Chapter Thirty-Five

The Stirrings of Divide

The expansive cityscape was visible in the distance. The bright, multicoloured lights of the buildings in Central, were twinkling like the stars in the night sky, and the dark ocean shimmered beneath the moonlight. Syaoran however, saw none of this. He stood on the hotel balcony, frowning at the smartphone in his hand.

He had finished working one hour ago, and he had finally been able to have a shower and eat dinner after a long day. He had come out on the balcony to enjoy the cool city air while he talked to Sakura. But after a series of missed calls and the annoying mail-box voice, he was becoming agitated. He had even called the house phone and still no answer.

She could not be ignoring him, could she? Everything was fine between them. Since that day he had asked her not to work, he had visited several times and she seemed a bit peeved but mostly agreeable.

He tapped the phone to his chin.

Did she have an accident? Did she hurt herself?

Unease gripping him, he phoned Wei.

"Master Xiao Lang," answered the man.

"I've been calling the house phone," said Syaoran, disregarding the fact that he sounded like a grumpy child. "Why is no one answering? Where's Sakura?"

"She's at home," said Wei, sounding taken-aback. "The housekeeper Jie is with her. When I left they were making cupcakes. I'm at the grocer's picking up icing sugar for them right now. Miss Sakura spilled the only bag we had all over the kitchen floor."

Syaoran smiled slightly. He wished he could have seen her face when that happened. She probably could not stop apologizing.

"Wei, it's after 12 o'clock. It's too late to be making cupcakes, isn't it?"

"It is. But lately, Miss Sakura can't seem to stop. I think it's cathartic for her and it makes the days pass more easily. She's been trying out new recipes from the internet this entire week. Modifying them too. And I have been enjoying enabling her in this venture. Didn't she tell you?"

Syaoran leaned against the balcony.

"No," he said, his voice quiet.

"She really has a talent. We took pictures. Would you like me to send you some?"

"Yes. I would."

"Hold on," said Wei. "I'm now getting into the car."

Five minutes later, Syaoran was perusing several images on his phone. A series of cupcakes arranged on the kitchen island leaped out at him in various hues and colours. Some were so decorated he thought he felt his tooth ache, but they were cute - any girl would want one. Her icing work needed some more practice but there really was potential there.

He put the phone to his ear.

"That's a lot of cupcakes," said Syaoran. "Do you all eat everything?"

"No no. She gives the rest to Jie for her grandchildren. She's gotten many rave reviews from them. In fact, the batch she's making tonight is for the children to take to school to share with their friends."

"That's nice of her."

"It is."

There was a brief interlude in which Syaoran admired Sakura's selfless qualities. It made him feel proud to have such a kind, thoughtful woman. He did not miss the uncomfortable silence on Wei's end though.

"What is it?" he asked the man.

Wei sighed.

"Master Xiao Lang, may I be frank with you?"

Syaoran's stomach plummeted. Anytime in the past when Wei asked if he could be frank with him, he was about to get a good talking to. What was this about? He had not done anything bad lately.

"Of course, Wei," he said.

"You must understand, Miss Sakura becomes very despondent when you're not here. I know it's not my business but it's becoming quite noticeable."

Syaoran closed his eyes. He tried to make time for her, but his schedule was perpetually filled now. It was not like he could simply disappear from work. He could miss something important if he completely abandoned his schedule even for a day, and right now he had a lot to focus on. Also, Meilin was home at nights these days – which was saying a lot because she liked the socializing scene. But they were both in the city and as such, she wanted to spend time with him. Was he supposed to just abandon his wife?

"I think she could benefit from being around people her own age. She's inside every day with two older persons and she's quite spirited... she needs to be out and about. Perhaps even on her own."

Syaoran's eyes flew open wide.

"Without a chaperone?" he asked, scandalized. "But it's dangerous out there."

"Let us not exaggerate Master Xiao Lang. She needs to make friends. She doesn't need me around spoiling her chances."

"But how would I know who these friends are unless she tells me? How would I know if they're good people? She's naïve Wei."

A deafening silence filled his ear.

"Master Xiao Lang, with all due respect, and in the words of your young nieces, are you for real?"

Syaoran was not sure whether to laugh or nod vigorously. He could see how his words sounded extreme. But yes, he was for real. He was taking care of her. He had to protect her. How could he call her father and explain everything to him if something bad happened to her?

"The young lady you brought to Hong Kong, to keep you company is doing her duty. She doesn't need to be caged up, as though she would run away at any moment."

Syaoran stood to attention, feeling defensive.

"I'm not caging... Wei. I'm not caging her up."

"She hasn't spoken to anyone but her family, you, Jie and me for weeks."

"That's a lot of people," said Syaoran, stubbornly.

"Master Xiao Lang, wouldn't it be nice for her to have people she could relate to?"

Syaoran was breathing hard. The thought of her running around the streets of Hong Kong without him knowing what she was up to simply did not sit well with him. There were so many things that could happen. She could be run over by a car, held up by street thugs, dragged into a prostitution ring! There were a lot of long, dark alleys in Hong Kong. He just did not trust her street smarts.

"I'll take her out more," he told Wei. "I'll find the time."

There was another short pause. Both knew him finding more time to spend with Sakura was a dream that would not come through anytime soon.

"One last thing then," said Wei.

Syaoran held his breath. What could possibly be next? Wei sounded even more serious than before.

"If you don't want her out alone then perhaps you should reconsider her working."

Syaoran glared out at the city. Did Sakura complain to Wei? They were getting too close for his comfort if they were going to start ganging up on him like Meilin and his mother often tried and at times succeeded in doing.

"Did you hear me?" asked Wei.

"I did," said Syaoran. "The answer is no."

"Master Xiao Lang..."

"She doesn't need to. I give her everything."

"Yes, but you know how young women are these days," said Wei.

Syaoran was shocked. Was Wei actually going to tell him about young women these days? He would be surprised if Wei knew how old women were these days.

"They like to work," continued Wei, unaware of Syaoran's patronizing thoughts. "They want to be independent."

"Independent of what?" said Syaoran, gripping the balcony tight.

"It would be a safe way for her to meet people."

Syaoran's heart gave a jolt.

"If I wanted her to meet other people, I wouldn't have brought her to Hong Kong and put her in the suburbs."

There was another short yet awkward pause.

"I'm getting onto a busy street Master Xiao Lang," said Wei. "I have to end the call now, but I truly believe you should reconsider. It would give her something to do every day."

"Tell her to call me before she goes to bed," said Syaoran.

"Good night, Master Xiao Lang."

Syaoran flipped the phone in the air and caught it. What was happening? Wei was usually on his side. Syaoran walked into his bedroom and sat on the bed, his back against the headboard. A short while later, Meilin walked out of the en suite in a knee-length silk robe. She climbed onto the bed beside him and turned on the large built-in television.

"What's eating you?" she asked.

Syaoran stared questioningly.

"You have that look on your face whenever you're trying to figure something out."

"What look?"

"Just a look."

Syaoran quirked an eyebrow.

Meilin's eyebrows slid down low on her face and she glared at him, head tilted slightly to the side.

"That look," she said. "What's it about?"

My woman and Wei think I'm being unfair and controlling, thought Syaoran sardonically.

"Do you ever feel like working?" he asked her.

"I do work," said Meilin, flipping through channels. "But you don't count it as work. Remember?"

He refrained from retorting about her socialite "career" because he did not want to argue.

"A Swiss fragrance manufacturer did contact me the other day," she said. "They want to help me develop my own Limited-Edition perfume. They even did a poll to convince me. Apparently, women want to smell like your wife."

She smirked at him and his gaze fell to the engagement and wedding rings on her finger. Unconsciously, he fingered his own wedding band.

"When will you meet with them?" he asked.

"My assistant said next week. Come with me. I can deal with the creative part and you can deal with the boring part."

"You mean the part that ensures you don't get screwed over in the deal? That boring part?"

She rolled her eyes.

"You don't have to be so sensitive about it," she said. "It's boring for me. But I'm sure it's exciting for you. Will I have your support?"

"You always have my support," said Syaoran, making her beam. "I'll send one of my lawyers with you."

She pursed her lips.

"I want you."

"I'm swamped."

"Un-swamp yourself. Delegate!"

He sent her a look that successfully got her to back down, without another word from himself. But then, he exhaled wearily because she was going to have brunch with his Mother tomorrow. Surely, him denying her would be a point of discussion.

"Invite them to Hong Kong. We can meet with them at the Head Office. I'll have Ming schedule them in."

She nodded.

"That can work." Draping her arms around his neck, she kissed him. "I love you."

"Because you're getting your way," he said, with a shake of his head.

Meilin climbed over him, and sat on his thighs. Kissing him again, she murmured seductively, "I love you because you're incredible. Let me thank you. You know I love thanking you."

She trailed kisses down his neck, her tongue making circles on his skin. His jaw slackened, and his eyelids grew heavy as she sucked gently against his flesh. Clothing was slipping away from their bodies, and though Syaoran knew it was happening, it did not completely register to him until she took a firm hold on his erection.

He stiffened, his back straightening against the wingback headboard.

"Up," he told her.

She scoffed with a shake of the head and tried to kiss him, but he turned away. Kissing his chin instead, she continued to stroke him with just the right amount of pressure.

His teeth ground against each other.

He tried to ignore the pleasurable sensations building in his lower half as he said, "Meilin, I'm serious. Get up."

He attempted to push her off his lap, but she hugged him around the neck.

"You're acting like a real ass Xiao Lang."

Syaoran shot her a glare.

"I know what you're trying to do."

"And?"

His jaw muscles flexed.

"We can't do this," he said, glancing down at her hand around his manhood. "Until we're both on the same page."

"You don't want to make love to your wife because you don't want to get her pregnant?" said Meilin, coming to a halt. "You hear how ridiculous that sounds, don't you?"

He tried to get up but Meilin manipulated her body weight pinning him to the spot.

"I'd rather not move you," said Syaoran.

She tightened her hand around him.

"Stop being stubborn."

"This is your last chance," he told her. "Get up."

She released him and passed a finger along the line of his chin with a dangerous finesse.

"When you fucked your stupid whore," she said. "I still let you fuck me on our honeymoon. Now, you refuse to satisfy my needs, our needs, because you don't want us to have a family of our own? I never would have thought the man I've always been faithful to, would treat me this way."

The last sentence was murmured with such bitterness, it twisted his heart. She draped her black, silk robes around her and tied it as she walked out of their room. But the shadowy atmosphere she left in her wake, made him pull on his sweatpants and go after her.

He found her leaning against the kitchen island, a glass of wine in her hand, the freshly opened bottle and cork on the marble top. She guzzled the contents of her glass and refilled it. Cautiously, he walked up to her.

"Mei-"

"I don't want to hear anything you have to say. You don't love me. You don't care."

"I can love you and not want to get you pregnant, Meilin.

She took a large gulp of wine, glaring at him over the mouth of the glass.

"You can at least make love to me," she told him. "You can show me some respect. Instead, you treat me like a mistress. What. Are you going to start using condoms with me? Are you Xiao Lang? I wonder, did you bother to protect yourself, protect us, when you screwed your Japanese girl."

Syaoran's gaze dropped to her feet and she gave a knowing, derisive laugh. She emptied her glass of wine and refilled it again.

"That's enough," said Syaoran, looking pointedly at the red wine sloshing around in the glass.

"Really?" she asked, before drinking deeply once more. "Please, tell me Xiao Lang, what is the appropriate amount to drink when your husband rejects your advances? What is the amount that would make me numb to the insult? Forget it ever happened? Believe that he is attracted to me? Loves me? Since you know so much, tell me how much do I have to drink to believe my husband gives a fuck about me!"

Her voice ended on a thundering crescendo.

Syaoran glanced around for a stray maid or butler who might be lurking around the corner.

"Lower your voice," he said, approaching her.

"Don't tell me what to do!" She jumped back when he tried to touch her. "Don't try to pacify me either!"

"Meilin," he said, not liking the wild look in her eyes. "Calm down. Please."

She held up her left hand.

"I'm your wife! You're supposed to treat me like a queen. You're supposed to make me happy!"

Syaoran stared at her.

"We're standing in a 66 000 square feet mansion I built for you. That was to make you happy. You had free reign to have the wedding and honeymoon of your dreams. No matter the cost. That was to make you happy. I'm limiting my overseas' trips. To be in Hong Kong more often. To make you happy. Don't diminish what I do."

"When it comes to spending money you're fine with that. But when it comes to something that really matters, all of a sudden, your generosity comes to a halt!"

She slammed the glass into the ground, shards and wine ricocheting off the cabinets and floor. Crying, she slid down against the kitchen island. Syaoran walked over to her, the broken glass crunching beneath his house slippers. Stooping at her side, he tentatively brushed her hair back, so he could look at her face properly.

"I just want you to love me. To show you care. Why won't you?" she lamented. "Sometimes, I think you like me this way. Pining. Miserable."

"You know I don't."

"This is exactly how you made me feel last time," she sobbed, looking up into his face. "I felt so empty. You remember what you made me do?"

"I didn't make you… do that… I-"

"You made me feel like there was nothing else to live for," she cried, her hand on her chest. "Like you don't love me. You're making me feel that way again. Don't make me feel that way again…"

To an outsider it may have seemed like a desperate plea, but he detected the subtle threat. Or was he imagining things?

"Meilin, I do love you. I would be devastated if anything were to happen to you -"

"Don't you want to make me happy?"

"Of course."

"Then you know what to do," she said, as he wiped a tear from her cheek. "Make me happy, Xiao Lang. Show me how much you love me. Make it so we don't have to live in this mansion alone."

"A child would really make you happy?" he asked.

"More than anything." She smiled. "It would make you happy too. You'll see."

Perhaps, he would. Perhaps, he was wrong to doubt her. Perhaps, he should trust his wife. And perhaps, after he had hurt her as he had, he could give in to this one thing and hope it worked out in the best possible way.

Syaoran's heart pounded in his chest as he carried Meilin back to their room. And as he ascended the staircase, he thought, self-deception was truly the worse kind of dishonesty.

Later that night, he lay awake in bed, his skin layered in sweat and his limbs entwined with Meilin's.

He glanced at the time on his smartphone. Sakura had not called. Carefully, slipping out from under Meilin's sleeping form, he pulled on a pair of slacks. Going into the bathroom, he dialled Sakura twice before she finally picked up.

"...moshi..." she said, her voice groggy with sleep.

"Didn't Wei give you my message?" he asked. "You didn't call."

"Oh... I forgot..."

Syaoran sat on the edge of the round, marble bathtub and bowed his head. She only had him to think about. How could she forget? With all the things he had to do, she was always there in the back of his mind. It was the cupcake thing, he was sure of it. It was taking up all her time now. He pushed his hair back with his fingers.

"You're in bed?"

"Hai."

"I didn't speak with you today," he said, half-talking to himself. "I wanted to hear your voice before I turned in for the night."

"...mmmhmm."

He sighed.

"Did you have a good day?"

It took a while before she said, "Yes..."

He raked his hand through his hair again, tempted to pull out every strand. This conversation would go nowhere.

"Good night Sakura."

"Bye..."

She did not hang up the phone and Syaoran sat on the edge of the tub for minutes, just listening to her breathe, a small smile on his face. His throat tightened. Usually, he liked the feelings she inspired in him but sometimes, the uneasiness and uncertainty in him won out.

Deep down he knew why he did not want her to work or go out, but he was not going to admit it to himself anytime soon. If he did say exactly what the problem was, it would mean that he was insecure which was ridiculous. What did he have to be insecure about?

Your child-to-be, for one.

Syaoran doubted that he could sway her to stay once news broke that he and Meilin were expecting. She of course, still thought that they were possible. That he would get a divorce. And that they would drive off into the sunset together. But as enticing as the idea of getting away with her sounded, he lived in the real world. And even though a part of him wanted to be rebellious, so much of him was tied to his family. Sure, he would still have money and business, but family was important. Saving face was everything.

And, though she was tough, Meilin was not as resilient as Sakura. She needed him more.

A row of baking utensils was laid out on the kitchen island. Some were clean, but others still contained light residues of flour, chocolate powder and sugar. Sakura set the analogue timer Wei had gotten her - one shaped like the head of a koala bear - and rest it on the kitchen counter.

She was just about to start washing up the dirty wares when Wei walked in with a large, flat box.

"Something came for you," he told her, resting it down on the living room sofa.

She glanced at the cream box, and proceeded to wash the dishes.

"I can do that Miss Sakura," offered Wei. "Don't you want to open your present?"

She scrubbed intensely at a wooden spoon.

"I'll open it later."

Wei continued to stare at her, silently begging her to open it with his eyes.

Giving in, she patted her hands dry on her apron and collected the box from him. Laying it on the kitchen counter, she tore off the red ribbon that was wrapped around it. Inside lay a sleeveless, burgundy lace dress. She held it up to the sunlight that was pouring through the windows. It had a high-low hem, a fitted bodice, and it flowed out from under the bosom.

"Another dress?" said Sakura, stowing it away in its box.

Lately, Syaoran had taken to sending her random gifts. She knew he was trying to appear more present in the house, but she would much rather his company. The surprise and excitement she had felt from the dress and flowers last week, and the jewellery and shoes the week before that, did not transfer to his gifts this week.

"I have it on good authority that he wants to take you on a date this evening," said Wei, with a pleasant smile.

"But I'm baking. And I was planning to teach myself how to make fondant flowers today," said Sakura, walking into the living room to grab the house phone.

Usually, she would wait for Syaoran to call her, but she was a little upset with the abruptness of his gift and the accompanying risk of going out. Hoping it was not a bad time, she listened to the phone ring. She thought it would go into voice-mail soon when the line opened.

"Yes," he said quickly.

She rubbed the back of her ankle with her toes.

"Ah… It's Sakura. Am I bothering you?"

"I was in a meeting. Did you get the present?"

"I did," said Sakura, the annoyance she felt moments ago diminishing at the sound of his rich, deep voice. "Should I call you back?"

"I saw the dress in a boutique this morning," he told her. "I had to see you in it. Does it fit properly?"

"I haven't tried it yet. Um... so we're not going anywhere?" asked Sakura, wondering if Wei was wrong.

"We are," confirmed Syaoran. "I'll pick you up at six. Wear the dress for me."

Her brows furrowed at his demanding tone.

"You mean, please wear the dress for me," she said, stunned at her own daring.

Syaoran made a sound half-way between a gasp and a laugh.

"Excuse my poor manners," he told her smoothly. "Please wear the dress for me Sakura. I would love to see how alluring you look in it. Was that better?"

"H-hai."

"I have to go. See you this evening."

Sakura plopped down on the living room sofa as Wei walked out of the room.

Maybe they would get chance to have a meaningful conversation. Whenever Syaoran came over, they did talk but never about them. Never about their relationship. He would usually ask her about her day, and if she mentioned baking or the cupcakes, he would get this bored look on his face, even though he tried to hide it with a smile.

Then, when she asked him about his day, or when she tried to get inside his head, he would say something brief before giving her a look of longing, until she silently agreed to go to bed with him. At first, she was fine with it. But now, it felt repetitive and unsatisfying. She wanted him to open up to her, but he always maintained a deceivingly transparent but still, impenetrable wall.

Now, she was beginning to wonder if Tomoyo was right.

Was he stringing her along?

She wanted to believe in him, but she was no longer as certain as she used to be. Should she bring up her feelings to him? Could she?

Suddenly, a pungent odour collided with Sakura's nostrils. She gasped. A grey mist of smoke was issuing from the oven.

The cupcakes!

"HOE!"

Several hours later, the burnt smell had not completely left the house. Wearing her cocktail dress, makeup done, hair pulled into a small, low chignon, Sakura walked around the living room and kitchen, spraying air freshener into the air.

"Syaoran-kun's going to think I almost burnt the house down," she told Wei.

"The smell is not that terrible," he replied.

"I disagree."

Sakura spun around. Syaoran was standing behind them, in a sleek Mao suit – black, of course.

She flushed, and put the air freshener can on the kitchen counter.

"I burnt some cupcakes earlier. I forgot them. I was lost in thought and... but nothing's damaged or anything like that."

He walked over to her and waved his hand, dismissing her explanation.

"Wei already told me. Let's go."

Stunned, she looked back at Wei as Syaoran led her out the room. The elder man had a shy smile on his face. Did he have to tell Syaoran everything she did?

"My shoes," said Sakura at the front door. Her gold high-heels were laid out neatly in the corner. She bent to pick them up but Syaoran was already down on one knee. He held out one of the heels for her and timidly, she slipped her foot in. He buckled the thin strap, and helped her with the other side, taking time to gently caress her slim ankles.

"Thank you," she murmured as he rose to his feet.

Wei came upon them, and handed Sakura her black clutch.

"Thank you, Wei-san!"

He bid them farewell, and watched from the doorstep as Syaoran drove away.

"Where are we going?" asked Sakura, as they headed out of the quiet neighbourhood.

"To the harbour," said Syaoran. But before she could ask why, he looked over at her. "You make that dress look like it cost a million dollars."

She grinned.

"Didn't it?"

"Some may still view me as a 'rich brat' but I'm not that silly with money."

When they arrived at the harbour, the dark ocean sparkling under the moonlight, he walked her over to a pewter and white yacht. It must have been 200 feet long with three levels. Sakura gazed up in awe at the towering vessel, as a chilly wind blew strands of hair from her chignon.

"Is this yours?" she asked.

"Yes," he told her. "I purchased it four years ago. It's a fortune to maintain but it's one of the best yachts that has been built to date. Plus, I get to impress pretty ladies with it."

He smirked pointedly at her, and she giggled into the back of her hand.

"You're so silly."

As he ushered her on deck, she noticed men dressed in black, hovering around inconspicuously on the peripheries of the vessel. She caught Syaoran's gaze and he answered before she could ask.

"They're a precaution," he told her. "Sometimes I have bodyguards. Especially when going places such as the open sea. Don't look so worried. You must remember, I'm well-known in Hong Kong."

"Right. You're afraid you might be kidnapped."

"And shot."

She stopped walking and stared at him.

"I'm not very popular among the working class," he said, tugging on her wrist to get her to keep on walking.

"But Wei-san once told me that everyone wants a job at Li Corporation!"

"The ambitious," he said. "But many think that because I am wealthy and my roots run deep in Hong Kong, my main purpose should be to solve all the nation's problems."

"But you have charities, right?"

"I could start ten more; it wouldn't be enough to satiate them."

He paused at the yacht's entrance.

"It's my lifestyle. Tabloids and even reputable news outlets sometimes track the spending of the wealthy. Some of my purchases - and my family members' - outraged people. It got worse after last year."

Sakura figured he must mean his super expensive wedding. She had looked at the released photos online many times.

Boarding a cylindrical, crystal elevator, they went to the upper deck of the ship. On the terrace was a candlelit table with two chairs. He pulled out her chair and she sat, thanking him.

As he talked to the waitress who was pouring their white wine, the yacht pulled out of the harbour. Sakura grudgingly looked over the attractive woman who smiled gently at Syaoran. The two spoke about the Taiwanese chef he had flown in to cook for them. But, as soon as she truly started to feel jealous, she felt Syaoran's hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently. When the waitress walked away, he bent down and kissed her cheek.

Dinner went as it usually did – with pleasant conversation. But as the main courses were cleared away, the familiar look in Syaoran's eyes – one that hinted of his desire for a more intimate evening – began to form.

He led her over to the white, steel banisters of the deck and stood behind her, his hands gripping the handrails on either side of her body. She relaxed into his chest as the yacht sailed along the ocean, giving them a romantic, colouful view of the Hong Kong skyline, with its soaring skyscrapers and dazzling sapphire waters.

"It's beautiful," she said. "I-"

She gasped. A dazzling, harlequin display of lights and laser beams suddenly blazed from the tops of the buildings and landmarks.

"The Symphony of Lights! Syaoran-kun… it's beautiful."

He smiled.

"I knew you would like it. See that building over there," he said. "The tall one with the needle peak and the yellow-lit Li logo? That's the Head Office of the Li Corporation. That's where I am most days."

"Can I see it sometime?" she asked, looking up at him. "Go inside?"

"Sure."

They remained there, in an enjoyable silence, rocking gently to flute music playing through hidden speakers.

"Syaoran-kun?"

"Mmm?"

"How do you feel about us now?" she asked. "Do you think we're getting to know each other more?"

"Yes," he said, bending down to kiss her neck. He passed a hand over her pelvis, caressing her through the soft material of her dress. "I've gotten to know you much better."

She gripped his hand.

"I don't mean in a sexual way."

He kissed her neck again.

"I like the sexual way."

She shrugged him off.

"Syaoran-kun..." She faced him, holding on to the handrails behind her. "You said we could be together, if we got to know each other on a deeper level. But I don't feel like... it's getting deeper. I feel... stuck, sometimes."

"We can take a weekend trip to Seoul," he offered. "It would have to be next month-"

"No. I don't want a trip to Korea," she said, shaking her head. "I want you. I want to talk like we used to. I want to spend every day with you."

"We talk all the time."

"On the phone."

His demeanour tightened, and his gaze swept across the city's skyline.

"Sakura, I am a CEO. Do you think it is easy being CEO?"

She shook her head.

"No..."

"Do you think that such a CEO will have constant demands on his time?"

"Yes, but-"

"And yet, such a CEO makes time to see you. Because he wants to spend time with you as much as you want to spend time with him. You say you want to be with me, but you don't want the inconvenience of my life. Do you see the contradiction?"

Another cool breeze passed by, fanning out her dress and freeing more wisps of hair from her low bun. They hovered across her face, and she wished her hair was long, so in that moment, she would not be able to see him anymore. The conceited way he kept referring to himself as 'a CEO' made it seem as though only his time was worth much, when she had uprooted herself from her beloved home, to be with him.

Tightening her grip on the handrails, she said, "I just feel like a courtesan. As opposed to like... a girlfriend. That's all. I mean, I know it's silly to call myself your girlfriend considering everything, but... I've been here two months now and I'm not sure what I am to you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close.

"You're mine," he said, his tone soft. "You're what I look forward to each week. You're what I think about each morning and each night. Don't doubt how I feel about you and what you mean to me. It's unnecessary anxiety."

"But-"

"I know I leave early," he told her. "I know we don't spend as much time together. But we'll be here all night. We'll have breakfast together, tomorrow."

He walked backwards, pulling her with him.

"Come, I don't like when you're upset. I'll make things up to you below deck."

Sakura smiled, knowing that he was expecting her to be overjoyed at the prospect. But inside, she screamed at him to listen.

He led her past an elegant living room, a gymnasium, a hammam room and a guest cabin – one of four – before they came upon the marble master suite. It had been a while since Sakura was awed by his wealth and she had to wonder now, if he ever sat back, looked around him, and was in amazement of how much money he had. This yacht was not a boat, it was a house! No wonder people must be in disdain.

She did not think he flaunted his riches on purpose, but others may perceive it differently, especially with his haughty attitude.

He began to undress by the bed. When he was wearing only his briefs, he looked at her in confusion and then, in anticipation.

"You want me to undress you?"

She blushed, and shook her head.

He pulled her onto the bed and got on top of her. As he kissed her, she felt less and less excited by him. She was still replaying his CEO speech in her head. It had been a while since she had felt so minimized.

"Syaoran," she said. "I… I can't."

"Why not?" he asked, continuing to kiss her.

"I'm… bleeding," she lied.

He paused, his gaze slowly sliding over her body.

"When will you be done?"

"Next week."

The truth was that her period had concluded since last week. But how could they grow closer by having sex more than they connected in real life - and not just over the phone?

Syaoran sighed in frustration.

"If I had known…"

He rolled over onto his back, and gazed up at the ceiling chandelier. Sakura propped herself up on her side, and looked down into his face.

"We can talk some more…"

He reached up and unzipped the back of her dress. He drew the bodice down, and admired the swell of her breasts in her bra.

"Can I tell you something?" she asked. "Without you getting upset with me?"

His gaze left her breasts long enough, for him to look her in the eyes and nod.

"Jie-san took some of my cupcakes for her grandchildren," she said, softly, making Syaoran stop undoing her bra. He slid it off and lay back, tracing the perimeter of her left breast with his index finger. "Her granddaughter gave one to her teacher and the principal. The events committee formally asked me to make some for an upcoming event. They were going to pay me… but I said I'll do it for free. So you see, it's not really work…"

Syaoran had lost all interest in her naked bosom and was staring up at her seriously.

"We had this discussion before," he told her.

"I know. But a part of me wants to see if other people will like them. To see if I can bake as well as Wei-san and Otou-san say."

"For what purpose?" asked Syaoran. "You plan on operating a cupcake empire out of our kitchen?"

"I don't know," said Sakura, pulling up the straps of her dress to cover her breasts. "But if I really am good… shouldn't I see where it takes me?"

"You don't have to be taken anywhere," he said, taking her hand to kiss the back. "You're exactly where you need to be."

He got off the bed and pulled a robe from a closet.

"You said you wouldn't get upset," she told him.

He tied the robe around his body.

"I'm not. Make the cupcakes if you want. It's just a silly, little hobby."

Sakura's shoulders wilted.

It's just a silly, little hobby. Those words wounded her like a knife to the stomach.

Did he not realise that she knew about Li Meilin's mascara and lipstick lines? Why could Li Meilin have all those things, but she could not have her cupcakes?

Was she wrong? Did he favour his wife after all?

"I'll be in the office," he said, walking out of the bedroom without saying where it was.

He came back to bed later that night, and he held her as he slept. But, it was disheartening to know that he did not want her to do anything that did not revolve around him.

She knew his days were hectic and he wanted her to distract him from them, but she needed him to support her too.

Hey Tomodachi,

Thank you for your reviews. Wow. People made a lot of good predictions after the last chapter! I apologize because I read the chapters before I was going to post and realised they were all wrong so some scenes were rewritten. Thats why I didn't post.

Next chapter will be up in an hour. And I am going to try update the last few chapters with responses to reviews.

But at least you all are getting some chapters for the holidays.

Oh, and do you think Sakura really forgot to call Syaoran and missed his calls? lol Passive-aggressiveness at its finest!

Happy Holidays!

Until Next time,

Ja ne ^_^