Chapter 136: Sorry, Not Sorry-1
The room fell into a heavy silence, every word from Dahlia lingering like smoke in the air. Damien’s jaw tightened, hands curling into fists at his sides, yet a spark of determination flickered in his eyes.
Harper’s gaze dropped, fingers twisting nervously, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on her like a physical force.
Nick rose, leaning casually against the wall, but the usual smirk was gone, replaced by a rare, measured seriousness. Even Dahlia’s sharp gaze softened briefly as she scanned the group, noting the silent understanding forming among them-a quiet vow of unity.
Maya’s eyes lingered on Harper, concern and a tentative hope threading through her gaze. She took a careful step forward, her voice soft yet urgent.
“Harper… do you think… you could… convince your father to help us?”
Dahlia shook her head gently, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips. “She doesn’t have to.
“V
Damien’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean, Mom? If Harper can convince her father…”
Dahlia’s voice cut through the tension, calm but unwavering.
“She doesn’t have to convince anyone. Harper is the one who decides-that choice is hers
alone.”
The room stilled. Her words hung heavy, like a gavel striking down. A slow, weighted silence followed, as though the air itself acknowledged the truth.
Dahlia exhaled, her gaze fixed on Harper with a mixture of sympathy and respect.
“Their rules are not like ours. The Japanese underworld still follows its traditions-strictly, without question. When the eldest child of the Oyabun turns twenty-five, succession is automatic. No debates, no votes-by blood and tradition, the mantle passes down, whether they want it or not. Bloodline dictates succession. That is the law.”
Maya’s brow furrowed, realization dawning. “That’s why you left.”
Dahlia’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “Yes. Because she didn’t want the throne. Didn’t want the chains that come with it. So her mother… took her away. Brought her here, to the U.S., months before her twenty-fifth birthday. It was the only way to give her a choice-a chance to decide her own path, instead of the one dictated by blood. No one knew where they went, save for her family and a handful of trusted allies.”
1/2
Chapter 136: Sorry, Not Sorry-1
A stunned silence fell over the room, heavy and profound. Each of them processed the weight of Dahlia’s words in their own way, the gravity of the moment settling over them like the calm before a storm.
Harper froze, the enormity of Dahlia’s revelation pressing down like a tangible weight. Her chest tightened, her eyes glistening as a swirl of relief, fear, and fragile pride washed over her. Her hand instinctively went to her sternum, bracing for the responsibility now resting squarely on her shoulders. Slowly, she lifted her head, meeting each pair of eyes in the room -Damien’s guarded, Maya’s hopeful, Nick’s calculating-and drew a steadying breath.
Harper drew a slow, steadying breath, her voice quiet at first, then firmer with each word. “I never had a normal childhood. From the moment I could walk, I was training. Every lesson, every rule, every test-everything was designed to shape me for one role: to become the next Oyabun. It wasn’t discipline; it was preparation. For years, I believed I wanted it. I believed I was ready. I believed it was my destiny.”
Her gaze dropped, lashes brushing her cheeks as memories flickered across her expression. Then she lifted her head, eyes sharp and voice steady. “But as the years passed, I saw another world-a life beyond ours. At university, I realized the life I was born into wasn’t the only one. There were choices. Freedom. Normalcy. Simple things everyone else took for granted… things I hadn’t even dared to imagine for myself.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, a faint, bittersweet smile flickering across her face. “I wanted that. I wanted to live… to be like everyone else my age, even if just for a moment. I tried to make friends, but it wasn’t easy. The moment they learned who I was, they either distanced themselves… or pretended to like me because their parents told them to, hoping to gain favors. None of it was real. None of them were real. That’s when I learned to be tough. To shut it all out. To stop expecting anything from anyone.”
Comments
LUCK DRAW >
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.