Story Title: Portrait of a Cherry Blossom

Author: CCSakura

Comments: This story has really grown! I have to thank all you wonderful reviewers! I think that in the end, I will post the pen names of the people that have continually encouraged and supported this story! Thank you for all your efforts! And now to continue:

Chapter Six: Cheated

"All right. So what am I supposed to do?" Sakura felt her hands involuntarily clench at her uniform. Syaoran looked thoughtfully at her and there was a strange silence for a while. After he blinked, he gestured at his studio.

"I don't want you to fix my paintings or anything, but I would appreciate it if after I finish my day's work, you could come up here and make any corrections you feel is necessary. Your salary has been discussed. Along with the privacy of your new assignment." Sakura nodded in agreement, though it was actually, in her mind, a cheap and dirty trick.

"Yes. No one is supposed to know. Except the two of us. My father will not notice anything about the salary. And if anyone asks, I will tell them you spilled some paint or requested some windows to be washed." She sighed in exhaustion.

"Good. I expect that you'll begin tomorrow." With a strange coldness, he excused her with a wave of his hand. Biting back her spite, Sakura bowed and left.

Syaoran watched her leave. There is something about that girl that I can't get rid of. Why…why do I feel this way?

Sakura leaned against the wall. I despise that coldness of his…yet, I think there's something else to that man. I'll figure him out…sooner or later.

-- The Next Day --

"I…I'm sorry Tomoyo. But I can't tell you. Please just trust me. I'm not in trouble as long as this…secret isn't exposed. Please trust me." Sakura grasped her friend's hands in desperation. She needed her to trust, to believe that everything would be fine.

Tomoyo shook her head. "I will Sakura. But you will have a trouble concealing it from everyone else. Mistress is most fortunate in her guesses about secrets." She could trust anyone easily…but her worry was obvious to her friend.

"Don't worry, Tomoyo. Master is behind all this. She will go to him to complain and he will find a way to back me up. So just trust me and don't worry. Okay?" Tomoyo reluctantly nodded and Sakura drew out a deep breath. Finally.

"All right. All you need to know is that right before the night schedule for us, I will be in the studio for a while. It'll vary with each day, I guess. Erm…that's about it…" Sakura searched her friend's eyes and could see that she was greatly confused. But she nodded and bit her lip to prevent from saying more.

"Thank you so much Tomoyo. And I swear I'm not in any trouble at all." Sakura smiled and thought she caught a mysterious twinkle in Tomoyo's eyes. But she blinked and it was gone.

-- Syaoran's Bedroom --

Tuesday. Weather: Sunny

It's been such a strange day. On this day, I've hired a maid that Meiling wanted so badly to help us around. And she has such an extraordinary talent. I suppose you could say that I'm jealous. I don't think there's any other way to explain it.

Sakura. It's a beautiful name…one with a hidden meaning, too. She is as strange and mysterious as a cherry blossom. And just as beautiful.

But these thoughts cannot be allowed. My marriage to Meiling is just beyond the horizon. It will come, and very soon. I cannot help but admit, once again, that I am so reluctant. I don't feel what this love is. It's more of a brother to sister relationship. I think.

But I am pleased to say that the painting is progressing nicely. Sakura has a hidden talent. I know she is unsure of herself but once I keep her spirit in captivity, she will be forced to release it and be able to trust herself. She will make an amazing painter. Once she gets that confidence in herself, the possibilities are endless.

What more is there to say? I suppose many would wish that they were in my shoes. I am a lucky man with a job that is steady, a wonderful fiancee, and a comfortable home. What more could I wish for?

Syaoran signed his name at the end of the entry and closed the journal. But in his heart he knew. His one wish would be…for true love.