Chapter 264: Young Master Haruto

The little girl grew up to be a cheerful child despite living in the midst of limitations. Kaori felt that her daughter was the only reason she continued to fight.

However, one day, while Kaori was inside her wooden hut, she heard someone knocking on the door.

Kaori quickly walked over and opened the door, shocked by what she saw. The figure made her steps halt instantly. Kaori's face turned pale, and her hand gripping the doorknob trembled.

It was someone she never wanted to see again—someone who had filled her life with suffering, but also someone who had given her the most precious treasure in her life: her little daughter.

The person was Haruto Sato.

"Young Master Haruto..." Kaori murmured, her voice tense, as her eyes fixed sharply on the man now standing at her door.

...

...

...

Haruto remained silent, his gaze directed at Kaori, as if searching for the courage to speak.

On the other hand, Kaori stood with a serious expression, her eyes sharp and piercing, leaving no room for leniency. Behind Kaori, a little girl with flowing white hair seemed to be hiding. The girl's innocent face reflected confusion and fear, but she remained silent, only gripping the hem of Kaori's clothing.

"How did you find this place?" Kaori finally spoke, her cold tone breaking the silence.

Haruto sighed, trying to gather his words. However, his lips could only tremble softly. "... I... I'm sorry..."

Haruto lowered his head, unsure of what to say. The guilt weighing on his heart was too great. He knew very well that his presence only brought pain to Kaori, and now, he was faced with a wall of hatred that was hard to breach.

"I'm sorry... Truly... I'm sorry..." Haruto said sincerely, bowing his head even lower.

However, Kaori's gaze did not change. "I asked, how did you know this place?" Her cold tone was like a knife piercing through.

Haruto swallowed hard, feeling nervous. He knew this was not an easy conversation. "I know you're angry, but... I need to tell you this." Haruto lifted his head slightly, his eyes filled with concern. "The Southern District is going to face a major problem. I know you hate me, but I don't want you to get hurt. So, I beg you... Please come with me. Move away from the Southern District, just for a while. If the problems here are resolved, you can come back. I won't stop you."

Haruto paused for a moment, then added in a trembling tone, "But I don't want you and our daughter—"

"Kyoko is not your daughter!" Kaori cut in sharply.

Haruto froze. Those words hit him like a heavy blow, leaving him disoriented. He could only stand there, staring at Kaori with a vacant expression.

"Mom..." a small voice broke the silence. The little girl, Kyoko, drew her mother's attention.

Kaori quickly knelt down, gently stroking her daughter's head. "I'm sorry, dear. Mommy is just talking to this man. Don't be afraid, okay?"

Kyoko then nodded slowly, although her eyes were still filled with curiosity.

Meanwhile, Haruto began to sense someone approaching. Light footsteps could be heard, accompanied by a voice familiar to Kaori.

"Kaori?" a woman's voice called out.

A woman appeared from the end of the small road leading to Kaori's house. Her long black hair flowed freely, contrasting with the dark blue long-sleeved dress she wore. A pair of sunglasses rested on her face, giving her a simple yet elegant appearance.

"Aunt Mio?" Kaori exclaimed, her voice weakening for a moment.

The woman stepped closer, her gaze directed at Haruto. "Kaori... Who is this man?"