♥ °Behind her smile° ♥

Disclaimer: I was working on my new manga. "Naruto Shippuden" it was called. The more and more I drew, the more money….. I grinned evilly and chuckled. Slowly, I outlined a perfect drawing of Naruto. I opened my eyes. Dammit! It's just a dream! Obviously I do not own Naruto. Masashi Kimimoto does. That lucky bastard.

Pairing: Sasuke and Sakura

I thought that marrying Sasuke Uchiha was a dream come true. He loved me, I guess. What could be better than that? Then again, why does he leave me every night? He's hiding something. But all I can do is hide the pain, all of it, behind my smile.

Summary: Sakura Haruno, a beautiful pink-haired woman, has finally gotten her dream to come true. On one night, the Sasuke Uchiha had finally proposed to her, confessing to her about his feelings. After two happy years, he said that he had a meeting one night. Sakura waited all night, but he didn't come back until the next morning. She understood about his work, but why did he smell like smoke and beer? Why did he look someone who had just been drunk? Why did he have smell a bit like….perfume?

A/N: Hey, minna! Sorry about my other story! I found it too hard to continue it so I decided to start on a new one. My first story will be on hold right now. This story is supposed to be angst and sad. Lmao different then my other one XD. Just to let you know, this story goes straight into when Sakura and Sasuke are already married. Gomenesai about my other story again so to make it up, enjoy this one! 3

xuxuStrawberryGurlxuxu – Sakura talking (kinda like narrator)

xuxuStrawberryGurlxuxu – Inner Sakura

♥ Chapter 1- The Perfect Man ♥

Marriage is a promise between two people who are deeply in love with each other.

A promise that is made through a proposal. A promise made by one another.

A promise that was not meant to be broken, tied with love.

But he broke it. He broke that promise. The one that he made first.

He was the one who proposed to me. But I was an idiot. A fool. I said yes, I thought that marrying him would be the best thing in the world. He was the man that every girl wished for. But he chose me. Me, Sakura Haruno. I never really knew the true reason why he chose me.

So I asked him. Why me? Why me out of those billion other girls who'd love to say yes?

He replied.

He said "Because I love you"

Those words worked on me like magic. The more he said that, the more I fell in love.

Heh. What a good actor.

I should have known he could never love me.

I should have known I was being used.

I should have said something earlier.

I should have said no when he proposed.

I should have known he was lying to me.

But you know what's funny?

All this time, when he left me each night,

I did know.

"Sakura, Sakura", a voice whispered in her ear, tickling her.

She slightly opened her eyes, but as the sunlight blinded her, she quickly closed them. Using her hands, she covered her body with silk covers and buried herself deep into the velvet pillows. The weight on the bed next to her shifted.

"Sakura. Sakura", the voice repeated. She groaned. It was like a voice of an angel. Deep, mysterious yet pleading. The way her name rolled off of his lips slowly lulled her to sleep once more. Her brief slumber was disturbed when an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her into a firm chest.

"Sakura. Wake up", he called to her. She gradually opened her eyes, her blurry vision slowly clearing. The sun was shining brightly out through the windows where the curtains were pushed back to its sides. She turned her head only to face a hard chest. She raised her emerald eyes to look up at a handsome pale face. Her face slowly flushed with happiness and smiled cutely.

"Hai", she replied. "Ohayo."

Sasuke smirked and lowered his head to kiss her forehead.

"Good morning, beautiful", he whispered, nuzzling her soft pink hair, inhaling the strawberry shampoo scent. She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head into his chest.

"Do I have to wake up?" she mumbled into his chest. Sasuke smiled softly and laid his chin on top of her head, tightening his grip on her.

"Yeah. I have to get to work and you have to meet Ino at the mall, remember?" he reminded her. Sakura loosened her grip and sighed.

"Oh fine. Wait. What time is it?" she asked suddenly. Sasuke lifted his arms from her waist and kicked off the covers. He turned around to check the clock on his night table.

"Uhh….it's 8:15", he answered rolling back to face her. Her eyes stared at him blankly before a wave of surprise flowed into her eyes. She quickly jumped out of bed, her hair slightly messed and her nightgown straps loosely falling off her shoulders. She quickly placed on her slippers and ran to the closet.

"Oh my god! It's 8:15 already! I'm so going to be late! Ahhhhh!! Ino-pig is going to kill me! Where's that outfit I chose yesterday? Wait! There it is! Oh my gosh! I still have to shower and fix my hair. Yep, I'm so getting killed by her!!!" she screamed in panic as she ran around the bedroom, grabbing everything she needed. Sasuke sat up in bed and chuckled in amusement as he watched his wife go crazy.

"What are you laughing at Sasuke-kun? IT IS NOT FUNNY!! How would you feel if porker tried to kill you? Huh? Huh? Oh you probably just give her one of those nasty glares you have! But I'm not you so I'll be dead before you know it! Oh no where did I put that necklace?" she shouted. She quickly grabbed her outfit and ran to the bed where Sasuke was. She ruffled his slightly tousled hair and pecked his lips. Then, she sprinted to the bathroom door.

"Well, you take care at work. Don't come home too late", she yelled over her shoulder. "I love you!" She slammed the bathroom door and pretty soon, all Sasuke heard was the shower turning on. He sighed and smirked. He was so used to this. His wife is just so absolutely clueless when it comes to meetings at work and meetings with friends. He ran his hand through his raven hair. He better get ready for work before he turns out like Sakura. He jumped out of the king-sized bed and grabbed his suit. He smirked, hearing Sakura's pretty voice singing as it echoed throughout the bathroom.

He smiled softly and stuffed his arms into the sleeves of his coat. He glanced at the bathroom door and mumbled something.

"I love you too", he whispered as he opened the bedroom door.

Sakura sighed as she ran her comb through her bubblegum hair. She quickly pulled back strands of hair with an emerald clip. Grabbing her purse, she walked out of the bedroom. The sound of her high heels echoed down the hallway as she made her way to the stairs. Carefully, she walked with grace down the stairs, holding the railing.

"Ohayo, Sakura-hime", one of the maids greeted at the bottom of the steps, bowing respectively. Sakura smiled gently and nodded her head.

"Ohayo, Matsuri", she replied as she passed by to make her way to the kitchen. Matsuri quickly followed her, careful not to trip in front of the mistress. Sakura walked over to the mahogany table and set herself on the comfortable, cushioned chairs. A meal was quickly placed in front of her.

"Today's breakfast is eggs and cheese, bacon and toast. The coffee has two teaspoons of milk and one sugar", recited Matsuri who had taken her place on the right of Sakura. Sakura grinned and laughed.

"Looks delicious. Arigato", she commented. Sakura picked up her stainless steel fork and scooped up a piece of bacon. Quickly, she finished her breakfast. Sakura turned to Matsuri and smiled.

"Well, it was good. Thank the chef for me, okay?" she asked. Matsuri quickly bowed and nodded. As soon as she was told, she was off into the kitchen to tell the chef. Sakura shook her head the maid's obedience and delicately wiped her mouth with a napkin. She then stood up and grabbed her purse. Sighing, she walked out of the kitchen and into the corridor. As if on queue, another maid ran up to her and gave her a coat.

"Will you be going outside, Sakura-hime? If you do, would you like this coat?" the maid asked politely. Sakura smiled at her and nodded.

"This one is fine", she replied. "Arigato"

The maid quickly bowed and smiled timidly.

"No need to thank me, Sakura-hime. I'm a maid. It's my job." Sakura laughed lightly and slipped her arms in the sleeves of her coat.

"Well I shall be going now", she stated. She walked towards the door where two butlers held the door for her. One of the butlers followed and held opened the door of the car. She stepped in gracefully and the butler closed the door, trying to make no loud sounds. He climbed into the car and swiftly turned his head towards Sakura.

"Where shall I drive you, hime-sama?" the butler politely asked. Sakura looked out the window and then buckled her seat belt.

"To the Konoha Mall, please. I'm meeting Ino-chan", she said happily. The butler nodded in understatement and turned on the engine.

After a few minutes, they reached a large building. The butler quickly parked in front of the mall and got out of the car. Sakura ran her fingers through her hair before stepping out of the car. She gracefully walked towards the door of the mall. She turned her head, hearing the whispers of the other citizens.

"Isn't that Mrs.Uchiha?"

"It is, isn't?"

"Obviously! No one can mistake her for her pink hair!"

"She's so beautiful! And lucky! Married to THE Uchiha!"

"Hurry! Someone open the door for her"

Sakura smiled lightly as she saw a crowd of people ran to the door before her and open it. As she walked closer and closer, she bowed.

"Thank you so much", she said cheerfully. The people gasped and quickly bowed back.

Sakura walked pass them, her strawberry scent hitting their noses. After she left, the whispers started again.

"She's so nice!"

"She bowed to us! Why? She's so powerful and she still bows!"

"I wish I was her! I mean she's so perfect!"

Sakura shook her head at the gossip and walked towards an expensive café. She walked up to the host and smiled. The host looked at her in surprise.

"M-m-rs. Uchiha! What a pleasant surprise! Mrs.Nara is waiting for you in the high

room", the host stammered. "Please follow me."

He lead her to further into the café. The waiters turned their heads towards her. After realizing who it was, they quickly bowed as they passed by. Sakura nodded her head in acknowledgement. They finally reached a rich, elegant room. Sitting at the beige couches was a platinum hair girl with blue violet eyes. Hearing the door open, her eyes widened in happiness. She quickly rushed to the door, grinning.

"FORHEAD-GIRL!!" she screamed at Sakura. "Finally! You take so long!"

Sakura stuck out her tongue. "I didn't take that long! And please lower your voice! My ears are going to bleed soon!"

Ino rolled her eyes and glanced at the host, indicating that he should leave. The host straightened his back and bowed. In a second, he left. Sakura shook her head. "I hate it when people are so obedient!"

Ino grinned and went back to the couch. "Well you're married to THE Sasuke so obviously they'd listen to you!"

Sakura sighed and sat on the couch beside her. Grabbing a cup of coffee on the coffee table in front of them, she turned her head towards Ino.

"Well Ino-pig? What was it that you wanted to tell me?" she asked. Pretty soon, all of Ino's happiness disappeared from her eyes. She lowered her gaze onto the table and sighed.

"Ino-chan? What's wrong?" Sakura asked, her voice showing concern. Ino's lips quivered as she answered back.

"Sakura-chan. I don't think I can trust Shikamaru now." Ino whispered, tears slowly slipped down her cheeks. Sakura widened her eyes. Standing up, she walked over to the couch that Ino sat in. Wrapping her arms around her, she patted her back tocomfort her.

"Shh…it's going to be okay. Calm down Ino-pig. Doushite? Why cant's you trust him", Sakura asked calmly. "I mean, he's not that much of a lazy ass is he?" Ino hugged Sakura back and smiled softly.

"Well, he is, but I saw something yesterday", Ino whispered after her smile disappeared. Sakura dropped her arms and stared straight at Ino, giving her her full attention.

"What happened?" Sakura asked quietly. Ino trembled and inhaled, trying to calm herself. She stared at Sakura, her eyes full of angst and depression.

"I saw Shikamaru with another woman", she whispered, trying so hard to control her tears. Sakura looked down.

"Were they doing anything?" Sakura asked carefully. Ino couldn't hold her teas any longer. It was so fast. The tears that leaked out of her eyes. They just kept coming.

"S-s-a-kura. T-t-hey were…k-k-issing", she stammered, as she sobbed. Sakura widened her eyes horrified. Grabbing her purse, she searched through her bag. Taking out a tissue, she gave it to Ino who looked worse than before.

"Oh, Ino-chan. It's going to be okay. I'll make sure I'll ask Shikamaru about this. And then, I'll beat him up until he actually agrees to start working", Sakura stated with a hint of anger in her voice. Ino wiped her tears with the tissue and faked a smile.

"I thought he would be the perfect man. I guess even he has flaws", she mumbled. Sakura hugged her tightly.

"Ino-chan. Not every man is perfect. They might seem like it at first, but they more you're with them, the more you see their flaws", Sakura said quietly. "Don't worry. That lazy ass doesn't even deserve your love, anyways."

Ino sighed and took a deep breath. "I know. I know", she mumbled. "But I love him so much! Do you know how much it hurt to see that he actually was starting to like another girl?" Her voice cracked a bit, almost close to breaking into tears again.

Sakura's eyes softened at her best friend's confession. "Oh, Ino-chan. I'm so sorry about what happened. I wish I could just kill Shikamaru!" Sakura clenched her fist as she thought about that jerk. Ino looked up.

"Well, Sakura. You say there's no perfect man. What about your man?" Ino asked, softly. Sakura turned her head and gazed out of the window. The situation was replaced with an awkward silence. Ino practically thought that Sakura wouldn't answer, but suddenly Sakura smiled.

"Sasuke is not perfect. If you look at it, he has so many flaws. Outsiders probably wouldn't know, but if you're someone really close to him, you'd see it. He just hides them, but are easily found" Sakura answered, shaking her head. Ino smiled lightly and asked.

"What do you think that a man should have to make him perfect?" Ino asked quietly.

Sakura placed a finger on her chin, thinking hard.

"Hmmm…well, they'd just have to love with all their heart. No matter what circumstanced and love only me alone" Sakura replied, laughing. Ino shook her head.

"Sounds a bit greedy if you ask me. Then again, I'd want that from Shikamaru"

Sakura patted her friend's head. "Oh, it is greedy. But it's a hard promise. It's hard to keep a promise forever without actually breaking it. Especially loving someone forever because they're so many obstacles between it that practically makes it impossible to love only one person", Sakura stated, smiling.

Sakura gazed out of the window of the car. Her butler had just picked her up from the mall and now they were headed back home. Her emerald eyes filled with sadness as she thought about her best friend and how much she got hurt. Ino was obviously popular in high school with her amazing blond hair, but because of that, she was hurt so many times. There were betrayals, fights, broken hearts. Everything that could cause someone to want to end life.

Ino obviously couldn't handle the emotional situations until Shikamaru came. He was her bodyguard, protector. Anything to describe someone who protects and helps someone. He was there when she got hurt and with his smart brain, he'd try and figure out who'd start it. At first, Ino and him were just really close friends. Pretty soon, Ino wanted him to protect her forever and he wanted to protect her more.

Because of this, they ended up together during college. It wasn't until later college when he proposed to her. Of course Shikamaru was smart, but not very smart when it comes to romance. They always had fights, but you could really see that they really love each other.

Sakura frowned. I mean, loved. She corrected herself. She was so angry at Shikamaru. At some point, they were really good friends. I mean, why not? They were both smart. Sakura just couldn't believe that Shikamaru would cheat on Ino. She tried to convince herself that it was just a misunderstanding, but it just seemed to good to be true. Sakura sighed. This was so confusing. One minute Shikamaru's telling Ino he loved her. The next minute he's cheating with some stupid slut.

Sakura rubbed her temples, calming herself. Relax, relax, Sakura told herself. The butler looked at the backview mirror.

"Hime-sama? Are you okay?" he asked with concern. Sakura looked at him and smiled lightly.

"Yeah. Don't worry. I'm probably just tired", she replied encouragingly. He nodded in understatement and turned back his head on the road. They finally reached the mansion after a few minutes. Sakura stepped out of the car and slowly walked into the mansion. The maids and butlers greeted her respectfully and welcomed her back home. She smiled convincingly and gave her coat to one of the maids. Gracefully, she walked up to her study room and laid on the couch, inhaling the fresh Uchiha scent. The cold leather material relaxed her as she inhaled in and out.

Making a mental note to herself about visiting Shikamaru, she straightened herself and got up. Walking to her desk, she sighed in content that she had a day off from work. Turning on the computer, she spun herself on her chair as she waited for it to load. Quickly typing her password, she got to work, trying to finish a big work project that was due in a few months at work.

Sasuke Uchiha sighed. He had a long day, meeting clients at his company and helping the workers to straighten out. Sitting comfortably in his chair, he took a sip of his black coffee. A sudden loud knock was heard on the door. Sasuke growled and loudly placed his mug on the table.

"This better be good", he barked. The door was burst open and a flash of orange came into the room.

"Teme! Guess what? Guess? GUESS? What the hell? It smells like freaking strong coffee in here!" a loud and ear-breaking voice yelled. Sasuke rolled his eyes and ran his hand through his hair.

"Well you just shut up, dobe. I have loads of work to do and what the hell do you want?" Sasuke mumbled emotionlessly. Naruto grinned stupidly and planted himself onto the chair in front of Sasuke's desk.

"Well, teme. I found this awesome club and there's loads of chicks in it. You wanna come?" Naruto asked eagerly. Sasuke frowned and growled.

"You know I can't. Sakura will worry and what about Hinata?" Sasuke asked. Naruto shrugged and rolled his eyes.

"Hinata? She won't care. She's too quiet to stop me anyways. And she's too shy and whenever I try and kiss her, we stop after like one second", Naruto stated angrily. Sasuke twitched.

"So…you're going to cheat on her?" Sasuke asked in amusement. Naruto grinned.

"Well…not exactly. Just replacing her with other women who actually know what to do in love situations", Naruto said, smirking. Sasuke shook his head.

"You're such a dobe. That's called cheating", Sasuke mumbled. Naruto rolled his eyes.

"Who cares?" Naruto asked confidently. "I rather kiss a stranger then having her not kiss me at all" NAruto placed his hand behind his head. "Besides, I think we might divorce."

Sasuke glanced at him. "Why?"

Naruto sighed and shook his head.

"I don't even know why I married her. I mean, her father doesn't even approve of me."

Sasuke turned his head to the computer, typing a few things onto his work. Naruto glared at Sasuke.

"Are you coming or not?" Naruto asked. Sasuke glared at him emotionlessly.

"No", Sasuke replied. Naruto scoffed.

"Why not?" Sasuke rolled his dark eyes. "I'm not cheating on Sakura." He opened his drawer to grab a folder and flipped it open. Naruto slammed his hand onto the table.

"Aww, teme. You're such a goodie goodie to pretty Sakura", Naruto cooed. Sasuke growled and pushed his hand off his desk. Naruto sighed. Bastard, he thought to himself. Naruto walked towards the door of the office, going to leave.

"She'll find out and it'll hurt her."

Naruto grinned and turned around. "So? Just say you're at a meeting. I'm doing that. Come on, teme. Don't be a coward. I mean, Sakura is hot, but give these women other chances. I heard that Neji would be there."

Sasuke quickly glanced up from his work. "Neji? What about Tenten?"

Naruto shrugged. "All he said was that we'll make a bet. Whoever gets the most girls gets ten million dollars. Since me, Neji, and Shikamaru are going, the winner gets thirty million."

Sasuke gazed at the door, deep in thought. I mean, should he? He gets money and gets to kick his rivals ass. Forgetting the hurt he'll cause to Sakura, he smirked.

"You're on."

Sakura sighed. Taking her book, she quickly finished a bit more of the project, slowly sketching the plans and blueprints. Faintly, she heard the phone ring. The ringing stopped after it's first ring. A knock on the door was heard. Sakura turned her head.

"Come in." Sakura called. The butler walked in and bowed in respect.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, hime-sama, but Sasuke-sama shall not be attending dinner tonight for he has a meeting" he informed. Sakura lowered her gaze on the computer in disappointment.

"Thank you. You may go now" Sakura ordered. The butler nodded and closed the door. Sakura stared at her paper, sighing. This never happened before. Sasuke practically never had a meeting after work. Didn't he even say that he wouldn't take any offers if he had to come home late? Sakura had this uneasy feeling in her stomach. Maybe she was just being paranoid. Taking a sip of cold water from her cup, she tried to smile. There's a first for everything, she convinced herself. But no matter how many times she told herself, the uneasy feeling was still in her stomach.

"Is it really a meeting? Or am I going to end up like Ino?" she whispered.

Will his promise be broken?

One thing is for sure.

Sasuke Uchiha is no perfect man.

A/N: Hello everyone! Well this is the first chapter to my story! It's mostly going to be Sakura's point of view because writing what Sasuke thinks is kind of hard especially when he at the club XD how do u like it so far? I'm sorry about the other story! I promise I'll work hard on this one. Please read and review and tell me if I should continue it! Arigato.

P.S: People will tend to hate the males in this story. Gomenesai for making them the bad guys, but once again, not every man is perfect! 3

Arina Nanami