Chapter 13- No!!

Chapter 13- No!!

"I can't believe you would do this, mother," Aya said, her voice choked with tears. "You know how I feel about him. How could you betray me like this?"

Her mother's voice was sharp and commanding. "Enough, Aya! This is for your benefit. You need to think of your family's reputation and the responsibilities that come with it. You cannot let your personal feelings cloud your judgement."

My mind raced, grappling with the complexity of the situation. The walls seemed to close in around me as I tugged at them, desperately seeking an escape. "What in the world is happening," I stated firmly, my words resounding.

Aya's mother's voice lowered, carrying a tone of secret revelation. "Listen, Aya. The moment you confessed your love for Yuuki, I told your grandmother about it. She was overjoyed and surely would love to see you in your wedding gown before she dies.

Aya's frustration heightened as she snapped, her tone filled with anger. "Why did you tell her? She'll boast about it to the entire town. Besides, he doesn't even feel the same way about me," she added bitterly. "Even Yuuki does not like me." She said in a low tone all embarrassed.

Aya's mother's face contorted, questioning her daughter with a piercing gaze. "Doesn't he?" she challenged. "Go and talk to him,."

At that moment, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within me. Aya's passionate outburst echoed in my mind, as did the weight of her mother's expectations. It was a delicate choice between tradition and personal desires, leaving me torn.

I stood there, contemplating my next move. "I should go away," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible. "Hey, Onii-san, what are you doing?" I heard a noise coming behind me: "Don’t say that you are staking Aya."

I turned around, surprised to see Misaki standing there, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern. The unexpected encounter added a twist to the already tangled web of emotions.

Frustration welled up inside me as I tried to compose myself. "I wasn't stalking Aya," I retorted defensively, though deep down, I knew my actions might have conveyed a different message. Misaki's presence only heightened my sense of vulnerability, knowing that my reputation was at stake.

Misaki, undeterred by my defensive response, tilted her head slightly, her expression a mix of mischief and empathy. "Oh really? Then what were you doing here, lingering outside the Masuri Estate?" Her teasing tone struck a nerve, amplifying my growing unease.

Misaki's gaze softened, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. "Yuuki, you know you can talk to me, right? We've been friends for so long. If something is bothering you, you don't have to face it alone. Well, you have to face it alone; actually forget about it."

As I voiced my thoughts, a mix of confusion and certainty filled my words. "I'm certain my mother has already informed me about my arranged marriage to Aya Masuri," I said, my tone tinged with disbelief. Misaki's response caught me off guard. "Yeah, I was the first person your mother told about your marriage." Misaki said in a prideful tone, "Also, we both attended the same middle school." She admitted it, her voice filled with reminiscence.

"I outright rejected her," I continued, my voice heavy with remorse. "But circumstances have taken an unexpected turn, and now I find myself bound to marry her, a prospect I am not entirely comfortable with. However, there is a specific reason why I must apologise to her." My tone grew serious, the weight of responsibility weighing on my words. "Will you assist me in this, Misaki?" I pleaded, hoping for her support.

Misaki shook her head, dismissing my request with a wave of her hand. "No," she replied firmly. "Not at all.