Chapter 39
Taiki accompanied Usagi downstairs, still skeptical about her decision to befriend Rei Chiba. However, he accepted her intention to be useful, understanding that she had Makoto by her side. "Thank you, but I can handle this on my own," Makoto's voice echoed from the hallway.
"Alright then... No one will force you to look good," countered a new voice that immediately caught Usagi's attention. Yaten sat casually in one of the chairs, legs thrown over the back, busy answering emails on his phone. Yaten sat up and called into the hallway, "Petz! Serena has arrived."
Soon after, their new stylist entered the hallway. She appeared significantly older than Tellu, possibly in her mid to late thirties, but radiated a warm smile as she approached Usagi. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kou. I'm Petzite and I'm really excited about this trial day. So, a charity event it is today. I've familiarized myself with your wardrobe and put together some possible outfits."
Usagi was surprised, glancing between Petzite and Yaten. "You guys handle it. If Petz convinces you, she's ready to work for you permanently. I've known her for several years. We don't have to worry about any unpleasant surprises with her," Yaten said, patting Usagi's shoulder as he passed by. "Excuse me then. I have work to do."
Taiki silently watched his brother leave and considered following him, but Petzite thwarted those plans. "Mr. Kou, if you'd like to take a seat, you can support us in making the decision," Petzite suggested, gesturing for Taiki to sit. Then she made an inviting gesture down the hallway, towards the dressing room. Usagi followed her.
Upon arrival, she carefully examined the laid-out dresses on the rack next to the door. The first choice was a floor-length, elegant evening gown. The silky fabric shimmered slightly in the light, and a golden belt emphasized the waist. With a deep V-neck and wide, gold-adorned straps elegantly highlighting the shoulders, the dress exuded timeless sophistication.
Next, Usagi's gaze fell on a short cocktail dress. Form-fitting and accentuating, with a sweetheart neckline adorned with golden embroidery. The short, slightly flared sleeves were also adorned with gold, and a subtle ruffle at the skirt added playful elegance.
Her gaze then moved on to a knee-length sheath dress that aimed to impress with simplicity. Subtle golden embellishments artfully framed the neckline and waist.
Finally, the fourth dress caught Usagi's attention. A combination of a long evening gown and an asymmetrical design. While one side reached the floor, exuding elegance, the other ended in an angular cut, giving the dress a modern touch. Golden embroideries snaked artfully along the asymmetrical lines, and a high leg slit added a focal point.
Usagi was used to trying on multiple dresses with Tellu, but Tellu usually had a style in mind and selected various models accordingly. Here, there were four completely different dresses. But they all had one thing in common: black and gold, the colors of her house, stood out unmistakably. Usagi's hand glided repeatedly over the various fabrics of the dresses, but her eyes lingered on the last one. Tellu would never have picked something like this for her, she thought, and perhaps that's why it had gained appeal.
Petz smiled warmly as Usagi chose the fourth dress. "Well, let's try it on then." With skilled hands, she helped Usagi slip into the exotic black dress. The fabric gracefully enveloped Usagi's figure, and the feeling of the high-quality material on her skin added an extra sensual depth to the moment.
After the dress fit perfectly, Petz escorted Usagi back to the living room. As Usagi opened the door and entered the room, Taiki's gaze fell on her. For a moment, he caught his breath. The dress complemented Usagi's figure, and the golden embellishments harmonized perfectly with her hair and complexion.
Taiki rose from his seat, and an approving smile played on his lips. "Serena, you look beautiful. Choosing the dress went much faster than I thought. Or do you want to try on more?" Usagi shook her head. "I wanted to know your opinion, but if you like it, then I'll stick with this one." After the decision for the dress was made, Petz set to complete Usagi's styling. Skillfully, she arranged Usagi's hair into a loose updo that perfectly matched the dress. A touch of gold powder on her cheeks and subtle makeup completed the look.
Meanwhile, Makoto's faint curses could be heard. "Damn, the cookies are burnt! Didn't anyone smell that? I'll have to start over tonight..."
Usagi couldn't help but smile as she heard the sounds, and her stomach grumbled softly.
When Usagi entered the living room again, Taiki was gone. Makoto had changed into a floor-length green dress in the meantime, and her hair was tied up. "Taiki just got a call and had to leave. But I think we're ready, right?" Makoto informed her as she noticed Usagi's searching gaze.
Usagi briefly thanked Petz. "I feel really great. Thank you for the wonderful styling, Petzite. I think it would be good for you to work for me. I could never have done this alone." "It would be my pleasure to start working with you."
After the arrangements were made for when Petzite would start her new job, Usagi and Makoto headed to the charity event. The venue turned out to be a large, festively decorated hall. The Christmas decorations created a warm atmosphere, and soft lights bathed the room in festive splendor.
In the hall, aside from the waiters, only women were present, all draped in expensive evening gowns. The clinking of champagne glasses and the soft murmur of conversations filled the air. The atmosphere radiated a blend of elegance and lightness as the women showcased themselves in their breathtaking gowns.
Makoto began quietly explaining who the various women were and how they were connected to her family. But then Usagi's eyes fixated on a woman for whom she needed no explanation. She had known her from her first day in this new world, albeit only through pictures and stories. This woman had always been present somewhere on the sidelines, and now she stood just a few meters away: Rei Chiba.
Rei Chiba was an impressive figure with long black hair. Her slender contours were enveloped in a floor-length, fiery red evening gown, creating a harmonious contrast with her dark hair. Every movement she made seemed accompanied by a powerful aura of presence and authority.
Rei's gaze was fixed on Usagi, and just a few seconds later, she was already standing in front of her. "Serena Kou, isn't it?" Rei said with a voice that was almost melodic but carried a certain sternness. Her dark eyes observed Usagi in a peculiar way.
Usagi tried to hide her uncertainty. "And you are Rei Chiba, I presume."
"Exactly. I'm really pleased to finally meet you. Unfortunately, I didn't receive an invitation to either your engagement or the wedding," a slight frustration tinged Rei's voice. Usagi cast a pleading glance at Makoto, who nodded encouragingly.
"I... I apologize for that, but I didn't write the invitation lists. If we have celebrations again, I will certainly consider inviting you. But there seems to have been a wedding in your house without us being invited as well. Please convey our congratulations to your brother," Usagi tried to steer the conversation in the right direction. At that moment, she was truly grateful for Mimete's rigorous training; appearing confident and determined was much harder than she had thought.
"I'll let him know if he's back in the country. Men already make our lives difficult enough, so let's change the subject. I heard that you've initiated projects for the homeless, is that correct? Oh, pardon me, may I call you by your first name?"
Usagi felt the tension slowly easing off. "Yes, of course... That's true. I've found spaces where soon daily meals will be provided. Needy individuals can also get warm clothing there, and a creative space for the children is also planned," Usagi began to enthuse about her project.
However, Rei's face reflected a certain skepticism. "But wouldn't it be better if the children were properly accommodated? I mean, a life on the streets cannot possibly be voluntarily chosen. There are enough orphanages or foster families; wouldn't placement there be much more appropriate?"
Usagi's stomach tightened as she recalled her own painful history. "No. There are indeed reasons why these children are not in the care of the system, and it's those reasons that I want to support with my initiative. Each of them already has a difficult fate, and I want our center for homeless children to alleviate some of their worries."
Rei continued to scrutinize Usagi with a penetrating gaze as Usagi explained her motivations without mentioning her own story. During this, Usagi felt that the raven-haired woman was attentively listening.
"It's admirable how you're dedicated to this project and what you have in mind," Rei said finally, and her expression softened slightly. "It really seems to mean a lot to you."
Usagi nodded vigorously. "Yes, it does. These children often have no other choice, and I want to at least provide them with a place where they can feel safe, even if it's only for a few hours a day."
Rei paused briefly before speaking. "I understand... If you don't mind, I would like to include your project in the list of supported initiatives for today's fundraising event."
Usagi could hardly believe her luck. "That would be fantastic! Thank you very much."
After this conversation, Rei politely excused herself as she had to greet other guests.
The public welcome for the event was conducted by an older lady. She presented the evening's program, the annual budget, expenses, and supported projects. Finally, the introduction of new initiatives followed, including Usagi's homeless project. For each new project, a donation box was set up, which could be filled with checks throughout the evening. The money would then be transferred to the project management in the next few days. A brief overview of the investments would be required for the next meeting in about 5 weeks. After the official part, the buffet was opened, and soft music filled the air.
Although Usagi was new to this exclusive society, her project immediately attracted the attention of several women. A group of women surrounded her, each of them fascinated by Usagi's idea. Questions showered upon her, and Usagi answered each one with a radiant smile. She was surprised at how open and supportive these women were, considering she had primarily known the cold and power-oriented mindset of her father and father-in-law.
Makoto stayed in the background, but her eyes were always on Usagi. Every move Usagi made was observed by Makoto's vigilant gaze. Usagi felt overwhelmed by the positive response and truly flourished as she shared her ideas.
In the midst of all the commotion, a mysterious woman approached her, discreetly handing her a note. Usagi accepted the note, her curiosity piqued. As she unfolded the note, she expected a possible financial contribution or something of the sort. Instead, she read only a short message:
Meet me in conference room 2 in half an hour, alone -
An uneasy feeling washed over Usagi. Her eyes glanced at the clock. The situation was too peculiar, and she couldn't ignore the sudden knot in her stomach. Usagi excused herself from the other women and went in search of Makoto. In a secluded area of the hall, she found her attentive companion, who had been watching her every move. Slightly agitated, Usagi showed Makoto the mysterious note she had received.
Makoto furrowed her brow and asked, "Who gave you this?" Usagi scanned the room with her eyes but couldn't locate the woman. "She seems to have vanished into thin air. I can't spot her anywhere." The brunette examined the note in her hands once again. "Do you really want to go there?"
Usagi was torn. On one hand, curiosity fueled her desire to follow the invitation, but on the other hand, fear flared up that her father might be involved again. "I have an idea; you have your phone with you, call me, and I'll keep it on speaker. I'll stay outside the room, and if anything happens, I can intervene immediately. What do you think?" Makoto suggested. After a brief hesitation, Usagi nodded and set out to find conference room 2. They found it quite quickly, situated near the entrance, away from the hustle and bustle of the event.
With a queasy feeling, Usagi knocked on the door, which was only slightly ajar, and then entered. It was dark, and the atmosphere felt eerie. Silence echoed in her ears. Suddenly, she heard the clicking of heels approaching her. Her heart began to beat faster, and tension mounted.
Then she recognized who was approaching her – Rei Chiba. "I was afraid you wouldn't respond to my invitation," Rei said with a penetrating yet friendly voice. Usagi was surprised to encounter Rei here. The meeting was everything but what she had expected.
"Rei, what is this about? Why did you summon me here? We can talk outside. I don't understand what this is."
"It's not about me. I don't want to talk to you; she does." With these brief words, Rei handed her a phone. Slightly overwhelmed, Usagi looked at the black screen. "Um... Hello?" she said hesitantly.
"Serena Kou?" asked a woman from the other end. A voice Usagi didn't recognize yet found familiar and friendly. "Yes. Who wants to know?" Usagi asked curiously.
"For now, my name doesn't matter. Kenji succeeded in carrying out his plan and marrying you off... Are you okay, or has he done something to you?" the stranger asked. A shiver ran down Usagi's spine. Who was this woman, and why was she asking such questions?
Various emotions fought within her. Confusion and mistrust vied for dominance, yet the voice on the other end seemed concerned about her, even though they didn't know each other.
"I... I'm okay. Taiki is a good husband." Usagi's voice trembled slightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check. Rei observed her attentively, but her face remained almost emotionless.
A light laughter echoed from the other end. "Yes, I thought so. He always made sure everyone was doing well." Suddenly, Usagi began to realize who might be speaking to her from the other end. "Minako? Are you my sister?"
A heavy silence settled in. "Minako Tsukino is dead. And she will remain so... I'll be coming to Tokyo in a few weeks. Let Rei give you my number; she'll contact you once I've landed for a meeting. But this must stay between us. The whole damn old men's club can go to hell!"
"Uh... okay." Usagi couldn't manage more. Her thoughts swirled as she tried to sort them out. Was that really her sister who had just spoken to her? It wasn't until the steady beep of the ended call reached her that she handed the phone back to Rei.
"Who was that? Who did I just talk to?" Usagi asked, hoping for an honest answer that would bring clarity.
"That was my sister-in-law, Mamoru's wife. Be patient; you'll meet her soon," Rei responded evasively.