The car glided through the city, smooth and silent, as Maria sat in the back seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
Her heartbeat was steady—too steady.
Like her body was trying to pretend that this wasn’t happening.
That she hadn’t just stepped into Hayato-sama’s world.
But the longer she sat there, the more she felt it.
She wasn’t in control anymore.
The Arrival
The car pulled up in front of an elegant, secluded restaurant.
Dim lights, a private entrance, and an atmosphere so exclusive that Maria knew—
This was where powerful people met.
The driver opened her door.
Maria hesitated for just a moment.
Then she stepped out.
Inside, a hostess led her through a series of quiet hallways until they reached a private room.
The door slid open—
And there he was.
Hayato-sama.
Seated at the table.
Waiting.
Watching.
Like he had been expecting this all along.
The First Move
Maria stepped forward, keeping her posture perfectly straight.
She had agreed to this.
But that didn’t mean she would let him control the entire night.
She met his gaze, refusing to let herself be intimidated.
— “Good evening, goshujin-sama.”
Hayato-sama’s lips curled into that infuriating smirk.
— “Maria. You came.”
Maria slid into the seat across from him, calmly unfolding her napkin.
— “Wouldn’t it be rude if I didn’t?”
Hayato-sama chuckled, his fingers tapping lazily against his glass.
— “Politeness isn’t why you’re here.”
Maria’s stomach tightened.
She reached for her water, taking a slow sip before responding.
— “Then why am I here, goshujin-sama?”
Hayato-sama leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp.
— “That’s what I want to find out.”
A Dangerous Meal
The waiters arrived, serving each dish with precision.
Maria ate slowly, carefully, never lowering her guard.
Hayato-sama was silent at first.
Just watching her.
Then, without warning—
— “Tell me, Maria… do you regret it?”
Maria’s fork hovered mid-air.
She placed it down gently, looking at him.
— “Regret what, goshujin-sama?”
His smirk deepened.
— “Accepting my request. Stepping into my world.”
Maria’s chest tightened.
Because that was the real question, wasn’t it?
Did she?
She inhaled slowly, then smiled.
— “Not yet.”
For the first time, Hayato-sama’s expression flickered.
Amusement?
Surprise?
Maria couldn’t tell.
But she knew one thing—
She had caught him off guard.
And that was a small victory.
The Unspoken Contract
As the meal continued, Maria felt the shift.
This wasn’t a date.
This wasn’t a casual meeting.
This was something else.
A test.
A negotiation.
A power struggle.
And Maria was still standing.
But as the plates were cleared and the wine glasses emptied—
Hayato-sama finally spoke again.
— “Maria.”
His voice was low, smooth, unshakable.
— “You know what happens next, don’t you?”
Maria’s pulse spiked.
She knew.
Because this night wasn’t just about dinner.
It was about seeing how far she was willing to go.
And Maria?
She wasn’t sure if she was ready to find out.
The Final Question
Hayato-sama leaned back, studying her.
Then, in a voice just above a whisper—
— “Are you going to keep resisting me?”
Maria’s breath caught.
The weight of the question pressed against her skin.
Because if she said yes—he would keep chasing her.
And if she said no—she had no idea what that meant.
So instead—
She smiled.
— “Would you like it if I stopped, goshujin-sama?”
A pause.
Then—
Hayato-sama laughed.
Low. Amused.
And very, very dangerous.
Maria’s heart hammered.
Because she had a feeling—
This night wasn’t over yet.
Not even close.
To be continued…
