A/N: Some of you may have already read this, but I encourage you to read it again. I've edited the first two chapters as well as combined the prologue and chapter one into a single page. Not much has been changed, mostly only paragraphs have been added. Enjoy. :)
I DO NOT own Naruto or any of the characters mentioned in this story. They belong to their creator Masashi Kishimoto.

Till Death Do Us Part
Written by Fading Rain

Prologue
Marriage

It had been an arranged marriage; he was to be the head of a major company and she was the daughter of a wealthy family. No matter how she felt about it, she knew there was no way to refuse this. Her parents had sat her down and explained everything to her. That this was the only thing left that they could do. Having her marry this man would ensure their survival; the family money had run out and her father's company would soon be split up and sold. This was something that she had to do whether she wanted to or not.

The wedding had been a simple one; no guests, no decorations, nothing. It was an informal gathering of the engaged couple and their parents. Sakura wore a simple long white gown and a lace veil that covered half of her face; a small smile upon her lips while the veil hid the sadness in her eyes.

The ceremony took place in a beautiful church that sat in the center of town. The two stood before the priest at the altar while he recited the wedding vows. A few moments later and it was time for the I do's.

"Do you Ichiro, take Sakura to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, till death do you part?"

"I do." Ichiro replied. His face and voice remained emotionless.

"Do you Sakura, take Ichiro to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, till death do you part?"

"I do."

They exchanged their rings.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

It was a simple kiss, a light touch, with no emotion from either. She knew he only agreed to this because he had to be married in order to take over the family business. There would be no love in this relationship.

After the two were married, they moved into a large, elegant two story house; far too much room for just the two of them. His father had hired a staff of maids, servants, cooks, and anyone else who was needed.

From the outside it appeared as if they were happy; smiling, embracing each other when necessary. But behind their front door, life was much different; it was a living hell.

Chapter 1
Truth

The sun began to rise, signaling a new day. She was already up and dressed, having always been an early riser. After a few more moments to herself, she began her daily routine.

First she would assist the cooks with his breakfast. It was a wife's duty to cook for her husband, her mother had told her. Since there were cooks on duty, all she could do was help out where she was needed. When breakfast was finished, Ichiro would usually be making his way downstairs. He wore his usual attire; an expensive suit, usually in black, and a tie. Sakura would serve him and then sit quietly at the opposite end of the table and eat. Silence, as always.

Ichiro would leave for work and she would finish her chores; straightening up the house, doing laundry. Though there were people that were hired to take care of the housework, she preferred to do it herself. As her mother taught her, it is a wife's duty keep their house spotless. But she couldn't deny that she was glad there were people to help her.

Ever since her eighteenth birthday her mother had taught her how a wife should act, the duties of a wife, everything there was to know. It became ingrained in her. She had understood the relationship she had put her daughter into and would make sure there would be no reason for Ichiro to leave her.

When she was finished with the morning chores, she made her way upstairs and dressed in knee length sea green gown with a pair of matching heels. It was a beautiful sunny day so she decided to leave her hair down. Sighing, she gathered her things and left the house.

"How are things with you and Ichiro, Sakura?" Hinata asked, sipping her tea.

"Oh, things are great." She smiled.

Sakura and Ichiro had been married for a year. There had been no intimate relations between the two since the kiss at their wedding. And even that didn't contain any emotion or feeling. The two were merely using one another for some sort of personal gain; Ichiro needed a wife and the Haruno family needed money. Sakura was the only one who didn't really profit from this arrangement. Even if there was no love, it wasn't all bad. She lived in a beautiful home along with the benefits of servants, she did help out with everything, and money to buy anything her heart desired. Her husband would sometimes buy her expensive jewelry for no reason. At least they were trying to appear as if they were like every other married couple.

None of her friends dared mention that she had been forced into an arranged marriage; Ino and Hinata were happily married to their childhood loves. Sakura, though, didn't have one. Sure there were boys that she liked, some she even thought she loved, but they never lasted. To those around her, she looked like she was just using them, but all she wanted to do was find love. She didn't want to be alone. By the time her parents had announced the marriage arrangement, she had given up.

Ino's face lit up. "Oh! I almost forgot. I'm having a party this weekend. Both of you should come!"

"Of course we will. Your parties are always the best." Hinata replied.

"I'll mention it to Ichiro tonight. I don't see why we wouldn't attend. He never misses social gatherings."

A musical tone came from her purse and she pulled out her phone. Sakura read the new text message she received. Quickly she disguised the look of fear on her face.

"I have to go. Ichiro needs me. I'll catch up with you guys later."

The three exchanged hugs before Sakura turned and headed home.

When she arrived home she found Ichiro waiting for her. His expression for the most part was calm but the anger he was trying to control was seeping through his façade. He stood and strode towards her.

"When were you planning on telling me?" He asked.

A confused look crossed her face. "What?"

"Don't give me that!" His voice rose with each word. "You've known all along that your family's money is gone. Is that why you married me? Is it?!"

She could practically see the steam pouring out of his ears with each silent passing moment. Before she could react she felt a stinging sensation in her cheek. He hit her. For a man who never raised his hand, he raised his hand to a woman, to his own wife.

Sakura staggered back, a hand to her face. Tears stung the back of her eyes and threatened to fall. But she wouldn't cry in front of him. Wouldn't give him the satisfaction of hurting her. Ichiro raised his hand once more, hitting the same, already swelling, cheek. Over and over he hit her, releasing his anger on her fragile body. When he was done, she lay limp on the floor, her face throbbing. She could already feel the bruises forming. He left her there and went upstairs.

Alone, she let the tears flow.

The burning heat of the water seemed to numb the pain as she sat in the shower. The tears had stopped long ago; she had no more energy to cry. Her skin was bright red from the water but she couldn't feel it anymore. She couldn't feel anything anymore for she had blocked it all out; the hurt, the sadness. It felt better this way. Nothing and no one would be able to hurt her anymore.

She had tried to make this marriage work no matter how much she didn't want this; when neither want it or each other, there would be no way to make it work. There was nothing more that could be done. So now, with her heart closed off, she would no longer try to love. It would only bring pain, and she just couldn't take anymore.

For once, she was grateful that she didn't share a room with Ichiro. She had a place she could run to when she wanted to be alone. Sakura didn't want to be seen bruised and broken. She couldn't let anyone see the truth that she so desperately tried to hide behind their front door. Even if their marriage was nothing more than an elaborate lie.

Slowly she dressed in a simple satin nightgown and lay down in bed. The four poster mahogany bed was far too big for her, it could fit at least three other people. The sheets a cream color which was a perfect contrast against the dark shade of the wood. The room itself was quite large and all of the other furniture were made of the same wood as the bed. There was no color, no personal decorations. This room, let alone the house, didn't feel like home. It felt like a prison. So what was the point of brightening up the place?

A/N: I understand the chapter itself is not very long, but I promise that all remaining chapters (apart from chapter 2) will be longer. Please R&R. Thanks! :)