-2- Back to a Mansion

Kukai stared at Ikuto with discontent, waiting for an explanation to the sudden change of events. What in the world was Ikuto thinking, deciding to take that girl as his fake bride? They knew nothing about Amu besides the fact that her name was Amu. It didn't help either that she has completely lost her memories. What if that girl turned out to be from some sort of troubling family, what would they do then? Unable to wait any longer, Kukai broke the silence, it was clear Ikuto was staying quiet to annoy him. "Aren't you going to explain to me?"

Ikuto kept his vision on the road as he drove back to his manor, "what's wrong with this set up? Don't you think it's not a coincidence that I bumped into her but it's a gift from God?"

"First off, you almost killed her if you weren't lucky," Kukai criticised, "second, since when did you believe in God?"

Ikuto smiled, "but you were so worried that I would find the wrong girl. I mean, if I hired a girl, as you've said, it'll be hard to handle if she develops any ulterior motives but, Amu, she's empty."

"You can't mean," Kukai said, catching onto Ikuto's thought. "She's perfect."

"Yeah," Ikuto said, parking the car, "since she's empty with no memories or identity, I can shape her however I want. A doll solely for me to manipulate and she won't do anything more. I know this might be callous of me to treat Amu as a tool to satisfy my purposes, but I am determined to get back my company at any cost. You understand me don't you Kukai?"

Kukai nodded, opening the massive entrance oak doors for Ikuto to go in. As they stepped in, the servants formed a uniform line in the hallway to greet their young master.

"Welcome back young master."

Ikuto waved for them to dismiss as he continued to walk to his room. He stopped at the top of the stairway and turned to look back at the row of servants. "Kukai, this house will need a few renovations for the new mistress to live in. Also prepare the necessary paperwork."

"Yes young master," Kukai answered, leaving Ikuto to do his business whilst he began to give orders to the other servants. Kukai couldn't help but smile too, Ikuto seemed really confident about the whole thing and his mood had definitely improved. "Well, I guess, if everything goes according to Ikuto's plan, I only feel sorry for that girl."

xxxxx

The doctor smiled at Amu, removing the bandage from her forehead as he gave her a final check-up. "Nothing seems to be wrong with you Mrs Tsukiyomi," the doctor said, "do take things very slowly. I'm sure your husband would take good care of you."

"Yeah," Amu answered with a small smile. "He should be arriving soon to collect me today. He's been treating me really nicely. I wish I can remember more about him though."

"Take it slowly," the doctor repeated, "you will remember I'm sure. Your husband does seem nice."

"What do you mean?" Amu asked, noticing a strange tone in the doctor's voice.

The doctor hesitated for a bit, "I… well please don't mind me being rude but… your husband being nice to you seems a little fake doesn't it? It's feels like an act."

A nurse knocked on the door, "doctor, please come over to the other room. The patient is in need of you."

"Excuse me," the doctor said exiting the room.

Amu sat there silently in the room waiting for Ikuto to come and pick her up. The doctor's words seemed to have gotten to her as she kept remembering them, a little fake, like an act. Does it really feel that way? Amu asked herself. She stared at the floor, thinking hard, trying to remember more about herself, her life and Ikuto but it seemed she was exerting herself too much as a searing pain in her head got the better of her. She let out a soft cry and immediately a pair of arms grabbed hold of her.

"Are you alright Amu?" the recognisable deep male voice asked; it was Ikuto.

Amu slowly looked up at Ikuto and smiled as the pain went away, "I might've been thinking too hard."

"Well don't," Ikuto said, already leading her out the room and to the car park. "You're in no hurry to remember anything, so take everything slowly like the doctors have said."

"But isn't it better if I get my memories back then-"

Ikuto placed a finger on Amu's lips, stopping her from speaking. Kukai opened the car door for them as they stepped in.

"You have me by your side," Ikuto said, holding onto Amu's hand, "You are my wife and I promise to protect you forever. That's everything you'll ever need or am I not enough for you?"

Amu felt slightly embarrassed by Ikuto's question and a little guilty for doubting him. He was really gentle towards her. Such a tender person, she didn't want to think badly of him. "I won't think too much," Amu replied.

Despite not remembering Ikuto at all, she was thankful that he was there by her side when she woke up. She was happy that she felt safe with someone. Losing your memories and not knowing who you were, was the most painful thing for any person. It was beyond just scary, it was truly haunting.

They finally arrived home; outside the spectacular white mansion, that was guarded by the black iron surrounding it and flowerbeds of red roses which made it look like a fairy tale cottage in the centre of nature. Amu stepped out of the car with Ikuto and Kukai. She stood there for a moment, watching as the other servants came to tend them. Some driving the car off to park elsewhere and others, carrying the little bit of luggage she had, which was really just one bag. She turned to look at the massive oak doors with a brilliant engraving of an eagle upon it. This is my home, Amu thought, this rich and grand place…

Kukai stepped over towards the mini screen set on the door and pressed a few buttons on the keypad besides it. The massive wooden doors slowly creaked open.

"Amu, we're home," Ikuto said, holding out his hands towards her.

Amu smiled and took his hands, walking into the mansion, stepping into the world of glamorous gold, pure white and fiery crimson that decorated this palace.

"Welcome home young master, mistress," the row of servants said as they entered the grand entrance.

Ikuto began to lead Amu up the stairs, "first off, I'll take you to my bedroom. There are things we need to do."

Amu simply blinked at Ikuto as he led the way to his room. Somehow she was beginning to feel very nervous and it felt as if her stomach was curling into a knot. She didn't feel well; she was beginning to stutter in her steps, it was as if her body was protesting at the idea of following Ikuto. Honest enough, this place that Amu was in, was massive, grand and everything was so splendidly rich that it should feel amazing that she lived here. However, at the same time, it felt very foreign and far from her reach. Now that she was finally home, not only did she feel very out of place but so did Ikuto. Maybe it was because Ikuto suddenly decided to take her to the bedroom. That's why she's so nervous. For god's sake, Amu told herself, I'm his wife… it's normal for him to take me to our bedroom…

"We're here," Ikuto said, opening a door and letting her in.

It was a beautiful room, much like the ones you see on TV in big hotels.

"Since you were in an accident, we really didn't get the chance to do what we are supposed to do," Ikuto began, slowly turning Amu around to face him. "I know it might be a burden for you to do this right now, but I simply can't wait."

"W-what is it?" Amu asked, taking a step away from Ikuto, keeping the tiny distance between them, since she was getting uncomfortable so close to him all of a sudden.

Ikuto took a step towards her and Amu backed again. This continued for a bit as Ikuto said, "Amu, please take off your shirt. I won't hurt you. It's not like I'm going to do something drastic to you."

"Ikuto, c-can it wait?" Amu whimpered, still backing away from the advancing Ikuto. She didn't really know how to say no to Ikuto. She knew what he wanted, they were a married couple so things like this were normal but, without her memories, it still felt strange.

Amu fell backwards lightly onto the bed as Ikuto loomed over her, his gaze alone, holding her still. He reached to unbutton her shirt and Amu could only close her eyes as silent protest. She wasn't ready for this but what was there to complain about if they were married. Stay calm, Amu told herself in her mind constantly, Ikuto's my husband…. It's normal for him to touch me like this… to sleep together…

He was very close to her, his body weighing her down onto the soft bed. She felt her shirt ripped off from her body, his hands over her skin. Amu shook from Ikuto's touch; it was uncomfortable and she suddenly felt very exposed, very vulnerable before him.

"Stop shaking," Ikuto demanded his tone serious, "it's annoying and why are you closing your eyes?"

"B-but," Amu whispered, her body still trembling. "I… I just can't do-" Amu opened her eyes from shock as she seemed to be lifted up from the bed and not just Ikuto's hands but it felt as if she was touched by many people. She let out a small shriek by accident from the sudden touches of hands grabbing at her.

"Please keep still," a maid said, grabbing hold of Amu's shoulders.

"We can't dress you if you move around," another maid said, holding a beautiful pearl white dress in her hands.

Amu blinked and looked around her as the maids, stared back at her, waiting. Ikuto was nowhere to be seen. She obediently allowed the maids to put the dress on her, do her hair and make-up. Amu wanted to ask the maids many things but as soon as she spoke, she was scolded by them as they seemed intense in getting her ready. There was a knock on the door and one of the maids scuttled over to open it. Kukai came in, holding some sorts of documents in his hand.

He slowly approached Amu, "mistress. I want to have a few words with you."

"What is it?" Amu said as a maid finished attaching the pearl necklace around her neck, before leaving the room with the rest.

"Mistress, you do look very different when dressed up," Kukai complimented, "truly glamorous and gorgeous. I'm sure Young Master would be proud." Kukai opened the file and placed a few documents before Amu, on the dressing table. He then got a pen from his pocket and held it towards Amu, "please sign these legal documents for me Mistress."

Amu took the paper into her hands and began to read it; however Kukai snatched it out of her hands so fast, she didn't even finish reading the first sentence which began, Amu Tsukiyomi will sign this contract to.

"You only need to sign the papers mistress," Kukai said rather sternly. "Young Master will explain the details to you later." He placed the pen into her hands, "please mistress."

"I'm not signing anything," Amu declared, "I have the right to read whatever contract it is I'm going to sign. If you won't let me read it then I won't sign-"

"Seriously, you are one very demanding wife," Ikuto spoke, walking into the room. He was changed, wearing a stylish tuxedo, his hair waxed. Amu was slightly breathless watching him, Ikuto looked like a prince charming walking out of a fairy tale. He was beautiful in every way. Was this man really her husband, Amu questioned herself, was she honestly married to such a guy?

Ikuto held onto Amu's hand with the pen in and brought it to the paper, "these are legal documents you need to sign to say you aren't after my fortune." Ikuto lightly hugged Amu from behind, startling her so much that she dropped the pen.

"Ikuto…" Amu whispered as Ikuto's face leaned in towards her.

He looked upset. "I know it's hard for you since you don't remember anything but please trust me. It was so hard for us to be together and yet…. I'm not blaming you but, I feel so awful to see you like this and I can't do a thing. It's even harder for me when you've lost your trust in me…."

Amu looked away from Ikuto, realising his magic was working on her as she felt guilty for making him look so upset. He was her husband. One that stayed by her side in the hospital when she was unconscious, one that took good care of her and was gentle to her since she woke up. "The papers are they just-"

"My uncle was sceptical about your feelings towards me so we promised him that you would sign these documents to agree that you would have no claim to any of my fortune," Ikuto explained, "obviously, I've told you, after we are settled into the marriage and Uncle can't do a thing about it, I would secretly give you some-"

Amu placed her finger on Ikuto's lips. She believed him. She took the pen and without reading any of the documents, she signed them. "You've done a lot for me already."

Ikuto smiled and planted a quick kiss on Amu's forehead which made her blush. He took her hands in his arms. "Now, I will introduce you to the world as my wife, Mrs Tsukiyomi."

Amu smiled, walking out of the room in Ikuto's lead into the massive ballroom. As soon as the doors opened, Amu found herself surrounded by blinding light, laughter and glimmer. It was truly a night for celebrities. She could only smile and nod as Ikuto answered the press and the many other rich business partners' queries.

A man in his late 40's came approaching them from the very front. He stretched out his hand to Amu for a handshake, "it's an honour to meet you, Amu. I've heard about you only less than a few days ago."

Amu took his hand and shook it. "You are."

"Did Ikuto not tell you who I am? What an annoying brat he is? Well, you are very temporary to him."

"I'm sorry," Amu said, uncertain of what this man was going on about. She stared at him, confused.

He laughed, "oh I see he's found quite an actress, in such a short time as well. I wonder just how long you and he can…"

"Sorry," Ikuto said, pushing Amu lightly away from his uncle, "Amu, this is Uncle Kazuomi. He's a gentleman."

"It's nice to meet you uncle," Amu said, though she was still very perplexed with his attitude. It didn't seem like Kazuomi and Ikuto was close and there was an unspoken tension between them; Amu felt it in their presence.

The night seemed to never end for Amu as she was constantly surrounded by people congratulating her for her marriage to Ikuto, which the ceremony was planned to happen properly tomorrow afternoon, after tonight's introductory party to welcome her back. Amu excused herself from the party and started to aimlessly walk around the mansion. "Strange," Amu muttered, "nothing here in this mansion seems to trigger my memories. I don't remember seeing any of this."

Amu stopped walking as she heard faint voices coming up around the corner of the corridor. She turned around, not wanting to eavesdrop at first but found herself unable to move as she clearly heard her own name.

"Listen, you can't go into the party now Utau," Kukai almost shouted, "I know why you are back. You're trying to ruin the wedding between Ikuto and Amu."

Amu walked closer to the voices and she peered around the corner to see Kukai arguing with a young girl. She was slightly older than Amu; her pretty long golden hair, her slender figure and violet eyes made her a beauty to behold. Her name was Utau.

"If you know what I want to do then why are you stopping me?" Utau questioned Kukai, "Have I no right to fight for what I want?"

Kukai avoided Utau's gaze, "no matter what reason you give me, it's too late. Ikuto and Amu will be officially married tomorrow afternoon as planned. Just give up."

"Never," Utau declared, "You know I like to win and I will win."

"Utau, please stop making things so complicated."

Utau raised her hand as a gesture to stop Kukai from saying anymore, "that girl, her name was Amu right. Well, let me warn you and Ikuto in advance. Sooner or later, she will start to regain her memories and when she does, it will be the end to everything you and Ikuto has ever worked for. Is it worth such a big gamble?"

"It's not for me to decide but Ikuto. He has already begun to gamble. It's too late to stop now."

Utau smiled, "then I'll gamble in this as well. Before Amu regains her memories and finds out she doesn't belong here and destroy Ikuto's plans, I'll be the one to destroy it instead."

Amu clasped a hand over her mouth to stop herself from letting out any noise. What was that? What was all that? That girl said I did not belong here…. What does this mean?