The CEO's Reluctant Bride

In the empty changing room, it was just me and Nerys. She was busy drying my soaking wet hair while muttering under her breath, “What were you thinking? Do you have water in your brain? You can't even swim, and yet you jumped in. Why didn't you just tell the coach you couldn't swim?” My nose was still slightly red, and the bitter feeling hadn't faded one bit. "I did tell him, but he didn't understand. He just kept patting my shoulder and saying ‘Daijoubu, daijoubu' (Japanese for ‘It's okay')." At that, she threw the towel at me, turned around, and walked off without even giving me a glance. She didn't have to roll her eyes for me to know what she was thinking: Really? You flunk Japanese and still thought coming to Tokyo was a good idea? “Nerys, wait for me! How am I supposed to get back if you leave me here?!” But the sound of her high heels had already faded away in the vast changing room, leaving only my voice echoing back at me. I tossed the towel on the floor in frustration. Fine! If no one's going to care about me, then just let me fend for myself! Nerys, you heartless woman. If I ever bring you along again, then I'll really have water in my brain! It was noon, the sun blazing, and the streets were practically deserted. People had become rare sightings. After what felt like forever, I finally spotted a man who seemed to be on the phone, his head bowed. I wanted to ask him for directions, but I felt too awkward to interrupt. I was stuck in a dilemma, like standing in the middle of a seesaw—unable to decide which way to lean. I figured the best choice was to wait until he finished his call. “Excuse me, can you speak English?” I asked, having learned my lesson from earlier. Since I couldn't speak Japanese, I opted for English. After all, I barely passed Japanese, but my English was at least passable. The man raised his head, shoving his iPhone haphazardly into his suit pocket. The CK logo on his belt caught my eye. His black suit jacket was tossed carelessly on the back of a Rolls-Royce behind him, and he wore a crisp white polo shirt. His sharp blue eyes fixed on me. “Are you English speaker?” I was so excited I almost leapt forward. But don't worry, I'm a self-respecting woman of the modern era, not the type to throw myself at a handsome stranger. I just got a little excited and grabbed his arm, squealing, “sodesi!(Japanese for ‘Yes')” He gave me a disdainful look, his gaze falling on my hand clutching his arm. I quickly let go. “Are you sure you're English speaker? Do you even understand what I'm saying?” he asked with a smirk, clearly unimpressed. It was obvious that while he wasn't offended by my lack of manners, I had definitely made a poor first impression. I didn't bother with small talk and got straight to the point. “Of course I understand! I just want to know how to get to the Kyoto Hotel.” “Just so happens I'm headed there myself. I'll give you a ride.” He grabbed his suit jacket from the car, pulled out the keys, and gestured for me to get in. Without thinking, I hopped right in—who would pass up a free ride in a luxury car? The cool air from the car's AC hit me as soon as the door closed, effectively locking the sweltering heat outside. Sitting there, I suddenly started missing my old Santana, probably locked up in the garage at home or worse—being driven by Velden, that little rascal. He was probably out trying to impress his girlfriend. Of all things, she just had to be into thrill-seeking. They were probably speeding through some underground racetrack right now. Oh, my poor Santana! But what can I do? I'm his big sister, after all.