Chapter 2

This whole ordeal was life changing for Ai.

Things haven't been the same since that day.

All of a sudden her life was turned upside down - like a storm came out of the blue that not only destroyed her home but also took away everything that was precious to her.

School used to be her happy haven but now being in this same school she experiences hell. She feels suffocated among her friends and teachers whom she has known all her life. She was usually a first bencher. But for the last few days she has been sitting at the back. Trying her best to stay concealed. But unfortunately it was harder than she thought.

Being Kaname Kuran's daughter had its perks. And now it had its drawbacks as well.

Her father is such an influential figure in the society that every event in his life becomes a public business. And now, because of him Ai is a laughing stalk at school.

Her teachers look at her with pitiful eyes. Her friends, classmates and their mothers tauntingly ask how she and her mother are coping.

These days people are seizing every opportunity to show her fake sympathy; and it feels nothing but sickening.

"Ai dear, make sure to tell Yuki-chan that her thoughts have been in my mind. She must be shattered."

"No, mother is quite alright. She is happy for him."

"Okay... That's good to hear."

That was the type of conversation her teachers preferred nowadays. They always looked for chances to bring up such topics even when the person involved had every desire to ignore it.

But the way she was raised, Ai made sure to keep her cool and respond with as much dignity as possible. So that neither of her parents are looked down upon.

Sadly it was harder than she thought... because people turn savage, they become ruthless in front of someone vulnerable. And it wasn't much different in case either.

...

While some showed phony sympathy, there were others that had free advice to offer.

It was the other day when Ai was walking back home after school and one of her friend's mother walked up to her and handed her a business card. Ai looked at the woman shocked, wondering what she was going to do with that. After all it was a divorce attorney's card.

"Tell your mother to call me in this number."

"But my parents are already-"

"Yes I know they are divorced. You see dear, aside from divorce I have also worked on several cases involving the property division. If you and your mother don't want to lose out on what is rightfully yours then tell her to call me. Trust me when I say that I've received information from various insiders. And it sounds like your father is planning to change his will. Most certainly he will be naming everything under that new wife."

Here they go again...

"Father will never do something like that." Ai protested. If there one thing that she could never tolerate was anyone bad mouthing her parents.

"You never know little one. At this moment anything is possible. Keep in mind middle-aged men are easily influenced by young women. And if she has managed to make your father her husband then imagine how much power she wields. What else she can do?"

She was getting sick and tried of listening to the same thing over and over again. What did people really think of her? She didn't want her father's property? She simply wanted him.

But alas, people didn't understand that.

...

The hardest part of all this was escaping the ones who love to pass cruel remarks, supporting his actions... because they were everywhere!

"I don't see why Kuran-sama took so long to take a wife. He should have done that years ago. Perhaps finally your mother will understand the consequences of leaving him."

Sometimes Ai argued back, sometime she tried to brush them off. But that doesn't mean it didn't effect her. Sadly each and every one of those words crushed her heart. There were times she thought of changing school. But her father Zero explained - there was no point. Kaname Kuran was known nation wide. No matter where she goes she will be faced with such problems.

He further advised her to be patient and not to talk back. Because the more she speak the more it will aggravate things. Which she whole heartedly tried to follow. With little hopes of it actually working.

And it did work, but only in some cases. Majority of the times it made no difference.

Days went by but comments did not stop coming. Ai grew tired of listening but the people did not get tired of talking. They were far from being done.

The only difference now was that the words coming out were not just harsh but also filthy.

"Does your father still visit you?"

"How are you getting along with his wife?"

"You should try to spend more time with your father Ai. Because once he has children with the new wife he won't have time for you."

"He did the right thing. Your mother deserves it!"

"Oh… guess what my cousin used to date your stepmom. She is quite the slut he says. While being in a relationship with him she seduced your father. Also what kind of person is your father to fall for someone so young? Although he is so proper on the outside but inside he is nasty."

"Did you know that your father used to pay Aiyora-chan money to have sex with him? Aiyora-chan herself told this to my sister. They are besties."

"Just so you know Aiyora is a drug addict. Some say she is a dealer too. And even went to jail once. But guess who got her bail... Your father!"

"AI YOUR FATHER IS A PEDOPHILE!"

She saw no end to this torture. Her mother was also going through similar situations but less harsh. And her father - the main culprit - he was living a fine life. After all he was Kaname Kuran. People wouldn't dare throw such comments directly on his face. And for this it didn't take long to for Ai to be upset at her father. And also blame him and his new wife for this turn out of the event.

But she sad nothing out loud. Just kept everything within herself.

Ai loved surprises!

She grew up believing they always come in good form. Since those were the kind she was familiar with. For instance surprise birthday parties, surprise presents, surprise dinner, surprise visit to the amusement park etc. In her words that was what surprises were meant to be. Until the most recent one, the one she received from her father on her thirteenth birthday.

That completely shattered her. It was beyond what newly turned teen's mind could imagine.

Actually just last year she had this talk with her father where he assured her that only her mother was in his life. It was impossible for him to love another. And now, in just a span of year he has a wife! If that wasn't absurd then what is?

Till to this day his words are fresh in her ears, the expression he wore on his face that day flashes before her eyes.

So what happened? What changed? That he was so easily able to place someone else there. What kind of spell did this Aiyora Hanadagi cast upon him that he did not even bother to ask for her or her mother's permission to court this person? And instead just leaped to marry her. Also it simply doesn't end there. He apparently had a huge destination wedding. Almost the whole city was invited, except for she, her mother and Zero.

Ai was able to see some pictures on her friends phone who along with his family attended the wedding.

The bottom line being - he not only asked for their blessing but also had the audacity to not invite them to his wedding.

What does this suppose to mean?

… So does this conclude that he was lying all along?

All those promises he made to her and her mother were all just bullshit!

Therefore what people are saying are the truth...?

He did abandon her!

With that realization she felt a dull ache cutting into her heart. Closing her eyes tightly Ai curled up like a ball on her bed. Last night was also a sleepless one. Just like the night before and the night before that.

Every night before going to bed Ai made an oath to not think about her father. But her mind always betrayed.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Followed by it came her mother's voice.

"Ai…Your father is on the phone."

The girl didn't have the appetite to talk to that man at this given moment. Just the way she didn't the last few times he phoned. So she stayed quiet. This way her mother will think she is sleeping and will ask him to call later.

"Ai…?" this time her mother opened the door and entered. Good thing that her eyes were closed; because she came all the way up to her bed, bent over and checked if she was truly sleeping or just pretending. And of-course convincing her mother was no rocket science.

"She is still sleeping Kaname. How about I ask her to give you a call once she is awake."

Few Days later, in the Kuran manor:

The newly-weds were in the dining room, having breakfast.

Aiyora poured tea into the cup and passed it on towards her husband and he accepted it with a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips before inquiring.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, much better." She then added with a smile "Thank you."

Not absolutely convinced with the answer, he still touched her forehead with his palm to check her temperature. Only to see that it was normal at the moment.

It's been over a week since she has been suffering from such rouge fever. It was natural for him to worry.

"Your fever seems down," he commented with relief, and then said the rest with concern laced within his voice. "But you must continue to take rest and I will try to come home as early as possible."

"You don't have to worry about me Kuran-san. I'm fine." She assured him, and then suddenly out of the blue asked.

"…oh, have you spoken to Ai recently?" Actaully she has been meaning to ask this for the longest of time but didn't know how to bring it up.

"I've called her this morning. But she was sleeping. Her mother told me she is doing quite alright." Kaname said that in a matter of fact tone. Like it was no big deal.

But his wife noticed the odd. If she remembers correctly Ai hasn't spoken to her father since that night. One wouldn't have to be a genius to know that the young teen was upset. It was very naturel for a child this way.

And coming from a family that was filled with conspiracy; Aiyora knew exactly how it felt under such circumstances.

Her situation may not have been linked with parent's second marriage but it was similar and probably far worse. After all she and all her siblings were called 'Murderer's children' at school.

The reason being her mother – Before marrying her father, her mother was married to a famous actor. However that marriage ended in two years when that actor suddenly committed suicide. But his fans all over the country were not ready to accept that truth. They believed his wife played a vital role and framed his murder as suicide. And those speculations took worst turn when her mother was married off to her father. Those fans became even more enraged. And their wrath fell upon the children from the new union. But on the bright side, her father's side of the family has always been a little corrupted; which is why Aiyora and all her siblings were trained from a very young age on how to avoid such uncomfortable situations. Hence why they survived their school life with pride.

But now with Ai, she worried. Unlike her, that poor girl didn't have experience on how to handle such situations. She must have gone through hell these past few days. Which is why she wanted her husband to stay by his daughter's side at this vulnerable time of her life.

"I think you should pay her a visit." Aiyora suggested buttering him a toast.

"I will pick you up in the evening and we could go together." He offered but she didn't feel comfortable with that idea.

"You should go by yourself this time Kuran-san. Tagging me along will be a bad idea. My presence ruined her birthday, so if I company you today it will cause further damage. …And if my guess isn't wrong I'm sure she wants to see you alone. After all you have a lot to explain."

His hand reached forward and grabbed one of her hand, giving it a slight squeeze.

"I don't think I owe anyone any explanation." He stated firmly.

"Yes you do!" she exclaimed. "She is your daughter Kuran-san. You have to. ...I'm not saying go explain yourself to aunty Yuki or uncle Kiryu as well. But when it comes to Ai, you can't evade. The sooner you talk the better it is. She has all the right to know how we begun, what transpired between us in the last two years. There is no point in her in the dark.

...Also I can guarantee you people around her are already talking. Their words are describing our relationship in far vulgar form than it actually was."

"The past is not meant to be dwelled on. The bottom line is you are my wife now and she has to accept you as her mother. Just the way she accepted Zero as her other father."

Aiyora rolled her eyes. The old man was acting as stubborn as a child.

"Kuran-san…" she called him out with a sigh. "I don't think you are putting yourself in her shoes. Ai basically grew up in uncle Kiryu's arms. He has been with her even before her senses developed. Perhaps she saw more of him than you. He is an exception. Whereas I came into the picture recently. You can't compare me and him on the same scale."

"So you are suggesting…?" he asked raising one of his brows.

"There is something I must be clear about Kuran-san; personally I don't want to be Ai's mother."

Kaname was shocked by her words but kept silent, giving her the floor to go on.

"If she didn't have a mother I would have worked my blood and sweat to become one to her. But she already has a mother. A great one too. She doesn't need another… if anything I would like to be her friend, a close confidant. Someone she can always turn to, rely on and trust even keeping her eyes closed."

"You don't have to be so kind, Aiyora."

"I'm trying to be a different person..."

"Please don't change, anymore. You are already giving more afford than you should." He requested taking a lock of her hair between his fingers and looked at it with saddened gaze. Her hair used to be blonde, that beautiful golden blonde, which she changed into dark brunette right before their wedding.

Aiyora on the other hand couldn't find proper words to counter his plea, and that brought an awkward silence between them.

Ai was mad at her father, hence why she was managing to miss his calls under any means. She had no desire to speak to him, ever!

However the day he came to visit in person, things went in a different direction. Although for days she prepared herself to be ruthless and not let him enter at all, but seeing her father standing before her brought a change within her heart. And it followed a completely different path.

She took her father to the bedroom, she wanted to have a one on one conversation with him in absolute privacy. She didn't even want her mother lingering around.

"I thought you didn't want to move on with your life…!?"

For a normal person it would have been hard to understand if it was a question or a statement. But as Ai's father Kaname Kuran understood the real meaning hidden under those words.

Why did you remarry?

"It is complicated. I don't think you will understand if I tell you now." He answered honestly.

After all that was the intention he came with, to answer all her questions truthfully.

"Are you seeking revenge on mother?" she asked bluntly. There was no hesitation from her side.

"No, not at all." He answered, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it. "She is your mother. I cannot even think of such vile acts against her."

There was a moment of silence before Ai asked her next question. Her father figured she was deciding on which one to ask next.

"Why weren't we invited to your wedding?"

"Aiyora's father didn't want my past on the day of his daughter's new beginning. However Aiyora is completely different. She actually wanted to come and speak to you and your mother before marrying me. But I didn't know how to bring her all of a sudden. Since I hid the whole thing from the beginning."

"How long have you known her?"

"For over two years."

"You were dating her?"

"…Sort of!" he said with an awkward smile. It wouldn't be appropriate to give his daughter any more details than that.

"So were you lying to us all this time? When you said you loved mother was that a lie to make us happy?"

"I care for your mother Ai. Still do, but with Aiyora things were completely different. She liked me for what I had, and I also felt more or less the same way."

"How so?"

He thought for a moment before reaching into his pocket and bringing out a phone. A phone that Ai has never seen him carry. This device was different than his usual one. She doubted if anyone had this number. This was most likely a private number for his then lover.

"Here, go through this." He handed her the phone. "I'm sure this will answer many of your questions."

"Why are you giving me this?"

"I may not have asked for your permission before I married her. But I don't want to hide from you whom I married."

Ai didn't need to be told twice. She dived straight in for the pictures. Whilst his other phones barely had any pictures –Ai's and her mother's selfies being the only exception. This phone however was a different story. There were over thousands of pictures and videos. The last picture being Aiyora smiling at the camera in her bridal attire. The girl was drop-dead gorgeous, breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder why her father went all over to make her his wife. Also that was the only picture where she had her hair dark.

The rest of the pictures showed her to be a blonde.

Ai gave her father a questioning stare, just to make sure it was the same person.

"She was born blonde." He clarified.

"Oh…" with that she went back to the pictures and watched with the most shocked eyes ever.

Most of those pictures were taken during her birthdays and their romantic gateways. Some of the pictures were also from the business trips where she accompanied him. In most of these pictures Aiyora was barely clothed. From her dress-up to get-up one thing was evident - she was absolutely shameless!

There were some intimate picture too, that were taken as they were enjoying themselves in the pool, hot-tub, there were few taken when they were in bed together.

It didn't surprise Ai. In fact she became clear regarding what kind of personality this Aiyora is. And by God! The more she saw, the surprised she got. The confused she became. It made no sense, she couldn't find a logical explanation – why her father married such a girl?

She doesn't seem to be his type... at all.

Ai even expected to see some similarities or resemblance between Aiyora and her mother. But nope, they're nothing alike. In fact the complete opposite.

So why did her father go for her?

Moreover, didn't he always teach her while growing up to stay hundred miles away from such characters? And now he married one exactly like that? What really happened to him? Was he on the verge of insanity?

Judging by the pictures and the kind of lifestyle he is living with his current wife proves he has gone mad! Or at least standing on the borderline.

She gave the phone back to her father. She didn't want to see anymore. More accurately she couldn't bear to see anymore. He seemed to have changed. A change that she couldn't appreciate or approve off.

Kaname waited a while. He wanted her to be the first to speak.

Almost a minute passed yet she said nothing. So then he took it upon himself to break the ice.

"Are you disappointed in me?"

"Frankly speaking, yes I am. But more than being disappointed I'm shocked. Everything is just very hard to register. It's like suddenly you have changed into this new person. You are doing things that are totally out of character for you. She has changed you!"

Her last sentence came out as an accusation towards Aiyora.

"Ai-"

"Father please!" she cut him off.

But he went ahead anyway. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Showing her that he was still there with her. Because no matter what she will always be his daughter. His own flesh and blood.

"There is one thing I want you to understand Ai. It matters not who I have in life, what your father has with you will forever remain the same. No one can ever change that. No one can take me away from you."

"What about mother...? Is she no longer important to you... now that you have a wife?"

"Your mother will always be special to me, it is because of her that I was able to get the greatest gift of my life. You!" he said cupping her face.

"So... What happens if your wife tries to keep you away from us? What will you do then?" Ai charged. And had every reason to do so. Especially after what she had been through in the past few weeks.

To say that her father was taken aback by that would be an understatement. He was quite shocked but at the same time he also understood where this insecurity was coming from.

As a daughter it was completely natural for her to have the difficulty in accepting.

…Which is why instead of answering right away like how Ai had initially anticipated, her father placed a hand over her head. A gesture that suggested that he was comforting her before offering a smile and saying the following earnestly.

"Aiyora isn't like that. She is a very good girl. Very kind hearted. And of-course a fun person to be around. So please, try and give her a chance. That's all I'm asking for. Believe me, once you know her, you will really come to like her."

"You sound very fond of her father. Why is that? Is it her beauty that gotten you weak in the knees?"

"Not her beauty but her honesty- that got to me."

"I don't understand."

"You will... in due time. For now just know that no one has been ever as honest with me as she has been. Looking at her it's easy to see that she has little to no shame. But I no longer care for such details because the loyalty she possess is most important to me. That is above all."

Standing outside the door Yuki overheard its and bits of the conversation that took place between the father-daughter. Despite her desire to present during that conversation, she decided not to go in, allowing them to have their private time.

Truth be told, just like her daughter Yuki too wasn't quite happy about the sudden change that came into their everyday life. Even though ironically all these time she was pushing Kaname to move on; but when he really did, the changes that came along weren't so simple... It almost changed the whole dynamic that they were used to.

Perhaps things would have been a lot different if he would have taken a mature partner.

The fact that his new wife was just few years older than their daughter disturbed Yuki greatly.

However putting aside all those uncomfortable feelings Yuki made the decision to not speak ill about to Aiyora to Ai. This is the least amount of courtesy that she owes Kaname. Because never have he ever said anything that hampered Zero's image in Ai's mind. In fact over the time he showed enough respect to Zero and taught Ai to do the same.

Therefore she must give Aiyora the same kind of respect. She must also give her the chance that Kaname once gave Zero.

a.n. Thank you all for reading. hope you enjoyed. also apologies for taking down the previous chapter. when I started to work on the third chapter I noticed how difficult it was. therefore I needed to take-down that chapter and change it. also I wanted to focus on Ai first than jumping into Yuki's bitterness.