On the track, two different luxury vehicles were waiting, with their engines already warmed up, which were part of Daniel's fleet already parked in Japan: aBugatti Chiron Super Sport deep ocean blue, with its aerodynamic lines that seemed sculpted by the wind, and aRolls-Royce Cullinan Black Onyx, majestic and robust. The models and colors contrasted clearly with those on board the plane, demonstrating Daniel's vast and diverse collection from around the world. Behind them, two discreet security SUVs, a dark Japanese model, stood out in the gloom, their dark windows reflecting the hangar lights.
"Just these?" Kenji asked, a little surprised by the modesty of the fleet compared to the extravagance of Dubai.
"Japan is a country with exemplary security, Kenji," Daniel explained. "We don't need such a large entourage here. Discretion is key, and the efficiency of the country's security systems allows us to move around more freely and less ostentatiously. Furthermore, the public transportation system is impeccable. For city tours, it's a unique experience." Elara watched him, knowing that "exemplary security" and "discretion" had a much deeper meaning for Daniel, connected to his operations as "Ghost" and his ability to influence and move through surveillance networks undetected.
The A380's door opened with a soft hiss of hydraulics, revealing the fresh Japanese night air. The scent of dampness and distant cherry blossoms hung in the air. Henry, the butler, got out first, opening the Cullinan's door for Akemi and Thomas. Next, Victor, the head of security, with his imposing presence and watchful gaze, opened the Bugatti's door. Kenji, ecstatic, was already running toward the Bugatti, his eyes wide.
"Daniel, are you going to let Kenji ride in the Bugatti?" Elara asked, a smile on her lips.
"Of course," Daniel replied, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "It's his first time in Tokyo. He deserves a grand entrance."
Kenji settled into the passenger seat of the Bugatti, his eyes shining as he touched the dashboard. "This is awesome! It's like a video game, but for real!"
Daniel kissed Elara's forehead. "Ready for Tokyo, my love?"
"More than ready," she replied, her eyes fixed on him. There was a quiet intimacy in her gaze, an understanding that transcended words. She knew that behind the glitter of his wealth and influence, Daniel was the "Ghost," the man who moved mountains invisibly through technology and intelligence, not any supernatural power. And she accepted that side of him completely.
Daniel and Elara settled into the Cullinan, where the soft leather and quiet technology enveloped them. The car glided smoothly down the runway, followed by the security SUVs, leaving the A380 and its cargo of cars behind in the hangar. As they left the airport, the city lights began to stretch out before them, a sea of neon and life that promised a new adventure.
Daniel's Tokyo mansion wasn't just a house; it was a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture, a sanctuary of peace and technology. Nestled amid a meticulously manicured Zen garden with centuries-old cherry trees and babbling brooks, it boasted curved roofs and dark wood accents that blended harmoniously with the landscape. But behind every rice-paper sliding door, under every tatami mat, and within the cedar walls, the most advanced technology pulsed.
The cars glided through a solid wooden gate that swung silently open, revealing a long stone path leading to the main entrance. Japanese paper lanterns lit the path, creating a magical ambiance. The air was scented with a gentle breeze and the sweet scent of incense.
Upon arrival, a small team of staff, dressed in discreet kimonos, waited at the door, bowing in greeting. The entrance revealed aGenkanSpacious, with polished wood floors reflecting the soft light. Instead of a grand reception area, the house opened onto an interior courtyard with a rock garden and a miniature waterfall, whose soothing sound filled the room.
"Wow..." Thomas exhaled, his eyes roaming over the architecture. "This is... authentic."
"And with invisible technology," Elara murmured softly to Daniel, a knowing smile. She knew that every wall and panel hid security, communication, and surveillance systems that made the mansion a fortress, ahubfrom the "Ghost" network. Daniel trusted her with the truth behind the beauty.
The main living room was a spectacle of minimalist elegance. Large wooden and paper sliding doorsshojiopened onto a terrace overlooking a Japanese garden illuminated by strategic lights, creating mesmerizing shadows. The tatami flooring invited comfort, and the furniture was dark wood and clean lines, with silk cushions in neutral tones. In the center, atraditional tea table, low and polished, waited with finely decorated ceramic tea sets.
As the family explored, Kenji, after a brief initial exploration, found the game room Daniel had promised. It was a spacious, dedicated area with state-of-the-art arcade machines, giant-screen video game consoles, and even a racing simulator. His screams of delight echoed softly through the house.
Daniel guided Elara to a quieter corner of the living room, where the doorsshojiopened onto a small private garden with a cherry tree. The full moon was beginning to rise in the night sky, bathing the garden in a silvery light.
"Everything is perfect, Daniel," Elara said, her eyes meeting his. "This house is... more than I could have imagined. It's your essence, in a way: traditional on the outside, but with incredible complexity and intelligence on the inside." She touched his hand, knowing she spoke not only of the house, but of himself, of the "Ghost" behind the billionaire.
Daniel smiled, the tenderness in his gaze undeniable. "I wanted it to be a place where you felt at home, Elara. A refuge, no matter what happened outside." He knew that life as a "Ghost" was dangerous, and this mansion was one of his safest sanctuaries.
The evening wore on, and after an exquisite dinner prepared by Chef Antony—a fusion of Japanese and Western dishes that pleased everyone—the family gathered on the main terrace. Henry served tea andsake, and the atmosphere was one of pure contentment. Thomas and Akemi were enchanted by the culture and beauty of the place, while Kenji, still euphoric from the games, was exhausted but happy.
Suddenly, Daniel stood up, drawing everyone's attention. His eyes met Elara's, and a mysterious smile played across his lips. He approached her, making Elara's heart beat faster.
"I have something to share with you," he began, his voice clear and resonant, filling the night air. Elara's gaze fixed on him, a mixture of curiosity and a gentle premonition. She felt her heart race, knowing something significant was about to happen.
He knelt gently on one knee, beneath the moonlight and the soft lanterns of the garden. To everyone present, the gesture was that of a prince to his princess. The dark blue velvet box he pulled from his pocket seemed to radiate a light of its own.
"Elara," he began, his voice a little softer but still thick with emotion, "from the moment our paths crossed, you brought light into my life. You saw beyond the layers, beyond what the world knows. You saw the man, not just the billionaire, and you accepted every part of me, even my deepest secrets, the shadows that inhabit me." He paused briefly, his eyes fixed on hers, silently communicating the complicity they shared as "Ghost" and his confidant. "You taught me that even a ghost can have a home, a heart to call its own. My love for you is as vast as the night sky above us, and as eternal as the stars."
He opened the box, revealing an engagement ring that dazzled everyone. It wasn't just a diamond; it was a work of art. A teardrop-shaped diamond of a deep, mesmerizing blue, surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds that seemed to float. The moonlight caught its facets, casting an ethereal glow. It was a rare diamond, of a color and clarity seen only in royal collections or museums.
"Elara, would you do me the honor of being my wife? Of being my queen, my partner in all the worlds we inhabit, seen and unseen?"
A collective gasp echoed across the terrace. Thomas and Akemi stood, hands over their mouths, eyes brimming with tears. Kenji, for a moment, forgot his games and watched the scene in silent awe.
Tears streamed down Elara's face. She couldn't speak, only nodded vigorously, reaching out to him. "Yes, Daniel! A thousand times yes!"