The rich housewives took Tamako into another room, where they dressed her up and got her ready for the date.
When Tamako came out, she was wearing a lacy white blouse, a pink knit cardigan, a belted beige skirt, plum tights, brown loafers, and round glasses with a small shoulder bag, making her look as if she had stepped out of a painting.
The kind of beauty that made the air feel lighter. A beauty deserving of being one of the key female characters of this world.
Her transformed appearance stunned even me, though outwardly I kept my reaction to a simple smile and nod.
Noticing my gaze, Tamako fanned her flushed face and asked hesitantly,
"H… How is it?"
"You look good. It suits you well."
The sincerity in my tone hit her harder than any praise she'd expected. She froze, her fingers curling shyly as a soft breath slipped out.
"Ah, thank you."
"Then, shall we go?"
This time, Tamako lifted her head and looked at my outstretched hand.
She couldn't believe that I was really being this gentle with her, that this was real and not a dream. For a moment, she didn't even know how to react, but then she finally took a deep breath and embraced my arm.
"Yes."
Dream or reality, she no longer cared. She just wanted this moment to wash away the nightmares that still shadowed her heart. And beneath that fear… was a budding, undeniable excitement, and she subconsciously shifted closer to me, inhaling my deeply intoxicating scent.
She imagined how I would take her to various places, like an amusement park, and she grew a little excited about my plans.
But reality often turns out differently from what one expects.
The place I took her was completely outside her expectations. So much so that the moment she entered, she was left with her mouth open in shock.
It was a quiet shrine located away from the busy streets.
Before she could ask, I told her calmly, "We're here to pray for a happy life and good times together."
Her heart skipped. Of all the places she imagined I would bring her, a shrine had never made the list.
To her, I had always been closer to a devil than a man who would visit a shrine for blessings.
But here I was, showing her something unexpectedly gentle.
The visit was short, almost simple, yet it shook her more deeply than she expected. As she watched me step forward and respectfully pray, a new realization crept into her heart.
Maybe I wasn't the monster she had painted in her head. And that quiet, fleeting moment at the shrine… eased something inside her.
Every action of hers was noticed by me.
But I didn't do or say anything.
I just smiled.
Then, without allowing her a word, I took her hand once more and led her down the stairs of the shrine and back to our car, starting our date in earnest.
After leaving the shrine, we made a stop at a luxurious Michelin-starred restaurant for breakfast.
There, before seating myself, I courteously pulled out a chair for Tamako, and the gesture took her aback.
"Y- You don't have to go to such lengths," she stammered.
"I won't do it every day. But today is the husband mode. So let me treat you like my wife," I replied with a warm smile.
"I…"
Tamako wanted to protest that she wasn't my wife, but for some reason, she couldn't, especially when she saw my sincere eyes and dreamy words.
Eventually, as if accepting the role, she smiled bashfully, lowered her head, and took her seat.
"Thank you."
"There's no need for thanks between us," I reassured her.
Those words sent butterflies fluttering in Tamako's heart. At the same time, they made it difficult for her to focus on the food.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, this was just the beginning of the butterfly dance for Tamako.
After our visit to the restaurant, I whisked her away to a cinema I had exclusively booked for the two of us.
With a noble gesture, I opened the gate for her and led her inside. I took care of every detail, from her favorite salted-butter popcorn to her preferred fizzy drink.
"—Ahhhh!!!"
During one of the frightening scenes of the movie, I held her close in my embrace, gently rubbing her back to soothe her.
"It's alright; I am here."
"T-Thank you."
"It's what I should do."
My considerate actions, treating her like a queen, created a sweet melody of gratitude, affection, and adoration.
Those moments drowned out any bitterness in her heart, replacing it with joy. Slowly, she truly began to look at me with loving eyes.
After leaving the theater, I took her to her favorite place: an amusement park.
There, we strolled around like a couple, engaging in meaningful conversation. No matter what topic Tamako brought up, I responded promptly, offering a unique perspective.
Even when a cat strolled past us, I used it to keep the conversation lively.
"Do you know that cats purr not just to show contentment; it's actually their secret language?"
"Secret language?"
"Yes. Each purr carries a secret message to the Intergalactic Cat Council, updating them on our activities."
"Pfft~! Intergalactic what? Hahaha."
Despite Tamako bursting into laughter, I stayed serious and nodded.
"Did you forget about the robot cat at your home?"
Seeing my expression and hearing Doraemon mentioned, her laugh died halfway, replaced with confusion.
"W-Wait… Doraemon…? Is that really—?"
Just then, I flicked her nose and burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Fooled you!"
Realizing she'd fallen for it, Tamako pouted before laughing along.
"Hahaha."
Talking with me was surprising, humorous, and eye-opening. She got to live a carefree life she never thought possible again after her marriage.
She also saw a side of me beyond the sadistic, sex-crazed beast she was used to. For a second, she wished I would stay like this forever—that this day would never end.
She didn't even notice the change in her heart. Or perhaps she did, but by now, she was already past the point where realizing it made any difference.
Besides, she didn't feel anything was wrong.
"Here's your chocolate-flavored ice cream."
My voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"My favorite!"
Seeing the ice cream, she jumped excitedly like a child rather than a housewife, as if transported back to her childhood.
She forgot everything she'd been thinking moments before. Her eyes sparkled, and her heart warmed as she gazed at me, wanting only to enjoy the moment with me.
Time slipped by unnoticed. The more Tamako stayed by my side, the more deeply she sank—addicted and absorbed so completely into the fantasy that her real life blurred into the background.
The wife, the mother, the responsibilities… they all faded. All that remained was the version of herself who existed beside me.
Soon, it was finally time for us to enjoy the rides.
Tamako was excited but also nervous. Sensing her concerns, I took her hand and reassured her.
"Don't be afraid, for I am here. Even if the world were to end, I wouldn't let any harm come to you."
"... Ummm~"
Lost in the sweetness of my words, Tamako bashfully nodded. Her face flushed as she followed me, and we began to relish all the rides.
Roller coasters, big pendulums, jumping machines…
No matter the ride, Tamako was always a bit nervous and frightened.
She held my hand tightly, and I gently stroked her head to ease her worries. I didn't use any of my skills or tricks on her, like [Eros Touch]. There was no need.
As a result, nothing lewd happened between us, but everything that did occur only solidified my position in Tamako's heart as the most perfect man.
Unbeknownst to us, our time at the amusement park eventually came to a close.
Tamako realized it as we sat together in the Ferris wheel, watching the beautiful sunset from the very top—our last ride.
After descending, we returned to my car, and Tamako couldn't help but ask:
"Is it over?"
Her voice carried sadness and a hint of loss. But before she could dwell on it, I spoke, surprising her.
"No, there is one surprise left."
"Really?"
She jumped in excitement, her eyes sparkling with childish curiosity as she awaited more. For a moment, she wasn't a married woman; she was a girl who just heard her crush had something special planned.
However, I didn't tell her anything.
I simply nodded and gestured to the female driver to take us to the prearranged location.
Realizing her emotional slip, Tamako held herself back. She didn't speak much along the way. She was already beyond content and deeply fascinated by everything she had experienced that day.
Every moment with me felt like the billionaire husband drama come to life, where the heroine was adored, spoiled, and cherished.
Where every word, every touch, every smile from the male lead makes her heart flutter.
That was what I had become to her.
The perfect man. The one who satisfied her darkest cravings in bed… and held her gently like precious glass outside of it.
Both demon and dream. Both danger and safety.
A prince charming she thought existed only in TV dramas and fantasies.
Somewhere along the way… she had fallen in love.
If not for her husband… If not for her son…
Perhaps she would have—
Perhaps she already had.
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Please Read: Sorry for the delay in upload. I was writing the sequel for this book, which will be MC's next world, and I have already started uploading it on P@treon. The next world is My Hero Academia, and the MC will be Momo Yaoyorozu's brother, hehehe.
You can read this complete fic, and the sequel, all on my P@treon or Kofi
ko-fi(dot)com/shadowparadox
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You can also get daily update there too.