35 They Were Husband and Wife

Their journey back to the villa was a quiet one. While Kyoya was immersed in his thoughts, Shouko had drifted off to sleep. She was still exhausted even after sleeping last night. Her body was still weakened by the pressure oppressing her due to the incident yesterday.

Kyoya glanced at his sleeping wife. The darkness in his eyes dispelled as he looked at her peaceful expression. Then, he saw her wrapped her arms around her chest, tightening her cardigan as her brows furrowed a bit.

Kyoya opened the drawer in front of his seat. A folded blanket was stored inside the drawer together with a few smaller necessities. After taking out the blanket, he carefully placed them on her body, covering her from her chest to her knees.

Shouko's lashes fluttered slightly as she felt additional warmth enveloping her. She turned her head to his side, earning his smile. Her bangs fell softly over her forehead.

Then, her words lingered back in his mind.

"You're not entitled to lead him to hell even though you're his birth mother."

Her words were still the same even after she lost her memory.

Kyoya raised his hand and tucked her hair behind her ear. The softest part of his heart was gently touched by her words. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss over her forehead.

You are still you and... I won't be cruel to myself anymore.

As he had hoped, this short getaway helped him to make up his mind.

It was undeniably hard but it was better for him to take the beginning step toward the unknown future.

He had talked with Shou last night before he went to sleep. His friend totally supported his decision. Kyoya could even hear the relief in the man's voice.

"You'd still be afraid because of your fear, but at the very least, you have made your decision," Shou calmly agreed with his view. "Concealing such a big matter could lead to the worst once your wife got to know about it but you can't tell her everything all at once too. Rather, make it a step-by-step process."

Kyoya closed his eyes, pondering his friend's words. Then, he replied, "I know."

He had promised to meet Shou once he got back to the city. He still needed guidance over this matter.

As the car entered the villa's courtyard, its speed gradually became slower before it stopped right in front of the door. Shouko was stirred awake in her sleep. She slowly opened her eyes. Her first view was his smiling face. She didn't realize her lips curled up into a smile seeing him like that.

"We're here," Kyoya took the blanket back from her body and folded it neatly. "Let's go inside. You could continue to rest after lunch."

"En..."

Shouko's eyes went to the blanket in his hands. She knew by instinct he had covered her with it.

He was really attentive to her even to the smallest detail.

"Tha..." Shouko paused, then she changed her words, "Yes. Let's go inside."

As she said it, she reached out to hold his hand.

Kyoya's eyes flickered in delight. He suppressed his giddy smile as he grasped her hand firmly.

Shouko returned his smile. She remembered that she shouldn't have to thank him every time he did something to her.

They were husband and wife.

Mrs. Shimizu welcomed their return with a happy yet relieved smile.

"Young Madam, I've brewed you some soup. Please drink some, it's good for your body," Mrs. Shimizu eagerly led them to the dining room.

A few dishes were already served on the table. The fragrant aroma of the dishes floated in the air, enticing both of them to have a feast. They sat down and ate. Mrs. Shimizu went back to the kitchen.

After lunch, Kyoya and Shouko went to their respective rooms. Before he stepped inside his room, Kyoya went to make sure Shouko's condition was comfortable.

"I'm going to attend to my work, you should rest," Kyoya opened the windows, letting the fresh air circulate in her room. After he was done, he went to sit on the bed beside her. "And, Grandpa has known about what happened yesterday. He has nagged me enough but, I think he would continue if he called me today as well."

Shouko laughed although she felt sorry for this man. She shook her head as she thought of the old man.

"I'll call Grandpa later," Shouko leaned her head against the headboard, her hand went to reach out for her phone. "You should go and do your work. I don't want to delay you."

Kyoya sighed inwardly. He was supposed to spend his time cultivating his feelings with her but urgent work had required his immediate attention. With a regretful smile, he left the room and headed to his room next door.

Shouko watched his departure with a helpless smile.

Shouko faintly heard the sound of his door being closed next door. She lowered her head, her finger tapped on Grandpa's number. It took her only two rings before the call was connected.

"Shouko! How are you? Kyoya told Grandpa last night about your incident!"

Grandpa's anxious voice was sent to her eardrum, making her smiled warmly at the thought of the loving old man being concerned about her wellbeing.

Shouko laughed lightheartedly. The unpleasant taste that was left from her encounter with the abusive mother faded completely as she thought of her Grandpa. The sound of her laughter floated in the air, gently being drifted by the wind to the open windows and spread to the next door's windows.

Unknown to her, a certain someone smiled slightly as he heard her voice full of laughter.

"Grandpa, please don't be too worried," Shouko got off of the bed. She slowly walked toward the balcony, her eyes were feasting on the sight of the beautiful lake in front of her. "I'm fine. And... I'm sorry if I've made you worry."

Shouko knew that besides Kyoya, this old man was too concerned with whatever happened regarding her. These two men were not her flesh and blood yet they had placed her in their hearts.

Even her birth father didn't even have one ounce of their love and care toward her. What an irony.

Shouko smiled bitterly at the thought.

It was only her wishful thinking to have her father cared for her.