Hidden Secrets

Chapter 85

Usagi was so nervous that she fell back into old patterns. She woke up far too early, just as the sun was rising, painting the sky in a vibrant orange hue. The house was cloaked in complete silence as she quietly made her way downstairs and settled at the dining table to go over her speech once more. She simply wanted everything to go perfectly today, leaving nothing to chance. After some time, Makoto stirred on the couch, and soon the house came to life.

One by one, their housemates stumbled down the stairs, still half-asleep, and Usagi realized that there was no point in further refining her speech amidst the chaos. She couldn't concentrate amidst the commotion.

Yaten was radiating his usual cheerful demeanor, teasing everyone in his path, including Minako. Makoto attempted to set the breakfast table while multitasking at the stove, and Amy gathered up the papers to clear some space. Taiki had retreated to the terrace to make some phone calls. Seiya snatched one of the freshly made pancakes as he passed by and then ushered Yaten towards the car. The two of them had plans to swing by the tower and take care of some errands at the harbor, and they promised to be back on time so the women would have enough time to get ready.

After breakfast, Minako gave Usagi some useful tips for her speech and presentation, and the tension continued to mount. Time was running out, and Usagi impatiently glanced out the window, hoping to catch sight of Seiya soon.

"He's still not answering his phone. I've called him multiple times already. Either something's happened, or he's still mad about yesterday. I can't rule out either," Minako huffed, joining Usagi by the window.

Then suddenly, Usagi's face lit up as Yaten's car screeched to a halt in the driveway, and shortly after, Petzite entered the room, closely followed by Seiya, carrying a mountain of clothes. Petzite wasted no time and immediately got to work. She swiftly applied makeup to the women one by one, skillfully styling their hair into elaborate dos, and then handed out the dresses she had prepared. For Usagi and Amy, she had once again prepared two stunning black-gold dresses, Makoto received one in a rich dark green, and then she ushered them all upstairs to change.

She paused briefly, eyeing Minako. "I know what's going on. Yaten filled me in on the way here. I hope this fits the bill. I wasn't prepared for red," she apologized, handing Minako a black, elegant maternity dress, with a delicate red satin flower temporarily attached to its strap. Minako understood that today, she had to once again assume the role of Mrs. Chiba, even if Yaten didn't like it. They had talked about it extensively yesterday, but even though he wanted her by his side, the risk was too high. They both had to accept it eventually. Gratefully, Minako accepted the dress and headed upstairs to put on the dress and mask.

Yaten was busy tying his tie, watching her every move attentively. She felt the accusations in his gaze, but there was no alternative for her. Minako struggled with the zipper of her dress, but then Yaten suddenly stepped behind her, his warm breath grazing her neck, causing her to pause. She felt his hands grasp the delicate fabric, and with a swift motion, he closed her dress.

"Tell me. What's going on? Is it still about yesterday? Or is it about this?" she asked sharply, gesturing to her mask.

His hands rested on her shoulders, his grip tightening slightly as he turned her to face him. The look he gave her was stern as he gazed at her new face. "We've just found each other, and now you're portraying yourself as Mrs. Chiba again, as his wife, damn it, Minako! Of all people, a Chiba! ... And we still haven't resolved your little stunt from yesterday," he began, his hand rising to her cheek. With gentle pressure, he traced the latex contours that gave her the new appearance. The pain in his eyes was evident.

"Yaten, I know you don't like him. But you haven't come up with any other solution so far. The ladies from the Organization have already seen me like this, and if I switch identities again, it'll be too noticeable, especially since I can't hide the pregnancy anymore. It wouldn't take long for my father to find out... and that must not happen under any circumstances. You know I've chosen you. You have no reason to be jealous... And what I found down there was clear. You messed up big time, but we'll sort that out later. But prepare yourself to take me to him," she replied, her voice tinged with defiance.