"Ayumi, don't be ridiculous."
The entire host club was anchored in their seats, watching as Ayumi squared her shoulders and hardened her mouth.
"What's ridiculous is that Father let you take over the family. What's ridiculous is that I've lived under your thumb for more than ten years and have said nothing. You are the ridiculous one. Not me."
Her aunt gaping at her, Ayumi strode across the room to join Kyoya and the hosts. "You made me so bitter, so competitive, so vile that no one could stand me! I was the perfect child for you- I did what you asked and I did it well. No more."
She looked up at Kyoya, reaching for his hand as she continued, "I plan to be a doctor. I will do my best to help the family, but not for your sake."
"The marriage has already been arranged; the American boy is expecting you-"
"The fact that he is only 'the American boy', that you don't even care what the name of the man you've given me away to is... this is really business to you, isn't it, Auntie? How could you be so blind?"
"Besides," Kyoya smirked, finger tracing Ayumi's palm as they stood, united, "unless you've spoken with my father, my engagement to Ayumi isn't broken. And it would be a major misstep if you were to go behind my father's back in such a matter."
"Is Kyoya blackmailing her? Is he using our idea?" Honey whispered to Haruhi, excitedly.
Ryuhana ignored the comment as she glared at her grandniece. "You won't get a single yen from me. No one wants a poor bride."
"On the contrary," Tamaki smiled, "I'm sure the Suoh family wouldn't mind giving the Ootoris and the Ryuhanas money for the wedding, let alone everything else."
"Are you using my idea? Are you really trying to bribe her?" Renge asked Tamaki, almost perturbed as he hushed her.
"You see, Auntie? I am wanted here. I am supported here. If you must disown me, go ahead. But you won't get anything more from me."
The matriarch was cornered as she stared at Ayumi in horror at her words. Finally, she scowled, spitting at Tamaki, "I expect your family to contact me about your financial promise." before she turned to her neice.
"I hope you're pleased with yourself. You could have had so much more than this big-eared fool."
"If that is the only fault you can find in him, then you are a fool to try to convince me that there are better matches for me." Ayumi looked at Kyoya again, smiling. "I was a shrew before, but I am in love. I am happy, and if you never talk to me again, I will be doubly happy."
Her aunt barked out a laugh, whirling around to go. "You have no home in my house. I do not care if you still carry my name- you are dead to me. Dead, you understand?"
"Boo."
Ayumi crossed her arms, shrugging carelessly as her great aunt stood at the door, mouth agape at her one word response, before she turned on her heel and stalked out.
Karou broke the silence: "So, you threaten blackmail, offer to bribe her...yet you say our ideas 'wouldn't work'?"
"I'm insulted that you didn't consider using my idea just now." Hikaru grumbled, put off despite the broad smiles around the room.
Kyoya and Ayumi embraced amongst the gales of relieved laughter, smiling to themselves. They could finally be together. No obstructions. Nothing was forced. It was just them.