AN: Ok, So. I'm going with a whole 'nother approach... This story isn't as bad as the other one. But that's because I was high on sugar when I was writing that. You know those moods? Yeah those. Anyway, I just want to become a better writer. And yes. I know this is short. Like a half assed attempt at a s beginning, but I hate starting story's. It's hard. And I have no experience what's so ever... So yeah. Also, I know that this is story plot is over used. I'm quite aware of that. Dismissing the fact that you see one of these every two story's. Please Review, Flame, Anything. I just need criticism...

Disclaimer: There's a reason why it's call fanfiction. Fan Fiction - Fiction written by a fan of, and featuring characters from, a particular TV series, movie, etc. Fiction - A literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact.

The ultimate defense mechanism is to pretend. There was never anything truer. I sat with my hands folded in my lap, listening to my father drone on and on and on about his proposal to the Oortori Company. I only picked up bits and pieces of the words they were exchanging. I really didn't want to be here. But, as my father said to me, there was a reason.

And I knew that exact reason. But I couldn't stop him, not even if I tried.

"Kumiko." My father stated. His voice sounding superior and slightly… Happy? Relieved? I don't know, but his tone made my gut clench and twirl like a spinning top. By breaking my train of thought and my internal rant, I had my head quickly up and my eyes, albeit slightly glossy, focused innocently on him like I'd been listening the whole time.

"Yes father?" Came my obedient reply. My voice was airy and… feminine. Just like I was always memorized by something or someone. It was quiet too. There was a reason for that, though. The only reason was what came the first time I had spoke my mind.

"I'd like you to tell me what make's you think you'd make a good wife?" It was Mr. Ootori who spoke next. His voice alone sent a small shiver down my spine. I didn't like that, not one bit.

"I'd be focused solely on making my husband look better, talking when only spoken to, and will willingly take on all the necessary objectives for his company." Hopefully it pleased him. I had been practicing on that only for weeks. With my hands still in my lap and my back straight, I looked him in the eye. Honest, calm, and hopefully, believable.

Something flashed in his eyes. The eyes behind the glasses, as cheesy as that sounds. It wasn't bad, either. It almost looked like. Like he was satisfied. That's what scared me. I didn't want this stupid arranged marriage. I wanted to take over my fathers company. I wanted to be the independent woman my mother tried so hard to raise behind my fathers back.

But I had failed yet another person.

And that person was the only one I didn't want to fail. She was my mom and my best friend at the same time. That's why I didn't need anyone else. All I needed was her. Sadly, she was gone before my 13th birthday. Gone, gone, gone. Just like my freedom.

"Mr. Ishimaru." This is the part when he says that the deal is a no-go. "I believe you have yourself a deal." Mr. Oortori said. My eyes widened a considerable amount. With those words said, I was a prisoner. My freedom gone in a simple seven word sentence.

Make me feel like this was worth the embarrassment.. Please Review.