The night was exhausting. Once you got home, you tossed your handbag onto the chair and collapsed onto your bed. Staring at the ceiling, your thoughts wandered to the future, a future tied to Satoru Gojo. The mere idea filled you with dread. Before you could sink too deeply into those thoughts, your bedroom door swung open, and your mother stormed in.
"I thought we talked about how you'd behave in front of our future in-laws! But you embarrassed me!" she snapped, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.
You took a deep breath, letting out a long, frustrated sigh before sitting up. "I think forced marriage is illegal. People should marry because they want to, not because someone decided it for them," you said, your voice calm but firm.
Her glare deepened. "Don't you understand? I'm doing this for your own good! For your future!" Her voice rose, but she quickly composed herself. "You have no idea how many girls your age—or even women my age—would kill to marry into a family like theirs. You don't realize how lucky you are to have Satoru as your future husband."
You looked away, tears threatening to spill. Her words stung, but the frustration within you burned hotter.
"Really now? Getting all dramatic again?" she said with a condescending tone.
Finally, you couldn't hold back. "Just like Satoru said he didn't ask for this, neither did I. I hate this, Mom. I really do. You know what? Screw him."
"Watch your mouth!" she yelled, her voice sharp. "Never say that about Satoru Gojo again! That young man with silky white hair like snow, those ocean-blue eyes—he's perfect! A man I've chosen so you can live in paradise!" She rambled on, praising Satoru endlessly, while you sat silently, too tired to argue. Eventually, she left, slamming the door behind her.
The week passed in uneasy silence between you and your mother. Then, one morning, she burst into your room, pulling the curtains open and shaking you awake.
"Wake up! Wakey, wakey!"
You groaned, sitting up groggily. "What is it, Mom?"
She laughed, brimming with excitement. "Nothing's wrong! But hurry up and get dressed. I'm dropping you off at Satoru's house!"
Your eyes widened, and you felt a blush creep across your face, though discomfort quickly followed. "Why are you dropping me off there?"
She beamed proudly. "His father has a busy day at work, and I'm going shopping with his mother—our soon-to-be family! Can you believe it?"
"And what about me?" you asked hesitantly.
"You? You'll have the entire day to bond with Satoru! Now, go put on something cute," she said, practically dancing out of your room.
As the realization sank in, you sighed. You reluctantly got out of bed and began looking through your closet. After dressing in blue jeans and a black T-shirt, you brushed your hair. Your mother returned, dressed elegantly, but her face fell when she saw your outfit.
"Ah, ew! Sweetie, what are you wearing? Are you trying to embarrass me again?" she said dramatically.
"What? It's a good outfit," you replied.
"It doesn't matter what you think! Change. Now," she demanded, opening your closet. After a few minutes of searching, she handed you a sleeveless white baby doll dress.
You stared at it, feeling uncomfortable, but her stern look left you no choice. Once you changed, she adjusted your hair, smiled softly and complimented how you looked. "Honey, I know you're not into him, but give him a chance. Only time can tell. And who knows? Maybe you'll grow to love him one day," Her words stuck with you.
She drove you to Satoru's mansion. His mother greeted you warmly before leaving with your own mother for their shopping trip.
"Aha. My soon-to-be wife is here," Satoru said as he descended the grand staircase, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
You stood awkwardly near the door, watching him approach. "Come here, kitten. Let's sit and talk."
You frowned at the nickname. "Kitten?"
"Don't like it?" he teased.
"It's... odd," you admitted.
"Why? You like cats, don't you?" he asked, his smirk widening.
"Yes, but nobody talks like that," you replied bluntly.
"Well, I do. And for the record, you're not the first to be called 'kitten,'" he said, clearly enjoying your discomfort.
You didn't respond, simply looking away.
"Come on, at least take a seat. I'll get you something to drink," he said, walking toward the kitchen.
You sighed, closed your eyes briefly to compose yourself, and then sat on the couch. Moments later, he returned with two glasses.
"I heard you like soft drinks—mango, pear, and milkshakes," he said, handing you a glass of mango juice.
You accepted it hesitantly. "I just don't really like soda much," you admitted.
He leaned back, studying you. "And I heard you love peonies."
Your eyes widened slightly. "That's true."
He grinned. "And pastel colors?"
"Yes," you said, growing more curious.
"Your favorite is baby pink, isn't it?" he asked, his tone softer now.
You blushed, surprised by how much he knew. "How do you know all this about me?"
He shrugged. "I talked to your mom. I wanted to know more about you."
Despite yourself, you smiled faintly. "I see."
"Ah, look who's blushing," he teased.
"Nobody's ever been curious about me before," you admitted.
"That's hard to believe. I'm sure plenty of guys are interested. I mean, look at you—innocent and pretty, like an angel," he said, his voice filled with a charm you hadn't expected.
"Thank you," you replied quietly, your heart betraying you by racing.
Satoru's smirk deepened. He knew he was getting to you, and you hated to admit that, for a moment, it felt nice.
💌 Staoru getting touchy⁉️
Next chapter‼️👇