A Twist of Destiny (Naoya x reader)

Chapter 1

     You arrived at the Zenin estate, your heart heavy with dread. Tonight was Naoya's birthday celebration, and despite your reluctance, you were dressed in the finest kimono, a beautiful garment that did nothing to lift your spirits. As the car pulled up to the grand entrance, you took a deep breath, trying to mentally ready yourself for the evening ahead.

     "Remember to be polite," your dad reminded you as you stepped out of the car. "This is important for our clan."

     You nodded silently, your mind racing with thoughts of escape. The Zenin estate was bustling with activity, the servants were busy serving the guests while the guests were mingling around. You knew a big part of the guests as they came from a wealthy and powerful family. You kept close to your parents, hoping to blend into the background.

     The party was in full swing, but you couldn't bring yourself to enjoy it. Your eyes scanned the room, spotting Naoya surrounded by well-wishers. He looked as arrogant as ever, his smirk making your blood boil. You tried to avoid his gaze, but it seemed your father had other plans.

     "(Y/N), why don't you go wish Naoya a happy birthday?" your dad suggested, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It's his special day."

     You swallowed your frustration and forced a smile. "Of course, Dad."

     With hesitant steps, you approached Naoya. He noticed you immediately, his smirk widening as he dismissed his admirers. "Ah, if it isn't Hayashi (Y/N)," he drawled, his voice dripping with disdain. "Come to pay your respects?"

     You fought the urge to roll your eyes. "Happy birthday, Naoya."

     "How kind of you," he replied, his tone insincere. "Let's talk somewhere private. Our parents insist we get to know each other better."

     He led you to a secluded part of the estate, away from the prying eyes of the partygoers. The garden was beautifully maintained, the moonlight casting a serene glow over the flowers. It was almost enough to calm your nerves.

     Almost.

     Naoya turned to you, his expression shifting from feigned friendliness to his usual shitty demeanour. "So, Hayashi, what do you think of our future together?"

      You crossed your arms, trying to keep your composure. "I think it's a mistake."

     His eyebrow arched in amusement. "Really? And why is that?"

     "Because you're arrogant, narcissistic, and you look down on everyone, especially women," you snapped. "I don't want to marry someone who thinks so little of me."

     He chuckled, a sound that grated on your nerves. "Oh, please. You're just a tool for your clan. You should be grateful I'm even considering you."

     "Grateful?" you repeated, stunned by his choice of word. "For what? Being treated like a piece of garbage by you? I'm a skilled sorcerer as you are, Naoya."

     His eyes narrowed, the amusement fading. "You think you're my equal? Don't make me laugh. Women are weak, and they have no place in serious battles. Your only role is to support your husband."

     Your hands clenched into fists at your sides. "I am not weak. I've trained just as hard, if not, harder than you. I've earned my place as a grade-one sorcerer."

     Naoya's smirk returned, more vicious than before. "You? A grade-one sorcerer? That's a funny joke. The only reason you're even considered is because of your clan's connection with the Zenin clan. Without me, you'd be nothing."

     The words stung more than you cared to admit. You had worked tirelessly to prove yourself, to show that you were more than just a pawn in your family's plans. To hear him dismiss your efforts so easily was infuriating.

     "I won't let you talk down to me like that," you said, voice shaking with anger. "I deserve respect."

     Naoya stepped closer, his presence looming. "You'll get respect when you earn it. Until then, you're just another weak girl pretending to be strong."

     The finality in his words made your stomach churn. This was the man you were supposed to marry, the man who would dictate your future. The realization hit you hard: if he treated you this poorly now, how much worse would it be once you were married?

     "You don't know anything about me," you whispered, fighting back tears. "I won't let you define my worth."

     He scoffed, turning away. "Believe what you want. But remember this: in our world, power is everything. And you, Hayashi (Y/N), are powerless."

     You watched him walk away, a mixture of anger and fear bubbling inside you. This was your future, a future bound to a man who saw you as nothing more than a tool. The thought was unbearable.

     As you made your way back to the party, your mind raced with questions and doubts. How could you endure a life with someone who despised you? How could you find happiness in a world that valued power over everything else?

     The celebration continued around you, but you felt detached, lost in a sea of thoughts. One thing was clear: you had to find a way to change your fate. For now, though, you had to survive this night and the many challenges that lay ahead.