking of heels cut through the warehouse.

“Looking for me already? Cute.” A woman’s voice purred.

Emma’s blood ran cold.

Nancy emerged from between two stacks of crates, walking like she owned the air itself. Every step was unhurried. Calculated.

Her presence shifted the room, heavy and suffocating, like the warehouse itself bowed to her authority.

Emma gasped. “You—”

“Good day, ma’am,” Danzo and Martin greeted in unison.

Nancy didn’t even look at them. Her eyes were fixed on Emma, sharp and merciless.

“You bi+ch!” Emma screamed, thrashing uselessly against the ropes. “What’s the meaning of this?!”

Nancy stopped a few feet away, tilting her head slightly, studying Emma like a specimen.

“This?” she asked softly. “Just my little payback.”

Her lips curved, but there was no warmth in it.

“For the stunt you tried to pull on Sky,” Nancy continued. “You framed him… and then tried to kill him.”

Emma froze.

Her breath caught. Her face drained of color.

She knows.

But… how??

“Let me go!” Emma shouted, panic breaking through her voice.

Nancy’s eyes darkened.

“You dare try to hurt my precious Sky,” she said quietly, “..and think I’d let it slide?”

Emma scoffed weakly, desperation twisting into venom. “Your precious Sky? Aren’t you his stalker? He told me all about you.”

For a brief second, the room went silent.

Then Nancy smiled.

It was terrifying.

“I would’ve handed you over to the authorities,” Nancy said calmly, circling Emma, heels echoing with each step.

“…but I enjoy taking matters into my own hands.”

Emma swallowed hard. “What… what do you want from me?”

Nancy stopped directly in front of her.

“Now you’re talking like a good girl.”

Emma frowned, fear etched into every line of her face.

“Why’d you do it?” Nancy asked. “Or better yet… who ordered you to do it?”

Emma laughed, shaky and unhinged. “You must be stupid if you think I’ll tell you anything. Go ask your precious Sky what he did.”

Nancy exhaled slowly through her nose.

“Wrong answer.”

She leaned down, her face inches from Emma’s, voice dropping to a lethal whisper.

“By the time I’m done with you, I’ll make sure you’re crippled and bleeding all over.”

“This is madness,” Emma cried, tears spilling freely now.

Nancy straightened.

“I’ll show you what true madness really is.”

She stretched out her hand without looking away.

Martin immediately placed a baseball bat into her palm.

Emma’s eyes widened in horror. “Nancy—stop! You can’t do this to me!”

Nancy weighed the bat lightly, testing its balance, then chuckled darkly.

“But I can and when I’m done with you, I’m coming for whoever it is that sent you..!!”

She stepped closer, her shadow swallowing Emma whole.

“Now feel pain.”

The bat came down very hard against Emma’s face.

The crack of her cheek bones echoed violently through the warehouse.

“ARGHHHHH—!!”

Emma’s scream ripped through the air, raw and agonized, as pain exploded across her face.

.

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.