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Far From The Tree

Chapter 2


HARUHI

"Your mother would be so proud of you" Dad beamed, kissing me firmly on the cheek, "With this pay rise I expect a cruise next birthday"

I couldn't help but chuckle as I passed him his dinner plate and sat around the table, "Remember, it's not a done deal yet" I said, "They may not want me"

"There isn't a chance on this planet they'll say no to you" he replied, "What do you think Emi?"

Emi perked up with a grin, the lipstick she borrowed off her grandfather still smeared across her chin, "Mommy always does her best"

"That's because your Mommy is the best"

I smiled to myself as I turned back to my meal. Our usual Monday evening get together to start the week right.

The weekend had come and gone so quickly. Emi had wanted to go to the park on Saturday and what had started as a short ride on the swing set, had turned into a long walk across the field to find the elusive cows living in the farm nearby. By the time we'd gotten home Emi was practically snoring in my arms. The remainder of the weekend we spent on the couch watching Frozen for the millionth time and making pancakes. I wasn't sure how she had the energy to go to Yochien today, because my legs were still hurting from our spontaneous hike.

"Are you nervous?" Dad asked.

I hummed in reply.

My meeting with Hitachiin Corp was tomorrow, and I could feel the nerves starting to kick in.

Mr Hitachiin was scheduled to meet me at 12 the following afternoon. Usually this didn't stir me, but Mr Hitachiin wasn't our usual client. Most previous cases I'd been assigned to had been court cases, or state attorney jobs. Most of which concluded after a couple of court dates. More recently I'd finally been thrown into the world of legal contracts, business deals, and finances, and after my last case with the Kasanoda family, I'd really gained a reputation in the agency. This new contract with Hitachiin Corp was the ticket I'd been working towards. It meant I would be employed with them long term. I'd handle all passing of contracts, all business dealings, any legal work. My pay would increase, bonuses included. A real business attorney. It was a dream come true.

Dad was almost just as excited as I was.

I'd spent the entirety of the day at the office, making sure I had all my questions and reports ready to present the next day. I was sure Mr Hitachiin would have a lot to ask me to make sure I was good for the job. I had plenty to show him from all my previous work with businesses. I was determined to show him that there was no one else better for this job than me.

That night I found myself tossing and turning a lot more than usual. I wasn't the nervous type, but for some reason my head was on overdrive going through each and every step of the meeting. I'd even planned an outfit, and I never ever planned my outfits for work. I hoped I hadn't forgotten anything more important.

I wasn't sure when I fell asleep, but it felt like I'd barely blinked when I heard the creaking of my bedroom door opening, stirring me awake.

My eyes crept open heavily, and in the darkness I could just about make out the shadow of a sleepy little girl with messy curls walking towards my bed.

"Emi?" I yawned, clicking on the bedside light, "What's wrong baby? It's not time to get up yet"

Her lips quivered, "Mommy I don't feel so good" she croaked, her eyes droopy and tired. She didn't look her usual peppy self. More like a zombie. All the rosy colour was washed from her face, and she seemed to be shaking in her Minnie Mouse jammies.

I quickly hoisted her onto my lap, suddenly wide awake, and rested my palm to her forehead.

And yup. She was burning up.

"Oh sweetie" I sighed sadly, "Looks like no Yochien for you today..."

Emi's bottom lip twitched, her eyes filling with tears.

She wasn't going to like missing out on Yochien.

I couldn't remember the last time she'd had a day off. Unlike a lot of kids, Emi loved going to her playgroup. Even on her first day, she immediately greeted the place with such excitement. She stood beside the other children who screamed and cried for their Mommys and Daddys to come back, but not my girl. She grinned at me, understanding that Mommy had to work, and skipped through the doors. Everyday she came home with stories and tales of her adventures. All the things she did and learned with her friends. She loved it.

"I'm sorry baby" I stroked her messy hair.

Of course today had to be the day Emi got sick. I could barely recall the last time she was ever sick. Maybe when she was a baby?

I needed someone to watch Emi until the meeting was over. Then I could come back and watch her myself.

Dad. I could call Dad. He loves watching Emi.

I glanced at the clock on my nightstand as I attempted to tuck Emi under the covers of my bed, but she was reluctant to let go of me, as she firmly buried her face into my chest and squeezed her arms around me.

5am. I had 6 hours to go.


I managed to settle a very sleepy Emi for a few hours in my room as I waited for a more appropriate time to call Dad. At around half 7 I rang his cell whilst pacing back and forth in the kitchen. It took a few tries but eventually he picked up.

"Morning sweetheart" he greeted cheerily.

"Dad" I replied quickly, "Emi's sick and my meeting is today. Please please please could you watch her until I get home? It'll only be for a few hours until the meeting is over"

"She's sick? She never gets sick" he replied.

"I know, the Gods are against us today" I sighed, "Are you able to watch her?"

Dad hesitated, and I immediately knew I wasn't going to like his answer.

"I'm sorry baby but I agreed to cover someone at work" he said, "I can take her from 2 if that helps?"

Dammit, dammit, dammit.

My eyes squeezed shut as I inwardly seethed.

"Are you able to push back your meeting for a couple of hours?" Dad continued.

"I'll have to call work" I exhaled, "I'll figure something out. I'll call you back when I know"

"Okay baby, give my little girl a cuddle from Grandpa"

"Will do. Love you"

The moment I hung up I was right back to keying in another number. I was praying silently to myself as I pressed the connect button. I had to reschedule. Surely there would be some lee-way with this meeting. Most clients showed up late anyway. It was only 2 hours. Mr Hitachiin would be understanding...right?

The long back-and-forth process began as I got through to Mr Suoh's office. The process of telling my boss, waiting for him to call Mr Hitachiin's PA, and calling me back. I'd managed to convince myself in those few morning hours as the sun came up that I'd be holed up in the house with Emi for the day. I'd explained what was happening with Emi, and Mr Suoh seemed almost optimistic that pushing the meeting back a couple of hours wouldn't be a problem. However when he called me back around 9, I was given an answer I wasn't expecting.

"He said no?" I questioned.

"Mr Hitachiin's assistant tried to make arrangements with him but he was very clear. He will not reschedule" Mr Suoh sounded apologetic, "Something about his diary being full. He's watching a basketball game this afternoon"

"A basketball game? Are you kidding me?" I grumbled under my breath, "I...I can't send Emi to Yochien, she's too sick. My Dad can't take her until 2"

"Why don't you bring her in?" Mr Suoh suggested.

I furrowed my brow in confusion, "Bring her in?"

"You used to bring her in all the time when she was a baby, I'm sure Ms Houshakuji won't mind watching over her during the meeting"

I bit my lip as I considered the option.

I knew Renge would have no problem holing up in her office with her. She adored Emi. But would Emi be okay with that? She had a fever. The last thing she probably wanted to do was leave the house or a cosy bed.

But what other choice do I have?


"Thank you so so much Ren" I said, passing Emi's bag into her outstretched arm, "I promise it will only be for a few hours, Dad will be by at 2 to take her off you"

"Oh don't worry about it, Auntie Ren Ren is always happy to see her little angel" she beamed and set the bag down beside her desk, then held out both arms to Emi – who smiled sleepily before winding her arms around Renge's neck, "Oh dear" she hissed, flattening her palm against Emi's forehead, "There are easier ways to skip school princess"

Emi chuckled, snuggling further into her.

"I know, I feel terrible for leaving her like this" I seethed, "If she gets any worse just call and I'll be right up"

Renge nodded and glanced down at Emi. Her little dark red locks were slick to her forehead from her fever. My heart hurt seeing her so sedate. Nothing like her usual peppy, energized self.

"We'll be okay, won't we little one?" Renge smiled.

"Can I play Cookie Krush on your phone?" Emi's eyes sparkled.

"Of course angel" Renge snorted, then looked back up at me with a smirk, "Now stop your worrying" she said, "You've got other things to think about"

I nodded and whooshed out an anxious breath.

"You look great by the way. Like the next business attorney for Hitachiin Corp" she winked.

"You think so?"

"I know so" she grinned, "Mr Suoh said he'll meet you in the boardroom. He's just gone to show Mr and Mrs Hitachiin around"

"How are they? Do they seem stuffy?"

"I haven't seen them yet, but the way Mr Suoh was running around this morning they've definitely got him in a frenzy"

That didn't tell me much. It didn't take much to stir Mr Suoh. Sometimes I felt like he was fuelled on panic.

I heaved a heavy breath.

I'd worked with the Kasanoda's for goodness sake. They were ex-yukuza. I could handle this. Easy peasy.

"Right. Be good for Auntie Ren" I kissed Emi on the forehead and stroked through her vibrant curls. She gave a sweet little smile back, her usual rosiness lacking in her rounded cheeks.

My poor baby.

When I shut myself in my office it was just after half past 11. I considered going to find Mr Suoh and joining his impromptu tour of the building, but quickly decided against it. The last thing I wanted was to get lost looking for them and ending up late for the meeting they'd come for.

Especially since he'd been so adamant to stick to the 12 o'clock appointment.

I couldn't help but feel bitterly towards this Mr Hitachiin. Because of him I'd had to drag my sick daughter out of bed to bring to work with me, all because he didn't want to miss a basketball game. I doubted he'd even had to pay for any tickets.

God-damn rich people.

I gathered up my paperwork, and once I was sure I couldn't waste another second in my office, I braved the short elevator ride to the boardroom. My short heels tapped nervously on the marble floor as the numbers went up and I did my best to compose myself in the mirrors. I straightened my blouse, brushed through my hair with my fingers, said a silent prayer, and attempted a natural looking smile to hide my nerves as I tried not to think about Emi.

I hoped this would be quick. The sooner I got out, the sooner I could get her back to bed. My aim was to get out before Dad even needed to come get her.

As the doors slid open I watched as the boardroom doors closed across the hall beside the bullpen, telling me that Mr Suoh's tour had concluded, and they were ready for me. I followed behind, through those same doors, and the smile I had practiced curled my lips as my eyes landed on Mr Suoh, and the 2 new faces in front of me.

However that smile was short lived, as I seemed to lose all control of my body once my gaze rested on the man in the dark blue suit.


HIKARU

This new lawyer was not what I expected at all.

I'd been waiting for some middle aged man to stumble in, briefcase in hand, tie askew, perhaps a bald spot and some bottle rimmed glasses. I'd been prepared to greet them with disinterest, especially since I'd already been contacted that morning by my PA, telling me that they'd already tried to push our meeting back.

But instead, the person who walked in was a petite woman not much younger than I, with wispy deep brunette hair that framed a fair heart shaped face, and highlighted the most piercing and bewitching rich brown eyes I'd ever seen. Eyes that stopped me dead in place as I shot up from my seat. She dressed well, in a deep green blouse, a black pencil skirt, and a blazer that cropped at her tight waist, a waist I knew instantly I could probably encircle with both my hands. And by god, did I want to…

She was fucking stunning. The kind of woman men lost their minds over, the kind a man would hand over their entire estate and wallet to just to see her wink in their direction. A dangerous, dangerous woman.

I took far too long dragging my eyes down the length of her. All 5ft 3 or so inches. From the deep chocolate highlights at the top of her head, to those deliciously long, toned legs that concluded with a pair of black kitten heels.

I forced back the images of those legs wrapping around my waist as they came to mind in an assault. Desire almost paralyzing me.

Miss Fujioka smiled politely, those inviting lips pulling back to reveal pearly teeth and the hint of the tip of her tongue.

"Mr Hitachiin" she greeted in a voice so sweet it took me several moments to find my own.

"Miss Fujioka" I replied, taking her hand in a firm but warming shake.

Dangerous, dangerous woman.

She grinned then turned to my Mother, who waited with usual grace at my side.

Of course as per usual Mom charmed her with her priceless smile, the one that could make anyone melt in her palm. Mom was always like that. Like a walking ray of sunshine. Not that Miss Fujioka seemed to need brightening up, she was blinding all on her own.

"We've heard such great things about you" Mom beamed as we all took our seats again.

Miss Fujioka glanced away as her cheeks seemed to flush pink, and sat down across the table from me. The heated tone of her skin made me wonder what other places changed colour with her blush.

Reel it in Romeo. This is a business meeting, not a hook up.

"Miss Fujioka has been with me for over 7 years now. I couldn't recommend anyone more experienced and suited for you than her" Mr Suoh explained, a proud smile on his face as he glanced at the woman beside him.

Typically those comments always seemed somewhat generic. This obviously wasn't my first attorney meeting, and each time I'd been told the same thing by the agency. But Yuzuru Suoh was a reputable man. Legendary almost. His Ouran empire was huge at this point. Agencies, academies, college programs. He hadn't gotten there with lackluster employees or cutting corners. A comment such as this one struck me as true. Even if Miss Fujioka barely looked even close to the age of 30. 7 years did he say? She must have come here straight out of college.

I caught her eye once more.

Aside from her obvious beauty I could see a stern determination in her, knowledge and level-headedness seemed to pour from those eyes. This woman was clever, that much was clear.

And she proved that assessment as she pulled out her files and began displaying her full knowledge of the legalities in business, and showed all the work she had done previously. She'd worked with some big companies in the past, ranging from chain supermarkets to charities. She'd even worked with the Haninozuka family, helping secure planning permission for construction on their dojos. Mitzukuni Haninozuka was a friend of mine, and there was no way his family would place the future of their biggest passion in the hands of an amateur. This woman really seemed to be the real deal.

"I have many deals lined up I'm hoping to close within the next couple of weeks" I stated, "We've been developing a new medical program to help track and trace the administering of patient medications in hospitals and clinics. The Ootori family are eager to work with us. I'd need this deal to close quickly Miss Fujioka, but the Ootori's are notoriously good at coming out of these agreements better off than those they're working with. I need iron clad contracts Miss Fujioka. You understand?"

I knew my tone was harsh. But the challenge in my voice was intentional. She was already a distraction to me, I couldn't have my business deals suffer due to anything else. If she wasn't the best, then I didn't want her. Simple.

She quirked a dark brow at me, as if silently accepting that challenge.

"Understood Mr Hitachiin" a professional smile gracing her lightly coloured lips, "I've never made a mistake in my work. I don't plan on starting now"

Her answer was exactly what I wanted to hear. But I felt like she knew that. Only time would tell if she was telling the truth or if she was just blowing hot air.

I could tell that both Mom and I had already come to a decision without even having to discuss it. It wasn't like I could afford to be picky anyway, I needed an attorney, and there was no use looking elsewhere for someone better. Miss Fujioka seemed almost too good to be true already. Mr Suoh didn't need to say much more to convince us, she'd done that all on her own.

We spoke a little more, going through boring details I hated rehashing every time with all these new attorneys. I could only hope that this one would stick around longer than the others.

Walk the talk Miss Fujioka. Walk the talk.

I began reaching into my briefcase for the contract, satisfied we'd heard all we needed to.

But just as I found the file I was looking for, the boardroom door opened, and for a second, it didn't look like anyone was there.

Then a quiet voice spoke up, and my brows furrowed in confusion as my eyes landed upon a little girl stood in the doorway.

"Mommy" she said.

Then suddenly, Miss Fujioka jumped to her feet


Surprise! I have these chapters on back log right now and I'm sooooo happy! I'm really excited about this story so I'm hoping to keep the chapters steadily updating for as long as I can. I'm really enjoying writing this so I want to keep that flow going for as long as possible :D

Thank you all so much for the support and response so far, I'm so happy you guys are enjoying this as much as I am!

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Love you all! Stay safe and wash your hands!

- Yuli xxx