Page 450 of Hate Mates

“Startling people!” I snap, then realize who I’m talking to. My stomach drops, and I quickly bow my head. “I’m sorry, sir.”

“Oh no, no. Please.” He waves a hand dismissively. “Call me Taka.”

I gape at him, stunned. “I would not do such a thing!”

His smirk deepens. “And why not?”

“Because…” I glance around nervously, lowering my voice. “You’re about to get married. That’s why!”

He straightens, his gaze steady. “Says who?”

I blink. “Your father. Your family. The entire arrangement you just agreed to.”

He steps closer, not enough to invade my space but enough to make my pulse quicken. “I don’t recall agreeing to anything. In fact…” He leans in slightly, his voice dropping. “I think my father would be very disappointed if he knew I’d already found someone far more interesting.”

My cheeks flush. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“And why not?” His tone is playful, teasing.

“Because it’s inappropriate,” I snap. “You’re a Nishimura. You have responsibilities.”

“And you’re Ena,” he counters, his voice soft but deliberate. “You’re far too quick to dismiss yourself.”

I blink, his words catching me off guard. Before I can respond, he tilts his head, his smirk returning. “Now, how about a kiss?”

I freeze, staring at him in disbelief. “A kiss?” I manage, my voice a mix of indignation and something I can’t quite name. “Are you mad?”

His grin widens. “Not at all.”

“You’re about to get married!” I hiss, lowering my voice again, though the words come out sharper than I intended. “And I’m your future bride’smaid! You think I’d just?—”

“Says who?” he interrupts smoothly, his tone playful but his eyes locked on mine, his amusement unwavering.

My mouth opens, but no words come out. He chuckles softly at my silence, stepping back with a casual shrug. “Relax, Ena. I’m only teasing… unless you’re interested.” His grin turns wicked, and I resist the urge to throw something at him.

“Goodnight, Takashi-sama,” I say firmly, spinning on my heel and marching down the path.

Behind me, I hear his quiet laugh, warm and rich in the cool night air. “Goodnight, Ena. I will see you very soon.”

FOUR

Takashi

Ifind my father pacing through the Okuda gardens, his hands clasped behind his back, the weight of our family’s future pressing heavily on his shoulders. His movements are deliberate and controlled, yet I notice the slight stiffness in his gait. A reminder of the cancer he hides from the world.

“Father, do you have a minute?”

He stops and turns to face me, his expression unreadable. With a brief nod, he motions for me to walk beside him. For a moment, the only sounds are the crunch of gravel underfoot and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Finally, I speak. “What is your commitment to the Okudas?”

He exhales sharply as if the question itself exhausts him. “I knew this was coming. It’s clear their daughter is a spoiled brat, but she’s been trained to be an obedient spouse. With money, you will control her.”

I clench my jaw, willing myself to stay calm. “That’s not the problem,” I say evenly.

“Isn’t it?” He stops walking, turning to face me fully. “You will marry her, Takashi. I gave my word.”

“Did you?” I ask, my voice steady but firm. “Did you promise me? Or did you promise she would marry into the Nishimura family? Because it doesn’t have to be me—and it won’t be me.”

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