"Are you sobber?" Akiko asked.
But Kyoko just stood there, swaying while pointing at Akiko, who was confused. Then Kyoko burst into laughter—a kind of laughter Akiko had never heard before. When drunk, Kyoko became a completely different person.
"Calm down a bit. I can't get you into a taxi like this." Akiko tried to snap Kyoko out of it by patting her arm, but Kyoko was already completely intoxicated.
They had dinner together earlier—Mori and his two team members, ending with drinks. Akiko, of course, hadn't had any alcohol. Her feelings about her pregnancy were still indescribable, but Akiko wouldn't do anything dangerous like drinking alcohol.
A few weeks ago, Akiko had gotten drunk without realizing she was pregnant. She shuddered slightly at the thought of drinking while pregnant. Akiko certainly wouldn't repeat that foolishness.
Akiko had managed to avoid drinking with various excuses—the last one being that she lied about n
Yuto stared at Akiko, who was gently stroking her belly. The gesture held no significance for him.But Akiko's thoughts returned to her pregnancy. If only Yuto's offer had come before she knew about her pregnancy, Akiko might have accepted it immediately.But it was too late, and nothing could be fixed anymore. Akiko could never return to Yuto's house while pregnant—it was impossible. One thing was certain: Kaede would not greet her willingly or with a beaming smile."Does your mother know what you're doing right now?" Akiko asked.She held onto a sliver of hope, but the dull look in Yuto's eyes was enough to tell Akiko that what she hoped for was impossible.While many aspects of her life had changed, Yuto remained the same. He was still the sweet Yuto, who wanted to please his mother by always being polite and never contradicting her."It hurts. I feel so much pain," Akiko muttered, putting the empty paper cup she had been holding in
Bravery and anger surged within Akiko, as she was genuinely irritated by what Kenji had done. Yuto had disappointed her, but, in her opinion, Kenji had gone too far by threatening Yuto earlier.“How can I not get involved? Right now, you're carrying my child, and you're going to take him to that cursed house. Now you see, don’t you? Your beloved man is nothing more than a coward pretending to be a real man.” With a mocking grin, Kenji sneered.“I've already promised to protect this child, and I will. I won't foolishly take him to the Nakamura family! But what I do after that is up to me! It’s up to me to decide who I want to live with and how…”"You are contemplating reuniting with that scumbag following the birth of my child?" When he realized Akiko's hidden desires, Kenji hissed in a low voice.“Yes!” Akiko replied, but she turned her gaze away, pretending to brush her hair aside. Akiko wasn’t sure about the plan, but she still thought that Yuto was the best option for now.“Kiko-ch
Akiko couldn't help but smile as she gazed at the item she had longed for. She had been delaying purchasing this item since yesterday, but Kyoko's persistent encouragement made her feel compelled to make the purchase. So, Kyoko would be the first person to see it—besides herself.Akiko stepped out of the elevator and her smile grew wider when she saw Kyoko already there, waiting for her computer to boot up."Kyoko-chan..." Akiko called out sweetly, and Kyoko immediately looked wary, bracing herself for Akiko's sweet and clingy attack."What’s making you so happy today? You've been gloomy for a while now."Kyoko eyed her suspiciously, but Akiko just chuckled. Though the question sounded like a insult, Akiko knew it was Kyoko's way of showing concern, paying attention to her emotions every day.Of course, with all the problems Akiko had been facing, it wasn't surprising that she didn't always appear cheerful."I bought this, and you'll be the first to add your contact!" Akiko exclaimed,
"What do you mean you're still Akiko's husband? I told you to divorce Akiko ever since she left this house and slept with her uncle. Do you still want to keep a woman like that?"Kaede, who usually avoided mentioning Akiko and what she had done, now spewed her anger with eyes glaring at Yuto. Because this was the first time Yuto had defied her, her frustration was uncontained."But it was a mistake, Akiko...""How dare you defend that cheap girl in front of me? How dare you stand up for a girl who is barren and still unable to bear your children? How dare you defend her in front of me? She's worthless!" Kaede's insults grew harsher."Oka-san! She's my wife, and as long as she was here, she was always obedient to you. I chose her because I love her.""Fool! Has love blinded you, or is it something else? It's clear she betrayed you. She's not fit to be a member of the Nakamura family! Disgusting!" Kaede approached Yuto, who was standing, and poked his chest with her index finger."Did yo
"What's up with you 'buying a regular plane ticket'?"Ryu contacted Kenji with confusion because someone mentioned that Kenji had requested a plane ticket booking. It wasn’t like Kenji to travel using a commercial flight, even if it wasn't in economy class."I just don't want to make too big of a surprise."Kenji spoke as he glanced at Akiko, who was now standing in front of the window, gazing out into the darkness of the runway. Several planes were moving about, and although it was already dark outside, Akiko could still see quite clearly with the help of the lights."You mean for Akiko? Hmm... You're weird. You're making things difficult for yourself," Ryu criticized."I just want to be careful. I don't want Akiko to start asking questions about Hayato later. You already know how Akiko reacts when she begins to inquire about her parents. I already told you this yesterday," Kenji hissed, and Ryu immediately expressed regret."Okay...
The problem was that Kenji's eccentricities came in rapid succession. Starting with the expensive Yubari melon, to his arrival at this shop. Kenji only handed over a business card, but the shop clerk immediately gave them special treatment.Of course, Akiko wanted to know what kind of business card Kenji had shown them. What kind of magic card could get them mochi in such a short time—without having to wait a week?Akiko once again felt a bit silly over Mochi. They traveled all this way solely for mochi, and it was evident that they needed to request special treatment for it."Are you asking who I am?" With a frown, Kenji turned to her. "I've taken care of you since twelve years ago," Kenji reminded."I mean...""Do you want to choose or not?" Kenji diverted Akiko’s attention, pointing at the display case.Akiko nodded, continuing her intention to visit the shop. She still wanted to ask, but her concentration quickly shifte
Kenji examined the divorce papers and felt satisfied because the name "Nakamura" had been replaced with "Yuto" and the document was officially stamped with a hanko—just as he had wanted.However, Kenji scowled as he remembered that Yuto had visited Akiko a few days prior. At that time, Yuto still wanted Akiko. It was a bit strange that just a few days later, Yuto sent divorce papers.However, they didn’t reach an agreement that day. If Nakamura truly sent the divorce papers because of Akiko's rejection, then Kenji couldn’t be more relieved.At the very least, the man he considered useless was beginning to think along the right lines, and he believed that his relationship with Akiko couldn't be salvaged. But the problem was Akiko.Kenji returned the papers to their envelope and walked inside.“Who was at the door?” As Kenji passed through the living room, Akiko inquired.“Someone delivering documents for me
“Are you sure you don’t want to see a doctor?” Kyoko asked Akiko for what seemed like the hundredth time.Akiko had been dizzy and nauseous since earlier in the evening. She had taken her medication, but perhaps too late. Her lunch had come back up, leaving her with a throbbing headache and a stiff stomach.“No need. I just need some rest.” Akiko clearly refused to go to the doctor because she didn't want to explain her pregnancy to Kyoko.“Tch, you’re just causing trouble.” Kyoko grumbled but didn’t let go of Akiko as she helped her onto the train.Akiko thought Kyoko was just going to help her sit down, but to her surprise, Kyoko sat down beside her as well.“Hey! This isn’t your train,” Akiko reminded her, knowing they were headed in opposite directions.“Do you think I’m going to leave you alone? If something happens to you, I’ll be the one stuck with all your work,” Kyoko grumbled.Akiko smiled, understanding that this was Kyoko’s way of expressing her concern.“Thank you,” Akiko
“Wrap it again!”As the nurse was about to leave, Akiko protested. She insisted on having the nurse wrap her head as she had done yesterday.“Tanaka-san, it’s no longer necessary. The surgical wound has healed well,” the nurse said with a smile. The full head bandage was no longer needed, leaving only a square patch covering the back side of her head.But the nurse understood why Akiko made such a strange request. Akiko was currently feeling her entire head, fighting back tears.According to what she felt, Akiko knew her hair was uneven—some parts longer than others—and she could guess that beneath the bandage, there would be a completely bald patch.“I must look awful,” Akiko muttered softly.“I’m sorry. We rushed to prepare for your surgery and didn't have time to evenly trim the hair." The nurse stroked the part of Akiko’s hair that still hung down to her should
Kyoko flinched slightly and looked at Ryu when he mentioned "liking," but then she realized Ryu was only speaking generally, with no special meaning. It didn’t make sense that Ryu would suddenly say something like that out of nowhere.“And I agree with that. The current Prime Minister’s work is terrible. If he has any shame left, he should just resign.” Ryu nodded in agreement with Kyoko’s opinion, looking satisfied.“After this, I hope you can help me win any debate against Kenji,” Ryu said.“Huh? What?” Kyoko was confused.“Forget it.” Ryu waved his hand dismissively. It was too early to discuss that."About the Prime Minister we were just discussing, he's bad, but you can't solely blame Kenji because there are other clans involved. As you heard earlier, Kuryugumi isn’t acting alone. They made the decision together. The individual who was elected was not the one Kuryugumi had
“Has she arrived?” Ryu inquired as he observed Inoue preparing to welcome him.“Yes. She was perfectly on time. Not a minute late,” Inoue replied, with a hint of sarcasm.Ryu could only offer a wry smile, knowing he was in the wrong. Ryu was late. He had to take care of something at Shingi Fusaya and couldn’t leave his office until half an hour past his meeting time with Kyoko.His lateness was serious, and there was no time for small talk with Inoue. Ryu quickly opened the door to Kenji’s office.Ryu had asked Inoue to arrange the meeting in Kenji’s office, which would clearly be empty for the next few weeks.Kyoko, who had been waiting inside, quickly stood up, looking surprised to see Ryu.“You…”“Yes, I’m the one who will formalize your work contract. Kenji… is busy.” Ryu removed the folder he had prepared and sat in Kenji's chair.&
"What's wrong?" Akiko grew more curious as she watched Kenji lower his head and cover his face with his hands."Sorry, just a moment." Kenji needed to calm himself. The fear he felt earlier was real. He had braced himself for Akiko's complaining of pain, clearly worried about her post-surgery scars.But Akiko was completely calm. A small ray of hope emerged amidst all the darkness that enveloped him."Are you okay?" Akiko asked again, gently touching Kenji's hand, which slowly loosened its grip."Yes, I'm fine. Everything is fine." Kenji smiled, causing Akiko's heart to race again. She reflexively covered Kenji's mouth."Don't smile like that," Akiko complained. Kenji raised his eyebrows in question."Just don't."Kenji found the request odd, but he nodded. Only then did Akiko release her hand, exhaling with a sense of relief."What's wrong with my smile? Is it scary?" Kenji didn’t think he had made a scary face, but Ryu
Akiko stared at Kenji as he walked in, once again placing a hand on her chest. She felt abnormal, her heart racing with excitement.Or maybe it was the man who wasn’t normal. Akiko couldn't imagine how she had married someone so... handsome.Akiko admitted it. Ryu, who had been with her earlier, was handsome, sweet, and had a clean face. Kenji’s face was the complete opposite.Kenji was handsome, but not sweet, and he looked rugged with stubble that seemed a few days old. But that wild side of him was driving her crazy. Akiko felt her stomach suddenly warm as those dark eyes looked at her.She wanted to look away—unable to withstand the excessive charm—but decided to keep looking. It would be strange to turn away so suddenly. After all, they were husband and wife. Akiko wanted to get used to looking at that face quickly.“Are you feeling dizzy?” As he sat beside Akiko, he naturally reached out to touch her
"Is this going to be permanent?" As soon as Kenji and Hayashi left the room, he asked his question.Hayashi ran a hand through his white hair, and the lines on his forehead deepened."The answer is, I don't know." Hayashi gave his honest reply with a long sigh.If not for the fact that Hayashi had done so much to help Akiko recover, Kenji might have snapped at him for his unhelpful response.It was Hayashi's job to diagnose Akiko's condition, not to be unsure. It was Kenji's responsibility not to be in the dark."Maybe this answer won't satisfy you," Hayashi said, noticing how Kenji was struggling to contain his emotions."However, I am unable to provide a definitive response. The neurologist who worked with me on Akiko's case before diagnosed her as unable to function normally, but after therapy restored her motor skills, her ability to remember and understand things slowly returned. When it comes to Akiko's condition, nothing is set in sto
Akiko followed Hayashi's flashlight beam, moving left and right with ease. There was no problem at all."What do you feel?" Hayashi asked with a friendly smile. Akiko looked at him. He was a kind and gentle doctor."Dizzy." Akiko had felt a sharp pain in her head when she tried to sit up earlier, but now it had eased significantly. That was her only physical complaint. As for her thoughts—Akiko couldn’t explain them."Of course you feel dizzy. You have a head injury."Akiko appreciated the doctor's warmth as he gently explained. She then touched the bandage on her head with a confused expression."What happened to me? Did I fall?" Akiko inquired, hoping for a quick explanation.But the doctor didn’t answer immediately. Akiko caught him glancing at one of the men standing on the opposite side of the bed. The man nodded.Akiko understood instantly that Hayashi had just sought permission. The doctor was seeking permissi
Kenji's thoughts immediately pointed to her. Only Karin could have come up with such a cunning plan, with the intent to hurt Akiko.After all, who else knew about the relationship between him and Akiko besides Karin? Kenji doubted his father would resort to such cowardly methods. His father had already shown his way yesterday—an attack from the front, forceful if necessary."I think we were wrong. Karin isn't interested in the Nakamura fortune. She's doing everything she can to hurt Akiko." Kenji corrected his earlier assumption that Karin was merely being materialistic when she tricked him. "Everything she's done since the beginning has hurt Akiko.""Why though? Why would she hate her own niece?" Ryu scratched his head, looking confused.It wasn't a question that Kenji needed to answer. Aside from not knowing the reason, Kenji didn’t care. What mattered was that Karin had hurt Akiko.Before this, Kenji could still forgive everything Kari
But Kenji's burden gradually lessened as he saw a smile spread across Hayashi's lips.“It worked. Everything was successfully retrieved. And Akiko's condition is very stable,” Hayashi said, giving a thumbs-up.Kenji let out a sigh of relief, but he knew his relief was premature.“How…”“I’ve requested that the biopsy be done as soon as possible, but it will still take at least a day. Be patient. Stay with Akiko when she wakes up. Huh, what happened to your face?” Hayashi inquired, noting Kenji's bruised and battered face.“Something happened, but it's over now,” Kenji responded vaguely. He might hear the full story later about the earlier commotion, but Kenji wasn’t too concerned. Kuryugumi usually had a team to clean up any public disturbances.Hayashi squinted at Kenji's face before patting his shoulder. “Take care of those wounds. But I must go. I’m not as youn