Five Years Ago
"Congratulations, Mrs. Uchiha you are two months pregnant."
She took the test yesterday and it came positive. Sakura has yet to tell anyone but Mikoto about it because she needs to make sure first. Her doctor reminded her to be careful because during her last stages of pregnancy with Sarada, she had to be confined in bed rest since she overworked herself with clan duties.
Sakura left Dr. Yakushi's clinic with a huge smile on her face because she cannot wait to tell her husband about the good news. She's very certain that he will be happy to hear that their family is getting bigger.
When she told Sasuke about Sarada, no words came out of his mouth. His face lit up and he embraced her. His expression was priceless; no one would actually think that the stoic Sasuke Uchiha is capable of showing that much emotion.
At the insistence of the elders, she has to be escorted by a chauffeur and two bodyguards at all times because it's part of the perks of her role as the future matriarch of their clan. At first she found it too uncomfortable because she was an average girl living a normal life until she married into an insanely rich family. Now that she's an Uchiha, cameras follow her around everywhere she goes.
Her chauffeur drove her straight to the manor after her appointment upon the instructions left by her mother-in-law who couldn't wait to hear the results of her test. Mikoto Uchiha are among those whom she can confide with within the walls of their estate, after all, a lot of women in the clan have a hard time accepting that Sasuke married her because they have groomed their daughters into fine young ladies who are far more capable and "cultured" than her.
"Mother, it's positive. I'm two months along."
Mikoto Uchiha was ecstatic upon hearing the good news. She's going to be a grandma again for her youngest son's wife is expecting her second child. She's totally happy with her granddaughter, Sarada because she's a delightful child despite the vile words coming from the elders who constantly criticize Sakura's parenting style.
Mikoto is always worried about her daughter-in-law because the majority of the clan disapproves of Sakura because of her upbringing. She wasn't from an elite family and all her life she has to prove herself by working so hard and pushing herself to her limit until she reaches her goal. At the same time, that was the reason why she supported Sasuke's decision to marry Sakura because Mikoto knew right then that she can be a good matriarch in the future.
Sakura was six months pregnant when she was asked to oversee the planning of the biggest project of the charity organization under the supervision of the women of the Uchiha clan.
Regardless of Mikoto's plea to let her rest, she was still compelled to take the job because she knows that they want to see her fail.
Sakura can't let that happen, that's why she pushed herself to create something different from their usual dressing up and fancy luncheon.
She wants her husband's hoity toity relatives to see who benefits from their "kindness". Besides, having the Uchihas seen interacting with the impoverished side of Konoha is good for the company's image.
At the same time, she couldn't help but feel amused at the sight of Sasuke's relatives trying their best to hide their dismay by pretending like they can relate with how commoners speak and act.
Sakura thought that she won this round, but she was dead wrong.
Uchiha Uruchi, her husband's "favorite" aunt brought her daughter Kohana who was rumored to be Sasuke's first love.
"Oh! I wonder what could have been Mikoto-sama if my Kohana and Sasuke-kun ended up together." Said Uruchi who was obviously trying to provoke Sakura.
Thankfully, her mother-in-law was quick to come to her rescue.
"I'm sure that Kohana-chan will find the right man for her soon enough. Isn't that right, dear?"
"Indeed, Obaa-sama" Kohana had no choice but to agree because nobody in her ranks would dare to come across with the formidable matriarch of the Uchiha clan.
Although, she couldn't help but feel disappointed that Sasuke didn't choose her. Instead, he married a measly commoner who doesn't have a single idea about how to organize occasions according to their liking.
Kohana was groomed to be the perfect wife for the future leader of their clan. As young as 6, her strict mother made her learn proper etiquette and play classical instruments. She spent her entire life trying her best to be the proper lady her mother wanted her to be but, in the end she lost her "prince" to Sakura Haruno - a nobody.
Sasuke promised to his pregnant wife that he'll go straight to her event right after his meeting. However, it's taking too long. He wants to end it right away, but he cannot afford to disappoint his father, especially right now, when he's training to be Fugaku Uchiha's successor.
He asked his secretary to send his wife a bouquet of her favorite flowers and a note that he's going to be a little late.
As soon as his meeting with the board finished, Sasuke called his chauffeur immediately so he can make still make it in Sakura's event. Even if his wife told him that it's alright if he cannot make it, Sasuke can't allow himself to break his promise because he wants to be there for his wife. He knows what kind of things his greedy relatives are capable of doing to humiliate her and doesn't want anything to happen to Sakura.
Once he got there, he saw his wife chatting happily with the beneficiaries of their foundation. It is truly obvious that her desire to help people in need is genuine because she doesn't care if she's talking to less fortunate people, or if they are wearing shabby clothes. That is why, he cannot help but feel guilty for Sakura's decision to stop from finishing med school because it has always been her dream to become a doctor, but now, she can't pursue it because she has to look after their growing family and focus on learning the medieval traditions of his clan.
"Sasuke-kun!" Her face lit up even more once she saw him. Sakura gave him a kiss on the cheek, which made him blush a little. After being married for nearly 7 years he still couldn't get used to showing affection in public, that is why he reacts like a silly teenager whenever his wife acts affectionate with him in public.
He looked away to hide his blush, and held her hand, which made Sakura giggle softly.
"How was everything here?" Sasuke asked.
"It's a success, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura chirped. She cannot wait to tell him about the rest later because they still have to pick up Sarada from school. They both promised that they will take their almost 7-year old daughter at her favorite ice cream shop after the event.
They were about to leave when Kohana called Sasuke who was surprised to see his distant cousin (rumored first love). The last time he heard from her was years ago, after announcing his intention to marry Sakura.
"It's been a long time, Sasuke-kun!" Even after all these years, Sasuke Uchiha remained the most handsome man in Kohana's eyes. If Aunt Mikoto did not intervene, she would have jumped into his arms without a care about his little wife. After all, she's the one who was supposed to marry Sasuke.
Sakura on the other hand, tried her best to keep her composure despite the jealousy that she has been feeling inside since her husband's distant cousin showed her face. It's pretty irrational for her to feel this way, but she cannot help it because it is a known fact that her husband's family would have preferred someone like Kohana to be in her place instead of an outsider without a tinge of aristocracy in her blood.
Sasuke wasn't in the mood for small talks today. Frankly, he was never fond of speaking and mingling with all of his relatives, especially those from the lower branch of his clan because all of them are power hungry people who are desperate to rise up from their ranks and have control over the business.
He knew that a lot of his relatives raised their daughters to be "suitable" brides for him and Itachi because of their desire for more wealth and power.
"Sasuke-sama, ojou-sama's class ended five minutes ago." It's a good thing that Aoda was quick to usher him and his wife away from his cousin.
"We better go Anata, Sarada is waiting for us." Sakura linked her arm to her husband's who was quite amused at her sudden display of possessiveness. Pregnant women are certainly not to be messed with, especially if it's Sakura Uchiha.
Little Sarada was swaying her legs back and forth while she was waiting for Mama and Papa to pick her up. Last night, they promised that they will take her to her favorite ice cream shop because her grades are good.
"Ne, Sarada don't you want to go home with us?" It's Boruto again. He does nothing but annoy her all the time. Mama would often tell her that Papa and Uncle Naruto used to be the same when they were younger, but Sarada thinks that she and Boruto are nothing like that because Papa and Uncle Naruto are very good friends.
"Hmpf. Mama and Papa are picking me up so you can go ahead." Sarada's prim and proper behavior often ticks him off, Shikadai and Inojin would often say the same thing too, but their words are nicer because they know how it's like to be part of a clan.
Besides, they all heard some of the teachers talking about Sarada having a teacher for etiquette and classical literature, as well as traditional arts and customs of Konoha.
"Oh, okay then. Ja ne!" He's not going to push it today.
Minutes after Boruto and his gang left, a teacher called her because her parents have arrived. Sarada ran outside Konoha Prep's waiting area, it's been a while since Mama and Papa took her to their favorite mall that's why she can't help but feel excited.
"You can only have one scoop, understood?" Sakura said sternly. She knows how much her daughter loves s but she cannot afford to have her daughter's teeth rot from too much sweets.
Sarada pouted and looked at her Papa. It's as if she's asking him to let her have another scoop. Sasuke gulped. He cannot resist his daughter's cute face, but he also can't go against his wife when it comes to disciplining their daughter especially when her moods are so unpredictable.
It has been a stressful week for Sasuke because his father entrusted him to deal with the fiasco caused by the board's decision to cut off the deal with En Oyashiro's company after the latter was found guilty of human trafficking in the borders of Kumogakure and Kirigakure. He managed to convince the board to back out from investing 200 billion ryo in Oyashiro's luxurious casino hotel. It was only Teyaki Uchiha who kept on insisting that the allegations against Oyashiro were not true, that's why Sasuke asked Shisui to investigate about Teyaki's relationship with En Oyashiro.
Shisui was able to obtain all the necessary intel as fast as he could and he found out that Teyaki was apparently involved with En Oyashiro's illegal activities in Konoha.
"It has to be dealt with immediately." Said Fugaku who was massaging his temples. It's a huge problem because someone from the clan was involved with illegal activities in the Fire country.
"I think it's best for us to turn in Uncle Teyaki to the authorities. That gesture alone would send a message to the public that we do not tolerate anyone from our clan." Itachi suggested. He was called back home to help out in handling Uchiha Inc.'s PR nightmare, because he's skilled with solving crises like this.
They had Teyaki Uchiha arrested and the elders had his family stripped off their privileges, which means none of them are welcome in the clan's estates anymore.
It was also found out that Teyaki has been embezzling money from Uchiha Inc. because of his gambling problem and his family's expensive lifestyle which they can barely afford.
Sakura can't stop pacing back and forth after watching the morning news because it's about the arrest of Uncle Teyaki and his relationship with business mogul, En Oyashiro. She's worried about her husband's safety because it's not impossible that these people could be targeting him because he convinced the board to drop their investment. These people could hurt Sarada too, and she cannot let that happen. If she must confine her daughter inside the house until it's safe, she will do it just to make sure that no harm comes to her precious child. Lately, Sasuke hasn't been getting a lot of sleep, since he has to work with Itachi and Shisui in stitching up the damages caused by their relative's involvement with illegal activities. Of course, Mikoto advised her not to worry because Sasuke can take care of himself and she should think more about her health.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
Apparently, her mother-in-law asked one of their maids to bring her tea. "This will help you calm your nerves, Lady Sakura" the servant said as she poured tea.
"Thank you." Sakura took a sip and the servant girl made her way out with a polite bow.
All of a sudden, she felt dizzy and her vision became blurry. She tried to stand up, but her knees wobbled. Then, everything went black.
A/n: Hi everyone! Your kind words are the reason why I'm trying my best to continue writing this. I am grateful for all who gave their feedback as well as those who liked and followed this story. I feel bad that I can't give frequent updates because I can't bring my laptop at work and it's a little hard for me to compose in my mobile phone because I tend to feel a little oc when it comes to the formatting and spacing. Also, I'm really sorry (again) for ending the chapter here. Although, I promise that in the coming chapters I will try my absolute best to make them longer. Again, thanks a lot for reading my story!
About the error, I tried to fix it using my mobile phone, but it didn't work that's why I had to wait for my rest day so I can edit this chapter on my laptop.