A Prince for a Price
Like all wealthy families, the Daidouji family has a secret for their success and fortune. But the secret has been suddenly revealed during the heiress'18th birthday when she was taken away by a group of men as part of a certain deal: to give the Hiiragizawa clan the next generation heir.
Chapter 1
A Not-So-Happy Birthday
The crisp sounds of burning wood can be slightly heard inside a small room of the mansion. The room was dark, with only the light coming from the flames in the fireplace and the radiance from the moonlight that peaked from the thin openings of the curtains. A young man is seen in front of the fireplace, staring at the endless dance of flames—as if it was the most interesting thing in the world for him at the moment.
"Young Master Eriol, today's the day." An elderly man entered the room, standing a few steps beside his master, reminding him of what's important today.
Eriol Hiiragizawa, the 20-year-old man sitting on his favourite couch in front of the bed of coals, nodded fully understanding what his butler meant. "Thank you, Mori. But I don't plan on giving any instructions today since I'm not the one who made the deal with the Daidoujis, for I am only a victim of it as well. If you have any questions, please ask my father about it." He said without taking his eyes away from the flames.
"Understood," And Mori, the butler, left the room to give back his master's privacy.
Eriol leaned back against his couch, running a hand through his soft dark hair and sighed.
"This is going to be a long night."
"I can't believe you're turning 18 already, Tomoyo!" An auburn-haired girl cheered as she gave her cousin a big hug.
"Me too," Her cousin, Tomoyo said as she returned the hug.
Tomoyo Daidouji, the soon-to-be 18-year-old young lady is the current and only heiress of the Daidouji family fortune. Their family has been known to be successful in the fields of toy making and bright innovations, and the only daughter is hoping to expand their business by adding fashion designing on their list. Many were curious as to how their success and wealth started out; some said it was just great luck and that they won the lottery while others went crazy on how they managed to find a hidden treasure somewhere. There were different types of stories regarding their fortune, but no one was able to guess it right.
And until now, Sonomi Daidouji, head of the Daidouji Corp. and Tomoyo's mother, never told details of how they ended up rich and grand. She would only say what everyone would say: determination, hard work and luck.
Both cousins are now in Tomoyo's bedroom, getting ready for the small get together the Daidouji mansion has prepared for the heiress. Unlike all of Tomoyo's parties, this was a bit more reserved and exclusive that only relatives and close friends are invited—a maximum of only 20 people are invited.
"Isn't it kind of weird though that your mother has only prepared a small party? I mean, you usually have 150 people over with grand decorations and such." Tomoyo's cousin, Sakura Kinomoto, asked as she helped Tomoyo fix her hair. She had hair pins on her mouth which refrained her from speaking clearly but Tomoyo still understood what she said.
The raven-haired girl shrugged. "I don't really mind though. It's a nice change, actually. After all, it's so much better than having to attend to all 150 guests, some of which I don't even know." She said and placed light eye shadow over her eyelids.
"That's true," Sakura agreed and pinned a part of her cousin's hair to keep it nice and tidy.
"The thing that's weird is that you're the one grooming me when most of the time, it's me who fixes your hair and clothes." Tomoyo giggled and Sakura joined in after.
It was already 5:30 in the afternoon and guests will already arrive an hour after. The birthday celebrant was wearing a white glittery gown with a diamond studded necklace and bracelet, while Sakura was wearing a tight apple green dress that reached up to her knees and black pumps. Both girls continued to fix themselves in a comfortable manner since they still have time left before going down and greet the guests.
"Although," Tomoyo said. "I can't help but feel really nervous, you know?" She added.
Sakura just looked at her and said, "Well, isn't it normal since it's your party?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "It's a different kind of nervous and anxiety, like something bad is going to happen." She said, tremor hidden in her voice.
"Good evening,"
"It's finally nice to see you again after so long!"
"Happy birthday, Tomoyo!"
Greetings and people started to enter the Daidouji mansion, signalling the start of the small reunion. Guests gave their gifts and grabbed the offered champagne by the butlers and maids. Though it wasn't that big of a party, it was still grand with a bit of professional atmosphere.
"Thank you everyone for coming to my party!" Tomoyo said when she finally called the attention of her friends and family.
Hours passed and everything went by smoothly. Sakura disappeared off to somewhere around the mansion with her Chinese boyfriend, Syaoran Li; Touya, Sakura's older brother, was chatting with some of the relatives as well as their father, Fujitaka. Everyone seems to be having a good time which pleased Tomoyo.
"Hey Tomoyo," Three of her closest friends approached her: Rika, Naoko and Chiharu. "Happy birthday!" They greeted her simultaneously, each taking their turn for a hug.
"Thank you," Tomoyo said, returning their hugs.
"I hope you like our presents!" Rika said after her turn.
"I always do." Tomoyo smiled.
The four of them chatted for a moment, until a young man with blonde hair approached them, wanting to greet the birthday celebrant as well.
"Ms. Daidouji," The man greeted. "Happy birthday."
"Asou, thank you very much. Please do call me Tomoyo instead, we're friends after all." Tomoyo said to which the man agreed. "Okay Tomoyo, if you would only agree if you call me Aki." And Tomoyo nodded. They exchanged for a few words until the guy left, leaving the girls alone again.
"Hey, he's hot. You two would look good together!" Chiharu whistled when the man already left. This just made the other girls laugh and tease.
"What, Yamazaki's not too good for you now?" Naoko teased which made Chiharu join in the laugh.
"Of course my Takashi's the best! But it doesn't hurt to get yourself some eye candy once in awhile, right?" She said which just made them laugh louder.
"But I did hear that that Asou guy did try to make a move on you, Tomoyo." Rika said and took a sip of her champagne.
"Oh really? So what happened?" Chiharu asked.
"Well," A faint blush was present on Tomoyo's cheeks. "He's a nice person and all, but I just don't feel anything special whenever I'm with him, you know? I mean I know he'll do great for our company but I think we'll be just great when we're friends." She explained.
"Wow, 18 long years of being single and never having a boyfriend. How do you do it, Tomoyo?" Naoko asked.
Tomoyo just shrugged. "I just got used to it, I guess. And my mother was a bit strict and quite against me having a boyfriend anyway but she still is open to the idea of having suitors." She said and took a sip of her champagne.
"I can understand why she's strict: You're the one and only Daidouji daughter and heiress anyway." Chiharu said and the others nodded.
"Do you have any preferred type of a guy?" Rika asked.
Tomoyo pondered for a moment and said, "Well, not really at the moment. But I do believe in the connection and thread of love. You know, like how one look at person can make you already tell that he's the one for you."
"Like love at first sight?" Naoko said.
"Something like that. But I'd call it fate." Tomoyo said.
"Speaking of types, I heard the Hiiragizawas are back from England. Might I say that their son and heir, Eriol, looks pretty handsome. I bet you'd make a perfect pair, Tomoyo!" Chiharu suggested.
"Oh really? The Hiiragizawas are very powerful, but I did see that Eriol guy and he does look pretty decent." Naoko said.
"Eriol… Hiiragizawa, huh?" Tomoyo mumbled, trying to remember where she heard that name before. She knew it was familiar, but she just can't remember who or what.
Suddenly, she heard her name was called by Sakura who was walking briskly towards them. "Hey Tomoyo!" She called out and stopped in front of her friends. However, her whole look was a bit messed up which made the girls laugh at her appearance.
"Did Syaoran do you good, Sakura? You look so worked up!" Chiharu teased.
"Hoe?" Sakura asked with her trademark word.
Tomoyo pointed at her best friend's neck which showed a dark hickey present, obviously new and just put on. Sakura looked at herself with her compact powder and shrieked when she saw what Tomoyo was pointing at her.
"That Syaoran!" She grunted and proceeded to cover it up with some concealer which just made the others laugh louder.
"So Sakura, what made you suddenly run?" Tomoyo asked when she was already done.
"Oh, your mother asked me for help to look for you. It seems like you're about to blow your birthday candles already." Sakura explained.
"Okay." Tomoyo nodded and all of them went for the candle blowing.
"Happy birthday, Tomoyo!" Everyone cheered as Tomoyo blew out the candles on her big birthday cake. She gave them her 100-watt smile and said her thanks to everyone.
And the celebration continued. It was almost midnight but few guests already left awhile ago since it was already getting late. Although it did seem like they are more relaxed when it's just relatives and close friends present, it makes the atmosphere more calm and enjoyable and not that too professional unlike that when you have wealthy businessmen and stockholders around.
Sonomi Daidouji walked up to her daughter and gave her a big hug. "Happy birthday, my dearest daughter." She said and Tomoyo hugged her back.
"Thank you mother," Tomoyo replied but was suddenly shocked when she felt her mother quiver in their embrace and she suddenly heard soft sobs. "Is there something wrong?" She asked worriedly.
Sonomi pulled away and wiped away her tears. "I'm sorry Tomoyo, I'm really sorry." She said and gave her daughter a big hug again. "I'll always love you, okay? No matter what anyone says, you will first and foremost be my daughter and princess."
"Oh mom," The dark-haired beauty said. "I love you too." She added.
Her mother's tears continued to flow down from her eyes and stared at her. "I'm really, really sorry, Tomoyo. I'm really sorry." She repeated. This time, Tomoyo was already confused. How come her mother was apologizing like that?
"Why are you apologizing, mother?" She asked when a sudden shiver went down her spine and her anxiety from awhile ago came back. Was something supposed to happen?
Her question was suddenly answered when the door of the Daidouji manor opened revealing 5 men in a suit. The one at the center looked the most strict and professional and he had an aura of serious business which made Tomoyo look scared at the sight of him.
Everyone looked at the sudden visitors, wondering who and what were they doing here. The elderly man at the center looked around the group of people until his eyes focused on the current Daidouji head.
"Mrs. Sonomi Daidouji," The man called and Sonomi walked over, face now painted with seriousness as well.
"Mr. Hiiragizawa," Most people in the room was shocked when they heard what Sonomi called the sudden guest. The one and only Hiiragizawa senior was present in front of their eyes. It was rare for anyone to see him personally because of his power and wealth.
The Hiiragizawa senior looked around the room once again and spotted the white-skinned beauty and instantly noticed her as the Daidouji heiress. The mentioned heiress however, looked terrified when his dark eyes landed on hers which made her lean against Sakura.
Sonomi followed where his eyes stared and fear and sadness washed over her body as she called for her daughter. "Tomoyo, please come forward." And Tomoyo did as she was told, trembling as she did so.
"G-Good evening, Mr. Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo managed a greeting towards the feared man. The latter looked at her intently and then turned to Sonomi once again.
"I came to get my part of the deal." And the elder man snapped his fingers and Mori, the butler, moved from his position and stepped in front of the birthday celebrant.
"Ms. Daidouji, please come with me to the car." Mori said and presented his arm for Tomoyo to hold on to.
What? Tomoyo was confused. Why was he suddenly telling her to go to the car? And what deal are they talking about? "Where are you taking me?" She asked curiously.
The man refused to answer and Sonomi just repeated what the man said with a very serious tone. "Tomoyo, please listen to what he said. Go."
"But mother! Where are they taking me?" Tomoyo asked, even more scared than ever. Everyone else can't do anything but just watch from behind because it's no good if they go against the high Hiiragizawa.
"You are to be taken to the Hiiragizawa mansion. Now." Hiiragizawa senior said but Tomoyo continued to refuse.
"Not unless you tell me why!" Tomoyo cried out, she was scared. She just didn't want to go anywhere with scary strangers.
The elder Hiiragizawa stared at her again, but this time with even more serious eyes and repeated his order but with an addition. "You are to be taken to the Hiiragizawa mansion, and you will not leave until you give me an heir. Now go to the car, now."
"What!" Tomoyo shrieked. "Mother, please!" She turned to her mother again with teary eyes and still refused to leave her house, forever. But her mother couldn't do anything but hide her eyes behind her bangs.
When she still wasn't moving, the Hiiragizawa senior was already losing his patience and snapped his fingers again. This time, the remaining 3 bodyguards moved from their position and stood in front of Tomoyo and made to grab and drag her towards the car.
"Tomoyo!" Sakura and the rest of her friends called over and ran towards her direction but the bodyguards just refused to let them pass and held them back.
"What are you doing? That's my best friend!" Sakura cried out while being restrained.
Tomoyo couldn't do anything. It already pained her physically while she was being dragged towards the car but it pained her most when she looked back towards her friends and family and most especially to her mother.
Why mother?
The elder Hiiragizawa looked at Sonomi once again and said, "Pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Daidouji." And left.
Everyone stared at the direction to which the cars passed and stood there shocked. Sonomi, on the other hand, finally broke down on her knees and sobbed loudly.
"Oh my Tomoyo!" She cried and Fujitaka, Sakura's father, rushed towards her side and hugged her.
"What happened? Why was she suddenly taken away?" Touya, Sakura's brother, asked.
It's a good thing only a few people remained before the scene happened. Only Sakura and her family, Syaoran, his mother and Shiefa, were the only ones remaining when it happened. Rika and the others already left minutes before the scene. If many were still present, it would create a great chaos for the Daidouji family reputation.
"I…I traded her for the Daidouji fortune…" Sonomi managed to say through her broken sobs which left everyone shocked.
Tomoyo was silent throughout the whole ride to the Hiiragizawa mansion. There she was, enjoying her birthday party until these men suddenly intruded their mansion and took her away just like that. She just looked out the window, staring at the buildings that passed as the car was in swift motion.
The scene that happened awhile ago replayed endlessly in her mind as well as the words that were said.
A deal. An heir. The Hiiragizawa mansion. She thought and didn't even realize that tears already left her eyes down her cheeks, tracing her jawline as it did so. A picture of her family and friends that remained there also came to her mind which made her tears fall harder. Everyone…
The car stopped but she didn't bother moving. Her tears stopped as well but she remained motionless, staring off to space. The door on her side suddenly opened and she was expected to already go down. What choice did she have? Tomoyo stepped out of the car, seeming like she has nowhere to go but here. She was presented in front of the Hiiragizawa manor—it was obviously bigger than her house but she didn't care.
"Ms. Daidouji, please follow me," Mori said and escorted her towards the big house. Tomoyo just followed him in silence. "You don't need to worry about your clothes and other stuff, Ms. Daidouji. Everything has already been prepared for your arrival." And there was still no response from the heiress.
Mori opened a door and let Tomoyo enter. "Master Hiiragizawa has already left but will be back in the morning. Please do make yourself comfortable in this room until the maids have already prepared yours." He explained and left.
Tomoyo scanned the room with uninterested and dark, pained eyes. She was still in her birthday gown and faint hand marks were all over her arms due to her restraint when the bodyguards were dragging her towards the car but she didn't care and ignored the pain. She felt numb and all she wanted was to go home.
"I want to go home." She mumbled to no one in particular but was shocked when he heard a man's reply.
"I'm afraid that's impossible." A young man turned towards Tomoyo's direction from his seat. When was he there? Tomoyo wasn't able to notice him when she was escorted inside. Tomoyo stiffened when the young man with dark hair looked at her and said his statement. She couldn't see him clearly since the room was so dark except for the light from the fireplace and the small amount of moonlight present.
"Who are you?" She managed to ask.
The dark-haired man stood up from his place and looked at the other person in the room once again.
"I'm Eriol. Eriol Hiiragizawa."
End of Chapter
Yay for my first multichapter fic! And it's Eriol x Tomoyo too! I just love them together so much :3 So what do you guys think? :D
Please do leave reviews! I don't bite :D
Love,
Claudia