The envelope lay unopened on Aoi's nightstand.
All through the night, she had stared at it like it was burning a hole into her conscience. A black card—exclusive, cleanly printed in embossed gold lettering—inviting her to an "Exclusive Industry Networking Dinner," hosted by Itsuki Naruse.
Ren had fallen asleep beside her, exhausted from another long day. She quietly sat up, walking to the nightstand. Her fingers hovered over the card.
"You need to be seen."
Naruse's words echoed again.
It wasn't just about her work. It was about her pride. The coworkers who underestimated her, the investors who ignored her, and… maybe, a flicker of a question buried deep within: Was Ren really telling her everything these days?
She texted Naruse only one word:"Fine."
The Golden Room
The venue was a rooftop lounge—modern, rich, and bathed in golden lights. The Tokyo skyline stretched around her like a kingdom.
Aoi stepped out of the black car Naruse had sent. She wore a backless midnight blue dress that shimmered with every step. Her long hair curled slightly, her heels clicking confidently as she walked inside.
Heads turned.
Men whispered.Women stared.
Naruse, standing near the bar with a glass of red wine, smiled like a predator who just caught his prey.
"You made it," he said, offering his arm.
Aoi didn't take it. "I came to talk about my work. Not be shown off."
He raised both hands. "Understood. But let me just say—you look incredible tonight."
She didn't answer.
The Conversations
Naruse introduced her to key people—one by one. Executives. Magazine editors. Influencers. Every time, he spoke with pride, calling her the rising star of Tokyo's design industry. Aoi felt the thrill of being in the spotlight—but also the subtle undertone. Naruse never once mentioned Ren.
"So," one female executive asked slyly, "are you seeing anyone?"
Aoi smiled politely. "I'm married."
"Oh?" the woman glanced at Naruse, amused. "You don't act like it."
That comment stung more than she expected.
Naruse's Offer
Later that night, Naruse pulled her aside to the balcony overlooking the city.
"You felt it, didn't you?" he said. "The attention, the power, the respect. This world is where you belong, Aoi."
"I built my world with Ren," she replied coldly.
"Did you?" he asked. "Or are you shrinking yourself for him, for his dreams, while you burn yours down?"
Aoi's hand tightened on the railing.
"Come work under me," he said. "You'll have freedom. Growth. And… someone who actually sees how bright you shine."
"I'm not leaving Ren," she said.
He smirked. "Not yet."
She turned to leave. But Naruse's voice followed:
"I wonder if he's still being honest with you. Where does he disappear to every weekend, Aoi?"
She froze.
"Think about it," he whispered.
That Night
Back at home, Ren was asleep again, tired from another day of secret visits to the countryside.
Aoi changed out of her dress slowly, her reflection shimmering in the mirror.
For the first time in weeks… she didn't crawl into bed next to him. She sat by the window instead, her thoughts racing, her heart whispering:
Is he still mine completely?
Outside, the moonlight spilled across the skyline—soft, silent, and watching.