LM0036 The Day Everything Changed

"Mizuki, how long are you planning to space out?"

Kai's voice sliced through the quiet, pulling Mizuki from her thoughts. She looked up to see her mother standing in the doorway, resplendent in an elegant cocktail dress. The pearls around her neck caught the light, and her perfectly styled hair gleamed with the effort of meticulous care. If Mizuki hadn't known better, she would have thought her mother was about to attend an exclusive gala.

But no. Kai was staying home today—playing hostess to her best friend, Romina Rossi, who was dropping by for a visit.

Kai's sharp gaze swept over Mizuki's outfit—a cozy, oversized sweater in a warm shade of ochre, paired with dark fitted jeans and ankle boots. Comfortable, practical, and wholly unremarkable. The judgment in her mother's pursed lips was impossible to miss.

"Aren't you going to change?" Kai asked, her voice laced with a polite edge that failed to mask her disapproval.

Mizuki resisted the urge to sigh. She knew exactly where this was heading. Her mother didn't need to say it outright—Kai hated the outfit. It lacked the polish and feminine charm she always demanded of her daughter. Mizuki's mind flashed back to a memory of the pastel dress she had worn the last time Romina visited. The soft, flowing fabric, chosen by Kai herself, had highlighted her youthful grace and delicate features. Her mother had been radiant with pride that day, as though Mizuki were a prized work of art on display.

But today wasn't like that.

"No," Mizuki replied flatly, straightening her posture. "Why would I? It's not like I'm wearing house clothes."

The air between them stiffened. Kai's expression froze for a beat, her lips parting as though to respond, but no words came. Mizuki couldn't help the faint smirk that tugged at her lips. It wasn't often that her mother found herself at a loss for words, and the moment felt oddly satisfying.

Kai recovered quickly, of course. With a small, frustrated huff, she turned on her heel, muttering something under her breath about Mizuki never listening. Her heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she left the room, leaving Mizuki alone once more.

Mizuki let out a slow breath, leaning back in her chair. She'd won this round, but the day was far from over. Her mother's intentions were painfully obvious. Romina wasn't just coming for a casual chat; she was bringing her son, Pablo. And Kai wanted Mizuki to look flawless for the occasion. First impressions mattered—or so her mother had drilled into her since childhood.

But Mizuki wasn't going to play along this time. She wasn't the same girl she had been in her past life.

Her hands clenched involuntarily as memories of Pablo came rushing back—his kind smile, his quiet strength, and, ultimately, his tragic end. Remembering how he had died in her past life filled her with a mix of sorrow and determination. She couldn't let history repeat itself.

Looking back, she realized how miserable he must have been, trapped in a marriage of convenience. Not because he loved her, but because of his gentle heart and unyielding sense of responsibility.

Pablo had been raised to believe that duty came before personal happiness. He had always done what was expected of him, never daring to pursue his own desires. Mizuki saw it now, clearer than ever.

She wouldn't be one of his burdens this time.

In fact…

A silly grin tugged at her lips as a new idea began to take shape. After reliving the hospital scene in her dreams, Mizuki felt an odd compulsion to take action. She wanted to find Stella—not just for Pablo, but for herself. It felt like a form of closure.

Call her crazy, but Mizuki had decided to play matchmaker. If Stella turned out to be a good woman, she would gladly be the bridge that brought them together. After all, Pablo must have loved Stella deeply to call out her name with his dying breath. Knowing what she did now, Mizuki felt it was only right to guide the two toward their happiness.

Wait.

Mizuki blinked, startled by her own thoughts. Mate? Fated mate? Where had those words even come from? They felt strangely familiar, like whispers from a half-forgotten dream. She shook her head, deciding it wasn't worth overthinking.

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of her mother's overly enthusiastic cry.

"They're here!"

Mizuki's stomach flipped. Despite her resolve, nervousness crept in. Today marked her first meeting with Pablo in this life, and the weight of the moment wasn't lost on her.

She forced herself to stand and smoothed the front of her sweater, bracing for the encounter.

Mizuki's lips twitched as she recalled the high-strung—er, dynamic—woman who had been her mother-in-law in her past life: Romina Rossi. Back then, Mizuki had been no match for her.

She had always referred to this day as the one that changed her life forever. In her past life, during this very visit, Romina had skillfully extolled all of Pablo's virtues, painting him as the ideal husband. Mizuki, out of politeness, had agreed with every word. By the end of the day, she had somehow found herself engaged.

Looking back, it felt as though she'd been bamboozled, brainwashed, and all but delivered on a silver platter to Pablo. Romina's persuasive charm, coupled with her parents' enthusiastic approval, had sealed the deal.

That memory left a bitter taste in Mizuki's mouth. She clenched her fists, vowing that this time would be different.

Today wasn't just a visit—it was a battle. A battle Mizuki needed to win if she wanted to retain control over her life.

Her gaze drifted toward the door, where the voices of their guests were growing louder. She could hear her mother's delighted laughter and Romina's signature, booming greeting. Mizuki took a steadying breath and straightened her spine.

This time, she would not be bamboozled.

This time, she would fight for her freedom.

And if that meant standing her ground against Romina Rossi and her mother, then so be it.