CHAPTER 1

Our marriage was an odd one, no different from the events that led up to it. I'd always known Ayoki all my life, and in my eyes, he'd always been a spoiled, fragile boy. It was a little too arrogant for my liking, but my parents had the bright idea that we could actually be friends.

He and I hardly got along, and it was most certainly for a lack of trying. I could hardly understand a thing about him. I believed he was a simpering brat who wouldn't survive without his family's wealth, and he thought I was trying too hard to prove I didn't need my family's wealth, and I looked pathetic. It was safe to say that we didn't really care much for each other.

For a lengthy period of time, we were apart from each other due to him and his mother moving to India to manage another one of the hotels. By the time we met again, he was a grown man, now confident in his strength and intellect, and I was a young lady, finally embracing the perks of coming from a billionaire background. We still didn't look forward to each other's company, but at least we were now old enough to pretend properly.

I recall buying a coat from an online store that cost an outrageous amount of money when my father casually mentioned how he thought Aoki and I would make a great couple. I took it then as nothing but a silly joke. The statement and everything that happened in between, up until the marriage itself, I took as a joke.

Of course, I knew that whoever I was to marry would be arranged for me by any one of the four families. Marrying for love was a pitiful delusion in my world, but they could have at least matched me with someone with whom I could stand.

Our wedding, contrary to what one might expect, was not a grand ceremony. Ayoki and I had made it clear that we had opted for a small-scale wedding for our privacy sake, when in reality we were unhappy to be with each other.

When the festivities were over and we were seated on a private jet on our way to Egypt for our honeymoon, Ayoki and I did something that we had never taken the time out to do before. We talked to each other. We really spoke and connected in a most unusual manner. There was a lot of alcohol and a lot of laughter, and I think that was the moment we both decided to give it a try.

Much to my surprise and delight, Aoki and I were very happy together. I enjoyed every moment spent with him, and for the first time in my life, everything felt perfect. We'd been happily married for a year when we were inevitably summoned by the heads of the other five families. Ayoki had received our invite to the residence of Don Garca Colon, the head of the council, and a day later, dressed in our finest, we were seated in the old man's incredibly large office alongside other family heads, including our parents.

"You look well, my children." Don Garca smiled at us and took a drag from the Cuban cigar that he shouldn't have had access to.

"Azul, darling, you're glowing," Madame Camille Sheamus cooed at me. She was a beautiful woman blessed with wild, red hair, riveting green eyes, and a bank account larger than she was.

"Who knows, maybe a tiny Ayoki might be on the way, isn't that right, Himari?" Both my mother and mother-in-law giggled over the prospect of a grandchild like young school girls.

"Tell me, Ayoki, how is marriage treating you?" My father asked. I noticed he looked a bit younger. Maybe he had discovered the endless possibilities of cosmetic surgery offered to a man with his kind of money.

"Every moment spent with Azul is amazing," he said, making a point to kiss my hand for all to see and be pleased with. "She's the best." Don Graca chuckled and waved a finger at Aoki lightheartedly. "He's a gentleman, this one, and such a good boy."

"You two should stop by my country sometime." Mr. Nelson Otedola offered, "My family and I would be honored to have you." "We'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you." Ayoki answered, "How is your father these days?"

"Basking in the glow of retirement. He sends his regards, of course."

"And how do you find managing the hotel?" my mother inquired.

"The customers are quite... interesting."

Don Garca let out a hearty laugh combined with a mild coughing fit. Ms. Elena rubbed his back and offered him a glass of water that he appeared truly grateful for.

"You were always sweet to me, Elena." "You're too old to be smoking these things, Garca'."

"But not old enough to be scolded by a beautiful woman."

Ms.Elena laughed at his attempt at flirtation. Don Garca had always been attracted to Aoki's mother, even while his late wife was still alive.

"That's enough, you old fox." Ms.Elena returned to her seat, dismissing with a wave the few of the workers that lingered about. Once the last of the workers had exited the office, the aura of the room completely changed.

"Azul, Ayoki, I'd like to thank you for honoring our invitation." Don Garca began, "I am pleased the marriage arrangement between the both of you worked out perfectly." "As I am Don Garca," I responded, "but I have a feeling that we weren't called here to hear numerous congratulations." That's my Azul. Ever the intuitive one." My father was beaming, but my mother didn't seem to be pleased, judging by her expression and how I said that. Was it my tone? Don Garca didn't seem too bothered.

"You're right Azul, that isn't why you and your husband were so happy."

Is this about the hotels?" Aoki inquired even though we both knew that it was entirely about the hotel.

I expect both your families have informed you about what it is we do." Aoki looked briefly at me, my parents, and his mother and nodded. "I'm going to assume it's now our turn to manage a hotel."

"A new one has been built in Sao Paulo. We'd like for you both to look after it."

"You could always say no." Himari added, "But someone needs to carry on the tradition, my son, and it can't be a stranger."