"Ne...Nii-sama, could you explain why you have to wake me up at 6.30am in the morning?" Shizuru asked as she leaned back into the sofa, carefully sipping her hot tea. She had only 3 hours of sleep last night. Shizuru thought as she stifled a yawn.
Takeda could help but rolled his eyes in disgust. "You were out partying late into the night again, weren't you?"
"Ara, Nii-sama, partying is too harsh a work ne. This is call networking."
"Hah! Whatever you want to call it young lady. But I think you might need to cut down on all these networking and partying from now on. Starting today, you Viola Shizuru," Takeda said as he leaned forward towards Shizuru, a smirk on his handsome face "Will be going to work with me."
Work? What work? The thought had Shizuru paused in the middle of her drinking, her ruby red eyes blinking twice before she could register what Takeda had said. She looked up from tea, focusing on Takeda. "What are you talking about Nii-sama?"
Takade sighed and took out a piece of paper from his vest. "Take a look at what our dear Otou-sama and Okaa-sama left us."
Dearest Tak-chan and Shi-chan,
Both Okaa-san and Otou-san are going for our long overdue honeymoon trip round the world. Don't miss us. Be good kids and man the company for us ok? We will buy you lots of present when we got back home.
Love,
Your dearest and prettiest Okaa-san
Viola Yumiko Mama
Silence ensued.
The silence broke as Shizuru placed her tea cup on the saucer with a loud 'cling' and stood up.
"...A...ara...gambatte ne, Nii-sama. I will bid you a good farewell and all the best for today." With that said, Shizuru gave a smile that seemed rather strained around the edge as she turned and hurried towards the stairs.
"Viola Shizuru! Stop where you are!" Takeda paused for a while. "Do you still remember our two promises?"
That stopped Shizuru on her track.
A few minute ticked by and finally Shizuru gave a deep sigh and turned around. "Haii, Nii-sama, I remember. Number 1, in exchange for 1 year of complete freedom after my graduation, I am supposed to return to Japan after that and help you run Viola Corporation. Number 2, I must not have any romantic interest in any ladies whom you have an interest in. i.e. I must not be interested in any of your potential girlfriends."
"I'm glad you still remember what we promised each other 3 years ago." Takeda emphasized the number three!
They agreed on one year of freedom but Shizuru took three years instead.
"I won't be able to forget it even if I want to. Oh Kami-sama, Nii-sama, what were you doing there in the first place."
"I would say the same to you." Takeda raised his cup in a toast and gulped down the dark coffee. "And watch your language young lady. You gave me a hell of a shock then"
Viola Takeda discovered Shizuru's sexual orientation, quite by accident though. Three years ago, Takeda planned to spring a surprise on his sister but was surprised instead. He had travelled to the UK planning to give his sister a huge birthday surprise. But when he entered Shizuru's apartment using the spare key she gave him, he found Shizuru naked and all wrapped up in another girl's arms. Apparently, the lady beneath Shizuru was in the midst of screaming Shizuru's name when she saw Takeda and the scream of pleasure had turned into screams of horror.
"Oh goodness gracious, what are you doing here?" Shizuru turned and snatched a blanket to cover themselves.
"Viola Shizuru, I will give you 3 minutes. Get dressed and I will see you in the living room." With that Takeda slammed the door and walked towards the mini bar to pour himself a drink.
What is a man to do when he discovers his beloved sister in bed naked with another equally naked and beautiful lady.
Takeda thought as he down a glass of Whisky.
Takeda looked up from his whisky just as Shizuru sent the lady off with a passionate French kiss.
"What do you have to say Viola Shizuru? Do you even know what you are doing?"
"Ne….Nii-sama would you like some cup noodles? I am certainly hungry after all the exercise just now. We can talk as we eat." A mischievous smile appeared on Shizuru's face.
The question that came out of nowhere took Takeda by surprise, throwing him off balance.
"Er...yeah...sure...Thanks. I would like one too."
The Viola sibling had spent the night debating on the issues of the birds and the bees, man-made versus nature over cups of noodles. But the debate ended with Takeda conceding to help Shizuru keep her sexual orientation a secret in exchange for two promises from Shizuru.
"Now be a good imotou and come to the office with me."
Shizuru gently knocked on Takeda's door.
"Come on in."
Shizuru waited no further and entered his office. "Gokigenyou Nii-sama."
"Well, you sound so formal Shizuru-san. Do you have something you would like to discuss with me?" Takeda leaned back against his chair when he saw Shizuru entering, holding on to a stack of proposals.
"Hai...Nii-sama. It is regarding the plot of land which Viola Corporation recently bought over from the government. I understand that the estimated amount of money that we need to pump into this project is rather substantial. Given this huge project, our money will be tied down for a while. So there could be substaintiate risk involved in developing this plot of land. So I am proposing that we work with Kuga Corporation to co-develop the land." Shizuru said as she put the stack of paper in front of Takeda. "This could be the start of future cooperation between the two companies. Ne Nii-sama?" Shizuru tilted her head and gave Takeda a graceful smile.
"Working with Kuga Corporation?"
"Haii...Nii-sama. It would definitely bring the Kuga and Viola Family closer. It would definitely be a win-win situation for both Viola and Kuga corporations."
Takeda's eyes brighten at the prospect of a closer working relationship between Natsuki and him.
"This is a good proposal and has great potential. I will take a closer look at it before giving you the go ahead signal."
"Haii. I will make a move now Nii-sama." Just as she stepped out of the door, Shizuru turned and gave Takeda a mischievous smile and wave, "Bye Nii-sama! See you!"
"Wait a minute. What do you mean by bye? Where are you going? It is only 9.30am and you just got into the office!"
Shizuru's smile widen. "Paying Kuga Corporation a visit ne...I am checking out the competition for you Nii-sama. I heard she is one popular girl!"
"Shit, get back here Viola Shizuru. Damn you...I..."
"Kuga-sama, could you briefly tell us about the history of Kuga Corporation?" The female reporter hold the voice recorder closer to Natsuki.
"Kuga Corporation starts off as a small and humble family provision shop under my Great-grandfather. By the time it was passed to my grandfather, the small provision shop has expanded into a chain of retail supermarket and that is when we slowly move in the property market. And under my father's management we have successfully entered into the property market and making this our main business."
"Thank you Kuga-sama, do you have…"
Natsuki settled herself comfortably into her chair as she patiently answered a series of questions posed by the reporters. But the last question had Natsuki frowning.
"Thank you very much Kuga-sama. Now we are at the last segment of our interview and we would like to ask you some personal questions. Are you currently attached?"
"I am currently single." A short and curt answer from Natsuki. A sense of frustration welled up within Natsuki. This was a common question posed to her by many others, her parents, relatives, friends and even acquaintances. She has no intention to getting married or attached to either male or female ever again. Ever since Lena left.
"I believe that this is good news for all the man out there. But I understand that Viola Takeda has expressed strong interested in you. And Viola -sama has been listed by Otome Magazine at the Top 3 eligible bachelor in Japan. Would you consider him as future potential partners?"
"As I have just take over the rein from my father, I would like to focus more on the business aspect of my life." Natsuki said briskly and turned her hand to looked at the watch on her hand. "I am so sorry reporter-san, I have a meeting in a while. I'm afraid I have to make a move now. Do email my secretary should you need more information about Kuga Corporation. Thank you for your time here. And of course if you would like, I could also have my secretary bring you around the office."
Before the reporter could reply, Natsuki said, "Sear-san, could I trouble you to bring reporter-san for a tour around our company?"
"Haii Kuga-sama. This way please, reporter-san." Alyssa said as she guided the unwilling reporter to the door. The reporter looked at Natsuki in resignation and followed Alyessa out.
Finally got rid of the reporter. Natsuki thought and sighed as she too moved to exit the conference room too. But just as stepped out of the room, she saw a lady in black skinny jeans with a floral purple blouse wandering around the office. Natsuki's brown furrowed into a frown.
Why is this Kuga Corporation's employee in such unprofessional work attire? Which department does she belong to?
Ara ara, as expected of Kuga Corporation, one of the top 3 company in Japan ne… The whole building is really an excellent combination of technology and art. I wonder what Natsuki's office would be like. Shizuru mused as she wandered around the building. But the security here could do some improvement. All she had to do was announced that she's Viola Shizuru from the Viola Corporation and the security guard had let her in.
And just as she turned to continue her tour she saw Natsuki standing by the door with a deep frown on her face. Ara It seems that Natsuki is always frowning. Shizuru thought and chuckled, totally unaffected by this fact.
Natsuki watched as Shizuru walked towards her. Sauntered to be more exact.
Natsuki instinctively took a step backwards before she could stopped herself. She liked her person space but Shizuru always had the tendency to invade her personal space.
"Ara Natsuki, how are you? Is your head still hurting?" Shizuru asked, a tat too loud as the questions resonated across the office into the ears of all Kuga employees. Shizuru's smile widen as she saw Natsuki's eyes sharpened at the mention her headache. "I was worried and …"
"Why don't we chat inside my office Viola -san?" Natsuki stopped Shizuru in mid sentence.
"It is my pleasure Natsuki~" Shizuru chuckled as she followed Natsuki into her office. Got you.
Shizuru did not hide the fact that she was curious about Natsuki's office as she walked around the room, looking at pictures hung on the wall and pictures placed on her table.
All the while Natsuki was seated at her plush chair a permanent frown on her face as Shizuru walked around inspecting the room.
Not bad, good colour coordination and very elegant design - just like Natsuki. And just like her, cold and distance. There wasn't any photos of her with her family or friends. Just formal pictures of her with important representative of the country, even the president herself.
Yup, a bit too cold and distance for her liking. That was the feeling Shizuru got. Personally she preferred strong colours like purple and red.
"Shizuru-san..." Natsuki began.
"Just call me Shizuru, Natsuki"
"Shizuru-san, may I inquire your purpose for this visit?" Natsuki ignore Shizuru's offer to drop the honorific suffixes. "If you wish to meet me, you could make an appointment with my secretary and she would gladly book a slot for you."
Ara ara, what a prim and proper lady. Still using a honorific even though I told her not too.
"Ne...Natsuki…" Shizuru said as she moved to sit in front of Natsuki and played with a paper knife that was on Natsuki's table. "What do you think would happen if I let slip to some reporters that Kuga Natsuki, the heir to Kuga Corporation is down with an untreatable brain disease?" Shizuru looked up from the paper knife she was holding and stared at Natsuki with a crafty smile on her face. "I am sure they would be very interested in this. And who knows what would happen to the company's stock...and especially now that your company is looking for fresh inflow of finance."
Natsuki stiffened. "Where did you hear it from? And what are you trying to do?"
Shizuru chuckled. "Nothing actually...Just some rumor I heard... Ne...Natsuki, how much do you plan to bid for the upcoming Fuuka land?"
"That is confidential information not for public consumption." Came a frosty reply. "If you have nothing else Shizuru-san, I will have to excuse myself as I have an upcoming meeting." Natsuki turned to look at her wristwatch once again.
"That is cold ne Natsuki. I came specially to look for you to discuss about the plot of land that your company lost to ours." Stingy ne Natsuki. Its fine though, I can find out your bid through my own means.
"What about it?"
Shizuru chuckled when she saw Natsuki's nonchalant expression. "I would like to propose the two companies, Kuga and Viola Corporation to work together to develop that land that Viola Corporation just acquired." Shizuru continued when she saw that she had Natsuki's full attention. "But of course, 50-50 for cost and profits."
"60-40 for profits with Kuga Corporation 60 and Viola Corporation 40. 50-50 for the cost though." Natsuki shot back immediately.
"Ara, Natsuki is quite humorous though. 60-40 is not possible. I believe Viola Corporation is kind enough to give 50-50."
"I see. Then I guess unfortunately this is the end of our conversation Shizuru-san." Natsuki said as she stood up. While Kuga Corporation may be looking for a new cash flow, she had no plans of cooporating with Viola Corporation. At least not yet.
The benefit had not outweighed the cost yet. And there was also Viola Takeda to consider as well. While Viola and Kuga Corporation were competitors in the property development market, they were also family friends. Both the senior Kuga and Viola were close buddies when they were younger and they had great hopes for their children - that the two families could be tied together as in-laws. They had once joked that should each family has one boy and one girl each, the children should be encourage to marry each other. Natsuki didn't want to give the the senior Kuga and Viola Takeda false hope.
"Ara...so cold ne Natsuki." Shizuru gave an elegant shrug, completely unaffected by Natsuki's rejection. She had expected it. "You can take some time to consider it."
"Since it is close to noon, why don't you join me for lunch Natsuki?" An abrupt change in subject.
"My apologies, I am currently very busy."
As if proving Natsuki's words right, her office phone rang.
A deep frown appeared on Natsuki's face as she answered the phone. Her eyes sharpened as she listened intently to the words that was spoken over the phone. Shizuru didn't have to guess too hard as it seemed clear that the phone call didn't bring good news.
Shizuru watched on, totally unabashed by the fact that she was eavesdropping on someone else's phone conversation.
"Right...Fine, manage the situation for now….No, don't do that….Negotiates with them first…..Or at least hang in there until I am there. I will be down shortly."
With the receiver of the phone clasped between her ear and shoulders, Natsuki hurriedly packed her handbag and car key while issuing out instructions to the caller. And within minutes, Natsuki was all ready to leave the office.
"Viola -san, if there are any other urgent matters, you can always contact my secretary." Natsuki said as she strode towards the carpark with Shizuru trailing slowly behind. Natsuki bid Shizuru a good day and slide into her Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Class.
She just received an urgent call from the project manager, requesting her advice. The development had hit a snag and she had sent her manager to troubleshoot. But it didn't seem to be working and her project manager had requested help.
Looked like she had to handle this herself.
Just as she was about to start her engine, the door to the passenger seat opened.
Natsuki turned to see Shizuru seated at the passenger seats, making herself comfortable in the car. A trace of irritation flashed across her face.
"I need you to get out." Even though the instruction sound polite, Shizuru could hear traces of anger in it. "I'm afraid that I don't have the time to entertain you now Viola -san."
Polite as usual.
What would it take to break through that polite facade of yours?
"Please don't mind me Natsuki. I know you are busy but you could drop me off later after you are done."
The temperature within the car dropped a few degree lower.
Ara, the weather is getting kind of cold lately ne…
In response, Shizuru smiled.
With teeth clenched, Natsuki started the engine and reversed the car out of the parking lot.
She was in a hurry and she had no time to entertain Viola Shizuru. She will just drop her somewhere later on.
The journey was covered in silence until Shizuru broke the silence by asking for permission to turn on the music player.
Natsuki nodded her head and gave her the go ahead.
Surprise and nostalgia flashed across Natsuki's face when Shizuru randomly selected and played a playlist.
When was the last time she played the songs in this playlist?
Lena had promised to play this playlist for me whenever I drive. But where is she now?
"Ne Natsuki, has anyone told you that your side profile is very nice?"
The question though random and innocent had Natsuki jamming the break as she quickly turned to stare at Shizuru with searching eyes.
"Natsuki, your side profile is very nice. Has anyone told you that?" Lena asked as she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on the corner of Natsuki's lip.
"Natsuki?"
Natsuki blinked her eyes several times before everything went back to focus. It was so surreal. For a moment she thought Lena was right in front of her.
"Don't give those kinds of weird comments." Natsuki narrowed her eyes as she grabbed the steering wheel again.
Those words and those memories were meant to be buried and stayed buried.
"Ara... those are facts. I am just stating the facts." The commanding tone had Shizuru arching her brow. "I am sure I am not the first one."
Natsuki didn't bother to comment on Shizuru' reply.
She was still reeling from the memories just now.
She gripped the wheel tightly as she steered the car back into the traffic.
Silence ensued throughout the whole journey.
It was only until the Mercedes-Benz came to a stop outside a crowded construction site that Natsuki realised that she forgot to drop Viola Shizuru off.
And Viola Shizuru did not even bother to remind her.
Natsuki glanced at the lady sitting next to her. She only knew about her presence two weeks ago and they had already met three times, including today. But she was already getting on her nerves.
Apparently sensing Natsuki's irritation, Shizuru turned to look at Natsuki.
She arched her brows and smiled. She knew Natsuki was irritated but it seemed interesting to press her button. To see what will trigger her reactions.
Natsuki was about to say something but the loud voices distracted her. There were more important things to do now.
And things didn't look too friendly.
Shizuru looked out of the window. "This looks interesting. I'm not sure if I am glad I came."
The whole atmosphere was tense as the two groups stood facing each other, holding shovels and hoes in their hands.
"What do you mean? We paid you a reasonable price for the land!" Said the foreman.
"That is bullshit! It is below the market price! I don't care! Give us 500k more or else we are not gonna let you start work here!" The one at the forefront of the other group spoke. And immediately his supporters behind him raised their weapons shouting in agreement.
"What is happening here?" A female voice cut through the heated argument.
Natsuki stepped out of her car and slammed the door shut.
Shizuru mused as she watched Natsuki strode to the bunch of men.
She didn't know what to say about Natsuki.
Does she know that it is getting dangerous outside? Or she thinks that she could handle the situation?
Shizuru watched as Natsuki went face to face with the leader of the other group.
Shizuru sighed as she made a phone call before stepping out of the car. She better stay near Natsuki in case the guys get violent. At the least she could pull her aside.
She leaned against the hood of the car as she watched the scene unfold.
Natsuki walked into the crowd and stood between the two groups.
"Are ya the boss here?" The leader of the group leaned forward, giving Natsuki a leer.
"I am." Shizuru would have to give credit to Natsuki. She had the courage to stand in between the two groups of men, all of them holding some weapon in their hand. Amidst the man, Natsuki looked petite and fragile standing there, like a stalk of flower ready to be stamped on by the raging bulls.
Shizuru sighed.
"Too dangerous. She is going to get hurt. Those guys are out to make things difficult." Shizuru frowned and muttered beneath her breath as she pushed herself away from the car hood. She had seen it many times before, opportunists trying to take advantage of the situation through brawls.
Gone was the casual and relaxed attitude as Shizuru strode towards Natsuki with the intention of getting Natsuki away before the situation got worse.
"Mine mine mine...such a beautiful oujo-sama. But I won't go easy on you just because of this. Let me tell you young lady, your company tricked us into selling you the land! So we want compensation! We are not asking for much but just $700k!" The leader took advantage of his height and stared down at the lady who appeared in front of him.
All the while the guy was thinking to himself how easy it was to milk money out from a rich oujio-san. All he had to do was a bit of threatening and she should give in.
"What is this? You asked for $500k just now and now $700k. This is daylight robbery!" The foreman rebutted. "Kuga-sama, I think we shouldn't waste our time with these people. We should just call the police?"
"Kuga Corporation does things according to the law and we always uphold our values. We conduct fair and just transactions. If you feel that we have shortchanged you, you can always lodge a complaint to the police. We won't able to give to any form of compensation." Natsuki replied. "We would like to ask you to leave now. If now, we will alert the police."
"Bitch!" The leader cursed and spat on the floor. "We tried to talk to you nicely but you want to call the police?"
There were shouts of support for their leader, coming from the protesters. The gang was getting rowdy and someone threw a glass bottle from the back which landed near Natsuki.
Natsuki didn't flinch. Instead she turned to the foreman, "Call the police now."
"Fucking bitch! You better stop now!" The leader took a brick from the floor and swung it towards Natsuki in an attempt to stop her.
Shit!
But just as the brick was about to hit her, Natsuki found herself engulfed in a foreign yet warm and soft embrace. Then Natsuki heard a grunt before feeling the weight of body falling on top of her.
"Shit... Viola ... Viola -san?"
Natsuki held on to Shizuru as chaos erupted around them when the protesters clashed against the construction workers.
"Informed Tokiha Mai and asked her to bail our workers out of the jail. I want her to press charges against those people who created trouble at our construction site. Make sure each and everyone of them end up in jail for as long as possible."
"Hai, Natsuki-sama."
Natsuki instructed Alyssa as she waited inside the hospital ward, accompanying Viola Shizuru while waiting for her elder brother to arrive.
She had called Viola Takeda earlier on to inform him about the accident and he was now on his way to the hospital to see his sister.
Natsuki sighed and looked at Viola Shizuru. She looked as if she was sleeping now, though a bit pale by the usual standard. She lost some blood but not too much. This is all thanks to the quick arrival of the police and the ambulance. And the credit really went to Viola Shizuru. She had the foresight of calling the police and ambulance before she alighted from the car.
The clash between the groups was chaotic and it ended when the police arrived at the scene before anyone was seriously injured. There were some minor injuries among the men and Natsuki ended up with a broken wrist.
The man who tried to hit Natsuki with the brick did not stop after landing a hit on Shizuru. He went on and tried to land another hit, which led to her fractured wrist. But thanks to the foreman who was standing next to her, Natsuki was spared from further injuries and was lucky to escape with just minor bruises on her arms from some pushing and grabbing by the protesters.
As the chaos reigned around them, Shizuru lay unconscious in Natsuki's arms, her head bleeding. Panic flashed across her eyes as people fought around them, some even stumbled over them in the midst of the fighting. Natsuki had to cover Shizuru with her body to avoid people from stepping on her.
It was a scary moment for Natsuki because it was a matter of time before those unruly guys went after them. And when that happens, she won't have any means of protecting Shizuru and herself.
It was too late to feel regretful but Natsuki wished she had her bodyguards with her now.
The fight lasted for another ten minutes before the siren of the police car could be heard.
Natsuki hadn't been more relieved to hear the siren.
She then accompanied the unconscious Viola -san to the hospital while the police arrested the men.
Natsuki could have given Viola Takeda a call and then left with the police. But she felt obligated to follow the younger Viola to the hospital and wait for her to wake up before leaving. Looking at the situation, Viola Shizuru might need some stitches on her head.
By right, it was because of her that Viola Shizuru was hurt. The least she could do was to wait till Viola Takeda arrives before leaving the hospital.
Natsuki glanced at Viola Shizuru. This was the first time she could slowly observe Viola Shizuru. Viola Shizuru always rubbed her the wrong way, getting under her skin.
But now that she was resting, Viola Shizuru gave off a different vibe. While awake, Viola Shizuru seemed rather casual and laid back. It was the way she moves and the way she speaks. And coupled with the Kyoto accent, she gave off a laid back attitude.
Yet Natsuki could sense a sharpness and shrewdness within her. Otherwise, she won't have been able to "steal" that land from underneath Alyssa's nose.
But now that she was asleep, she looked like a Japanese porcelain doll, quiet and peaceful.
Well, at least she wasn't irritating me now that she was asleep.
Natsuki sat on a chair next to the bed, occasionally checking on Shizuru while messaging instructions to Mai and Allyssa.
After a while, Shizuru began to stir awake.
"How are you feeling?" Natsuki leaned over and asked when she saw Shizuru slowly gaining consciousness.
Her head was throbbing, a constant dull pain that seemed to go on and on. Shizuru moaned as she raised her hand to touch her head but found her fingers covered by a cool hand.
Startled, Shizuru looked up and found herself looking into a pair of cool emerald eyes.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru shook her head gingerly as memories came flooding back.
"Don't move too much. Your head was hit by a brick. There are bruisers." Natsuki's voice was cool as always. But underneath the cool, there were traces of concern.
At least she wasn't as cold as I thought. At least she shows some concern for my well-being. I guess that's the least she could do since I took the hit for her.
"How are you feeling? Would you like me to get the doctor?"
Once again Shizuru shook her head and shut her eyes. The whole room was spinning.
But the feeling of being taken care of wasn't too bad. Shizuru thought. Definitely a better treatment than previously. She nearly got frost bites from the cold treatment from Natsuki.
Just then the door to the ward swung open.
The cool hand that was holding on to hers left. Strangely, Shizuru felt a sense of disappointment.
She opened her eyes slightly to take a look at who's the untimely visitor.
"Natsuki-san, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"
Yup! Definitely her onii-sama. He is the only guy in the world who would completely ignore his seriously injured imouto and check on his girl. I will get him back for this.
Not that interruption was totally bad. In some sense, the interruption brought some relief for Shizuru. She was more comfortable with the cold and distant Natsuki. Though subconsciously she was slightly disappointed by the interruption.
Slightly. Shizuru emphasised.
Takeda came in and held Natsuki at arm's length, looking up and down, checking for any form of injuries.
But just as immediately, Natsuki shrugged out of Takeda's hand and took a step backward.
"Are you hurt? I was so worried when I heard that you were there when the fight took place."
Irritation replaced the previous feeling within Shizuru, when she heard the never ending rambling from her brother.
"Ara Nii-sama, I am so glad that you came by to see me."
"Ah...ahaha..." Takeda recognised that tone from her sister. She was definitely pissed. He quickly turned to Shizuru.
"My imouto, how are you? Are you hurt?" Takeda asked as he sought to pacify his younger sister. "I bought some of your favorite fruits for you."
But just as immediately he turned to Natsuki and asked, "What about you Natsuki-san, would you like one as well?"
What is it that they say? Love is blind. Shizuru can totally understand it. Takeda was blind to everyone else except for his Natsuki.
"Thank you but I have to decline. I will make a move first. I have settled the bill so have a good rest Viola -san." Natsuki turned and gave a nod to Shizuru.
"Ah...Nat...Natsuki-san…" Takeda spoke out just before Natsuki stepped out of the ward. "I am having a birthday celebration in two weeks time. So I am wondering if I could have the honor of your presence?"
A frown marred her perfect features.
"I'm sor..."
"Ara ne...I am wondering if this could induce your interest in the party" Shizuru pointed to the white bandage on her head and smiled. "But of course, we Viola are not looking for compensation and we don't force people into things they don't want to do. I was injured when protecting you but of course it's my own accord that I chose to take the blow. So...don't worry ne Natsuki." At the last statement, Shizuru looked down on her lap feigning sadness.
The frown deepened.
"Please send the invitation card to my secretary." With that, Natsuki stepped out of the ward with Alyssa following behind.
"Ara so not cute ne Natsuki..."
"Let me stay in your house for a few days. At least until the cast on my wrist can be removed. I won't want my parents to worry."
"Where does Natsuki want to sleep? Miyu is currently staying at my guest room."
"Your cousin is staying in your house?"
"Hai...she is staying here for a while until the renovation at her house completes."
"Your bed perhaps? If you don't mind sharing."
"You know I can never refuse you anything." Alyssa smiled as her eyes softened whenever she looked at Natsuki.
"Thank you." Natsuki said as she looked out of the car window into the dark sky.
The journey to Alyssa's house was a short one.
"Miyu-san doesn't seem to like me." Natsuki observed while seated on Alyssa's bed.
Natsuki could still remember the stony look Miyu threw her way when Alyssa brought her home. Miyu had glared at her direction before taking her dinner into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
And immediately Alyssa had followed Miyu into the room.
Natsuki couldn't hear the conversation from outside. But evidently, the conversation didn't go well as Alyssa came out of the room, looking obviously upset.
"She doesn't like almost everybody. You know her style. So don't mind her. That is how she usually react people.."
Alyssa tried to assure Natsuki as she looked through her closet for some clothes for Natsuki to sleep in. But just then a hand stretched from the back and covered Alyssa's hand, followed by a gentle pat.
"Don't bother Alyssa, I can always stay in the hotel."
With that Natsuki turned and prepared to pick up her handbag. But just as she took a few steps, she felt a pair of hands circling around her waist and Alyssa buried her face into Natsuki's shoulder, breathing in her scant.
Natsuki's body turned rigid but subsequently softened upon hearing Alyssa's reply.
"No...please just stay...At least just for tonight..."
"Alyssa…" Natsuki sighed.
Deep into the night, while everyone was asleep, Alyssa lay awake on the bed staring at the ceiling.
She couldn't quite sleep. She remembered the argument she had with Miyu earlier.
"How long are you going to wait, Alyssa? Eight years? Ten years? Forever?"
"Miyu, we went over this before."
"Yes, we went over this before yet you still refused to listen! Kuga Natsuki may never accept you!"
Alyssa turned to glance at Natsuki and saw her curled up in the bed, with her back facing her. Her breathing slowed as she slumbered.
Natsuki may not accept her. But for now, it was enough to be lying next to her.
Knowing that Natsuki was asleep, Alyssa gently inched towards Natsuki, drawing closer and closer towards her warmth.
Just let me stay like this...at least for now...
Natsuki placed the fruit basket on the table and took a seat on the leather sofa.
It had been a week since the accident and Viola Shizuru was discharged from the hospital.
And Alyssa had reminded her that it was about time she visited the Viola.
And so here she was, seated in the living room of the Viola mansion.
But within minutes of her sitting down, Viola Takeda appeared, running down the stairs.
"Na…" As if suddenly remembering something, Viola Takeda paused and slowed his steps. He had a chat with his imouto recently. He needed to change his image to look more mature and dependable. Girls liked sophisticated, mature and dependable guys.
Viola Takeda cleared his throat and deliberately lowered his voice. "Natsuki. Glad to see you here."
Do the Viola family members have a habit of using casual speech with others? Why do they not use polite speech?
Viola Shizuru kept calling her Natsuki despite Natsuki's attempt to be formal.
As for Viola Takeda, Natsuki sighed when she recalled how Viola Takeda came to use informal speech with her.
Both of their families were attending the same function and Natsuki's okaa-sama took the initiative and requested Viola Takeda to use informal speech with Natsuki. And ever since then, Viola Takeda had used informal speech with her, much to her dismay. It was impossible not to know that her okaa-sama was pleased with Viola Takeda as a potential suitor.
Natsuki stifled the sigh that was about to escape her.
"Takeda-san." Natsuki nodded her head in acknowledgement. "A good day to you. How is your imouto?"
"Shizuru? She is fine. You don't have to worry about her. She is young and recovers fast."
"Ara… Natsuki is here." A kyoto accent came from the top of the stairs.
Natsuki glanced up and saw Shizuru standing at the top of the staircase. She was dressed casually but despite that, it didn't hinder the elegance emitting from her.
True elegance goes beyond the clothes. It shows in the way people carry themselves, in their behaviour and their speech.
Unfortunately, there was a white bandage around her forehead.
"Shizuru-san." Natsuki stood up as Viola Shizuru approached her. "I hope you are feeling better?"
"Of course, I feel much better, especially after seeing you here." Shizuru smiled and replied.
The smile on Shizuru became more genuine when she felt Natsuki stiffen. She had slipped her hand around Natsuki's and pulled her down together to sit on the sofa.
When both of them were on the sofa, Natsuki casually slipped her arms from Viola Shizuru and inched away.
Natsuki only intended to stay for a while, only to check on Viola Shizuru and then leave. But Natsuki underestimated the Viola siblings.
A planned thirty minutes turned into a two hour gathering among acquaintances. Natsuki marveled at the Viola siblings' ability to make small talk for so long.
"Natsuki, you should have your bodyguards with you in the future. It is too dangerous for you to visit places alone." Viola Takeda suggested after he took a sip of his coffee.
Coldness flashed across Natsuki's eyes when she recalled the incident.
"Of course I will. Thanks for the reminder."
Viola Shizuru studied Kuga Natsuki's face and then chuckled.
"Ara… Does Natsuki know why the fight broke up?"
Natsuki looked at Viola Shizuru.
Viola Shizuru looked right back.
"Just some greedy sellers who wanted more money." Natsuki glanced down at her cup of tea, blew at the hot tea and took a sip.
"That group of small sellers are really silly ne. Going after a big corporation like Kuga Corporation. I wonder if they really knew what they were doing and what they were getting themselves into."
Natsuki glanced at Viola Shizuru again.
Viola Shizuru returned the glance with a smile.
Natsuki would need to reevaluate Viola Shizuru again. This Viola Shizuru was really something. Natsuki never expected Viola Shizuru to guess that there was more than just a group of greedy sellers.
It was hard to pinpoint why Natsuki knew that Viola Shizuru was aware. You could call it intuition. Natsuki was sure that Viola Shizuru knew more than she let on.
This Viola Shizuru was definitely a smart and shrewd businessman.
Unlike her older brother.
Natsuki glanced at the older Viola .
Viola Takeda brightened up when he saw Natsuki looking at him. It was time to make his presence felt more deeply.
Viola Takeda cleared his throat. "Yes Natsuki, please let me know if you need our help. We can recommend a few good lawyers to you. Just let us know."
"Thank you so much Takeda-san." Natsuki placed her cup down and stood up. "I have taken enough of your time and Shizuru-san would need more rest. I will take my leave now."
"Wha… what? So… so fast?" Takeda did a double take. He hadn't had a chance to tell Natsuki to take care and depend on him should she need help! He hadn't even showcased his masculinity!
"I have disturbed you all enough. My apologies." Natsuki stood up and moved to exit the room. "Please have a great day ahead."
But before Natsuki could step out of the room, a Kyoto accent spoke up.
"Ne Natsuki, will we be seeing you during my brother's birthday celebration?"
Natsuki turned and saw Viola Takeda staring at her. His eyes were bright with hope. Then she glanced at Viola Shizuru.
Viola Shizuru was still seated at the sofa looking back at Natsuki. She smiled and pointed to the bandage on her forehead.
Natsuki narrowed her eyes.
Then she turned and gave Viola Takeda a polite smile.
"Thank you so much for the invitation. My secretary has received the invitation. I will be attending."
Even though Natsuki wasn't looking at Viola Shizuru, she could hear a low chuckle coming from where Viola Shizuru was.
Natsuki gave a nod and turned to walk off.
Natsuki's car was already waiting outside when she reached the door. When the chauffeur opened the door for her, Natsuki slided in.
"Where would you like to go next, Natsuki Ojio-sama."
"To the office."
Natsuki sat in the backseat and sent a message to her secretary.
Send the signed document back to the Viola Corporation. Inform them that we are agreeable with the terms and conditions stated.
Natsuki rubbed her forehead. Alyssa wasn't back yet and Natsuki had few reliable people whom she could rely on. While this secretary was good, she wasn't as familiar with her routine as Alyssa.
In the past, she would be able to discuss her decision with Alyssa and hear her perspective. But now, she would have to make the decision on her own.
She had been debating whether to accept Viola Shizuru's proposal - for the two corporations to work together to develop that land for commercial use. And each company will take fifty percent of the cost and profit.
Given Viola Corporation's current status, they would find it difficult to develop that plot of land on their own. This development would take up much of their capital, locking their capital flow for at least several years. But of course, the potential returns would also be substantial. So in other words, this is a high risk development with potential high returns as well. But Natsuki had seen many situations where firms went into bankruptcy due to capital flow issues.
But it would be a different situation had it been the Kuga Corporation who won the land. They had great capital flow to sustain this development.
When she heard that Viola Corporation won the land, she anticipated that the Viola Corporation might go into financial difficulties after they started the project. Then the Kuga Corporation will swoop in and take the land off their hands at a price lower than the market rate. If Natsuki was lucky, Viola Corporation might get into financial trouble, losing its status as a property powerhouse, leading their Kuga Corporation to dominate the market.
So when Viola Shizuru proposed a cooperation between the two, Natsuki was ready to reject her proposal. Kuga Corporation had nothing much to gain from this collaboration and hence her initial refusal to Viola Shizuru.
But now, Viola Shizuru took a blow for her. In some ways, Viola Shizuru saved her life.
Natsuki sighed. No wonder they said business and emotion shouldn't mix.
The moment she brought in the emotional aspects into business, it would make decision making more difficult.
So in the end, Natsuki decided to sign the proposal for a collaboration between the two corporations.
This would be the last time she would make such a decision.
Three weeks later…
Natsuki slided out of the Rolls-Royce, cladded in a floor length open back dress, a huge contrast to her pale skin. Her blue hair cascaded nicely around her shoulder, framing her face and showing off a small diamond necklace encased with white gold.
With her high heels, Natsuki walked up the stairs.
At the entrance, her secretary passed the invitation letter to the man and Natsuki sailed into the venue.
Her entrance caught the attention of many. Some of them wondered who she was while most of the male guests were eager to step forward to introduce themselves to her.
Natsuki glanced around the room, searching for Viola Takeda. She was going to pass the gift to him and stay for thirty minutes before leaving. Thirty minutes is the maximum time she was willing to stay here.
Natsuki didn't have to search long because within a few minutes of her entrance, Viola Takeda came looking for her.
Had she been a normal female, she would have been flattered by the attention of a handsome, young and rich heir. By normal standards, Viola Takeda would be considered handsome and dashing, especially with the small scar on his forehead.
Unfortunately, she wasn't like others.
"Natsuki-san! I am so glad that you came!"
Takeda's eyes shone bright with excitement and happiness as he greeted Natsuki. He had almost given up hope on Natsuki coming. But he was glad that he had not given up on hoping. Natsuki may be an hour late but it was better late than never.
"Otanjōbiomedetōgozaimasu [Happy Birthday] Takeda-san." Natsuki passed Takeda a box elaborately wrapped up in silver wrapping paper. "Thank you so much for inviting me."
"Ahhahahaha…" Takeda scratched his head bashfully. " I...I should be the one to thank you! Thank you so much Natsuki-san! It...it really mean a lot to me that you came." Takeda clutched the gift tightly in one hand.
This was the first gift he received from Natsuki!
"Nat...Natsuki...erm…I...I hope you don't mind me when I call you...Natsuki…" Viola Takeda took a breath to try and calm himself. He needed to get this right. "I know you have always used formal speech with me..."
Natsuki frowned instinctively. This conversation didn't sound right. She hoped that it wasn't going in that direction.
At Natsuki's frown, Viola Takeda's heart skipped a beat. She didn't look happy.
Should he stop now? Or…
"Hey Takeda, come on! We are still waiting for you!" The well prepared speech by Takeda was interrupted when his buddy came up from the back to drag him off.
"I...Nat...Natsuki..." The words trailed off.
Natsuki heaved a sigh of relief as the two figures faded into distance. She wasn't good with managing relationships with people. She could guess where Viola Takeda's speech was going. If she had to, she might have to be blunt and reject him. But she was hoping it would not come to that. Rejections don't sit well with most people and the two corporations will be working together. It would not bode well if the heirs of both corporations have disagreements.
Natsuki sighed.
Natsuki took her glass of champagne and walked to a corner, slowly sipping the champagne. She was waiting for time to pass. She promised that she would stay for at least half an hour. After which she was going to leave. That's all she would give to the heir of Viola Corporation.
Suddenly she stiffened as she felt someone slipping an arm around her waist.
"Help me for a moment." The person whispered into Natsuki's ear.
A Kyoto accent.
A/N:
I rewrote a few portions. No changes to the plot :)
