Chapter 1: Meeting

"Miss Hinata? Miss Hinata?", a voice kept on saying. 'What does someone need in me this late at night'

"Miss Hinata? Miss Hinata?" said the voice again.

"What do you want?" I finally managed to reply with a hint of irritation in my voice

"Your father, Master Hiashi, is asking for your presence."

"My father? Why? And what does he want from me? Can't it wait for tomorrow?"

"I'm really sorry Miss Hinata, but he said it was urgent."

After some time of persuasion from her I got up from the bed and headed to my father's study room. I saw him sitting in front of his desk with a pile of documents in front of him.

"You sure took your time in getting in here."

"I am sorry father." I bowed my head in embarrassment

"Well, I guess it's my fault for waking you up, but this matter cannot wait for tomorrow."

"I understand. What is it that you want to talk about?"

"I'll keep it straight to the point so you can go back to sleep." I heard him took a deep breath and said "You are engaged to be married."

I was completely stunned with what my father had said. How can I possibly get back to sleep with what he had just told me!

"That's all, we will discuss the details of the wedding some other time-"

"Father. I cannot do what you are asking of me."

"And why is that so?" said my father with one eyebrow raised. "Is it because of that boy? What was his name again?"

"Toneri. And he is not just anyone, you know that I love him father, you can't possibly do this to me" tears began to well up in my eyes, of all things that my father had to ask for, why this?

"I have already made my decision Hinata. As the heiress of the Hyuga, you are expected to do this with no questions asked. Is that clear? Go back to your room, you'll meet him in a few days."

Without another word I bowed my head and headed to my room.

As soon as I closed the door to my room the tears that I tried to hold back fell. I cannot suppress the emotions that I am feeling.

I have tried so hard to be the daughter he wants me to be. I took a career that he wanted instead of the one I dreamt of, I abandoned my friends because he said they would only get in the way of my life and now this?! The only decision that has to be made by me is taken away as well.

'Do I not have any right to be happy? Am I going to live a life like this forever?'

Various thoughts filled my mind, I want to ran away far from here with Toneri, but I can't stop thinking about the things that I would leave behind.

What about the people I promised to? I told them that when I become the heiress, they will be treated better. What about my sister Hanabi?

As much as I want to be selfish for once I cannot.

"The guests would be arriving soon, make sure that everything is taken care of" said my father in his usual strict voice.

"Good morning Father." I still can't believe that in a few hours I'll be meeting the man I am supposed to marry.

"I expect you to be on your best behavior Hinata, we are meeting special people today."

'Ah, I knew it. This marriage will give him greater influence. Father and his connections, that's probably the most important thing for him'

I just nodded. I walked to the garden to take some time to process things.

I have to think of a way to break this engagement. 'Should I spill some drink on him? Ah, that's so lame.'

"Hinata. I heard about your engagement today." My sister Hanabi said, she noticed how my eyes didn't show any sort of gladness, "Aren't you a bit excited to meet him?"

"Why would I be?" I told my sister

"I heard that his kind, caring and extremely handsome. Oh, how I wish I can marry someone like him in the future. Right Hinata?"

Hanabi would not understand the predicament I am in now. Why would I be happy? This is all for a show, to gain something from each other.

Our conversation was cut short when one of our servants announced that the guests have arrived.

This is it, the day that I have been trying to avoid has arrived, all I have to do is get through it.

"Hinata where were you?" my father asked, despite the irritation in his voice he kept his calm and collected façade

'They must be really important. A high-ranking person I guess'

"I just checked up on something I didn't mean to be a bit late."

I was expecting some kind of lecture from him, something about me being impudent or anything else, but instead he just looked at me and gave an approving nod. 'Who could this person might be, and why is father on his best behavior as well' I thought.

"The guests are here, Master Hiashi" one of the servants said

Six people came in, there were all dressed formally. The servants assisted them to the living room.

"It is a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Uzumaki" my father said, I rarely hear him use that tone, he would only use it when someone has gained his approval, he never even used it to address me.

'Mr. Uzumaki' I thought 'Is he the one with the silver hair that defied the laws of gravity? He looks a lot older than me. Well, what do I expect, this is an arranged marriage after all!'

"Likewise, Mr. Hyuga. Your place is indeed beautiful."

My thoughts were interrupted when a hand reached out to me along with a voice saying "And you must be Hinata Hyuga?"

I was expecting to see the silver-haired man but was taken aback when a hair shining brighter than the sun and a pair of cerulean eyes greeted me. It was as if time had stopped, was that even possible?

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki."

Please review. Positive comments as well as constructive criticisms are both welcomed.