was sitting in bed reading a book she had found in the vast library of the mansion. She sighed, feeling utterly and totally bored. She never wanted to get married at her age and certainly not to Atobe Keigo, but her parents had forced her to marry him because they found him a good match for her. She had only agreed because her father had emotionally blackmailed her.
“That old geezer,” she muttered bitterly, flipping through the pages of the book she was supposedly reading. “Aaaargghh!” She slammed the book down and threw it across the room.
Atobe opened the door to his bedroom and sidestepped the flying book. He looked over the bed and saw his wife looking at him with her hands crossed, a frown on her face.
“It’s you,” she said, looking away.
“Would it kill you to smile every now and then?” he sighed tiredly and walked to his side of the bed. didn’t say anything, just turned off her bedside lamp and turned her back to him, covering herself.
Atobe looked at her, frowning deeply while he undressed himself. What a brat, he thought, annoyed. When his father had suggested that he wanted him to try as a marriage prospect, he had objected because he didn’t want to marry the daughter of his father’s close friend. However, his father insisted that he should at least see the woman and then decide whether he liked her or not. U,nfortunately it was one of those things where he couldn’t do anything but agree. He lay on the bed and allowed his gaze to settle on the white ceiling, thinking of the first time they met. You only have yourself to blame, Keigo, he thought wryly. You told your old man to find you a wife and he got you the perfect brat.
He tucked his hands behind his head lazily as his thoughts led him back to the day of their first encounter. Their families had arranged to meet at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Tokyo,. He could still remember the beating of his heart when he laid eyes on her, he had fallen in love with her at first sight, she was wearing a long white strapless evening dress that hugged her lean body,, copper-colored embroidery adorned the dress from the waist downwards, it was a true piece of art and it suited perfectly. Her dark silky hair was pulled up in a band where some wild curls had escaped and fell over her bare shoulders. She was so beautiful,, he thought, smiling, but frowned immediately when his gaze travelled to the woman sharing his bed and who had her back turned at him.
His dream of a happily married life didn’t live long,. She had declared her dislike and disapproval from day one and didn’t want to talk or look at her husband. For the first time in his life Atobe struggled to get someone to like him or even notice him.
I don’t like him, thought as she lay in her side of the bed quietly waiting for sleep to take over her tired mind. She froze the moment she felt a pair of hands encircle her waist and hot breath on her neck. I will kill him if he tries someth… Her mind came to a halt when she felt his lips brushing over her skin.
“Turn around,” he whispered in her ear and waited patiently for her to do so.
didn’t turn. She just lay there with her back facing him.
He sighed heavily, forcing his heart not to fall into despair,. He had tried so many times to reach out to her that he had lost count.
I am not giving up this time.
He moved his hands and turned over so she was face to face with him.
She had her eyes closed, obviously pretending to be sleeping, Damn brat, he thought, smirking, and leaned in to kiss her. Before he could even touch her lips she opened her eyes, jerking her head backwards.
“What do you think you are doing?” she demanded angrily, pushing him away from her.
“Arn? I thought you were sleeping,” he said slyly and pulled her closer.
“You… I hate you… Don’t touch me,” she hissed and fought back to force him to let go of her, but Atobe was holding her firmly close to him. This time he would make her his, he was determined to conquer her heart and soul.
He ignored her shouts and captured her lips in a passionate kiss. froze at his audacity, - she could feel her blood boil and her mind fill with murderous thoughts,. She remained as cold as ice. His arms were closed tightly around her waist and he was kissing her strongly. He wanted her to respond to his kiss but he could feel the stiffness of her body and the coldness she was emanating.
He pulled away and looked at her. “You could at least pretend to kiss me back,” he said, disappointment washing over his beautiful features.
“I don’t want to pretend. I don’t like you, Atobe,” she said coldly and got up from the bed. “The moment you get that into your head, we will both be much better off.” She walked to door. “I will sleep in the guest room.” She closed the door behind her.
Stubborn woman, he thought frustrated, as he hugged the pillow next to him and tried to get some sleep. I will not let that bother me… I will not… I will not…
“Argh!” Atobe shouted, flinging the covers away. He got out of bed and marched straight to the guest room, ignoring the noise he was making. He flung the door open and glared at her. “Get back into the room,” he ordered in a low dangerous voice.
looked away.
Atobe walked over to her and without giving her an opportunity to resist, he grabbed and flung her over his shoulders.
“Eek… Hey!” yelled, hitting his shoulders as he walked back to their bedroom. “Put me down, you bastard!”
Atobe dropped her none too gently onto the bed and looked at her with his piercing gaze. “You don’t want me to touch you? That’s fine. But know this,: you are never sleeping on a separate bed. Marrying me cursed you to sharing a bed with me for life.”
just looked at him emotionlessly. She wanted to kill him. She wanted to rip that head of his and stomp on it. She wanted to wake up from the nightmare she was in and live her life like she did before she ever laid eyes on him, on the man that had turned her life into a living Hell. I will kill him and that old geezer too, she thought and turned on her side pulling the sheets over her body.
Atobe didn’t say anything else. He just climbed onto the bed and slept on his back with his arms by his side.
-------------------
The next day
The morning came quickly and Atobe had just finished his shower, he wore only his pants and the towel that was around his shoulders. He went into the bedroom and found still fast asleep. He caressed her hair softly, not wanting to wake her up. She looks so beautiful when she is quiet,, he thought, walking towards the closet.
After getting dressed he made his way to the dining room for his breakfast. He wasn’t in the mood to eat anything so he just drank his coffee while reading the newspaper. The silence in the room was deafening so he decided to leave for work, early.
In the limo on his way to work, his mind wandered to the previous night. He was thinking about his wife and what could possibly have gone wrong from the day they married. She looked happy when we first met. Why did she suddenly turn into a vicious cat after we got married?
He rubbed his aching temple, trying to. It’s not easy to sleep serenely when you have a beautiful body next to you, he thought wryly, closing his eyes.
But it’s not only about the sleeping, is it Keigo? He asked himself as he massaged his temples. A wife should always be there for you sharing every little detail of your life like eating together, shopping and having fun with you.
Atobe shifted in his seat to get more comfortable and looked out the window through his sunglasses. Yet we haven’t done any of that. He frowned, noticing that lots of kids were on the streets today.
“I need a plan,” he muttered, rubbing his jaw, thinking.
--------------------
stretched her hands over the covers. She looked to Atobe’s side and noticed that he wasn’t there. A light smile settled on her lips. He is not here, she thought cheerfully. Without getting out of bed, she searched for her phone on her night table. She flipped it open and called her friend,. She set a meeting with her at Shibuya for breakfast and shopping and got out of bed, heading straight to the bathroom to wash herself. I am in such a good mood today,, she thought as she washed her face, I’ll go shopping, I’m in a spending mood.
She took her time dressing while going through the evening dresses she had in her possession. I need to buy an evening dress for the charity party this Friday,, she thought, leaving the mansion.
--------------------
“You are late, Atobe .” glared at her best friend, but it turned into a smile right away.
frowned at the mention of Atobe’s name. “That’s not even funny, .” She pouted and flung her arms around ’s shoulders. “I am in a good mood today. Please do not spoil it for me, because you will suffer the consequences otherwise.” She winked. “Now, let’s shop,” she said, smiling brightly and pulling her friend by the hand.
They walked for a long time, looking at different things and window-shopping until something finally caught ’s attention. “, let’s check out this store.” She grabbed ’s hand and pulled her along.
“,” said, looking at the shop, surprised. “Why did we come here?”
“I need a dress for Friday night. It’s for a charity party I have to attend,” answered automatically, her eyes pinned on a blue evening dress.
couldn’t understand would need a new dress with all the ones she already had,, but deep down she had a notion why. “Why do you need a new one? You have lots of dresses,” she said with a smile. “Maybe you want to impress that hubby of yours.” She giggled, poking in the ribs.
glared at , but her cell phone rang. She picked it up without checking the caller ID. “Hello?”
“I see you are awake.”
“What do you want?” rolled her eyes and moved to look at another dress that caught her eye. She held the sheer and expensive dress between her fingers and wondered if she should try it on or not.
“I want you to join me for lunch,” Atobe said flatly. He was in his office, signing papers as his secretary placed them in front of him. He skimmed through them at a good speed and finally signed the next one as he waited for to respond.
“I don't,” she responded plainly. “I am out with a friend, so kindly don’t annoy me.” She hung up.
Atobe looked at the phone gritting his teeth. “That... BRAT!” he yelled, annoyed, and slammed his fist on his desk. He glared at the secretary and told her to leave him in peace. He was getting tired of her constant dismissal, but he wouldn't give up so easily. I will make her fall in love with me, he thought as he dialled her number again. That's a promise.
“Your phone is ringing.” poked on the arm.
“Will you stop poking me?” slapped ’s hand playfully. “I don't want to answer it.” She took the blue dress she was looking at and went to try it on. Her phone kept ringing and ringing until she finally decided to answer it. “What?” she snapped at the caller angrily.
“Should I be offended by the tone of your voice?”
“Oh! Hikaru?” she said surprised. “I am sorry. I thought you were someone else,” she admitted, walking into the dressing room. She took off her clothes while talking to the man called Hikaru and tried the dress on. She walked out of the changing room and walked to a mirror. She looked at her reflection and smiled. I love this dress, she thought, walking back to the changing room, the phone still in her hand.
“So, when can I see you?”
“I don't know. I am married, remember?” sighed and walked out of the changing room once again. She gave the dress to the girl and asked her to have it delivered to her house on Friday afternoon. “I will call you next week. We can go for lunch somewhere. Is that alright with you?” She waved at to let her know that she was done.
“That's fine. Take care,” Hikaru said in a low voice and hung up.
closed her phone and left the shop with following her.
After another two hours of shopping, returned home holding ten bags of clothes, shoes and accessories. A maid helped her carry the bags in the house and she left them beside the staircase. She walked to the living room and froze when she saw Atobe sitting there with his feet crossed, reading some papers.
“What are you doing here at this time?” she asked with one hand on her hip.
“I told you I wanted to have lunch with you,” he said indifferently, not taking his gaze away from the papers.
“And I said...” she began, but was cut off.
“I know what you said,” he interrupted, getting up and walking to her. “I also know that you hung up on me. I didn't like that. I respect the fact that you don't like being my wife, but you are and I would appreciate it if you would treat me with respect too.”
sighed. “I do. Do you hear me complain about the social events you drag me to?” She walked to the balcony and he followed her.
“No, but I would appreciate it if you would be nicer when we are together.” He looked at her and admired how beautiful she looked as the sun’s rays danced down her face and neck.
I guess I was a bit rude, she thought closing her eyes and inhaling the sweet scent of flowers from the garden below. She turned and sat on the railing, looking at him. “I am sorry I was rude,” she said with no expression, “I won’t hang up the phone at you, but I would like it if you’d stop calling me every twenty minutes.” She crossed her arms and looked at him straight in the eyes.
“I could do that,” he answered, walking towards the table on the balcony and sat on one of the chairs.
“I have a proposal for you. Why don't we place some rules that will help us coexist?” said as she straightened herself and moved to sit on the other vacant chair.
Atobe nodded at her suggestion and waited for her to continue. I have a vague feeling it will be something I will absolutely not like.
“I will have breakfast, lunch and dinner with you everyday,” said uninterestedly.
Atobe raised his eyebrow, while a small frown was forming its self on his face, after guessing what she wanted to say. “I assume there is a ‘but’ following that sentence.”
“Yes!” responded plainly, “You are not to touch me in any way,” she said bluntly, “The social events don't count.” She looked at him with a small hint of a smile gracing her lips as she got up and called a maid to request for lunch to be brought to them on the balcony.
Atobe΄s frown deepened upon hearing what had just said to him. He didn't like that arrangement. What the hell? I can’t touch you? Aren’t you my wife?
After talking to the maid, returned to her seat and, sat twiddling her fingers in front of her as her elbows rested gently on the arms of the chair. She waited patiently for Atobe to say something, but he was lost in his thoughts. ,Even after the maid brought their lunch he didn’t touch it.
“I thought you wanted to have lunch with me?” said while eating her salad.
“I lost my appetite,” Atobe snapped, still gazing at the garden.
placed her fork on her plate and looked at him, as she didn't like his tone of voice. “I’m sorry, did I miss something?” she asked, resting her chin in her hands.
He finally glared at her, “Do not patronize me, .”
“Oh!”
“I don't agree with the rules,” Atobe snorted, taking his wine glass and gulping it down in one go.
“I really don't care if you agree or not. I don't want to be intimate with you.” She shrugged and resumed eating her salad.
“That's ludicrous! We are married. Our parents are expecting grandchildren.” He stood up and walked to the edge of the balcony looking defeated. What is this woman thinking?
almost choked when she heard him say ‘grandchildren’,. Atobe turned around and looked at her when he heard her faint choke. He laughed inwardly when he saw her expression. “I have work to do. I will be in my study,” he said firmly and walked away without giving her a chance to respond.
’s shock turned into fury when he walked out on her. I hate him,, she thought, trying to clean up the mess she had caused.
--------------------
Friday evening
walked out of the shower in a towel and went straight to the dressing room so she could get ready for the event. She walked to her dresser and sat down on the chair, taking the hair dryer out from the drawer. She switched it on and began blow-drying her hair.
She was irritated that she had to spend the evening with her husband. She had not spoken to him at all since the disastrous lunch day. She frowned, looking into her reflection and let out a sigh when she was done with her hair. She brushed it, allowing it to flow loose over her shoulders and stood up.
She pulled out the blue dress she had bought and scowled at it. It looks beautiful, but I don’t feel beautiful tonight, she thought sadly, placing it on the lounge chair.
She sat on the chair in front of her dresser and kept her gaze on the dress. All right, , get your act together! Just get dressed and get this over with.
Atobe was waiting in the living room for before leaving for the charity party. Why do we always act like a couple only in front of people? He played with his glass of wine. Why does she hate me so much?, She never gave me a reason. His thoughts were interrupted when the woman he was thinking about walked in the room, announcing she was ready.
He gasped when his eyes fell on her but tried hard not to look affected by her beauty. He didn’t want to give her any sort of victory over him. The dress she was wearing emphasized her beautiful curves in a subtle yet seductive way.
He got up from his chair and made his way towards her slowly. He extended his arm and she held on to it lightly. They walked to the limo and he helped her get inside.
stole a glance at Atobe through the corner of her eye, - he was reading a newspaper. rolled her eyes. He is such a workaholic,, she thought, averting her gaze to the scenery outside of the moving car.
Atobe closed the newspaper and placed by his side,. He looked at and admired her. She is so beautiful. He moved and sat next to her.
looked at him. “Do you need something?” she asked dryly.
“No,” he answered and placed his hand on hers and lifted it to his lips.
turned around when she felt his hand on her and was stunned with his action. She pulled her hand away from his mouth and glared at him. “What do you think you are doing?” she asked, irritated. “I thought we said no touching.”
“I never agreed.” He shrugged his shoulders and moved away from her. “How can you expect me to not touch you when you look so beautiful? Besides you are my wife and I have every right to touch you,” he concluded.
“I don’t care what you think,” she said, looking away.
They sat in silence until they arrived at the Takemura manor. Atobe stepped out first and then helped come out. She stood beside him and tucked her hand under his elbow like a normal couple and they walked towards the entrance of the manor.
“Atobe-sama. Through this way please,” A butler, said, bowing politely.
Atobe and followed him into the grand ballroom.
“Atobe-san, you have a very beautiful wife,” Takemura Nobukazu said, looking at Atobe.
Atobe bowed politely. “Thanks you Takemura-sama. I consider myself very lucky,” he said with pride in his voice.
looked at him, staggered. I can’t believe he would say that in front of people, she thought. But she liked the tone in which he had stated his admiration.
“Oh! You must feel lucky too, -san,” Takemura said, bowing to in turn.
lifted her hand and covered her mouth, laughing sweetly. “Of course I am,” she smiled and hugged Atobe’s arm. “He is the best.”
“Oh!” Takemura laughed and drank his champagne in one gulp. “How is business going, Atobe-san?” he asked, changing the subject in a matter of seconds, taking another glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
“It’s going all right. Our company bought the Sannio bank and is expanding to Fukuoka,” Atobe said, seriously.
rolled her eyes at the change of subject and excused herself.
She walked around the ballroom, conversing with various people who were important to Atobe’s business. She finally found herself on the balcony that overlooked the pool and garden. She placed her hands on the stone railing and leaned forward to take a better look at the garden.
sighed. There was a chilly breeze blowing and she shivered a bit, but she didn’t want to go inside and pretend to be the happy wife. She wanted be alone,, away from all the curious looks of the gossiping ladies of high society.
She felt warm hands touch her shoulders.
“You’re shivering. You must be cold,” Atobe whispered in her ear. ’s heart started beating faster. She felt excited by the warmth his hands were producing on her skin. Why am I feeling this way? Panic hit her and she pulled away.
Atobe sighed, disappointed. “Let’s go inside,” he said and held a hand out to her.
looked at him hesitantly, but she reached for his hand and held it tightly. They walked back to the ballroom and for another hour.
“Keigo, I’m tired,” she whispered and hugged his arm.
Atobe looked at her and smiled. He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek lightly. stared at him. “Ladies, gentlemen.” He bowed. “We will be leaving now. It was a pleasure to see you all.” He concluded and walked away with by his side.
They bid Takemura good night and left the manor. They were in the limousine sitting close to each other. was feeling very sleepy and couldn’t keep her eyes open. Atobe placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him.
“Why don’t you sleep until we get home?” he said softly.
“Keigo, I am too tired to argue with you. Please move your hands away.” She tried to get away from him, but couldn’t find the strength to do so.
Atobe chuckled. “Just close your eyes and sleep. I won’t bite,” he teased, kissing her forehead tenderly.
“Fine. You’re lucky I am too tired to argue, or else I would hit you,” she muttered under her breath, but loud enough for Atobe to hear. He chuckled.
--------------------
Next morning
opened her eyes slowly. She looked to the side where Atobe usually slept and found it empty. She stretched her body, hands and legs, yawning lazily.
He’s probably downstairs, she thought, sitting up. She washed up and then got some clothes from her closet before returning to the bathroom. She took her pajamas off and placed them on the cabinet next to the shower door. Something is odd, she thought as she entered the shower.
After she finished with her warm shower, she dried herself and looked at the pajama on the cabinet. Wait a minute, she thought, looking at her pajamas carefully. This is black silk - my pajamas are always white.
froze on the spot as sudden realization hit her and she gasped at the thought. She dressed hurriedly and went down to the dining room. She opened the door but no one was there. It’s Sunday - where the hell is he?
She checked his study, the living room, the pool and the lower garden near the tennis court, but she couldn’t find him anywhere. She entered the mansion panting. “Where is my husband?” she asked a maid that was cleaning the entrance hall.
“He is in the music room,” the maid answered, bowing politely.
“We have a music room?” she asked, bewildered. I should take a good look at this house, she thought, following the maid to the music room.
“This is the music room,” the maid said suddenly and looked at the closed wooden door.
“Thank you,” she said sweetly and opened the door slowly. This door is a bit heavy. She stopped when she heard the melody of a beautiful tune played on the piano. That man, she thought wryly, I can’t believe he brings people over to play the piano just to entertain him. She shook her head and walked in the room.
The heavy wooden door closed behind her and she moved closer to the grand piano. She froze when she saw that it was Atobe playing the piano. What the...I didn’t know he plays the piano? She moved towards a big red couch and sat on it, enjoying the beautiful melody.
Atobe opened his eyes and saw sitting on the grand red couch with her eyes closed, enjoying the music he was playing. Maybe I should keep this up a bit, he thought, a smirk forming on his lips.
He played for another half hour and then stopped. He looked at with a smile.
opened her eyes the minute the melody finished. How long was I here for? She took a glance over at him and found him looking at her with a smile. A slight pink color painted her cheeks when she met his burning gaze.
She shook her head and regained her composure in a few seconds. She got off the couch and approached him with her hands on her hips, glaring daggers at him. “Who changed my clothes yesterday night?” she demanded.
Atobe was taken aback by ’s change of attitude, but didn’t show it. He ran his hand through his hair and smirked. “Everyone was asleep,” he answered simply.
“Please tell me that it was not you,” she said, exasperated. He has no right to change my clothes or touch me… how dare he?!
“Hmm... Is that your way of saying thank you?” He got up from the piano and walked towards a classic armchair, where he sat down and picked up a newspaper to read, ignoring her.
“You had no right to change my clothes!” shouted.
“I had every right,” Atobe responded calmly, flipping through the newspaper.
’s irritation level hit the roof and she stomped towards Atobe angrily. She grabbed the newspaper from his hand. “When I talk to you, I want you to look at me,” she hissed, annoyed at how calm he was.
“Honey, you are not talking. You are yelling.” He got up from his chair and kissed on the cheek. “I think I will go out for lunch. Enjoy yourself,” he said and left the room. Well done for plan A, he thought, amused. Now for plan B.
was looking at the wooden door, stunned. That man is playing with me. “Argh! I hate him,” she yelled in frustration as she stomped out of the music room.
She walked towards the poolside to calm herself down. She was almost relaxed, but her mobile phone rang and startled her.
“Yes?” she answered the phone aggravated.
“Hello sweetie. Why are you angry?”
“YOU! I am in no mood to talk to you!” hissed, “Why? Why him? Of all the men in Japan, why did you have to choose him?” she yelled, irritated, sitting down on a pool chair.
The man on the other end laughed and got even more annoyed. “Do not mock me, father. I am seriously irritated at the moment and you are NOT on my list of favorite people,” she said.
“He can’t be that bad,” laughed over the phone at his daughter’s complaints.
“Father, he is annoying, he is spoiled, and he is obnoxious. I hate him,” whined, playing with a lock of her hair.
“Hmm... I see... How about you meet me and your mother for lunch tomorrow?” he asked.
“I can’t tomorrow. I have plans. I am meeting Hikaru for lunch.” got up from her chair and walked towards the main house.
“Him again? You know I don’t like that man, . What are you doing going out with him?” said, sounding seriously displeased at the mention of his daughter’s friend.
“It’s none of your business. I will meet you for dinner tomorrow night. I have to go now, say `hi´ to mom for me,” said and hung up. What the hell? First, he chooses my husband and now he’s trying to choose my friends?
went to her room and changed into a pair of black jeans and a white color shirt. She called and set a time to meet. She left the house and went to the cinema where she was meeting . When she spotted her friend, she waved and jogged towards her. “Hey! You are early,” panted, smiling.
“I guess. I was bored so I left right after you called. Are you alright?” asked, looking at curiously.
“I’m fine!”
“Hmm... Hubby made you angry again?” joked. pinched her on the shoulder. “Hey! It was a joke,” whined.
“Haven’t I told you before that your comments are not funny?” glared at , but smiled when she saw her friend pout.
hugged ’s arm and leaned her head on her friends shoulder, grinning mischievously. “You know, I think that deep down you are in love with that hubby of yours. You’re just in denial,” she said cheerfully, and let go of to avoid being hit.
--------------------
Atobe entered the cafe in Shibuya and walked towards a table at the very back of the room. He sat on a chair and looked at the person sitting in front of him.
“Couldn’t you sit somewhere more secluded?” Atobe said with a tinge of sarcasm in his voice.
“I didn’t think you would mind,” said the other man calmly.
“Kippei, I am not in the mood for jokes,” Atobe said seriously and leaned back into the chair.
“I wasn’t joking. You sounded urgent on the phone. Is everything alright?” Tachibana Kippei answered dryly flipping through the menu in his hands.
Tachibana Kippei had been Atobe’s best friend since high school,, and he would confide in him when he was in trouble or needed advice. They became close friends after the Nationals in their senior year of junior high. “The usual. My wife. She is my problem,” he sighed, answering Tachibana’s question and rubbed a hand through his hair.
The waiter that Tachibana had waved too came and took their order. “I see. She is still cold towards you?” he asked and leaned back in his chair, watching his friend carefully.
“Cold?” Atobe asked raising his eyebrow. “She is not only cold, but rude and obnoxious too,” he muttered.
The waiter brought their coffee. Tachibana smiled and sipped from his cup. “I think you two are very much alike.”
“I guess,” Atobe said softly and sipped his coffee. “But I can’t figure out what she is thinking. When we are out with friends or on social events and parties, she behaves perfectly, like she really loves me,” Atobe muttered, drinking his coffee slowly.
, “So it’s just when you two are alone,” he said thoughtfully.
Atobe nodded and rubbed his jaw, frustrated. “Let’s leave problems aside for a while. How are you doing?” he asked his friend, smiling lightly.
“We are doing alright. Kyouko is crazier then ever with the pregnancy.” Tachibana laughed.
“That’s great. I am happy for you,” Atobe responded with a sad expression.
“You don’t sound very convincing.”
Atobe sighed deeply. “It’s ironic. You telling me about your wife being pregnant and here I am - not even allowed to touch my wife let alone be intimate with her.” He laughed bitterly.
“Either you are trying to hard or you are not,” Tachibana reasoned placing his cup on the table. “Why don’t you try to confuse her?”
Atobe lifted his head and looked at Tachibana. “What do you mean?” he asked, curiously.
“You should ignore her and then romance her. Throw her off balance. Don’t argue with her. If she pushes you away, just try again. The next time ignore her. She is a woman, she will want to feel wanted. Trust me. It always works,” Tachibana concluded with a mischievous smile.
Atobe smiled at the advice Tachibana gave him. He had thought of that approach already,, and having it confirmed only made his will stronger. He nodded, amused, and finished his coffee.
-------------------
and were in the movie theater watching My Mother’s New Boyfriend. ’s phone vibrated and she pulled it out of her pocket. Seeing the caller ID, she smiled and answered.
“Hey stranger,” she whispered so as not to disturb the others next to her.
“Why are you whispering?” the man on the other end asked meekly.
“I’m in the cinema with . What’s up?” she giggled as softly as possible.
“Which theater?”
“Why? Planning on coming to meet us?” said, walking out of the theater to talk more freely.
“It crossed my mind.”
“We’re going to meet for lunch tomorrow, remember?” she asked, sitting on a chair outside in the hall and crossing her legs.
“I remember. I just wanted to see you today too. Meet me for dinner tonight.”
“Hikaru, you know I can’t. Why do you keep asking me out?” complained teasingly.
“I haven’t seen you in a while. I miss you,” he chuckled. “Tell your one and only that you will have dinner with a friend,” he insisted.
rolled her eyes at his comment. ‘My one and only’, - what a joke. “No. Tomorrow I will spend a lot of time with you,” she answered firmly.
“Fine. Whatever. Where should we meet?” he asked, sounding irritated at her rejection.
“Hikaru, don’t be like that. I am not as free as I use to be. Meet at the lake restaurant in Yokohama, ok?” she said as she got up and walked to the door of the movie theater.
“Yokohama? Why not in our old hometown, ?” Hikaru raised his voice in anger. “Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?”
“Hikaru.” shook her head. “Would you like to cook for me instead?” she said softly.
“Better. Come around noon. See you tomorrow.” He hung up.
closed her phone and sighed. He’s getting more difficult to handle by the day, she thought wryly and returned to the theater. Damn, this movie is boring.
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A few hours later
entered the mansion and went straight to the bedroom to change and have a shower. She had been out all day and didn’t want to have an argument with Atobe over the time she spent out of the house. I am still angry with him, she thought as she got undressed and entered the shower.
She had a warm shower and then made herself presentable for the obligatory dinner with her husband later. She was reading her book in bed when a knock on the door distracted her.
“Come in.”
“Atobe-sama, dinner is ready.” The maid bowed politely.
closed her book and got of the bed,. She passed her but stopped when she heard what the maid said to her.
turned and looked at her, wide-eyed. “You undressed me last night?”
The maid lowered her head. “Yes, Atobe-sama. I took a clean set of pajamas from your husband’s closet because I couldn’t find the ones you were using. I am very sorry.” She bowed again in respect.
“It’s alright. No harm done,” said, smiling gently to the new girl, for she knew that she was still getting accustomed to the place. So he didn’t change me, why didn’t he say so?
walked in the dining room and found cutlery and food laid out for only one person. Why is there only one set? She turned to the maid that entered behind her, “Why is there only one set on the table?”
“Master Keigo ate earlier when you were out,” she said and bowed.
What? Who the hell does he think he is?
stormed out of the living room and went to his study. She opened the door and entered. She spotted him sitting at his desk in front of his laptop.
“Why am I eating alone?” she demanded, arms crossed.
“Because you were late and I was hungry. Go eat, I am working,” he said indifferently, typing on his laptop.
“I promised I would have breakfast, lunch and dinner with you like a wife should,” she hissed.
Atobe looked at . “A wife would make love to her husband too, but I don’t see that happing.” He moved his gaze back to the screen and cont