Hey, guys! I finally, FINALLY got this chapter done. Let me tell you, I had small parts of this written for a while, but then I just got kind of blocked on how to get where I was wanting to go. Seriously, I would write a few words a day, maybe a sentence if I was lucky. Then I was cast in a production of Wizard of Oz and rehearsals ate up the rest of my spare time. You know, the usual. Anyway, I graduated in May and now that I've sort of settled into post graduate/adult life, the show I was in finished its run, and the stress of school is gone, hopefully my motivation won't be as lacking. Also, some of you have asked me if I plan on making a fourth installment about Seto, Alissa, and their kids and since I don't think I've answered this question officially yet, I'd like to let you know that yes, I do plan on making a fourth installment. In fact, I've already got the major plot planned out. Anyway, I hope you guys all enjoy the chapter, there's only a few left!
When Alissa awoke the following morning, she was surprised to find Seto still sleeping peacefully beside her. The mornings where she was actually awake before him were few and far between. She smiled as she watched his chest rise and fall with each breath. She took everything in. The way the sunlight streaming in from the slightly open curtains danced across his high cheekbones, the way his brow was relaxed instead of scrunched up in irritation like it usually was when he was awake, and the small smattering of freckles scattered across his nose. She used her fingers to brush away the hairs that had fallen into his face while he slept.
"You're staring."
She flinched and drew her hand back, his voice taking her by surprise. She watched as he opened his eyes, still hazy from sleep.
"Sorry. I didn't realize you were awake."
"I wasn't."
"Oh. Sorry that I woke you." She paused to place a quick morning kiss on his lips. "How'd you sleep?"
"Tolerably," he replied, letting his arm drape across her waist. "You're up early."
"Mai has her final dress fitting today at noon. I figured I'd get up early and get a bit of our wedding planning done before I left. You're up late."
"Tch, I doubt you and Mokuba would have liked the idea of me going into the office early today. Anyway, Mokuba and I were able to get KaibaCorp's newest project back on track yesterday so I'll be working from the home office until my meeting at one this afternoon."
"Well, I'm not complaining." She gave him another soft kiss and shut her eyes with a content sigh. After a few minutes, she finally sat up and ran a hand through her disheveled hair.
"I should probably get going now. Can I hop in the shower first?"
"I couldn't care less."
"Good, because I was going to do it anyway," she replied with a cheeky grin before continuing. "I'm trying to get the florist booked and the save the dates out today. Do you have time to help me a little bit before I leave?"
"Do we have to deal with that today? I still have dozens of emails to sort through to ensure that the beta testing is done for the game's release next week."
"I was kind of hoping we could get it done today. I don't want to send them out too close to Mai and Joey's wedding at the end of the month."
"Ah, yes. That's still happening."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm just surprised that the Mutt managed to find someone who can tolerate his constant yapping."
"Oh, stop being such an ass," she chastised, smacking him on the shoulder. "You and I both know that you consider him a friend, even if you're too stubborn to admit it."
"Yes, because I enjoy the mutt's company almost as much as I enjoy Zigfried's," the brunet replied with a roll of his eyes.
She rolled her eyes but let the matter drop, instead moving back to the previous subject.
"So, will you help me figure that stuff out this morning?"
"I believe I told you that I have too many emails to sort through."
"Seto, I can't plan this wedding on my own."
"I'm aware of that. I'm not stupid."
"It won't take long. I have a couple florists I'm looking at already; I just want your input before I decide which one to book. It shouldn't take more than twenty minutes."
"And what about the save the dates?"
"We could get those finished up tonight so we can send them out tomorrow."
"I'll be home late."
"I'll be awake anyway."
"I don't understand why you insist on waiting up for me when you know it isn't necessary."
"Because I worry."
"Tch, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself. Your worry isn't necessary. However, if you're adamant about waiting up for me, be my guest."
"So, it's a plan then? You'll help me with the florist this morning and then the save the dates tonight?"
"Obviously."
"You won't be too tired?"
"Tch, you're acting like I actually have a consistent sleep schedule."
"Okay. Thank you," she replied with a smile. She kissed him a final time before climbing out of bed and disappearing into the bathroom to shower.
Thirty minutes later she was showered, dressed, and heading downstairs with her laptop under her arm. She entered the kitchen to find Mokuba already awake and sitting at the island with his laptop.
"Good morning, Alissa," Mokuba greeted, pausing in his typing to give Alissa a warm smile.
"Morning, Little Kaiba," she said with a smile. "You're up early."
"I figured I'd start sorting through these emails before Seto woke up. He wasn't exactly in a great mood when we got home last night so I figured the fewer emails he'd have to sort through this morning the better."
"He'll appreciate it. He was still pretty grumpy when we woke up this morning." She paused as she reached for two mugs in the cupboard by the sink. "You didn't happen to make any coffee yet did you?"
"Not yet."
"Should I make a big enough pot for three?"
"Thanks, that'd be great."
She pulled three coffee mugs out of the cupboard before shutting it and heading over to the coffee maker.
"Hey, Alissa?"
"Yeah, Little Kaiba?"
"Is…uh…is Seto doing okay? He seemed really stressed at the office yesterday, even more so than he usually is. He fired like ten people."
The obvious concern in Mokuba's voice and on his face made Alissa want to tell the younger Kaiba brother everything that Seto had told her the previous night. The sexual abuse that the elder endured under Gozaburo, the nightmares that followed, and everything in between. However, after some thought, Alissa decided not to divulge Seto's secret. Seto had asked her not to say anything to Mokuba about the abuse, and after all, it wasn't her secret to tell.
"He just hasn't been sleeping well lately," she finally replied. "But he slept through the night last night so I'm sure his sleep schedule will get back to normal after the game is released."
Mokuba looked unsure but eventually nodded before responding, "You're probably right, Alissa. I just don't want him to hurt himself by working himself too hard."
"I know, Mokuba, I don't want that either. We'll both just have to keep an eye on him for the next couple weeks okay?"
"Okay," he replied after a significant pause.
"So, try not to worry." She paused long enough to bring him a mug of the finished coffee and place it in front of him. "Here's your coffee." She ruffled his hair, finally pulling a smile out of the worried young man.
"Thanks, Alissa."
"No problem, Little Kaiba." She poured herself a cup of the freshly made coffee before sitting next to Mokuba and powering up her laptop. She had just finished pulling up the florists' websites when Seto entered the kitchen.
"Hey, Seto. I left some coffee for you."
"Hn," he grumbled as he approached the coffeemaker to pour himself a cup.
"I have everything pulled up for you to review whenever you're ready, Seto."
"Tch, I'm glad that you're capable of thinking ahead." He took a long sip from his mug before approaching the two sitting at the island.
"Warning. That's a warning."
"Hn, whatever. What are the options?" he asked, coming to a stop behind her so he could peer at the screen over her shoulder.
"Most of them are places that multiple wedding planning bloggers have recommended. I got the information of the florist that Yugi and Tea used too."
"I'd prefer to use someone whose work I'm familiar with. The flowers at Muto's wedding weren't awful so at least I know the florist is credible."
"So…does that mean you want me to reserve Yugi and Tea's florist?"
"Tch, I thought it was clear that that's what I was saying."
"Okay, okay, Mr. Sourpuss, I'll get in touch with her and get her booked."
"Right, is that all you need? I have emails to sort through."
"I got through a good portion of them already, Seto. I archived the ones I thought you'd like to review."
"I appreciate it, Mokuba. I can take it from here."
"Are you sure, Seto? I don't mind sorting through the rest of the emails so you can rest before your meeting."
"Don't worry about it, Mokuba. I'll take care of it."
"If you say so, Bro."
"I'll be leaving to head to KaibaCorp at eleven. Be ready if you're planning on coming along."
"Sounds good, Seto."
The brunet made it halfway out of the kitchen before his fiancée's voice stopped him.
"Seto, come eat before you go upstairs."
"That isn't necessary, Alissa."
"Yes, it is. Come sit and have something to eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"I don't care. Come eat."
"I have work to do."
"I'll disconnect the Wi-Fi so you can't get any work done if you don't come and eat."
"Tch, your empty threats don't concern me."
"Alright, then I'll go get the wire cutters."
The CEO released an annoyed sigh. He approached the island again, plucked an apple from the fruit bowl in the center, and then left the kitchen.
"At least you got him to eat," Mokuba replied after he was sure Seto was far enough away.
"Yeah, I guess. You'll keep an eye on him today though? Just in case?"
"I'll make sure he eats something."
"Thanks, Little Kaiba." She paused to down the rest of her coffee and bring the empty mug to the sink. "Well, since we've got that done I think I'm going to head out."
"Already? Isn't it a little early for meeting up with Mai?"
"Yeah, but I figured I'd just head to the coffee shop downtown and get some work done there."
"Okay, Alissa. I'll see you tonight."
"See you later, Little Kaiba." She ruffled his hair again as she passed and exited the kitchen. She paused by the door to slip on her boots and coat.
"See you tonight, Seto!" she called as she grabbed her keys from inside her purse. Finally, she grabbed her scarf from its hook near the door, wrapped it around her neck twice, and exited into the cold, winter morning.
xxx
"Do you need any help in there, Mai?" Alissa asked from outside the changing room.
"I'll need your help with the zipper. I'll be out in a minute."
"Okay, I'll be out here when you're ready." Alissa returned to her seat on the couch outside the changing room and continued to absentmindedly flip through a bridal magazine. She officially met Mai a couple years earlier when the blonde moved to Japan after being in a long-distance relationship with Joey for several months. At first, Alissa was a little wary of the older woman's intentions. With what happened with Dartz several years earlier and the relatively significant age gap between the couple, Alissa couldn't help but worry that Mai wasn't in a relationship with Joey for the right reasons. However, Alissa's opinions of the blonde changed rather quickly once Mai took her under her wing. Alissa got to know Mai very well and soon, the blonde became one of Alissa's nearest and dearest friends. In fact, Alissa regarded her as an older sister. She had been ecstatic when she learned about the blonde's engagement, and even more ecstatic when the blonde asked her to be her maid of honor.
Alissa looked up from her magazine when the changing room opened and Mai backed out.
"Can you get the zipper?" Mai asked, looking over her shoulder at Alissa.
"Sure thing," she replied, tossing the magazine back onto the table. The blonde moved her long hair out of the way of the zipper tracks as Alissa approached.
"Alright, let's see the dress," Alissa replied excitedly once she had finished zipping it up. She stepped back to give the blonde woman room to turn around and face her.
The dress was a floor length, mermaid style dress made of charmeuse and lace with a drop waistline that hugged and accentuated the blonde woman's hourglass figure. The dress featured an off the shoulder illusion neckline and a sheer back that helped accentuate her already ample breasts, as well as a court style tulle train. The stark white color of the dress brought out the bronzy tones of her hair and skin.
"Mai, you look beautiful!" Alissa gushed. "Joey is going to have a heart attack when he sees you! Well, either that or bust a nut."
"It's good to see your sense of humor hasn't changed," the blonde chuckled.
"All joking aside, I'm really happy for you Mai."
"Thanks, Alissa." The blonde paused to drape an arm over the other girl's shoulder. "Just think, in a few short months, this is going to be you."
An excited smile formed on Alissa's face as she let her head rest on the blonde's shoulder. "I know. I still can't believe that it's happening."
Mai smiled at the slightly shorter girl and squeezed her tight. A comfortable silence fell between the two for several seconds before Mai spoke again.
"I'll go get changed so we can grab some lunch."
"Sounds good, Mai. I'll unzip you."
After getting Mai changed out of her wedding dress, talking to the store clerk, and setting up the pickup time for the dress; the duo found themselves exiting the bridal shop arm in arm. As the two walked and conversed, they failed to notice the person following them followed by the flash of a camera.
xxx
Two days later, Alissa found herself waiting in line to purchase a small cart of groceries. She yawned and let her eyes wander as she waited for her turn. Her eyes fell on the small rack of magazines near the register. What celebrity is the press bagging on this week? A large pit formed in her stomach when she caught sight of the title for the featured article. ALISSA TODD: SOON TO BE WIFE OR GOLDDIGGER?
"What the fuck?" she exclaimed aloud. She slapped a hand over her mouth in embarrassment and looked at the stunned store clerk apologetically before grabbing the magazine that caught her eye. The cover of the magazine featured several photos of her and Seto, as well as a picture of Mai and Alissa leaving the bridal shop that Alissa assumed was taken two days before. Several of the photos were zoomed in on her left hand.
"Will you be getting the magazine, Miss?" the cashier asked, causing Alissa to jump. She had been so busy staring at the cover of the magazine that she hadn't noticed that the cashier had finished ringing up her items.
"Oh, yeah. Yes please, sorry." She handed the magazine to the cashier and snatched it back as soon as it was rung up. She grabbed the rest of her groceries and bolted out of the store in the direction of KaibaCorp.
At the fast pace she was walking, Alissa was able to walk the five blocks to KaibaCorp in less than ten minutes. She entered the automatic doors and headed straight for the security desk. Fuguta sat behind the desk, astutely surveying the buildings surroundings.
"Hey, Fuguta, is Seto here?" Alissa asked urgently.
"Hello, Ms. Todd. Mr. Kaiba is in his office. He requested not to be disturbed unless it was an emergency. He has a lot of work to fi-hey, wait a minute! Where are you going?"
"Good thing this is an emergency," Alissa called as she bolted for the elevator. "Thanks, Fuguta!" The closing of the elevator doors cut off the rest of the security guard's requests. The elevator ride seemed to take forever and once the elevator reached the top floor, Alissa was out before the doors were even open all the way.
"Did you see this?" she asked, bursting into the brunet's office without even knocking.
"It's extremely poor taste to enter someone's office without knocking," the brunet snapped without removing his gaze from his computer screen. "What if I had been in the middle of an important meeting?"
"Did you see this?" she repeated, ignoring his annoyed question.
"See what?" he asked tonelessly as his fingers continued to dance across the keys of his laptop.
"This week's issue of Highbrow Weekly."
"Highbrow Weekly? Isn't that the wannabe People Magazine?"
"Could you not be an ass for at least two seconds?"
"Let me see the magazine." The brunet held out one hand expectantly while the other continued to type out coding.
She slapped the magazine into his hand and crossed her arms over her chest as he pulled his gaze away from his computer. He skimmed the cover and the article briefly before snorting in disgust and tossing the magazine onto his desk.
"Do they really have nothing better to do than turn out ridiculous rumors?"
"That's all you're going to say?"
"What else am I supposed to say, Alissa?"
"You can say something that makes it sound like you care at least a little but with what's happening! They're slandering me!"
"I know-."
"You aren't the only one with a reputation to protect, Seto!"
"I'm aware of that, Alissa-."
"Then why aren't you more upset about this? This article doesn't just affect me, it's going to affect you by association!"
"Tch, the people who truly support you and me won't believe this garbage."
"But we have to do something! We need to hold a press conference, we can't let them-." She was cut off by him dragging her into his arms. She had been so freaked out that she hadn't even seen him stand. She squirmed for a moment in his grip, not willing to let him try to calm her when they still needed to discuss the problem. However, when the brunet refused to let go, she calmed and let herself relax into his grip.
"Alissa, I know this article has you worried but there's no need to worry about it. I'll take care of it. I'll find the person responsible for this article and make sure that they lose their job."
"Thank you," she said quietly, feeling a little better now that the brunet promised to fix it. "But what if people actually believe the article?"
"Are you only marrying me for my money?" he asked, tonelessly.
"No! Of course not!"
"Then what's the problem? You know it isn't true, I know it isn't true, and the people matter won't believe it's true either."
"What if this causes problems for your game release in a few days."
"This article won't matter in a few days because by then the person responsible will be fired and the rumors will die down."
"Do you really think so?"
"I know so."
xxx
A few days passed and still the rumors had not died down. In fact, they had gotten worse. Other magazines began publishing articles questioning the authenticity of the original article, as well as Alissa's true intentions. It had gotten to the point that Alissa was nervous to go out in public for extended periods. Due to this, she found herself sitting on the bed in their hotel room in the deep purple dress she had intended to wear to the Gala, questioning if it was even the right choice for her to attend.
"Are you sure you really want me to go?" she asked as she watched Seto straighten his tie in front of the mirror. "I'm sure I can find something else to do while you're there. This hotel has a nice spa, I could just-."
"Am I sure that I want you to attend the VR Release Gala? Of course I'm sure, don't be stupid."
"But it might be bad press for the new game. I don't want to ruin your night."
"Tch, the only thing that would ruin the night is if you didn't accompany me. That would only make matters worse."
"But everyone still thinks that I-."
"Alissa, I don't care what those idiots think. I want you there. Now hurry up and finish getting dressed. We'll be late."
About twenty minutes later, the couple was ready and climbing into the limo with Mokuba to head to the event center. The limo ride from the hotel to the event center was a short and tense one. Alissa nervously cracked her knuckles as the limo came to a stop right in front of the entrance. Mokuba exited the car first and immediately began smiling and waving to the cameras. Alissa felt her heart rate start to pick up as her time to exit the limo approached. Sensing her anxiousness, Seto leaned over quickly to whisper in her ear.
"Don't let them see that your nervous. They won't be able to ask questions until we reach the backdrop with KaibaCorp's logo. Once they start asking questions, I'll take care of it."
Alissa nodded silently and the brunet gave her a small, reassuring smile.
"Alright, it's time to go," he replied after waiting the allotted time. He put on his usual mask of indifference and stepped out of the limo. After stepping out he held out his arm and helped Alissa out of the limo. He tried not to growl at the silence that followed her exit. I'll teach these idiots to slander my family, he thought as they approached the white backdrop embossed several times with a silver colored KaibaCorp logo.
"We're short on time so I'm going to make this brief," he began after reaching the podium. "I'm sure all of you are aware that a week ago Highbrow Weekly made some ridiculous allegations against Alissa, and by default, me and Kaiba Corporation. I would usually let my public relations office handle these idiotic rumors, but the nature of these rumors has compelled me to make a final statement on the matter. With that said, it is time I put these rumors to rest." He paused to hold out his hand expectantly.
Alissa stared at his hand for a moment before it dawned on her that he was waiting for her hand. He'd better be smart about this, she thought. I hope he knows what he's doing. She extended her hand towards his and he immediately grabbed it, positioning her hand so the palm was facing inwards.
"Maybe I'm wrong, which I'm not, but I've always understood marriage to be a universal practice. Since I've seemed to have overestimated the public's intelligence, let me clear this up for everyone. Alissa and I are engaged. I'd think that would've been made clear by the ring on her finger, but like I said, I clearly over calculated the intelligence of the public. Now, the people who actually believe the garbage from this stupid magazine clearly do not know Alissa's character or the extent of my intelligence. I'm no fool and neither is Alissa. Anyone who claims to be a fan of Alissa wouldn't be stupid enough to believe such garbage. With that said, you should all know that the reporter responsible for the article has been fired and if anyone feels the need to continue spreading these stupid rumors, they'll be hearing from my attorney. I have no further comments." Without another word, he placed a hand on the small of Alissa's back and guided her away from the podium and the flashing cameras. Once they were far enough away from the podium, Alissa spoke.
"Thank you for sticking up for me, Seto. You really didn't have to do that."
"Tch, of course I did. No one slanders a Kaiba."
She felt tears spring to her eyes and she immediately blinked them back. After the stressful week she had, it was reassuring to have the brunet come to her defense the way he did.
"Thank you."
xxx
Following his speech to the press, everyone was abuzz. Only once Yugi and Leon von Schroder, entered the stage to demonstrate the new VR technology did things quiet down again. The demonstration went well and by the end of it the crowd was roaring with excitement. It was a close match, but in the end Yugi came out on top.
After the demonstration and a brief interview with the press, Seto would have been content to go back to the suite, however as the host of the event, he was required to attend the after party; an idea that Mokuba had come up with to up KaibaCorp's social game.
The after party was set up in the hotel's ballroom and consisted of only the guests and their plus ones and a buffet. On the ride back to the hotel, Seto and Alissa had agreed that they'd both only stay as long as necessary and let Mokuba take control of the event since the after party was his idea in the first place.
"That was quite the show, Herr Kaiba," the showy CEO of Schroder Corp replied, sidling up to the brunet. "I'd like to congratulate you on that fabulous demonstration."
"Tch, I don't need your congratulations."
"Oh, come now, Herr Kaiba. Why so cold?"
"I don't like you, Zigfried. The only reason you're here is because your younger brother has talent in the dueling world. Now, I suggest you spit out whatever it is you wanted to say, because I know you didn't come over here just to give me your congratulations."
"Very well. I recognize your guest tonight," the German began, casting a look over at Alissa who was talking with Joey and Mai. "If I recall correctly, she was around during your Grand Championship as well."
"What's your point?"
"I want to know where you found her."
Alissa saw Zigfried approach Seto from across the room and rolled her eyes.
"Excuse me for a minute, guys. Zigfried is talking to Seto, I should go oversee this to make sure Seto doesn't blow his top." She excused herself and approached the duo at the other side of the ballroom.
Seto had just finished telling the German that it was none of his business how he had met Alissa when the dark-haired girl approached.
"Ah, here she is. It's Alissa, right?"
"Uh, yeah," she replied, looking at Seto in confusion.
"Spending time with a man like him must be quite the obligation, I hope he pays you well." The pink haired man paused to lean in closer to the stunned woman. "Whatever it is he's paying you, I'll pay you double."
Alissa didn't even have time to absorb what the German had said before Seto's fist was flying into the pink haired man's face. His fist connected with the other man's left cheek and the side of his nose. The pink haired stumbled back with a shout, holding his already bleeding nose.
"How dare you come to my event and insult my fiancée by calling her a prostitute! Now, I suggest you gather your little brother and get out before I ruin your career more than it already is! Consider yourself blacklisted from all future KaibaCorp events."
"You can't do that! I am a sponsor for your company!"
"Tch, I don't need your money."
"I will take you to court and have you sued for assault!" The German shouted, taking a few steps forward, only to be stopped by Roland who had approached as soon as the altercation began.
"I don't care what you do, do whatever you like." Seto's expression was hard and his tone livid. "But don't ever speak to me or to her like that again. Do you understand?"
Zigfried scoffed and flared his nostrils before turning on his heels and heading for the door. "Leon, wir gehen! Lass uns gehen!"
The embarrassed boy had no choice but to cut his conversation with Mokuba short and follow his older brother out of the venue.
"Are you alright?" Seto asked quietly once Zigfried was gone.
Alissa nodded slowly in response, obviously extremely embarrassed because of what transpired.
"I've had enough of this. Let's go back to the room. Mokuba can take care of things from here."
Alissa nodded gratefully. After everything that happened that week and with what Zigfried said, all she wanted to do was to go to sleep and put the whole week behind her.
"Let's get out of here."
Well, I never thought it would happen, but I finally, FINALLY got this chapter done. Hopefully this chapter doesn't seem too rushed to you guys 'cause quite a bit went down this chapter. Anyway, more importantly, thank you from the very bottom of my soul for being so patient with me. I seriously can't thank you all enough for being patient and dealing with my bullshit updating schedule. To try and make up for my hella long hiatus (as if one update is really gonna make up for it) I made this a longer chapter. It's no novel, but it's significantly longer than my recent chapters have been (nearly 5,000), so hopefully this chapter made up for it and was worth the wait.