Chapter 16
The mere presence of Mamoru Chiba had ignited a wave of anger in Yaten. He loathed the arrogance and haughtiness of this man. Seizing the brief moment of turmoil, he slipped out of the hall. Slowly, he moved past the loudly arguing men who had retreated to Kenji's office.
"You've really outdone yourselves. I told you during your first attempt that this alliance would fail. I won't allow two powerful families to unite. You'll see!" Chiba yelled loudly. Yaten clenched his fists.
"Chiba, you won't be able to do much against this marriage. Serena will marry Taiki willingly," Kakashi tried to placate his counterpart, but Chiba responded with a mocking laugh.
Chiba laughed scornfully. "Do you really expect me to believe that this is a love match? No one will buy that! Besides, who assures me that this woman is really Kenji's daughter? After all, no one has seen her until now!"
The tension in the air was palpable, and Yaten felt his anger escalating. "They love each other, and that's why the wedding will proceed as planned. If you want proof that Serena is my daughter, Kakashi will surely provide you with a copy of the paternity test," Kenji explained with calm determination.
Rolling his eyes at the notion that Taiki and Serena loved each other, which was evident to him, Yaten had heard enough. Chiba was within his reach, and he couldn't mess this up. With quick steps, Yaten made his way outside. Chiba's red Porsche stood in the middle of the driveway. Yaten was relieved that he never left the house without his essential equipment. Taking a deep breath, he realized he had no time to lose. His steps were swift, and his movements precise. A small GPS tracker smoothly slid out of his pocket, and with practiced hands, he discreetly placed the unassuming device at the bottom of the vehicle. Yaten was grateful that he never left the house unprepared. Sharpening his senses like a predator in the night, he lit a cigarette and leaned against the wall as the smoke mingled with the tension in the air.
In the pocket of his coat, he felt something that brought a mischievous grin to his lips. With that, he could expose Chiba. It didn't take long for Mamoru Chiba to come rushing through the door. Yaten could see he was angry and could guess why. The entire situation with Taiki marrying Serena didn't sit well with him. Yaten composed himself to avoid smirking.
"Chiba!" Yaten's voice cut through the air and hit Mamoru like a targeted blow.
Mamoru stopped abruptly, his gaze icy as he turned to face Yaten with a quick spin. "What do you want, Kou?" His words were sharp.
"Not going as you hoped, huh? First, you got Mina out of the way to prevent this union, and now Kenji has pulled another daughter out of his hat. Must be bitter for you... and who knows how many more children he has running around here... If nobody knew about Serena's existence, what about her? Do you plan to murder Serena as cold-bloodedly as Mina? Or do you have other plans for her?" Yaten challenged.
Mamoru came menacingly closer. "I don't know what you're talking about," he hissed. But Yaten analyzed his body language in seconds. He was sure Mamoru was lying. Fingers playing with the small object in his pocket, Yaten provocatively blew the smoke of his cigarette in Mamoru's face.
"Yes, you do. I may not have evidence yet, but I will expose you. And believe me, when I have proof, I will avenge Mina. Someday you will make a mistake, and then I'll have you. Count on it."
Mamoru roughly grabbed Yaten by the collar and grinned maliciously. "I don't know what you're talking about, and now leave me alone," he repeated coldly. Yaten felt how Mamoru struggled with his composure, and he contemplated whether to continue provoking him. Eventually, he pushed Mamoru away with force. He had achieved his goal for the moment. Those few seconds of physical contact were enough for him.
"We'll see about that," Mamoru sneered dismissively.
Haruka stormed through the front door and immediately recognized that the situation was on the verge of escalating. She had to intervene before things got worse. That was out of the question for her.
"Yaten, there you are! We were about to send out a search party. Come inside; it's cold out here," she called out to him.
"I don't need a babysitter, Haruka! I'll come in once I'm done here," Yaten replied, glaring at Mamoru.
"I think we're done here," Mamoru sneered arrogantly and ignored Yaten, who shouted after him, "I'm far from done with you! Remember that!"
Haruka now stood next to Yaten, placed her hands on his shoulders, and decisively pushed him up the steps.
"Come inside. You're making things worse by publicly threatening him. Didn't you say at the funeral that you wanted to keep a low profile until he makes a mistake? Well, you can forget about that now!"
Yaten listened for a moment, and when he heard the loud revving of the engine, he began to grin broadly. However, Haruka couldn't understand what suddenly amused him.
"That was all tactics. Trust me, I just needed to get close enough to him."
Skeptically, Haruka looked him over and pulled him into a side corridor. "Why did you need to get closer to him?"
Yaten pulled out his phone and waved it in front of Haruka's face, a mischievous grin on his face. "I attached one of my new toys to him. Let's just say he won't be able to do anything without me knowing about it. Eventually, he'll make a mistake, and then I've got him."
Haruka sharply inhaled. "Well, we can now go back... to the others."
Yaten probed, sensing Haruka's brief pause as peculiar. "What were you originally going to say?"
Haruka brushed it off, stating, "Nothing, I'm just hungry." However, in her thoughts, she dealt with her other issue, Seiya. Luckily, Yaten intervened, and they entered the dining room together, right on time for the main course.
Usagi and Taiki sat next to each other in the middle of the table, flanked by their fathers. Seiya had taken the seat next to Kakashi, and the two headed for the vacant seats next to him. Yaten received a warning look from his father, which he skillfully ignored. Seiya seemed somewhat more relaxed, his gaze fixed on the lavish meal, engaging in conversation with one of his business partners. The meal proceeded quietly and uneventfully. The guests enjoyed the delicacies and conversed with each other in hushed tones.
After the main course, Seiya finally stood up. He had wrestled with himself throughout the entire meal, but he couldn't help it. He positioned himself behind Taiki, clearing his throat to get his attention. "Taiki, I wanted to ask you for a favor. Would you allow me to take a stroll with Serena? I think it would be nice to get to know her better. After all, she will soon be part of the family." Even though it took some effort, he managed to keep his voice calm.
Taiki looked surprised, but he knew it was important for his future wife to get along with his brothers. "Of course, Seiya. Serena, what do you think? Would you like to take a walk with Seiya through the garden?"
Usagi's heart raced in her chest. She was unable to answer but managed to nod. The thought of a walk with Seiya sent her emotions into a whirlwind, and she tried to suppress the emerging excitement.
Seiya politely helped Usagi to her feet, and together they left the dining room. She hooked her arm through his, feeling the pleasant warm tingling in her stomach again. However, as they reached the back exit, Seiya noticed a shadow following them - a young woman with brown hair whom he didn't recognize.
"Who is that?" he whispered to Usagi, who briefly turned her head to see whom he meant. Then she sighed. "Makoto. She's supposed to watch over me since I was out last night," she replied, barely audible.
Seiya suddenly stopped and turned around. "Makoto, right?" he addressed her directly.
The woman nodded.
"There's no need for you to follow us. Mrs. Tsukino will soon be part of my family. I'll bring her back to the house unharmed, and we won't leave the garden. Please give us a private moment," Seiya said calmly, but the tone in his voice allowed no objections.
Makoto pursed her lips. "That needs to be discussed with Mr. Tsukino. I have instructions."
"Then go to him and sort it out with him. As I said, we'll stay in the garden. If he insists on your presence, you'll find us," Seiya said firmly. Without waiting for her reaction, he pushed Usagi forward, continuing their way outside.
Seiya led Usagi into the picturesque garden. Despite the cooler November temperatures, the sun was shining. Trees cast long shadows, and the leaves rustled gently under their feet. Usagi enjoyed the cool breeze on her face, breathing in the fresh air deeply. The silence and clear air helped her relax and savor the moment.
Seiya guided her to a small bench, relatively far back in the garden, under a tree. It was a place that was difficult to see, precisely his intention. A moment alone with her. His watchful eye had scanned the surroundings, and he was sure they were unobserved. Then, at last, he took her hand.
"What if someone sees us?" Usagi asked anxiously, starting to look around frantically.
"Sees us doing what? We're just sitting here and talking."
"You know exactly what I mean. What if Makoto turns the corner at any moment?" she said, looking at his hand, which held hers, and his other hand moved up to her face.
"I don't care right now. Have I told you today how beautiful you look?" bashfully, Usagi shook her head.
"Then I'll say it now. You're beautiful, Usagi."
Seiya glanced around once more to make sure no one was watching them. Then he leaned gently toward Usagi and kissed her. The kiss was tender and full of warmth, albeit brief. When they separated, Usagi rested her head on Seiya's shoulder and sighed.
"Why does everything have to be so complicated, Seiya? Why can't we just be together? Couldn't we have met just a few days earlier?"
Seiya smiled wistfully. "Oh, sweetheart. Do you know how many times I've asked myself that question lately? ... And every time, I end up thinking that we could run away together. Just leave everything behind and start a new life somewhere, far away from all this. Just you and me."
Usagi lifted her head and looked into his eyes, searching for an answer on whether he truly meant this suggestion. "Seiya... if it were only about me... I wouldn't hesitate for a second," she began. "But as long as Chibiusa and Shingo are in Kenji's clutches, and I don't know how they're doing and where they are..." Her hand moved up to her cheek, brushing over the perfectly concealed bruise. "It's not possible. I could never forgive myself if something happened to them... and I don't know what Kenji would be capable of if I just disappeared."
Seiya gazed deep into Usagi's eyes, his look sad and full of understanding. "I know, sweetheart... I promise you I'll find them, no matter what it takes... And then we'll see."
Usagi smiled gratefully, her eyes glistening with tears. "Thank you, Seiya. I don't know what I would do without you."
Suddenly, Usagi spotted someone approaching. Her heart raced, and she slid abruptly away from Seiya's side. She couldn't risk being seen with him like this. Seiya followed her alarmed gaze and immediately realized what was happening. However, as the person came closer, he relaxed.
Haruka approached them. "You're lucky it's just me... Ser... Usagi, I should get you. The photographers are here; they want to take pictures for the press."
Usagi thought for a moment. "What pictures?"
"Engagement photos for the local magazines," Seiya gritted his teeth.
Seiya looked deeply into Usagi's eyes and gave her a light kiss on the forehead. "Everything will be fine, sweetheart. Just go inside; I'll stay out a bit longer. Haruka will accompany you."
Haruka looked at Usagi. "Can you leave us for just a moment?"
Once Usagi was out of earshot, Haruka leaned towards Seiya. "You have to be more careful. That could have gone really wrong! It's better to avoid her for now. I know it's hard for you, but she's going to marry Tai! You have to get her out of your head."
Seiya nodded uncomfortably. He knew she was right, yet he was aware that it would be harder than expected. The feelings between him and Usagi were not easy to dismiss, even if reason demanded it.
While Seiya sat alone on the bench and watched Usagi walk away, thoughtful thoughts crossed his mind. How much more difficult would the coming weeks be for them? Would he really be able to stay away from her? The feelings between them were not easy to ignore, even if reason demanded it.
Haruka brought Usagi to Taiki, who was already surrounded by some reporters, giving interviews. The photographers were waiting impatiently to capture the engaged couple. Usagi felt the pressure, but she tried to conceal her nervousness. Taiki took her hand and smiled reassuringly. "Ready, my love?"
Usagi nodded uncertainly, attempting to hide her insecurity behind a smile. The camera flashes flickered as they positioned themselves for the engagement photos.
Meanwhile, more guests arrived, and the festive atmosphere in the grand hall reached its peak. Music, dance, and laughter filled the room as the engaged couple fulfilled their host duties and faced numerous well-wishers.
The celebrations continued late into the night. Usagi and Seiya exchanged intense glances from time to time, but they barely spoke anymore. Seiya had taken Haruka's warning to heart and decided not to tempt fate any further. They couldn't risk anyone becoming suspicious.
However, they hadn't accounted for Yaten. He was sitting next to Seiya at the bar, observing his brother's gaze at Usagi. The way he looked at her seemed peculiar, and he decided to keep an eye on the two. The family couldn't afford any more disasters.