A crisp slap resounded through the room. Anger coursed Midori's veins, making her tremble from head to toe.
"Very good, Ryouichi Koishikawa," Midori spoke. "When your wife was being bedded by a stranger, you were having a good time with your so-called sister. Too bad that she didn't fall pregnant, hm?"
Hot tears fell from her eyes, blurring her sight.
"I want a divorce," Midori muttered with a broken voice. "It has to happen today. I don't care how."
Hurt was apparent across Ryouichi's eyes, but Midori did not care.
The Koishikawas shunned her for allegedly cheating on their son. And what about Ryouichi? Ryouichi cheated on her on that same night!
That explained why Ryouichi wanted to marry Hanae.
Why they were holding a matchmaking meeting that day in the tea house.
Midori felt sick to the stomach, and she was pretty sure it did not come from her pregnancy.
"Midori-san, the only reason I decided to marry Hanae-san was because I wanted to take responsibility for my actions. I still love you! I was just hurt because you got pregnant by another man..."
"I don't want to hear it!" Midori exclaimed. She no longer cared whether people were looking at them or not. "I would rather marry a stranger than go back to you!"
"In that case, will you please consider me?" A calm voice rang out behind Midori.
Ryouichi raised his eyes and stared at the man who just spoke.
Still overwhelmed by her emotions, Midori swiveled on her heels and answered, "Gladly! What is your name, Sir???"
Towering over Midori by a full head, the man exuded an aura of imposing presence. His ink-black hair, slicked back with precision, framed a face dominated by a pair of sharp, unforgiving eyes, partially concealed by a rebellious lock of hair.
Handsome would be a gross understatement; his features were sculpted with a dangerous perfection, like a masterpiece carved from marble. A subtle menace clung to him, an invisible cloak that spoke of untold stories and whispered promises of adventure, painting him as an enigma of captivating allure.
A dark indigo suit, tailored with the precision of a master craftsman, engulfed the man's form.
It draped over his broad shoulders like a cloak of power, highlighting the strength of his arms and the impressive musculature of his upper body.
His torso, a testament to rigorous training, narrowed to a lean waist, giving way to long, sturdy legs that promised both agility and resilience.
A flicker of uncertainty flickered across Midori's face as she surveyed the enigmatic man before her. Had she misunderstood? Did she mishear his words just now?
Or was this vision of masculine perfection perhaps afflicted by a flaw in his sight?
Midori, ever aware of her own captivating beauty, embodied the very epitome of a Japanese noble woman, her grace additionally enhanced by the vast wealth of the Takigawa family who stood behind her.
And yet, the shadow of her recent confrontation with Ryouichi loomed large, potentially casting her in a different light for men who knew nothing about her.
She might be branded as a troublemaker, a defiant wife who dared to raise her voice against a man.
But this man not only did not change his mind. He even flashed Midori a charming smile and answered her query with little delay, "My name is Kiyoshi Matsumoto."
Kiyoshi Matsumoto.
Kiyoshi.
Matsumoto.
Midori's mind froze, a sudden realization washing over her like a tidal wave. Now, she understood the very essence of this man's existence within the novel's pages.
His breathtaking beauty, his undeniable charm – they weren't just happenstance; they were meticulously crafted to ensnare the female readers and possess their vulnerable hearts.
Kiyoshi Matsumoto was the protagonist of "Dream Of The Ancient Period"!!!
Wait, wait, wait...
This could not be right.
The coincidence aside, Kiyoshi Matsumoto did make an appearance at a family register office in chapter 150 or so. When he did, it was to marry the female lead, the...
"Kiyoshi-san, what is the meaning of this?"
There she was.
Akiko Yamagata, the female lead of "Dream Of The Ancient Period".
Akiko Yamagata, a delicate flower amidst a field of blooms, stood out with an ethereal beauty. Crowned the most sought-after maiden in Japan, her grace transcended mere physical appeal. Whether clothed in the elegance of the West or the tradition of the East, she radiated a charm that captivated hearts and ignited imaginations.
Her very presence was a poem written in silk and painted in vibrant hues, a testament to the captivating power of true Japanese beauty.
Midori swallowed hard.
That was not all.
The Matsumoto and Yamagata families were two titans, their influence casting a long shadow over the entire capital. In the hushed whispers of the city, they were spoken of as "Matsumoto of the East, Yamagata of the West".
While both families craved the union of their children, hoping to forge an alliance that would solidify their dominance, their offspring remained blissfully ignorant of the grand plan, much to the growing frustration of their elders.
Kiyoshi, with a determined look on his face, reached out and took hold of Midori's wrist. His touch sent a jolt through her. He held onto her firmly, his fingers warm and reassuring against her skin.
Then, he turned around, facing his fiance who was looking less than pleased.
"You were late, Akiko-san," he pointed out. "I believe that our appointment was at eight, not eight twenty."
Akiko clicked with her tongue. A sour expression hushed past her eyes as she pinned Midori with disdainful looks.
"Twenty minutes, and you found yourself a new bride? Why, Kiyoshi-san, I believe that your esteemed father will have one thing or two to say about your abrupt change of plan."
Kiyoshi chuckled in amusement.
"Let my father be my business. Do you have any other business here, Akiko-san? Or would you like to be a witness for our union?"
Trapped between the two giants and fearing for her life, Midori immediately interjected, "Wait a moment! I am sure that we can arrive at an agreement!"
Ryouichi pulled at Midori's free wrist and glared at Kiyoshi.
"Apologies, Kiyoshi Matsumoto-san and Akiko Yamagata-san. My wife is pregnant, so she often speaks without thinking about the consequences. We will work things out on our side. Please do the same with yours."
But Kiyoshi was not one to give up his claim easily. His sharp eyes drilled into Midori's as he spoke, "I gave you my name, what are you going to do?"