Chapter 6: The Marriage Ultimatum

Tachibana Estate – The Dinner Table

Ryo Kazuki had been in high-stakes negotiations before.

He had talked down a heartbroken CEO from publicly humiliating his cheating wife. He had taught a clueless young heir how to charm his fiancée. He had helped a politician regain his wife's trust after a scandal.

But sitting here—under Daichi Tachibana's piercing gaze, Ayaka's hand clutching his under the table—he realized he wasn't prepared for this.

"You understand that being with my daughter means marrying into the Tachibana family, yes?"

The words hung in the air like a noose.

Ryo could feel Emiko Tachibana's eager gaze, waiting for his response. Ayaka wasn't moving, wasn't breathing.

And Ryo?

For the first time in years, he didn't know what to say.

How Did We Get Here?

Ryo replayed everything in his mind.

He was not supposed to be in this deep. This was a job.

When Ayaka had first approached him, her problem was simple: She needed a fake boyfriend to convince her family she wasn't alone.

Ryo had agreed. It was nothing new to him.

Play the perfect boyfriend. Win over the family. Keep emotions out of it. Walk away when the contract was done.

He had done it before. Too many times to count.

But this time?

This time, the lines were starting to blur.

And now, her father was talking about marriage.

A Dangerous Answer

The silence stretched. Ryo knew he had three options:

Refuse outright – which would break the illusion and ruin Ayaka's credibility.

Lie and say yes – which would buy them time but lead to even bigger consequences.

Deflect and change the subject – the safest move, but risky if Daichi pushed further.

Ryo hated losing control.

So, he did the only thing he could. He played the game.

He leaned forward, maintaining calm eye contact with Daichi.

"With all due respect, sir," Ryo said smoothly, "marriage is a serious decision. One that Ayaka and I will make when we're ready."

Ayaka gripped his hand tighter.

Daichi's expression remained unreadable.

"You speak well," the older man said. "But words mean nothing without action."

He set down his wine glass. "I won't have my daughter in a meaningless relationship. If you are truly serious, I expect you to prove it."

Ryo frowned. "How?"

Daichi smiled slightly. "A public engagement."

Ryo stiffened.

"A public…?" Ayaka echoed.

Daichi nodded. "The media is already speculating. If you're serious about my daughter, you won't mind making it official."

This wasn't a request.

This was a test.

A trap.

And the worst part? Ayaka wasn't stopping him.

She was looking at Ryo, waiting for his answer. Trusting him.

He should say no. End this now.

But instead, his lips moved before he could stop them.

"…We'll consider it."

After Dinner – The Rooftop

Ayaka stood at the edge of the rooftop terrace, staring out at the Tokyo skyline.

She didn't turn when Ryo stepped beside her.

"You're quiet," Ryo noted.

Ayaka let out a breath. "I didn't expect my father to push that far."

Ryo studied her. "And yet, you didn't say no."

Ayaka's grip tightened on the railing. "…Because I can't."

Ryo ran a hand through his hair. "Ayaka, this wasn't part of the deal. A public engagement? That's a whole different level of commitment."

She finally looked at him.

"What do you want me to do, Ryo?" she asked. "Tell my father the truth? That this whole thing is a lie?"

Ryo clenched his jaw.

If they backed out now, it wouldn't just be her reputation at stake. His would be, too.

The media would crucify Ayaka for lying. Ryo's own career as a consultant would take a hit.

But more than that…

The thought of leaving Ayaka now felt wrong.

He exhaled. "I need time to think."

She nodded slowly. "So do I."

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The city stretched out before them, endless lights blinking in the darkness.

Then, Ayaka did something unexpected.

She reached for Ryo's hand.

Not for the cameras. Not for the show.

Just for herself.

And for the first time since this all started, Ryo realized…

He didn't want to let go.

Love Lab – The Next Day

Aria Valentine was having the time of her life.

"You WHAT?!" she burst out, nearly choking on her coffee.

Ryo sighed, rubbing his temples. "I didn't say yes."

"You didn't say no, either," Aria pointed out, grinning. "Holy crap, Kazuki. You're really doing this?"

Ryo leaned back in his chair. "I don't know."

Aria smirked. "Yes, you do."

Ryo gave her a flat look. "You're enjoying this too much."

"You bet your ass I am," Aria said. "You—Mr. 'Love is an Illusion'—are caught in your own fake relationship."

She leaned forward. "So, tell me. What's the real problem?"

Ryo exhaled. "…It's not just the job anymore."

Aria's eyes gleamed. "Oh? You're finally admitting it?"

Ryo scowled. "I didn't say that."

Aria laughed. "Fine. But answer me this—if Ayaka walked away right now, no consequences, no fallout… would you be okay with that?"

Ryo opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

Aria smirked. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

Tachibana Corporate Office – Later That Evening

Ayaka sat in her father's office, hands folded in her lap.

Daichi studied her carefully. "So? What will you do?"

Ayaka took a deep breath.

"…We'll make a decision soon."

Her father nodded. "I trust you'll make the right one."

But his eyes held a warning.

If they backed out now, there would be consequences.

She left the office feeling heavier than before.

Outside, she checked her phone.

Ayaka: Can we talk?

A minute later, a reply came.

Ryo: I was about to text you the same thing.

Ayaka stared at the screen.

She didn't know what she wanted him to say.

But part of her hoped… he wouldn't let her go.

End of Chapter 6