How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 43&44

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 43&44

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

[𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨 – 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 ]

Sasha stepped into the restaurant, the low hum of conversation and clinking cutlery filling the space. A waitress approached her with a polite smile.

“Reservation under Caleb, please,” Sasha said.

“Right this way, miss.”

She followed her to a quieter section near the window. Caleb was already there, seated, jacket off, sleeves rolled. When he looked up and saw her, he immediately stood.

“Sorry I’m late,” Sasha said as she reached the table.

He leaned in and pecked her cheek.

“It’s fine. I’m just glad you could make it.” He pulled out a chair for her, waiting until she sat before taking his seat across from her.

They exchanged a brief look, the kind that lingered a second too long.

“Hope your boyfriend doesn’t mind that you’re here,” Caleb said casually, picking up his menu. “On a date.”

“He’s out of the country,” Sasha replied. “He doesn’t know.”

Caleb’s lips curved slightly. “Hmm. Nice.”

The waitress returned a moment later with their plates, setting them down carefully. “Enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you,” Sasha said.

Caleb nodded as well. “Thanks.”

Once the waitress walked away, Caleb leaned back slightly, studying her. “You look good, by the way.”

Sasha glanced down briefly, then back up at him. “Thank you.”

The air between them felt warm, unspoken things hanging quietly as they reached for their cutlery and began to eat.

Caleb set his fork down and leaned back slightly.

“So,” He said, watching her closely, “…tell me about yourself.”

Sasha hesitated for a second, then spoke. She told him where she grew up, what she studied, how she ended up where she was now. She kept it light, careful, leaving out the messy parts. When she finished, she took a sip of water and tilted her head.

“What about you?”

He didn’t hesitate.

“I run a company. CEO in tech and logistics.” He said. “Busy most days and I’m used to getting what I want.”

Her brows lifted a little. “Straight to the point.”

He smiled. “I don’t like wasting time.”

They ate in silence for a moment before he spoke again.

“Have you dated anyone else,” He asked, eyes steady on her, “..aside from your current boyfriend?”

She stiffened, but answered. “Just two before him. It didn’t work out.”

“And now?” He asked. “I hope you don’t mind us hanging out more often…”

Before she could fully answer, he added, casually.

“Because I plan on marrying you.” He said.

Sasha choked.

She coughed hard, hand flying to her mouth as her glass rattled against the table. Caleb stood immediately, grabbing the water and pushing it toward her.

“Hey—sorry. I didn’t mean to shock you like that.” His hand hovered at her back but didn’t touch. “Drink.”

She took a few quick sips, breathing hard. “You—” she cleared her throat. “What did you just say?”

He sat back down, calm. “I said I plan on marrying you.”

Her eyes widened. “That’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking.” His voice was steady. “I’m not the kind of man who lets someone I like slip away. I don’t care if you have a boyfriend.”

She shook her head immediately. “No. I’m not interested in you like that.”

Caleb studied her, then leaned forward slightly. “Is he treating you well?”

She didn’t answer.

“Sasha,” He pressed. “Is he?”

Her fingers tightened around her fork. Silence.

He nodded slowly, as if that told him everything. “Do you really love him?”

“Yes,” She said quickly.

“Really?” His tone sharpened just enough. “If you loved him, you wouldn’t lie to him. You wouldn’t sneak out to have dinner with another man.”

Her chest tightened.

“You wouldn’t be sitting here,” He continued, voice low, controlled. “You just indirectly cheated on your boyfriend, cause you knew this was a date.”

Guilt washed over her face before she could stop it. She looked down at her plate, appetite gone.

Caleb leaned back, satisfied he’d hit his mark. His expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Relax,” He said lightly. “Let’s just enjoy our date tonight.”

He winked.

Sasha didn’t smile back.

_______
[ 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 -8pm]

Rias lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Her phone rested beside her, unanswered calls flashing across the screen. She hadn’t heard anything from Romeo, and worry twisted in her chest.

She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up, pacing briefly before heading toward her grandfather’s study. The heavy door creaked as she opened it.

“Rias…” Rafael looked up from his papers, concern in his eyes.

“Is there any news? Are they on their way back? Is Romeo okay?” she asked, her voice tight.

Rafael raised a hand, signaling her to calm down. “Rias… take a breath. Romeo will be fine. Besides, it’s only around 7 p.m. over there; the time difference makes it seem later than it is.”

She ran her hands over her face, exhaling sharply. “Honestly, Grandpa… I want to know. I want you to tell me about the Yakuza. What is it about? Is it illegal? Why is there a war?”

Rafael leaned back, his expression serious. “Alright. You deserve to understand. The Yakuza… they’re a Japanese criminal organization. They operate outside the law in many ways, though some parts skirt legality. They run casinos, underground clubs, gambling dens, shipments… even brothels. Some factions deal in weapons and drugs. That’s why governments see them as illegal, though their influence is far-reaching.”

He paused, letting her absorb the information. “This war… it’s because the Italian Mafia wants to challenge the Asian clans. They’re trying to attack to weaken us, trying to gain control and start their own dominance but we’re beating them in their own game.”

Rias swallowed hard. “Does Mom know? Was Dad… part of the Yakuza when he was alive?”

“No. Your father was never part of it, but your late parents… they knew. Your stepmother Annie doesn’t, and she doesn’t need to.” He looked at her firmly. “This isn’t something you should concern yourself with, Rias.”

“I’m just worried,” she admitted softly.

Rafael sighed. “I thought you already decided to go back to Mexico? It doesn’t sound like you want to.”

She shook her head. “I’ll go… I just… I want to see him before I leave tomorrow night.”

He nodded slowly, eyes softening.

_______
[𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Hunter stepped into the house quietly, the door closing behind him with a dull click.

Bianca’s body was immediately sent to the morgue by Romeo as soon as they landed in Tokyo. Everyone in the clan is currently mourning her because they still couldn’t accept that Bianca was dead.

His jacket hung loose in his hand, forgotten. It didn’t match what was sitting heavy in his chest.

Angelo had told him to come over after they landed, so he decided he could spend the night here.

He moved toward the stairs, boots heavy against the floor.

Hinata’s door opened.

“How was the mission?” she asked, her voice even, unreadable.

Hunter stopped.

“We were successful,” he said flatly. “The Italian Mafia’s wiped out.”

“Good.” She studied his face. “How’s Romeo?”

Hunter’s jaw tightened. “He’s in really bad shape. He doesn’t want to see anybody.”

“Why’s that?”Her brows pulled together.

He swallowed once. Hard. “Bianca… is dead.”

He expected shock. Anger or a little sympathy or sadness.

What he didn’t expect was her response.

“And?” Hinata said. “She died in a war. What’s that got to do with my son being in bad shape?”

Hunter stared at her.

For a moment, he thought he’d misheard.

“…Aunt Hinata,” He said slowly, disbelief creeping into his voice, “…you know how Romeo feels about Bianca.”

“Well,” she replied coolly, “…that stupid love has come to an end.”

Something snapped.

Hunter’s hands curled into fists at his sides, knuckles whitening. His chest burned.

“Really?” His voice rose. “That’s all you care about?! You don’t even consider your son’s feelings?! How heartless can you get?!”

Hinata’s eyes flashed. “Are you raising your voice at me?!”

“Yes!” Hunter shot back, unable to stop himself anymore. “Because I seriously don’t get it! What exactly did Bianca ever do to you?!”

He stepped closer, eyes blazing.

“She was loyal. She was smart. She was the reason we even knew how to handle that war properly. She saved our asses more times than I can count in the past.”

Hinata opened her mouth, but he didn’t let her speak.

“Most of all,” his voice cracked despite his effort to control it, “She saved Romeo’s life. If she didn’t do what she did, Romeo would’ve been dead..!”

The image of Bianca bleeding out on the concrete flashed in his mind. His throat tightened.

“All she did was fall in love with your son,” He continued bitterly. “And for that, you decided she was unworthy? At least have some sympathy for her..!”

He laughed harshly, shaking his head. “So what now? Are you happy she’s dead? Does it make a difference? Does it satisfy you?”

“Hunter—” Hinata started.

“No,” He cut in sharply. “Now I get it.”

He turned away from her, shoulders tense, grief and anger twisting together.

“Now I see why he hates you.”

Without another word, Hunter walked past her and headed upstairs, his steps heavy, every one of them echoing with the weight of Bianca’s death and the knowledge of how much worse Romeo must be hurting.

Hinata stood there alone, silent.

She exhaled slowly and sighed.

________
[𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐮 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬]

Rias drove into the compound and parked, the engine going quiet as she stepped out of the car. She heard that they were back from Italy from her grandpa and was about to come see him.

That was when she saw Tiago.

He was coming down the steps, carrying a few things in his hands, his face drawn, eyes tired and red like he was just crying

“Tiago,” she called. “Where’s Romeo?”

He stopped for a second, then shook his head. “He’s not inside.”

Her brows furrowed. “Then where is he?”

Tiago looked at her, hesitated, then sighed. “I’m sorry. I can’t tell you. He’s… in a really bad shape.”

Her heart skipped.

“Is he hurt?” she asked quickly. “Was he injured in the war?”

Tiago’s jaw tightened.

“Bianca is dead.”

The words really hit a shock nerve in her.

Rias froze, her mind going blank.

“What?” Her voice came out small, almost soundless. “What do you mean… dead?”

Tiago didn’t explain. He didn’t need to.

“He doesn’t want to see anyone,” he said quietly. “So please…”

He walked past her, got into his car, and drove off, leaving her standing there alone.

Rias didn’t move.

Bianca is dead.

The thought echoed in her head over and over. A part of her hated herself for the first feeling that flickered through her chest. Relief. Bianca was gone. The woman standing between her and Romeo was gone.

But the feeling died just as fast.

No matter what she felt, it was still someone’s life. Someone Romeo loved.

And if Romeo truly loved Bianca… then this must be destroying him.

Her chest tightened as she imagined it. If it were Romeo lying dead instead of Bianca, she knew she wouldn’t survive it. The thought alone made her stomach twist.

So she understood.

She looked up at the house, at the quiet windows, knowing he was somewhere out there drowning in grief, shutting everyone out.

“I wanted to see you,” She whispered to no one. “Just once more…”

She exhaled slowly, blinking back the sting in her eyes.

She was leaving for Mexico tomorrow morning. She had hoped to say goodbye. To see him. To hear his voice.

But this wasn’t the right time.

Rias turned back toward her car, her heart heavy, and drove away in silence.

________
[𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

The bedroom door opened slowly.

Romeo stepped inside.

He didn’t bother changing. The shirt on his back was still the one from Italy, stiff with dried blood, dark patches spread across the fabric.

It smelled like gunpowder and iron and death, but he didn’t notice. Or maybe he did and just didn’t care.

He reached for the switch and turned on the light.

The room lit up.

Bianca’s room.

Nothing was out of place. The bed was neatly made. Her scent still lingered faintly in the air, clean, familiar. It hit him straight in the chest.

Romeo stood there for a long moment, unmoving, like his body hadn’t caught up with where he was.

He walked in slowly.

His boots felt too loud against the floor. He looked around, eyes unfocused at first, then sharper.

Framed pictures on the wall. Bianca laughing. Bianca serious. Bianca leaning against a railing, hair pulled back, eyes confident.

He stopped in front of one and stared.

His jaw trembled.

He reached out, fingers brushing the glass, then pulled his hand back as if it burned.

He turned away and went to her closet.

When he opened it, her clothes were still there. Dresses. Jackets. Shirts. Everything folded the way she liked it. Romeo lifted one of her shirts, pressing it between his fingers.

He brought it closer without thinking, his grip tightening.

His shoulders slumped.

If someone had ever told him he would feel like this one day, this hollow, this empty, he would have laughed in their face.

Yet here he was.

Standing in her room, barely breathing.

“Why’d you die, huh?” he whispered, his voice rough. “Why…?”

There was no answer.

He turned toward the dresser, wiping his face angrily with the back of his hand, and that was when he noticed it.

A small wrapped package.

It sat neatly at the corner of the dresser, almost hidden, like she hadn’t meant for anyone to see it yet.

Romeo froze.

His heart started pounding hard against his ribs.

“…What’s this?” he murmured.

Slowly, he picked it up.

He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight, and stared at the package for a few seconds before unwrapping it with shaking hands.

The paper fell away. He opened the small box.

Romeo froze.

His breath left him in a broken sound. Inside was a pregnancy test stick. Showing two red lines..

His eyes widened, disbelief crashing into him all at once.

“No…” he whispered.

His hands started shaking harder.

Two lines.

She had been pregnant.

Before he even planned it. Before he talked about getting her pregnant, she already knew she was?

She’d been carrying his child.

His vision blurred.

“She was… pregnant,” he breathed, his voice breaking completely now.

His chest felt like it was being crushed from the inside. He bent forward slightly, clutching the box like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

“She didn’t just die,” he whispered hoarsely. “You didn’t just die…”

His shoulders shook as the realization hit fully.

“My child died too.”

Romeo’s grip tightened around the small box until his knuckles went white.

His chest hitched.

Then he broke again.

A harsh, broken sob tore out of him as he bent forward, elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands. His shoulders shook violently, the sound of his crying filling the quiet room, raw and ugly and real.

“I shouldn’t have let her go to that war,” He choked, voice cracking. “I shouldn’t have let her step foot on that island…”

He dragged a hand down his face, smearing tears across his skin.

“I’m such a failure,” He whispered, shaking his head over and over. “I let her die. I couldn’t protect her.”

His breath came uneven, sharp, like every inhale hurt.

“I was supposed to protect her,” He said again, louder this time, like repeating it might undo everything. “That was my job. That was my fucking job…”

He slammed his fist against his thigh in frustration, the sound dull and pointless.

“F+k!” He snapped, his voice breaking into a sob immediately after. “Falling in love is so damn painful… way worse than any bullet tearing through your skin.”

He laughed bitterly through tears, the sound empty.

“This shit stings me deep down,” He muttered, clutching his chest like he could hold the pain in place. “Right here… it won’t stop.”

Romeo lowered his head again, tears dropping onto the floor, onto Bianca’s bed.

And no matter how hard he cried, no matter how many times he blamed himself, the room stayed the same.

She was still gone and nothing was gonna bring her back.

________
[𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠- 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭]

Sasha wrapped her arms around Rias and just…didn’t let go.

“Text me when you land,” Sasha mumbled into her shoulder. “And when I finally get some time off, I’ll come visit..”

Rias huffed out something like a laugh. “You sure?.”

“I mean it,” Sasha said, pulling back just enough to look at her. “I’ll come. I promise.”

“Okay.” Rias tried to smile, and it came out small but real. “I’ll hold you to it.”

They separated slowly, like neither of them wanted to be the first to let go.

Sasha’s hand lingered, thumb brushing along Rias’s cheekbone, tracing the familiar line of her face like she was trying to take a picture with her fingers.

“You’ll be okay, right? You’re sure of your decision.” Sasha said, soft but firm, like she was willing it into existence.

The words landed somewhere heavy in Rias’s chest. She nodded anyway. “Yeah. I know.”

Sasha stepped back, giving a little awkward wave, the kind you give when you’ve already said goodbye but can’t stop saying it. “Go before I change my mind and drag you back.”

Rias gave her one last look, then turned toward the entrance. Her suitcase wheels clicked over the uneven floor, an annoying little rhythm that matched the thud in her chest.

People brushed past her—rushed, annoyed, half-distracted. The overhead announcements crackled out flight numbers and destinations she barely heard.

She walked until she reached the start of the line.

Then she stopped.

For a second, she just stood there with her back to everything. Then she turned around.

Her gaze swept the crowd—once, then again, just to be sure.

She was really leaving. She was here just two months ago and it’s all coming to an end.

Something in her posture slipped, just a little. Her shoulders lowered, like someone had let the air out.

She drew in a slow breath through her nose, held it, then let it go. Her fingers tightened around the suitcase handle until her knuckles felt stiff.

She dropped her head a fraction, eyes closing. Like a small, clumsy prayer she didn’t actually expect anyone to hear.

“If we’re supposed to find our way back to each other, if we’re meant to actually be together….” She whispered, her voice catching on the words,

“….then…give me a reason to come back.”

She opened her eyes.

This time, she didn’t search the crowd again. She didn’t give herself that last, painful shot of false hope.

Rias turned around, adjusted her grip on the suitcase, and stepped into the line.

She walked through the gate without looking back.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.