Resolve

"Where is Matsumoto?" Kei is livid. He can't believe they dared make a scene in front of his hotel.

"We contacted him, sir, he is on his way," the pale employee answers with a shaky voice.

"Tell him to come here as soon as he arrives."

"Yes, sir." The man bows before he leaves.

Kei's eyes travel to Sam who hasn't uttered a word. She allowed him to guide her back into the hotel and to this suite until things calm down, but her silence is worrying him.

"Are you okay?" He strides to the chair facing her and sits.

Sam looks at him for a moment. She was worried that meeting Kei would complicate things, but she couldn't even imagine being put in a similar situation. 'Being accused of cheating. How ridiculous, after being on the opposite side and being the one cheated on.'

"This is a disaster," she finally says.

"I will fix it, I promise."

"What will your wife say?"

"My wife?" Kei frowns. "Is that what you're worried about?"

"Of course, there is nothing going on between us, I don't want your wife to misunderstand."

Kei presses his lips together, annoyed by her words, even though they are true. "I told you before, my marriage is one of convenience, I do not give a flying fuck about what she thinks."

Sam stares at him, surprised by his harsh words. 'A marriage of convenience? For thirteen years? They even have a child together.' She takes a deep breath.

"Listen, Kei," she starts. "From the beginning, I didn't think meeting each other was a good idea. It will do us no good to be around each other, today only confirmed that." She sighs. "I really think we shouldn't meet again. Tokyo is big enough for us not to run into each other, and I promise I won't be visiting Yoko or Jiro at your house."

Kei listens to her words silently. His jaw is so clenched it looks like it might break. He is not even sure what he expected. Divorcing Hana had been in the back of his mind for a long time, he was strong enough now–personally and financially–to stand against his family even if they opposed his decision.

When he found out that Sam was in Japan, it was like the universe was sending him a sign. He wanted to apologize to her about what happened in the past. Tell her everything that he couldn't share with her back then. He wanted to make up for every tear she had shed because of him.

But how can he even try to convince her to give him a second chance when he sees the resolve in her eyes as she talks about not meeting again.

"I understand," he says. "I am sorry for putting you in this uncomfortable situation."

Sam nods. 'This is for the best.'

"Can I at least take you home?" he asks. "It would put my mind at ease to make sure you make it there safely."

"Okay," is all she says.

"Rin, prepare the car?" he talks into his

Sam walks beside Kei as they make their way to the garage. She is deep in thought to notice the looks that the employees they walk by are giving her. She is distracted, repeating to herself that this is for the best.

"Tell Matsumoto to wait for me, I will be right back," Kei orders.

"Yes, sir."

As soon as they get out of the elevator, a car is waiting for them in front of the garage entrance. The windows are tinted and a driver rushes to the back door to open it.

"Mr Ichihara." He bows.

"I got it," Kei says before opening the door for Sam. He then walks to the other side and enters.

"Where to, sir?" the driver asks.

Kei looks at Sam expectedly. "I heard that you moved."

"Oh, yes." She blushes for not taking the hint quicker. "Roppongi Residential Tower."

"I hear it's a nice building," Kei comments.

"It is, I like it."

His reply is a simple nod before he focuses on his phone for some work. The conversation dies immediately. The silence is so awkward that Sam prays she can get out of the car as soon as possible. Kei is also feeling uneasy, he can't focus on what he is reading one bit.

It takes 15 minutes to get to her house. They pull in front of the entrance and Sam let out a sigh of relief.

"Rin, please accompany Ms Martin inside," Kei orders.

"Right away, sir."

"There is no need," Sam argues. But before she can say anything else, the driver opens her door for her.

"Take care, Samantha."

"Goodbye, Kei."

The door slams but Kei's eyes follow Sam until she disappears into the building.

"Fuck," he curses.

After he returns to the hotel, he meets with Matsumoto to discuss the incident. There were already articles online spreading baseless rumors.

"I know you're busy with the fire investigation, but I need you to find who is behind this urgently," Kei says with an exasperated voice.

The fire issue was dragging, they haven't even found the man with the tattoo. Kei was getting impatient but he couldn't be hasty, especially when the yakuza might be involved.

"I will investigate it as fast as possible, sir." Matsumoto nods.

"My lunch meeting was a private matter, so only a few people knew about the location. Please question everyone who is involved."

"I will take care of it, Mr Ichihara."

"Thank you."

When Matsumoto leaves, Kei looks at his phone. It was ringing off the hook earlier, so he put it on silent. He has countless missed calls and messages. He sighs while rubbing his temples. He is too tired to deal with anyone right now.

Kei lies in bed and covers his face with his arm, he just needs to rest for a bit. Just a little bit.