Chapter 25: Part 1 – Ashford’s Silent Move

A few peaceful days had passed since Izumi visited the Kamihara estate. School life returned to its usual pace—morning routines, club activities, homework, and laughter. Yet beneath the surface, something unseen had begun to stir.

Atop the tallest wing of the Kamihara mansion, Ashford Kamihara stood in his study, hands behind his back as he gazed out the massive glass window. The afternoon sun spilled across the marble floor, casting long shadows behind the man known throughout the world as one of Japan's most powerful moguls.

Behind him stood several of Marina's bodyguards—silent, sharp-eyed men in tailored black suits. None of them dared speak first.

"…That boy," Ashford muttered, almost to himself, "he makes her laugh."

One of the bodyguards, the eldest among them, shifted. "Izumi Aoyama, sir?"

Ashford turned slightly, his gaze calculating. "Yes. Since he entered her life, Marina has been... lighter. Her smiles aren't just polite masks anymore. They're genuine."

Another guard, younger, nodded. "We've all noticed it, sir. Her moods have shifted. She argues less. Smiles more. She even watches late-night anime without locking the door."

Ashford allowed himself a small grin. "I suspected as much."

He stepped over to a table in the middle of the study. A pristine envelope lay atop it—elegant, cream-colored paper sealed with a red wax crest. He tapped it thoughtfully.

"I'm going to host a gathering. A formal one. Something dignified, worthy of the Kamihara name."

The eldest guard narrowed his eyes. "A party?"

"An engagement party," Ashford replied casually.

A moment of stunned silence.

"But—sir?" another guard asked. "Marina hasn't agreed to anything like that."

"She doesn't need to. It's not real." Ashford picked up the envelope and smiled. "The fiancé will be the son of an old friend—Haruto Minazuki. Handsome, well-mannered… and already very committed to his own girlfriend. He won't lay a finger on Marina. It's all for show."

"…A test," the elder bodyguard said with quiet realization.

Ashford's smile widened. "Exactly. A test for Izumi Aoyama. He'll be invited like any other guest, unaware of the event's true purpose. But you—" he pointed to the guards, "—you will make sure he understands what's at stake. Push him. Challenge him. Help him realize that if he wants to keep Marina by his side, he'll have to fight for it."

"And if he does?" one asked.

Ashford chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Then I'll accept him."

The room fell into a hush. Then another voice chimed in cautiously, "And Lady Kamihara… your wife?"

Ashford's face darkened immediately. "She must not know. If she catches wind of this, she'll cancel the entire thing, fly back from Switzerland, and marry Marina off to some European count just to spite me."

Every man in the room collectively straightened.

"Understood, sir."

Ashford leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers. "Let Marina believe it's real. Let her push back. If she turns to Izumi for help… that's how we'll know."

He laughed to himself—a soft, eerie chuckle that grew into a full, satisfied cackle. "Oh, this is going to be entertaining."

At school, Class A-1 was unusually calm. The afternoon sun filtered through the windows, and the buzz of chatter was distant. Marina Kamihara sat at her desk, unmoving. Her lunch remained untouched. Her usually sharp eyes were clouded with something uncharacteristic—nervousness.

Izumi Aoyama watched her from across the room, brows furrowed. He finally stood and walked over.

"Hey… Marina. You okay?"

She blinked and looked up, startled. "Aoyama…"

"You haven't even touched your food. Not that I'm judging, but usually you give me a death glare for breathing near your desk."

She let out a breath of a laugh, her lips curling slightly. "Sorry. I'm just… distracted."

He sat beside her, resting an arm on the back of her chair. "Want to talk about it?"

Marina hesitated. Then, mustering courage, she stood up and faced him squarely.

"There's a party this weekend," she said. "At my house. A formal one."

"Like a Kamihara social thing?" Izumi asked, puzzled.

She nodded, eyes darting briefly to the floor. "I want you to come. As my… guest."

Izumi blinked. "Wait. Me?"

"You can say no," she added quickly, crossing her arms and looking away. "But I'd rather you didn't."

He smiled awkwardly. "Well, if you're asking like that, how could I say no?"

Marina turned back to him, her expression hard to read. "Good. Be there."

She walked off, her long hair swaying behind her. But as soon as she exited the classroom, she leaned against the wall and let out a quiet sigh, her fingers gripping the invitation envelope in her pocket.

Down the hall, three familiar figures peeked around a corner—Marina's bodyguards.

"She did it," whispered the tall one.

"Excellent development," said the one scribbling into a thick notebook titled 'Operation Romance – Phase Two'.

Niko, standing behind them in his usual cape and sparkles, whispered dramatically, "This is it… The party arc has begun. The rivals! The tension! The hidden feelings! Sugoi…"

The bodyguards all turned to stare.

"…Why are you even here?" one muttered.

"I go where the drama flows," Niko whispered.

Back at the Kamihara estate, Ashford sat alone in his study again, gazing at a framed photo of Marina as a child. She was holding his hand in one chubby fist, her other arm thrown around her mother. They were all smiling.

Ashford's expression softened. "Don't disappoint me, Izumi Aoyama."

He placed the photo down and smirked.

"Let the games begin."

To be continued....