The reception was held at a luxurious countryside villa, just a short drive from the chapel. Twinkling lights wrapped around the outdoor garden, casting a warm golden glow across wooden tables dressed in fine linens. The scent of lavender and roasted dishes danced in the air, blending with laughter, toasts, and the soft clinking of wine glasses.
Ren and Aoi sat side by side on a small raised dais, now husband and wife, soaking in every word and smile. Her fingers hadn’t let go of his since the kiss at the altar.
She leaned in with a sly smirk."Still in disbelief, Mr. Husband?"
He chuckled. "Very much so, Mrs. Aoi Aoyama."
She punched his arm softly. "You’re the one who insisted we both take your family na."
"I like the way it sounds," he whispered. "Feels like I finally caught up to you."
Their eyes t again. That silent gaze of mutual understanding—filled with mories of every hardship, every argunt, every heartbeat that led here.
Later that Night — Their Private Villa Room
Aoi sat at the edge of the bed, her wedding dress now replaced by a delicate satin nightgown that shimred in the candlelight. Her hair was still pinned up loosely, strands falling around her shoulders as she stared out the window into the moonlit countryside.
Ren ca up behind her, still in his vest and shirt sleeves, his hand gently brushing her exposed shoulder.
"Are you cold?"
"Just... trying to rember everything. I don’t want to forget a single second."
He sat beside her, pulling her into his arms. "We’ll make even better mories starting tomorrow."
She giggled. "Promise?"
"I already proposed, rember?"
Her fingers traced the ring on his hand. Then her gaze softened. "Ren... are you happy?"
He looked at her. Really looked at her. "More than I ever thought I could be."
anwhile... Back in Tokyo
Inside a dimly lit apartnt tucked behind an alley near Ren’s workplace, Saki stood in front of a wall covered with pinned photos—so printed from social dia, so clearly taken in secret.
In the center was a photo from today’s wedding. Blurry. Distant. But the image of Aoi in her dress beside Ren still burned.
Saki traced her finger across it slowly.
"He still looked at with kindness when he ca to the hospital. He still cares. He just doesn’t understand his own heart yet.""That’s okay, Ren. I’ll remind you. We were ant to be before she ca into your life."
Her lips curled into a soft, twisted smile.
"She won this round. But love isn’t a single ga... it’s a war."
She stepped away, the window behind her casting a pale beam across her now-empty gaze.
Back at the Villa — Midnight
Aoi rested her head on Ren’s chest, his steady heartbeat soothing her back into calm.
"I know it sounds crazy," she whispered, "but I want to wake up in that countryside house already. With you. Our own world."
"We’re getting closer," he said. "The foundation’s done. Soon the fra will be up. And then... it’s ho."
She blinked. "You really are building that place for us, huh?"
He smiled gently. "Every nail, every wall. It’s all for you."
Aoi closed her eyes, smiling. But her grip on him tightened just a little.
"If anyone tries to ruin what we have... I’ll make sure they disappear."
He kissed her forehead.
"I know. That’s why I chose you."
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