After picking up Miku, Ray sincerely thanked the old woman who had stayed with her the whole time and even offered to walk her home. But she politely declined. He tried to give her some money—she just smiled:
"You're very kind, young man, but I couldn't just walk by."
When Ray saw the state the girl was in, anger boiled in his heart. With difficulty, he suppressed it, took off his jacket, draped it over Miku's shoulders, and said:
"I can give you some money and leave."
"Or you can come with me. I'll be in this city for a couple more days. I'll be around, so you'll be safe. You'll have time to think things over and decide what to do next."
If Miku hadn't read Ray's personal information, she might have refused. But what had happened to his wife and children made it clear: this man hated anyone who hurt the vulnerable. She hadn't missed the cold fury that flashed in his eyes—which was why she answered quietly:
"If you really don't mind… I'd like to come with you."
Usually, Miku was bold, but knowing this man's story, she felt like a small child for the first time in a long while—fragile, lost, as if she had just been pulled from a storm.
Seeing the small house that seemed to be held together by sheer will, Miku was very surprised. She knew that with Ray's income, he could afford an estate or at least a comfortable apartment.
But the information she'd found included photos of this house and mentions of it. She knew Ray hadn't chosen this place by chance.
When they entered the house, Ray carefully looked over Miku's figure and said:
"You have a similar build. I think I can find something for you to wear. I'll go get the clothes now. Take a shower, and then we'll talk."
After receiving the clothes, Miku went to the bathroom. Under the warm stream of water, she unexpectedly burst into tears—from relief. It took her a while to pull herself together. When she came out to the kitchen, their late dinner was already ready.
She was wearing Lily's pants and Ray's T-shirt. Miku's chest was slightly larger, but her lower half was almost identical. It was strange, but it looked natural. For a moment, Ray paused, realizing that this girl, like Lily, was one of those women who would look good even in a potato sack.
Looking at the girl, who was clearly feeling uncomfortable, he said:
"A few months ago, my sister expressed a desire to start learning music. I've already fired several instructors. I have a rule: if someone teaches my sister, they have to do it well. When she takes an interest in something, I support her no matter the cost—whatever it takes. But only on the condition that she gives it her all."
"Every month, I invite musicians to assess her progress. Many say she has talent. But the ones I've hired haven't been able to bring it out."
Pausing, the man continued:
"Her interest in music hasn't faded. I've heard you play and sing. I may not be sure of your teaching skills—but I know you love music. I'm willing to give you a chance. I'll pay twelve thousand dollars a month. And if things go well, I'll also help with your career."
Hearing the man's words, the girl bit her lip and said anxiously:
"I really appreciate your kindness, and I'm interested in trying my hand as a mentor. But honestly, I don't think you should get into a conflict with my father," her voice mixing fear and concern.
"Don't worry so much. Sure, your old man is influential, but I give you my word: he, like many before him, will break his teeth on me."
The salary was generous. And the opportunity to become a teacher, especially for a child who needed help, was truly appealing. So, despite having to return to Japan, Miku agreed.
Looking her over, Ray said:
"Tomorrow we'll go to the store and get you clothes. If your friend has any things you need to pick up—I'll help."
"Clothes and stuff don't matter to me. But there are a few photos of my mother… I took them from home," Miku said, her voice trembling. Clearly, the memories were flooding back.
"Don't be afraid. As long as I'm around, no one will hurt you. I promise."
"I appreciate your help. But you should know: my father has immense influence back home. Sooner or later, he'll find me."
"Don't worry. Like I said, if he tries anything—he'll break his teeth. And don't fret: if it happens, I won't seriously harm him. A little attitude adjustment will be enough."
"I don't think it's that simple. My father can be very stubborn," Miku said thoughtfully. Her vivid imagination immediately painted a picture of how that "attitude adjustment" might go.
As if reading her thoughts, Ray smiled and said:
"I know what you're thinking. And I give you my word: if it comes to that—we'll just talk, like two civilized gentlemen."
Miku had her doubts. But somehow, she believed that this man was one of those who kept his word.
"Alright," the girl nodded. "I trust you."
There was no trouble picking up her things. Miku's friend was hysterical. She was genuinely worried, begged her to stay, called Ray a monster, and even tried to throw him out.
Miku felt the girl truly regretted what had happened. So she said sincerely:
"I really appreciate your concern. But I don't think I can stay in the apartment where I was almost raped."
Miku was no longer a little girl. But that kind of experience still left a mark. After realizing that threats were useless, her friend stepped back, clearly reluctant. Ray had stood silently aside the whole time, acting as a porter and not interfering in their conversation.
But when they got into the car, he said:
"I can see that part of you doesn't want to leave this girl. But if you want my opinion—this is most likely a farce."
"Your so-called friend was probably just your father's watchdog. Maybe the whole attempted rape scene was staged—to make you go back to him. I don't know if she was scared or paid off. But you shouldn't worry about people like that. They're like cancer—you need to cut them out by the roots, ruthlessly. And as quickly as possible."
Hearing Ray's words, Miku thought deeply. The more she analyzed, the more she felt he was right. Her father was certainly capable of something like that. Even though she didn't want to believe her friend had betrayed her.
But Miku wasn't one to close her eyes to the truth. And the fact that the first person she had wanted to call was her father now disgusted her.
"What would you have done if you were in my friend's place?" she asked curiously. She was genuinely interested.
"The first thing I would have done was tell you everything. But it depends on what your father did. If he offered her money or threatened her—that's easy to handle. But if he used her family as leverage… that's more complicated. It might have been a combination of carrot and stick."
"Pressure through threatening her family can be ruled out. My father is influential, but he wouldn't start a conflict with her family—it would be counterproductive and require too many resources. I think it's most likely her family pressuring her—it could be a deal between them," Miku said. Ray's words had awakened her mind, and she quickly drew conclusions.
"Whatever it was," Ray said, "the fact that she didn't tell you about it… From my point of view, that's betrayal. I think that kind of thing is unforgivable. Especially from those closest to you."