My Young Husband, The Assasin-Chapter 58: Aira’s forgiveness

Renji resolved the defamation case against Aira in just a matter of days. All thanks to the intervention and direction of Takamaru and Tetsuya, who also handled the issue, everything was cleaned up, leaving no trace.

The school that Takamaru contacted earlier took firm action by imposing severe penalties on the students who were found to have made malicious and immoral comments about Aira, as Takamaru had identified her as the wife of the Ishikawa family. After all, causing trouble with the Ishikawa family was akin to digging one's grave.

Not only that, but letters of apology also poured in from the parents of the students involved in the case.

Since yesterday, the company has been flooded with hundreds of letters, dozens of flower arrangements of various sizes with written apologies, and multiple gifts from the parents, hoping Renji will forgive their children's mistakes and not take the case to court. Considering that the children were still young and their futures were still ahead, the parents felt it was their fault for not raising them properly.

"Throw away all the gifts, flower arrangements, and those meaningless letters. I don't want to see them in the office anymore," Tetsuya ordered, annoyed because his desk was cluttered with all sorts of items, making it difficult even to sit down.

Several employees, assisted by Yamato, quickly cleaned up. They used large cardboard boxes to store all the letters and gifts. The cleaning staff were also overwhelmed because the trash disposal area behind the office was filled with items, flower arrangements, and letters.

"Yamato, inform security and the reception desk to reject anyone who comes today and from now on. We only accept client visitors," Tetsuya instructed, fed up with the current situation.

"I will inform them immediately." Tetsuya sat down in his oversized chair, letting out a heavy sigh. Finally, he could relax.

If he wanted to dream, now wasn't the time—it was still morning. He could dream tonight. With everything going on, his head was pounding, and his motivation to work had vanished. He dreaded attending the company meeting; his brain wasn't ready for hard work.

"Having coffee at Asahi Cafe sounds nice," he muttered happily, imagining Saki's annoyed face.

But his wish remained just hope when Yamato arrived carrying a stack of documents that needed to be reviewed and signed by Tetsuya.

"I'm not in the mood to work," he complained, pushing the stack of documents away.

"Even so, young master, you still have to work and fulfil your duties," Yamato insisted.

"Ugh! You handle it. I want to have coffee," Tetsuya groaned lazily.

"I'll make you some," Yamato offered.

"No need. I want to have coffee at Asahi Cafe," Tetsuya refused, adamant about leaving the office.

"But Miss Fujimoto Saki isn't there today," Yamato informed him.

"Where is she? Isn't today her day off?" Tetsuya muttered, surprised that he unconsciously knew Saki's work schedule.

"Miss Fujimoto requested a day off today," Yamato explained.

Tetsuya's face immediately fell, losing the enthusiasm he had earlier. Besides wanting coffee, he had also wanted to tease the ponytailed woman. Seeing her annoyed face always made Tetsuya happy and improved his mood. If Saki wasn't at Asahi Cafe, there was no point in going—it wouldn't be fun or exciting.

Without realizing it, Tetsuya drifted off into a daydream as if pondering a heavy issue, though he wasn't. Seeing Tetsuya's expression, Yamato smiled faintly and called out, "Young master."

Tetsuya jolted in surprise and quickly sighed. "Make me a latte," he requested listlessly.

"Of course, young master," Yamato replied before leaving the room for the pantry.

Tetsuya's face looked downcast. Instead of working on the documents, he propped his chin on his hand and daydreamed. "What is the ponytail girl up to?" he murmured, almost like a whisper.

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Dinner time had passed over an hour ago, but Renji still hadn't returned home, forcing Aira to have dinner without him. Fortunately, Saki had visited today. Keiko, on duty, kept Aira company, ensuring she didn't eat alone and making the dinner atmosphere lively.

After dinner, Aira usually enjoyed snacks or dessert accompanied by hot chocolate or milk. This had become her habit since she became pregnant, especially since Renji always bought her plenty of cookies and pastries, which were stored in a special cabinet near the fridge.

Tonight, Aira wanted to eat macarons, and coincidentally, Tetsuya had given her some as a gift from a colleague yesterday.

"Try this. It's delicious," Aira said, picking up one of the macarons and handing it to Keiko.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Keiko replied, accepting the macaron from Aira.

"You're welcome," Aira said with a warm smile.

While snacking, the three of them chatted, sharing their experiences. Most of their conversation revolved around Ryuji—not his flaws, but the strengths of the young man who loved dolls. They occasionally teased Keiko, and her reactions were adorable, as her face would always turn red with a shy smile, just like a teenager in love. Laughter and wide smiles filled the room during their conversation, but it didn't last long when the doorbell rang, interrupting the moment.

"That must be Renji-kun coming home," Aira said with a bright smile, thinking her beloved husband had returned.

"Keiko, please help me stand," Aira said, extending her hand for assistance. Carefully, Keiko helped Aira stand and guided her to the front door.

"Thank you. You can go back to the living room and keep Saki-chan company." Aira opened the front door wide, expecting her beloved husband, but the next moment, her warm, bright smile faded instantly, replaced by a cold, unfriendly gaze directed at the two uninvited guests.

"Good evening, Miss Aira," greeted a middle-aged woman with long red hair, accompanied by a blond man with blue eyes who offered an awkward smile.

Aira stood stunned and confused for a moment, but soon, a faint smile appeared. "Please, come in," she said, inviting the mother and son inside.

Three cups of green tea and a plate of cookies were served on the table. Aira hosted the uninvited guests, though she had never expected them to visit, especially since they had no connection anymore. The middle-aged woman had once disliked Aira, but that was all in the past, and there was no point in dwelling on it.

Keiko waited in the dining room, keeping an eye on things, worried that something might happen to Aira, while Saki had just left, picked up by Issei.

"What brings Mrs. Kenzaki and her son to visit my home?" Aira asked politely.

Mrs. Kenzaki smiled awkwardly and spoke as politely as possible. "I apologize for coming so suddenly at night and disturbing your time," she said in a somewhat humble tone, unlike her usual domineering manner when speaking to others.

"Please speak casually, Mrs Kenzaki, just as you did with me in the past," Aira said, alluding to the harsh and demeaning attitude she had received when dating Kairo.

Aira vividly remembered the cold stares, sarcastic remarks, and insults she had endured whenever they met. Since childhood, she had grown accustomed to the cold gazes, sneers, and sharp criticisms from the residents of the Hoshino estate, so it wasn't strange or new to her. After all, most people judge others based on status and wealth.

Even friendships nowadays aren't always genuine. Most people break down everything into profit and loss only for personal gain.

"I beg your pardon for my boorish conduct previously, Miss Aira," Shina said, bowing deeply.

"Please, don't do this, Mrs. Kenzaki. I didn't mean to offend you."

"No, my behaviour back then was truly wrong," Shina sincerely apologized for her past actions toward Aira.

"I had already forgiven you before you apologized, so please tell me why you've come to see me," Aira asked, not wanting to beat around the bush. Suddenly, both the mother and son knelt before Aira, pleading as if they were slaves begging for their master's forgiveness.

"Please, show us your mercy, Miss Aira," Shina begged with hopeful eyes filled with sorrow.

"Please, don't do this. Get up. Why are you kneeling?" Aira panicked slightly, trying to help them up because she felt uncomfortable.

"Let us kneel and beg for your mercy for the foolish, wicked, and shameless actions of the Kenzaki family's daughter-in-law," Shina insisted on staying on her knees, even bowing down before Aira, pleading for forgiveness.

The man who had been silent beside Shina finally spoke, his lips trembling as he held back tears. "As Maki Kenzaki's husband, I sincerely apologize on her behalf for the foolish actions she has committed," he said regretfully, bowed down and wished for Aira's mercy.

"I also apologize to you, Miss Aira," he continued, bowing down Aira's feet.

He was even ready to beg Aira to sympathize with and forgive him for his wife's shortcomings. He did this not only out of love for his wife but also to protect the future of their unborn child.

As a husband, he was willing to let his wife face the consequences of her actions, but as a father and parent, he would do anything to protect his child.

Aira was utterly confused and didn't understand what was happening, especially since Kairo suddenly acted like a servant begging his master's forgiveness.

"What is going on? Why are you acting so strangely, and what has Maki done to me?" Aira asked, bewildered by the situation.

Keiko, observing and listening to the conversation, finally decided to intervene. She mustered the courage to tell Aira everything.

"Miss Maki Kenzaki incited Miss Hinami Hoshino to defame you," Keiko informed Aira from behind.

Aira reflexively turned around, looking at Keiko with confusion. "W-what?!"

Shina's face turned panicked and fearful when the Maki case was mentioned, especially since it also included Aira's younger sister's name.

"We know what Maki did was wrong and unforgivable, but we beg for your mercy, especially since you're also pregnant, just like Maki," Shina deliberately mentioned Aira's pregnancy, hoping it would soften her heart.

"Please explain everything to me, Keiko! What's going on?" Aira pleaded.

"I'm not in a position to tell you, Ma'am, as my duty is only to serve as your personal guard," Keiko declined politely, using her job as the main reason.

"If I ask you as a friend, would you tell me?" Aira pleaded, hoping Keiko would reveal everything.

"I—"

"I'm begging you because I also want to know what my husband has been hiding from me," Aira interrupted, staring intently at Keiko.

Keiko let out a heavy sigh and then politely asked the uninvited guests to leave. "It's best if you and Mr. Kenzaki leave now, as it's late, and Mr. Renji will be home soon."

"But we—"

"Please leave before my husband arrives. He doesn't like it when others visit unannounced," Aira interjected coldly.

Kairo took his mother's hand and gave her a meaningful look. "Let's go, Mother," he urged.

Shina's face looked downcast and sad, as she felt she hadn't achieved anything. She had come hoping Aira could help, but the result was futile, and they had to leave deeply disappointed.

"We'll take our leave, Miss Aira. We apologize for causing a disturbance in your home," Shina said politely, bowing.

"Thank you for the tea. Good night," Kairo added before leaving, guiding his mother to the front door.

Keiko escorted them to the door, replacing Aira, who sat deep in thought on the sofa, still feeling somewhat shaken by what had happened and Keiko's words.

"Ma'am," Keiko called, feeling guilty because her words had made Aira look so sad.

"Have they left?" Aira asked with a sombre expression.

"Yes, Ma'am," Keiko replied.

Aira only smiled faintly before lowering her head. Seeing Aira's demeanour and expression made Keiko feel uneasy, and her heart was filled with guilt.

"I apologize for my boldness, Miss Aira," she said regretfully.

"No... you're not wrong," Aira replied softly.

"If only I hadn't been so bold as to interfere in your affairs, your expression wouldn't be like this now," Keiko said regretfully.

"On the contrary, I'm grateful to you for telling me," Aira responded.

"But I was still wrong and overstepped," Keiko insisted.

"Come here, Keiko, sit beside me," Aira said, gently patting the empty seat beside her. Keiko obeyed and approached, sitting down beside her.

Aira tightly held Keiko's hand, her gaze deep and earnest. "I beg you, please tell me honestly what's going on?"

"Honestly, I'm afraid to tell you because it's not my place to do so. Besides, I'm worried it might affect your pregnancy," Keiko admitted.

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"Whatever the truth is, I've prepared my heart and mind for it. So, please tell me everything you know," Aira said, filled with curiosity and fear.

Keiko took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to relax herself and her heart. She looked at Aira meaningfully and asked, "Before that, may I ask you something, Ma'am?"

"What do you want to ask?" Aira countered, feeling even more curious.

"Do you know about Mr. Renji's work and the Ishikawa family?" Keiko observed Aira's movements and facial expressions.

"Doesn't Renji-kun manage his family's company with Tetsuya's help? And about the Ishikawa family, I only know they're extremely wealthy and still have aristocratic lineage," Aira replied. Keiko smiled meaningfully and could only say so much without overstepping her role as Renji's subordinate.

"In that case, I can only tell you about Miss Maki Kenzaki's issue because, beyond that, I don't have the right or the capacity to explain further. I hope you understand my position," Keiko said.

"Alright, I understand your position. Because of what happened yesterday, you even got slapped by my husband. I'm sorry for putting you in harm's way," Aira said regretfully, having just learned about the incident from Saki during dinner.

"That's part of my job, so please don't blame yourself. As for the matter earlier, I'll explain everything I know," Keiko assured her.

Aira listened intently, bracing herself. Keiko explained one by one the events that had befallen the Kenzaki family due to Maki's insults toward Aira and her child. Instead of feeling remorseful and reflecting on her actions, Maki had become even more reckless, going so far as to incite Hinami to collaborate in tarnishing Aira's public image, spreading false and malicious information about her.

As Keiko recounted the story, Aira's face turned pale, and her eyes welled up with tears. She never expected Maki to be so cruel. Was it because her heart and eyes were clouded by jealousy and spite that Maki had become so blinded, daring to act ruthlessly and even dragging Hinami into this mess?

"What happened next?" Aira asked, still in shock and sadness.

"Mr Renji imprisoned Miss Maki and charged her according to the law, while Miss Hinami was not punished as she was considered a victim," Keiko explained.

"Thank goodness Hinami is okay," Aira said with relief, grateful that her husband hadn't imprisoned Hinami and only targeted Maki.

Aira gently stroked her large belly, reminded that Maki was also pregnant, just like her. "If Maki is arrested, she might end up giving birth in prison."

"That's very likely," Keiko agreed.

"Now I understand why they were so bold as to come here and even kneel to beg me," Aira sighed sadly, recalling the mother and son kneeling at her feet.

"Now that you know the truth, what do you plan to do?" Keiko asked curiously.

"I'll ask Renji-kun to drop the charges against Maki," Aira replied, sharing her intention without showing anger or resentment.

"You should be angry and hate her, not want to help her," Keiko exclaimed, frustrated.

"If I said I'm not angry, that would be a lie. Honestly, right now, I feel angry and sad, even to the point of wanting to scream and cry. But holding onto anger or resentment in my heart isn't good, especially since I'm pregnant. I don't want my child to grow up filled with hate or grudges," Aira said, gently stroking her swollen belly.

"People will underestimate you and consider you weak in the future, so please reconsider your decision," Keiko said.

"Only the weak cannot forgive because forgiveness can only be given by the strong. So, I am strong, not weak as I may appear," Aira replied with a warm smile.

Keiko was stunned and amazed by Aira's open-heartedness and sincerity. No wonder someone like Renji Ishikawa, a former cold-blooded killer, could be softened and utterly infatuated with Aira. Besides her beauty, her heart was equally beautiful.

...