THE EXCHANGE IZANA KUROKAWA X Y/N READER

MEETING THE COMPETITION

Y/n Pov:

As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, I woke up with a sense of purpose and determination. It was another day in my life as a Young Yakuza Queen, but today held a special significance. My four beautiful babies had just turned 9 months old, and my heart overflowed with love for them.

Carefully, so as not to wake my slumbering husband Izana, I slipped out of bed and headed to the shower. The warm water cascaded over me, washing away the exhaustion of the previous day and preparing me for the day ahead. I dressed quickly, eager to begin my morning routine.

Taking a moment to admire my children, their innocent faces and the way they peacefully slept, I couldn't help but feel a surge of maternal pride. I carried them downstairs, cradling them in my arms with the utmost care. Placing them in their high chairs, I gently gave them Gerber baby puff treats, watching with delight as their little hands grasped at the snacks.

With the babies content and occupied, I busied myself with preparing breakfast for Izana. The tantalizing aroma of his favorite food filled the air as I cooked, my mind swirling with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. I wanted everything to be perfect, to show him my love and appreciation. But underneath it all, the fear of losing him gnawed at the edges of my mind.

As I set the table and poured Izana's tea, his voice broke the silence. "Kitten baby, what's all this?" he asked, surprise etched on his face.

I brushed off his concern with a smile, pouring his tea with practiced ease. "Can't I cook for my hubby?"

Inside, an inner storm brewed, threatening to consume me. Manila, his childhood ex-lover, had suddenly awakened from a deep coma after a decade and four years. The thought of losing Izana haunted me, the fear of him being drawn back into her world gnawing at my heart.

Feeding the babies their solid food, I found solace in their smiles and giggles. They were the light that kept me grounded amidst the chaos. Sensing my unease, I looked at Izana and with a determined voice, I said, "Baby, I think we should plan that trip to Lake Tahoe as soon as possible."

The urgency in my voice must have caught him off guard, as he paused, fork halfway to his mouth. "Why do you want to leave so soon?" he asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

"I want to make more memories with you and the babies," I replied, hoping he wouldn't see the hidden agenda behind my words.

He chuckled, placing a tender kiss on my cheek. "We're making memories every day, baby. Besides, we still have business to attend to here. We can't just leave our gangs and up and leave."

There was a pang of disappointment in my heart, but I knew he was right. Our responsibilities tethered us to the reality of our Yakuza lives. "I guess you're right," I conceded with a sigh. "We'll put our honeymoon on hold until further notice."

Curiosity got the best of him, and he asked, "Where did you go last night?"

Summoning a calm demeanor, I replied, "I went to meet with my grandfather to discuss my Angela situation."

His response was nonchalant, "Oh, interesting," as he got up and began getting ready for work.

Desperation welled up within me, and I couldn't help but reach out to him, asking for a day off. "Can't we take a day off? I want to spend time with you," I pleaded, pressing my lips against his.

"Maybe after work, baby. I have matters to attend to," he replied, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

As he left for work, my heart felt heavy. The weight of my secret lay heavily upon me, threatening to tear me apart. But I vowed to protect our love, our marriage, and our family. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I would fight tooth and nail to keep the bond between us unbreakable.