S C A N D A L

Chapter Four

"Before I lay down the rules of the condition, I would like to be better acquainted with you," Shiro clarified this since half of the character of the man in front of him was still shrouded in mystery.

"Does that involve a marital bed?" Kurou's eyes alighted with mischief.

"No, and you wish. I would like to understand first, what kind of dilemma are you in and why. Also, why do you allow your mother to choose your spouse? And if I refused to marry you, what would you do?"

Frowning, Kurou propped his leg on the center table and gazed thoughtfully at him. Shiro wondered what would his mother think of this man's shoes resting on her low wooden, oval-shaped coffee table but decided that since his mother favored this swine, she probably would say that Kurou was too grand to worry about a smudge.

"That's a lot of questions," the man finally remarked. "To explain, someone was threatening to spread rumors online. They said they have photos of me and another man..."

"What photos?"

"Do you really want to know? Scandalous."

"Okay, I don't want to know. Paparazzi?"

"A reporter. Now, this person refuses to be bribed with money and would prefer to make this public if the condition is not met. I'm guessing it's just a ploy."

"A ploy for what?"

"To ruin me and ruin my father specifically. My older brother is about to close a partnership deal with the social media company and to support him, my father is backing him up by having a politician as one of the major stockholders."

Shiro was confused. "I'm sorry, how did you insert yourself in this narrative?"

"Well, my dearest fiancé, I...slept with the diplomat's son-in-law."

The way Shiro glanced at him was one of pure incredulity and repugnance. "You are absolutely disgusting."

"In my defense, I believe I was framed."

"How can you be framed when they have photos of you?"

"Photos of me unconscious while being dragged inside a...okay, I know you don't trust me enough to take my side, but as far as I'm concerned, nothing happened that night."

"You don't need to explain, I don't really care." Shiro waved his hand to end that part. "So, before that reporter started tattling, it's better to have you wed someone since once everyone found out about you having an affair with a married man, and the son-in-law of the diplomat, no less, your father would have to answer for you and it could also affect your brother's business deal."

"Precisely."

"I'm guessing the diplomat doesn't know yet?"

"He trusts my father."

"Okay, what about the wife?"

"She probably knows now. But I suspect, she knew from the start and just feigning innocence."

"You think she set you up?"

Kurou was impressed. "See that? We are truly meant to be. Our brain wave is the same."

"Zip it and I'm nothing like you! Your family's plan is to divert the attention of everyone to your marriage. I'm guessing you're planning to make this event as loud as possible to bury the rumors about your indecent romance. In short, I will serve as damage control."

Kurou chuckled. "You think lowly of yourself. As my husband, you would have more privilege than anyone else in my life. I have several fine estates, and enough money to buy you pretty things and you will be comfortable for the rest of your life. I can give you a great deal, as you can see."