Chapter 32
It was late at night.
The lights of Tokyo blend into a sea of light outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
In the study of the Minamino residence, the only light on was the desk lamp casting a soft glow.
Shuichi Minamino sat in his office chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.
A thick stack of files was displayed on the computer screen:
—Investigation report, lawyer's letter, police record, corporate communication record.
He lowered his eyes, his gaze cold.
That gentle wisp of red hair shimmered faintly under the dim light.
Yet, it couldn't conceal the calmness and scheming that belonged to the "fox spirit."
“Takashi Fujiwara, Vice President of Kanzaki Productions”.
He murmured the name.
The smile at the corner of the lips is the most dangerous edge in the dead of night.
That person attempted to exploit celebrities and control the media.
A transaction involving the exchange of power for people's hearts and bodies.
Everything was done secretly.
Until that drugged drink accidentally injured Sakura.
Shuichi Minamino leaned back in his chair and gently closed his eyes.
The scene from that night flashed through my mind—
That figure, almost completely obscured by the lights.
The moment the silver wine glass slipped from her fingers,
He reached out and caught her.
Perhaps, that's where fate truly begins.
"Mr. Hideichi, the police are calling."
The butler's voice came from outside the door.
He opened his eyes and said in a calm tone, "Speak."
"Takashi Fujiwara has been formally arrested on charges including drug assault and defamation."
Police stated they will also initiate an investigation into the company.
"Very good." He closed his laptop.
His voice was calm to the point of being cold: "Have the legal team follow up. I don't want any more media outlets to touch Sakura's name."
"clear."
The study fell silent once more.
He leaned back in his chair, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the gold ring on the table.
That's a wedding ring.
That was also the only symbol that officially bound him and her together.
"cherry……"
He whispered her name.
In that instant, all the coldness melted into tenderness.
A night breeze swept through the window cracks, bringing with it a faint scent of roses.
He stood up and walked out of the study.
The living room lights were soft, and Xiaoying was curled up asleep on the sofa, holding a pregnancy guidebook in her arms.
Her hair fell loosely, cascading over her shoulders.
The thin blanket slipped down to her waist, revealing her quiet profile.
Xiuyi walked over, bent down, and gently covered her with the blanket.
When his fingertips touched her hair, the movement was almost reverent.
—It's all finally over.
He personally dispelled the shadow that had shrouded them.
He gazed at her sleeping face, and a smile unconsciously curved his lips.
"Do you know, Sakura?"
He chuckled softly, a light shining in his eyes.
"Sometimes I really feel like I'm despicable."
That night, I knew you had lost consciousness...
I could have taken you to the hospital; I should have left.
"But I didn't."
He raised his hand and gently touched her hair, his voice so soft it was almost swallowed by the night wind.
"I took you away, and I took your destiny with me."
He paused, his smile a bittersweet mix of emotions.
"So to you, I might really be a man who takes advantage of someone in distress."
"But for me, that night was the first time in a thousand years..."
I long to be allowed to love.
His gaze fell on her lower abdomen.
Their child is being conceived there.
That was the continuation of their fate, the miracle of that "mistake".
"I have no regrets."
He murmured softly and reached out to gently stroke her hand.
"Because from that moment on, I knew—I never wanted anyone to touch you again."
"Therefore, the place Fujiwara Takashi should go is not the banquet, but the prison."
"And the place you belong is in my arms."
Sakura seemed to sense something in her dream.
She frowned slightly and moved a little.
“Shuichi…” she murmured.
He smiled, leaned down, and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I am here."
At that moment, his heart was completely at peace.
Rumors from the outside world, the clamor of business, and the power struggles,
All of this was captured in that kiss, transforming into the most ordinary happiness.
Dawn is approaching.
A faint light appeared in the sky outside the window.
He sat on the sofa, watching over her as she slept soundly.
Her hands rested comfortably on her abdomen.
That is their future.
He reached out and covered it, whispering:
"Whatever lies ahead"
I will never let you be touched by any shadow again.
"because--"
He looked up at the rising sun outside the window.
A resolute light shone in those green eyes.
"I have decided that I will protect you for the rest of my life, Hoshino Sakura."
The sun rises, illuminating every corner of the Minamino House.
The documents in the study were organized and sealed, and the investigation was completed.
Fujiwara Takashi's name disappeared from the list of high society from that point on.
And that past "accident",
It became the gentlest arrangement of fate.
—She met him,
—He finally found the light he was willing to protect for a lifetime.
The afternoon sun streamed into the bedroom through the sheer curtains, and a faint jasmine scent filled the air.
Sakura Hoshino's long, golden hair shimmered slightly in the light by the window as she leaned against Shuichi Minamino.
She gently shook the hem of his shirt while puffing out her cheeks.
"Shuichi~"
Her voice was as soft as candy, "I haven't even gone on my honeymoon yet..."
Shuichi Minamino lowered his head, a smile in his eyes.
"Honeymoon?"
"yes--"
Sakura looked up, her sea-blue eyes filled with a hint of resentment. "We've been married for four months, but look—my belly is getting bigger and bigger, and I can't fly or travel far..."
She murmured softly, her voice gently touching his heart.
“I was planning to wear a pretty swimsuit to an island, watch the sunset, and have a candlelight dinner… but now you’re keeping me locked up in the villa every day to rest during my pregnancy, and I can’t go anywhere.”
"That's because your constitution is too weak." He smiled and gently pinched the tip of her nose. "The doctor said you need to rest more. Too much running around is not good for you."
"Hmph~ You're just favoring the baby."
She pouted and gently punched him.
"Ever since I got pregnant, you've been so careful about everything. It's like I need approval even to eat ice cream."
"Because I want you and the baby to be safe."
He spoke softly, his tone so gentle it could almost melt the air.
"But I also know—you want to go out."
He paused, then raised his hand and gently stroked her hair.
"After you give birth to the baby, we'll go on our honeymoon."
"Repaired?"
"Hmm." He smiled.
"I'll take you anywhere you want to go. Paris, London, Venice, Hokkaido—anywhere."
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "If you want, I'll go with you."
Sakura paused for a few seconds, her cheeks gradually turning pink.
"And what about the baby?"
"I'll leave it in my parents' care," he answered without hesitation.
"Just the two of us."
"You're willing to do that?" She looked up, a sly glint in her eyes.
"I'm reluctant to part with you, but I want to spend time alone with you."
As he spoke, his smile deepened, "Because on our wedding day, I didn't have a chance to say a complete 'I love you' to you."
The air seemed to ignite from those words.
Sakura's heart pounded faster.
She bit her lip, her face turning red to her ears.
Her eyes flickered with a tangled mix of panic and sweetness.
"You little fox... your mouth is getting better and better at talking."
"I'm just telling the truth."
"That--"
She suddenly reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling mischievously and playfully.
"Mr. Fox, shall I return the favor by speaking the truth?"
Xiu raised an eyebrow, her tone laced with affection: "Hmm? How should I reply?"
"so."
Sakura gently tiptoed,
Before he could react,
Her soft lips were already pressed against his.
In that instant, time stood still.
A faint sweet scent filled the air.
Her fingertips gently gripped his shirt.
Like a kitten, clingy yet a little clumsy.
A few seconds later she stepped back, her cheeks burning.
"Th-thank you."
She murmured softly, her eyes darting away.
"What are you thanking me for?" he asked with a smile.
"Thank you—for always spoiling me like this."
She answered softly, her voice as gentle as a dream.
Shuichi's eyes darkened slightly, and then he reached out and put his arm around her waist.
"Should I give you a 'gift' in return?"
"Huh? Wait a minute—"
Before she could protest, he pulled her into his arms again.
His kiss was deeper and gentler than hers, yet it carried a hint of possessive sweetness.
A few minutes later, Sakura leaned against his chest, her face flushed and she didn't dare to look up.
"This isn't a return gift, it's taking advantage of the situation..."
"Yeah, but you didn't push me away," he said softly with a smile.
"I……"
She bit her lip and muttered softly, "It's because you promised to take me on our honeymoon."
"Then I'm even more determined to keep my word."
He reached out and gently stroked her hair, his voice incredibly tender.
"After the baby is born, we'll go to the sea, travel, and make up for this belated happiness."
The wind outside the window stirred the gauze curtains, and dappled sunlight fell on the two of them.
Sakura leaned against him and chuckled softly.
"Then I'll remember what you said."
"Cashable anytime."
He lowered his head and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Wife, this is the promise I made to you."
At that moment,
They all laughed.
A smile as bright as springtime—
Soft, bright, and resolute.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
