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Chapter 17 – The Echo of a Dream
The city lights had long faded behind him. Inside his vast, silent office, Ayanokoji sat in his chair, eyes fixed on the night skyline. The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound that filled the room.
He leaned back slightly, his thoughts heavy.
Even though he owned the largest mansion in the world, built on a private mountain and filled with luxury, he hadn't stayed there for months. It was too quiet, too empty. A place once meant to be a home had become nothing more than a hollow reminder of what he'd lost.
It's easier to stay here, he thought, glancing around his office. No memories. No silence. Just work.
But that night, something in him shifted. He reached for his car keys and stood up.
Outside, his Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut gleamed under the moonlight. He slid into the driver's seat, pressed the ignition, and the engine roared to life — a sound sharp enough to pierce the night. He sped down the highway, the world blurring around him.
The drive to his mountain estate took twenty minutes, the roads empty and the air crisp. As he reached the iron gates, they opened automatically, revealing his sprawling mansion perched like a king's castle atop the misty mountain.
A maid quickly stepped forward as the car stopped. "Welcome home, Master Ayanokoji."
Ayanokoji handed her the keys calmly. "Make something light for dinner."
"Yes, sir." She bowed and moved quickly toward the garage while other staff hurried to prepare the meal.
Ayanokoji headed upstairs to change, swapping his tailored suit for a black shirt and slacks. Half an hour later, dinner was ready — a carefully arranged table set for one.
He sat down, the soft glow of the chandeliers above him reflecting against the crystal glass in his hand. As one maid refilled his wine, Ayanokoji's face remained emotionless, his eyes lost somewhere far away.
After finishing, he moved to his private study — a spacious room lined with books, soft lighting, and a massage chair facing the window. He turned on some classical music, the soft piano tones echoing gently as he opened a book and began to read.
For a brief moment, he felt at peace.
Then, sleep slowly pulled him in.
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He dreamed.
In the dream, he saw her — his first love — smiling beneath a golden sunset. But before he could reach her, another figure appeared beside her.
Suzune.
Her calm eyes met his, and she spoke softly.
> "That woman… was your first love. But it's time to feel love again."
The words echoed in his mind as everything around him began to fade into light.
Ayanokoji jolted awake. The clock on his nightstand showed 6:00 a.m. He sat up, breathing slowly, staring into the soft morning light filtering through the curtains.
"…Move on, huh?" he murmured to himself. "I suppose I should."
He stood, took a long shower, and dressed in a sharp black suit. A silver watch gleamed on his wrist — precise, elegant, and cold, much like him.
Downstairs, breakfast was already prepared. He ate quietly while thinking about the dream, though a faint smile ghosted across his lips — something even he didn't notice.
After breakfast, he once again slid into his Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, deciding to take the long scenic route toward the Ayanokoji Empire building. There wasn't much work today — just the quiet hum of routine.
But as fate would have it, something caught his eye.
On the side of the road stood a familiar figure beside a car with its hood open. The morning sunlight reflected off her dark hair — Suzune Horikita.
Ayanokoji slowed down and pulled over. He stepped out of his car, the crisp air carrying the faint scent of pine. Suzune was too busy talking on her phone to notice him at first.
"Big brother, my car broke down again," she was saying. "Can you come pick me up?"
Then, she heard his voice — calm and composed.
> "Good morning."
Suzune turned, startled. When she saw who it was, her eyes widened. "M–Mr. Ayanokoji! Good morning!"
"Good morning," he replied, walking closer. "Car trouble?"
Suzune gave a small, embarrassed smile. "Yes, but please don't worry, it's nothing serious. The engine just stopped, and it won't start again. My brother's on his way, so—"
"Don't wait," Ayanokoji interrupted gently. "I'll take you instead."
"Oh, you don't have to trouble yourself, really. I can manage."
Ayanokoji opened the passenger door of his car without another word. "It's fine. Come."
His tone wasn't commanding — it was firm, quiet, and somehow reassuring.
Suzune hesitated for a moment before bowing slightly. "Then… thank you very much, Mr. Ayanokoji."
She stepped into the passenger seat, feeling the smooth leather beneath her palms, and Ayanokoji got in on the driver's side.
The car hummed to life. As it glided onto the road, the sunlight reflected through the windshield — and for a fleeting second, Ayanokoji thought he saw his first love's reflection overlapping Suzune's face.
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