Before tears could ruin Akane’s makeup, she closed her phone.

“Listen well, Akane. Money may not buy happiness, but it does keep the fridge full and the lights on,” her mother rambled on. “Financial stability is more valuable than a thousand sweet words, no matter how earnest.”

Akane pushed aside her warring emotions. “Yes, mother.”

“You’ll be turning thirty in a few years, but if you manage to bear a child for your husband the rest of your life will be filled with ease,” her mother added. “Pop out two or three, and you can demand additional expenditures!”

“I…I never really pictured myself as a parent.”

“Well, beggars can’t be choosers,” her mother spat. “Besides, you’ll be making a valuable contribution to your country in the wake of declining birth rates.”

As if the efforts of a few young couples could offset the underlying issues that currently plagued Japan! Or that of any other modern society faced with a dwindling population…

A younger Akane might have hesitated to sell herself for the sake of a comfortable life, but her current self had long lost her naivety. The world, which once shined so brightly, was far less forgiving than she ever realized. The struggles persisted day after day without letup. Akane’s soul had grown weary, and her body was overtaxed.

Was it so wrong to seek a means of reprieve?

DING!

“For goodness sake Akane, turn off your phone!” Her mother scolded. “Can you imagine what people will think if they hear your notifications during the wedding? Why, they’ll assume the mother who raised you has no class!”

“I-I’m sorry!” Akane put her phone on silent mode.

The notification just now was for her favorite web novel app. Ever since her last break up, Akane had become addicted to romance stories. Primarily ones where the male lead would fall helplessly in love with the female protagonist. No matter how many trials they faced, his devotion never waned. In some cases, readers were treated to a swoon worthy obsession arc!

Akane knew such scenarios were mere fantasy, but that didn’t make them any less alluring.

“Great! Now my phone is buzzing.” Her mother pulled out her phone and answered an incoming call. “Hello? Yes, I mailed the check. Yesterday.” There was a pause. “What do you want from me? I can’t make the post office deliver it any faster.”

Akane drowned out her mother’s conversation and returned her stare to the cherry blossoms outside. She quietly pondered if a relationship founded on convenience would truly bring her freedom or open the door to a new cage. Akane couldn’t decide, though she had no choice but to take a risk on the gamble.

“Just think of it as a job,” she told herself. “One with guaranteed benefits, and a retirement plan.”

The limo pulled into a gated property with a winding road. Five minutes later, Mrs. Fujiwara’s estate came into view. From afar, Akane admired the impressively large manor. The building as well as the grounds were immaculate.

Akane heard her mother sigh. “Look at your new home, Akane. It’s practically a palace!”

Then why didn’t she feel like a princess?

“We’ve arrived,” the limo driver announced.

After parking the car, the driver opened the door for Akane and her mother. From there, a young maid escorted them through the front entrance. A dozen servants were waiting for them inside. At the head of the group was a butler dressed in black. Though his face was young, the soul of his eyes appeared aged. Like those belonging to an old man.

The butler respectfully bowed. “Greetings, Madam Yamamoto and Miss Akane. We welcome you to the Fujiwara estate.”

The other servants followed suit. “Welcome, Madam and Miss.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been called madam before.” Akane’s mother was beaming. “I like the way it sounds.”

Akane on the other hand, couldn’t feel more out of place.

“Lady Fujiwara is not yet here to greet you, as your party arrived sooner than anticipated,” informed the butler. “I have arranged to seat you both in the parlor in the meantime.”

“How about a tour of this gorgeous estate instead?” asked her mother.

“Forgive me, madam. Only relatives are permitted to view the grounds.”

“By tonight, my daughter will also be a member of the Fujiwara family. That means she has every right to move around freely.”

Akane’s cheeks turned red. “M-mother!”

The butler was taken aback by her mother’s words, yet he displayed extreme decorum. “You are quite right, madam. Allow me to make amends by acting as your guide.”

There was a distinct shift in her mother’s countenance. Akane could sense the power going straight to her head.

“Lead the way,” her mother ordered.

The butler bowed again. “Of course. But first and foremost-” He turned to Akane. “It is my duty to ensure the well-being of our young master’s bride. With that in mind, you are most welcome to join us on a tour of the estate. Or, you may rest in the manor until the ceremony.”

Although Akane didn’t want to be left alone, she was less keen on watching her mother lord their newfound status over others.

“One of us should remain here to greet the lady of the house,” said Akane.

The butler’s steely eyes suddenly softened. “That’s very good of you, young Miss. The maids shall escort you to the parlor, where we’ve prepared some tea and snacks.”

Akane didn’t have much of an appetite, yet she accepted his offer with a bowed head. The butler then turned and left the foyer with her mother. Afterwards, a maid directed her to a spacious room that overlooked a koi pond out back. While Akane waited for her mother, she sipped on a cup of tea and watched the fish. She counted sixteen koi in all, and each one bore a unique pattern and color.

Akane’s favorite of the bunch was a fish with bright pink scales. Swimming in close proximity was an all black koi. The two of them were paired off from the rest.

“Let me guess: you’re a genteel lady known far and wide for her beauty,” Akane said to the pink fish. “That gentleman next to you must be the misunderstood male lead. He probably spends all his time protecting you from other suitors, right?”

Akane watched as the two fish continued their waltz beneath the water. She tried to visualize what sort of dialogue their characters would exchange. Perhaps an unexpected introduction, followed by a humorous plot twist, and ending with an idyllic kiss.

Akane snickered. “If I do say so myself, you two make a cute couple.”

The sound of a sliding door interrupted her idle daydreaming.

“My dear Akane, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”