Kenzo woke to the sound of birdsong filtering softly through the estate's shoji traditional screens, slightly uncomfortable from the low futon in the guest room. Sharon had maintained a professional distance, sleeping across the quiet hall, but his dreams had been anything but. That pinky hook by the pond replayed in his mind on continuous loop, her jasmine scent lingering like a challenge.
He checked his phone, it was 7:32 a.m. and there were no new texts from her. But in his pocket, the crumpled resignation letter felt heavier than ever, a stark reminder of the betrayal. Nakamura Corp. The words mocked him. He knew that by tonight, he'd get answers, but first, he had to survive another long day of family charades.
Downstairs, the kitchen buzzed with the busy sounds of breakfast preparation. Grandma presided over tamagoyaki and miso soup like a general, while cousins chased toddlers around tatami mats. Sharon was already there, an apron neatly tied over last night's red sundress, the wine stain cleverly hidden by a chic scarf, flipping pancakes with impressive skill alongside Aunt Miko.
"Morning, darling," Sharon called, her voice syrup-sweet as Kenzo entered the room. She winked, their secret for Play along.
He crossed the room in three strides, smoothly slipping an arm around her slender waist from behind. "Morning, beautiful. Sleep well?" The casual touch felt... surprisingly and natural, too natural. Her warmth pressed against him, and he caught a clear whiff of her shampoo.
"Like a baby," she replied effortlessly, leaning back just enough to make it convincing. "Your snoring kept the crickets quiet."
The room instantly erupted in warm laughter. Grandma Mayumi clapped her hands with delight. "See? So comfortable already! Now eat, you two have a big day ahead of you!"
Breakfast smoothly blurred into family games: first, a round of competitive badminton in the garden where Kenzo tactfully let Sharon win, immediately earning him a playful shove and a victorious smile, then storytelling circle where Uncle Hiroshi regaled everyone with exaggerated samurai tales. Sharon shone through it all, asking smart questions, laughing at the right moments, even teaching toddler Hana a silly dance. Kenzo watched, mesmerized. She's not acting. This is Sharon unleashed.
By noon, they moved to the veranda for tea ceremony. Obaasan(means Grandma) pulled Sharon aside, whispering in rapid Japanese instructions. Kenzo tensed What now? until Sharon nodded enthusiastically, then shot him a reassuring thumbs-up behind her back.
Lunch was kaiseki meal served in the formal dining room, delicate sashimi, bamboo shoots, and perfectly pickled plums. Seated between Grandma and Aunt Miko, Sharon fielded questions like a pro. "How's the tech world, dear?" and "What is Kenzo truly like as a boyfriend?" She smoothly spun gold from their routine: "Exhilarating! and Surprisingly romantic, he always brings me surprise sushi deliveries!"
Then Uncle Hiroshi leaned in, sake-flushed and booming, leaned in across the table: "Sharon chan! You're perfect for our Kenzo. But tell us, honestly when is the wedding?"
The entire table instantly froze. Forks hovered silently in the air. Thirty pairs of eyes locked on them. Kenzo's throat went instantly dry, the question had come too soon, way too soon for his comfort.
Sharon didn't miss a beat. She turned to Kenzo with a radiant smile, placing her hand over his on the table. "Oh, Uncle, we're absolutely taking it slow. But..." She squeezed his fingers firmly, her touch warm and steady. "Kenzo proposed last month, in his office, after a late meeting. Right, darling?"
Kenzo's jaw nearly hit the floor. Proposed? But her eyes sparkled with reckless mischief, daring him to follow her lead. He swallowed hard, channeling every boardroom bluff. "Y-Yes! On one knee, classic style." He lifted her hand, kissing her knuckles with a dramatic flourish. The family collectively oohed with delight.
Aunt Miko squealed. "Show us the ring!"
Sharon wiggled her bare fingers. "It's currently being sized, family heirloom ruby. It's a secret for now." Genius, Kenzo thought with stunned admiration.. Bullet dodged. Grandma dabbed sentimental tears. "My boy, finally settling! Have you set a date?"
"Soon," Sharon purred, leaning her head on Kenzo's shoulder. "End of summer? Kenzo's idea, of course, under the cherry blossoms."
The table exploded in happy noise; enthusiastic toasts, hugs, and Uncle Hiroshi already planning the sake menu. Kenzo played along, keeping his arm securely around Sharon's chair, but inside, a dangerous chaos was brewing. Her hair tickled his neck, her easy laugh vibrated against him. Fake, All fake. Yet, his pulse wildly raced when she whispered, "Good save, CEO."
The afternoon brought the true, terrifying test: omiai-style matchmaking. This was Grandma's "surprise", parading eligible cousins and neighbors before them like a bridal catalog. "Just to show options!" she insisted sounding innocently.
First came Cousin Yumi, 26, bubbly flight attendant. "Kenzo-kun, remember our childhood? Marry me instead!" She batted lashes at him, completely ignoring Sharon.
Sharon's smile tightened. Kenzo opened his mouth to intervene, but she beat him: "Yumi-chan, he's flattered, but..." She stood, linking arms with Kenzo possessively. "My fiancé is taken. Besides, who needs Paris when you have our private jet weekends?" She confidently air-quoted word fiancé, her grip on his arm firm and undeniable.
Yumi immediately pouted. Grandma Mayumi chuckled with amusement. "Feisty! Next!"
Next entered Neighbor Sato, 24, the formidable heiress to a vast tea empire. She completely zeroed in on Sharon this time, speaking with honeyed, false charm, "Sharon-san, you're lovely, but a CEO like Kenzo needs a dynasty match. Join my firm instead, I'll double your salary. Leave this workaholic now."
Kenzo bristled. Double? But before he could snap, Sharon whirled on Sato, her eyes flashing, "With all due respect, Sato-san, Kenzo's not a workaholic, he's a visionary. Last month, he designed a database that saved 50 jobs. And our 'private time'?" She smirked, tracing lingering line down Kenzo's tie. "It's unmatched. Why trade empire for tea leaves?"
The veranda instantly went silent, then exploded into genuine applause. Uncle Hiroshi whooped loudly, "That's how you defend your man!" Grandma nodded proudly. "Sharon chan, you're Hayashi material!"
Sato slunk away, Kenzo stared at Sharon, stunned by sincerity of her defense. She just... defended me. For real. Her cheeks flushed, not from acting, but from effort. Their eyes met, a silent thank you passing between them. He silently mouthed, Hero. She merely shrugged, but her smile softened, revealing vulnerable moment.
As the matchmaking fizzled, no further takers after Sharon's impressive takedown, the family dispersed for their afternoon naps. Kenzo quickly seized the opportunity, pulling Sharon into the quiet seclusion of the garden pavilion, away from any lingering prying eyes.
"That was incredible," he said, voice low. "The proposal lie, the defense... You're saving my ass left and right, Sharon"
She leaned casually against a pillar, sundress fluttering softly in the breeze. "Teamwork. But Sato's offer? I admit, it was tempting" she teased, but her eyes flicked down to his pocket, noticing the subtle bulge of the crumpled letter.
Kenzo's stomach twisted with renewed anxiety. Desperation time, he stepped closer, caging her gently against the wood. "Sharon, about last night... Nakamura? Don't, please name a real price, promotion, equity, anything. Just stay."
Her breath hitched, their faces now mere inches apart. The air between them crackled with undeniable tension. "Careful, Mr. Hayashi. All that wedding talk's making you bold." Her fingers grazed his collar, the touch lingering longer than was safe. Was that raw longing in her gaze?
Before he could close the gap between them, Hana's loud giggle echoed from nearby, the toddlers were charging playfully into the pavilion. Sharon quickly slipped away, laughing. "Later, fiancé. Fireworks tonight?"
Kenzo watched her go, heart pounding. Later?. But as he touched his collar where her fingers had been, a sharp panic surged. The letter burned hotter than ever, Losing her to a rival? It's unthinkable. By the time fireworks started tonight, he'd make her stay, no matter how desperate.