S C A N D A L

Chapter Ten

"Come to think of it, I guessed we're awful people."

Seated in the backseat of the Cadillac Escalade heading to the main house and hearing Kurou breathe beside him, Shiro couldn't help scowling. "So, you just figured that one out today? We've lied to everyone from the beginning. This is why I don't wish to meet more of your relatives! We can't ask these good people to lie for us too. Let's keep the dark side to ourselves."

Kurou took a second to think and couldn't help agreeing. "I understand. But we're here now and I didn't plan this so we just need to survive this whole ordeal. Is there anything you wish to know about Obachan?"

"I don't know, how about telling me how frigging rich she is?"

"Why is that important?"

"Because I don't want to be surprised should your grandmother reveal that she owns a country!"

"Well, maybe I couldn't tell you these things because you kept on judging me."

"I did not judge you!"

"Yes, you did. Every time I tell you about me or my family's lifestyle, you will look at me as if I disgust you. You're totally anti-rich!"

The nerve of this man! Shiro thought. Why did it seem as if the moon had suddenly gone blurry whenever he was with this jerk?

"Okay, tell me about her then. I'm sure she has a preference and has expectations of the man you married."

Kurou gave him an odd look. "Why are you talking like a third person?" he sighed, "If you must know, Obachan is quite observant---"

"You told me that already."

"Are you going to let me talk?" When Shiro slumped to his seat and pouted, Kurou went on, "She likes to drink tea and will ask a lot of questions about you. She'll remember it all. She has a strong memory. If you plan to lie to exaggerate your character then take note of it. She'll turn that against you if you can't walk the talk."

Shiro's brows furrowed. "Why would I need to exaggerate my character?"

Kurou shrugged. "I'm assuming you would like to impress my grandmother."

"No, thanks. This marriage is temporary anyway. Either your grandmother takes me as I am or leave it."

Others might find his words offending but Kurou smiled hearing this that he couldn't wait to witness their exchange later on. He wondered how Obachan would take on Shiro's refreshing personality and his vibrant mind that seemed to know no bounds.

These thoughts prompted an unexpected response, "I think she'll like you."

Shiro was taken aback and glanced at his husband. "I don't want her to like me..."

"Why not?"

They stared at each other for a long while before realizing what had been said. Averting their gazes, Kurou looked outside the window of the vehicle and Shiro lowered his gaze.

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The main house was in full swing the moment they arrived. Shiro didn't expect to find several mansion houses built within 8,000 square meters of land! He did his best to look casual and not leave his mouth open for hours as Kurou toured him around the estate. The museum and the library his husband told him about were more grandiose than he thought. Although some of the papers were not sorted properly, the condition of the scrolls and their original packaging were fully intact. But among the places that caught Shiro's attention was the dojo. Not only was Kurou's father fascinated with the stories regarding the samurai clan of the feudal era, but he was also an avid collector of many types of Japanese swords.