[POV: Miyuki]
3 years ago
I am Miyuuki Tanahara. I am a fashion designer. and Daughter of the owner of Tanahara Corporation. I am sitting in my office and looking at some documents when my assistant knocks on the door.
"Come in," I say without looking up from the papers.
My assistant enters, carrying a stack of files. "Miss Tanahara, The chairman wants to see you immediately," she says.
I look up, a bit surprised. It's unusual for my father to summon me so urgently. "Alright, I'll be right there," I reply, setting the documents aside.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever awaits me. As I walk through the halls of the Tanahara Corporation, I can't shake the feeling that something significant is about to happen.
Reaching my father's office, I knock on the door. "Come in." his deep voice resonates from within.
I enter, finding him seated behind his imposing desk, his expression unreadable. "Father, you wanted to see me?" I ask, my tone polite yet tinged with curiosity.
He gestures for me to take a seat. "Yes, Miyuki. I have something important to discuss with you. It concerns your future, and the future of our company."
I sit down, my heart beating a little faster. Whatever this is, it's clearly not a casual chat. I look at my father, waiting for him to continue, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling inside me. I have a feeling that my life is about to take an unexpected turn.
"Now, Miyuki," he begins, his gaze intense. "It's time for you to take on a more active role in our family business. But to do that, you need to be married. It's tradition, and it's crucial for our company's image."
I'm taken aback by his words. Marriage? I had no idea he had this in mind. "Father, I... I'm not sure I'm ready for that," I stammer, my mind racing.
He leans forward, his expression stern. "It's not a request, Miyuki. I've already found a suitable match for you. His name is Daiki Hoshino, the son of our largest business partner."
I'm stunned into silence. He's already chosen a husband for me? Without even asking for my opinion? The weight of my father's expectations presses down on me, and I feel a sudden surge of anger.
But I can't let it show. Not now. I need to think carefully about my response. I'm Miyuki Tanahara, and I won't let my emotions get the best of me.
"Father," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "I understand your concerns. I want some time to think about it. Can I have a few days to consider this... arrangement?"
My father's eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of annoyance passing across his face. "A few days? Miyuki, I thought you would understand the importance of this decision. The Hoshinos are expecting an answer soon."
He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "But very well. I'll give you until the end of the week. Use this time wisely and make the right choice."
I stand up, my back straight. "I understand, Father. I won't let you down." With that, I turn and walk out of his office, my mind already racing with possibilities.
As I make my way back to my own office, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Marriage. To a stranger. The very idea makes my stomach churn. I had always assumed I would have a say in my own future, that I could choose my own path.
But now, it seems, my fate has been decided for me. There is nothing I can do. My father has put all his faith into the Tanahara Corporation. And he expects me to do the same.
I sit down at my desk, staring at the pile of work that awaits me. But my thoughts are far from the designs and spreadsheets. They're focused on the man who now holds my future in his hands.
Daiki Hoshino. I know of him, of course. His family is wealthy and influential, and they've been close with my father for years. But I know nothing of the man himself.
I reach for my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen. I could ask around, try to gather some information. But what good would that do? In the end, my father's decision will be final.
With a sigh, I set the phone down and turn my attention back to my work. Whatever happens, I need to be prepared. The Tanahara Corporation is counting on me, and I won't let them down.
...after a week, the day finally came...
The day of my arranged marriage to Daiki Hoshino had finally arrived. I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, staring at the reflection of a stranger. The woman in the mirror was dressed in a pristine white wedding dress, her hair styled in an intricate updo, her makeup flawless. But it wasn't me.
I felt like a shell, a hollow vessel that had once housed a person with dreams and aspirations of her own. Now, I was just a pawn in a game of corporate power and influence, my life dictated by the whims of men who saw me as nothing more than a bargaining chip.
But as I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders, I realized that I wasn't going to let this break me. I was Miyuki Tanahara, and I had a legacy to uphold. I would play my role, marry Daiki Hoshino, and do whatever it took to secure the future of the Tanahara. I have to just do it. I hope He will be a great man. I do want a great family...
I take another deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. I step out of my room, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I make my way to the grand entrance hall. The hall is filled with people - family, friends, business associates - all here to witness my union with Daiki Hoshino.
As I descend the staircase, all eyes are on me. I hold my head high, my gaze fixed straight ahead. I won't let these people see the turmoil.
The wedding has ended.
After a week, my new husband was so sweet.
Daiki and I sat across from each other at the dinner table in our sprawling penthouse apartment. The silence was deafening, the only sound the soft clinking of silverware against fine china. I picked at my food, my appetite nonexistent.
Daiki, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. He ate with gusto, as if this were just another ordinary meal. I suppose for him, it probably was.
"You didn't eat much," he remarked, his tone casual. "Is the food not to your liking?"
I forced a smile. "It's fine. I'm just... not hungry."
He set his fork down, his dark eyes studying me intently. "Miyuki, we need to talk."
I felt a sudden tightness in my chest. Here it comes, I thought. The real reason he married me. "About what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"About us," he said simply. "I know this arrangement was... unconventional. But I want us to make it work."
I stared at him, dumbfounded. This was not what I had expected. "Make it work? What do you mean?"
He leaned forward, his expression serious. "I mean, I want you to be my wife, Miyuki. In every sense of the word. I want us to build a life together, to start a family."
My heart raced, a mix of panic and surprise coursing through me. A family? With Daiki? I barely knew him.
But as I looked into his eyes, I saw something there that made me pause. There was sincerity, and maybe even a hint of vulnerability. He wasn't just talking about appearances or business deals.
I took a deep breath, my mind spinning. I had come into this marriage expecting the worst. But perhaps there was a chance, a small one, that things could be different.
"I... I want that too," I said softly. "To build a life together."
Daiki smiled, and for a moment, I could almost forget about the pressures of our arranged marriage. Almost. But for now, it was enough to know that there was hope, that maybe, just maybe, we could find happiness in this unexpected union.
We finished our dinner in a more comfortable silence, the weight of our conversation hanging heavy in the air. But as I retired to my room that night, I felt a glimmer of optimism. Daiki might not be the monster I had feared. And with time, perhaps he could even become the partner I had always wanted. That night we shared a bed. He was so kind and gentle. He did not do anything I was scared of. He just hugged me and told me he loved me. I cried a little. I did not know why I cried. I think it was because I was so scared and so happy. I was so happy that he was soo kind.
I must give this person the proper love he deserves.
[to be continued...]