Chapter 32

Hello, just in case you forgot you're tuned into my story, and right now I'm standing staring at my reflection. I see out of the corner of my eye the portrait of my fiancée and I; we look somewhat compatible, somewhat happy.

"You look wonderful darling!" I turn to see my mother in a subdued Minamotoko kimono; grey, crème, and pink.

"Doesn't she look lovely Nishikado-sama" continues mother.

"Indeed she does, Tsukushi-chan…we're all so happy that you and Soujiro are getting along. I know he can be a handful at times, but I hope you will accept him with a big heart. From now on you can call me mother too…" said Nishikado Minoko.

Oh by the way that is my mother-in-law. She moves to embrace me, and I lightly squeeze her back.

"Thank you, okasama" I say.

"Well, the bride will have to prepare I little more, how about we go on out yes Nishikado-sama. I believe the guest are already arriving."

The two exit with a click of the door behind them.

I do look lovely, in this crème number whit fine gold thread running through, fine embroidery so it looks like the cloth has been embossed. I could have been mistaken for royalty today; my hair is all up in a simple knot and some heirlooms stuck into my knot. With only two diamond studs for jewellery; I could be described as decadent. But why am I about to cry. I look up to the heavens for strength to go through today, and close my eyes.

I hear a click of the door opening, is it time already? I have barely finished my prayer; I'm not ready to freeze my heart over just yet. But perhaps that is all I can do to keep it from stopping. I open my eyes, and there he is, in his trademark white Armani shirt with the top two buttons left ajar, black pants, and coat. I see the crème silk tie in his left pocket; probably left for later.

"Hey…" He says as he stands just at the door.

"Hey…" I say from across the room. I can feel myself trembling, and my determination wavering.

He gives me that smile of his, then stalks over and takes my hand.

"It's hard to believe that you're cold under so many layers of clothing," he says referring to my ice-cold hands.

"It is winter you know…" I said trying to smile.

This time I turn my back on him and look into the mirror; he follows me placing his arms round my waist, and resting his head on my shoulder. The irony of standing picture perfect with another man in front of a mirror; which reflects another framed picture in the corner with yet another man. I hold back my tears, as he tightens his hold on me.

"Rui…why is this happening to us? Why."