Guest - Yeah, Rukia seriously can't take a break. It seems the odds are very against her, in a sense. :3 Well, she did report Aizen to the police but it was all swept under the rug for some reason. That's why Isshin hadn't known at all. About Ichigo's rebellious streak, you might have a explanation of his rebellious streak in this chapter. I can only tell you that from the happenings until now that Ichigo isn't accepting or rather, he refuses to accept Rukia. :3

reesen555 - I am so glad FanFiction returned to normal. :3 Thank You for loving me as your author. :3

Ichirukitrash4ever - Yeah, she really can't take a break. XD Honestly, by the way I am writing it I don't believe they will get together as well. But hey, don't lose hope! We will see where my muse takes me! XD Honestly, with the things Ichigo and Rukia's relationship is, it's always a tiny step forward and a big step backwards. It's an uphill battle. :3 The way Ichigo and Rukia's relationship is progressing... I really pity them but this is my evil advantage as an author. The more they are in opposite sides, the deeper they will fall in love. That's what I hope, anyway. Ichigo and Rukia's relationship / fundamentals / battle in this story is the hardest aspect for me to write but when I write those 2 interacting, I always find such joy. :3 Rukia's reason towards marrying Ichigo is not to be revealed, it's written in the contract. We will have to see if Rukia will break the contract in the future. Well, if she breaks it, then Ukitake's life is at risk so that's the predicament she is facing. Ichigo currently thinks that Rukia is embarrassing him so there will be more torture for Rukia, I'm sure of that. As to why Ino is acting cold towards Rukia, let's hope it will be revealed soon enough. That's the million-dollar question actually. Is Ino a good friend or a bad friend? XD As for the handsome and rich friend... Good idea but it would only make Ichigo hate Rukia more. XD I am glad that FanFiction site seems to be okay now. :3

FafaCute - We will see if that's a possibility or not. XD

Guest - She is in the process of breaking down, she just hadn't broke down. There would be some instances where she breaks down for a mere moment, but simply for just a moment. :3 The way Ichigo and Rukia's relationship is progressing... I really pity them but this my evil advantage as an author. The more they are in opposite sides, the deeper they will fall in love... I hope...

Disclaimer: I neither own Bleach nor its characters. :3

Ichigo was more than pissed, he was fuming. Hadn't Rukia understood him the first time when he said NOT TO EMBARRASS him and stay out of the limelight? Either Rukia hadn't understood him, which also meant she was fucking dense, like a block of wood or this was revenge. Not only revenge for him, but revenge for the Kurosaki Enterprise as well. Isshin's business was placed at risk because of his 'Wife's' actions. No matter what Ichigo did, the last person he would want to harm in this world was Isshin Kurosaki. Ichigo hadn't known whether this was retaliation from the night he was drunk, retaliation from the day where he had smashed the vase on the floor and had Rukia clean his mess up or retaliation from something else entirely. Well, one more possibility was that Rukia Tachibana was so desperate to get her face out into the world that she had posted nudes of herself online. Most physcotic explanation ever, but it wasn't a No, in Ichigo's mindset. No matter the reason, no use crying over spilled milk, the pictures are online, for the whole of Japan to see. He felt like pulling his hair out in frustration. Wasn't it enough that she had managed to con Isshin and marrying into the Kurosakis'? What more does she want? Ichigo was pacing the floor in his office when he saw Isshin coming in. He had some of the most colourful words to say to Isshin but he knew better. Isshin might have been a bit too trusting but he was still the man who had looked out for Ichigo his entire life. As Isshin stepped closer to Ichigo, Ichigo tried his best to reign in his emotions. "Ichigo." Said son was silent. "I can't imagine what you are feeling."

Ichigo clenched his fists. "I can tell you what I'm feeling and I'm goddamned pissed."

Isshin took a deep breath. "The bastard who leaked those pictures is going to be taken care of."

Hearing Isshin's words, Ichigo froze up for a minute. He hadn't even thought of the possibility of someone else leaking the pictures onto social media. But, Ichigo had learned to trust his gut instincts when it comes to something like this. If Rukia looked like a gold-digging and attention-seeking whore, Rukia probably was such a person. "First things first, damage control."

"Our PR Team is handling the online outlets, Publishing Team will handle prints, this will be wiped under the rug by day's end."

"Okay." Ichigo nodded. "Thanks for having a handle on it."

"You are my son. And, she's my daughter."

Ichigo clenched his teeth. What kind of daughter would con her own Father into marrying into his family and posting nudes on social media just to ruin her Father's business? Ichigo knew that, if Isshin had said one more word about Rukia being his daughter or even alongside the lines of protecting Rukia, he would fucking lose it. "I need some time alone."

"Of course." With one final sympathetic look, Isshin exited his office and Ichigo made sure to close the door behind Isshin.

Turning her phone off after the naked pictures she had seen all over social media, she wanted to be alone for the very first time in her life willingly, since she was married to Ichigo. Using a newly-bought shirt and hat to disguise herself, she used the car-service that Isshin had given her weeks ago, figuring that she would need the shelter, she rushed past Hanatarou as she reached back home. Running to the elevator and back to her room in case anybody was home, she didn't want Ikkaku or God forbid -- Ichigo Kurosaki to have the chance of asking her any questions. Shutting the door almost instantly, the tears that Rukia had been holding in rolled down her cheeks. Almost at the next moment, desperation turned to rage and Rukia gritted her teeth, clenching her fist. Why had her life gone from bad to worse in a few weeks' time? What exactly was the reason? Right. Isshin fucking Kurosaki. Rukia was certain that the reason of Aizen suddenly appearing to ruin her life had something to do with Ichigo and her wedding photos on the internet. Logically, Rukia knew that Isshin's way was the only solution to paying for Ukitake's medical bills. But, she also decided, Ukitake's medical bills wasn't worth the destruction of her life. Enough was enough. She would figure out some way herself. She didn't need to depend on Isshin.

Can I come to you?

Of course. I will meet you outside.

Walking out of the house, Rukia had gotten the car service, wanting to meet Isshin as soon as possible. Ignoring Hanatarou's comment on how ashamed she should be, not even bothering to decipher the meaning, not even giving herself a second more to think what Hanatarou meant, the car drove off. Pulling up to the office building where Kurosaki Enterprise was located, Isshin saw the car and instantly stepped inside. "My dear." Isshin engulfed Rukia in a hug. Rukia flinched but hadn't reacted to it. "It's okay, it's okay, let it out." No tears were falling as Rukia clenched her fists. No, she wasn't going to cry now. She refused to. "It's okay. We are on it. It's all being fixed as we speak."

"Fixed?"

"We have the best PR Team, Rukia. The next outlet, online and print that shares that photo or so much as mentions your name, will be sued."

"Isshin, I have to talk to you."

Alarm bells rung inside Isshin's head. For such a scandal to appear, Rukia was eerily calm, as if this matter hadn't affected her at all. But, there was no way that such a matter wouldn't have affected Rukia. Unless... "What is it?"

There was genuine worry and concern in Isshin's voice but Rukia knew she would have to end this as soon as possible. "I want out of this arrangement." Isshin widened his eyes." Ichigo thinks I'm in for the Kurosakis' fame and money but you know better, Isshin. Neither my friends nor family understands this world and, I have to say, Isshin, I don't understand this world that you rich people live in as well. In my own house, I am a foreigner and I'm in a warzone. I don't know how to act and I am tired of having eyes on me. I refuse to be a part of this arrangement anymore. What's more, from the pictures that leaked online, you can clearly see that people are after me."

"My dear, there is something so honest about your heart." Isshin held Rukia's hands in his own. "Thank You for being open with me. You know, there are billions of girls who would kill their own Mothers to be in your position." Rukia said nothing as she stared at Isshin. "I apologize but you have access to all the wealth and status most only dream of."

Rukia's eyes hardened. "I don't want any of it."

"Exactly." Isshin touched the tip of Rukia's nose. "The world, I know how it must seem to you now. I have faith in you that you will adapt. You are a smart girl, Rukia." Rukia narrowed her eyes, understanding that it was a compliment from Isshin but those were hardly the words that she wanted to hear. She wanted a reason, a reason to stay in this arrangement, a reason that would bring her courage to face the future ahead, with Ichigo by her side. "You will learn that today's news is already yesterday's news. People are after you because you have exactly what they want. But, you also have an army of people ready to protect you. As for Ichigo..." Isshin's gaze drifted away from Rukia to Kurosaki Enterprise before focusing on Rukia once again. "There's a lot you don't know about him, my dear. Quite a lot. I know all the faults that are splashed across the gossip columns are true. That he's a party boy, a womanizer. That he spends money like it's water in a rainforest."

Rukia's eyes went cold, knowing there was more. "And?"

"It's true that your heart is pure and his has been around the block. But, let me assure you that his heart is very much present, just in hiding at this very moment." Rukia was silent. "Let me tell you a story. A story about a young man who fell in love with a young woman. A young man who was so out of his mind in love that he offered the young woman anything her heart desired. The world. And, they were set to be married, the young man had never been filled with so much joy before in his life. The day before the wedding, the young woman took off. Disappeared. With the engagement ring that could buy her a new life and the young man's oldest friend." Realization dawned on Rukia that the behaviors of Ichigo Kurosaki's were starting to add up with the story involved. But, it wasn't enough...

"Isshin." Rukia's tone was cold and Isshin flinched. "Give me a reason why I should stay."

"Please, Rukia." Isshin pleaded, still clutching Rukia's hand. "Give my son another chance and give this arrangement another shot. He's in there somehow. I know you can bring him out."

A tear rolled down Rukia's cheek as she stared at Isshin. At that instant, her mind had images of Ukitake lying in that hospital bed, needing the fee for trial treatment. She was ready to walk out of this arrangement moments ago, but as more tears fell, Isshin was oblivious to the thoughts that Rukia had at that moment. She hated herself for having no choice but to continue the arrangement as it is. She hated herself for bowing down to reality. She hated herself for needing the money Isshin Kurosaki would provide for Ukitake's medical bills. She hated herself for destructing her own life once again. "Okay."

Author's Note: This chapter stands on its own. I wanted to highlight Rukia's attitude here and I hope it receives the desired effect. :3 I have to admit that I did cry a little though. :3 Can't help it. :3 My poor girl~ T_T