Chapter 9

Seiji´s advice

« Aizawa-sama ? asked the maid. There is someone on the phone for you. »

Minto didn´t hear her.

She was sitting on her bed, the Mondain magazine opened on her knees. She had just read Edward Summers Jr´s interview. Her fiance´s interview.

He had barely mentionned her.

« Your mother recently stated that you were currently involved in a relationship...

« Oh, yes... I am to be engaged to a Japanese heiress. Her father is a friend of mine. He and I have been business partners, especially in... »

That´s it. Japanese heiress. He hadn´t even say her name.

He didn´t care who she was or what she could feel. He just thought about the financial advantages this marriage would bring to him.

Minto had never felt so alone in her life.

« Aizawa-sama ! »

The young girl looked up. The maid handed her the phone.

« Someone wishes to talk to you. »

Then she left the room. Without curiousity, Minto answered.

« Moshi moshi ?

« Hello, imouto-chan. How are you ? »

She gave a start. A bright smile – the first one for a long time – appeared on her lips.

« Seiji ?

« The one and only ! he responded with a chuckle. You weren´t expecting me, were you ?

« I´m so glad to hear you ! It´s been like ages since your last call.

« Gomen nasaii, Minto. I´ve been more than busy lately. You know, jewls business requires a lot of work...

« And eveything´s fine for you at Le Caire ?

« Yes... but I should be the one to ask questions. Mother told me about your engagement. »

Her smile faded. She sighed.

« Yes...

« How do you feel about it ? Seiji asked in a friendly tone. It can´t be easy.

« To be honest, no. »

Minto hesitated, then decided to confide to him how she really felt. Being her older brother, he could understand her better than anyone else. They had grown up in the same universe and he too was forced to marry a rich woman, chosen by their parents.

« I don´t want to marry him. I don´t know him and... I don´t think I´ll ever be able to like him. Actually... for what I have seen... he disgusts me. »

Her voice was trembling. Seiji remained silent for a moment.

« Do you want an advice, imouto-chan ? » he suddenly asked.

Minto nodded, even though he couldn´t see her.

« Always.

« Ever since I married Aika, I´ve been regretting not being able to rebel against Father. I don´t love her. She doesn´t love me. We´re both unhappy : we barely speak to each other. We don´t even know anything about each other. Actually, I think she´s seeing someone else... and I can´blame her. »

His voice became more confident.

« Minto, say no to Father. Tell him you won´t marry this guy. Or all your dreams will be shattered. There is nothing worse than spending the rest of your life with someone you don´t love. »

Minto was moved.

What was I thinking ?

Even if Zakuro didn´t have feelings for her, was it a reason to let it go ? To marry a perfect stranger ?

No.

No, it wasn´t.

This was her life. Her dreams, her desires. Her father could not force her to do this. He couldn´t manipulate her fate.

« Arigato, Seiji. »

He let out a sad laugh.

« Anytime, Minto. I just hope I helped you.

« You did. Believe me. »