The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第35章 Gifts, Questions, and Next Steps

     Back at Kenji's estate, the house felt more alive than Eden had ever remembered. Perhaps it was the aftermath of the yacht party, the rush of public confirmation of their engagement, or the lingering tension of Mallory's outburst still hovering over them.

Kenji poured them both a glass of sparkling water, watching her with quiet intent.
"I've been thinking," he began, his tone even but firm, "after what happened with Mallory... I'd feel better if you stayed here with me for the next few weeks. At least until things settle down."

Eden exhaled softly, her fingers brushing the rim of her glass. She understood the concern-it mirrored her own-but she also clung to her independence. Still, the thought of having his protection so close brought a comfort she couldn't deny.

"Okay," she said, offering a faint smile. "I actually agree with you. I don't know what was up with her. Why would she attend and cause a scene. I don't think she thought about how this could effect our professional relationship, or her job."

Kenji leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her hand. "Trust me, I don't think she thought it through at all. I've got security on standby for you. When you want to go home and grab some things, just let me or them know."

---

Later that afternoon, Eden found herself surrounded by towering stacks of wrapped boxes, envelopes, and gift bags from the engagement party. She and Kenji began opening them, their laughter mixing with the rustle of tissue paper and the clink of delicate packaging.

The first box revealed a luxury travel set-monogrammed Louis Vuitton luggage in their initials, complete with matching carry-ons and garment bags. Another package contained matching Rolex watches, one in brushed platinum with a deep blue dial for Kenji, the other in gold and diamond accents for Eden.

Her breath caught when they opened a sleek black box filled with bundled stacks of crisp cash-a total of $500,000 in envelopes, a traditional gesture from several board members and family friends, accompanied by notes of goodwill.

There was also a honeymoon package, an embossed certificate promising a fully paid trip to anywhere in the world-first class flights, luxury villas, and private chefs included. Eden's fingers trembled as she held it, her mind drifting to beaches, mountains, and hidden cities she had always dreamed of.

Other gifts dazzled them: a Cartier diamond bracelet, a Hermès blanket embroidered with their initials, a collection of rare wines, and a set of crystal Baccarat champagne flutes etched with their names.

It was overwhelming, and yet Eden couldn't help but smile at the generosity poured into their future.

---

The next morning, headlines from both the U.S. and Japan hit like a tidal wave.

"Japanese Gas Empire Kenji Ito Officially Engaged-Fiancée Revealed as Aoki Global Executive Eden Hayes"

"From Boardrooms to Love: International Power Couple Sparks Media Frenzy"

"Engagement Party on Luxury Yacht in Hakodate Marina Stuns Guests"

Photographs of Eden in her white dress standing in the deck against Kenji circulated online, paired with shots of Kenji kissing her in front of the balloon arch on the boat. Talk shows debated the size of the ring, lifestyle pages gushed, and financial outlets speculated about the powerhouse merger their union symbolized between Aoki Global and Sato Energy. Eden and Kenji even started receiving calls at work for Interviews.

Eden scrolled through articles with a mix of awe and nerves. The world now knew. Their love was no longer just theirs-it belonged, in some way, to the public.

---

The next day, Eden sat across from her therapist, the faint smell of sandalwood calming the air. She updated her on the whirlwind of events-the liaaon event, the proposal, the party, the gifts, Mallory's drunken outburst, and now the media frenzy.

Her therapist listened attentively, then asked carefully, "Do you feel you revealed your relationship with Kenji at the liaison initiative for the right reasons? Or was it, perhaps, partly to claim him-before Mallory could reenter the picture?"

The question hung in the air like smoke. Eden's heart clenched; she hadn't considered it from that angle.
"I..." she hesitated, her voice softer than usual. "At first, it was about standing by him. About showing unity. But maybe... maybe a part of me also wanted to protect what I have with him. To make sure no one-especially Mallory-could shake it."

Her therapist nodded, neither affirming nor condemning. "It's important to know your reasons. Love is one thing. Fear of losing love is another."

Eden sat with the words long after the session ended.

---

By evening, Eden accompanied Kenji to a meeting with the wedding planner, Gina Huyong, whose reputation preceded her. Gina arrived sharp and poised, her dark bob sleek against her black silk blouse, a leather planner tucked under her arm.

I had to FaceTime my Father since he couldn't travel to meet with the planner. In our families, it's tradition for the bride's father to cover the wedding expenses, but Kenji's father was unwavering-his firstborn was getting married, and he insisted on contributing, even after the $500,000 gifted at the engagement party. He arrived dignified in his tailored suit, his presence both grounding and formidable. With sharp precision, he asked about traditions, guest accommodations, and timelines, while Kenji leaned in beside me with quiet confidence, gently encouraging me to take the lead.

Gina laid out her vision with detail: a multi-day celebration that could blend Japanese tradition with Eden's American roots, seamlessly weaving their worlds together. Budgets, venues, floral schemes, and guest lists were discussed, but Eden felt Kenji's hand on hers beneath the table, steadying her through the overwhelming choices.

She looked up at him, his eyes soft yet resolute, and realized this wasn't just about a wedding. It was about building a life-together, openly, and fearlessly.