Chapter 38: The Storm Before the Vows

The sun was setting in warm hues over the quiet fields outside Tokyo, where Ren's secret countryside home finally stood — complete and waiting. Wildflowers had begun to bloom near the base of the porch. The wind rustled through the cornfields like a gentle melody.

Ren stood outside the front door, glancing around the yard one last time.

"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself. "Tomorrow I'll bring Aoi here."

He held the ring box in one hand, the key to the front door in the other, and a heart pounding with anticipation. It had all led to this: every sleepless night, every quiet trip to the site, and every shift he had covered to earn a little more — all so he could build this dream from the ground up for her.

He wanted to show Aoi their future, not just promise it.

Elsewhere — in a City Café Overseas

A silver spoon clinked against fine porcelain. Saki, dressed in designer black and sipping from a white teacup, scrolled through her phone screen. The glowing image was one of Aoi's recent social posts: a photo of her hand resting on Ren's shoulder, sparkling with a diamond engagement ring.

The caption read:

"Thank you for building a future with me. Let's grow old together, Ren ♡"

Saki's fingers froze.

The world around her blurred for a moment.

She gripped the phone so hard it cracked.

"No… No, no, no. You're not supposed to belong to anyone but me, Ren-kun," she whispered, her voice low, trembling.

Her assistant called from the counter, "Miss Saki, your meeting—"

She stood up suddenly, ignoring the voice, eyes wild. The chair screeched behind her.

"Cancel everything. Book me the fastest flight back to Japan. Now."

You said you wanted to build a future, Ren-kun? Then I'll make sure it's with me. Even if I have to tear everything else down to do it.

Back in Tokyo – That Night

Aoi sat curled on the couch, flipping through wedding theme samples, a dreamy smile on her face. She had no idea what Ren had been planning in secret. All she knew was that he'd asked her to clear her Saturday.

"We're going somewhere special," he'd said with a wink.

Her heart fluttered at the thought.

But somewhere… somehow… she felt a strange pressure tighten in her chest. Like something dark was lurking nearby.

"What is this feeling?"

Her phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

She picked it up cautiously.

A message.

Just five words:

"He was mine first. – S"

Her eyes widened. The soft comfort in her chest turned into a frozen shard of dread.

Next Day – Morning of the Proposal

Ren waited at the countryside house, dressed in a white button-up and navy slacks, nervous but ready. He had placed flowers along the porch rail, prepared a small table for two on the deck with chilled drinks, and practiced his lines at least fifty times.

He checked his watch.

Aoi was on her way.

"She's going to love this."

But he didn't notice the distant car pulling up behind a tree-lined corner down the road. Or the sharp heels stepping onto the gravel. Or the dark eyes filled with obsession and pain hidden behind designer sunglasses.

Saki had arrived.

And she wasn't here to wish them well