There was a smile on her face as Shizuru glanced at the people partying below, her eyes flitting from one person to another. Some might have thought that Shizuru was enjoying the party.
But only Shizuru knew that she was bored.
She lifted the wine glass to her eye level and twirled the wine glass, watching the blood red liquid swirled around. Her porcelain face reflected on the glass while her eyes brooding as she stared at the liquid.
A few men and women approached her, trying to start a conversation. Some were bolder than others, inviting her for a tryst in the many bedrooms available in this mansion her brother rented for his birthday.
In the past, she would have accepted the invitations from the ladies. What better way is there to end the night than being tangled in the bedsheets with another beautiful lady. Or ladies. Shizuru enjoyed the various shapes and sizes of women, and appreciated them all.
Shizuru ran her tongues over her lower lips as she contemplated the possibility of accepting an offer. There was this beautiful lady who had approached her twice. She was bold as she leaned towards Shizuru and whispered seductive words in her ear. But there seemed to be something lacking.
Shizuru cocked her head and thought about it. There seemed to be something missing.
Her eyes brooding as she glanced at the people.
Suddenly Shizuru's eyes brightened when she saw a tall lady with midnight blue hair entering the mansion.
This lady sure knew how to make an entrance. She practically caught the attention of everyone in the room. Shizuru thought.
It wasn't something Natsuki did deliberately. Shizuru had to agree with her onii-sama's choice of girl. She was beautiful without having to put in much effort.
Shizuru straightened and moved to approach Natsuki.
Now the party was starting to get exciting. Shizuru thought, her eyes bright with interest.
But just as she was about to move off, a lady stepped in and blocked her path.
The smile on Shizuru's face cooled.
Natsuki 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.
"Marguerite-san, allow me to introduce to you, my lover Kuga Natsuki." Shizuru tightened her arms around Natsuki and pulled the stiff Natsuki into her embrace. Natsuki frowned at the warm yet strange embrace and attempted to loosen the hold Shizuru had on her. But the grip just tightened. "Natsuki dear, this is Marguerite Tomoe-san."
Natsuki turned to the direction Shizuru was gesturing to and saw a petite young lady with teal-colored hair standing in front of her, a hostile look on the young lady's face.
The strange situation and the arrival of the teal-colored hair lady had Natsuki renewing her struggle for freedom.
But Shizuru tightened her arms around Natsuki and pulled her closer, making it impossible for Natsuki to struggle out of her embrace.
The tight embrace had Shizuru's body pressing tight against Natsuki's taut back, leaving little to imagination. Natsuki could feel every inch of the curvaceous body behind her. Natsuki's pupils dilated and a suspicious red hue appeared on Natsuki's cheeks. The dress Shizuru was wearing definitely did not require a bra.
And for a moment, Natsuki stopped struggling.
A moment was enough for Shizuru as she rested her head comfortably on Natsuki's shoulder and smiled at Tomoe. "My Natsuki is pretty isn't it?"
The question only deepened the hostility on Tomoe's face as she glared at Natsuki before turning back to Shizuru, a searching look on her face. "She is your current lover?"
"Hai. My lover." A blissful and sweet smile appeared on Shizuru's face as she gently rubbed her chin against Natsuki's shoulder. The action had Natsuki stiffening in Shizuru's arms once again.
The answer had obviously displeased Tomoe. She turned to Natsuki, a sneer distorted her porcelain face as she spoke, "I don't know who you are but Shizuru is mine!"
That comment had Natsuki frowning again.
"Tomoe, we have spoken about this before. Our relationship is over and has been over for quite a while." Shizuru injected, this time, there was a slight frown on Shizuru's face. "Please be nice to my lover."
Ignoring Shizuru's comment, Marguerite Tomoe continued, focusing her attention on Natsuki. "I would ask you to leave her immediately. You may be with Shizuru now. But she will abandon you soon when she gets tired of you. You won't be able to hold her interest for long!"
The accusation had Natsuki narrowing her eyes. Her emerald eyes turned glistering cold. "Why, thank you so much for your advice." Natsuki replied sarcastically. It took her a while but Natsuki finally got the gist of the situation.
This damn Viola Shizuru! What did she get her into?
Marguerite Tomoe scoffed at her reply, oblivious to the sarcasm. "Just you wait and see! Soon you will be abandoned by Shizuru. And judging by your quality…" Marguerite Tomoe paused and glanced up and down at Natsuki, from the top of her head to the tip of her toe. "You won't be able to hold her interest for more than a week. Two weeks at best."
That's it!
Natsuki thought.
Something snapped as she struggled out of Shizuru's arms. What all women hate is to be deemed as unattractive, which Natsuki was sure she wasn't. In fact she knew she was attractive.
Be damned with things!
Within a split second, Natsuki plastered a triumphed smile on her face and circled her arms around Shizuru's neck.
"Sorry to disappoint Marguerite-san. I have been with Shizuru for more than a month and we are doing fine. In fact…" Natsuki paused to draw out the suspense and smiled as she took advantage of her height and stared down at Marguerite Tomoe. "We are planning to go to the hotel in a while. We can't seem to keep our hands to each other even though we have been together for more than a month."
Marguerite Tomoe's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. She was only with Shizuru for three days and she was dumped after that!
On the other hand, Shizuru bit down on her cheeks to stifle her laughter, amusement lighting up her eyes. She wasn't expecting Natsuki to react in this manner! When Natsuki tried to struggle out of her arms, she thought Natsuki was going to punch Tomoe!
Marguerite Tomoe turned to look at Shizuru, hurt evident in her eyes, accusing Shizuru for the unfair treatment between her and this blue-haired lady.
"Shizuru…is she…" Marguerite Tomoe paused to hold back her tears. "Is what she said true?"
"Tomoe, we are over. Natsuki is the only one for me. Now and in the future."
Marguerite Tomoe stumbled back a few steps, her chest heaving as she tried to grapple with what Shizuru said.
Shizuru was expecting Tomoe to turn and leave. To be more exact, she was hoping Tomoe would leave immediately.
However, contrary to Shizuru's expectation, Tomoe looked up at Shizuru, a determined look on her face as she proclaimed her love for her again.
"Shizuru, I will tell you once again, I love you and I also know you. You will get bored of her soon. And then you will know that I am the only one for you."
"Thank you Tomoe. But Natsuki is the one I love now." Shizuru replied and cuddled up towards the stiff Natsuki.
"Don't say that when you and I know the truth, Shizuru." Tomoe shook her head in disappointment. "I will wait until you realise that I am indeed the only one for you." Tomoe replied as she stared longingly into Shizuru's eyes and reached out her hand to touch Shizuru's face.
But Shizuru grasped Tomoe's hand before it could reach her face.
Displeased with it,Tomoe shook her hand free and said, "I won't disturb you now Shizuru. But I will see you again soon. In the meantime, do remember our happy time together." Tomoe requested as she slowly took a step back, eyes locked on to Shizuru as she turned to glide out of the ballroom.
Shizuru sighed. She really hoped that someone could talk some sense into Tomoe. At this rate, she would need some help when it comes to handling her.
This predicament started two months ago when Shizuru met Tomoe while she was travelling Europe on a holiday. She had signed up for a cruise then and Tomoe was on it as well. In fact Tomoe was the daughter of the owner of the cruise Shizuru was on. They met and were instantly attracted to each other. And things progressed quickly and on the same day which they met, they started a short yet passionate affair which ended rather quickly when Shizuru realised how possessive Tomoe was. Shizuru had broken it off then, choosing to leave Europe and return to Japan.
But apparently Shizuru had underestimated Tomoe's obsession with her.
"You can let go of me now." A frosty command.
"Ara ara...Thank you so much ne my Nat-su-ki" Shizuru teased, giving Natsuki a squeeze before releasing her.
And for that brief moment, Natsuki could feel the shape of Viola Shizuru's breast against her arm. The red hue returned to her cheeks again.
But just as quickly, Natsuki cleared her throat.
"Don't get me involved in your lovers' spat." Natsuki turned to face Shizuru, her emerald eyes glittered in anger. "I have fulfilled my promise to attend the birthday party and now I shall take my leave. Help me send my well wishes to Takeda-san. Thank you and Gokigenyou." Natsuki gave Shizuru a polite nod and headed for the door to her car.
Shizuru looked on as Natsuki walked out of the door and chuckled to herself.
She is livelier when angry.
A wicked smile appeared on Shizuru's face as she moved to follow Natsuki through the door.
Just as Natsuki settled into the back seat of her Rolls Royce, Shizuru slipped in, joining Natsuki at the back.
Natsuki felt a sense of déjà vu.
Why does this situation look so familiar?
Natsuki rubbed her temple, stifling a sigh, wondering why she ended up with this situation again.
"Viola -san..."
"Ara Natsuki, you are still calling me that. Call me Shizuru."
"Right...Shizuru-san, why are you in my car again? Do you always have the habit of hopping into people's cars? If you do, I can suggest a good psychiatrist for you. And like anyone, my patience will wear thin after a while.``
"Gomen ne Natsuki. I am wondering if Natsuki could be kind enough to house me for the night? Onegai ne!" Shizuru had her hands palm against palm, giving Natsuki a pleading smile.
Natsuki could feel her head throbbing. "Shizuru-san, I am sure you can return home for the night and there are also others who can house you for the night."
"Sigh...My wallet which is holding my key is not with me." As if to prove that she was telling the truth, she patted her dress and then put up her empty hands. "And my mobile phone is not working." This time she dangled her crack Iphone in front of Natsuki. "There isn't anyone at home now and my parents are still overseas. And my brother is nowhere to be found. He is probably drunk somewhere with his friends..."
Natsuki's face grew stonier as Shizuru continued her explanation. "So in other words, there isn't anyone whom you can contact?"
"Hai!" Viola Shizuru nodded her head. "I really need a place to stay for the night."
Just as Natsuki was about to reject Viola Shizuru, she caught sight of the faded scar on Viola Shizuru's forehead.
Natsuki sighed and rubbed her forehead once again. She wondered why she ended up with this situation once again.
"Jin-san (Natsuki's chauffeur), I will drive the car. You can take a cab back and rest for the day." Natsuki instructed as she stepped out to replace the chauffeur.
"Thank you ne Natsuki." Shizuru spoke up and moved to the front side next to Natsuki. "Please take care of me for the night."
Jin-san watched as Natsuki Oujio-sama and Viola -sama drove off into the distance in the Rolls Royce. He knew that Oujio-sama would not be returning home tonight. He wasn't exactly sure since when, but for a few days every year, Natsuki Oujio-sama would stay out of Kuga Mansion and her private apartment and nobody knows where she went. And Oujio-sama had specifically requested him to keep the information from the Kuga family members.
Natsuki took over the driving wheel and guided the car steadily up the stretch of highway.
"Are we going to a hotel, Natsuki?" Shizuru broke the silence.
"Hmmm?" Kuga Natsuki replied absently as she concentrated on her driving, "No, I have a place to stay."
"Ara… I thought we can't keep our hands off each other?"
Kuga Natsuki slammed her brake and turned to glare at Shizuru. The car stalled.
Shizuru lurched forward, nearly hitting the car dashboard had she not been wearing a seatbelt.
Blaring horns could be heard from the cars behind them.
"Don't! Don't ever repeat that again. Unless you want to get out of the car now." Kuga Natsuki narrowed her eyes and glared at Shizuru again.
Shizuru raised her arms in surrender and apologised.
"And…" Kuga Natsuki said through gritted teeth as she restarted the car engine. "It was because of you that I have to say that. Please reflect upon yourself!"
Shizuru stifled back her chuckles. She was sure that if she laughed out loud now, Natsuki would definitely kick her out of the car immediately. And she would have to walk along the highway to a random hotel.
The car cruised along the highway in silence. Occasionally, Natsuki would see a few cars travelling alongside before speeding off or filtering into another lane.
There was no sound in the car except the silent purring of the engine. But the silence was broken when droplets of raindrop fell from the sky landing on the exterior of the car.
The rain got bigger as Natsuki drove on and thunder rumbled at a distance. She really hated it when it rained at night. Especially when she was still in the car with the rain pouring outside and the sound slightly muffled by the car, providing a huge contrast to the outside world. It seemed as if her surroundings were quieter and everything came to a standstill. And thoughts and feelings seemed clearer and closer to the surface.
Natsuki disliked the whole atmosphere and moved to turn on the radio, allowing the music and radio DJ to distract her from her thoughts.
The moment the radio was turned on, the whole car was filled with the cheerful tone of the radio DJ - Arika Yumemiya - Natsuki's stepsister.
"Why are the two of you so different?" Shizuru finally broke the silence. "Arika and you."
"I would have thought that your PI (Private Investigator) would have already reported such information to you."
"Ara, Natsuki is assuming too much."
There was a moment of silence when Shizuru spoke up once again. "I heard that Nagi Kanzaki was injured after falling down a flight of stairs."
Natsuki could guess that Shizuru was smiling as she said that. She could hear the smile in Viola Shizuru's speech.
"Is that so?" Natsuki replied nonchalantly. "I will send him my regards then and a get-well-soon card. Thank you for informing me."
"Ara… I thought Natsuki would know?" Shizuru tilted her head to see Natsuki better. A smile on her face as she replied. "I never knew that you were the revengeful type ne Nat-su-ki." Viola Shizuru enunciated her name.
"I am not sure what you are hinting about Shizuru-san." Natsuki leaned against the car window, resting her head against her hand while grabbing the steering wheel with the other. "I am definitely not the type that would get back at people."
Shizuru nearly laughed when she heard that, as she recalled earlier on how Natsuki dealt with Tomoe.
Yup not the type to take revenge.
"I heard that a few days after the riot at your construction site, Kanzaki Nagi fell down flights of stairs, badly fracturing his arm and leg. Some people might put one and one together and think that..."
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth? I am a peace-loving person. But of course if someone chooses to make things, let's say...a bit difficult for me, I would of course return the favour."
"Aren't you worried that Viola Corporation would work with the Kanzaki Empire?"
"Anything can happen. And everything is taken into consideration. Kuga Corporation is always well-prepared."
"Ara...Natsuki seems rather confident of herself ne."
"I won't say that. I just like to have everything covered."
Definitely an interesting and confident lady.
Shizuru thought as she glanced out of the window and gazed at the passing street lights.
The night wasn't as boring as Shizuru thought.
Natsuki had no intention of returning to the Kuga Mension and so she brought Shizuru to a house in the suburb. The house that was bought and decorated by Lena.
It was a three story house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a living room and kitchen. There was a swimming pool located just outside the living room.
The whole house was decorated using warm colours, making the visitors feel welcomed and comfortable in the house. And the sofa too. Shizuru thought as she sank herself into the soft sofa.
Definitely better than her office. Shizuru observed. A warmer and cosy feel compared to her office.
"The first room on the right side of the second floor belongs to me. But there are three other guest rooms on the second floor. Take your pick. I will go ahead and sleep now. Make yourself at home."
Natsuki threw her house key on the coffee table and went straight up to her room, leaving Shizuru alone to wander around the house before finally settling on one of the guest rooms.
Shizuru wasn't lying when she said her mobile phone was not working. Tomoe had confronted Shizuru earlier outside the ballroom, insisting on rekindling their relationship. The confrontation did not end well when Tomoe realised that Shizuru was determined not to re-established the relationship. Tomoe had gotten quite upset then, enough to cause a struggle which ended when Shizuru accidentally dropped her phone, smashing the screen into pieces in the process.
"Ara ara...what am I to do with Tomoe ne..." Shizuru sighed, feeling exasperated as she recalled the incident. The attachment Tomoe showed was something Shizuru never expected. It bordered on obsession and thinking about it now, Shizuru really regretted accepting Tomoe's advances in the first place.
I guess I need more self control when it comes to pretty girls ne. Shizuru sighed.
Now Shizuru was hoping that Tomoe would back off after tonight's incident when she introduced Natsuki as her 'new girlfriend'.
Shizuru's attention veered off immediately at the thought of Natsuki.
Natsuki didn't seem to be surprised or repulsed by the incident tonight. Shizuru's sexual preference was clearly fleshed out in this incident.
Rather than repulsed, Natsuki seemed more irritated instead, that she was used as an excuse to stop Tomoe's harassment.
That is definitely interesting… and not to say, my Nii-sama does have good taste in women! She definitely has a great figure!
Shizuru thought and grinned as she remembered how Natsuki felt against her body when she wrapped her arms around Natsuki's taut stomach.
Natsuki has a tiny waist.
Shizuru pondered over the day's happenings as she stared at the ceiling in Natsuki's guest room.
It would be interesting to have her as my sister-in-law.
That was the last thought in her mind as she drifted off to sleep.
But just as soon as she drifted off, she was pulled back from her sleep.
Shizuru could hear someone coughing from a distance. It was muffled but loud in the quiet night. Shizuru groaned as she struggled to recapture the elusive sleep. Shizuru snuggled into her bed.
The coughing went on for several minutes with no hint of stopping.
Shizuru pushed herself out of the bed and sighed. This had to stop. Otherwise, she won't be able to sleep. The coughing was persistent.
The sound of coughing became louder as she stepped out of her guest room. Shizuru didn't have to go far as she found herself standing outside Natsuki's bedroom, just one room away from her guestroom.
Natsuki's door was left slightly ajar and soft orange light from her bedside lamp was streaming out from the open door.
The light was sufficient for Shizuru to see Natsuki curling up in a ball, stuffing her face with the blanket trying to stifle the sound of the coughs.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru whispered softly as she gently inched the door open. "Are you alright?"
Natsuki turned to look at Shizuru before quickly turning back to the blanket again when she felt the cough returning.
"Do you need any medication? Or anything else?" Shizuru asked but Natsuki shook her head, which was buried in the pool of blankets. "Ara ne... is your "no" referring to my first or second question?"
"The medication is… cough… cough… kitchen cabinet… Top left..."
And minutes later Shizuru returned with the cough syrup and a cup of warm water.
"I will help you..." Shizuru moved to help Natsuki up so that she could lean against the headboard. As Natsuki moved to lean against the headboard, the blanket covering Natsuki slipped to reveal a lace applique satin slip clinging on to her alabaster skin. The satin slip only accentuated the contours of her body, hinting of the heaven hidden beneath the satin slip. And the blue colour satin slip further emphasised Natsuki's cream and supple skin.
A sexy nightwear from Victoria Secret ne…
A suspicious red hue appeared on Shizuru's cheeks as she caught sight of the alabaster-colored skin. Shizuru's eyes wandered quickly over Natsuki's chest before reminding herself that it was wrong to lust after her future sister-in-law.
And at the same time Natsuki's blue hair cascaded down from her shoulder to her back. In the process, Shizuru could smell Natsuki's aftershower scent. A slightly sweet floral scent. Not too strong yet light enough for Shizuru to catch it and perhaps enticing people to move closer so that they could catch a whiff of that fragrant scent once more.
Shizuru had to admit that Natsuki looked very attractive in that nightwear. Her figure does the nightwear justice.
"Here, you need to keep yourself warm." Shizuru coughed and pulled the blanket higher, covering Natsuki. "And here is your medication and warm water."
Shizuru stood next to the bed and busied herself by looking at everywhere except Natsuki. It won't be nice to be caught staring at her future sister-in-law.
"Are you feeling better?"
""Cough… the medication will…Cough...take a while to work...cough..."
"I will stay here for the night. In case your cough worsen or relapse."
"No...cough...I am ok with...cough...alone" Natsuki's voice was slightly hoarse from the coughing. "Can take care...cough cough...of myself."
"I will stay. You need somebody to take care of you." Shizuru insisted as she helped Natsuki to put down her pillow comfortably below Natsuki's head.
Shizuru sat on the bed, patting Natsuki on her back hoping to help eased her cough.
The night got darker and the cough got softer and less frequent. And so did the pat as Shizuru fell asleep on the bed.
On the other side of the town…
Music was blasting loudly in the club and men and women were grovelling on the dance floor. The whole place was dimly lit but it didn't stop people from focusing their attention on the pair of beautiful ladies seated at the corner.
"Alyssa, you need to stop drinking." Miyu placed her hand over Alyssa's.
Alyssa swiped Miyu's hand away and grabbed the mug and down the remaining beer in a few gulp. "Waiter, another pint please!"
"Cancel that order." Miyu ordered.
"Another pint!" Alyssia repeated.
"She is drunk. We don't need a drink for now." Miyu waved the waiter away.
"Stop intervening with my live Miyu!" Alyssa slammed her fist onto the table.
There was a moment of silence between the two of them as the music blasted at the background.
Alyssa sighed as her shoulder slumped and she combed her fingers through her blond tresses. "Gomen-ne… Mi-chan..."
"It has been a while since you called me that." A bitter smile on Miyu's face.
Since when had Alyssa stopped using the childhood nickname? Perhaps when Alyssa sensed that Miyu wanted more than just friendship with Alyssa.
"Gomen-ne Mi-chan..." Alyssa repeated. "I did not mean what I said just now."
"I know." Miyu reached out t o squeeze her hand in assurance. "I understand."
There was silence once again. But this time round, a silence that both were comfortable with.
Miyu took a sip from her glass of fruit juice. Suddenly she felt a weight on her shoulder.
"Let me lean on you for a few minutes."
"Tell me, what happened?"
Alyssa kept quiet for a very long time. So long that Miyu thought she was not going to say anything.
"I invited Natsuki to celebrate my birthday with me." Miyu stiffened at the mention of Natsuki's name. "She rejected me. But she went for Viola Takeda's birthday party." Alyssa gave out a bitter laugh. "I should be angry with her. But I can't. I love her so much, Miyu. Miyu…" Alyssa buried her head against Miyu's shoulder and sobbed.
Natsuki woke up to the alarm clock on her phone.
But the moment she opened her eyes, she saw Shizuru sleeping on the pillow next to her. Her tousled chestnut hair falling softly across the pillow.
How did she get here?
Natsuki thought and frowned immediately, displeased with the idea of sharing the bed with someone beside Lena.
Natsuki stretched over and shook Shizuru awake. None too gentle.
"Mou..." Shizuru groaned as she struggled to wake up.
"Wake up."
The sound of Natsuki voice had Shizuru waking up in shock. As she turned her head to look at Natsuki, the surprise look on her face was replaced with a teasing smile.
"Ara… It is nice to wake up to such a wonderful view."
That comment had Natsuki pausing as she followed Shizuru's stare.
The moment she caught on to what Shizuru was talking about, her face turned beet red, in both anger and embarrassment. She quickly grabbed her blanket to cover her chest but not before throwing a pillow at Shizuru.
"Oof" The pillow hit Shizuru with a loud thud, pushing Shizuru, who was already lying at the edge, off the bed.
"I will see downstairs in about fifteen minutes." Natsuki said as she threw the blanket over Shizuru's head.
"I need a change of clothes." a muffled voice coming from the blanket.
"Pick from the closet then. I will drop you off at your house later."
Definitely a good way to wake up in the morning. Shizuru thought as she savored the image of Natsuki bending over her, her low neckline revealing more than imagination.
Natsuki cruised along the highway after she dropped Shizuru at the Viola House with the request for Shizuru to return the clothes she borrowed.
Halfway through her journey home, she took out her mobile home and dialed Arika's number.
"Hello... " A hoarse voice answered. The recipient of the phone was obviously still asleep.
"Be ready to report to Kuga Corporation on Monday if I don't see you in thirty minutes."
"Huh But Onee-chan!" Arika protested. "I just woke up and I only finished my DJ shift not long ago." There was a pause before Arika continued. "Besides, you know your mom doesn't like to see me."
"You promised me last week that you would visit Otou-sama every Sunday."
"But..."
"No but… And you have twenty-nine minutes left to get ready for the Sunday breakfast at Kuga Mansion." With that Natsuki coolly pressed the end call button and threw her phone onto the passenger seat and focused on her driving.
She really hoped that Arika could come to work for Kuga Corporation. She was more than willing to share the burden of Kuga Corporation with Arika and if possible, she would have dragged Arika to the company immediately. The responsibility of managing Kuga Corporation seems to be getting heavier as the years go by. Having Arika working with her would help lighten her load.
But her mother would definitely object to this arrangement. Natsuki sighed as she muled over the idea of Arika working at the Kuga Corporation. Her mother was the biggest shareholder in Kuga Corporation and she had all the power to veto Natsuki's action.
On the other side of the country…
Arika hopped out of bed as she quickly scrambled into the toilet.
She was going to be late!
Natsuki nee-san was not joking when she said to report to Kuga Corporation for work on Monday if Arika could not reach Kuga Mansion within thirty minutes. Such threats must be taken seriously.
Arika knew. She had suffered terribly once when she did not take Natsuki nee-san's threat seriously.
"I am so in deep shit now." Arika mumbled as she hunt for a more demure-looking attire.
Natsuki wasn't surprised when she saw Arika stepping into the mansion one minute shy of the time given. Arika was capable of so much more if she put her mind into the work.
"Gokigenyou Oba-sama. Otou-sama." Arika greeted the elders who were gathered at the dining room. She walked towards the table, limbs stiff with awkwardness. She knew her place and her place wasn't in the Kuga family.
Kuga Ichiro was all smiling when he saw both daughters sitting at the dining table. He was blessed to have such beautiful daughters. "We can start our breakfast now since everyone is here."
"Let's go okaa-sama." Natsuki patted her mother on the shoulder and gently nudged her mother, who was standing at one corner with a stony look on her face, to the dining table. No woman can be generous enough to invite her own husband's illegitimate child into the house. Natsuki understood how she felt. But Arika was just an innocent child.
The fault wasn't with the child.
Just as they were about to start their breakfast, a male voice broke the silence.
"Well well well… Such a happy family I see here." A deep male voice spoke as the door to the dining room swung open. "Man, I hope my visit to the Kuga Mansion is welcomed."
Kuga Ichiro frowned at the young man who barged right into their dining room. "What's with the commotion Ken-san (Kuga Mansion's Butler)? Didn't you inform the guest that we are having breakfast?"
"My apologies Kuga-sama." The butler standing next to the young man bowed and apologised. "I tried to stop him. But he insists that he wants to see Ojou-sama and barges right into here."
The young man chuckled and gave an exaggerated bow. "My apologies Oji-sama, I was slow to introduce myself. I am Reito from the Kanzaki family."
"Ahhh… Kanzaki... I see..." Kuga Ichiro paused. "How is your father? It has been awhile since I last met him. Maybe I should find some time to visit him."
"My father?" A boyish grin on his face as Reito replied. "He is enjoying himself now that he has handed the management of the company to my brother and I. I could say he is quite happy now. But…." A pause as Reito deliberately glanced at Natsuki. "I can't say the same for my brother. He was injured recently and is still recovering."
Ichiro raised his eyebrow as he took in Reito's reply. He had retired from the business world but he was not senile. Something must have happened between the younger Kanzaki and Natsuki. Ichiro took a sideway glance at her daughter and saw her calmly dipping her spoon into the bowl as she ate her breakfast, as if she was totally oblivious of the whole situation.
"I hope he recovers well." Natsuki spoke out as she slowly took a napkin and wiped her mouth. "I will remember to get my secretary to send him a card to wish him speedy recovery. Is that all you have to say?" Natsuki asked as she rested her chin on her hand, as if completely bored with this conversation.
Anger contorted his face for a moment before Reito had it under control and he chuckled once again.
"I would have to thank you on my brother's behalf then. I have been wanting to visit you ever since I heard about the incident at your construction site. But seeing that you are doing well, I'm glad. And since you are busy having breakfast, I won't want to disturb you. Ciao...and… take care… I shall bid farewell." Reito turned and waved his hand, leaving the dining room.
There was a moment of quietness as Natsuki resumed her breakfast. But the silence was broken when Kuga Ichiro spoke up. "Kanzaki Reito's father is my old friend. Try to have some mercy when dealing with his family."
"Don't worry Otou-sama. I know the limit."
Kuga Ichiro nodded in approval.
"I am sure Natsuki knows her limit. And the company has been thriving under Natsuki's leadership. I am sure she knows what she is doing." Natsuki's mother added.
Outside the Kuga Mansion, Reito got into his Lamborghini and slammed his fists on the steering wheel.
Bitch! Just you wait. We will see how long you can remain cocky.
Women are nothing more than just a pleasuring tool in bed. One day, he would have her begging him to satisfy her in bed.
A smirk appeared on his face as those images flashed across his mind.
Shizuru sat in the car, tapping her fingers along with the beat of music playing through the radio. She was waiting for Arika to finish her work for the day.
Her glance fell onto the set of clothes at the back of her car, the clothes she borrowed from Natsuki that day when she stayed over at Natsuki's house. Shizuru had sent it for dry cleaning last week and then kept the clean clothes in her car ever since. She was still undecided how she was going to return the clothes to Natsuki.
Her thoughts were distracted when her phone rang.
"Shizuru!"
"Ara Arika, where are you now?"
"Gomen Shizuru..." Arika apologised. "I think I might be late."
"Ara..."
"How about you go ahead to the restaurant first? Once I am done here, I will rush over."
"And the latecomer shall…?"
Arika bit down on her lips as if making a difficult decision and replied, "And the latecomer shall foot the bill. Just order what you want!"
Arike observed a minute of silence for her going-to-be-flat wallet. There went her salary for this month.
Shizuru chuckled. "Alright. Since Arika says so."
Shizuru put down her phone and drove out of the car park towards the restaurant.
The was one of the more high end Italian restaurants in Japan and it was well-known for its good food and services and patrons were more than welcome to spend time here. And of course the price would also be on the high end too.
Shizuru grinned as she could imagine Arika's reaction when she saw the bill. Not that Shizuru was unable to afford the meal, but meals always taste nicer when someone else is treating.
Shizuru entered the restaurant and made herself comfortable in the chair. Occasionally she would glance up from her phone whenever she heard someone entering the restaurant, checking for Arika.
Suddenly she heard a familiar voice coming from the entrance.
"A table for two please."
Surprise flashed across Shizuru's face. She did not expect to meet Natsuki here.
For a moment she had the crazy thought of hiding herself so that she could avoid seeing Natsuki. But then she chuckled and brushed off that thought as a moment of craziness.
There was no reason for her to avoid Natsuki. Shizuru thought as she straightened her posture and continued to busy herself.
As if having a mine of their own own, her eyes followed Natsuki and her company as they moved across the restaurant to sit at a secluded corner.
Shizuru narrowed her eyes as she saw Natsuki's companion. She tried to recall the name of that blond lady who was now hanging onto Natsuki's arm. Shizuru seemed to have seen the blond lady somewhere. Shizuru's mind worked as she tried to match the face with past events. And that was when she remembered seeing the blond lady when she first visited Natsuki's house, and then once again in Natsuki's office and finally in the hospital when she was injured trying to protect Natsuki.
If she did not remember wrongly, the blond lady's name was Alyssa, Shizuru recalled.
Shizuru watched on as the two of them chatted, her brow furrowed when she saw Alyssa reach across the table to brush something off Natsuki's face. And Natsuki smiled in response and continued their chatter. They looked like they were enjoying themselves. And for some unknown reasons, there was an uncomfortable feeling within as she looked on from a distance.
Shizuru tried to avert her eyes and distract herself by looking at her handphone, wondering how long Arika was going to let her wait.
But the distraction didn't seem to work well after a while because her eyes would wander back to the pair on their own.
"Hey Shizuru!" Arika called out, breaking Shizuru's attention.
Arika slided into the seat in front of Shizuru.
"Whatcha looking at?" Arika asked as she followed the direction which Shizuru was looking at earlier on. And immediately her eyes lit up when she saw her elder sister.
"Onee-chan!" Arika stood up and waved at Natsuki from her position, catching the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
Obviously subtlety was never Arika's style. Shizuru sighed and worked up a smile as she looked towards Natsuki's direction.
"Come. Let's join Onee-chan!" Arika grabbed Shizuru's wrist and pulled Shizuru towards Natsuki's table. And upon reaching the table, Arika immediately took a seat and sat next to Natsuki, leaving Shizuru to sit next to Alyssa.
"Gokigenyou..." Shizuru greeted Alyssa and Natsuki and gave them a polite smile.
"Onee-chan! Introduce your friend to us!" Arika spoke out, leaning forward eagerly waiting, wanting to know the stranger's name.
"Arika, this is Alyssa. She is my friend and secretary. Alyssa, this is my imouto, Arika. And the lady sitting next to you is Viola Shizuru."
Alyssa and Shizuru exchanged polite greetings.
"Why don't we order our food now?" Arika opened the menu in front of her. "The food is awesome here I heard…. And seafood is one of their specialties. Ne… What are you having Onee-chan? Do you want to try the seafood?"
"I think I will try something else today. Maybe next time"
"Eeeeehhhhh… Why Onee-chan! The seafood is good!" Arika wrapped her arm around Natsuki trying to persuade her. "You can order the soft shell crab wrap and I can order the baked prawn and we can share our food! It is really that good!"
"I think Natsuki might be allergic to seafood. She will break out into rashes if she eats seafood." Alyssa injected and smiled at Arika. "I can order the soft shell crab wrap instead. And we can share. Shall we do that?"
Horrified at her carelessness, Arika turned to Shizuru, "Gomen-ne Onee-chan, I didn't know you are allergic to seafood!"
Natsuki smiled and patted Arika on the head. "Don't worry about it."
The four of them ordered their food and wine and settled down for their dinner.
The dinner went by smoothly and soon after, the two pairs part way.
But just before they parted ways, Shizuru stopped Natsuki, "The clothes that you loaned me last week, I… Don't have it with me now. I left it at home. I will visit one of these days and return the clothes to you. "
"Clothes?" A puzzled look on Natsuki's face. There was a pause before Natsuki recalled that she had loaned some clothes to her. "Oh right. You can just ask someone to deliver them to me. You don't have trouble yourself."
"It is no trouble. I will see you then. Gokigenyou." Shizuru replied and got into the driver seat, not before glancing at Alyssa who was standing next to Natsuki's car.
"Alyssa-san is so nice and pretty." Arika commented as she got into the passenger seat. "And she is taking such good care of Onee-chan. I don't even know that Onee-chan is allergic to seafood. Ehh…" Arika exclaimed as she held up a paper bag containing a set of clothes. "What is this you have here?"
Shizuru glanced at the bag and casually replied. "The clothes I borrowed from Natsuki. I guess I must have forgotten that they are in my car."
Shizuru started the car engine and moved the car out of the parking lot.
"I can return to Onee-chan for you."
"It's ok. I will return them to her. Anyway, I have something I want to discuss with her." Shizuru guided the car carefully onto the streets. "I will drop you off at your apartment first?"
"Yup! Thanks Shizuru-chan!"
Arika tried on several occasions to start a conversation between the two of them but Shizuru's replies had always been brief and distracted. And finally after the third try Arika finally gave up on trying to have a conversation with Shizuru. Arika was used to this kind of occasional reaction from Shizuru. She normally behaves in this manner when she is in deep thoughts or pondering over some complex issues. And normally under these circumstances, Arika would leave Shizuru alone. Arika left Shizuru to mull over whatever was bothering her and reached out to turn on the radio in the car.
The car finally came to a stop a small distance away from a highrise apartment. Arika bidded farewell to Shizuru as Arika stepped out of her car and Shizuru turned her car onto the street once again in the direction of her house.
It was closed to 2am in the morning and there were hardly any cars left on the roads. Shizuru accelerated her car and it sped down the roads. She held the steering wheel with one of her hands as she rested her head against the other, thinking as she cruised down the streets.
She had lied earlier on. She knew the clothes were in her car on the passenger's seat when she told Natsuki that she forgot to bring her clothes. But the question was why did she do that?
Shizuru combed her hands through her hair in frustration and accelerated the car.
She hated it when she didn't have an answer.
