The Billionaire's Contracted Wife [English]

As Ashley realized what was unfolding, she gently nudged her husband, Tanaga, to bring his attention to the situation.

"What is it, honey?" he inquired, peering in with curiosity evident in his eyes.

Ashley drew him closer and whispered, "We don’t have anything to offer Tanaka. How should we proceed?"

Tanaga frowned as he considered his options. When he was at a loss, he decided to seize the opportunity.

To capture his brother’s interest, he engaged him in conversation.

"I’m sorry, brother, we didn’t know you were coming, so I don’t have anything for you. But since we’re twins, I don’t mind sharing my gift from my wife with you."

He handed Tanaka a package and then turned to Ashley. "Right, honey?"

Ashley nodded, relieved that she hadn’t bought anything too personal. She had chosen a safe and universal gift: a pair of cuff links.

"No, no, no! It’s alright. I understand it was me who should apologize. I didn’t realize that you guys celebrate in the traditional way of exchanging gifts. I also was not able to bring Christmas presents for everyone. Actually... Wait a moment."

He then rushed outside, and a moment later, when he returned, he was carrying paper bag after paper bag.

"I got this from the duty-free at the airport as I was leaving Japan. I hope you all like it." He then began handing it over to everyone.

Fely and Jessie were hesitant to accept the gifts at first, but with Tanaka’s wide grin, visibly showing his happiness, the couple couldn’t deny him. Both smiled and thanked him graciously. For the Gusman brothers, he gave them the brandy to share.

He then handed Grandma Hanada a small rectangular box. It looked like a piece of jewelry, more like a box used for a necklace.

"Grandma, I hope you like it. I know you have many of these that are more valuable than the one I got, but this is from the bottom of my heart," he said with sincerity, and his eyes showed full love for the older woman.

The rest of the items he brought were given to Ashley and Tanaga. There were some toys for the twins, exceptional chocolates, and mochi, among other delicacies Japan offers.

Once he had finished handing over the gifts, he finally accepted the gift Tanaga had given him. Even though it was a gift from his wife, he was willing to share it with him, and with that, he would accept it wholeheartedly.

Grandmother Hanada called Harumi to come and help her go to her room. A minute later, Harumi came running from the kitchen. She quickly went to the older woman’s side and helped her get up from the sofa to her wheelchair.

"Excuse me for a moment," she said to no one before leaving her room.

Returning a moment later, she had a box on her lap and waved Tanaka to go over. Tanaka swiftly approached the older woman and kneeled on the floor so he was face to face.

Grandma Hanada handed him the box.

"I was going to give it to you when we see each other again. Now that you are here, it is as good a time as any," she said after handing him the box.

Everyone was thrilled to learn what Tanaka had received from Grandma Hanada.

Meanwhile, Tanaga was looking at the box he had received from his grandmother.

It was identical to the one Tanaka received. He was now curious as to what Grandma Hanada had given them.

"Tanaka, go ahead and open it." Compel Grandma Hanada while looking at him lovingly.

Tanaka hesitated for a moment, seeing that Tanaga had to say something.

"Bro, since it seems we received the same thing, why not open it simultaneously."

Tanaka smiled sheepishly before nodding and, at the same time, untied the bow that was tied up on the box. Tanaga did the same thing...

Everyone gasped when they saw what was inside. It’s an identical necklace with a square locket hanging in the middle. Both have an initial engraved on them, but when they looked at them, they saw that they were precisely the same. The initials were ’THJ.’

They all looked at each other, confused.

"Hahaha, Hahaha!"

Grandma Hanada’s laughter was loud enough for everyone in the kitchen to hear. They all got curious and peeked through the sliding door.

"Why don’t the both of you open the locket and look inside." The older woman coaxes them, grinning from ear to ear.

When Tanaga opened the locket, he saw the twins’ picture on one side and a picture of him and Ashley on the other. He smiled so sweetly before coming forward to give his grandmother a tight embrace.

"Thank you, grandma! It’s the best gift ever..." he whispered so his wife wouldn’t hear, and it hurt her feelings.

When Tanaka opened his locket, he saw a family picture of Grandma Hanada on the left side. Grandma Hanada, Grandpa Hanada, and their mother were there when she was young. On the right side was a picture of him and Tanaga when they were still young before they disappeared.

He mimicked Tanaga’s actions by approaching them, kneeling next to Tanaga, and wrapping the older woman in a warm embrace.

"Grandma, I love you! Thank you," he declared, loud enough for all to hear.

The room erupted with applause and cheers. Tanaga stood up and allowed everyone to get a good look.

Ashley was deeply moved, tears of joy streaming down her radiant face. As their eyes met, she exchanged wordless sentiments with the older woman.

"Thank you, Grandma. I love you!" She then made a sign of a heart shape and put it close to her heart.

The older woman only waved her hands and smiled sweetly at her granddaughter-in-law.

Soon, everyone excitedly began opening their gifts, which were recorded for the twins so they could see them when they were old enough to watch.

***

After a while, the Gusman brothers decided to explore the City of Houston. Since the outlet mall was nearby, Arnel and Arnold decided to take their three older brothers out to shop for gifts to give away when they returned to the Philippines.

Fely heard about it right away, so she invited her husband to go with her to the Hong Kong Market while she went grocery shopping for her planned lunch.

"Could I not accompany the boys? Should I accompany you to the market? You know you may bring one of the maids with you." Jessie’s puppy eyes begged.

Fely sent him a meaningful glance, then turned to get ready. Jessie just had to follow along like a dog with his head down.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

As the Gusman goes to go about their business, laughter reverberates throughout the living room.