Yakuza Wife

No Way Out

January 22, 2015, 2:30 A.M. | Katsushika District, Apartment:

After the tense journey home, I finally arrived at my small apartment. After washing myself and scrubbing away the lingering traces of Sousuke's touch in the bathroom, I immediately climbed into bed, curling up weakly as I hugged Zoro—my beloved cat—close to calm the chaotic pounding of my heart.

I buried my face in Zoro's warm fur. My thoughts spun relentlessly, trapped between two equally horrifying choices: surrender my entire life and my womb as a slave to satisfy Sousuke Hayama's desires, or allow those ruthless loan sharks to drag me into hell within a week.

Zoro let out a soft meow, as if he could sense the deep anxiety clinging to my embrace. He then licked my still slightly trembling fingers with his rough little tongue.

Without my knowledge, on the rooftop of the luxurious apartment building standing directly across from the window of my tiny apartment, Sousuke Hayama stood tall beneath the dim glow of the night lights, surrounded by more than a dozen men dressed in black suits.

From that height, Sousuke's golden eyes stared straight at the faintly lit window of my bedroom. The desire and curiosity that had burned inside his chest since that night in the warehouse had now mutated into a dark and dangerous obsession.

"Young Master, will you continue waiting here until dawn, or would you like us to keep watch over her from a closer distance?"

Tojihro Fukujō asked in a deep, thunderous voice. His massive body, standing nearly two meters tall, remained firmly behind Sousuke like a stone wall, shielding him from the cold night wind.

Sousuke didn't answer. He simply took a slow sip from the glass of expensive whiskey in his hand, letting the liquor burn down his throat as a faint, meaningful smile curved across his lips while he stared at the window of my apartment.

"Young Master, what if Miss Reika Usoshiboh still refuses your offer the day after tomorrow? Should we use those loan sharks to pressure her through force?"

Hosihra Yamada asked in a cold voice, the scar across his lips shifting slightly as he spoke.

"She won't refuse. That little girl is far too smart to hand her life over to a pack of stray dogs. The fear she felt tonight will lead her straight into my arms."

Sousuke declared with absolute confidence.

"That's true. The Master will be delighted if you bring home a bride soon. Your position at the top of the clan will become even more unshakable."

Chuckling softly, Juanli Lim adjusted his silver earring and brushed back his half man bun, which swayed gently in the night breeze.

"Grandfather only cares about the Miyama blood flowing inside that woman's womb. And I'll make sure her womb bears no child but mine."

Sousuke replied coldly without taking his eyes off the apartment window.

"Young Master... forgive me for speaking out of turn, but are you really going to let Miss Reika Usoshiboh go after she gives birth to the Hayama heir? After everything you've invested in her... and after this obsession you've developed?"

Memoru Hyuma's curiosity overflowed, his striking pink hair standing out sharply among the dark suits of the yakuza.

"Let her go? Three years is more than enough time to make both her body and soul completely dependent on me, Memoru. The moment she steps into my mansion the day after tomorrow, she'll never be able to leave again for the rest of her life."

Sousuke slowly swirled the remaining ice cubes inside his glass before revealing a terrifying yet charismatic predator's smile.

***

January 22, 2015, 10:30 AM | Katsushika District, Apartment:

My head still felt heavy, throbbing from the lingering effects of last night's drinking. I decided not to go to work at the spa today. My emotions were a complete mess after Sousuke's threat. Then, out of nowhere, Iruka—my best friend and fellow spa employee—stopped by to check on me, carrying a bowl of warm porridge.

"You should be spending your day off... visiting somewhere beautiful, Iruka. Not wasting it on someone who's sick and falling apart like me."

I sat against the headboard, wearing a high-neck sweater to hide the marks from Sousuke's kisses last night. I tried to scoop up the porridge Iruka had brought, my hand still slightly weak.

"I think it's much more meaningful to visit a friend who's feeling unwell than to wander around alone."

Iruka smiled gently before walking toward the tightly shut window of my room.

"Isn't your boyfriend upset that you chose to come see me instead of spending time with him?"

I asked curiously, watching Iruka, who looked so cheerful despite her simple outfit, her blonde hair making her natural beauty stand out.

"We broke up, Reika. And I think this room could use some fresh air if you want that migraine to disappear."

Iruka threw the apartment window wide open, letting the morning sunlight and gentle breeze flow into the room.

"How... could any man let go of someone as kind and innocent as you?"

I shook my head, unable to understand her ex-boyfriend's decision.

"Maybe he got tired of a sincere girl like me. Maybe he wanted someone a little wilder. Who knows?"

Iruka simply let out a soft laugh as she stood by the balcony, gazing at the rows of buildings across from our apartment.

***

Across the street, inside the luxurious high-rise apartment building that stood directly opposite theirs, the atmosphere was anything but peaceful.

Memoru Hyuma, one of Sousuke's trusted subordinates with striking pink hair, was on surveillance duty. Following Sousuke's absolute order to monitor my every move, he pressed his eye against the lens of a high-powered long-range telescope fitted with a high-resolution telephoto lens.

"Young Master really is obsessive. But... who's the blonde girl who just opened that window? She has a sweet smile, and she seems very close to Miss Reika."

As he adjusted the telescope's focus, he muttered to himself. Memoru Hyuma had originally been watching my balcony, but without realizing it, he shifted the telescope's focus directly onto Iruka's face as she stood on the balcony with a bright smile.

For a brief moment, Memoru found himself captivated by Iruka through the lens. He hadn't expected to discover someone else who could catch his attention inside the apartment that was supposed to contain nothing but the object of his superior's obsession.

"Two beautiful women in one room... Young Master will definitely be interested to know that Reika has a friend who's just as worthy of attention."

Memoru Hyuma kept his telescope trained on Iruka, carefully observing her every movement, fully aware that she had no idea a sharp, watchful gaze from afar had now settled upon her.