Author's Note: This is my third story. It was supposed to be posted later after I've finished Heaven's Eye… But I just feel like posting it sooner… This is just a normal story… no magic…

And again… I Don't Own CCS… but other characters that are not in CCS are mine…

17/10/10: This is the re-edit version... I changed it a little bit... but it was for the better... and if there are still any grammatical mistakes... I'm sorry... well.. go on and read then... =)

Wished I'd Seen the Truth Sooner

By: faRHaNa eMEraLdz

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Galilee, and is commended in Saint Paul to be honorable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two people present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now, or else hereafter forever hold his peace," the priest waited for a moment but silence was his answer.

"Then, let them say their vows," the priest said again and looked at the bride and the groom.

"I, Kinomoto Sakura, take you, Li Xiao Lang, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us," the bride said with her soft voice.

"I, Li Xiao Lang, take you, Kinomoto Sakura, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us," the groom said with his voice that had surely blown too many girls' wet dreams, seriously.

"The rings please," the priest looked at the best man and the bridesmaid. The bespectacled guy gave the ring to the groom as the lady with black wavy hair that stood beside the bride gave the ring to the bride.

"With this ring, I thee wed," the bride said.

"With this ring, I thee wed," the groom said as they wore the rings to each other's finger. The priest smiled at them.

"As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other, which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and by the giving and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, I pronounce you to be husband and wife, you may kiss your bride," the priest said as the groom gave the bride a short kiss as the flashes were all on them.


* Flash Back *

"Mother, why are you doing this to me? For God's sake, I'm 23. I've told you I'll marry someday when I'm ready," a man with clear angry amber eyes, handsomely suited in black looked at an elderly woman who sat elegantly while drinking her cup of tea under her favourite tree.

"I think that someday is going to be now. It's time for you to get married but only to the girl that I find suitable to be crowned as the Mistress of the Li clan. I don't want just some petty spoilt brats with brain of peacock to give birth to the heir of the Li clan," the woman said calmly as the man with the boyish look raised his brow, "What do you mean by just some petty spoilt brats with brain of peacock?"

"I don't need an arrogant and stupid daughter-in-law that only knows how to get us sleeping on the streets in three months," the woman gave a pointed look at the man.

"Huh… I know I was wrong about her. I'm sorry, truly sorry," the man sighed.

"I'm finding a good wife for you. So, don't even try to sign some contract with her like you did with Rachel Yang," the woman glared at him as the man loosened his tie.

"You know about that too?" the man asked with choked breath.

"And what give you the idea that I didn't know about that? I know everything that goes around you, Xiao Lang. I hate to say this but I knew Rachel's intention just by looking at her greedy eyes. I've met all kind of people that want to get their hands on our wealth and I've been telling you to be careful with people. Don't just grab ANYONE to escape the marriages that I've been arranged for you. Three lovely and kind-hearted ladies had turned down the proposal because of your ignorance. Make sure you make some effort on this one or I'll make sure you don't get even a penny from the Li clan. Do you understand me, Li Xiao Lang?" the woman got up and looked straight into his eyes which reminded her of her husband.

"I understand, Mother," the man said and was about to leave when the woman called for him, "You have a dinner with her tonight at Sun Maple Hotel. Be on time. That's an order."

"Well, at least you didn't tell me NOT to bring some friends, right?" Syaoran smiled wickedly and dialed a number.

"Hey Eriol, we have a dinner to ruin tonight. Care to join me?" he said as Eriol laughed at his statement, "Another arranged date? Okay, I'll be there with you."

"Sun Maple Hotel. Time, as usual," Syaoran said and hung up.

"I would like to see the look on Mother's face when this one breaks down in front of her, just like the others," Syaoran grinned evilly.

Sun Maple Hotel

"Here we go, Eriol. You'll give the talk and I'll keep silent and then walk away with some other girl," Syaoran looked at Eriol who sighed, "You don't have to tell me each time."

"Just to be sure you won't ruin it," Syaoran chuckled.

"But why am I having a feeling this meeting won't be ruined like always?" Eriol said as he walked with Syaoran.

"Nothing is going to be out of plan. Stay cool and we'll walk out with no hassle," Syaoran assured but that did not convince Eriol at all. His intuition was always right.

They went to the room that Yelan had reserved for them to finally meet the girl who will be crying her eyes out when Syaoran ignore her. Well, if that what Syaoran thought he would be doing.

"Hi, guys," a girl with long black hair greeted them with a friendly and familiar gesture.

"Tomoyo, what the heck are you doing here? Don't tell me…." Eriol looked hurt when he saw Tomoyo sitting in the reserved room, meaning that she was the girl that will be ruined that night.

"No, I'm just the matchmaker. Syaoran's future bride is coming late. She's busy with some other work that needs her full attention," Tomoyo explained as Eriol's face turned to relief.

"Well, doesn't that mean Syaoran is not so important here? Syaoran, don't you feel hurt?" Eriol grinned sheepishly.

"She's making a good first impression. So, tell me why did you help my mother to find a bride for me?" Syaoran glared at Tomoyo.

"Coz I'm sick of you trying to find girls that are not cut to be the Mistress of Li and the mother of your child and one good example is Rachel," Tomoyo smiled innocently.

"I knew I've made a mistake there but all of you can stop reminding me about that. I'm a human, not a God. Human makes mistakes, right?" Syaoran gave a point.

"Unfortunately, as the only heir of the Li clan and the new Master of Li clan to be, you are not allowed to make mistakes or people will see you as unsuitable for the throne," Tomoyo said as Eriol nodded in agreement.

"Hey, you're supposed to be on my side," Syaoran looked at his best friend.

"I'm with Tomoyo. I've told you Rachel was a bad idea but as usual, my intuition was ignored and thrown into the bin," Eriol shrugged his shoulders.

"By the way, who is the girl who will be ruined tonight?" Syaoran asked as Tomoyo shook her head.

"Na-uh, you won't be ruining her at all. She's basically immune to your marital apprehension because you like her a lot and you told me that when you were drunk. You're the kind that would let your heart do the talking when drunk. So, you can stop arguing with me. Here she comes," Tomoyo smiled as Syaoran looked at her curiously, "I do not have marital apprehension and how did you know I would like her now?"

"Intuition," Tomoyo and Eriol said in unison. A knock was heard and Tomoyo opened it to allow the girl to come in.

"Hi," the girl smiled as Syaoran looked at her large clear emerald eyes. She bowed and apologized, "I'm sorry for coming late. I have a play to attend to."

"Now, what's more important? Your blind date or some play?" Eriol asked.

"Well, for your information, Hiragizawa-san, Sakura-san here is the teacher-in-charge for that 'some' play," Tomoyo glared.

"Ops, there goes my big mouth," Eriol smiled apologetically at Sakura.

"You never told me you're a teacher," Syaoran scrutinized at Sakura.

"You never ask," Sakura answered shortly.

"I hate to interrupt but please sit down with us so we can have a long talk about Syaoran's and your marriage," Eriol interrupted their newly started conversation. Sakura was about to sit beside Tomoyo but Tomoyo stopped her and asked Eriol to give his seat to Sakura. Sakura was reluctant but Eriol happily gave his seat to her. It was naturally his seat beside Tomoyo wherever they go and he would like to stay that way forever.

The conversation started slowly and ended quickly after Tomoyo left with Eriol to give Sakura and Syaoran some space of their own.

"So, er… maybe I'd better leave if there's nothing more for us to talk about," Sakura broke the silence between them. She looked at Syaoran who quickly asked her to stay.

"No! I mean wait, wait a minute. There's something else I want, no we need to talk… discuss about. About this marriage," Syaoran was angry with his tumbling words. Sakura waited for him to start but he became clueless when he saw her emerald poles looking straight at him.

"Yes?" Sakura asked as Syaoran stayed silent.

"Oh, yes. About this marriage…" Syaoran stopped for a moment.

"What about our marriage?" Sakura was fidgeting her fingers.

"Well, I don't want to marry you. That's what about this marriage. I like you a lot but not the like-love like; it's more to like-like like. I don't want to hurt you. You're a good friend, a nice friend. So, would you consider…" Syaoran was cut off, "I would consider giving you an heir and then we can get a divorce and you can lead your life and I can lead mine. Is that what you're trying to say?" There was a slightly wisp of hurt in her eyes but that disappeared with a blink of her eyes.

"Yes, that's what I'm trying to explain," Syaoran smiled as Sakura got what he was trying to say to her.

"If that's the case, if that's what you want, if that would make you really happy, I will do as you wish," Sakura took her bag and was about to leave when Syaoran stopped her, "Do you need a contract?"

"No, I don't need that. I'm good in keeping my promise and furthermore, there's no way I'm going to make your mother upset if she ever finds out about this… thing you're doing to her," Sakura said, almost in an angry tone.

"Hey, I don't want to get married at 23. I'm too young and there's more to life than marriage," Syaoran looked at Sakura who was already at the door.

"And what's more to life than marriage?" she was getting annoyed and she knew his answer would make her regret ever asking the stupid and obvious question. Maybe she wanted him to be what she expected him to be. A man that would rather die than humbly hand her his resignation as a playboy.

"You know, women, clubs, parties, sp…" he wanted to say more but the look in her eyes told him that she would smack his head if he says more that he had said.

"Well, if I were you, I will only want happiness for your mother," Sakura clutched her right fist.

"And why would you?" Syaoran was getting annoyed with her.

"Because I'd lost my mother since I was a child. That's why I will do whatever to make a mother happy," Sakura explained as Syaoran looked at her with disbelief, "So, is this why you're willing to get married to me? Pathetic."

"That's not it! I'm going to marry you because I like you, I love you but I'll bet your fun is more important rather than settle down and have children," Sakura was getting angrier when she looked at the smirk on his face.

"So, you love me? I've never thought you feel that way for me," Syaoran leaned on the chair.

"Apparently, yes but at this moment, I'm starting to hate you for making fun of your mother," Sakura's knuckles had turned white with anger.

"How much do you want really? Stop playing innocent, Kinomoto," Syaoran asked as if Sakura was like the typical girl who wanted his money.

"Nani?" Sakura stared at him with disbelief.

"I ask how much do you want?" Syaoran hated it when people started to tell him how to behave.

"Mr. Li, I don't need your so-called money at all. I can practically make my own money. My own hard-earned money," Sakura bit her lower lips angrily and left the dumbfounded Syaoran.

* End Flash Back *


Present

"Hey, what's wrong?" Sakura jabbed his ribs as he was so lost in thought as they walked down the aisle.

"Huh? Nothing. Nothing much," Syaoran smiled at her. Sakura walked with him and thrown her flower and was caught by Tomoyo.

"You're next, Tomoyo. I'll be waiting," Sakura giggled at her blushing friend who was blushing madly as Eriol looked at her cunningly. She got into the car and waved at her family and friends.

"Enjoy your honeymoon, dear," Fujitaka said and waved at his only daughter lovingly, "Don't you hurt my sister, gaki." Touya glared at Syaoran who glared back at him.

They left the church and went straight to Li's mansion. Sakura walked into her room and changed her gown to something more casual as Syaoran did the same. They took their luggage and went straight to the airport and finally left for Paris. As they were seated on their seat, Sakura finally started to have a word with him.

"Do you regret marrying me, Syaoran?" Sakura looked exactly into his amber eyes.

"Well, not really. But we still on with our plan, right?" Syaoran smiled at her, looking as calm as Sakura.

"Yeah, we're still on," Sakura looked away immediately. Syaoran was oblivious to Sakura's reaction when he asked to be excused to the toilet.

A week later…

"How's your honeymoon?" Tomoyo asked with starry eyes.

"Nice, very nice," Sakura answered after making sure Syaoran and Eriol had left the ladies to chat. They would kill themselves before volunteering to all those kyaa-kyaa screams every two seconds they spoke. Na-uh, their ears are too valuable to turn deaf at the age of 23.

"You mean you'd done it with him? Oh, this is so hot! How was it?" Tomoyo jumped on the couch as Sakura put her index finger on her mouth, "Shhh… Tomoyo! They might hear you."

"Well, they might actually be talking about it," Tomoyo grinned as Sakura blushed brightly.

"So, is there any chance that I'm getting little feet in the house in a year?" Sakura was startled when she heard Yelan's voice from behind.

"Mother, you startled me," Sakura smiled and finally got what Yelan was saying and turned red at once. Yelan chuckled at Sakura's outburst and sat beside her, "You're the only one who can make Syaoran to feel and also make the Li clan proud. You're the most suitable lady for this. I'd seen the smile in his eyes whenever he's with you, Sakura. I'm glad you're willing to give a chance for him to love you and me for being a mother to you. Thank you."

"No, I want to thank you for giving me a chance to feel a mother's love," Sakura hugged Yelan as Tomoyo tried to stifle her tears from flowing down her cheeks.

"Oh, god. This is so touchy," Tomoyo smiled as Sakura and Yelan chuckled at Tomoyo's remark.

Syaoran

"So, how was your honeymoon?" Eriol asked with a smirk.

"Great," Syaoran answered shortly as Eriol cannot hold his laugh.

"Don't look so stiff, man. What's wrong with Sakura?" Eriol looked at Syaoran who looked like he did not want to talk about his honeymoon.

"There's nothing wrong with her. It just that, this isn't right. I don't love her. You know how I feel about her," Syaoran sighed.

"Yes, I do know how you feel about her and she makes you feel. You just don't want to admit that you're falling for her," Eriol smirked.

"Eriol, you know I like her as a friend," Syaoran was determined that he liked Sakura and that had nothing to do with love.

"Just trust your intuition for once. You feel more than that for her. You're attracted to her since the first time you met her and don't try to deny that," Eriol smirked again.

"Whatever, Eriol. But we'll get a divorce after she gives me an heir. That's it," Syaoran shot him with a death glare.

"Well, you'll regret it in the end. You'll see. Okay, if glare can kill, it sure kills me now. So, when are you coming back to work? Valerie keeps whining about you since she came back from Brazil and I feel like slapping her hard every time she starts asking when you are coming home. I hate that spoilt brat," Eriol said as Syaoran started to smile.

"I still have my charms, I see," Syaoran smirked at Eriol who gave him the same expression, "Well, charm and cash to be exact."

"Thanks for the compliment," Syaoran smiled.

"That wasn't a compliment. Even if you have the charm but without those mountains of cash, you'll be just an ordinary handsome guy with a wife," Eriol grinned stupidly that really starting to annoy Syaoran.

"Hey, we've finished our girls' talk and Aunt Yelan asked both of you to get in the house. She wants to talk to you," Tomoyo came and gave Eriol a peck on his cheek. That was the only time he was relieved to see Tomoyo.

"Tomoyo, great timing," Syaoran smiled with relief as Eriol pouted at Tomoyo, "Tomoyo, I was just starting to get on him."

"Well, you owe me, Syaoran but I'll take my time. I'll tell what I want from you later and right now, your mother and beloved wife are waiting for your presence," Tomoyo pulled him out of his chair and pushed him to get into the house.

"Aren't you coming, Eriol?" Syaoran asked. He was begging with his eyes but Tomoyo sat on his lap, preventing him from getting up.

"Oh, you go first. You're the only one needed in there anyway. Now go on. Let me have my time with my boyfriend. You've stolen him for thirty minutes. That's enough," Tomoyo smiled innocently.

"Whatever. I think I'd better leave before I see something that can make me nauseate," Syaoran said and left the lovebirds behind.

"Mother," Syaoran came and sat in front of Yelan and Sakura.

"How's your holiday?" Yelan asked and Syaoran answered, "Fine."

"Well, that's good to hear, son. As I've seen how very tired you two are, you may relax and rest in your room. Syaoran will show you your room," Yelan said and looked at Sakura who got up after Syaoran did and followed him into the room they were going to share together.

"Li Syaoran, I demand you to show some respect to your mother," Sakura said as she glared at him.

"And why should I after what she did to my life?" Syaoran gave her his infamous smirk.

"You're so arrogant. She was doing everything to make you happy and you did nothing to appreciate it. This is so frustrating. I wish I'll never have a son like you," Sakura said as Syaoran looked at her with anger, "Well, I wish I never had a mother who does nothing but controls my life. What do you know? You're not the one with the ruined life."

"Ruined life? Is that what you think of our marriage? I ruined your perfect life," Sakura said and changed her clothes.

"Where are you going?" Syaoran asked as he thought she was going to sulk the whole day.

"I'm going to meet Okaa-san if you don't mind. I'll tell her everything and then, she can haunt you forever," Sakura glared at Syaoran who can't stop smiling, "Why are you smiling? What's so funny?"

"You are. One time, you can be so serious, and then you can be in your funny-angry manner," Syaoran grinned.

"Funny-angry manner? I am not! Uh! Whatever, Syaoran. I can't stand you," Sakura was twisting the knob of the door when she heard, "And you told me that you love me. Now, you said you can't stand me." Her shoulders were sagged and her mouth was gaped at him.

"You're unbelievable," Sakura shook her head.

"Believe me, you'll get tired of loving me," Syaoran looked at her emerald eyes that was tainted with the look of hurt.

"I hope I will, really hope I will, Syaoran," Sakura slammed the door.

Sakura

She walked downstairs as fast as she could but stopped abruptly when Yelan was walking upstairs, "Where are you going, Sakura?"

"I'm going to meet Okaa-san. I miss her," Sakura smiled but Yelan could see she was holding back her tears.

"Did Syaoran make you mad, Sakura? Please don't take it in your heart, dear," Yelan looked at her as if apologizing on behalf of her son.

"No, he did nothing to me. Really, Mother. He did nothing to me. I'm leaving now," Sakura gave her a tight hug.

"Please come back, Sakura," Yelan said, looking so sad.

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll come back as soon as I can. I'm coming home. I promise you. Pinkie promise," Sakura smiled and showed her little finger in front of her chest. Yelan was clueless at first but smiled and intertwined her little finger with Sakura's, "Pinkie promise. Sakura, you make me feel like a child, dear."

"Oh, sorry. I always do that with the kids. It turns to habit now," Sakura laughed heartily and gave her another tight hug, "Love you, Mother." She waved at Yelan and left to the cemetery.

"Hi, Okaa-san. Miss you so much," Sakura said as she put away all the leaves around her tombstone. She put a bouquet of lilies that she bought on the way to the cemetery in front of the same tombstone.

"Okaa-san, I wish you were here. Talking to me, giving me advices. We could have girls' talks all the time. Talk about anything, fashion, hairstyles, soap drama… boys," she sighed deeply.

"Why do I have to fall in love with someone that is not going to love me back? Why it has to be like this? I've tried everything to make him love me just the way I love him. I wish I could be like you and Otou-san, Okaa-san. I want to be happy," Sakura said as she caressed the picture of her mother.

"You'll find happiness. Eventually. But who am I to know? That's not our job to decide," Sakura turned around and saw her father, smiling at her, "How did you know I'll be here, Otou-san?"

"Well, I knew you'll be here. Wherever you go, when you come back, the first place you'll visit is your mother's grave," Fujitaka explained as Sakura nodded in understanding.

"Well, at least someone does know everything about me. Thanks, Otou-san. Thanks a lot," Sakura's eyes followed her father who sat beside her.

"What's wrong with him? What did he do that make you so sad?" Fujitaka asked, "Nothing really. It just that I'm emotionally unbalanced. That's why. You know, Otou-san, I just hate the way he talks to his mother. So rude, so arrogant as if his mother is not important in his life."

"It's hard to change a man with an ego bigger than the mansion he lives in. You just have to make him understand the truth about love and care," Fujitaka looked at her lovingly, "I can't. He's so hard-headed, self-absorbed…"

"But he's still the man you love. Help him understands everything that your mother had taught you. Make her proud. If you can melt the children's hearts, you can make him too," Fujitaka patted her shoulders as an encouragement.

"I'll try, Otou-san. How's Onii-Chan?" Sakura asked, "He's fine. He just doesn't like the way Syaoran talk and look at you."

"Send my regards to him and please tell him there's nothing wrong with me," Sakura said with pleading eyes.

"I'll tell him you're alright with the Li," Fujitaka assured.

"Well, I'd better get going. I don't want Mother to worry about me and I'd made a pinkie promise to be home as soon as possible. Bye, Okaa-san. I'll come back again," Sakura smiled at her mother's tombstone and gave a peck on her father's cheek, "Bye, Otou-san. I'll be back in three days."

"I'll make delicious food for you then. Bye, honey," Fujitaka said as Sakura walked, leaving him behind to have his private talk with his wife.

"She's grown up to be just like you, Nadeshiko. She'll do anything for her love," Fujitaka caressed her picture lovingly.

Sakura came back to the mansion just to see a quite pretty lady sitting in the living room. She walked towards the lady and smiled, "Hi, I'm Sakura. Are you waiting for someone?"

The lady just looked at her and smirked, "And who are you? You have the guts to talk to me like I'm some of your friend. I'm waiting for Syaoran if you must know."

"I'll call him for you then," Sakura smiled but only God knows how her heart burnt to strangle the lady.

"That's a good idea and could you bring a glass of juice for me?" the lady looked at Sakura with a smile.

"I'll bring it after I call him down," Sakura said and left her alone.

"Hate that girl. Arrogant! Just like Syaoran! But my husband is not like that. He's not a spoilt brat. He's independent, resourceful and …" Sakura bumped into something that she almost fall or even roll down the stairs but a strong arm came and reached for her waist that stopped her from falling down.

"Thanks, Syaoran," she said when she looked up at her savior.

"Well, I don't want anything to happen to you or your brother will strangle me to death," Syaoran looked at her and he did saw a glint of disappointment in her eyes.

"If that's the case, you can let go of me right about now because I'm stable now," Sakura pushed his arm away from her as Syaoran put his hands on air and snorted a bit, "You're welcome."

"There's someone waiting for you downstairs," Sakura said and walked down the stairs and disappeared into the kitchen.

"Aunt Maggie, can you please make a glass of juice for Syaoran's guest?" Sakura sat on the chair as Maggie smiled at her, "I'll do anything for you, Miss Sakura but I don't really like Miss Valerie's manner to you."

"Don't worry. I don't feel offended by her manner. That's spoilt brat's manner. I would have grounded her if she was actually in the kindergarten," Sakura joked with Maggie.

"You're nice and kind, Miss Sakura. Miss Rachel is just like Miss Valerie there. They only want Master Li's money. Unlike you, Miss…" Maggie was cut off, "Can you please make that juice now? I'll send it to her, okay?"

"Yes, Miss Sakura," Maggie said as Sakura smiled at her, "Don't call me Miss Sakura, just Sakura. I'm not in a very good mood right now. Sorry, Aunt Maggie."

"It's okay, M… Sakura. You went through a lot for Master Li," Maggie said and patted Sakura's shoulders, "Thanks, Aunt Maggie."

She took the glass and put it on the table as she saw how friendly Syaoran was with Valerie.

"Oh, thank you, Miss… what's your name again?" Valerie asked innocently.

"Sakura," Sakura said and smiled.

"You have got a very nice maid, Syaoran," Valerie smiled as Syaoran chuckled silently.

"Why are you laughing, Syaoran? What did I say wrong?" Valerie pouted cutely.

"Miss Sakura here is not a maid. She's my wife. Don't you read paper, Valerie?" Syaoran asked as Sakura was really hurt by her comment, "Bet she didn't then."

"Why you? For your information, I was not here when Syaoran was forced to marry you, Miss Sakura. I was in Brazil since last year and just arrived here just a few days ago. How am I supposed to know that?" Valerie glared at Sakura who looked at Syaoran who did not even make an attempt to defense her.

"Why, Valerie? I never thought you'll be here and yelling in the house as if you own it and make me come down to see the little devil who just make some very rude statements to my sister here," Fanren glared at Syaoran who just shrugged his shoulders.

"It's nice to see you, Fanren," Valerie said and walked to her but Fanren quickly walked past her and made Sakura sat beside her.

"I believe you are not properly introduced to my little sister here. Sakura, this is Valerie Yin. Valerie, meet the Mistress of the Li clan and wife of Li Syaoran, Li Sakura," Fanren introduced both of them to each other.

"Hi, Miss Yin," Sakura said and excused herself after that. She was not feeling very well sitting in the same room with Valerie.

"Well, Syaoran. Don't just sit there. Help your wife. I'll entertain Valerie," Fanren looked at Syaoran who followed his sister's order and helped Sakura into their room.

"What's wrong with you?" Syaoran asked worriedly.

"There's nothing wrong with me," Sakura said as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Tell me what's wrong?" Syaoran asked again and tightened his hand on her wrist.

"Stop. Just stop," Sakura walked to the bed and pulled the blanket over her. She cried quietly but Syaoran saw how she was trembling under the blanket.

"Hey, Sakura. What's wrong? Tell me, honey," Syaoran said sweetly.

"I said nothing is wrong with me. What's wrong with you? You're so inconsistent. Sometimes you're concerned and sometimes you just don't care about me. Why do you always hurt me, Syaoran?" Sakura pulled the blanket away and didn't even care to wipe her tears away.

"I do not show any concern to you," Syaoran said as Sakura's tears started to flow even more, "Yes, you do. But why didn't you try to defense me?"

"Defense you from what?" Syaoran was clueless.

"Valerie said that you were forced into our marriage. You should defense your wife, not just look at me like I'm some sort of entertainment down there," Sakura burst into anger and her tears won't stop even when she tried to. Syaoran smiled and hugged her. He tilted her chin and kissed her deeply. He kissed her salty tears and everything went so fast.

Sakura took a bath early that morning and made a breakfast for Syaoran.

"Syaoran, Syaoran honey, wake up. You're going to be late for work," Sakura shook him gently. He moaned and his eyelids finally opened slowly and looked at Sakura who was still holding his breakfast. He sat on the bed and took the breakfast. He gave a morning kiss to her as Sakura looked at him, "Yuck, morning kiss." He chuckled at her reaction as it always been like that. One day, they were as good as lovers and another day; they were enemies, declaring war to each other.

"I'll send you to your kindergarten, honey," Syaoran offered.

"And why this sudden offer?" Sakura asked.

"I thought we've agreed that we'll be nice to each other until we separate," Syaoran said as Sakura nodded.

"Yeah, now I remember," Sakura smiled.


* Flash Back *

"We'll make an agreement now or we can never get along with each other," Syaoran looked at Sakura who had her arms folded on her chest.

"That's fine with me, Syaoran," Sakura said as Syaoran smiled, "Okay then, you'll give me an heir and then we'll get the divorce. Your turn."

"No affair either in front of me or behind my back until we've separate," Sakura looked at Syaoran who nodded.

"We'll remain friends, right? After all of this?" Syaoran looked at Sakura, "Is that a statement or a question?"

"A question," Syaoran answered.

"That will have to wait. I don't think I can befriend with you after this. I've told you before…" Sakura was cut off, "You love me, right? But I'm never going to love you, Sakura. Never in a million years."

"I'll make you, Syaoran and then all this agreement can be forgotten," Sakura murmured in an undertone, "Did you say something, Sakura?"

"Nothing, nothing at all," Sakura smiled innocently.

"Be nice to each other until the day we are living separate lives," Sakura looked at Syaoran who nodded again.

"And I want to be able to see my children whenever I want," Syaoran looked at Sakura who was unwilling to look into his eyes, "Of course you can, Sakura. Unless you do something that is very non-Sakura style. Just kidding…"

"Thank you and you, on the other hand, are not going to hurt our children in any way, either physically or mentally unless with a very good reason," Sakura arranged her words carefully.

"Unless with a very good reason? What is that supposed to mean?" Syaoran asked her, "Well, our children should be punished for all the wrong things they did. I don't want our children to be spoilt brats like your lovers."

"That should be left out," Syaoran glared at her.

"No way. Our children must be punished…" Sakura was cut off again, "I agree to that but you should leave out my social life."

"What if you do fall in love me in the end?" Sakura asked directly and looked at his face, "There's no what if about that. I've told…"

"I got it. You're never going to fall for me which only mean I should try to find someone else instead," Sakura nodded and smiled at him.

* End Flash Back *


"My, my, Sakura. You lucky girl. How's your honeymoon?" a fellow teacher hugged Sakura after Syaoran left.

"Chiharu, you're strangling me. Let me breathe," Sakura tried to get out from Chiharu's tight hug.

"Tell me all about it," Chiharu smiled as Sakura nodded, "I'll tell you later but right now, I need to get my job done. Kids, come here. Now, now, behave yourself. I brought something for all of you and if you behave pleasantly, I'll give you each." Sakura looked at the children who sat quietly on their chairs as Chiharu whispered, "I'm not going to take over your class ever again. They're too hyperactive and now I know why they like you so much. You bribe them."

"Well, I don't really bribe them each time. This is the first time. I'm an angel, that's why the children like me," Sakura whispered back with playful glint in her eyes as Chiharu glared at her, "Yeah, angel face. You look just like them, that's why they love you." Chiharu left before anything happen to her.

"Are you really going to give us presents, Sakura sensei?" an adorable girl with pleated hair looked at Sakura with her big brown eyes.

"Yes, I'm going to give you all presents if you behave yourself. Pinkie promise?" Sakura looked at the cute children who screamed, "Pinkie promise, Sakura sensei!"

"Did you give Chiharu sensei any problem when I was away?" Sakura asked as the kids giggled, remembering all the yelling and running around that Chiharu had to do for them.

"How was your trip to the zoo?" Sakura asked as a boy with amber eyes raised his hands, "Yes, Alvin. How was your trip?"

"I saw elephants, sensei," Alvin smiled as Sakura nodded, "How it looks like?"

"It's big with big ears but it cannot fly like Jumbo," the boy sitting beside Alvin answered as the whole room was filled with laughter.

"Thank you, Tommy. What else? Sakuno?" Sakura looked at a shy girl with long brown hair and emerald eyes who stuttered, "It… it has a… a long trunk."

"Brilliant, Sakuno," Sakura praised her as she smiled shyly, "What else did you see in the zoo?" They talked and talked with Sakura until the end of their class and Sakura gave them their presents as they had behaving very nicely to her.

"Chocolate!" they screamed but Alvin looked quite angry. Sakura approached him and asked what was wrong. Alvin looked at her, "I don't like chocolate."

"I know. That's why I bought you a car," Sakura whispered and gave him a car made of crystal to him as he started to beam, "Careful, don't break it."

"Thank you, sensei" Alvin said and gave a peck on Sakura's cheek that sent Sakura clueless for a moment.

"Goodbye. See you tomorrow," Sakura said after sending her last student.

"Sensei, thank you… thank you for the chocolate," Sakuno looked at Sakura who smiled, "You're most welcomed and Sakuno, you have a nice voice. You should speak more."

"Em, I'll… I'll try," Sakuno blushed and got into her house with her mother.

"Now, would you tell me about your honeymoon?" Chiharu said as Sakura sat on a seat beside her.

"It was nice. It went pretty well. We didn't fight too much. Well, that's a good sign, right?" Sakura asked as Chiharu glared at her.

"Could you just don't make it sound like you're forced into your marriage?" Sakura looked at her and smiled, "I am not but my husband was."

"Could you tell me the truth now? You've been hiding something from me, aren't you? I'm your best friend. You should tell me something no one else knows about your marriage," Chiharu threatened her.

"Well, let just say Syaoran doesn't want to marry me," Sakura explained, "And why did you marry him? I know you love him but he doesn't even care about you. What's the point of marrying someone like him?"

"I love him and I love his family. I just want his mother to be happy; at least I'm happy to be with him, right? He's nice but he can be a pain in the neck sometimes," Sakura sighed deeply.

"Yeah, at least you're happy with him but I'll be your backbone if you want to get a divorce," Chiharu patted her arm.

"We'll get a divorce after I give him an heir. That's the agreement," Chiharu gaped at Sakura.

"This is ridiculous. You're going to give him an heir and then just leave. Then, what about your child? You're not going to leave the child with him, right?" Chiharu stared at Sakura with unbelievable look.

"I'm going to leave the child with him but I can see him or her whenever I want," Sakura answered.

"I'm starting to hate him but if he loves you, he won't let you go and you can be a happy family forever," Chiharu suggested as Sakura nodded, "I'm trying to make that happen."

"I know I might sound very cruel but I don't think he deserves you. You're too kind and you'll do anything for your love and I hate it. So much!" Chiharu knocked her head, "Ouch! That hurt, Chiharu!"

"Just call me if you need any help. Takashi and I will always be with you. Tomoyo and Eriol too. So, don't try to suffer alone. When you want to cry or be angry, come to me or Tomoyo or Eriol or Takashi. Anyone will do, just don't suffer alone," Chiharu said as she got off the bus, "Thanks, Chiharu."

Sakura arrived at the mansion and went straight to their room. She took a bath and then went to the kitchen to help Maggie to cook lunch.

Syaoran

"Eriol, is there any problem while I was away?" Syaoran looked at Eriol who sat calmly in front of him.

"Not quite but something has been bothering me since you left. Maki had been checking on the company's account and found something very interesting," Eriol looked at Syaoran who listened carefully, "What did she found?"

"We've lost a large sum of money but she's still investigating who is culprit. Though she did told me that she hasn't found any suspect," Eriol explained.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? I should have come here and…" Syaoran was cut off, "And disturb your honeymoon with Sakura who has been suffering a lot to go through this marriage. She got kidnapped by Rachel, almost got raped and almost got killed just for you. And I am to ruin your honeymoon? Na uh. Not ever," Eriol raised his brow as Syaoran sighed deeply.


* Flash Back *

"Syaoran, where's Sakura?" Tomoyo asked with worry.

"Why on earth do you think she's with me? I'm not going anywhere with her," Syaoran glared at Tomoyo who could not help but slap him hard on his face.

"What's wrong with Sakura? It's not her fault that you have to marry her. Your mother asks her to marry you. I'm tired of you blaming her all the time," Tomoyo rubbed her aching hand that just slapped him.

"She could reject it. She should ask me whether I want to marry her or not," Syaoran gritted his teeth.

"She can't because your mother knows how much she loves you and she can't refuse your mother's request," Tomoyo explained, "I don't ask for her love and I don't give a damn about her love for me."

Tomoyo looked horrifically at the door, "Sakura, what happened? Why are you in this state?" Tomoyo cried as she looked at Sakura who was sitting and leaning on the door with torn clothes, looking at Syaoran with tears rolling down her cheeks continuously. Eriol walked towards Syaoran and gave him a hard punch, "What the hell…"

"What the hell? Where the hell were you when Sakura needs you the most? Why the hell did you turn off your mobile when Sakura called?" Eriol said angrily.

"Rachel's still out there. I'm here just to warn you. She swore she wants to kill you," Sakura said and tried to get up but couldn't.

"What did Rachel do to you, Sakura?" Tomoyo asked as Sakura didn't bother to answer.

"Rachel kidnapped her and almost got her raped when I came with the police and you know what she said when I got her out from that shit? I need to see Syaoran. Rachel wants to kill him. That's what she said! She didn't give a damn about her life! She wants to warn you! To save you! She loves you too much to risk your life! Goddamnit! Can't you see how much she loves you!" Eriol panted hard. Sakura got up with the help from Tomoyo as Syaoran just stayed silent.

"Tomoyo, I want to go home," Sakura said calmly but her tears still flowing endlessly. Syaoran got up and walked toward Sakura. He put his arm around her waist to carry her but Sakura pushed him away.

"Don't touch me. I don't need your sympathy. Thank you very much for your kind help," Sakura stared blankly at him and walked away, leaving Syaoran who looked guilty and helpless. Eriol walked past him and swept Sakura off her feet and carried her away as Tomoyo shook her head at Syaoran, "You're helpless, Syaoran." Syaoran followed them when suddenly heard someone laughing at him, "I was waiting for you to walk out from that door."

Eriol, Tomoyo and Sakura turned around just to see Rachel had her gun pointing at Syaoran, "If I can't have you, no one will." Sakura quickly got on her feet again and ran as fast as she could with the last energy that she had in her. She pushed Syaoran away as the bullet penetrated her shoulders. Eriol grabbed Rachel's hands and slapped her hard on her face that sent her fainted on the ground.

"Sakura! Oh God! I'm sorry, Sakura. I'm so sorry," Syaoran looked at the blood that had covered his hands.

"Syaoran! You damn fool! What are you waiting for! Get her to the hospital!" Tomoyo screamed her lungs out as Syaoran carried her into the car and drove as fast as he could while Eriol and Tomoyo waited for the police to take Rachel away, away from them, away to the prison.

"Don't do this to me, Sakura! Talk to me!" Syaoran said as Sakura closed her eyes in pain, "Don't close your eyes!"

"Shit! What do you want me to do? I'm in pain for God's sake," Sakura cried and looked away, "Please don't look away from me. I'm sorry."

* End Flash Back *


"Yeah, I still remember how you punched me and it took me a month to get Sakura back," Syaoran looked at Eriol, "I'm thankful you still remembered that and it took a month for your mother to get Sakura back. You did nothing but irritated her."

"At least, that's why I've become much nicer to her later," Syaoran smiled.

"Yeah, you become much in love with her but don't want to admit it," Eriol mumbled, "What did you say? I can't hear you."

"Nothing! Just saying how stupid you are to not fall in love with the girl who had almost lost her life to save a pig head like you," Eriol smiled as Syaoran glared at him, "I'm not a pig head."

"At least, you are in my eyes," Eriol said and took a leave before anything happen to him.

Author's Note: I'm working on the next chapter but I don't know when it will be finished… Keep wishing for me getting in the mood to finish it… I need 5 reviews before I post the second chapter… No 5 reviews, no second chapter… I'm being nice or I would have requested for 100 reviews… Just kidding… Hehehe… Please R&R….

Author's Note (17/10/10): I'm sorry there are a lot flashback in the first chap.. but they are necessary in the story... it would be used in the future... so... sorry if it is not to your liking... Well, keep on reading... I'll be updating the story soon... I'll edit this story first... then I'll update it... hope it will be soon... wish me luck.. I hate it when the lazy bug got attached to me.. it made me lazy... =D