041

Uncertainty stirred your insides as you stepped onto the cobblestone pavement leading up to the secluded restaurant that you were due to meet Daisuke to discuss the future of your business marriage. It seemed so silly to think that this was the norm for people like you— well, like them. You couldn't bring yourself to associate with such behaviors, despite your birthright experience as the child of a wealthy, business-driven family.

This wasn't something you wanted, you've always known it ever since you watched your mother suffer in silence, always just grinning and bearing it as she slowly lost herself in her own loveless marriage... all for the sake of duty to her family and her husband. You had never thought to ask her how she felt about it, though she'd most likely fabricate her truth into something that sounded pretty on paper— like a fairytale of love and riches unfathomable.

When had you become so weak? In a moment of vulnerability you succumbed yourself to your worst nightmare, and now your happiness hangs loosely in the balance of a wretched life filled with misery as you mourn the life you could've had with the man you truly wanted to be with.

Although,

You did have a secret weapon up your sleeve.

It was something that was yours and yours alone— a secret that had never once graced your lips the moment you had received the information; a bitter sweet notion that could be something entirely good or entirely bad, depending on the circumstances. Luckily for you in this instance, it would no doubt come in handy.

Men like Daisuke were all the same. No matter how handsome or charming he may be, rich, high-profile men given a platform to rule the world will always want to do just that in one way or another. This marriage meant that for him, a merging of businesses amongst an already well-established empire that the Sano's had created. Meaning more money; more influence over society.

Having a beautiful women by his side to give him support and most importantly, give him children— heirs to a company that would produce generational wealth for years and years to come. His surname would live on as a legacy for centuries, long after he's dead and buried six feet under.

What if you weren't able to give him that?

Surely he'd have to find someone else for the job. At least, you hoped that would be the case. After all, it was your very last resort and just about the only loophole you posed to get out of this potential marriage.

With each step that brought you closer to the doors of Mr. Sano's estate, your breathing became more and more shallow— the oxygen dissipating from around you as your nerves kicked in full force. What if this didn't work? What if it wasn't enough? Daisuke is a smart man, and a lawyer at that— arguing, negotiating, a quick-witted and sharp tongue... Did you even stand a chance?

Before you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, the door swung open with fervent, Daisuke appears tall and fancily dressed before you— designer suit wrapped perfectly taut around his well built figure, not a hair out of place, expensive cologne enveloping your breath. It all seemed so familiar to you, in the worst ways possible.

Daisuke was nothing more than a different version of the man you despised most.

His gaze is stoic, dark brown eyes intensively drink you in with every curious flit. He likes what he sees, it's apparent in the way he smirks as his eyes scan your figure in the pretty little dress that Rin suggested you wear. He was always one to tease, that Suna— no doubt wanting to show the man just exactly what he would be missing out on.

"You look stunning, as always." Daisuke hums, his deep voice is silky smooth as the words slip from his lips. It's no surprise that's he's such a great lawyer, his tone of voice alone could persuade almost anyone to bend at his very will.

A perfectly manicured hand reaches out to stroke your cheek— the pads of his fingers are surprisingly smooth, a vast contrast of the roughly calloused hands that you'd grown so accustomed to. As his heavy thumb swipes across your bottom lip, tugging ever so slightly at the plump flesh, he leans closer towards you just before lithely pressing his own mouth to yours as if to sample the merchandise he's been promised.

His lips are soft, and you can still taste the minty toothpaste he must have used just moments before— it doesn't surprise you that it's a damn good kiss, but there's simply nothing more to it. No passion, no spark— no tingle; dull.

It's no fault of his own that you're reacting this way, it's just that the taste of Rin still lingers so heavily in your mind that nothing else could even begin to compare.

He steps away, studying your expression with intensive detail. He can tell something is off, that your mind is clearly elsewhere, but he doesn't comment on it. He simply smiles as he holds out his arm for you to take, escorting you into his home.

The place was extravagant, not that you expected anything less— expensive art pieces that were probably worth more than your entire life's savings decorated the hallways leading up to the dining room, where a delicious meal for two was awaiting.

"I apologize for starting without you," he says, tone lilted with spice, "but you're a bit late."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. I was... caught up with something that desperately needed my attention."

"I see." He chuckles to himself, pulling out your chair. "In any case, I'm glad you could make it."

"Thank you." You smile timidly, wracking your brain for ways to start your argument against this marriage. This is your third time encountering the man and he seems even more intimidating than before, maybe because of the discussion you know that's coming, but you can't even manage to get a single word out.

Unbeknownst to you, Daisuke remains a watchful eye. He doesn't miss how your hands tremble as you pick at the plate of food before you, how your chest delivers sharp and shallow breaths of discomfiture.

He allows a few more moments of silence to pass by before he finally speaks up.

"Just so we're clear, y/n— I don't wish to be the villian in your story."

You lift your gaze at the words he says, brows furrowed as you listen carefully with confusion.

"I told you once before, I won't force you into anything you don't want to do. It's very clear that you aren't comfortable here in my presence, despite what you told me earlier when we spoke on the phone."

Once again, he's rendered you speechless— anything you had planned to say was thrown out the window as you're struck with an overwhelming sense of perplexity.

"It's true that I hate losing, Ms. L/n. It doesn't happen to me very often and I don't plan on starting, so perhaps it's best I forfeit while I have the chance to maintain my flawless record." He smirks playfully, the rim of his glass teasing the soft skin of his lips as he takes a swig of his drink.

"I'd be a fool to play for your heart when it clearly belongs to someone else."

"Daisuke, I—"

"No worries, y/n." He says softly, smiling despite the hint of dejection in his eyes that tells you maybe you shouldn't have judged him so harshly. There was a person behind that debonair facade that he exudes, a person capable of compassion and empathy— unlike any other man born from old money that you've ever encountered.

"Would you at least do me the honor of finishing up our meal together?" He asks politely, gesturing to the food that you've barely even touched.

You smile, genuinely, this time— picking up your utensils. The food did look absolutely amazing, you'd be a fool to pass up a five star meal.

"Of course."

Daisuke proved to be great company, the two of you exchanging stories of your similar upbringings— the good... and even the bad times, you seemed to have a lot in common. He was right about one thing after all, he understood your situation and hardships better than anyone else because he had experienced them too. Maybe not quite like you had, but in his own way, he was also just a pawn in his father's plan to own most of Japan.

Dinner was great, and Daisuke was a perfect gentleman as he escorted you back to your car. Opening the door for you, he takes one long, lasting look as you turn to face him, preparing to say your goodbyes.

"It's a shame I didn't meet you sooner." He says smoothly, that familiar air of power and confidence slipping back into view. "I'm absolutely positive I could've made you mine."

Maybe he was right, or maybe he was wrong— either way, the only thing you wanted to do right now was jump in the car and race over to Suna's house so you could see him again, to see the kids again.

God, you missed them so much.

"I won't keep you any longer." He hums, backing away as you take your seat behind the wheel. "Make sure he knows just how lucky he is, Ms. L/n. You are truly one of a kind."

"Thank you, Daisuke." You respond, shutting the door and pulling out of the driveway as you watch Daisuke give a last, gentle wave goodbye before retreating back inside his home.

Maybe you would've made more of an effort to reconcile with Sano, but you weren't in the right state of mind— you wanted to see Reiki and Reiko again, and their idiot father that had you so damn head over heels in love. You knew you would have to deal with it later, especially your father, but that could wait. You knew you could handle anything once you had them back in your life.

-

The entire ride over to the the Suna household was a blur. You hardly even paid attention to the streetlights as you focus zeroed in on the fact that this time, you were going to their home not as the nanny... but something more?

There it was again, those nerves deep in the pit of your stomach, self-doubt creeping into the forefront of your mind as you wondered how they would feel about you now— as their father's partner instead of their nanny.

Are they angry with you? Atsumu's and Rin both expressed how much they missed you, but that didn't mean you would be off the hook; and Reiki, you can still remember his little face, tears streaming down his swollen cheeks as he screamed for you not to leave him. You had made so much progress getting him to trust you enough to express himself comfortably— was that completely shot to hell?

You sighed, hesitantly reaching out for the handle of the front door— hardly even realizing that your feet had carried you there on autopilot while you were lost in melancholic thought.

Should you knock? You don't really live here anymore, it would be rude to just open the door, right?

Your hand jerks back, as you hear the handle start to turn. It swings open, Rin's eyes light up when he sees you standing on the other side, looking just as beautiful as you did when he saw you just a few hours before.

He smiles, probably the widest you've ever seen since you've known the desolate man... and you swear you've never seen a sight so perfect as this one; it's almost funny how you've been on the opposite side of that door so many times, same bright smile adorning your lips as you greet him after a long days work.

He thinks it's funny too, because he chuckles before he speaks, realizing that it's now his moment to return the favor.

"Welcome home."

just a few more chapters left guys :')