I Was Abandoned by My Fiancé and Betrayed by My Best Friend—A Story from Rock Bottom - Chapter 24

The day of the sponsor contract decision had arrived.

The boardroom of Luminarie Cosmetics was filled with an unusually tense atmosphere.

President Kiryū—father of Managing Director Kiryū—had returned from his overseas business trip, and the final negotiations for the sponsor contract with the Kujo Group were about to take place.

In the front row of the conference room sat President Kiryū and the executive officers. Across from them were the head of the Kujo family and Reika-san, seated side by side.

Up until now, Kiryū-san and everyone else had worked hard to bring the contract negotiations to this point.

…The fruits of their labor.

—Today, it would finally be decided.

As a secretary attending the meeting, I could only sit up straight under the weight of the moment and watch.

The meeting proceeded methodically.

A table surrounded by an impressive lineup of executives sat in the center of the room.

Kiryū-san explained the progress of the negotiations so far, and Reika-san added supplementary remarks.

Their words were concise and to the point, and the executives listened intently, nodding along.

But there was an awkwardness hanging in the air.

Eventually, President Kiryū and the Kujo family head excused themselves, saying they needed to “step out for a moment,” and moved to a separate room.

Left behind in the conference room, the executives grew restless.

“I wonder what will happen…”

“If we can secure the contract, Luminarie will become even more stable.”

“But if it falls through…”

All of us waited with bated breath for the door to open again.

Five minutes later.

The two returned and took their seats before everyone.

“…I will now announce the conclusion,”

President Kiryū’s voice echoed through the room.

“The sponsor contract with the Kujo family has been nullified.”

“What?!”

The conference room erupted into a flurry of murmurs.

Gasps of shock and looks of confusion filled the air.

The executives exchanged glances with one another.

“Mr. Kujo will now explain the reason for the cancellation. Please go ahead.”

“Yes.”

The Kujo family head spoke quietly.

“This time, the Kujo Group has chosen to partner with Mirage Cosmetics. Furthermore, we have decided to strengthen the bond between our families by arranging a marriage between my eldest daughter and the heir of Mirage.”

A thunderous shock ran through the conference room.

“The reason is that Mirage’s conditions were just slightly more favorable than yours.”

(Mirage… Hiroyasū’s company…!)

“How could that be…?”

I couldn’t help but gasp.

“I deeply appreciate the considerable effort and time you have invested in these negotiations. I also sincerely apologize for being unable to reciprocate your goodwill.”

The Kujo family head bowed deeply and remained that way for a while.

The executives wore expressions of disbelief, and Kiryū-san calmly wrapped up the remaining agenda.

But his profile remained rigid.

—And so, the meeting ended in confusion.

◆◆◆

It was when Kiryū-san was drinking coffee at his desk, trying to calm down.

Reika-san appeared in the managing director’s office.

“Reika-san…”

I couldn’t help but voice my anxiety.

“It’s unfortunate, but this is the Kujo family’s decision.”

She looked straight at Kiryū-san and stated matter-of-factly.

“The decision won’t change. My influence only goes so far. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Kiryū-san muttered quietly.

Then, Reika-san turned to me and gave a small smile.

“…I’ll send you what I want to say later. Make sure to check your SNS.”

With that, she whispered something into Kiryū-san’s ear this time.

I couldn’t make out what she said from where I was, but I didn’t miss how Kiryū-san’s eyes widened slightly.

The door closed, and silence returned.

◆◆◆

That night.

After returning home, I opened my SNS as instructed.

‘Our rivalry in love is on hold for now. But if you’re ever approached by Naoya, accept the challenge. Let’s fight fair and square.’

A message from Reika-san.

“Wha—what is this…?”

I tossed my smartphone aside and buried my face in my futon.

After being tossed around all day at work, it felt like I’d just been issued a declaration of war in love, too.

—My mind went blank from confusion and exhaustion, and I fell asleep just like that.

◇　◇　◇

The next day.

In a luxurious room of a high-rise building, a marriage arrangement between a couple was being discussed.

On the woman’s side was one of Japan’s most prestigious families, the Kujo family.

And on the man’s side was the president of Japan’s top cosmetics company, Mirage Cosmetics Co., Ltd., the Jisshōji family.

The two parties had signed a sponsor partnership contract the day before.

This marriage arrangement was being carried out as part of that agreement.

A marriage arrangement between the children of the two families.

It proceeded solemnly and quietly, concluding amicably.

The marriage between the eldest daughter, Sachiyo, and the second son, Hiroyasu, along with the sponsor contract, was later widely reported in the news.

—The bond between the two families was thus made even stronger…