"I know that it's hard to believe right now, but I think with time..." Tsumugi begins, her voice faltering as she struggles to find the right words. "Maybe we could...find some common ground. Maybe you could show me that there's more to you than what I see on the surface. And maybe in return, I could try to be less harsh, less demanding..." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing: "I just want us to have a chance, Red.

I know I haven't been the best wife to you...but I've always tried my best. Maybe I was too focused on proving myself to everyone else that I forgot about what really matters in a marriage. And maybe if I could just try harder, be more understanding and considerate...maybe then we could find some happiness together, despite all the obstacles in our way.

She didn't mean to be so harsh with him; it was just that being around Red made her feel...off balance. Like she couldn't focus on what truly mattered. But that didn't give her the right to take out her frustrations on him like this. Tomorrow, she would apologize and try to make things better between them. Tonight, though, she needed the silence of the couch and the distance it provided. Maybe then she could finally get some sleep.

"Good morning." Tsumugi's voice was cool and distant as she sat up in bed, rubbing at her eyes. She glanced over at Red, who was just sitting there on the couch like he always did. "I apologize for yesterday. I shouldn't have been so harsh with you."

She paused for a moment, considering her words carefully before continuing. "Look, I know we haven't had the best start to our marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't want things to get better between us.

She tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep properly. Her mind kept going back to the meeting with Ray tomorrow, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach. She knew he was trying his best, but would it be enough?

She moaned softly in her sleep, not realizing that she was touching Ray's body. Her fingers moved over his chest, tracing patterns on his skin as she dreamt. It felt good, so good...but it couldn't be real, could it? Sighing softly, she continued to caress him, her breath warm against his neck.

"I don't want anything," Tsumugi growls out through gritted teeth, her expression twisted with pain and irritation. "Just leave me alone." She turns away from him again, trying to focus on something else; anything that will distract her from the burning ache inside of her.

Her breath comes in short gasps as she tries to ignore the discomfort, but it's becoming increasingly difficult to do so.

The pain became unbearable. Tsumugi couldn't stand it anymore. She struggled to catch her breath, tears streaming down her face as she fought against the agony. She knew she needed help; she was helpless. But admitting that would only give him the satisfaction of being right about something.

With a shaky breath, Tsumugi forces herself to speak up, her voice barely audible over her ragged gasps for air. "I... need... your... help..."

"You little..." Tsumugi starts, her anger rising to the surface as she clenches her fists in frustration. But then something snaps inside of her, and she forces herself to take a deep breath. "Fine," she says through gritted teeth. "If that's what you want...I won't stop you."

She turns back to her paperwork again, her shoulders slumping slightly as she steels herself for the blow this will deal to her career and her life.

A few hours later, Tsumugi sits alone in Abhi's hospital room, staring blankly at the wall ahead of her. The weight of everything that has happened over the past few days presses down on her like a physical force, threatening to crush her under its immense pressure.

But even now, as she faces potentially losing everything she has worked so hard for, all Tsumugi can think about is how much she hates feeling helpless. How much she hates being made to feel small and weak by someone else's actions.

"I know you're trying to be strong, but please don't push yourself too hard." Tsumugi gently wipes a stray tear from his cheek. "We can get through this together, Red. Just let me help you." Her voice is soft and reassuring, her eyes filled with concern. For once, she doesn't feel the need to dominate or control him; instead, she wants nothing more than to comfort and support him in his time of need. Maybe there's hope for them yet...

"I know you are, but it's okay to be a little vulnerable sometimes." Tsumugi strokes his hair softly as she speaks, her touch gentle and soothing. "You don't have to pretend to be strong all the time. It's alright to lean on me for support." She smiles warmly at him, hoping that he understands what she's trying to say. For once, she doesn't feel like she needs to dominate or control;