Kyoto Estate – Late Night
Renjiro was still in the study when the house fell silent.Stacks of documents, the pale glow of his tablet, and the faint hiss of rain against the paper screens kept him company.
Aika appeared at the doorway, still in her pale house robe.She hesitated before speaking.
"You're still working."
He didn't look up. "It doesn't stop because I got married."
She folded her hands. "Do you ever stop?"
"Not when there's something worth building."
For a moment, she almost smiled, almost said she understood—then he added, without emotion,
"Pack your things tomorrow morning. We're going back to Tokyo."
Her breath caught.
"The penthouse?" she asked carefully."I'll prepare—"
He finally looked up, eyes flat behind exhaustion.
"No. You'll stay at the family house. That's where you belong."
Aika blinked. "But I thought—"
"The penthouse is mine," he cut in. "It's not for a convenient marriage. It's for someone I actually choose."
The words landed like stone dropped into still water.The sound of rain filled the pause between them.
Aika drew in a slow breath and bowed slightly.
"I see. Then I'll have the staff arrange everything."
Renjiro turned back to his screen. "Do whatever you need."
She lingered at the doorway, just long enough for him to glance up again—and see her smile, small and tired, the kind a person gives when there's nothing left to argue.
Then she left.
The Corridor
Her footsteps echoed down the polished hall.Each step steadier than the last.
So that's how it is, she told herself.Then I'll learn to live where I'm placed.
Outside, the rain softened to mist.Inside, light still glowed from under the study door long after midnight.
And somewhere behind that door, Renjiro stared at his empty tea cup, wondering why the house suddenly felt too quiet.
Kyoto Estate – Morning Light
Aika woke to the sound of soft footsteps and the rustling of silk curtains.
Her eyes opened slowly.The bed beside her was empty.
The faint imprint on the futon was already cold.
She sat up, brushing a hand through her hair just as a knock came at the door.
"Come in."
A housemaid entered quietly with a tray of tea and a folded note.
"Good morning, Madam Hayama. Hayama-sama has already left for his office. He asked us to inform you that your transportation to Tokyo is arranged for 10 a.m. Lady Suzu will accompany you."
Aika looked at the untouched side of the futon again.No note.No goodbye.
Only the message passed along by staff.
"Thank you," she replied softly.
She accepted the tray and dismissed the maid.
Breakfast in the East Pavilion
Aika ate in silence, alone in the smaller formal dining space reserved for family.
The table was already set with delicate Kyoto specialties—grilled miso fish, tamago, rice, yuba soup—but she only touched a few bites.
Suzu arrived shortly after, still tying her scarf.
"He left early," Suzu said, sitting down beside her.
Aika nodded. "I heard."
"And without saying goodbye. Again."
"I didn't expect one."
Suzu gave her a glance—half worry, half admiration.
"You're stronger than anyone gives you credit for."
Aika offered a faint smile. "Strength is just silence others can't see through."
The Departure – Front Gate
Aika stood beside Suzu as their bags were loaded into the back of the black Hayama car. Staff bowed as the sisters-in-law stepped in.
Masaki and Eri Hayama were still in Kyoto for meetings and would return later in the evening by private transport.
The road to Tokyo was smooth and silent.
Aika stared out the window the entire time.Not sad.Just… thoughtful.
That Afternoon – Hayama Family Tokyo House
The estate house in Tokyo was grand and discreet, sitting quietly within a gated district of Minato. Stone walls. Private gardens. A pond that mirrored the afternoon sun.
Aika's room was prepared with precision.Her wardrobe already arranged.Staff trained to her preferences.
Everything perfect.
Everything cold.
She changed into a soft pastel dress and spent the afternoon in the quiet sitting room, reviewing business updates for her position as director—exactly as expected.
But the silence stretched.
No message from Renjiro.No check-in.Not even a formality.
She was his wife.But only by paper.
Tokyo – Hayama Family Residence, Late Night
The house had gone still long ago.
Aika was seated near the window of their shared room, brushing her hair slowly. Dressed in a soft silk robe, she had planned to sleep alone—again—believing Renjiro had gone to his penthouse.
Until—
The front gate opened.
Car lights flashed briefly against the outer wall.Moments later, the sound of shoes echoed softly down the polished hallway.Firm. Familiar.
Renjiro.
She stood slowly as the door slid open.
He stepped inside with a quiet, unreadable expression.
"You came here," she said, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.
Renjiro closed the door behind him. "I said this is where you belong."
There was no venom in his tone this time. No cruelty.
Just… presence.
He dropped his briefcase on the bench near the closet, loosened his collar, and glanced toward her.
"You already had dinner?"
"I did. I left some for you."
He nodded once. "Thanks."
Silence lingered for a beat.
Then he moved toward the bathroom.
"I'll shower," he said, disappearing behind the sliding door.
While He Showered
Aika moved automatically, folding out the futon, placing his pajamas on the bed beside hers, lighting the faint incense her mother-in-law sent to ease wedding nerves.
Her fingers hesitated only once—when she touched the buttons of his pajama shirt.Something felt strange tonight.
Why did he come here?
Why now?
She composed herself, smoothing the robe around her shoulders.
Then the door opened.
Renjiro Returns
Renjiro stepped out in a towel, hair damp, wearing only his undershirt and trousers. He paused for a long moment at the threshold.
And looked at her.
Really looked at her.
Her hair fell softly over one shoulder, her cheeks faintly flushed from warmth, the silk of her robe catching the light like moonlight against her skin.
And in that second—
His expression changed.
Desire flickered.
Heat surged behind his usually composed face.
Aika felt it instantly. Her breath caught.
He stepped forward.
"Tonight," he said, voice low, "we consummate this marriage."
Her eyes widened slightly. "What…?"
"You're my wife now. Everyone knows it. The papers, the company, the family."
He stopped in front of her.
"You waited every night, didn't you? Then wait no more."
Aika's fingers tightened around her robe belt. Her heart raced—not from fear, but from sudden confusion.
What changed?
Why now?
She wanted to ask, but couldn't find the words.
Earlier That Day – Renjiro's POV
At noon, between meetings, Renjiro had been scrolling through a curated media report when a headline caught his eye:
"The Silent Bride: Aika Tachibana Ranked #1 as Japan's Most Desired Woman by Elite Watch Magazine"
There she was, in her wedding gown—his wedding gown.Poised. Elegant. A mystery.
"How she able to custom AT bridal dress?""How did the Hayama heir secure the heart of Japan's most elusive, high-class bride?"
He'd scoffed at first—until he scrolled further.
An older article.A photo.
Aika, in Paris, walking beside a tall foreign man. Laughing. Arm barely touching.
"Is this the mystery man? Rumors of Aika Tachibana's international relationship arise."
The words burned through him.
She had someone?Before me?
She was seen with someone else?
He kept reading.No confirmation of identity.All business.Still—
Why hadn't he seen this before?
Why did it make his chest feel tight?
He closed the report.Told his driver to go to the Tokyo estate.
He didn't care.He didn't care.He didn't—
Now – Back in Their Room
Renjiro's eyes still held heat. Possession. Maybe even a trace of wounded pride.
Aika looked up at him, voice barely above a whisper.
"Why now?"
He paused.
For just a second, something flickered in his gaze—uncertainty, buried under lust.
"Because you're mine."
And that was all he said.