CHAPTER 1

-GASP-

Mei shot her eyes open, blinking, as she looked around the room.

'Another dream?' She asked herself as she took a few deep breaths to calm down.

There was a light knock on her door. After quietly inviting the person on the other side in, Mei saw light brown hair and a pair of glasses enter before she finally locked eyes with the man she had been arranged to marry.

"Mei, are you ok? Do you need anything?" He asked politely as he stood in the doorway to make sure she was alright.

"I'm fine, thank you Udagawa." Mei bowed slightly as she waited for him to close the door.

As soon as she heard the click of the door she let out a sigh and a few more tears rolled down her cheeks. Mei used the back of her hand to wipe her tears away and tried to steady her breathing once again. Pulling her hands back, Mei stared at the wedding ring that had been on her hand for the last 10 years.

Then, using her other hand Mei pulled out the chain necklace that held her irreplaceable treasure. Memories started to flood her mind and a name escaped her lips.

"Yu…zu."

She shed more tears, especially since she hadn't spoken that name in years. She couldn't. It was too painful for her to think of the energetic blonde, much less utter her name out loud.

After leaving Yuzu with that heart shattering letter, Mei married Udagawa just as her grandfather had arranged. She and her new husband moved to America to strengthen the family business overseas, leaving behind their lives in Japan. Mei had returned to Japan for a few small business trips and to visit Grandfather as he was getting older. But it was never the same as during her youth.

As much as she had wanted to see or even ask about Yuzu, she found that she just couldn't. She remembered back to when Himeko had mentioned something about Yuzu going completely off the rails where drugs and alcohol were involved. Even Ume had rung once. To Mei's surprise, Ume knew about everything between she and Yuzu. Her stepmother even begged for the younger girl to come and see her stepsister. But Mei had a duty and knew that she had to see it through to the end, no matter how sad she felt. So she turned her back on Yuzu and Ume, never looking back, until now.

Mei lay back down on the bed, tried to close her eyes, hoping that sleep would take over soon.

THE NEXT DAY….

Mei looked out the plane window and let out a long sigh as she heard the pilot announce that they had landed at their destination. A hand on her shoulder caused her to look straight at Udagawa as he spoke with concern in his voice.

"Mei, are you sure you're ok? I know this must be hard for you. Yuzu will probably be there."

He gave his wife a warm smile as he tried to provide some kind of comfort. Mei looked straight into his eyes as she tried to calm the storm of feelings swirling inside of her.

Giving a simple nod, Mei answered in her usual monotone voice.

"Yes, I should be fine, thank you for your concern."

Looking at his watch Udagawa gave another smile before he asked, " Should we get something to eat first? After all, we are a little early."

Udagawa knew that his wife had not eaten properly in the last few days. He hoped that he could get her to eat something decent.

"I heard this place is really good and it has nothing but 5 star reviews." He excitedly turned his phone towards Mei before exiting the limo and opening Mei's door for her.

"It looks rather busy, will we be able to get a seat?" Mei asked as she looked at the fully booked restaurant.

"Reservation for Udagawa please."

Realisation hit Mei as she heard Udagawa confirm the booking with the hostess at the counter.

After being taken to their seats and ordering drinks Mei finally spoke to Udagawa.

"Thank you for your concern."

"I just worry about you sometimes Mei. I've noticed you tend to forget to look after yourself recently." Mei didn't reply, distracted by the menu options. After perusing their menus, Mei had to admit that every dish looked delicious. From the seasoned panko breaded calamari with garlic aioli and wide assortment of other appetizers and salads to the main courses and desserts. It was almost a challenge to select just one of each. Udagawa decided on steak, whereas Mei selected a citrus salmon special of the day.

After ordering their food, the two sat in silence as they waited for their meals. Surprisingly, they didn't have to wait long. It seemed like only a few minutes passed as the food was being placed in front of them. Mei admired her beautifully plated entrée and equally delectable side dishes and took a bite. She couldn't help but smile to herself as her first bite of salmon was perfectly tender and moist with just a hint of hollandaise sauce flavored with yuzu.

"Wow, this is really amazing!" Udagawa spoke first as he cut into his filet mignon.

"Even though they're so busy we didn't have to wait very long AND the food tastes superb." Udagawa was incredibly impressed by the kitchen and its chef. One of his passions was finding stellar places to eat, especially after being a cafe owner.

"Yes, it is very delicious." Mei finally shared her opinion, as she finished a flavorful mouthful.

"Well, it must be awesome, for you to compliment it Mei." He gave his wife a smile as he spoke.

Out of all the places they had been to Mei had only ever complimented 4, making this restaurant number 5.

No more words were spoken as the married couple finished off their meals.

"Excuse me, I will just use the restroom." Mei gracefully stood and went to the bathroom.

"Was everything satisfactory Sir?" The waiter asked as he collected the plates.

Giving a large nod Udagawa spoke enthusiastically.

"Everything was perfect, please give our compliments to the chef!"

Pointing to the back of someone who was talking to another table, the waiter smiled and suggested, "You can thank her yourself if you like Sir. She is just over there…hey, Chef!" The young server called out to the restaurant's executive chef.

The unassuming Chef de Cuisine turned around. Blonde hair tied up in a ponytail, bright emerald eyes and a wide smile met Udagawa.

"Boss?!"

"Yuzu?"

They both spoke simultaneously, before Udagawa could react Yuzu already made her way over and pulled him into a tight hug as she greeted him.

"Wow, how long has it been? How are you Udagawa-san?"

Udagawa couldn't believe his eyes. He gave Yuzu a tight squeeze back before the two let go and were now standing face to face. Yuzu glanced down to his hand and saw his wedding ring. A huge signature Yuzu grin covered her face right before she questioned her former boss in a cheeky tone.

"AND you got married!? Who's the lucky lady?"

Udagawa didn't know what to say. He was at a loss for words when a voice arose from behind Yuzu.

"Yu…." The rest of the name died on her lips. She couldn't bring herself to finish it.

Yuzu spun in one motion and her eyes locked onto the violets that she used to look into everyday from what seemed like a lifetime ago.

"M…Mei?"

All three stood in an awkward silence, simply staring at one another. Mei couldn't take her eyes off Yuzu. Yuzu was stuck in a trance as she held Mei's gaze, while Udagawa couldn't help but look between the two young women in front of him.

A few minutes had passed now and the silence was suffocating until…

-ring ring-

Udagawa smiled and politely excused himself as he went to answer the call. He locked eyes with Mei for a second and he could see that the younger girl was begging him with her eyes to not leave her alone with Yuzu. But he knew that this was something that would have eventually happened. As he made his way toward reception to take the call, he thought 'Sorry Mei, you will thank me later.'

The air felt thick and Yuzu found herself trying to think of an escape from this situation.

'I knew we would probably see each other today, but I wasn't expecting it right now.' Yuzu thought to herself as she wished that she had left 5 minutes sooner. Then, maybe this whole meeting could have been avoided.

Yuzu's eyes went wide as she realised the reason that Mei was here in Japan.

She quickly bowed as she spoke to her ex lover.

"M….Mei I'm really sorry about Gramps, I know he was really important to you." Yuzu tried to sound confident but she still struggled to even say her ex girlfriend's name without breaking.

Mei couldn't believe how Yuzu was being so formal. The way she was acting was so out of character from the Yuzu that Mei remembered. Out of habit Mei bowed as she responded to the blonde.

"Thank you Yu….zu."

Yuzu could hear the strain in Mei's voice and it pulled something in her heart as she stood to leave. The two women lingered in another uncomfortable silence as they stared into each others' eyes, as if they both were searching for something.

'Now's not the time to be meek, say something.' Mei chastised herself before she took in a deep breath and got ready to speak when….

"Hey Chef, your Mum is on the phone, she's saying something about being late." A young man with a chef's hat called out to Yuzu as he waved a phone in his hand. Yuzu quickly looked down at her watch.

"Shit!" She cursed before looking back up to see violets locked on her.

Yuzu couldn't stop herself from looking down at Mei's hand to see the wedding ring that should have been from her. But instead Udagawa's ring was on Mei's finger. The sight of the ring was a tangible symbol of Mei's betrayal. All it did was put another knife in Yuzu's heart as it reminded her that Mei was and never would be hers. Yuzu's stomach twisted in a knot that she felt would never come undone.

Keeping a blank unemotional face, Yuzu finally spoke to Mei in a colder tone then she did earlier.

"Mei, I need to go."

Before Mei could say anything Yuzu respectfully bowed to her again and exited the front door.

She watched as Yuzu passed Udagawa and gave him a warm smile as she flew out the door.

The rest of the day seemed to drag for both women. Mei was now at the Aihara mansion where she met her father.

"So, I hear that you already saw Yuzu." Sho absent-mindedly stated to his daughter as he checked his suit in the mirror.

Knowing that his wife was not up to talking about the recent encounter, Udadgawa replied instead.

"News sure travels fast. It was a pleasant surprise. I never would have guessed Yuzu would become a master chef." Udagawa tried to give his wife a reassuring smile, but Mei seemed to be daydreaming as she looked out the window.

"Ume rung me a little while ago. Yuzu's not only a chef, she owns that place too. She built it from the ground up." Turning to his daughter, Sho continued to speak.

"You should be proud of your stepsister Mei. I know Ume and I are so very proud of her accomplishments."

Mei couldn't stop a smile from forming on her lips as she thought of Yuzu. But it quickly faded as she thought back to how formal Yuzu was towards her earlier. Usually Yuzu would always try to have some kind of physical contact, like a hug, but she didn't even try to touch Mei at all.

Just the thought, made Mei feel ill. She had longed for Yuzu's touch. She could get lost in those bright emerald eyes for days and yet when she looked into them today all she saw was pain and sorrow.

"Ummm, did Yuzu say anything?" Mei noticed that her father was acting strange all of a sudden as he asked the question. Udagawa went to speak but Mei spoke first.

"Like what Father? She gave her condolences for Grandfather and that was all."

-Sigh-

"I see, well, that's alright…..we should get going anyway."

Sho tried to act normally as he checked his phone for the time and started to make his way to the limo awaiting their arrival.

Mei made a mental note to definitely ask him later about his strange behaviour.

The funeral was as Mei had expected with many prominent business executives showing up to pay their respects. But she couldn't help but continue to look through the crowd for a certain blonde.

When Mei finally saw Yuzu it was only for a glimpse. Several people were trying to talk to she and her father. She was a bit overwhelmed and couldn't find a second to escape.

Everything finally calmed down and everyone that was close with the Aihara Chairman had returned to the mansion for the reception.

"This food is delightful, your grandfather would be pleased Mei." Mei recognised the older gentleman as one of her grandfather's closest colleagues. She bowed politely as she thanked him.

"Mei?"

Mei felt her whole body stiffen as she heard the familiar voice. Turning slowly Mei was met with another pair of green eyes that she was happy to call family.

"Hello, M…Mother how are-"

Mei was cut off as Ume pulled her into a tight hug.

"It's been soooo long! How have you been Mei-chan? We would have come and said hello sooner but you looked like you were busy with so many paying their respects." Ume gave Mei her usual warm motherly smile.

Mei had to admit that she definitely missed this woman. She had shown Mei nothing but love and kindness while she was in her care and she couldn't have asked for a more loving stepmother than Ume.

"It's fine Mother, I'm happy to see you….." Mei looked around Ume.

Ume knew immediately who her stepdaughter was looking for.

"Yuzu is probably in the kitchen or she might have made another trip to the restaurant."

Mei gave Ume a confused look as she truly was a bit lost at the conversation right now.

Noticing the confusion on Mei's face, Ume spoke again.

"Yuzu's catering team is supplying the food here today, didn't Sho tell you?"

Mei realised that this was most likely what her father was acting so strange about before, but little did she know that there was more behind Sho's odd behaviour.

"No, he didn't. I hope she isn't overworking herself."

Ume could hear the concern in the raven-haired woman's voice. She gave a warm smile as she spoke like a true proud mum.

"Yuzu will be fine, she really wanted today to be perfect and to make sure that you and Sho had the least amount of stress as possible."

Mei politely excused herself as she made her way outside for some fresh air. She closed her eyes and let a few tears run down her face as she took in a few deep breaths to compose herself. All the events from the day hit her hard and she didn't know how to deal with her emotions right now.

"Excuse me, why are you crying?"

Mei looked around as she heard a young voice, then a small tug on her black dress caused her to look down at the little girl that was wearing her own immaculate black dress. But what really made Mei speechless were the girl's features. She had chestnut blonde hair and violet eyes the same shade as her own.

"Are you sad?" The little girl asked as she pulled out a tissue and handed it to Mei.

The gesture caused a small smile to form on Mei's lips as she accepted the tissue and dried her tears.

After calming herself, Mei finally replied, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The little girl gave a wide smile, bowed respectfully before standing back up and gave Mei another wide grin.

Mei looked around as she realised that the little girl was not accompanied by anyone.

She crouched down so that the two were at eye level before she spoke.

"Where's your mother little one?" Mei's voice was soft as she looked into the little girl's eyes.

Mei watched as the smile quickly faded and was replaced with a quivering lip as she spoke.

"I'm….n...not sure."

Mei quickly took the girl's hand and gave her a smile as she asked, "Well, how about we find her together?"

Mei watched as a small smile made its way back onto the child's face as she nodded.

Mei felt a small hand grip her own right before she asked, "Can we look over there?"

Mei simply started to walk in the direction that the girl was pointing as she held onto the small hand holding hers.

The two walked around the garden surrounding the huge mansion. Mei's mind started to wander back to her childhood and all the memories of times she spent with her grandfather. Mei felt her hand being pulled back and she turned to see the young girl watching the cherry blossom leaves falling to the ground.

"Cherry blossoms are Mama's favourite!" The grin that the blonde girl gave Mei made her think of a certain blonde haired woman.

"Did you know that the cherry blossom symbolizes fleeting beauty and the brevity of life?" Mei spoke in a soft tone as she watched the girl start to twirl under the falling leaves while giggling.

Finally, toward the end of the hectic day, it felt like a nice breath of fresh air to actually be distracted for once and Mei almost felt relaxed.

"You sure do know a lot Miss." The little girl ran up to Mei and gave her a flower as she smiled and continued to compliment Mei.

"And you're really pretty too."

Mei gladly accepted the flower as she bowed and thanked the young chestnut blonde.

"Haruka?"

A voice came from around the corner, catching Mei off guard. She slowly turned as she heard the child call back to the person.

"Mama, I'm here!"

Within seconds, a person appeared and froze in front of Mei.

Both women locked eyes as they spoke at the same time.

"Yuzu?"

"Mei?"

TO BE CONTINUED?….

HEY EVERYONE THIS STORY HAS BEEN IN MY HEAD FOR A WHILE SO I JUST HAD TO GET IT OUT AND HERE IT IS, I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL BE OR IF I SHOULD EVEN CONTINUE IT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. ALSO IF YOU ARE READING MY OTHER STORIES I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN I WILL BE UPDATING NEXT, WORK IS REALLY BUSY SO I WILL UPDATE WHENEVER I GET TIME AND I WILL TRY MY BEST :)