Thanks for all the wonderful reviews and also for adding it your alert and favourite list.

Guest-I never mentioned that he was gone for seven years. I only mentioned that his father died six years ago which was almost the same amount of time he was gone.

Jenny-i understand your frustration but we still don't know the full story yet. So have patience

Katelyn- Their confrontation will be coming soon and we will learn the whole truth then. As I told everyone, we still don't know Sasuke's side of story so we have to wait and watch.

Guest- Don't worry. It was a comic relief only. Not to be taken seriously.

Happy new year to all my fellow readers. May you have a wonderful year ahead.

/

"I still can't believe that you fainted."

Naruto glared at the blonde haired girl who remained unfazed and stared in the distance. He adjusted the ice pack over his head and nursed the bump which was beginning to form in the midst of his golden locks. His encounter with one Sasuke Uchiha was intriguing to say the least. First he fell flat on his face before he was helped up by Sasuke and his assistant Konohamaru who told him that he was probably having pre-wedding jitters. The next hour he spent with Sasuke went in devising some plan to escape the country and go in hiding before his best friend discovers the truth and slaughters him.

"If I had been there, I would have smashed that pretty little face instead of falling like a wimp."

Ino huffed as she sipped harshly on her coffee as though taking out her frustration on it.

"Excuse me. Last thing I remember it was you guys who planned to hide it from him."

He spat at her as he mimicked the expression on her face. She gritted her teeth and stood up abruptly before pointing an accusing finger at Naruto.

"Fucking hell Naruto! Do you really think Sakura is such a bitch? I thought you knew better. She fucking called him for days when she found out but Arrogant Uchiha was too busy shagging other girls to talk to her! He redirected her calls to his PA and told her to fuck off through his slut!"

Ino was practically fuming at this point as she slammed her glass on the table with great force. Naruto sat dumbstruck as he listened to her. This can't be true.

"Wh..what do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said jerk. She didn't want to jeopardise your friendship with him, that's why she never told you! Ahh, I can't believe he have the nerve to show up after all these years."

The throbbing pain in his head increased as he took in the brand new information. So she did try to tell him. And Sasuke. Did he really do that? The nervousness and confusion from before was replaced by a new founded rage as he swallowed Ino's words. His blue eyes finally landed on the third person in the room, who have remained silence throughout this commotion and his fist tightened.

"Sakura. Is this really true?"

He whispered to her as she remained standing by the window slit with her hands crossed. She have been in the same position for half an hour since Naruto informed her of Sasuke's arrival. She haven't spoken a word since then and frankly he was beginning to worry a little. He got up from the couch and walked towards her before yanking her wrist so that the pinkette was facing him.

"Sakura. Answer me."

She stared at him blankly for a couple of seconds before breaking out in a hysterical fit of laughter. Both Ino and Naruto exchanged worried looks as she laughed loudly clutching her stomach. This wasn't how they expected her to react.

"Forehead girl, stop this. You are acting so strange"

Ino warned her as she walked closer to the duo and roughly grabbed her best friend's shoulders. In a blink of second she stopped laughing before her face turned dead serious as she regarded both of them.

"The only ones acting strange are you guys. You both are behaving like a child."

"Sakura….we are just.."

She raised her hand to stop Ino before inhaling sharply and folding her hands.

"Sasuke…is a closed chapter in my life. I am not going into hiding just because he showed up now. Me and my daughter are going to the wedding tomorrow. I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. I am not afraid of him. For me, he is just a biological father of my daughter. Nothing else."

If they were shocked by her calm demeanour, they didn't show it as they walked back in the centre of the hall.

"So…Do you guys wanna hear my vows?"

There was a twinkle in his eyes as the girls beamed with excitement and surrounded him. The topic of Sasuke was forgotten for the rest of the evening.

/

Sakura's Pov

I applied the concealer carefully around my eyes to hide the dark circles surrounding my eyes. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night as I was too busy worrying about today. Yes I did put on a brave front for my friends because I didn't want to burden Naruto with my worries on his wedding day. A part of me always knew that this day would come. The day when I would have a big confrontation with Sasuke about Sarada. I didn't realise it would be on our best friend's wedding. For now I just decided to avoid bumping into him throughout the whole ceremony. Maybe if I am lucky enough we won't even meet and he would fly back to USA without knowing the truth.

Yeah, who am I kidding? I had a terrible luck when it comes to this kind of situation. I finished applying the light pink lipstick as I took a step back and stared at my reflection. I was wearing a peach coloured satin gown which accented my curves perfectly. My dress had a v neck which revealed a decent amount of cleavage. My hairs were in a low bun as I turned and stared at the revealing skin on my back.

I sighed when I noticed that the black tattoo was still visible on the upper back of my skin. This is why I was hesitant on choosing such a revealing outfit. The S can be easily mistaken for my name Sakura but the next initial was a big giveaway. I glared at the U as though it will disappear under my terrifying gaze. His intitals SU were emblazoned with the feathery design on my milky white skin.

When I got that tattoo, I probably thought that I was going to end up marrying Sasuke. Innocent little Sakura. If I could go back in time, this would be the moment I would go back to and slap some sense into my younger self. But then again, I would rather go back to the point where Sasuke first asked me on a date.

I adjusted the strap of my bag over my shoulders as I trotted towards the locker room. I thought about the enormous amount of assignments we have to complete by the end of the week and sighed. It was our senior year in high school so the work load had increased tenfold. I opened my locker with a slam before taking out my books from it and placing it back in my bag. I locked it carefully and turned on my heel before a gasp broke out from my lips. Sasuke was standing right behind me in his usual aloof self.

'Woah! I didn't even notice him coming.'

Although we weren't best of friends but we got along pretty well as we belonged to the same group of braniac.

"Hey Sasuke. What are you doing here?"

I finally asked as he looked right in my eyes and I ignored the butterflies in my stomach. I was still not over my crush on him. He took few step forward as I backed away naturally before my back met with my locker. I noticed that there was no one in the corridor besides us and it made me sweat bullets. He placed his right hand above my head as he leaned forward so we were nose to nose.

"Sakura…What are you doing after six?"

I ignored the thumping of my heart at his raspy voice as I gulped and spoke.

"I might be going to the library. Not sure. Umm. Sasuke you are kinda invading my privacy here."

He raised his eyebrow and gave me an amused smile but didn't back away. No. Instead he lifted my chin with his left hand and brushed his lips with mine. All the blood rushed to my face as I turned cherry red.

"I will pick you up at six from your home. Wear something nice."

This time he captured my lips properly and gave me a chaste kiss before breaking after a couple of seconds. He was gone immediately after that as my legs turned jelly and I slipped to the ground. I touched my lips with my trembling fingers as the realization hit me. Sasuke has asked me on a date in a very Sasuke-like manner. Correction. He didn't ask me. He told me.

I scoffed at my sheer stupidity back then. If only I had rejected his stupid date. None of this would have happened. But then again, Sarada wouldn't be here and she is the best thing that happened in my entire life.

"Mama you look pretty."

I turned my head and smiled at my girl who was dressed in a white and pink blush top with layered tulle tutu bottom. She was wearing a white tiara over her head and made the cutest flower girl image.

"Aren't you just the cutest princess!"

I gushed at her as she giggled and bowed before me. The door flung open and in walked the rest of the bridesmaid party. Hanabi, Ino and Tenten. We all have decided to get ready in the Hyuga mansion itself as the church was nearby to their place.

"I wish she would have waited two months."

Tenten sulked as Hanabi supported her in walking. She was dressed in a floor length lavender gown and was absolutely radiating with the pregnancy glow. Her chestnut coloured hairs were also done in the traditional bun like me. She made a stunning mom to be.

"Hanabi get the flower girls and ring bearers ready. We will be leaving in a short while."

Ino informed Hinata's younger sister who nodded before walking out of the room. Ino looked ravishing as ever in her exotic lace red gown which had a deep plunging neckline. Contrary to our hairdo, her blonde hairs flowed freely down her shoulders with curls at the end.

"We are already running late by ten minutes. Let's get going."

I announced as I took Sarada's hand and walked out of the room. Ino and Tenten following me close behind. We walked around the corner and stopped in front of Hinata's room as I knocked twice before entering.

She was surrounded by the makeup artist and hairstylist as they gave her the finishing touch ups. I gasped when she turned her head towards us. She truly was a sight to behold in her white wedding gown. It was both lace and satin as it hugged her curvy body perfectly. Her hairs were done in a half ponytail as the remaining hairs flowed freely down her shoulders. Her smoky eyes and blood red lipstick were a perfect contrast to her pale skin. She looked like a porcelain doll.

"You look so gorgeous."

I spoke in awe as I hugged her tightly and she returned the gesture. I felt tears well up in my eyes for reasons unknown as I broke free from her. Weddings always left me a little emotional.

"I can't believe you are getting married."

Unlike me, Tenten was a hormonal heavily pregnant woman who couldn't control her tears as she started sobbing.

"Aww..Ten don't cry. It's time for a big group hug."

Ino said before she bundled all four of us together and we were enveloped in the bittersweet group hug.

Sasuke's POV

I sat silently on the chair as I waited for the bridal party to show up any moment now. Naruto have already arrived on the stage along with the priest and the groomsmen. He asked me to be his best man but I blandly refused as I was never too good with this sentimental things. I glanced at my wrist watch and ignored the woman who was trying to gain my attention for the past twenty minutes. Sometimes I really wished I haven't been born in the Uchiha family. We were cursed to be so good looking.

"I can't wait for the day to see you on stage Sasuke."

My mother Mikoto, who was sitting on my left said tearfully as I groaned inwardly. God knows, how many times I had heard this line. She had been waiting to get me into a wedding tuxedo ever since I was born. Tch.

"I am sure Sasuke will find himself a girl like Hinata soon."

Kushina, Naruto's mother and my mom's childhood friend consoled my mother as she wiped the tears from her eyes. This was just great. Why did I agree to sit down with them was beyond my understanding. Now I wished, I had taken up Naruto's offer instead of listening to all these mushy stuff which I was uncomfortable with.

The wedding band started playing as we all turned our heads and noticed the bridal party making its appearance. I watched with boredom as few children walked in, followed by the bridesmaid. I recognised those girls immediately. Ino, the irritating blonde girl who used to drool over me in high school. And the other one was….Tenten. She waddled like a duck with her protruding belly and only then I remembered that she was now married to Neji Hyuga. No wonder my mother was getting all snippy lately. All of my batchmates were getting married as I was on…

All the thoughts flew out of mind as the maid of honour walked in. It has been six years. Honestly speaking, I never thought that I would see her again.

Sakura.

She was breathtakingly beautiful. All these years have done her good as she was positively glowing. I had anticipated this moment from the time I landed in Japan. She smiled at someone on stage and my heart skipped a beat. Her smile. It was one of the reasons I fell in love with her. I didn't notice Hinata entering afterwards. Nor did I notice when the priest began his ceremony. My eyes were glued to her. After all these years, I still yearned for her.

I kissed her passionately as she roamed her hands over my naked torso and wrapped her legs around my waist to bring me closer. My hardness brushed against her sensitive skin as she broke from my mouth with a moan. She was a sight for the sore eyes as she lied under me. Her skin was covered all over with marks made by me and her face was getting sweaty with anticipation.

"Sasuke please..."

She whimpered as I nibbled on her neck sensually. I looked up in her eyes which were clouded with desire for me.

"Tell me what you want Sakura."

My voice was hoarse as I could barely control myself now. She kissed me fiercely as I retuned the gesture before she broke free from me and practically begged.

"Take me Sasuke…"

It was all the invitation I needed as I thrust myself into her.

The sound of the claps reverberated around the church hall and broke me from my thoughts. Was I really recalling the night we lost our virginities to each other? At this time? I pulled at my hairs with frustration as I looked up. Wedding ceremony was officially over as the bride and the groom walked down the stage hand in hand. I next noticed Sakura who appeared tense now. Her smile had completely vanished now as I blinked. Did she notice me?

Sakura's POV

I tried not to look in his direction as I struck close to Ino all the while. Sarada was busy playing with Hanabi so I didn't have to worry about her now. I didn't even notice him until the vows were being recited. When I took a spare moment to roam my eyes around the area, I tried to tell my subconscious mind that it was not because I was looking for him. Nope. Not at all. I almost stumbled on my legs as I spotted him sitting in the front row next to his mother Mikoto. And he was staring right at me. I tried to ignore the thrashing pain in my chest on seeing him in all his glory.

I hated him. Yet a part of me never stopped loving him. And I hated myself for it. His eyes were solely focused on me throughout the ceremony and I tried not to look in his direction again. He was invisible to me. He was just like any other guest who arrived at the ceremony today. I just had to keep Sarada out of his sight for the remaining duration and it would be all good.

"Let's have some starters Sakura."

Ino grabbed my hand and dragged me towards the buffet stall as I reluctantly followed her. It was already evening and it was reception time as everyone was gathered in the ballroom congratulating the couple, while a few of them were dancing. I was starving as I have barely eaten anything since morning. I was then reminded of Sarada, who was still in Hanabi's company. My motherly instincts kicked me as I excused myself from Ino and went in search of her. My baby girl must be hungry too.

I noticed Hanabi talking to some of the delegates of Hyuga corporation and walked over to her. I frowned when I couldn't spot Sarada anywhere. Don't tell me she abandoned a five year old girl. I tapped lightly on her shoulder as she turned towards me with a small smile.

"Hanabi, where's Sarada?"

I asked in a hushed tone as she looked over my shoulder.

"Well Kiba took her from me. He said he was taking her to you."

"What?"

I spoke a little too loudly as few other people started staring at us. Hanabi apologized to me for letting her go as I told her it was fine before ringing Kiba's number. Where the hell did that dog faced took my daughter? Wait until I get my hands on him.

Sasuke's POV

I hung up the call as I walked through the large corridors of the ballroom. Seems like my co-workers couldn't handle the company a single day without me. I didn't want to go back inside the hall as it was too loud and bright for my taste. Instead I decided to walk out into the balcony and headed in opposite direction. I have barely taken few steps before I noticed a young girl aimlessly strolling in my direction. She seemed lost, judging by her terrified expression and I stopped.

Her dark eyes met mine as I felt an uneasy feeling within me. There was just something about her which was awfully familiar. I could have sworn I never saw her before but yet I felt like I knew her. Like I was supposed to know her. Her lips were turned in a pout as she looked at me with her big eyes.

"Mister Can you take me to my Mama? I am lost."

She spoke in the childish tone as I stared blankly at her. When she received no response from me she folded her hands and narrowed her eyes at me.

"You do know that it is rude to not answer when someone speaks to you."

I stared at her in amusement as I got on my knee.

"And do you know that you shouldn't talk to strangers. What if I am a bad man?"

Her cheeks puffed as she planted her hands on her hips in what she supposed was an intimidating manner, I guess.

"Are you the bad guy?"

"That depends on the situation."

I answered her smartly as she kept glaring at me. She had guts. I would give her that. Most kids were terrified of me but she remained unfazed. I decided to drop my teasing act as I asked her.

"How did you end up here?"

Her expression changed from angry to confused before she gave a sheepish smile.

"I was with my uncle but then he went to the restroom and told me to wait for him at the door but I wanted to go to my Mama so I ran from there but then I realised I ran in opposite direction and I got lost and then I found you."

She spoke all in one breathe with as much enthusiasm as she could muster as I listened in amazement.

"Let's go find your Mama then."

I said after a moment's break as she grinned widely at me and I felt another tug in my heart. Where have I seen that smile before? I ignored my wandering thoughts as I walked back in the direction of the ballroom with her. I took another glimpse at her, trying to remember if I met her somewhere before she gave a loud squeal and ran towards the opening corridor.

"MAMA!"

She yelled as I looked in the front just in time for her mother to turn and look in our direction. My onyx eyes stared right into the pair of emerald eyes which grew wide. It felt as though time have stopped for me. That smile. That expression. Now I remembered where I have seen it before. It was Sakura.