When Kai opened his eyes, the ceiling above him gleamed with class—polished ivory panels, an elegant chandelier, and soft light filtering through sheer velvet curtains.
This...wasn't his old apartment.
He sat up slowly, blinking against the warm sunlight. A piercing headache split through his skull, and with it came a rush of memories—two lifetimes, colliding and trying to coexist.
One: Kai, the overworked, underpaid delivery man from Earth. Struggling. Starving. Always calculating the cost of the next meal.
The other: Kai Nakamura, husband of Shion Mizuhara, the most powerful businesswoman in the country. A life of luxury, wealth, and...distance.
Their marriage? A formality. An arrangement made by powerful elders to stabilize two family empires.
There was no love. Only appearances.
And in exchange, she gave him a million dollars a month.
Kai ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "What the hell..."
I wasn't stupid in my old life. I saw things. I knew how to read people. But when you're broke, no one gives a damn what you know. You're invisible.
Now? I'm the freaking husband of a billionaire.
The door opened with a soft chime. Kai turned his head.
She walked in—Shion Mizuhara, dressed in a white blouse tucked into a high-waisted navy skirt, her platinum hair tied back neatly, her posture perfect.
Her beauty was cold and precise, like a sculpture carved from ice.
"You're awake," she said. "Good. My parents are coming for breakfast. Clean up. You look...off."
Kai blinked.
No concern. No "how are you feeling?" Nothing.
She doesn't care. She's just keeping up appearances. But that's fine. I've dealt with worse bosses. And she's paying me a hell of a salary.
He gave her a lazy grin. "Of course, dear wife. I'd hate to disappoint the in-laws."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't be sarcastic. We keep this marriage clean and dignified. You know the rules."
Kai stood, stretching. His muscles felt leaner, stronger—clearly, this version of him was taken care of.
"Just remind me. What am I getting paid for again?" he asked, his voice casual.
Shion didn't blink. "One million a month. To be my husband on paper. Appearances only. You accompany me to family gatherings, formal events, and we act the part. Nothing more."
Kai arched an eyebrow. "No touching? No hand-holding?"
She gave him a look that could freeze lava.
"Only when necessary. You do not interfere in my business. You do not question my decisions. And you absolutely do not ask about my personal life."
So cold. But there's pain behind that steel, isn't there?
"Still hung up on your first love?" he asked, softly, but not without curiosity.
Shion's eyes flickered.
For just a second.
Bingo.
"That's none of your concern," she replied coolly. "Get ready. One hour."
She turned and left.
Kai exhaled and looked around the lavish bedroom. Floor-length mirrors, hardwood floors, imported artwork. It all screamed status.
A few days ago, I was counting coins to buy cup noodles. Today, I'm living like a king married to a queen who'd prefer I vanish quietly.
This... is surreal.
But I'll play the part. Smile when needed. Shut up when expected. And cash those monthly deposits.
---
Exactly one hour later, Kai stood in the garden wearing a sleek charcoal-gray suit tailored to his exact frame. It felt like it cost more than his entire apartment back in his old world.
The garden was enormous—cherry blossoms overhead, koi ponds lining the edges, and a marble gazebo set with breakfast for four.
Shion sat at the head of the table, flanked by her parents—Mrs. Mizuhara with her stern face, and Mr. Mizuhara half-listening behind his newspaper.
Kai approached with a practiced smile.
"Good morning, Mother. Father."
Mrs. Mizuhara glanced at him with faint distaste. "At least you're punctual today."
Kai gave a charming bow and slid into the seat beside Shion. He placed a hand gently over hers on the table, just for effect.
"She made sure I recovered from yesterday. Always so caring," he said smoothly.
Shion's hand didn't move. But her eyes twitched—barely.
Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Shion never mentioned nursing you."
Kai chuckled. "She's modest. It's one of the things I admire most."
God, I deserve an Oscar.
"Just keep your voice down during meals," Mr. Mizuhara muttered behind his newspaper.
Shion cut a slice of her omelet with mechanical precision. Her movements were controlled, elegant—but something about her seemed... tired.
She doesn't want this. She didn't want me. She wanted someone else.
And yet, here I am. In his place.
Why? Why me?
---
After breakfast, Kai returned to the master bedroom.
She tossed a slim envelope onto the bed. He opened it carefully—inside was a legal contract and a bank transaction receipt. It read:
> Monthly Stipend: ¥1,000,000
Conditions: No emotional interference. Public appearances as needed. No use of Mizuhara name for personal gain.
Term: Ongoing until formally dissolved.
"I won't waste time," Shion continued. "You don't have to do anything except keep up appearances in front of my family. Be quiet. Behave. Don't embarrass me. In exchange, you'll receive this amount every month."
Kai blinked.
This woman… this CEO… is paying me one million yen a month to be her silent husband?
"What's the catch?" he asked slowly.
"There is none. The marriage is already registered. This is just... an incentive. Sign the agreement, and I'll transfer the money today."
Kai stared at the paper. His old self—broke, exhausted, living in a moldy apartment—would have sold his soul for this.
Now? It felt too good to be true. But the hunger, the survival instinct—those were still part of him.
Whatever happened before I woke up... that guy clearly said yes.
And this version of me? I'm not stupid enough to say no to this kind of offer.
At the bottom was a blank signature line.
Kai grabbed a pen, twirling it once in his fingers.
You know what? This is still better than struggling to survive every day. No future. No options. Just hopeless grind.
Here? I might be a prop—but I'm a rich one.
And I've always wanted to see how the top 1% lived.
He signed.
The pen glided smoothly. No hesitation.
Let's play house, Ice Queen. I'll be your perfect puppet. But don't think I won't peel back your layers over time.
---
That evening, Shion returned late from work, still in her heels, a file tucked under one arm.
She saw him sipping wine on the living room sofa, TV muted.
"You signed?" she asked, setting the file down.
Kai raised the glass. "To business marriages."
She didn't smile. "Good. As long as you follow it, we won't have problems."
He stood and crossed the room, stopping just inches from her.
"Quick question," he said casually. "What happens when he comes back?"
Shion's breath hitched—but only slightly.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Your first love. The one you're still waiting for. What happens when he shows up and sees me in your bed?"
She stared at him, jaw tight. "You are not in my bed. And never will be."
Kai's smile grew cold. "Of course not. But I wonder... if he'll come back at all."
Silence filled the room. Thick and tense.
"I chose you for a reason," she said at last. "Don't mistake convenience for affection."
Kai leaned in slightly. "And don't mistake survival for weakness."
Then he stepped back, sipping his wine as he left the room.
Let's see who cracks first, Shion Mizuhara. You're not the only one who's good at pretending.