How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 37&38

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 37&38

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

“Please stop… I’m begging you…!” Emma cried, her voice breaking as her body shook.

Her face throbbed, warm blood streaking down her cheek. Her knees burned, raw and swollen, barely holding her weight.

Nancy’s beating had left her weak, dizzy, unsure if her legs would even carry her if she tried to stand. Every breath hurt.

“Well, you aren’t making things easy for yourself,” Nancy said coldly. “All I want is a name. Someone sent you to hurt Sky. Tell me who it is, and I’ll let you go.”

Emma whimpered, barely lifting her head.

“But if you don’t,” Nancy continued, her tone darkening, “I’m going to kill you and make sure I burn you alive.”

Emma laughed weakly through the pain.

“It’s no use… even if I tell you…” She raised her bloody face to meet Nancy’s eyes. “He’ll kill me. And he’ll kill you too.”

“Do I look like someone who cares?” Nancy snapped. “I don’t give a fuck who he is. I need a damn name.”

Emma stayed silent.

“Miss Nancy,” Danzo said quietly, “I don’t think she’s going to talk anytime soon.”

“I know,” Nancy replied. “Get the camera set up.”

“We should do it?” Martin asked.

“Yes. Once you’re done, upload it,” Nancy said, already turning away. “I’m leaving. Lock her up. Make sure she can’t escape.”

“No—!” Emma screamed, dragging herself forward. “Let me go! Nancy!”

________
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 – 𝐑𝐑𝐃 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬]

Sasha just finished explaining to a young man what his friend should avoid for a healthy pregnancy.

“Sasha…” He called, glancing at her name tag.

“Um…yeah?” she replied.

“You’re really beautiful. Like, really pretty.”

“Thanks,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

He stepped closer. “I mean it. You know, maybe we could—”

“I have a boyfriend,” she cut him off.

“Oh, that’s fine. I just want to be friends. I understand,” He said, smiling. “I’m Caleb, by the way.”

He held out his phone. “Can I get your number?”

Sasha took it and typed in her number.

“Talk to you later, Sasha,” he winked and walked out.

She shook her head.

Someone cleared her throat. She turned to see Rias.

“What is it? Why that corny look?” Sasha asked.

Rias walked beside her as they headed down the hall. “Someone’s hitting on you.”

“He said he just wanted to be friends. I guess we can hang out sometime. Hunter’s always busy,” Sasha shrugged.

“Won’t he get mad?” Rias asked.

“He doesn’t need to know. Besides, I’m doing nothing wrong,” Sasha replied.

“Yeah, I know, but that guy’s literally possessive. Still, you should’ve let him get a piece of your mind. How dare he hurt you?”

“You don’t have to worry. I’m fine. Pretty sure he won’t try it again,” Sasha said.

“You two are okay, right?” Rias asked.

“Yes,” Sasha replied.

“By the way, I’m going back to Mexico.”

“Mexico?” Sasha blinked.

“Yeah. I wanted a vacation, but I think I’ll just transfer to med school there and finish my training.”

“So you’re going to leave me?” Sasha asked.

“Calm down. I’ll come back after graduation. I’m not disappearing,” Rias reassured her.

“But why? Why go back to Mexico?”

“If I stay here, it’ll only remind me of Romeo, and that’s not good. My love for him will only grow stronger. I need to leave so that by the time I come back…” Rias paused.

“By the time you come back, they’ll have been married already,” Sasha said quietly.

Rias bit her lips. “Even if they haven’t, it doesn’t guarantee your feelings will fade.”

“Then so be it. I just wish things went differently, but I guess everything happens for a reason,” Sasha said with a soft smile.

Rias exhaled, nodding. It’s probably for the best. Her feelings were only growing stronger, and staying wouldn’t help.

_________
[𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐳𝐚 𝐇𝐐]

All the leaders of the clans, along with their most trusted men, filled the thousand capacity meeting hall. Rows upon rows of dark suits and hardened faces stretched across the room, the air thick with murmurs and restrained hostility.

Bianca sat beside Tiago at the front row, her laptop open on her thighs as her fingers moved swiftly across the keys.

Romeo and Hunter were noticeably absent, a fact not lost on anyone in the room.

The murmurs grew louder until Goro cleared his throat.

The sound alone commanded silence.

Every voice died instantly.

“Greetings, everyone,” Goro began, his voice steady. “I am certain we all know why we are here. Trouble is lurking in the shadows, and if we do not tame it now, it will become a threat far greater than any of us can afford.”

A few heads nodded.

“As we all know,” Goro continued, “The Italian Mafia plans on waging a war against the Asian clans, starting with the Yakuza. We will not sit back and allow that to happen. In two days’ time, we will launch a surprise offensive. It is best we strike first while their defenses remain weak.”

The room stirred.

“The goal of this mission,” Goro said firmly, “…is the eradication of the Italian Mafia.”

“We agree.”

“They have gone too far.”

“This war is inevitable.”

“They must be wiped out.”

Approval rippled through the hall like a wave.

“Bianca, dear,” Clara said, turning toward her.

The guards stationed at the doors moved simultaneously, switching off the lights as the projector flickered to life.

A massive blueprint illuminated the screen at the front of the hall. Bianca stood, stepping forward with calm precision as she connected her laptop.

“I hope everyone listens carefully,” She said, her voice clear, cutting through the darkness. “I am only going to explain this once.”

The blueprint sharpened into view.

“Displayed here is the operational layout of the Italian Mafia clan,” Bianca continued. “After wiping out multiple European factions, they expanded their territory into four branches.”

She tapped a key, and the map shifted.

“One main island,” she said, highlighting it in red. “And three additional islands positioned strategically around it.”

Numbers appeared on the screen.

“In total, the Italian Mafia has over three thousand armed men spread across all four islands,” Bianca explained. “Their greatest weakness is separation. If they regroup, we lose the advantage. So we will not allow that to happen.”

She zoomed in on the first island.

“This island will be handled by the Jaguar Clan,” She said, marking the landing zones. “Primary objectives are these defense towers and their northern dock. Eliminate their men fast and prevent reinforcements.”

She moved to the second island.

“This one goes to the Black Serpent Clan and the Void Clan. Focus on their communications hub and armory, that island is where they store their weapons and it must not be taken to any other island. We have a great advantage if they run short on guns and bullets.”

The third island lit up next.

“The third island will be taken by the Crimson Lotus Clan. Their mission is full elimination. Leave no survivors capable of retreat.”

Finally, she gestured to the main island.

“The Ryukai will take on the main island,” Bianca said, her tone sharpening. “Derek Parker and Matteo Parker are located here. Their elimination is non negotiable.”

The room went quiet.

“The objective for every clan is simple,” She continued, “Eliminate the men on your assigned island so they cannot converge and overwhelm us.”

Hands rose.

“What about naval retaliation?”

“Our fleets intercept before they mobilize.”

“Air surveillance?”

“Disabled within the first ten minutes.”

“What if one island falls slower than expected?”

“Then the nearest clan assists immediately.”

One by one, questions came. One by one, Bianca answered them with precision.

Finally, nods spread through the room.

Goro stood once more.

“Prepare yourselves,” He commanded. “This is not a battle we can afford to lose. We will conquer the Italians or we will die trying.”

A scoff came from the back.

“Why is Romeo not here?” Kai said sharply. “Are he and Hunter feeling too big for this meeting or what?”

“They already know about the plan,” Tiago replied coolly. “Since we are the ones who drafted it. Boss Romeo in particular, I don’t see a reason he should be here. Got a problem with that?”

“Well, he should still be here,” Kai snapped. “He should quit acting like he’s above everyone else.”

Bianca turned slowly, her eyes cold.

“Isn’t he?” she said flatly.

The room gasped.

“You little bi+ch,” Kai snarled, drawing his gun and aiming it directly at her.

In a split second, Tiago’s weapon was up, aimed squarely at Kai’s head.

“Better think twice before you try to do shit,” Tiago warned. “Your old man ain’t saving you.”

“Who are you calling old?” Aizawa’s voice cut in.

“That’s enough,” Clara snapped.

“Drop your guns. Now,” Goro ordered.

After a tense moment, both weapons were lowered.

“Sorry, Don Goro,” Tiago said, standing. “But we’re taking our leave.”

He bowed slightly.

Bianca followed suit, her expression cold as she turned and walked beside him out of the hall.

Kai let out a sharp sigh, irritation etched into his face. His phone buzzed. He glanced at the message, his jaw tightening, before turning and walking out as well.

—-

“What do you mean you can’t find Emma?!” Kai roared into the phone, his voice echoing through the corridor as his grip tightened around the device.

“We’ve searched everywhere,” the man on the other end replied nervously. “There’s no trace of her. She’s not at her apartment either.”

Kai’s jaw clenched hard.

“F+k!” he snapped, ending the call abruptly and shoving the phone into his pocket.

He paced once, then slammed his fist against the wall, the impact sending a dull thud through the empty hallway.

“Where on earth is that bitch?” he growled, eyes dark with suspicion and rage.

Something wasn’t right.

________
[𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐤𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞]

It was the third week after the scandal, and for the first time since everything exploded, Sky was officially back at school.

His name had been cleared and all charges dropped since the truth was finally out.

Emma’s video had gone viral overnight as she was confessing that she’d lied and created a fake video just to ruin his image.

Danzo and Martin had made sure the footage was undeniable and the press ate it up. Although the authorities were still “looking” for Nancy, but not like they could find her anyways.

Sky stepped out of his car dressed in all black, his white mask stark against it—and the reaction was immediate.

The screams were deafening.
Students crowded the gates, banners raised high.

💬 “SKY WE KNEW YOU WERE INNOCENT!”
💬 “WELCOME BACK KING 👑”
💬 “SORRY FOR DOUBTING YOU!”
💬 “THE TRUTH ALWAYS WINS!”
💬 “WE STAND WITH YOU SKY!”
💬 “INNOCENT SINCE DAY ONE!”

Huge posters were plastered around the school grounds.
WE BELIEVE YOU, SKY.
JUSTICE FOR SKY.
WELCOME BACK.

For the first time in weeks, Sky felt his chest loosen.

Under his mask, he smiled.

He lifted a hand, waving slightly as he walked forward, security forming a barrier as fans pushed closer, trying to hand him gifts, letters, flowers.

The noise only grew louder as he entered the building.

“Sky.”

He turned to see Levi walking toward him, grinning.

“Hey… where’s Nancy?” Sky asked immediately.

Levi stopped short. “Yo, bro. You just gonna ignore me like that?”

“I’m sorry,” Sky said quickly. “I just— I couldn’t reach her throughout the weekend. I thought she was mad at me. I don’t really like her ignoring me.”

Levi raised a brow, smirking. “Wow. Someone’s in love already.”

“In love?” Sky echoed.

“You gonna deny it?”

Sky bit his lip, the answer sitting heavy on his tongue.

Before he could speak, Levi nodded past him. “She’s coming over.”

Sky turned and there she was.

Nancy walking toward them, calm, composed, and smiling widely.

“Hi, Levi,” She said with a soft smile, then her eyes slid to Sky.

“Hi, big guy. Feels good to be back to school, huh?” She winked.

Sky didn’t answer.

Instead, without thinking, without planning, he stepped forward and pulled her into a hug.

A real one.

The hallway exploded in screams.

💬 “WAIT— DID HE JUST HUG HER?”
💬 “NANCY AND SKY? SINCE WHEN?”
💬 “ARE THEY DATING???”
💬 “THE WAY HE HELD HER—”
💬 “BRO THAT WAS NOT FRIENDLY”
💬 “SHE’S THE GIRL HE CHOSE ?! UNLUCKY ME!!😭”

Nancy froze for half a second—then relaxed against him.

Sky broke the hug just as suddenly, reality crashing back in.

“Sorry,” He said, voice low. “I didn’t mean to— did I cross a line?”

He didn’t even know why he’d done it.
He just wanted to hug her at that minute he saw her.

“Don’t be silly. I don’t mind.”Nancy smiled, easy and warm.

Levi watched them with a knowing look as the three of them headed upstairs, the whispers trailing behind them like smoke.

Sky walked beside her, heart still racing.

They stepped into the main hallway just as the visual board flared to life, bathing the corridor in soft neon light. Students slowed, murmurs rising as the announcement settled into place.

At the center of the board, written in elegant glowing script, was the headline:

𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐊𝐔 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋
𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡
𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄: 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄: 𝐓𝐎𝐊𝐘𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐀
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍

Nancy’s eyes lit up instantly.

Levi’s phone rang, cutting through the buzz. He glanced at the screen and sighed.

“Guys, I’ve gotta go. Ginger’s looking for me.”

“Okay, see you later,” Nancy said, waving him off.

Levi jogged away, leaving the two of them standing beneath the glowing board.

Nancy folded her arms, eyes still on the announcement.

“I’m really excited for this festival,” she mumbled. “I’m thinking if I should perform.”

Sky turned slightly toward her, closer than necessary. “We can perform the duet we originally planned to.”

She looked at him then, surprised, studying his face like she was checking if he meant it.

“I thought you didn’t want to?” she asked softly.

“I was rash,” Sky admitted. “Lost in everything with Emma. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

He leaned in just a bit, lowering his voice. “So… are you going to do the duet with me?”

Nancy tilted her head, pretending to consider it. A slow smile curved her lips as she stepped closer, close enough that Sky could catch her scent.

“Hmmm,” She hummed. “I was thinking of doing a solo performance of my own but…” She tapped his chest lightly with one finger. “I’ll think about your offer.”

She winked—deliberate, dangerous and turned, walking away with a confident sway.

Sky watched her go, then ran a hand through his hair, a breathless laugh slipping out.

“She really isn’t making it easy, huh,” He muttered, a smile tugging beneath his mask.

And somehow, he didn’t mind that at all.

_____

The rooftop door creaked open, and Levi stepped out, stopping when he saw her.

Ginger was sitting on the low concrete ledge near the wall, legs drawn up, arms wrapped loosely around herself.

She didn’t look like her usual self. If anything, it was like she’d been waiting.

“Shouldn’t you be in class?” Levi asked, breaking the silence. “You never skip.”

She shrugged lightly. “Thought I’d try something new. Besides, you don’t have classes this morning, right?”

“That’s not an answer.”He frowned, walking closer.

She glanced up at him then, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I just… needed company. Didn’t feel like being alone.”

Levi leaned against the wall opposite her. “You okay?”

Another pause. Longer this time.

“No,” she said softly.

His jaw tightened. “What’s wrong?”

She laughed under her breath, a humorless sound. “You.”

That made him straighten. “Me?”

“When are you going to stop pretending you don’t know?” She asked, standing up now, closing the distance between them. “When are you going to stop seeing me as just that annoying childhood friend who follows you around?”

“Ginger—”

“No,” she cut in, voice shaking. “Answer me. Don’t you ever wonder what it would be like if you looked at me differently? Don’t you ever feel anything?”

He looked away, conflicted. “It’s not that simple.”

“It is to me,” she said, eyes glossy but defiant.

“I’ve loved you for so long, Levi. I’ve watched you fall for other people, protect other people, choose other people who at the end didn’t choose you back. And I’m still here. Always here. So tell me—don’t you love me? Even a little? What’s wrong with me?”

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

That hesitation shattered her restraint.

Before he could stop her, she reached up, grabbed the front of his jacket, and kissed him.

It wasn’t soft. It was desperate, full of everything she’d swallowed down for years. For a split second, Levi froze.

Then he kissed her back.

His hand came up to her waist instinctively, pulling her closer. Everything felt distant as the warmth of her lips, the familiarity that felt dangerously right.

Her fingers trembled against his chest as if she’d finally crossed a line she could never uncross.

When they broke apart, both of them were breathing hard.

Levi lifted his hands to her face, thumbs brushing her cheeks, his expression torn.

“Ginger… I can’t,” he said quietly. “I can’t really love you. Not the way you want.”

Her eyes widened, disbelief flashing into anger. “You just kissed me.”

“I know,” he said, voice strained. “And that’s why I’m saying this now. I don’t want to lie to you or lead you on.”

“That’s not fair,” she snapped, shoving his hands away. “You’re so unfair..!!.”

“Ginger, wait—”

“No,” she said sharply, stepping back. “You know what? I’m really done with this shit. I’m done stucking up to you!”

“So you’re just gonna cut ties with me cause I didn’t reciprocate your feelings?” He asked.

“Yes. Cause sticking with you makes things even harder.” She said.

She turned and walked toward the exit.

“Ginger!” he called, following her. “Please, hold on. You’re not being fair right now.”

She didn’t stop.

He reached for his door, calling her name again and again as she disappeared down the stairwell.

“Goodness! What is wrong with her?!”He groaned.

__________
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

“A war? With the Italians?” Angelo asked.

Hunter and Romeo were currently sitting in the living room with Angelo, Hinata and Rafael.

“Yes, we have sold Intel from Bianca that they plan on waging a war against us in their quest to conquer Asia and we can’t let that happen, so we have to beat them to it.” Hunter said.

“So you’re all going to Italy?” Rafael

“Yes, I personally want to meet their clan leader. He seems fond of me, would like to meet my number 1 fan.” Romeo scoffed.

“And you have a solid plan on how to defeat them?” Rafael asked.

“You think we don’t? My aim of even joining the war is to get rid of Derek and Matteo Parker. Once they’re dead, the Yakuza will then be in possession of the Italian Mafia.” Romeo said.

“We’ll turn the tables against them instead.” Hunter said.

“I see.”

“So this isn’t about territory alone,” Angelo finally said. “I wonder what they actually want. The Asians and Europeas have stated out of each other’s business for ages.”

Hunter nodded once. “Their goal is to eliminate the heads of the Asian clans. One by one. Once leadership is gone, the operations fall into their hands without resistance. That’s how they plan to expand.”

Rafael exhaled slowly.

Hinata remained quiet, standing near the armrest, her posture composed, her expression unreadable.

She listened, eyes flicking briefly to Romeo, then away again. She said nothing, but the tension in her jaw betrayed her concern.

“And you’re confident killing the Parker father and son will stop it?” Angelo asked.

Romeo met his father’s gaze without flinching. “They are the spine of that syndicate. Remove both, and the rest will either submit or destroy themselves trying to fill the vacuum.”

Rafael folded his arms.

“You all should be careful. You had better come back in one peace. Especially you Romeo.”Angelo said.

“Why me?” Romeo asked.

“This is the first time ever you’re actually going on a mission since you took over the syndicate. Your men are skilled enough so you don’t even bother.” Angelo said.

“Besides you’re probably their main target so you have to be careful.” Rafael said.

“Sure. I will.” Romeo waved it off

“You too Hunter. Be careful.” Angelo said and he nodded.

—–
“I’ll be heading upstairs.” Rafael said, standing and walking out of the living room.

Angelo stayed back with Hinata while Romeo remained seated on the couch, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.

“Romeo, I’m leaving. See you later, bro. I’ve got to go see Sasha.” Hunter said over his shoulder.

Romeo nodded without replying as Hunter left, the sound of the front door closing echoing softly.

“Fix your relationship with your son,” Angelo whispered to Hinata before heading out, leaving the two of them alone in the quiet room.

Hinata’s gaze lingered on Romeo, her expression unreadable, and Romeo finally stood, his jaw tight.

“Hi, Mom.” His voice was controlled, but there was an edge to it.

She ignored him, rolling her eyes dismissively as she moved toward the exit.

“You know very well that I’ve disowned you, right? I don’t really care about you or whatever it is you have to do with your life anymore, Romeo,” Hinata said flatly, her tone cold, final.

Romeo’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his patience cracking.

“Mom… wait!” He called out, his voice sharper this time. “Why can’t you just respect my decision? Just once, can you do that?”

Hinata stopped mid-step, turning slightly, the faintest hint of annoyance flickering across her features.

“Respect you? Romeo… when have you ever respected me? You make your choices, your reckless decisions, and you expect me to bow down and accept them? That’s not how it works.”

His face flushed with a mix of anger and frustration. “It’s not about bowing down to what I want..! I’m telling you…this is my life, my actions, my decisions. I’m not asking for your approval, I’m asking for your acknowledgment!”

Hinata’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Acknowledgment? You’ve always acted as if you’re untouchable, as if your choices carry no consequences for the rest of us. And now, after everything, you want me to just nod and smile?”

Romeo’s chest heaved slightly, his voice dropping low, almost a growl.

“I’m tired of always trying to reason with you, Mom! I’m not a child who does know what he’s doing! If I say that I love a woman, just accept it. I’m still pressing this issue cause you’re still my mother!”

Hinata’s eyes narrowed, voice icy. “You may not be a child, Romeo, but you’re still an idiot sometimes. And no, I will not sit here and pretend I’m okay with everything you do, especially when it’s foolish.”

Romeo stepped closer, his body tense, the heat of his frustration pressing into the space between them.

“Foolish? You think I don’t know what I’m doing? Mom… I’m not living my life to satisfy you!”

Hinata let out a short, harsh laugh, shaking her head as she moved toward the door again.

“Then maybe you should’ve thought about that before making your choices, Romeo. I won’t apologize for being concerned or for hating how stubborn you are.”

Romeo’s hand shot out, gripping the edge of the doorframe as she reached it.

Hinata looked at him one last time, her expression hard as steel.

Before he could say another word, she pushed him off the door and opened it then slammed the door shut, leaving him standing there, fists clenched.

Romeo let out a long, slow breath, running his hand down his face. His jaw was set, his mind racing.

“Unbelievable… this woman! Sje should really thank God Inlove her..!” he muttered, pacing the living room.

—-
By the time Romeo stepped outside, the driveway was already empty.

His parents’ car was gone.

He paused, irritation flickering across his face as he reached into his pocket—and froze.

Keys.

“F+k,” he muttered under his breath.

He turned back immediately, pushing the door open and stepping inside. His eyes landing on the small table by the stairs.

There they were.

He walked over, grabbed the keys, and turned—

—and stopped.

Rias stood just inside the doorway.

She looked exhausted. Her shoulders slumped slightly, her hospital bag hanging loosely from her hand, her hair pulled back in a messy bun that spoke of long hours and no rest.

She had clearly just come in, probably straight from her shift.

They stared at each other.

“Hi,” she said softly.

Romeo held her gaze for a moment. His face gave nothing away. He didn’t look irritated either. Then he gave a small nod in reply.

Rias didn’t move.

Her feet felt rooted to the floor, her heart suddenly racing for reasons she didn’t fully understand.

She watched him turn, watched him start walking toward the door like she wasn’t even there.

Panic crept in.

“Romeo,” she called out.

He stopped.

Slowly, he turned back to face her.

“Yes?” His voice was even. “Is there a problem?”

She swallowed and forced herself forward, closing the distance between them until she stood right in front of him.

Up close, he felt overwhelming—tall, composed, distant in a way that made her chest tighten.

“Are you… busy tomorrow?” she asked.

He studied her face for a second before answering. “Not really. Why?”

Her fingers curled nervously around the strap of her bag. “Can we… meet up tomorrow?”

He arched a brow slightly.

She rushed on before he could speak.

“I promise I’m not going to cause you any trouble. I just want to—um…” She hesitated, then exhaled. “Let’s go out.”

His expression didn’t change.

“Not a date,” she added quickly, shaking her head. “Just… like an apology dinner. Or something like that. I want to apologize properly to you. I really crossed the line, Romeo.”

Silence.

He didn’t respond.

Just stared at her, unreadable.

Her confidence wavered.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to,” She said softly. “I understand. I just… I want to clear things up before I leave for Mexico.” She looked down briefly, then back up. “I don’t want to be on the list of people you’re going to blacklist in your life.”

Her voice dropped. “So… yeah.”

He took a step back, turning slightly as if he was done with the conversation.

“I’ll pick you up at six,” he said flatly.

She blinked.

“What?” she asked before she could stop herself.

But he was already walking away not waiting for her reaction.

The door opened.

Then shut.

The sound echoed through the house.

Rias stood there for a long moment, stunned, her heart pounding in her chest. Then she finally released the breath she’d been holding.

“…Wow,” she whispered.

A small smile crept onto her face, surprised and almost disbelieving.

“He really… agreed?”

She hugged her bag to her chest, shaking her head slightly as she walked further into the house.

“Just noticed,” She murmured to herself, “That he’s actually a really chill guy.”

________
[𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨 – 6pm]

Sasha pushed the door of her condo shut behind her and locked it, the familiar click echoing softly in the quiet space.

Her shoulders sagged as exhaustion finally caught up with her. A long shift at the hospital always drained her in a way sleep never fully fixed.

She slipped off her shoes, walked down the hall, and stepped into her bedroom.

The moment she flicked on the light, she froze.

Hunter was there.

“Oh my goodness, you scared me,” she blurted, her heart leaping into her throat.

He stood near the bed, arms folded, expression calm.

“How did you even get in here? You don’t know the password to my condo,” she added, dropping her bag onto the chair.

“I have my ways,” he said simply.

She exhaled, rubbing her temple. “Why are you here? I’m kinda tired right now.”

His gaze sharpened, the teasing edge gone. “There’s something you need to know.”

She straightened immediately as he told her about the upcoming Yakuza war in Italy, only two days away. About the Italian Mafia and how they’d become a serious threat.

Her stomach tightened.

“A war?” she asked, worry flooding her voice. “Isn’t that really dangerous?”

“I’ll be fine,” he replied without hesitation.

“But something bad can happen,” she pressed. “What if you get hurt… or worse?”

Hunter stepped closer, his presence filling the room. He cupped her face, forcing her to look at him.

“Nothing’s going to happen to me. I’m coming back in one piece. You hear me?”

She searched his eyes, unconvinced.

“Don’t worry,” he added, his tone turning low, possessive. “I won’t let anything take me away from you.”

Before she could respond, he leaned in and kissed her hard, like he was trying to seal the promise into her.

It wasn’t gentle. It was claiming, urgent, full of unspoken fear and determination.

When he finally pulled back, her breath was uneven.

“I’ll go take a shower,” she said softly, needing a moment to steady herself.

She turned and walked into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

….
Hunter sat on Sasha’s bed, the glow of her phone lighting up the dark room as it rang again.

The screen flashed Caleb, and immediately a sharp pang of irritation, possessiveness, twisted in his chest.

Who the f+k is Caleb? A guy? Sasha talking to someone else? As far as he knew, the only friend she really had was Rias.

His grip tightened around her phone, the phone creaking under his fingers. Why is she talking to a guy? Is she cheating on him?

The thought made his stomach churn, a mix of anger and disbelief fueling his tense posture.

The bathroom door opened, and Sasha stepped out, a towel wrapped around her wet body, droplets still glistening on her skin.

Her hair clung to her neck, and she froze the moment she saw him, the intensity in his eyes immediately cutting through her calm.

“Who’s Caleb?” His voice was low, dangerous, and deliberate.

He stood walking to her.

She swallowed, instinctively moving back, her feet hitting the wall behind her. Hunter’s shadow fell over her, closing the space until it felt like the air itself was pressed tight around her.

“Who…is Caleb?” He caged her with his body, leaning in slightly, eyes dark and piercing.

Oh god, he’s so…intense. Breathe, Sasha. Stay calm. Just…don’t panic. She forced herself to take a slow breath, her mind racing for a plausible answer.

“Relax. Caleb is just a co-nurse of Rias and I. The dude is even gay, relax,” She lied quickly, her voice steady even as her heart hammered against her ribs.

He can’t think I’m interested in someone else. Caleb is just friendly and Hunter definitely would take it the wrong way. He’ll…he’ll go mad. Just play it cool, Sasha. Just a coworker. That’s all.

Hunter didn’t move, his gaze scanning her face like he was trying to read her soul. His jaw tightened, and the faintest twitch of his lips hinted at the storm brewing inside him.

“So what’s he calling you for?” he pressed, voice taut, controlled—but every word dripped with suspicion.

“Probably just wants to clarify something about tomorrow’s shift,” She answered, keeping her tone even, almost too calm, as her mind raced.

Please…just believe me. Don’t think I’m lying. I can’t deal with that look…not now.

“Are you lying to me?” His voice deepened, each syllable pressing into her chest, making it hard to breathe.

He…he actually thinks I would lie? Does he not trust me? Calm down, Sasha. Stay calm. You can’t let him see any fear. She looked at him, heart pounding.

“I’m not lying,” She said softly, but firmly, her gaze locking onto his.

“Okay.” He said and walked back to the bed.

Sasha exhaled slowly, her pulse still racing, she should seriously get a grip.

________
[𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐮 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 -7pm]

Bianca stepped into the house, the door clicking shut behind her with a finality that echoed her exhaustion.

She sighed deeply, kicking off her shoesbas they skidded across the hardwood floor and let her bag drop with a soft thud.

Romeo’s call earlier had been cryptic: *Head straight here.* No explanations, just that low, commanding voice that always sent a shiver down her spine.

“Romeo?” she called, her voice carrying up the stairs as she padded barefoot toward his room.

She pushed the door open and froze.

Candlelight flickered along the walls, casting golden shadows that danced like secrets. Rose petals, deep crimson and velvet-soft, trailed across the floor in a winding path, their sweet, heady scent wrapping around her like a lover’s embrace.

The air hummed with romance she’d never imagined from him, her tough, battle-hardened Romeo.

“Babe…” She chuckled, the sound breathy as her feet whispered over the petals, drawing her closer.

There he stood in the bedroom, shirtless and glorious, his muscled torso etched in the warm glow.

Low-slung pants hugged his hips, revealing the sharp V of his pelvis, and a single red rose was clenched between his teeth, its thorn carefully trimmed.

“Babe…” she whispered, closing the distance, her heart pounding.

He plucked the rose from his mouth and offered it to her, his dark eyes intense, smoldering with unspoken promises.

“For my one and only.”

“Thanks, love.” A smirk tugged at her lips as she took the flower, twirling it between her fingers.

“Didn’t picture you as the romantic type. I know you too well. Who helped you pull this off? Forget it….this is extremely cute.”

“I had to do my research.” His voice was a gravelly rumble.

One hand rose to her hair bun, fingers deftly loosening it. Dark waves tumbled down her back, cascading like silk. He buried his face in them, inhaling deeply.

“What’s the occasion?” she asked, her chuckle soft, fingers tracing the hard ridges of his chest, feeling his heartbeat thunder beneath her touch.

His gaze locked onto hers, low and dangerous, the weight of the world in his eyes.

“We’ll be going to war soon. Wanted to do this now… while we still can.” He said.

Her breath hitched.

“I love this version of you. Hope I see more and more of it.“ She leaned in, lips brushing his in a tentative spark.

The kiss ignited like wildfire. Romeo claimed her mouth with a hunger that stole her breath, his lips firm and demanding.

He nipped gently at her lower lip, teasing until she parted for him with a soft gasp. His tongue slid in, hot and insistent, tangling with hers in a slow, sensual dance.

She tasted the faint sweetness of the rose on him, mingled with his raw, masculine flavor.

Bianca wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers threading into his thick hair, pulling him closer.

Her body molded to his, every curve pressing against the unyielding planes of his chest.

She caressed the broad expanse of his back, nails grazing lightly, feeling muscles flex under her touch.

“Fuck, Romeo,” she moaned into his mouth, the words vibrating between them as heat pooled low in her belly.

His hands moved with purpose, finding the tie at the nape of her backless top—like a delicate rope begging to be undone.

He tugged it loose in one fluid motion, the fabric whispering away to pool at her feet. Her breasts spilled free, nipples hardening in the cool air, aching for him.

She staggered back a step, but he followed seamlessly, never breaking the kiss, his body a wall of heat against hers.

His fingers made quick work of her jeans’ button, popping it open with a flick. He broke the kiss just long enough for them to gasp for air, foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling in ragged harmony.

Eyes never leaving hers, he gripped the hem of her jeans and dragged them down her thighs to her knees, the denim rasping against her skin.

She kicked them off impatiently, standing in just her lace p@nties, exposed and electric under his gaze.

His hands cupped her arse, firm and possessive, lifting her effortlessly. She wrapped her legs around his waist, the table behind them meeting her back as he guided her onto it.

His palms braced on either side of her hips, caging her in, his body hovering inches away—close enough to feel his heat, far enough to tease.

“You’re so f+king pretty,” He groaned, lips brushing hers again, voice thick with reverence.

“And you’re f+king hot and perfect. All mine.” She whispered back, arching to grind against the hard bulge straining his pants.

The friction sent sparks through her core.

Romeo’s lips trailed fire down her neck, sucking lightly at her pulse point until she whimpered. He moved lower, over the valley between her breasts, tongue flicking out to taste her skin.

One hand cupped her breast, thumb circling the peaked nipple before pinching it just hard enough to make her cry out.

“I’m going to f+k you senseless tonight,” He growled against her skin, fingers tweaking both nipples now, rolling them until she squirmed. “With one goal in mind.”

“What is that?” she m+aned, back arching into his touch, her hands fisting his hair.

He lifted his head, eyes blazing.

“I’m gonna get you pregnant… that is, if you aren’t already.” His voice was rough, low, intoxicating.

She gasped, trembling beneath him, every nerve alight. The words hit like a thunderbolt, twisting fear of the war into fierce, desperate want.

He captured her mouth again, the kiss deeper now, tongues warring as his hand slid down her stomach, fingers dipping beneath her panties.

Romeo hooked the lace aside, his touch bold and sure. He found her slick folds, parting them with two fingers, circling her clit with agonizing slowness.

“So wet for me, babe. Always so ready.” He plunged a finger inside her, then two, curling them to stroke that spot that made stars burst behind her eyelids.

Bianca bucked against his hand, her moans muffled against his lips.

“Romeo… please… more.” Her hands roamed his chest, nails raking down to his waistband.

She shoved his pants down, freeing his cock—thick, throbbing, the tip glistening with pre-cum.

She wrapped her hand around him, stroking firmly from base to head, thumb swirling over the sensitive underside.

He hissed, hips jerking into her grip.

“F+k, Bianca… you undo me.” With a growl, he ripped her panties away, the fabric tearing audibly.

He positioned himself at her entrance, right on the table, the broad head nudging her wetness, teasing.

Their eyes locked—raw vulnerability amid the lust.

“I love you,” He murmured, thrusting in deep with one smooth stroke.

She cried out, stretched and filled, her walls clenching around him like a vice.

He set a rhythm, slow at first, savoring every inch. Each plunge dragged against her inner walls, his pubic bone grinding her clit.

Bianca met him thrust for thrust, legs locked around his waist, heels digging into his arse to pull him deeper.

The table creaked beneath them, candles flickering wildly as rose petals scattered like confetti.

“Faster,” She begged, nipping his earlobe.

He obliged, pounding into her now, skin slapping skin. Sweat slicked their bodies, his chest gliding over her breasts.

He captured a nipple in his mouth, sucking hard while his hand gripped her hip, angling her to hit deeper.

Ecstasy built like a storm, coiling tight in her core.

“Romeo… I’m close… don’t stop.” Her fingers clawed his back, leaving red trails.

“Cum for me, Bianca,” He commanded, one hand slipping between them to rub furious circles on her cli+. “Milk my c+k. Give me everything.”

She shattered, orgasm crashing over her in waves—walls pulsing, vision blurring as she screamed his name.

He followed seconds later, burying himself to the hilt, roaring as he spilled inside her, hot pulses flooding her depths.

His vow echoed in the sensation: *Get you pregnant.*

They clung together, breaths heaving, his forehead against hers. He didn’t pull out, staying seated deep, as if sealing his promise.

Soft kisses peppered her face, her lips, her eyelids. He carried her gently, finally pulling out till he placed her on the bed and fell beside her.

“You tired already?” He asked.

“Hmm. I can’t go again.” She mumbled.

He kissed her forehead pulling her close to his chest.

“I’ll bathe you, come on.” He said, lifting her up.

_____
It was 3 a.m. when Romeo’s eyes snapped open.

For a second, everything felt wrong. Too quiet. Too empty.

His hand slid across the bed instinctively, reaching for warmth, for skin, for the familiar curve of Bianca beside him but the sheets were cold. Empty.

His chest tightened.

“Bianca?” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

No answer.

He sat up, the unease settling deep in his bones. The room was dim, the shadows stretched long by the faint glow of the hallway light seeping in through the door.

He swung his legs over the bed, pulled on a pair of shorts, slipped his feet into his slippers, and stood.

Each step toward the door felt heavier than the last.

Something was wrong.

He moved through the hallway, the silence pressing against his ears, his heartbeat growing louder with every second. As he descended the stairs, the faint smell hit him first.

His breath caught.

“Bianca?” he called again, louder this time.

No response.

He stepped into the kitchen—and froze.

The world seemed to tilt.

Bianca was on the floor.

For a split second, his mind refused to process what his eyes were seeing. She lay unnaturally still, her body twisted slightly to one side, dark hair fanned out against the tiles.

And then he saw the knives.

One in her chest.

Another lower, near her stomach.

Another at her side.

More—too many—driven into her body like cruel, deliberate statements.

Seven.

Seven knives.

Some buried deep, others angled grotesquely, as if placed with intention. One had struck her neck. Another had cut into her forehead, blood streaked down her face, dried and dark.

Her eyes were open. Empty and Lifeless.

Blood covered the kitchen floor, pooling beneath her, spreading outward like a living thing until it reached his feet.

Romeo’s hands began to shake violently.

“No… no…” he stuttered, backing away as if the sight itself could hurt him.

His back hit the wall. His legs gave out.

He dropped to his knees.

The sound that tore from his throat wasn’t human.

“BIANCA…!!!”

His vision blurred, rage and horror crashing together so violently it felt like his chest might split open.

His heart pounded against his ribs like it was trying to escape, like it couldn’t exist in a world where this was real.

He crawled forward without realizing it, his hands sliding through blood as he reached for her, desperate, trembling.

“Bianca… please…” His voice broke. “Wake up.”

She didn’t move.

Didn’t breathe.

It was like she didn’t exist anymore.

Something inside him shattered.

“BIANCA!!”

The scream ripped through the house—

—and Romeo jolted upright in bed.

His chest heaved violently as he sucked in air, gasping like he’d been drowning. Sweat soaked his skin, his hair damp, his hands clenched so tight his nails bit into his palms.

The room was dark. Silent.

His heart was still racing, his ears ringing with the echo of his own scream.

He whipped his head to the side.

Bianca was there.

Alive.

Asleep.

Her chest rose and fell steadily beneath the sheets, her face relaxed, peaceful, untouched.

He stared at her for a long moment, unmoving, as if afraid she might disappear if he blinked.

Slowly, he reached out and touched her arm.

His breath finally broke free as a shaky exhale. He dragged a hand down his face, trying to steady himself, trying to erase the image that was still burned into his mind.

“What in the f+k kind of dream was that?” He thought, swallowing hard.

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.