Chapter Twenty Two
A cloud of fog escaped her lips. Blue eyes stared up towards the sky dyed in sunset colours. The scent of winter filled her nose. Her cheeks turned rosy red from the cold air. Snowflakes drifted down from the heavens. A blanket of white snow covered the city.
A tingling sensation of awe spread throughout her body. Frozen in a spot within a crowd of people, she admired the first snowfall. As if the snow cast a magic spell over the city, the sound of sweet laughter from strangers twinkled in her ear. Stretching out her hand towards the sky, she felt the droplets of snowflake melt against the warmth of her hand. It was as if the snow was fallen feathers of an angel.
Beautiful.
Feeling a warm hand wrap around her's, she was caught in her daydream. Separated from him due to her daydreaming, he found her amongst the crowd. Placing her hand in his pocket, he was telling her not to lose him again. A sweet smile appeared on her lips as she closed the distance between them.
Walking down the pedestrian path, lights illuminated from the mini stalls that were set up for the winter festival. Her eyes softened at the sight of Shippo throwing darts at balloons from the game booth. Slowly, his expression grew frustrated as he received only a candy as his prize. Feeling the hand around her's loosen, she watched in shock as Sesshomaru approached the game booth. She watched Shippo point at a fire cat doll and Sesshomaru throwing darts. A wide smile appeared on Shippo's lips as the game booth owner passed him the doll he wanted.
During the past few weeks, she found out a side of Sesshomaru she had never seen before.
He would be a great father.
Her heart swelled with love. It felt like she was living in a dream. She spent almost everyday with Sesshomaru, with the thought of letting him remove the mark after a month. She promised herself she would make as many memories with him as possible until it was time to let go. But it grew harder and harder at the thought of it.
His hand held her's causing a lump to form in her throat. Walking by his side and Shippo leading the way, she continued to live in her dream; a dream where they were family; a dream where she could remain by his side forever. She watched the sky grow dark as she continued on with her dream. Stopping by random food stalls and sightseeing the winter light decorations. Keeping close to one another as they moved through the crowd of people. They warmed each others hands from the cold night. Snow glistening against his silver hair as she brushed it away while enjoying the silky sensation.
The moments were so precious to her.
Seated underneath snow covered trees decorated in lights, her head rested against his shoulder. The distant sound of Shippo's laughter as he played with children rang in the air. Snuggling closer to the warmth he emitted, Kagome tightened her grasp around his arm. There was a week left before the promised month was up.
She didn't want to let go.
"Kagome," his deep voice brought her out of her thoughts. Drifting her gaze towards his, she saw his eyes looking straight forwards as if driven by determination. "Come to the gala with me."
Her eyes widened in shock. Every year, his company hosted the largest gala. Every year, he went alone with no partner to accompany him. The world never saw Sesshomaru Taisho in arms with another lady. Though paparazzi's tried to infiltrate the mystery around the Taisho family, they never found out that she was a daughter of the Taisho house. Her father was too powerful and controlled most of the media companies in order to protect her privacy. If she were to go to the gala with Sesshomaru, the world would not know she was his sister but his significant other. She whispered, "No one knows about me, Sesshomaru. They don't know that I am a Taisho."
He didn't want to world to know she was his sister.
"That's fine," he said patiently. The gala was a day before she asked him to reclaim his mark. Once she found out that he had no plans to do so, he knew she would never forgive him. At least at the gala, the world would see she was the only woman he would have at his side, the only woman for him, the only one he would love.
The first and last woman to be standing by his side in the world's eyes.
He couldn't bring himself to act on his selfish desires of shackling her to his side forever.
He just needed that one day. It would be enough to have her belong to him for just that one day.
"Okay," she hushed softly in reply. A tender expression revealed on her face as she accepted his invitation to stand by his side. The first woman he would show to the world.
##
Rays of light from the setting sun peeked through the glass windows in her room. A dimmed colour of red mixed with the evening shadow reflected against the walls. Her finger ran down the beautiful deep blue fabric that wrapped around her. A delicate V-neck lined in lace covered her top and extended past her arms into a long sleeve. Past her waist, the lace transitioned into deep blue colours of tulle that reached the ground. Her eyes scanned the mesmerizing dress Sesshomaru had sent to her house for her to wear to the gala tonight. The way the dressed fit her body perfectly made her wonder how he knew what size to get her.
Picking up the jewellery box that Sesshomaru sent along with the dress, she sounded a gasp. A gorgeous necklace lined with diamonds along with matching earrings appeared within the box. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, ebony hair decorated into an elegant updo hairstyle as small strands of curls tumbled down. She placed the necklace and earrings on and stared at her reflection in a daze. This look definitely trumped her wedding day.
"Woahh," she heard an innocent voice sound from the door. Turning her head, a beautiful smile appeared on her lips. Kagome saw the surprised expression on Shippo's face as his mouth dropped in awe. A giggle sounded as she reminded him, "Now, be a good boy with the babysitter, okay?"
Still in shock, Shippo nodded his head slowly.
The sound of the door bell ringing echoed within the entire house. The babysitter must have opened the door as Kagome heard the door open and shut. Brushing a hand across Shippo's cheek, she told him lovingly, "I'll see you in the morning."
With a kiss on his forehead, she went to descend down the staircase.
Golden eyes drank in the beautiful sight before him. His breath caught in his throat as he watched Kagome wear the dress he picked out specifically for her. The slight blush on her cheeks from his reaction caused his heart to pound against his chest.
She was his.. for only this night.
"Beautiful," his lips slipped out, causing her blush to darken.
His hands reached out towards her as she placed her hand in his. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer. The contrast of his silver hair against his jet black suit. Her heart melted at the sight of him in a well fitted suit that caused anyone standing this close to him to start daydreaming. He led her into the limousine waiting in front of her house. The chill of the night sent shivers down her spine. His arm wrapped around her to protect her from the breeze.
The scenery of the city flashed before the car window. Soon, flashes from cameras invaded their limousine door. Taking in a deep breath, she saw the crowd that surrounded outside the door. Her hand unconsciously gripped tighter around his hand. With a gentle squeeze, he reminded her that he would stay at her side. A shaky exhale left her lips as she nodded her head.
The car door swung open as millions of pictures were taken to capture the women by Sesshomaru Taisho's side. Murmurs and questions spread rapidly throughout the gala entrance. His arm wrapped firmly around her waist as he led her down the red carpet. The nervous smile on her lips softened into a sweet smile at his gesture.
Reminded of his presence by her side, her gaze lifted, her nose raised, her smile brightened.
Deep within his eyes, none saw the pride that shined. The world watched him as he held her by his side; The only woman he considered his mate. He engraved the moment in his memories. She continued to walk by him as if she were his wife. At this moment, no one would have questioned otherwise. For a moment, he indulged in everyone's speculation of his relationship with the woman at his side.
Eyes past the cameras watched the man who was known to be heartless standing beside a beautiful woman whose smile emitted warmth. The world caught a glimpse on that day a hint of tenderness leak past the usual stoic mask. Roars of spectators watched the beautiful couple walk down the red carpet in awe.
##
Chandeliers lite the gala hall. Etches of gold trimmed the intricate designs along the wall. Tall windows surrounded the hall, allowing all to see the starry night sky. Antique art dangled along the hallways. Waiters in tuxedos walked through the crowd with trays of champagne, meanwhile the delicate sound of a live orchestra played in the background.
Kagome watched in awe as everyone was dressed beautifully. Her eyes wandered to take in the entire hall that could be mistaken for a fairy tale castle. It took only a few seconds for her to start noticing the glances she was receiving. Being the first woman to appear by Sesshomaru's side in public seemed to peak everyone's interest. She watched as strangers from afar appeared too nervous to approach her and would only whisper about her.
The first woman to appear by Sesshomaru Taisho's side. What kind of woman is she? Everyone was curious, she could tell.
"Bankotsu," her voice called out to a familiar face. Sesshomaru's company partner approached them with a charming smile. He responded, "Kagome, you look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking!"
She giggled softly as Bankotsu caught Sesshomaru's glare. Ignoring the glare, Bankotsu said, "Sesshomaru, it's time for your speech. I'll keep Kagome company."
Her gaze softened as noticed Sesshomaru hesitate to leave her side for a brief moment before turning to head onto the stage.
"How does it feel to be the centre of attention, Kagome?" Bankotsu asked lightly.
Letting out a sigh, she said, "It's pretty nerve wrecking. Everyone is staring at me."
Bankotsu reassured, "No one would dare approach you though. They know not to meddle with Sesshomaru."
It was her first time entering into Sesshomaru's world. Did it always feel this cold and distant?
Bankotsu murmured while on the phone, "I'm sorry, Kagome. It looks like there is something I need to deal with quickly. I'll be right back."
Without another word, she watched him leave her side and exit the hall. Left alone in a crowd where eyes peered at her from every direction, she felt a nervous sensation crawling back into her heart. Suddenly, a chill shot down her back. Frantically searching for the familiar aura, Kagome caught sight of Ryuu and Zhang Li in the distance. She watched in worry as they appeared in a calm conversation, yet their aura felt malicious towards one another. She wondered what they were talking about. Slowly inching towards the two who stood away from the crowd, she heard pieces of their conversation.
Hatred pooled in her eyes as she stood in front of the man that always brought such emotion in her heart. Her voice carried a deep rooted anger. "What are you doing here, old man."
"Zhang Li, is that a way to address your Father?" Ryuu spoke calmly.
A threatening growl escaped her lips as her expression no longer hid the rage she felt. She sneered, "Don't call me by that name. I don't want the name that was given by a murderer."
Kagome watched Zhang Li's body tremble and heard her say, "You lost the right to be my Father after driving my Mother to her death in order to have me."
Ryuu, ignoring Zhang Li's entire speech, said casually, "When should I be expecting an heir from the Inu clan?"
Kagome narrowed her eyes. Despicable.
She wanted the old man dead. How many times had she wanted to kill her own father? Countless. The sensation of emotions overwhelmed her. It hadn't always been this way. She had loved him once when she was naive and didn't know of his crime. It wasn't until much later that she found out that he had been the cause of her mother's death. Her mother who had taken her abroad to run away from him was driven into a corner in order for the old man to get her back. Even though the old man had an heir with his wife, he still wanted his mistress' daughter as a pawn.
How she wished his blood running through her veins could disappear. She hated the old man who named her Zhang Li. She hated the young Zhang Li who used to love this evil criminal. The only way she was able to survive this self-hatred was to forget Zhang Li and live as Jessica.
"You'll have an heir to the inu clan. But as promised, my ties to you will be severed completely. I'll have nothing to do with you." She looked at him with only disgust now.
"Just do as you were told, Zhang Li," his voice portrayed that no words on her end had affected him the slightest.
Staring at the calm face of the old man, she felt her voice rise in heat, "DON'T call me that. Zhangi Li is dead. I am Jessica."
Once again ignoring his daughter, Ryuu turned around to leave.
"I hate you." She whispered to herself, though her hushed confession had caused Ryuu to freeze briefly, invisible to the eye. Her body shook with angry as tears filled her eyes. There she watched the man she hated walk away from her unaffected once again.
Kagome paused. Her thoughts racing within her head. She discovered that Jessica was forced to give the Inu clan an heir in order for her to sever her ties with Ryuu. Jessica just wanted freedom. Reviewing the way Ryuu manipulated others, she wondered if Sesshomaru was also cornered into agreeing to give the Inu clan an heir. She could never imagine Sesshomaru being forced to do anything.
"Your existence will destroy the Earth's balance."
Of course Ryuu would want to erase her existence. Her eyes widened in realization. Ryuu must have threatened Sesshomaru using her safety. Sesshomaru was forced to create an heir with Jessica who was in it to gain her freedom. They were all pawns of Ryuu's manipulation. Staring at her own shame, she felt her gut twisting at the memory of how she treated Sesshomaru. Taking a step back in shock, the sound of glass shattering pulled her out of her thoughts.
The marble floor was covered in pieces of glass soaked in champagne. Kagome bowed and apologized to the waiter she bumped into. The commotion had caused others to turn their attention back towards the woman who was brought by Sesshomaru Taisho. Kagome returned her gaze to Jessica and found that she was gazing back at her.
Narrowed eyes were still filled with anger from the encounter with the old man. Though she knew the Miko was not responsible for her anger, she couldn't help but release it on her. The Miko was a barrier blocking her from her freedom.
"You overheard, didn't you," Jessica stated.
Kagome felt the dangerous youkai ki flaring around Jessica. Understanding a bit of Jessica's anger, she remained silent.
Seeing pity in the eyes of the Miko, her wrath unleashed. "Don't you DARE PITY ME," She yelled as her clawed hand meant to push the Miko but instead ripped the sleeves off of the Miko's dress.
All eyes flew towards the shout that rang through the hall. Gasps exploded from Kagome's surrounding as guests saw the scars on her exposed skin. Grimace and disgust appeared on their faces as people stepped back away from her. Even Jessica who looked at her with the rage was replaced with shock. Camera flashes went off as paparazzi's murmured to each other that this was a perfect scoop for the news.
Sesshomaru Taisho had chosen a scarred woman.
Though she was supposed to be used to the disgust and the whispers, she felt her chest suffocating. It was as if the world was telling her that she had no right to be by Sesshomaru's side. It was the world reminding her that she couldn't love him.
Her senses were suddenly surrounded by his scent. Sesshomaru stood in front of her as he placed his suit over her shoulders. The gossiping of others grew deaf to her ears. Her attention focused on the storm past his eyes. Her chest that refused to release its strangling grip, loosened at the sight of him. Sesshomaru, who used to look at her with guilt whenever he saw her scars, now looked to her with a determination to protect her. The chilling sensation that consumed her from their disgusted stares was replaced with warmth.
In the eyes of the crowd, they watched the most tender smile unveil upon her gentle face. For a moment, the image of her scars were forgotten from their memory.
"Let's go home," he said softly for only her ears to hear.
Nodding, she took his outstretched hand and followed behind him. Adoration glimmered past her eyes as she watched him lead her out the gala.
A burst of emotions swelled within her.
Her smile widened uncontrollably.
Tears of joy from the warmth he gave her fell.
Closing her eyes, she whispered the secrets of her heart.
"I love you, Sesshomaru."