Kaede raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "Young Lily, sometimes in life, we must learn to adapt and overcome challenges."
Her tone struck Lily as harsh, reminding her of her vulnerability in this foreign land.
"I need some air," Lily said, leaving before her frustration could boil over. She did not want to offend her future mother in law.
Lily had ventured outside the family compound, hoping to find some solace and escape from the mounting tension. She walked through the quiet streets, marveling at the beauty of the traditional wooden homes and the serene atmosphere surrounding her.
As she strolled along, she spotted a small park nearby. Deciding to take a break from her troubles, she sat down on a bench and watched the people passing by.
Suddenly, Kenji appeared and she froze in fear.
As he approached, she couldn't help but notice the intensity in his eyes. He was still hungry for his revenge against Ryuji.
Seeing Lily in distress presented him with an opportunity he couldn't resist. His plan was simple—he would draw her away from the family compound, offer comfort, and exploit her vulnerability. As his steps quickened, the anticipation coursed through his veins.
Kenji approached Lily with an air of confidence, ensuring that his demeanor projected trustworthiness. "I noticed you seemed troubled," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
"Is everything alright?"
"You! Get away from me!" Lily cried, trying to distance herself from him.
Kenji laughed, knowing she was trapped. "You misunderstand, sweetheart. I am not here to harm you. Quite the opposite."
He stepped closer, his body language open and inviting. "I saw you leaving the family compound, and I wanted to ensure your safety. You know, protect you from any harm."
Lily hesitated, feeling an uneasy mix of fear and curiosity. Was it possible that she could trust this man, or was he just another snake waiting to strike?
Lily couldn't shake the lingering unease in her gut. He had tried to harm her. "What do you want?"
"I want my place back in the Yakuza world," He said. "Ryuji expelled me because of you." He snarled.
"You were the one who tried to hurt me!" She countered. He was surely delirious if he thought it was her fault.
"How can you blame me for what happened?" she protested, her voice wavering with indignation. "Why is it my fault?"
Kenji's lips twitched into a smirk. "Don't play dumb, sweetheart. Ryuji expelled me from his inner circle because he'd rather fuck a dumb foreigner than take over his father's empire." He growled, his resentment palpable.
Lily's brow furrowed, struggling to understand his malice. "That doesn't make sense."
Kenji's eyes flashed with contempt. "Maybe not to you, but to me, it does. Your beauty and naiveté made him weak, forgetting his duties and betraying those who trusted him."
His words cut deep, hitting Lily where it hurt the most. She had never considered the possibility that her relationship with Ryuji might be hurting others around them.
The weight of Kenji's words settled heavily upon her shoulders, crushing her spirit. How could she have unwittingly caused such pain? And yet, even amidst her sorrow, a newfound resolve emerged within her. Perhaps she could use this knowledge to mend the damage done, somehow helping Kenji reclaim his position within the Yakuza. After all, she was there to learn from Ryuji and help him run his criminal empire. If she could assist Kenji in regaining his status, maybe he would see her as an ally rather than a threat.
"I won't forgive you for what happened in the hotel. But, I can try to talk to Ryuji for you." She tried.
Kenji let out a bitter laugh. "We're way beyond talking, sweetheart." He pulled a knife from his belt.
"Get up." he commanded, his voice rough and low. Lily's heart pounded, and she slowly rose to her feet, her hands shaking.
"Where are we going?" She asked nervously. Kenji didn't answer, instead leading her through the darkening streets. The once bustling city now lay quiet under the moonlit sky.
"What is your intention?" Lily asked tentatively, trying to piece together his motives.
He continued walking, seemingly lost in thought. Lily decided to press for clarification. "And what exactly do you hope to gain from this, Kenji?"
Kenji paused for a moment, considering his response. "My position back in the Yakuza, of course. But there's something else, too," he admitted, his eyes darkening with menace. "Revenge."