Chapter 21 : Ryouichi's Proposal
Ryouichi Koishikawa, the man who enjoyed the original host's undying love, enough to leave her birth family behind and start a new life in a faraway town.
He was also the asshole who did not know how to appreciate and cherish his wife.
The original host was filled with bitter memories about her unhappy marriage. Not a good day had passed ever since she started living in the Koishikawa residence.
Right now, the man in question showed up in the Takigawa family's mansion.
Just like the cart driver who kindly delivered Midori to her family residence's doorstep, so must Ryouichi Koishikawa also marvel at the huge mansion that the Takigawas lived in.
His ex-wife was unexpectedly a rich young lady from one of the most prominent families in Tokyo!
"Master Takigawa, please let me introduce myself. My name is Ryouichi Koishikawa, I am..."
Ryouichi shot Midori a furtive glance.
"... Midori-san's husband."
"Ex-husband," Midori corrected him coldly.
"Midori-san, I never agreed to the divorce," Ryouichi argued.
"Is that my problem?" Midori asked, her voice going a pitch higher.
"Enough."
Their voices fell silent as Grandpa Takigawa's stern tone filled the room. The old man firmly planted his wooden cane on the guest chamber's tatami mat, his gaze piercing Ryouichi with an intensity that commanded attention.
"Ryouichi-san, what brings you to my home?"
Ryouichi lowered his head in a respectful gesture towards Grandpa Takigawa.
"Master Takigawa, first of all, I want to apologize to you sincerely for not taking the time to visit you after Midori-san joined my household.
Secondly, I also extend my deepest and sincerest apologies to Midori-san for the pain and hardship that my family's actions, both deliberate and inadvertent, have caused her.
I recognize that our words and deeds have left deep-seated wounds on her heart, and for that, I am truly remorseful."
Grandpa Takigawa's face was an impenetrable mask, concealing his thoughts and emotions.
Midori's lips curled into a cynical sneer, her disdain for Ryouichi evident in her every feature. Yet, Ryouichi remained unfazed.
"Thirdly, I must acknowledge the grievous error committed by my mother, who, in her misguided judgment, banished Midori-san from our home, severing a bond that was meant to endure the test of time.
I stand before you today, deeply remorseful for this injustice, and I humbly request the opportunity to rectify this mistake by welcoming Midori-san back into my life and rekindling the flame of our marriage.
Needless to say, I will take responsibility for the child in Midori-san's belly. We shall raise the child together as our firstborn."
"In your wildest dreams!" Midori almost cried out, but a stern look on Grandpa Takigawa's face made her hold her tongue.
"Thank you for your sincere apologies," the patriarch of the Takigawa family said. "We will consider your offer."
Ryouichi found himself at a loss. He glanced back and forth between Grandpa Takigawa's stoic expression and Midori's mocking sneer, until a realization gradually dawned upon him. It was time for him to take his leave.
"Then... I will be waiting for an answer. Midori-san, you know how to reach me."
Midori fought back the urge to roll her eyes. What could Ryouichi have possibly consumed to make him believe that she, of her own volition, would ever reach out to him? She was finally free, free like a bird soaring through the boundless expanse of the sky! There was no reason to willingly return to the confines of a dull, austere cage, was there?
Luckily for Ryouichi, Grandpa Takigawa did not completely discount his proposal.
"Since the meeting with the Kinoshitas did not go well, I want you to consider going back to the Koishikawas, Midori-san," he said once Ryouichi made his exit.
A wave of astonishment washed over Midori's face, her eyes widening to the size of saucers as her jaw slackened in disbelief.
"But Grandpa, why???"
Grandpa Takigawa's eyes softened when he saw the reluctance on Midori's face.
"Midori-san, do you know why Ryouichi-san bothered showing up here today?"
Certainly not out of regret.
"Yes. He does not want our family to submit a police report that might cast his family in a dark shadow."
Grandpa Takigawa beamed at Midori.
"Smart girl. Therefore, by extending this olive branch to the Koishikawa family, you will be laying the groundwork for a triumphant return to your marriage with Ryouichi-san."
"That is a wonderful plan, Grandpa, save for one minor detail -- I am not interested in getting back together with Ryouichi-san."
Grandpa Takigawa arched his brows at Midori.
"Midori-san, holding grudges will only torment oneself. Also, you need to remember that your marriage prospects are rather poor at this moment."
I would rather die as a single dog than rekindle my relationship with Ryouichi Koishikawa!
"Listen to your elder. At least meet him once and then see whether he is sincere with you or not."
"Alright, Grandpa. I will excuse myself now."
Midori was not in the mood to listen to her grandfather coaxing her to go back to the Koishikawas.
Unfortunately, Grandpa Takigawa was not done with his talk.
"Midori-san."
Grandpa Takigawa stared at her.
"You are still young. When you are older, you will understand that love is overrated. All you need in this life as a woman is stability and comfort.
If Ryouichi Koishikawa can give you and the child in your belly a good life, you should accept him."
"... Alright, Grandpa."
Midori fumed as she made her way back to her bedroom. It was not like she was looking for love.
She only wanted a second husband who was willing to let her raise a child, why was it so difficult?
And yet, her grandfather's words about her having poor marriage prospects kept nudging her.
She had to do something about it.
By fate's design, Onizuka just happened to make a turn around the corridor and almost bumped into her.
"Ojou-sama, forgive me, I am careless."
The butler bowed in reverence, but Midori quickly stopped him.
"Wait! Onizuka-san, I have a question for you!"
"Yes, Ojou-sama?"
"Where can I re-learn all the skills that young girls learned to prepare them as brides?"