Maria’s heart pounded in her chest as she stood face-to-face with Sayuri.
— “Whatever you think this is, Maria… it’s not a game you can win.”
Sayuri’s words hung heavy in the air.
Maria swallowed hard.
Because the truth was—she knew that.
And yet…
She wasn’t sure if she could walk away.
The Final Warning
Sayuri’s grip on Maria’s wrist tightened.
— “Tell me you’re not considering it.”
Maria opened her mouth—but no words came out.
Sayuri’s eyes darkened.
— “Maria. You have no idea what kind of man he is.”
Maria bit her lip.
She had seen the warnings in his eyes.
She had felt the power in his words.
But there was something else—
Something that kept pulling her back in.
Sayuri sighed, frustration flashing across her face.
— “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but if you go to him, you won’t be able to pretend anymore.”
Maria’s fingers twitched.
— “Pretend?”
Sayuri narrowed her eyes.
— “That you still have control.”
The Moment of Decision
Maria returned to the café floor, her head spinning.
Hayato-sama was still there.
Still waiting.
The air felt thicker, heavier, as if she was standing at the edge of a cliff.
She could still turn back.
She could still say no.
But instead—
She walked toward him.
Her pulse hammering.
Hayato-sama looked up, and their eyes met.
His smirk was slow, knowing.
— “So?”
Maria’s breath caught.
Then—
— “I accept, goshujin-sama.”
Hayato-sama’s smile widened.
— “Good girl.”
Maria felt her stomach twist.
Because this time—
She wasn’t sure if she was walking into a trap…
Or if she had just set one for herself.
The Dinner Awaits
As Maria finished her shift, Mika rushed over.
— “Wait—you’re actually going?”
Maria nodded slowly.
Mika looked at her like she was crazy.
— “Maria. This isn’t a date. It’s a power play.”
Maria knew that.
And yet—
She couldn’t stop herself.
Because a part of her—
A dangerous, reckless part—
Wanted to know what would happen next.
The Black Car Waiting
When Maria stepped outside, a sleek black car was parked by the curb.
Waiting.
The driver, dressed in a dark suit, stepped forward.
— “Maria-san?”
Maria nodded.
The man opened the door.
Maria hesitated—just for a second.
Then she stepped inside.
The door closed behind her.
And just like that—
Maria had officially left her world behind.
And entered his.
To be continued…
