2 weeks earlier…

(and 8 hours before abduction)

Akane gazed anxiously out the limo’s window. They passed dozens of trees on the drive to their host’s estate. She was mesmerized by the petals dancing in the spring breeze.

“The cherry blossoms are finally in bloom,” Akane said to her mother, who sat across from her.

Her mother grinned. “Excellent! Your appearance is bound to stand out even more.”

Akane glanced down at her attire: a white bridal kimono with a subtle pink flower pattern. She never expected to wear a traditional style of dress on the day of her wedding, especially one of such high quality. Then again, Akane never expected to find herself betrothed at the ripe age of twenty-seven. Let alone to a stranger! A wealthy stranger whom she knew nothing about, except that he was in need of a wife.

According to his family, that is.

“I’m so jealous of you, Akane!” her mother sang. “To think you’ll soon be attached to the revered Fujiwara family. I can’t wait to brag to our relatives.” She smirked. “Everyone reveled in looking down on us simply because of a few hardships, but now they’ll be craning their necks upward just to catch a glimpse of you and I!”

“Mother, please lower your voice.” Akane gestured to the limo driver up front.

“Are you concerned the servants might overhear?”

“You’re being rude!”

Her mother scoffed. “The rich can afford to say whatever they like.”

“But we aren’t rich,” Akane argued.

“I suppose you’re right. After paying off all our debts, there isn’t much left of your purchase price.”

Akane flinched. “Please, don’t call it that…”

“There’s no reason to be embarrassed, Akane. I wish I had been smart enough to marry solely for economic gain in my youth,” her mother lamented. “We’re actually quite lucky. A dowry is an uncommon practice in the modern age, and usually paid to the groom’s family, yet you were the one who was offered money in exchange for matrimony. A sum large enough to dig us out of the hole your good-for-nothing father left us to rot in!”

Akane’s mother was right. After her father’s passing, debt collectors arrived at their door even before a funeral could be arranged. Even now, Akane could recall their menacing appearance as they demanded monthly payments with interest. Her mother borrowed money from their relatives to avoid money lenders, yet it came at the cost of their dignity. Plus, she still ended up having to work two jobs. Akane started working part time during high school to help out, but eventually she dropped her classes altogether. She soon landed a second job, working nights and weekends.

Before Akane knew it, ten years had come and gone. In spite of their hard work, an enormous amount of debt had remained unpaid. At this rate, Akane knew she would never be able to retire, nor support her aging mother. With such a bleak future in store, it was little wonder she stopped keeping track of the days that passed.

“Akane, snap out of it,” her mother admonished. “This is no time for daydreaming.”

“I know, mother. It’s just…I still don’t understand why Mrs. Fujiwara approached me of all people,” said Akane. “Couldn’t her son marry into any family he wanted?”

“Perhaps he’s too old to entice a woman your age,” her mother replied. “And it’s not like he’s the eldest child who stands to inherit the majority of the family’s wealth. Money, or lack thereof, is a huge obstacle among their social circles.”

“Or maybe he’s ill-tempered,” Akane mumbled.

“Even if he is, you’ll get used to it.” Her mother glowered. “We don’t have the means to pay the Fujiwara family back if you get cold feet!”

Akane twiddled her thumbs. “I’m aware of the stakes.”

Her mother took a deep breath and composed herself. “Then exhibit your gratitude! There are plenty of women in our position who find themselves at the mercy of many men throughout their lives, but from now on you will only have to deal with one. And it’s not like you’re still a virgin, so marital duties shouldn’t frighten you.”

Those words struck a chord within Akane. “It’s not as if I sleep around with strangers either. I’ve only given myself to someone after I came to love them!”

“You forget it was the same for me. But as we’ve both learned by now, a man’s affection will always be fickle.”

Akane was abruptly reminded of her last breakup. Out of habit, she pulled out her phone and reread their final text messages.

Akane, there’s something we need to talk about. It can’t wait.

Want to meet up after work? I’ve got a coupon for your favorite soba noodle joint. My treat!

Actually, I’d rather not do this in person. What I have to say may be unpleasant.

What happened? Are you hurt? Did you get fired?

No, it’s nothing like that.

What’s wrong? You’re scaring me.

I want to break up, Akane.

At the time, Akane didn’t know how to respond.

Akane?

Why are you saying this? Did I do something to upset you?

I just can’t handle your family’s debt anymore.

What do you mean? I’ve never asked you to shoulder my burdens, or pay for anything of mine!

I know, but I want to start a family. How am I supposed to do that with you?

I told you before that I can handle my own finances. As long as we’re together, I don’t need marriage.

What if I want children who aren’t born out of wedlock? Or a partner who has the energy to care for my aging parents?

It sounds as if you’re eagerly seeking my replacement. Or, have you already found one?

Akane, it was over between us a long time ago. You must have sensed it.

I thought you just needed space. I was waiting for you to talk to me!

Look, we have a lot of fun together. Why can’t that be enough?

This wasn’t the first time Akane’s world had been shattered, but it was certainly the most painful. Yet she couldn’t blame her boyfriend for wanting more out of life than she could give him. Nor the man before him who claimed his declaration of love was premature, or the one before that who was only attracted to her physically.

For the next four years, Akane neither despaired nor rallied to optimism. Instead, her heart grew numb. Whether due to fear, or an overwhelming sense of defeat, Akane couldn’t say.

Perhaps that fact alone made her an ideal bride for hire…