The Decade of Deep Love - Chapter 7 - Conflict

Reiji Tsukishima never believed in chasing after something he couldn't have—until he met Aoi Fujikawa. Calm, composed, and always in control, Reiji found himself drawn to Aoi’s warmth and kindness. The only problem? She was already in a relationship—with another girl, Sena Tachibana.From the very start, Reiji and Sena clashed. Their personalities, values, and even the way they looked at Aoi put them at odds. He made it clear—he liked Aoi. And Sena? She wasn’t about to let some guy disrupt their relationship.But fate had other plans.Despite their rivalry, Reiji and Sena kept crossing paths, their conversations sharper than knives yet laced with something neither wanted to acknowledge. Over time, they found themselves entangled in something deeper—something neither of them expected. A connection that rivaled the very love they were trying to protect.As emotions shift and tensions rise, Aoi remains unaware of the growing bond between the two people she loves the most. But when the truth finally comes to light, all three must face a question with no simple answer—can love truly be shared, or must someone be left behind?A slow-burn romance of deep emotions, unexpected confessions, and a love that defies the norm—this is *Unraveled Ties.*---

Have you ever wondered about unpredictable life?

One minute everything is so good and then suddenly the next minute everything just turns around…

Anya Owen faced such times thrice in her life due to one person. Twice she survived and started leading a happy life with her darling son.

But could she survive the jeopardy he was going to cause again in her life?

Alvin Matthews, the most mysterious man in the city. Nobody knows where he is, what is up to, or what he does. Some even doubt if he is alive or dead.

Could he stop himself from falling for the little feisty woman?

Well, he never stops himself. But he doubted if he would get killed by the stone-hearted woman before he could soften her heart.

~~~

Excerpt:

Alvin watched Anya politely speaking with the butler. He leaned back on the armchair and crossed his legs, intently watching the soft smiles appearing on the delicate face.

“Hey, Little Chipmunk, why is your mother good to all but me?” He asked shifting his eyes on the little man who was crossing his little legs playing a video game on his mobile.

A sly smirk appeared on Zane’s face. He carelessly threw his words, “That’s what you deserve, Chipmunk Monster.”

Alvin: “...”

Alvin has to rack his brain to appease Little Monster... Correction, Little Master and his Devil… The second Correction, his Queen.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?

【The entire world bullies you, hates you, and isolates you, but your world has light because of him. I hate this world! But I love you!】