Page 20 of Accidentally in Love with a Yakuza Boss

With an expressionless face, Ryuji's mother said, "Follow me." Her tone was direct, leaving no room for argument. Lily glanced at Ryuji, seeking reassurance, but he simply nodded.

Determined to prove herself worthy. They traversed the elegant corridors, the walls adorned with priceless calligraphy scrolls and paintings depicting ancient legends.

Suddenly, Ryuji's mother stopped abruptly. Turning to face them, she motioned for them to enter a room that was used for private meetings.

Stepping inside, Lily found herself transported to another time, surrounded by the rich scents of incense and the rustle of silk. Sitting upon a low table, a sumptuous feast awaited them.

"I want to talk to you, Lily. Why are you in love with my son?" asked Ryuji's mother, leaning forward and fixing her gaze on Lily.

Feeling the weight of her stare, Lily swallowed nervously, searching for the right words to answer. She looked up at Ryuji, seeking guidance, but he remained silent, letting her speak for herself.

"I don't know exactly why," she began, her voice wavering slightly. "It just feels right, somehow. When we're together, everything seems to fit perfectly. Like the pieces of a puzzle that belong together."

Ryuji's mother narrowed her eyes, studying Lily intently. She was trying to discern whether Lily understood the implications of her answer.

Ryuji, sensing his mother's scrutiny, stepped in to provide clarification. "Lily means that her love for me transcends cultural boundaries. She accepts and embraces our traditions without resistance."

Ryuji smiled proudly at Lily, giving her a reassuring squeeze of her hand.

"You see, Mother, she is strong and resilient. Her courage and determination will serve her well as she navigates our world."

"I don't mean Japan, son. I mean our family... business. Does she understand the implications of being a Yakuza wife?" His mother asked.

Kaede’s tone gave Lily a shiver. She realized that being a part of the Yakuza meant more than merely marrying Ryuji. It involved immersing herself in a life of crime, violence, and power. Lily hesitated, wondering if she was truly ready for this new path.

“Are you ready for your husband to be in constant danger? Are you ready for sleepless nights wondering if he’s alive? Are you prepared to be alone when he is in prison, or God forbid, dead?”

There was an edge to Kaede’s voice. She was speaking from a place of painful experiences.

Lily nodded, her hands trembling under the woman’s intense gaze.

Ryuji sensed her uncertainty and decided to intervene once again. "Mother, I believe Lily has the strength and courage necessary to adapt to our way of life. She is eager to learn and accept the responsibilities that come with joining our family."

Kaede paused and considered her son’s response before continuing. “I’ve seen that she has taken to learning many new things in a short period of time. I only hope that this eagerness will not fade after the ceremony.”

Lily nodded. “It won’t,” She said.

“And what of your family in America?” The woman asked.

Lily held in a jolt of nervousness. “My parents support me in all of my life decisions. I’m sure they will be surprised, but I will have their blessing.”

Ryuji's mother studied Lily, evaluating her resolve.

For a moment, Lily's heart sank, fearing she might not measure up to the expectations of the Yakuza matriarch. But then, Ryuji's mother softened her expression, seemingly satisfied with Lily's response.

That was the first time Lily had seen her smile.

"Alright, then. We will organize a wedding at once!" Ryuji's mother announced with a smile, breaking the tension in the room. “The sooner the ceremony, the sooner their will be grandchildren!”

THIRTEEN

Lily was feeling overwhelmed with all of the marriage preparations. Too many legal documents she didn't understand.

Ryuji was gone out for meetings and she was left with his mother to try to organize things, which was a challenge in itself as Kaede barely spoke English and Lily’s Japanese wasn’t strong enough to talk about legal documents and other related formalities.

Ryuji's mother was a formidable woman, who was used to getting her way. Lily had been trying to navigate the complexities of Japanese culture and tradition, but found herself increasingly frustrated with her demands and expectations.

"I don't think I can handle all these marriage preparations alone," Lily confessed, breaking the silence. "It feels like your son has left me here to deal with them without any guidance."

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