Tachibana Corporate Building – Late Night Meeting
Ayaka's heels echoed through the empty hallways of Tachibana Corporation's executive floor. The office lights had dimmed, casting long shadows as she made her way toward the conference room.
She had just left a tense discussion with her father. Daichi Tachibana had made one thing clear—if she didn't announce an engagement soon, she would have to accept an arranged marriage proposal from another wealthy family.
And that was something she could never allow.
Her fingers tightened around her phone as she reread Ryo's message.
Ryo: I was about to text you the same thing.
She stopped in front of the glass-walled conference room. Inside, Ryo stood near the window, hands in his pockets, staring at the glittering Tokyo skyline.
He didn't turn when she entered.
"I take it your father didn't leave much room for negotiation?" Ryo's voice was calm, but she caught the tension underneath.
Ayaka sighed, walking over to him. "No. He's serious, Ryo. If we don't announce something soon, he's going to arrange a marriage for me."
Ryo finally looked at her, his sharp eyes assessing her expression. "You knew this was a possibility, didn't you?"
Ayaka hesitated, then nodded. "I just didn't think he'd push so soon."
Ryo exhaled. "So what do you want me to do?"
She met his gaze. "What do you want to do?"
For a moment, Ryo didn't answer. He had always been in control. Always dictated the terms.
But this time? This time, he wasn't sure what the right move was.
Love Lab Headquarters – The Next Day
"Marriage, huh?" Aria propped her feet up on the desk, twirling a pen between her fingers. "That's… pretty damn wild, even for you."
Ryo ran a hand through his hair. "I should have shut it down last night. But I didn't."
Aria smirked. "Let me guess—you didn't because part of you doesn't actually want to shut it down?"
Ryo shot her a glare. "That's not it."
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it? You don't have to lie to me, Kazuki."
He sighed. "It's… complicated."
Aria leaned forward. "Then let's uncomplicate it. Answer me this: if you could walk away right now, with no consequences, would you?"
Ryo hesitated.
And that hesitation told both of them everything.
"…That's what I thought," Aria said, grinning.
Ryo scowled. "That doesn't mean anything."
"Oh, it definitely does," Aria teased. "Face it, Kazuki. This isn't just another job anymore."
Ryo exhaled. He knew that.
And that was the problem.
The Decision
That evening, Ryo found himself outside Ayaka's apartment.
She opened the door, looking like she hadn't slept much. Her usual composed demeanor was gone, replaced by quiet uncertainty.
Ryo had made his decision.
"I'll do it," he said.
Ayaka blinked. "Do what?"
He took a step closer. "The engagement."
Ayaka's breath hitched. "You're serious?"
Ryo nodded. "I don't like being forced into things. But I won't let your father control your life, either."
For a long moment, Ayaka didn't say anything. Then, she did something unexpected.
She hugged him.
It wasn't a show. It wasn't for anyone else's benefit.
She was just… grateful.
And Ryo found himself hugging her back.
Maybe this had started as a business arrangement.
But it wasn't just that anymore.
The Engagement Announcement
A few days later, the news broke.
Every major media outlet covered it. The famous Love Consultant, Ryo Kazuki, and the heiress of the Tachibana family were engaged.
Some called it a power move. Others speculated about hidden motives.
But the most dangerous reactions came from those who didn't want this engagement to happen at all.
And they would do everything in their power to stop it.
End of Chapter 7