Hello readers! Hope you're doing well, happy reading!
Chapter 22- Pained and Lost
As always, anything that involved the Uchihas was extravagant. Normally Sakura would be awed by the gigantic hall and magnificent decorations adorning the place, but today she was in no state of doing so. She entered the place ensuring that she hid her current state with a smile as much as she could. It took Sakura a while to control her emotional condition but she managed to do so and got ready for the party wearing a baby blue long gown and makeup relatively more than she usually wore to cover the puffiness of her eyes and redness of her face. She decided to just let her hair down, she had no energy to go for anything that wasn't necessary. She only stepped out of the house when she was sure she prepared herself enough to hide her glumness.
Despite the pain, Sakura found Sasuke to be the first person her eyes were looking for amidst the many people stranger to her. She was getting used to the crowd of wealthy people whom she mostly heard about from people earlier, after being married into the Uchiha family, but it was always Sasuke who stood by her side that times. Walking alone in that uncertain state caused insecurity to kick in her the more she walked around the place. However, lucky for Sakura, a very known person soon came across her.
"Sakura?" The sudden call from behind almost caught her off guard but she managed to handle herself and turn around with a smile, hoping it was enough for people to not realise what she was going through because getting caught about this was the last thing she'd want in this situation.
"Neji-san, hello." Sakura responded curtly to the man who was standing with two drinks in his hands.
"Hey, what are you doing here alone? Where's Sasuke?" Sakura felt a twinge in her heart again upon hearing Neji mention Sasuke, however, she knew to control herself now unless she wanted things to get troublesome.
"I'm looking for him as well.. actually, I just arrived so I haven't met anyone yet." Sakura responded as calmly as she could.
"Oh I see, Tenten is just there, I was getting drinks for us, maybe you can visit her first then." Neji offered.
"Ah, that sounds good-"
"Forehead!" Sakura was cut off by a loud screech of Ino. "Hey Sak, you NEED to taste the appetisers here! By the way, Neji, Tenten is looking for you for quite a while now, you two are literally like leeches I swear to god!"
"Shutup Ino. Sakura, you stay with her then, join us soon. See you later." And with that, Neji disappeared into the crowd. Sakura looked back at Ino who was clearly having the time of her life, given her cheerful mood and jumpy state.
"Hey Ino. You seem to have an amazing time today, did you come with Sai? Where's he?"
"I wish he did forehead! But he had a painting exhibition to attend and I had to be here, or dad would be furious. I thought you'd arrive with Sasuke, why didn't you?" Sakura uncomfortably fidgeted at the question, but she had to come up with an answer.
"Oh, u-uh.. h-he was supposed to but.. he had some last minute work to do before this.. so I came alone instead." She answered as fast as she could, internally slapping herself seeing Ino's frown.
"Are you alright Sakura? You look a bit.. nervous." Ino said and Sakura knew her next response must sound confident enough or else she wouldn't leave her unless knowing the truth.
"It's just that.. there are too many people here. You know Sasuke-kun is always with me in these situations so.."
"I see.. it's not just Neji and tenten sticking together like leeches. Hey, don't give me that look, your wait is over, look behind you!" Ino suddenly said after Sakura's glare to her teasing. Sakura turned around only to face another nightmare.
At the end of the hall were large stairs with a platform on top, and on the platform there was her husband... and Karin? The duo was the center of attention, all the guests turned to them upon their appearance and at once several clicks of camera were heard and flashes were seen. "Sasuke-kun and.. K-Karin.." the words involuntarily left Sakura's mouth seeing the sight.
"I know. Same reaction Sakura, even watching this woman annoys me to death. Sasuke is a very patient guy bearing her for months and even going on a business trip with her for three long weeks." Sakura's eyes widened now. Did this mean?... Sasuke went on that trip with.. Karin?
"H-huh?.." Sakura curiously asked, heart breaking all over again with each second.
"I mean, this is his first ever major project and he could handle doing it with Karin. I'd reward him personally if I could." Ino continued, her eyes fixed on the duo. Sakura wanted to run away, this was worse. She was giving her best to not break down infront of so many people upon the realisation, the fact that she and Sasuke had so many moments ever since the trip and he was with... another woman all while? Were their moments only meaningful to her?
"Ladies and gentlemen, may we please have your attention for a moment. It is our immense pleasure to be here in this position today. And I'm even more glad that we've gathered today to celebrate my, and my business partner, Uchiha Sasuke's first ever collaborated project with such immense success. We all thank you for being present here today, and for supporting our prosperity. I'd like to give the floor to my partner so share some of his words. Thank you so much." Karin ended her speech, emphasising on the word 'partner' as she spoke and thereby giving a twinge in Sakura's heart.
If anything, today was the hardest day for Sasuke to cover up his distress. His mind kept going back to Sakura and her state. Would she leave him now? Did she even attend the party? These thoughts didn't even let him pick her up, he couldn't muster up the courage to face her this early and sent her driver instead. However, this wasn't proving to be the best decision for him at the moment. It was quite easy for him to spot her pink hair from the crowds in the distance, and he was least grateful for the fact that the first thing she'd see is him and Karin together when he was supposed to be giving her an explanation for the incident at the office instead. However, he had to get himself together at least here infront of the public eyes.
"Arigatou Karin, good evening ladies and gentlemen. We've spent quite a long while on this project and it's a big day for us to be celebrating its success with all of you present here today. We look forward to more projects and prosperity between the Uchiha and Otsutsuki company as well as everyone else in this industry to run things smoothly and peacefully, thank you, you may indulge yourselves in the celebration." Sasuke ended professionally giving his best to not look at his wife, he'd break. There was an outburst of claps at the end of the speech as everyone got back to what they were doing. Sasuke constantly reminded himself to keep things professional, to not burst out at all costs, to bear the distress for the sake of reputation. However, this proved to be far harder than he thought now that it concerned his own wife. He got indulged into work and meeting the guests along with Karin afterwards, but he knew he needed to talk to Sakura soon.
"You should've said Sasu-chan wouldn't be able to pick you up Sakura, you could've come with us." Mikoto said with a pout on her face, unaware of how much it distressed her daughter in law.
"I-I got to know this at the last moment too.. or else I would let you know.." Sakura said as calmly as she could, and well, she wasn't lying.
"That's understandable, anyways, forget it. Let's go to the dinner table! Fugaku asked me to be there like ten minutes ago and he doesn't like waiting." Mikoto said giggling as she practically dragged Sakura along with her.
Things weren't better for Sasuke, most of the time he was busy meeting people and working, and at times he had a moment to approach Sakura, Karin made sure he was busy. It wasn't until the dinner time that he came across his wife, something caused his heart to beat faster at the sight of her. The elders took their seats and then the rest of the people proceeded to settle themselves at another table. It was a large oval shaped table that allowed a number of people to take their seats at the same place. The couples took their seats together, the situation for Sasuke and Sakura was worse than when they got married, both could sense the awkward and glum tension between them but nonetheless decided to ignore it as they took their seats beside one another, with Shikamaru, Temari, Hinata, Naruto and Itachi opposite to them. Lucky for Sasuke, Ino unknowingly took the other seat beside Sasuke for which he was spared from sitting beside Karin. Beside Ino were Tenten and Neji and finally an angry and annoyed Karin took the seat on one end of the table while Omoi took the other. However, much to Sakura's fear, Karin was at the same table as them, and things got worse for her when she realised she was between Sasuke and Karin. Nonetheless, she had to bear this.
The group soon began having their dinners maintaining minimum interaction given that it was a formal event. Sasuke and Sakura almost acted like they didn't know about each other's existence. However, when it was finally dessert time, Itachi finally spoke. "Well, it's good to see everyone together. Congratulations Sasuke, Karin, you did well."
"Arigatou Itachi-san, well, I have to say we were bound to, after all it was me and Sasuke who were partnered, not everyone has such compatibility." Karin said the words that hit Sakura right at the heart. Itachi could roll his eyes at such exaggeration but refrained from doing so, however Ino didn't hesitate to go for it. As for Sasuke, he was constantly reminding himself the words of his father, to keep his cool, to bear things for the time being for the company.
"As much as I'd love to appreciate your work on the project, I'd first go for something else as well before I lose the opportunity. Future Uchiha matriarch, I see you're really a fine lady, I've been looking forward to visit you for a while now. By the way, I'm Omoi, Sasuke's project partner you can say." Omoi said looking at Sakura, who smiled humbly at his words. But before she could respond, someone else spoke.
"Omoi is right, uh.. Sakura right? Not everyone has the capability to adjust to such an affluent environment, specially when someone doesn't belong to this higher class community." Karin said with a hint of sauciness in her tone, loud enough to catch everyone's attention at the table. Sakura looked at her in a confused manner. "You know, most people, specially those not satisfied with their social status I mean, such people target the renowned families, after all their life's practically set if they can catch someone. The prosperous ones need a partner, and their greedy suitors need the money. And there, it's a match for them!" Sakura knew where this was going and what Karin meant, her perplexed look suddenly turned into a frown. As for the rest, a lot of them were already gasping, some started at Karin wide eyed while frequently looking back at Sakura, and some still had confused looks on their faces. "Don't get me wrong Sakura, what I mean is, some people would do anything for money. I mean I understand they will need money and everything, but the fact that they can do anything for it.. really gets me everytime. For example, getting married to a stranger, asking for and using their money with no purpose in life whatsoever.. even when a person knows that their spouse belongs to someone else.. someone of the same class as them." The atmosphere got unbelievably serious by the time Karin finally paused. Sakura didn't know what to do or how to react, her gaze was down by now, trying to hold back tears. She has never been in such a situation. She didn't want to keep quiet, she had to say something against this, but what? She didn't know any of how such parties worked. Was this normal? Instinctively, her hand shot to Sasuke's blazer, clutching the bottom of it tightly out of panic. If something needed to be said, Sasuke would handle it better. The last thing she'd want is say something that risks the reputation of the Uchiha name. As soon as she realised what she was doing she knew he was probably unlikely to go against Karin, but would he not say anything at all? Not when she was insulting her this openly around so many people? But he still isn't saying anything at all..
If it wasn't for his father's words, Sasuke would've probably physically hurt Karin by now. Yet again, Karin got on his last nerve and this time making things much worse by insulting her like that. He wouldn't even mind if Sakura slapped this woman now, rather, he'd be very much glad. But his wife didn't say a word. All eyes were on them now and he knew defending his wife was the prime thing to do.. but this goddamn reputation and company.. things got worse for him when he felt a tug on his blazer, and realising it was one of Sakura's petite hands tightly clutching it as he looked down. He had to do something about the situation. He was about to speak when Karin began again.
"Such people are really pathetic. I'd call them gold digging bitc-"
"It's not like that, Karin-san." Karin was finally cut off as Sakura spoke, lifting her gaze towards her.
"You have a misconception about people, particularly the ones not matching your social standards. Not everyone thinks like that, people do have the will to be self sufficient and independent. Just because someone's spouse has more than them doesn't always mean that they're staying only for the wealth. You can be with anyone at all and still work hard to be able to stand on your own foot independently." Sakura managed to blurt out, almost confidently, she was glad that she could. She felt hint of tears forming in her eyes, and she was trying her best to control them. "To say the least, the good part is that none of them have to rely on inheritance for the respect they earn." She added saucily after gaining some confidence, this wasn't necessary, but it was coming from pure outrage that Karin built in her.
"Some amazing words you've spoken, Sakura. Not everything is about wealth, my imouto is the living example after all. Not only she's a doctor, but she has achieved it completely with her own merit and is looking forward to more as well. Karin, I'd say someone's views about the world define a lot of things about them. And saying negative words about someone only makes you the pathetic person, arrogance isn't admirable." Itachi said proudly. If it wasn't for Sakura who spoke at the moment, Sasuke would've blurted something out and he was glad that both Sakura and Itachi gave her a piece of mind. Nonetheless it didn't stop him from feeling guiltier that he didn't take any action before this, facing his wife would be much harder now. It was quite clear seeing everyone's smirks afterwards that people were happy to see Sakura and Itachi take the stand, it got even more satisfying for them to watch seeing Karin's fuming expression and silence. However, the awkward tension still remained for the rest of the time.
Sakura was quick to leave in silence soon after dinner ended. People who noticed were scared for a while until Sasuke called his driver to know Sakura already left in her car. People were avoiding talking about it, but most people who witnessed it were surely mad at Sasuke, specially Naruto and Ino. Naruto was even about to question Sasuke but Itachi stopped him assuring he'd handle the situation, which he decided he will by tonight, there must be something that both Sasuke and Sakura were hiding. No one bothered to even look at Karin afterwards, and even Sasuke got out of the party as soon as the guests were gone.
Uchiha Residence
Sakura realised she was wired wrong when she thought her condition was messed up earlier this day, because right now it was much worse. She couldn't hold herself together, currently sitting at the edge of the bed, her sobbing getting worse with time which she was unable to stop ever since she got out of the party. Was any more talking or explanations even needed between them? After all Sasuke was open to go to Karin anytime now that Sakura got to know the truth. She was only thinking these when the door opened.. and Sasuke entered. Sakura's eyes shot to him and quickly looked away, wiping her tears even though that didn't hide the fact that she was crying. He wasn't even bothering looking at her.. the tension in the room was unbearable so Sasuke directly went into the closet to change, the faster he could sleep the better, he was in no state to talk to his wife about what happened.
Sakura watched him walk out of the closet and towards the bed, avoiding looking at her all while. But she felt the need to say something, she couldn't sit here quiet, and if separation was the only way things would work out now, she'd go for it. If Sasuke wasn't going to talk, she would.
"Y-you can.. s-stay with her. I-It's alright, if that's what you want.." Sakura said with a strained tone, pretty quietly but it caught Sasuke's attention nonetheless. Perplexed, shot her a glare. Does she really think I want to stay with Karin?
"What do you mean?" He asked coldly, the last thing he expected from Sakura is for her to believe in what she saw. Did she really not trust him one bit?
"You don't have to stay with me or lie to me if that's not what you want S-Sasuke-kun, that's what I mean. And y-you're free to give a d-divorce if you really don't want this m-marriage.." Sakura managed to choke out, sobbing harder as she spoke each word but she didn't care if Sasuke was watching her, this was more important. She liked Sasuke, really, really liked Sasuke now that she thought of it, but if both weren't happy in this relationship there'd be no point in staying.
Sasuke on the other hand was fuming. From where the fuck is she getting these ideas and assuming things about him? Did she not see how soft he was when anything concerned her? Did she never notice his subtle gestures of care towards her? Did she not realise how important she was to him? And she still thought of him.. like this? Sasuke wasn't even thinking anymore, when he stormed toward her and screamed.
"SHUT UP. JUST. SHUT THE FUCK UP. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU? YOU KNOW NOTHING. ALL YOU CAN DO IS ASSUME AND JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS." His onyx shot a deadly glare at her as he spoke, moving closer to her with each word. Sakura sobbed harder, while pushing herself back the more he advanced towards her out of fear. She used her arms for support to stop herself from lying completely on the bed, but the state she was in wasn't much better. She was only looking back at him with her tearful, and now horrified eyes when he finally moved back, stepping out of the room and slamming the door hard as he left. Little did they know, that someone was already there, listening to their conversations.
Sakura sat on the bed quietly, her sobbing stopped but tears still flowed uncontrollably. So he really left.. various thoughts were running in her mind about what would happen next when there was a knock on her door. She had no intention or energy to open the door until the person behind it spoke.
"Sakura, it's me. I know it's not the best time, but could you open the door for a moment? I won't take long, please trust me."
Itachi nii-san... a couple more minutes passed in silence as Itachi patiently waited, until the door finally opened. Sakura managed to dry her tears, but the redness on her face and watery eyes were still very much visible. "May I enter?" Itachi softly asked, to which Sakura nodded and led the way in. Itachi sat on a nearby sofa, asking Sakura to sit beside him which she followed. She had her gaze downwards, but the moment of eye contact when she opened the door told him how hurt and distressed she was.
"Sakura, I've always considered you my younger sister, you are as important to me as Sasuke is. And when I say you're free to tell me anything at all, even if it involves us and Sasuke, I mean it." Sakura only nodded at his words. He continued, "Forgive me, I know it wasn't right of me but I overheard.. whatever happened between you and Sasuke a while ago. I knew something was wrong between you two by the way you interacted at the party. Did something happen when you went to his office earlier today?" Sakura slightly gasped at his words for a moment, until entirely breaking down. She began sobbing uncontrollably and Itachi was quick to give her the support she didn't have all day. He brought her into his arms in an instant, patting her head comfortingly. "Hey, Sakura, it's alright if you don't want to tell me. Take your time, it's completely fine-"
"Nothing is fine nii-san.. I-I never thought this would h-happen..." and with that Sakura said everything that happened throughout the day, all while Itachi continued to pat her back and her head, patiently listening to all her words. She choked occasionally and tears kept leaking out from her eyes onto his shirt as she spoke, but she finally managed to tell everything. "..h-he left. He went to Karin. W-where did I go wrong nii-san? After everything w-we had for the p-past few weeks.. I-I did everything-"
"Shh. I know. You didn't go wrong anywhere, please trust me when I say this. I know you're having a hard time, and I promise everything will be fine. Sasuke himself will explain, I'll make sure he does. But I'll request you, please take care of yourself, that comes first." Itachi said, hoping to calm her down. She finally lifted herself looking up at him as he offered a tissue to wipe her tears and she gave a weak smile in return.
"Is there even... anything left to be explained.." Sakura sadly murmured.
"Please trust me this once Sakura, I promise things will be better again." Itachi reassured. Sakura only sighed.
"Arigatou for being there, nii-san." Itachi only smiled at her.
"Anything for you and Sasuke, I'll see you soon imouto, and call me if you need anything." With that, Itachi left the room. Now for the next part..
Itachi knew Sasuke too well. Sasuke could come off cold at times, even heartless, but he wouldn't cheat on his wife. The matter involved Karin, so something was definitely wrong. There must have been a big misunderstanding between them, and his doubts about this were confirmed when he found Sasuke where he was looking for.
"I knew you didn't leave the house." Itachi said as he approached his brother, taking a seat beside him along the bar.
"I'm in no mood to talk Itachi, go away." Sasuke said coldly, but Itachi ignored it.
"You might want to stop drinking this much otouto, you have a matter to handle with your own hands." Sasuke shot a curious look at Itachi.
"What do you mean?"
"Look Sasuke, I know what happened between you and Sakura today. And it's only you who can fix this now-"
"There's nothing left to fix. Whatever we had... it's.." Sasuke trailed off, not knowing what to say. But the sadness in his dark eyes were very much visible to his brother. "...forget it, Itachi."
"The situation wouldn't be like this if you chose to actually talk instead of running away from the problem. I don't see any other way to react other than how Sakura did, specially when you left her to attend the party alone after everything she witnessed back in the office." Itachi explained. Sasuke sighed and finally explained what really happened and how Sakura completely misunderstood.
"...She doesn't trust me, she could've waited, she could've heard me out... but she didn't." Sasuke said with a hint of anger. He realised that perhaps Itachi already had a talk with Sakura, but he chose to not push it.
"I see, I realised something like that must've happened, but we'll see Karin later. And about Sakura.. don't get me wrong, but I don't think anyone else would've thought of the family or you when practically getting insulted by the person she thinks you're cheating on her with. But she chose to give you the time in case you could handle it by speaking first, she still thought about you, she always does. Even after everything all she asked for was an explanation, and she deserves one. Sakura is a nice girl otouto, and it was highly unlikely for her to not be hurt seeing you with someone else. I'm no expert, but it's very obvious she really likes you." Sasuke looked up at his brother after he said it.
"She would never like me.. not after what happened." Sasuke said glumly as his eyes fell on the floor again. She was possibly the best wife alongside being an amazing friend to him, but he entirely broke her, didn't he?
"She does, her actions say it all. She's hurt right now, but you can fix this Sasuke. Don't push yourself away from her thinking it's all over, communicate with her. She will listen if you explain everything. You don't have to do this right away. Think about it, take your time, come up with something to make it up to her. She still thinks you left to stay with Karin. I could only tell you what's right, the rest is on your hands Sasuke, mend things with her, I know you like her too. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodluck." Itachi finally finished as he left the place. Sasuke just sat there quietly, thinking for a long while. He was always fucking things up, he hated it.
Maybe Itachi was right, he really developed a liking towards her, but if so, would she ever like him back after what happened? Despite Itachi's assurance, Sasuke felt insecurity kicking in. How'd he ever fix this? He would have no courage to face her, let alone the confidence to talk. But she was pained, and he didn't want her to be hurt. She deserves better than this.. Sasuke too left the place soon after, having no idea about whether to approach Sakura or not, or what to do.
Author's note- This was a relatively longer but a sad chapter to write :( what do you think Sasuke will do? Will he be able to fix this or they'll break apart? Drop your views I'd love to see them!
