Quiet Nights, Shifting Fates
That night, Tomoko Suzuki returned home with Shiro.
The mansion was silent—but not peaceful.
As always, Shiro didn't even pretend. After changing, he locked himself in another room, calling women over as if it were routine. Laughter, music, voices that didn't belong in a married man's home echoed faintly through the halls.
Tomoko heard it all.
And for the first time—
She felt nothing.
No anger.
No pain.
No humiliation.
Only distance.
Three months, she told herself calmly.
Just three months… and I'm free.
Free—with her daughters.
She lay down, turning toward the window. The moonlight spilled softly across the bed.
And for the first time in years—
Tomoko Suzuki slept peacefully.
No clenched fists.
No tears.
She slept as a woman who already belonged somewhere else.
As a woman who had been chosen.
Runcandel Mansion – Same Night
Back in France, the Runcandel mansion was wrapped in quiet elegance.
Keith stepped out of the bath, warm steam still clinging faintly to his skin. The exhaustion of the launch, the meetings, the decisions—it all weighed on him.
When he entered the bedroom—
He stopped.
Vermouth was there.
Sitting calmly, dressed simply, golden hair loose, eyes soft.
Keith didn't say a word.
He crossed the room, pulled her gently toward him, and she leaned in without resistance. No masks. No code names.
Just Chris.
They lay down together, the silence between them comfortable, familiar.
Keith exhaled slowly.
"…I'm really happy," he said quietly.
"That I found you again."
Vermouth smiled faintly and rested her head against him.
After a moment, Keith spoke again.
"Chris… do you know someone named Yukiko Kudo?"
Vermouth paused.
"…Yukiko?" she murmured.
"Yes. She was a friend."
Keith opened his eyes slightly.
"What happened to her?"
Vermouth's voice softened.
"She was cheated on. Her husband—Yusaku Kudo—had an affair with Lisana Kudo."
She paused.
"Their son is Shinichi Kudo."
Keith absorbed the information quietly.
"Do you know where Yukiko is now?" he asked.
Vermouth shook her head.
"No. She disappeared after the divorce."
Keith nodded slowly.
"I see."
Vermouth tilted her head slightly.
"Why ask?"
Keith smiled faintly.
"…She'd make a very good actress."
Vermouth chuckled softly.
"Of course," she said.
"That's exactly what you'd think about."
She shifted closer.
"Should I look for her?"
Keith closed his eyes again.
"…If you ever come across her."
Vermouth nodded.
"Understood."
The room fell silent once more.
Two people who had lived in shadows—finally resting without pretending.
That night, Keith slept deeply.
Not as an heir.
Not as a chairman.
But as a man who had reunited with his first love.