Chapter 15: Ch-15 My new husband... Sasaki.
I got up from the park bench and walked back to my house.
The outside of the house was a Western-style mansion with a parking lot large enough for five vehicles and a beautifully manicured lawn in the garden. This was my second husband's house. My new husband was the CEO of a company that did business with the Kisaragi family.
I opened the front door and stepped inside to be greeted by the housekeeper.
"Ma'am, you're late today."
"I got caught up in a conversation with a friend. You may leave for the day."
The housekeeper, Kayo, bowed politely.
"Very well. I'll be back before dinner."
"Please do," I replied.
After the housekeeper left, I sat on the sofa and found myself lost in thought once again.
Shortly after moving out of Kazuya's apartment in the suburbs of Tokyo and back to my parents' house, I received a call from the Kisaragi family.
I was summoned to their estate deep in the mountains of Saitama. When I arrived, I was ushered into a huge Japanese-style mansion with an impressive 33,000-square-foot garden. Inside, I was ushered into a traditional 100-mat tatami room.
In the center of the room, a single cushion was placed for me. I sat and waited. Finally, the head of the Kisaragi family entered.
Without saying a word, he sat down in the place of honor. The distance between us was considerable, reminiscent of a feudal lord holding an audience during the Edo period.
I placed my hands on the floor and bowed deeply.
"Ayaka-san, it's been a long time," the head of the family said.
He was still young - probably just over 40 years old. Dressed in elegant, expensive traditional Japanese attire, he carried himself with the grace and authority befitting the head of the Kisaragi family.
"You have come here today to discuss your future," he began.
I lifted my head and met his gaze. His face was calm yet discerning, watching me without pretense.
"A few years ago, you unilaterally decided to marry a man you met at the university in Tokyo. Was this an act of rebellion against the traditions of the Kisaragi family?"
I nodded silently.
"But in the end, you divorced him and returned to Kisaragi," he continued.
His smile faded.
"Ayaka-san, now that you've returned to Kisaragi, am I right in assuming that you intend to uphold our traditions? If so, I can ensure that you'll never have to face financial difficulties again. If not, you and your family will be cut off from Kisaragi completely. Please consider your answer carefully."
I no longer had the strength to resist the Kisaragi family. I nodded.
"Ayaka-san, this is important. Please answer clearly. Will you follow the Kisaragi traditions?"
"Yes, I will," I replied quietly.
The smile of the head of the family returned.
"I understand. Then let us quickly arrange a mate for you... That will be all for now."
As he got up to leave the room, he suddenly stopped, as if struck by a thought.
"Ayaka-san, one more thing," he said, turning around. "From now on, please refrain from standing on street corners. It doesn't suit you."
I froze.
The head of the family knew about my prostitution.
Kisaragi had been aware of my actions in Tokyo all along. A chill ran down my spine.
My second husband was a man 20 years my senior named Sasaki. I would be his second wife, as his first wife had died of an illness several years ago.
After the matchmaking process, we had an engagement ceremony followed by a wedding. I became Ayaka Sasaki.
As the president of a large real estate company, Sasaki provided me with a comfortable life. I moved into his luxurious home and was taken care of by a housekeeper who did everything - cleaning, laundry, cooking, and even taking care of my daughter.
It was a stark contrast to the life I had led with Kazuya in our rundown Tokyo apartment. My daughter was now enrolled in an upscale kindergarten, and my entire lifestyle was undergoing a complete transformation.
But an unexpected surprise awaited me.