CHAPTER 20 – TRUE INTENTIONS

NEXT DAY

Sakura was about to go into Syaoran's hospital room when Kei stopped her

'Hey, I've just found out about what happened…'
'Yeah, it was definitely a shock for everyone'
'…Err… there is something though… that maybe you should know…'
'What is it?'
'Syaoran received a threatening letter about two weeks ago, saying he had to break up with you as soon as possible or there would be consequences…'
'What?! Are you serious?
'Yeah, I am afraid so. We thought that it was a joke at the beginning until they starting sending pictures of you…'
'What kind of pictures?'
'Just random ones, like eating lunch, shopping… going to work'
'Why didn't he say anything to me?! I am so angry right now!'
'This is why he wanted you to stay at his house while he was away. He was afraid for your safety'
'You guys are idiots! Truly! It would have been better to tell me straight away. Never mind that, it is done now…' – she turned around
'Wait…you can't tell him I told you. Wait!'

She was so angry, Sakura started walking away and made her way into Syaoran's room. He was in better form today after the anaesthesia had worn off. He was sitting up and eating some jelly from his food tray.

'Sakura! You are finally here'

She walked towards him and kissed him softly, then whispered: 'I know about the letter...'
Syaoran looked at her with a surprised expression on his face, she remained looking at him in silence then sat down on the side of his bed.

'So… mysterious letter and threatening pictures huh?'
'I just wanted to solve this problem myself…'
'You could have been killed! Don't you understand that?'
'…I am alive though…' – he smiled at her
'God! You are unbelievable…'

She got up and left the room. Sakura decided to take a walk in the garden to calm herself down. She sat down on a bench and took a deep breath. Suddenly Tanaka approached her.

'Kinomoto-san, you look beautiful today'
'Hi, sorry I am in a very bad mood'
'Don't worry I bet I can change that in a few seconds'
'Eh? What do you mean?'
'I want you to marry me'
'Sorry, what?'
'Just that, I need you to marry me'
'What the hell are you talking about Tanaka-san?'
'If you want me to let your little boyfriend live that is'

She looked at him horrified as he kept a calm and composed expression throughout the whole conversation

'You know, I was planning on having a subtler approach with you and let you fall for me, showing you my relatively good sides, and blah blah… but, I honestly got bored. I want you to marry me. If you do, I won't kill Li-san'
'If this is a joke, it is not funny!'
'No joke, just cold hard truth. I was the one who sent those men to hurt him. I could have him killed tonight if I wished'
'Are you serious?! Why do you want to marry me?' This is ridiculous! – her hands were shaking a bit and her heart was pounding really fast. She really wished this was some sort of sick joke. She suddenly got up and tried to start walking back slowly but Tanaka grabbed her by the shoulders harshly

'Not so fast…I have my reasons which I am not going to share with you now. The main question is… will you marry me to save him?'
'How do you know I won't report you to the police? This is a crime! Who the hell are you really?'
'You won't say anything because you are a smart girl. I also have the document you signed in my office, remember?'
'What does the treatment to that patient have to do with this? That document was accurate, I read it myself!'
'It was never about the document. It was about the signature…now I have it which makes you responsible for all the purchase orders of that drug. Currently 52 patients are being treated in this hospital under YOUR instructions'
'I can't believe what I am hearing! What is this now, you creep!?'
'You see, these drugs only alleviate the symptoms but are highly addictive. Let me paint you a picture, if the little boy stops taking them, his organs will fail. Within 48 hours he will be dead'
'This is not happening!' You are lying! Let go of me!'
'Don't even think about going to the hospital director, he is in my pocket. Won't you wonder who else I have already bought? The only way out is for you to marry me, I will leave Li-san alone I promise.'

Sakura felt cornered, this was so sudden and her mind was all over the place. Her eyes started to fill up with tears and her mind was haunted by horrible thoughts.

'What do you say?' – Tanaka pulled her towards him and got extremely close to her face. His mouth was only centimetres away from her lips, he was enjoying every moment, every expression she made when he confessed the truth. Sakura was still in shock, shivering and thinking of a possible way out. He touched her cheek softly, she flinched at his touch and then she slapped his hand away.

'You won't get away with this! This conversation is over!' – she was crying by this point, with one final push she managed to break free and ran away back into the hospital

The hospital white halls seemed so wide and long, everything was blurry and her tears wouldn't stop. She locked herself in the inventory room.

(Everything will be ok…I just need to think! Think of a solution! Who can I turn to for help? who!?)

She remained in there for a few minutes. Once she had calmed down, she walked back into Syaoran's room

'Still mad at me?' – he said as soon as she walked in, he noticed she had been crying – 'come here… please...'

She walked towards him and sat down on his bed

'It is not like I didn't take precautions. I have people investigating who is behind those letters and this attack. Do not worry, we will be fine' – he grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently

'Why are you so quiet? Did something happen?'
'N-no no it is ok. I mean, I am fine. I should probably go, you need some rest'
'But I haven't really seen you today. You were here only for a few minutes before'
'Sorry, I need to do something important for work. I hope you feel better, please rest up'
'I would feel much better if you stayed…'
'Stop acting like a child! I told you I need to go! – she let go of his hand and walked out of the room
'Wow! I didn't see that coming…' – he sighed

(Sorry Syaoran…so sorry… stupid! I am so stupid!)

Sakura called a cab and went straight home. She opened the door of her apartment and on the floor there was a piece of white paper folded in two. She picked it up

* Answer me by tomorrow morning or he won't see another day *

She took her phone out of her purse and typed in haste.

* I don't need to think about it anymore. I won't let you hurt him, I will do as you say *

* Excellent. Come to my office, first thing in the morning *

She dragged herself to the bedroom and lied on her bed, crying her eyes out.

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