Kiku smoothed down her red kimono, the silk a comforting caress against her skin. It was the perfect outfit, chosen for maximum impact – a picture of tradition with a whisper of something more alluring underneath. Meeting the parents… yeah, no pressure or anything. It wasn't like her entire future rode on this carefully crafted performance.
Except it did. And a rush of adrenaline, not entirely unpleasant, thrummed through her veins. This was it, the final act before she could cash in her chips.
"This would be a stunning place for the reception, wouldn't it, jij-sama?" she murmured, letting a hint of awe color her voice. She swept her gaze around the lavish hotel ballroom, already picturing it transformed by flowers and candlelight. "Though a traditional ceremony at a shrine… Could you imagine how beautiful Kiku would look as your bride?"
She giggled softly, the sound light and airy, years of practice making it second nature. Casually, as if by accident, she let her fingers brush against his arm. Just a whisper of touch, but enough to plant a seed.
"Kiku wants it to be perfect, you know? For you. It's our special day, the start of… everything." Her eyes, wide and shining, met his. For a fleeting moment, a shadow of something calculating flickered in their depths, but it was gone before he could register it, replaced by adoration so pure it had to be real. Right?
"Where should we go afterwards? Our honeymoon… somewhere special. Italy? The Greek Islands?" She'd spent hours fantasizing about such places, escaping into travel magazines as if they were lifelines. "Kiku has always dreamed of seeing the world… with you, of course."
Her fingers tightened on his arm, just the slightest bit, a reminder of her delicate femininity. Just a little longer, and you'll be mine. And this time… this time there would be no going back. This time, the lie would be her truth.
