Chapter 22

His phone rang incessantly, pulling Taiki out of deep sleep. Weary, he blinked at the display. Seiya.

"Hmm...?" he grumbled into the receiver.

"Where the hell are you? You're getting married in two hours. We were supposed to pick you up, but there's no sign of you anywhere, and your bed is untouched."

He jolted awake. It was rare for him to miss his alarm, and today happened to be one of those days. "I'll be at the tower in 20 minutes; start preparing everything," Taiki replied curtly and hung up.

His next glance fell upon the sleeping beauty beside him. Gently, he stroked her cheek, prompting her to open her eyes. "Good morning," she whispered to him, and he smiled lovingly, softly planting a kiss on her lips. "Good morning to you too, my love."

She shifted away from him, taking his hand in hers. "You still want to go through with it, don't you?"

Taiki gritted his teeth and nodded. He couldn't look at her. He swung his legs out of bed, propped his elbows on his knees, and lowered his head into his hands. How many times had he thought about just running away and leaving everything behind?

"Taiki, we still have a chance... Just one word from you, and I can be there in less than an hour..."

"No," he interrupted. "Amy, how many times have we talked about this? It wouldn't be a life if we were constantly on the run... You know my father, and you know he wouldn't rest until he had me back here... and I don't even want to think about what he would do to you."

"So, was this really our last night together?" she asked, and the sadness in her voice was hard to ignore. Even though it weighed heavily on him, he nodded.

"I'm afraid so, at least for some time... Kenji and Father went to great lengths with the wording in the marriage contract... But I promise you I'll find a solution for us... Just give me some time." She forced a weak smile. Taiki stood up and gave her a light kiss. "I'm sorry, but... I have to go now."

Shortly after, he reached the Kou Tower, where he was already expected. Seiya, Yaten, and Haruka formed his reception committee. All three were in Taiki's apartment, engaged in lively discussion when Taiki walked in.

"No, I've already explained it to you. If he doesn't wear the jacket, all we can do is listen to what the clothes in his closet are doing. We have to wait for what Setsuna has found out..." Yaten fell silent when he saw Taiki.

"Hey, we thought we'd have to send out a search party for you. Where were you?" Haruka greeted him. Taiki approached the table and poured himself a coffee. "Private appointment, went on longer yesterday... stayed at the hotel because of that," he said calmly, taking a sip of the hot pick-me-up.

Seiya and Yaten exchanged a meaningful look. "If I were you, I'd get ready now, so you don't keep your bride waiting... Also, I'd recommend a good concealer. Your private appointment marked you," Yaten said dryly, tapping his neck and taking a sip of his coffee.

Taiki's hand moved to his neck, feeling caught. Where had his mind been yesterday? Seiya checked the time. "And some haste wouldn't hurt either. You need to be at the registry office in 90 minutes."

"Damn," Taiki put down his coffee and hurried to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Usagi had long been dressed in her short dress for the civil ceremony. Tellu was once again arranging her hair and adjusting small details energetically. Mimete whirled around Usagi, explaining the schedule, going through the guest list again, and trying to impress upon Usagi the last important details. Makoto sat calmly on the sofa, flipping through one of Tellu's fashion magazines.

Strangely, Usagi was hardly nervous or tense. She knew exactly that what awaited her in the next few hours was inevitable. She resigned herself to her fate and was ready to become Mrs. Kou, or so she told herself. All for Chibiusa and Shingo, who hopefully now had a better life.

Amidst the bustling activity, Kenji entered the dressing room, a small bouquet of flowers in hand, which he handed to his daughter. "Serena, you look beautiful," he said with exaggerated friendliness. "I am incredibly proud of you. Today is a significant day, and I'm glad we can celebrate it together. Come, we need to head to the registry office."

Even though Usagi inwardly resisted her father's company, she agreed. Mentally, she kept telling herself that she would spend only a few more hours in his house. She couldn't ignore the forced friendliness, but she mimicked it. She had practiced this behavior for hours with Mimete, and by now, she could apply it very well. "Certainly, Father. I can't wait."

Kenji led her to the car, and at the registry office, only the closest family members were invited. It was a short drive, and Taiki stood with his brothers, Kakashi and Haruka, in front of the building that housed the registry office.

The sun shone in the sky, and a cool wind blew through the air as Usagi and Kenji stepped out of the car. Seiya hesitated for a moment when he saw Usagi approaching in her short white dress. They exchanged a brief look that seemed to contain all the unspoken feelings between them. However, Kenji walked past Seiya with his daughter and handed her hand to Taiki. Seiya's gaze rested on Usagi, and a sad smile appeared on his face as Haruka patted him sympathetically on the shoulder. Usagi would be married in a few moments, to his brother, he kept reminding himself. He had to start letting her go. Usagi glanced over her shoulder briefly, but she couldn't look at Seiya for more than a few seconds.

Seeing him standing there tore her apart internally, and the awareness that she might be making a big mistake right now gnawed at her. But it was too late for further doubts; her hand rested on Taiki's arm, and he led her up the stairs.

The small group entered the marriage room together, where a friendly registrar welcomed them. Usagi felt her hand tremble slightly as Taiki gently took it. The registrar began the ceremony, speaking of love, trust, and the shared path of life – all things she would work towards with Taiki. She forced herself to look straight ahead the whole time, but she kept catching herself glancing over her shoulder at Seiya. He looked visibly tense.

"If anyone has objections to this marriage, please speak now or forever hold your peace," the registrar continued.

For a moment, Seiya considered objecting to the marriage, after all, he loved Usagi. But he quickly realized that it would accomplish nothing, except drawing the wrath of his father and Kenji. Running away with Usagi now was impossible; they would stop her before they left this room. So, he had no choice but to watch his brother marry the woman he loved.

"So, I ask you, Serena Tsukino, do you take Taiki Kou, present here, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Please answer with 'Yes, I do.'"

The queasy feeling in her stomach had intensified. Taiki held her hands, but her gaze was on Seiya, who stood directly behind Taiki, staring back at her. His eyes were fixed on her, and she could read in them that he wished more than anything for her to say no now. Usagi closed her eyes. She couldn't say "Yes, I do" to Taiki while looking into Seiya's eyes.

With closed lids, she took a deep breath again. It took her a few seconds to gather herself before the words left her mouth. "Yes, I do," her voice finally rang out.

The registrar smiled satisfactorily. "And now, Taiki Kou, do you take Serena Tsukino, present here, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Please also answer with 'Yes, I do.'" Taiki gave Usagi a friendly smile. "Yes, I do."

"Very well, I now pronounce you legally married. The ring is a symbol with no beginning and no end, just like love. I now ask you to exchange rings." The wedding rings were attached to a white ring pillow. Taiki skillfully untied the bow on Usagi's ring and slid it onto her ring finger. She did the same for him. "Now, you may kiss the bride." Usagi closed her eyes again and tilted her head slightly backward. This was actually her first kiss from Taiki. It was short and brief; their lips touched for only a few seconds.

"Please take your seats again. You've agreed on the name Kou as your family name, is that correct?" Both nodded affirmatively. Then the registrar handed them a paper. "Good, now I need a signature from you, Mr. Kou, and one with your new name from you, Mrs. Kou." Usagi's hand trembled worse than ever as she took the pen from Taiki and hesitantly signed "Serena Kou." "Alright, then I wish you all the best and congratulations," the registrar said politely.

After the ceremony, Usagi and Taiki smiled brightly for the cameras while their families applauded. Congratulations were brief, as there wasn't much time left. Usagi had just about an hour to change into her other dress and then drive to the church. Makoto was already holding the car door open for her. Usagi's gaze swept the square once more, but Seiya was nowhere to be seen. Wistfully, she got into the car. She had hoped to talk to him one more time. But he was probably already ahead; according to Mimete's plan, the men would be waiting at the church.

Tellu was already impatient as Makoto and Usagi finally entered the villa. "Congratulations, but now hurry up," she urged Usagi up the stairs. In a flash, Usagi was freed from the short dress, and the hoop skirt was put on. Together with Mimete, they lifted the dress and let it slide over Usagi. While Tellu began to lace her up, she explained eagerly: "When Taiki helps you out of the dress tonight, tell him to undo the lacing from bottom to top first, then, very importantly, open the hoop skirt. After that, you can let the dress slide down. Otherwise, you won't be able to get out of that thing. Can you remember that?"

Usagi nodded, and she quickly pushed the thought of tonight aside again. She didn't want to think about it. Tellu double-checked the makeup and then placed the veil in the hairstyle. "Phew... I think we actually made it." Mimete handed Usagi a new bridal bouquet, this time it was significantly larger, loosely tied in the Tsukino colors blue and white. Mimete winked at her. "I thought, one last time, let's highlight our colors. White and blue look much better for such an occasion than yellow and black." This made Usagi smile. "Thank you, Mimete." "So, now let's go. We have to go to the church," the assistant urged everyone downstairs. Tellu, Mimete, and Makoto drove with Usagi to the church, where they were already expected by everyone else. The wedding guests had already taken their seats in the festively decorated church pews. The atmosphere was solemn, and the church was bathed in warm light. White flowers with blue accents adorned the altar, while the gentle sounds of a live-played melody filled the air.

Kenji stood alone in front of the church, waiting for his daughter to arrive. Suddenly, a knot formed in Usagi's stomach as she placed her hand in Kenji's arm. Then the large church door opened, the organ music began, and Kenji gallantly led his daughter down the long aisle to the altar. Mimete and Tellu took on the roles of bridesmaids and walked slowly side by side in front of Usagi. Hundreds of guests filled the pews, and Usagi hardly knew anyone here. They were all friends, acquaintances, or business partners of Taiki and her father. Taiki stood at the front of the altar and never took his eyes off his bride, just like Seiya, who stood in the front row and repeatedly imagined that she would approach him. Usagi also fixed her gaze on Seiya; he was her target, but as a few hours earlier, she passed him by again.

The church ceremony was marked by loving words from the pastor, vows, and symbolic rituals. All of this passed Usagi like a dream. While she was physically present, her thoughts were elsewhere. Officially, she had been married for just over an hour; this was now just a show to present this union to the public.

After the solemn vows, the pastor blessed the newlyweds. A kiss as brief as the one at the registry office sealed the ceremony, and the room filled with applause and cheers. Usagi and Taiki walked out of the church together, accompanied by the joyful sounds of the organ.

A black stretch limousine awaited Usagi and Taiki in front of the church, its windows tinted so that one could only guess who was inside. Taiki held the door open for her and helped her get in with her voluminous dress. The ride to the festive venue was silent. Taiki reached for her hand, and she smiled gratefully at him. Both enjoyed the brief moment of calm before the lively celebration would be in full swing. Even though they had entered into this marriage involuntarily, they agreed to make the best of it.

Usagi and Taiki were promptly led by Mimete onto a small stage adorned with white roses. The hall sparkled in festive glory, and the couple received endless congratulations and wedding gifts.

After all the guests had expressed their heartfelt wishes, Taiki took the microphone. The room fell silent, and all eyes were eagerly on the newlywed husband. Taiki smiled while firmly holding Usagi's hand.

"My dear friends, family, and business partners, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your presence and warm congratulations. Today is a special day, not only for Serena and me but for all of us sharing this moment. Sometimes, fate steers our paths in unexpected directions, and so Serena and I have found each other. Our marriage may have originated unconventionally, but I am confident that together, we will find our way. Let us consider this day as the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Even though the circumstances are different from many, we are still ready to write this new chapter together, marked by respect, trust, and the hope for a shared future, and now we wish you a beautiful party."

A warm applause accompanied Taiki's moving words. The guests gathered in front of the stage. While a gentle, romantic melody filled the room, they formed a large dance circle. Taiki led Usagi into the center of their guests, and with graceful movements, they began their first dance as a freshly married couple. As the second song began, guests slowly joined them on the dance floor.

However, Usagi seemed to tune out everything around her. She let herself be carried by the music, led by Taiki, and reluctantly accepted her fate with a heavy heart. With the start of the third song, Seiya suddenly tapped on Taiki's shoulder, and Usagi held her breath. They hadn't exchanged a word all day, and now Seiya stood right in front of them. "You don't mind if I cut in, do you? Serena seems to be a fantastic dancer," he said with a charming smile. Taiki briefly smirked at Usagi and then nodded in agreement.

As Seiya's hand gently rested on her hip, and his hand delicately joined hers, she was immediately filled with a feeling of being on cloud nine. This special connection, which every bride should experience on her wedding day, filled her with warmth and bliss, making her radiate with joy. In this moment, she felt like a bride for the first time that day.

The gentle sounds of the music continued to envelop them as Seiya took advantage of the moment, leaning his head slightly closer to Usagi's ear. "You look wonderful, my sweetheart." His words were little more than a whisper yet filled with love. Usagi smiled shyly. "Thank you." "Do you know that I couldn't take my eyes off you all day?" confessed Seiya with a hint of melancholy in his eyes. "Seiya... what do you want to hear from me now?" Usagi asked, feeling uncertain. "Nothing, I just wanted to tell you," he replied.

The dance led them through the room as the melody gently embedded itself in their hearts. When the song reached its climax, Seiya leaned towards Usagi again, but his gaze suddenly became heavy. He had to finally realize that he needed to distance himself from Usagi; she was now married, and he couldn't be the reason for his brother's marriage to break apart. "You are truly an enchanting bride. Taiki married a wonderful woman today; you will surely make him very happy." A subtle undertone of resignation echoed in his words, and for a moment, Usagi felt an invisible barrier building between them.

The music transitioned to a more subdued tone, the atmosphere on the dance floor became more intimate, and the two stopped their dance. Usagi looked deep into Seiya's eyes; she understood what he had just told her, but she wasn't ready to let him go yet. "Seiya, I..." she began, tears welling up, but she lacked the words to finish her sentence. Nothing seemed fitting to express her feelings in words. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Seiya appeared hurt and sad, yet she still recognized in his gaze the love and affection he felt for her.

Seiya couldn't stand there any longer, with her right in front of him, in this breathtaking wedding dress, without being able to touch her. He would have loved to pull her along and jump into the nearest car, leaving this damn world behind, but it wasn't possible. They wouldn't even make it out of Tokyo; their fathers would have caught them by then. So, he forced himself to smile, stroked her cheek once more, turned around, and left Usagi standing there. There was nothing more he could say; his emotions were too stirred up by the events.

With a look full of longing, Usagi watched him go, but she couldn't change anything. She was now Mrs. Kou, but her husband's name was Taiki, not Seiya.

Trapped in the bonds of a marriage contract, forced into an imminent pregnancy, Usagi deeply regretted not heeding her mother's warning. When her father's name was mentioned, she should have grabbed her siblings and run in the opposite direction. But it was too late. As long as Kenji had Chibiusa and Shingo in his grasp, she had no choice but to submit to his will. In a brief moment of reflection, she made a crucial decision. Once Yaten found Chibiusa and Shingo, she would escape and leave this world far, far behind.

Her gaze shifted to Seiya, who had settled at the bar between Haruka and Yaten, and she would take him with her. With him, she would build her new life, no matter the cost.

Suddenly, Kakashi Kou pushed into her field of vision, and a shiver ran down Usagi's spine. She couldn't explain it to herself, but her father-in-law triggered her flight instinct just by being present. He had the same forced friendliness as her father and briefly embraced her. "I'm pleased to welcome you to our family, and I hope I won't have to wait long for a grandchild," he began, and the lump in Usagi's stomach grew with every word he spoke. Kakashi reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and pulled out a slightly crumpled envelope. Hesitantly, Usagi took it, and suddenly her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the handwriting. "I thought this would bring you a little joy. If you excel in what you do, there will surely be more joys like this, but if you fail, joy can quickly turn to sorrow, be warned," he said, and then he mingled back into the crowd.

Usagi stared at the envelope in her hands, trembling once again, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest. This was clearly Shingo's handwriting adorning the envelope. She pressed the letter tightly to her chest and ran into a small corridor, where she was alone. For a moment, she let her tears flow freely, then she opened the envelope.

Dear Usa,

I don't even know where to begin. First of all, congratulations on your wedding. I sincerely hope you've got yourself a decent man who treats you well.

I'm doing okay, but unfortunately, I don't know where Chibiusa is. We got separated. I can't write much more about it; the guy behind me monitors every word I say. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't tell you where I am, but it's a beautiful estate. I receive homeschooling here and have caught up on a lot of school material. I really hope you forgive me for not being able to look after our little sister any longer. Believe me, I tried everything to stay with her, but it just wasn't possible; there were too many of them. I sincerely hope you're doing well in your new life, and I hope to hear from you soon.

With love, Shingo

Tears blurred her vision as she read. He was doing well. That was the most important information she gleaned from this letter. Once again, she pressed the letter tightly to herself. Wherever Kakashi had obtained this letter, he was right. These few lines meant more to her than anything else.

Mimete suddenly snapped her out of her thoughts. "So, here you are. Come on, let's go. We want to continue with the program. You need to get to your seat quickly," urged Usagi, hastily wiping away her tears, and Mimete followed suit.

The rest of the evening unfolded like a blurry dream. Outwardly, she showed no trace of her inner turmoil. Every radiant smile, every conversation with Taiki's friends or business partners strictly followed Mimete's instructions, as they had practiced for days. Usagi's thoughts, however, revolved around one thing: how could she escape this self-chosen hell? And where did Kakashi get this letter?

It wasn't until the celebration was winding down, and she went with Taiki to the limousine, that she began to gather her thoughts again. The wedding night was approaching, and a mix of fear and uncertainty spread within her. But since she received the letter from Kakashi, she knew she couldn't afford any mistakes. The message he had sent her was clear.