I haven't much to say so enjooooy!

:)

Syaoran's POV

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" I fumed slamming documents down on the desk half ready to punch Seiji for being completely incompetent.

"I- uh, um- you weren't here sir and I- I um tried… um." He stutters quivering in front of me. Everything he did just irritated me. Everything everyone did just irritated me. I was still angry from my confrontation with Sakura. I didn't expect that. She left my with an ultimatum which both resulted in my misery.

"Just leave! You're no help!" Seiji half ran from me and everyone else outside the office kept their head down avoiding me in any way possible.

I fell into my desk chair looking at the never ending work pile to my left. Rubbing my eyes I imagine a place that I was far, far away from here. Somewhere where I didn't resent everyone and anything. A place where she and I were-

"Sir your fiancé is on the line, she says it's urgent." My secretary's said through the small speaker to my right.

Reality once again hit me to remind me of the life I was handed.

"Tell her I'll call back." I mumbled not in the mood for anyone.

"She says its' urgent sir. She's called twice since lunch when you weren't here."

I winced as a little panic seeped through my stomach. Tomoyo never calls me at work. It must have been important for her to call twice.

"Fine, I'll take it."

I listened to the dead dial tone waiting for Valerie to put Tomoyo through.

"Syaoran?" She said frantically.

"What's wrong?"

"W-why weren't you answering your phone?" She shouted. There were voices and unknown noises in the background that I couldn't make out clearly.

"I- I was busy." I lied and had images of Sakura flash before my eyes. "What's this all about Tomoyo?"

"I- I don't know h-how to say this but… it's your mother."

"What about her." I said with my heart pulsating at lightning speed.

"I think she had a heart attack! She's being rushed to hospital now, you have to go now!"

I felt my hands tremble and the phone went cold in my hands.

"…What?"

"Sh-she just collapsed and- and I don't know what happened." Her voice broke and the background voices became louder.

"Which hospital?" I said now marching away from the office with trembling knees. Tomoyo called out the details as I threw all my things in the car and sped off at lightning speed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tomoyo's POV

I felt sick.

Sick to my stomach to the point I feared speaking in case I vomited.

All around the people were in chaos running around to fetch the needs of a very ill Yelen.

I sat in the waiting room by myself staring at my hands which were trembling. People's voices blended into one dreary tone and I felt numb to the core. Hospitals were never places I particularly liked to be in. I suppose who likes hospitals? The last time I was here it was with Sakura when her mother became seriously ill and unfortunately, died.

I didn't even notice I was rocking very slowly until the waiting room doors burst open. Syaoran emerged with bloodshot eyes in his work suit. His eyes darted from one side of the room to the other, than stabbed themselves on me.

"What happened!" He demanded.

I tensed and tried to control my breathing. My hands fidgeted in my hair as I tried to conjure up some words to describe what happened without letting guilt overwhelm me.

"I don't know." I lied. "I went up to her office and… she was unconscious." Most of it was true.

I was saved by the doors flinging open again with Eriol and Sakura emerging from it.

I was relieved to see Eriol in a guilty way. Behind him stood Sakura out of breath from running. Without thinking I balled my hands into fists angrily slanting my eyes at her.

"What happened!" Fanran shouted as she joined us followed by the other Li sisters. There was pandemonium and everyone's head whirled to face me as if I were a doctor.

My fingers violently tugged at my hair when finally their attention was drawn to the doctor who emerged into the waiting area.

"Are you immediate family?" He asked.

"Yes." The Li's all said in unison.

The doctor flicked through his chart analysing the pages.

"I'm afraid Mrs Li suffered both a heart attack and an asthma attack as the same time. She's in a critical condition at the moment but the worst is over for now." I breathed a silent sigh of relief.

"What do you mean for now?" Fanran sniffled. Tears were streaming down her face and smudging her flawless make-up. The normally prim and proper Fanran had dissolved into crumbling mess. Yelen was her pillar of confidence and for the moment, Fanran had nothing.

"We're very concerned about your mothers' condition. Her heart is very weak and I assume it's due to stress. I understand she is playing an important role in your wedding Mr Li?" She asked directing the question to Syaoran. I took it that the doctor was implying Yelen was under a lot of stress with the wedding and on top of that, her own work with the company could have put a strain on her heart. But I knew, that wasn't the whole truth. I knew what had pushed her this far.

This is killing me!

Syaoran looked at her with a guilty expression and nodded. He looked on edge and I felt completely useless in not having the abilities to comfort him like a fiancé should do. Not so long ago I would have known exactly what to do. Sheifa was the only one of them all who remained completely composed and listening intently to the doctor.

"Mrs Daidouji?"

"I'm sorry what?" I said snapping out of my inner crises.

"I understand you found her, it's a good thing you called an ambulance when you did otherwise Mrs Li would be in a lot worse condition." The doctor smiled and drew her attention back to the others.

I couldn't keep this bottled up! Was it obvious? Could everyone see it on my face that I was lying? Or do they mistake that for genuine worry over Yelen's health. I risked glancing up and as I guessed, caught Eriols' gaze. He was looking at me with concern, worry even. God, I wanted him to hold me, give some warmth to my cold, cold body.

"Can we see her?" Feimei asked peeping from behind Syaoran with big teary eyes.

"Yes, immediate family only. I ask not all of you go at the same time. Go in two's."

Sheifa and Fanran went in first as the oldest sisters leaving us to a quiet and awkward room. Syaoran sat himself down on the seat beside the wall. Acting like the good fiancé I sat beside him though he'd probably wish I didn't. At moments like these I know he'd want to be left alone.

The chairs of the waiting room were laid out in the shape of half a square. Eriol and Sakura occupied the other side while Fuutie and Feimei sat in the middle.

Syaoran stared at his feet in a world of his own probably filled with self blame and anger. Feeling like I should say something comforting I whispered to him low and incoherent to the others.

"I'm sorry. I assumed you were at the office I didn't know you were at home I- I should have called your cell earlier but by the time the ambulance came you weren't answering. Valerie said you'd be in the office any minute so-"

I gasped and stopped mid sentence when his hand, slowly and gently placed itself over mine. He didn't look at me when he did this gesture.

"None of this if your fault Tomoyo. You have nothing to be sorry for. If it weren't for you Yelen would be…"

I was so taken aback by this. I expected him to be cold, take his frustration and worry out on me. I expected and would have willingly been an emotional punching bag for his worry. Not this rare gesture of kindness. His hand rested on mine still but in no way was it an action a man would do to his lover, or fiancé out of love. No, it was an action a man who was grateful would play. He was thanking me, the way he'd thank a friend. But still, he was making some contact with me for the first time in a long time, and when his hand squeezed around mine slightly I wondered if he even knew what I was doing, if he knew who he was talking to.

I squeezed my eyes shut for a minute wishing I felt something at this moment, but I didn't. All I wanted was to be in the arms of the man sitting six seats away from me.

"I'm going to get a coffee." I said breaking contact wit him to pick up my purse. "Do you want anything?"

"No." He said rubbing his temples as if wanting to wake from a terrible dream.

I left the room making eye contact with none of them. I needed to breathe; I needed to sort out my thoughts.

I was walking through the hallway watching nurses and patients occasionally walk by bothered only by their own troubles.

"Tomoyo!"

I stopped dead in my tracks and wishing for once moment I could escape everything. Eriol stopped beside me and touched my elbow lightly.

"Tomoyo what's wrong-"

"You have to stay away Eriol!" I said frantically searching for anyone who might be suspicious of us.

"What? Why? What actually happened earlier?" He said seeing through my façade when no one else could.

"Seriously Eriol we can't be seen together."

"What? Are you ashamed?"

"No it's not what you think."

"Then why are you treating me like a leper?"

"Yelen knows!" I blurted releasing the things that was causing my stomach to turn.

"She knows? Knows what?" For the smartest man I know he could be frustratingly slow sometimes.

I scanned the hallway and when the coast was clear I grabbed his hand and tugged him into the emergency exit staircase. The cold air hit me hard.

"Tomoyo explain to me!"

"What don't you understand? Yelen knows about US!" I said with angry tears blurring my view. His jaw dropped slightly when he started to realise what I was trying to say.

"Yelen… she…. But how?" I never seen Eriol stutter or become lost for words like this.

"Today I… before she had the heart attack…." I balled my fists against my face releasing some of my fury and tried to clear my thoughts.

"Ok… let me tell you… what really happened."

Flashback

I stood waiting nervously in the hall of Yelen's Japan mansion. Clutching my bag I wondered if maybe I had got the days or times wrong.

"I'd like to discuss the wedding in every detail. I'll expect you at mine and precisely Four o'clock."

Well… here I was, and 4:01 and there was not sound to be heard in the house.

Her servant led me into the grand hall to await Yelen but she was nowhere to be seen.

"I ask you stay away from Mrs Li's office, she's very private about her space and shall be very upset should you be found in there unless of course, she is already in there."

Upstairs I thought I heard rustling or some sort of noise. Without any thought my feet brought themselves into the direction of the staircase.

There were portraits on the wall which seemed to be watching me and chanting, 'Yelen knows all, you can hide nothing.' The house was certainly grand and held a domineering atmosphere which told much about the owner.

Through the long corridor of the second floor I stopped when my eyes caught sight of two golden door handles. They sat on a huge set of mahogany double doors.

Yelen's office.

Only Syaoran, Yelen and occasionally Fanran went in there. It was like an invisible barrier that prevented someone like me from entering and yet, one door was slightly ajar. Was she expecting me there maybe? Was I supposed to meet her there?

After glancing around me and finding no sign of life I assumed I was permitted to enter.

As I imagined, the office was spectacular with polished and tasteful furnishing that I expected from Yelen. I treaded forward to the table but veered to the left when I saw six long pink bags hanging from a railing.

Bridesmaids dresses.

I rolled my eyes, nice to see Yelen didn't bother ask for my permission to order them. I grinded my teeth when I peaked into the bags and saw they were certainly not the ones I picked out. They were dark wine/maroon colours which all too coincidentally were the ones Fanran was eyeing up the D'maras Lore's boutique. They were not the lush violet ones I had chosen over three months ago.

I balled my fists. There was no part of the wedding that would ever be mine. What surprised me was that I really didn't care. The whole wedding in general had lost any sparkle I initially had for it and turned into one of Yelen's events she could put on her list of achievements. Anyway, how could I be exited by what was looking to become a sham of a marriage? Syaoran, my fiancé hasn't even mentioned anything about the wedding, neither have I. Not to mention Eriol…. Oh God what am I doing?

I glanced at the labels and laughed to see even my bridesmaids were chosen for me.

'Fuutie' the first one read, then 'Feimei', 'Sheifa', and the matron of honour 'Fanran,' What the hell! I didn't even decide that and she would have been the very last person on my mind. I flipped over the last label already knowing who it was for but once again, was shocked to the core,

'Meiling,'

… No dress for Sakura….?

Just then I heard footsteps and I felt all blood drain from my face. I couldn't be caught snooping around here! There was no time to escape so I took shelter in an adjoining compartment room and closed the door. I could risk getting caught, she'd surly kill me.

I heard shuffling followed by more footsteps of Yelen. Then, a second beat of feet were coming closer towards the office but in a faster pace.

"Mother! Mother where are you?" It was Fanran, she was rushed and out of breath.

"Don't shout Fanran for goodness sake!" Yelen retorted shuffling some papers on her desk. "What's the matter?"

"Oh mother, I- I just don't know what to tell you! It's awful, so awful."

I winced and pressed my ear against the door getting a better sound.

"Oh spit it out child I'm expecting Tomoyo soon."

"Oh mother, give me a second." I thought I heard her collapse into the opposite seat. Whatever it was I was sure Fanran was over reacting.

"Out with it Fanran!" Yelen snapped.

"It's about…. It's about Syaoran." She sniffled and took an exaggerated breath. "And Sakura."

For a moment you could hear a pin drop. Yelen had no response but I could tell whatever she was doing, she froze mid action.

"Go on."

"Mother I overheard them talking, I just wanted to see my brother, I wanted to express my excitement for the wedding but… she was there." Fanran broke down, well at least she was trying to make it look that way. My hand, started to shake as I too held by breath wondering what was wrong. Syaoran… and Sakura…. That didn't take to me too well.

"Quit with the drama queen act Fanran I have no patience with that! Now tell me what you heard!" I heard a slam and it echoed and nothing was heard until silence descended.

"…Looks like Syaoran isn't the golden boy we all thought he was." She said in a cooler voice which harboured some amount of sick humour, as if what she was saying was funny.

I felt my breathing intensify and as I clutched my hair I had the feeling I knew what Fanran was going to say before the words left her lips.

"He's having an affair mother… with Kinomoto!"

I gasped and stepped back knocking over a file but catching it before it made loud contact with the ground.

Sakura… and Syaoran… my best friend… my fiancé… MY FIANCE!

I suddenly felt like kicking myself, all those times he disappeared to the house, his late nights coming home, his cold nature towards me…. He was seeing HER!

I chocked back the sobs of betrayal. Now I know, now I know how it feels to love someone deeply, and how it feels to have your best friend, someone you cared about, take him from you. It hurt; it hurt a million times more than I thought. In fact, I didn't think it was emotionally possible to feel this much pain.

"I hear it all! What's worse mother, is that he threatened to give up the business for her! He was willing to give up our heritage, soil the family name for her! I'm only telling you this mother because I love you and never want to see you hurt because of that slut! I'm doing it for our own good! Syaoran doesn't deserve what our dear, dear father left for him. He's irresponsible, what will he do when you pass away, when he has it all? He'll ruin everything mother! What about Fuutie and Feimei? Oh I don't want them to suffer!"

Everything she said was laced with irony. She didn't give a fuck but anyone else but herself so she stirred the Li pot in hopes of her share of the company.

Yelen said nothing, nor I didn't hear movement from her.

"Syaoran said all of this." Yelen asked in a tight voice as if to restrain herself.

"He said it over and over again. He's no good mother; he's too young to appreciate our heritage like I do. He'll ruin everything, and Kinomoto knows this. She wants him to do it, she practically begged him to leave us! She's poison, she planted the idea into is head, she wants to leave for Canada where we can't get her! She wants his money, our money! He'll do it soon mother, he'll fall into the hands of Kinomoto and he won't forget his wallet if she had anything to do with it. Kinomoto will be the end of us."

I found it difficult to distinguish between Fanran's lies and possible truths.

Was it all Sakura? Did she start this affair? I grinded my teeth wishing I wasn't confined here. If I could have I would have left. Maybe I was wrong all along. Maybe Sakura wasn't just 'upset' at Syaoran and being together. Maybe she was bitter, was this a plan she conjured up years ago? It had to be! She never got over Syaoran and I! She's bitter and maybe wants to hurt me; she'll betray me like I betrayed her!

"I've a suspicion about Tomoyo and Hiirigawa too…"

My heart stopped and I had to snap my mouth shut to refrain from screaming.

"Explain." Yelen sounded as if she would throw something through a window.

"They're very close mother, in fact too close, and I seen them on the sixth at daddy's memorial at their house. They were being very… passionate with each other." A sly snicker made its way into her voice.

Oh God no…. That was upstairs, in the spare room… I needed comfort and Eriol was there….we were talking and he kissed me and...I didn't stop…We didn't sleep together but with regards to Yelen, we might as well have.

"Why did you not tell me this earlier Fanran?" I heard a scratching noise and I assumed Yelen's nails were taking their anger out on the desk.

"I-… um… I"

It was a good question, why didn't Fanran rat me out earlier when she had the chance. In fact why didn't she say it to me?

"I'll tell you why you kept that mouth of yours shut shall I?" Yelen said surprising me with a new found anger. "You didn't tell me because it would serve you no benefit! You were willing to let that go on because it's one of your little games you like to play Fanran! It would suit you well to have Syaoran become a laughing stock and a fool who knew nothing of his cheating wife! This, Fanran, is why you will never get any part of the Li business; you say you care about your family? Hah! Your father would be ashamed of you and your selfish conniving ways!" That was ironic considering Fanran most definitely inherited those traits from Yelen.

"What? But I told you about this didn't I?"

"Leave! I don't want to see your face! I must deal with this, who did you tell? Who else knows?"

"No one! Sakura knows I know but that's it mother I was trying to not have our family shamed!" She said retrieving back to the 'innocent victim' act.

"It will stay that way! Now leave! I want you on the next flight back to China, back to your husband!"

"What! You can't do that you just can't! I will not return to that bastard mother I won't! Syaoran is a liar who took what should be MINE! How can you leave it all to him and nothing to me! How! Who will get it?" She was genuinely crying now out of frustration that her plan did not go the way she had planned it. I knew she was expecting a different response, as was I.

"At the moment Sheifa looks like the only capable candidate out of the mess you and Syaoran have created now LEAVE!" I heard Fanran run out of the office with her faint sobs echoing in the distance. Silence only fell when Fanran slammed the door.

I held my breath and took everything in. Yelen now knows… What could I do? There was nothing I could do!

Then from the panic I heard a thud of something crash onto the floor, then silence. I bit my as I trembled all over on the verge of tears. I was confined to the small room and I backed further into it as more smashing noised clustered the office. Chairs were being moved and I could have died there and then knowing Yelen was that mad. But something struck me as odd.

Breathing, Heavy and uneven breathing could be heard above all other noises. It was not right. A crash was heard before a terrifying silence sounded.

I thought she left the room so I chanced peeking through the small gap in the door. I saw no movement but as my eyes scanned the floor I saw her.

Sprawled out on the floor, unconscious, and not breathing.

"Yelen?" I whispered but got no response. "Yelen?"

Angry or not I emerged from the room and tip-toed around the glass landing beside her. She was a still as the broken china on the floor. I started to piece my surroundings. The shattered ornaments was not the work of and angered and infuriated woman, but the desperate attempt to get help by a woman who was suffering from an asthma attack.

"Yelen? Yelen!" I said shaking her frantically.

"Fanran! Anyone help! Someone help she's unconscious! Call for an ambulance!"

I realised I was on my own. Whipping out my phone I called the ambulance. When I was assured one was on its way I sat over her feeling the pang of guilt knowing that I caused this.

We caused this.

"Please Yelen don't die, please, please!" I was becoming deranged with worry.

"It's all my fault, it's all my fault," I chanted crying like a helpless little girls.

I rang Syaoran's cell but received no answer. Another five times and still nothing. He wasn't answering the office phone either and I felt like vomiting.

"Mr Li's office this is Valerie."

"Valerie! Where's Syaoran?" I screamed.

"He hasn't com in yet but he should be any minute Mrs Daidouji can I take a message?"

"Tell him to call me as soon as he steps in."

"I will do that Mrs Daidoij-"

I hung up and rocked myself beside an unconscious Yelen. "It's ok, it's ok, it's going to be ok." I assured myself.

Ten minutes later the ambulance arrived and put Yelen on a stretcher. My phone rang sending panic through my body.

"Syaoran, W-why weren't you answering your phone?"

"I-I was busy."

I-I don't know how to say this but… it's your mother."

I poured the details out to him and he hung up after I told him which hospital it was. As I got into the ambulance with Yelen I couldn't help but to wish Eriol was here. I looked at Yelen,

"If you live, destroy me, destroy Syaoran, destroy Sakura even, but please… let Eriol be."

End of Flashback

He stared at me at a loss for words. I wish he'd say something comforting, I wish he remained composed and tell me it's not as bad as it seems but unfortunately…. It most certainly was.

"Oh God," I said hitting my head against the stone wall. "It's my fault isn't it? I'm the reason Yelen's going to die! Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" I said giving myself a headache.

"No," He said hugging me from behind and resting his head beside my neck. "Yelen was going to find out sometime. To be honest I think she's more furious about Sakura and Syaoran's affair."

My eyes snapped open as I picked up on something.

"You knew didn't you? You knew about Sakura and Syaoran didn't you?"

His face gave his answer away. "Sakura's an easy person to read Tomoyo. She didn't exactly tell me… It was hard not to see it."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I whimpered.

He shrugged looking guilty. "How and when was I supposed to tell you?"

"I-…I…" I don't know.

Feeling uneasy I turned away from him.

"Tomoyo." He was quick to kiss me, reeling in the feelings had for him. I hated all of this.

"Eriol… didn't you hear anything? We can't-"

"Be seen together. I understand. But don't, please, leave me altogether."

"I'm not leaving you I… Right now I need to be there for Syaoran. Even though he wants Sakura."

"What are you going to do about all that? What are we going to do?"

"I don't know Eriol! I can't think about this at the moment!"

"Well you better start thinking about it Tomoyo because when Yelen wakes up you won't have a chance!" He threatened.

I marched out of the room. I couldn't take it. He was getting tired, tired of waiting for me to make a decision. As each day of indecisiveness passed I knew his patience was wearing thin. He's been so good and patient with me so far. He pressured me for an answer I didn't know myself. The time was running out. When Yelen comes to her senses I'm doomed! Maybe I should tell Syaoran now! But how could I say that to him while his mother lay in a critical condition?

It was like fate had enough of waiting for me, and as a result I was stranded with limited options.

Syaoran's POV

As I stared at my black suede shoes I felt sick waiting to be called upon.

Fanran emerged from the room hostile and inconsolable. You'd swear mother had died right before her eyes. Fuutie and Feimei went in next leaving the Sakura and I separated only by Fanran and Sheifa.

My eyes now flickered from my shoes to the clock on the wall reading nine thirty. I avoided looking at her. She remained very quiet. I had a feeling I would be here all night.

Fanran sniffled and dabbed a tear with a handkerchief. She was really starting to irritate me. Sheifa was obviously thinking the same.

"For Gods sake Fanran get it together! You're an embarrassment!" She shouted slapping her hand from her face and scowling at her in an incredulous way. "If you can't control yourself from babbling like an idiot then get out of my sight I don't want to see you!"

Fanran stopped abruptly with her mouth falling into a small 'o' shape. I too gawked at Sheifa not expecting that tone from her. Even Sakura stopped what she was doing to gape at Shiefa's outburst. It wasn't that what she said was harsh; it was the terrifying fact that at that moment Sheifa resembled our mother more than she ever did before. It was something my mother would say, in fact, it's exactly what mother would say! I might as well have been sitting beside Yelen.

Fanran's face dropped to an expression of bitterness. "So now mother's in a hospital bed you think you can settle into her role? Don't you dare think for a second I'm going to sit back and watch you take it from me too!" With that, Fanran marched like a spoilt child out of the room huffing.

I didn't know what she meant by that but I was uneasy to be around Sheifa. As the most composed of my sisters did she think that she had the responsibility of restoring order to our family already?

"Syaoran." Feimei said appearing in front of me with a very pale looking Fuutie. She was as white as a ghost and avoided looking at me. "Mother wants to see you now."

I nodded and stood up.

"You ok Fuutie?" I heard Sakura's voice ring softly.

Fuutie merely nodded but then collapsed onto the chair beside Sakura to bury her head into her shoulder to unleash a waterfall of tears. Sakura's arms embraced her and rocked her slowly, soothing her.

At that moment I didn't know if I wanted to go in there. My feet, slowly brought me through the double doors, muffling the sound of Fuutie's cry.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As soon as I stepped into the room I immediately knew why Fanran and Fuutie had the reaction it did. The room was dimly lit with a pale miserable yellow light in the corner.

I gulped and braced myself to look at her.

It was worse than I thought.

Her body in the space of five hours had seemed to wither away into a doll like frame. Her head was sunken in between two huge fluffy pillows. An oxygen mask was placed over her face exposing her closed eyes only. As I neared her my heart pounded. I brought my fingertip to her hand which had pronounced blue veins clearly visible through her thin translucent like hands.

As soon as I touched her, her eyes flickered open and sleepily and with effort land themselves on me.

"Mother…" I said not knowing what to say to her.

My mother, my once strong mother, reduced to the confinement of a hospital bed. To see her like this was disturbing. For once in my life I saw her completely dependant on others.

"Where… were you this whole…time?" Words came slow to her. She took deep breaths between every few words. Even speaking took great effort for her.

"I'm sorry I was working. I rushed over as soon as I could. I'm sorry to keep you waiting but I'm here now." I sincerely meant it. No matter how many bad thoughts that circled routinely about her in my head she was still my mother. To think she actually needed me for once was almost… nice in an unusual way.

"You don't have to speak mother. I hope you understand now the amount of stress you put on yourself now, you're not as young as you used to be. For Gods sake you could have died!"

She blinked and then slanted her eyes. "You'd like that… wouldn't… you? It's unfor… unfortunate for you that… that I… lived."

"What are you talking about!"

"If I died…then I wouldn't have been able to… expose to you your…dirty… little…secret!" Her breathing was becoming heavier but yet her words weren't as raspy.

"…What... what are you saying?"

The heart rate monitor beeped slowly in a frenzy like rhythm.

"Drop it Syaoran!...I… Know about Kino…Kinomoto… and YOU!"

The world could have shattered there and then. I wished with everything I had that it did. I pulled my lips into a tight line and balled my fists.

"Who told you?" I said through my teeth knowing it was pointless to lie to her.

"Doesn't matter about whom…or why…or…how, because it all ends …now Syaoran!" She thumped the bed in anger and I feared she would have another heart attack. The monitors beeps intensified.

I jumped up and paced the tiny room rubbing my face almost knocking every chair. How could she know? How! I felt fear in my stomach like I never felt it before. My mother has been the only person I ever genuinely feared in my whole life.

"What if I say no? Huh? What if I throw away it all? What would you do then mother? What would you do!" I was being extremely brave and stupid to shout at her in this state.

She didn't answer but continued with her erratic breathing glaring at me with fury. If she had any strength left in her I knew she would put me into a hospital bed.

"You wouldn't…" She slurred dangerously.

"Wouldn't I!" My voice was rising. "Damn it mother I love her! Do you even know what love is? Do you? I'll never love Tomoyo the way you want me to! You wouldn't know! You never showed dad you loved him when he was alive and now you're determined to make me the same!"

"I'm trying… to stop you from sh..shameing our family! You ungrateful bastard!" She fumed.

"So by being with her I'm a disgrace is that what you're saying?" I threw my arms out in anger.

"Yes! That tramp will ruin… everything I have ever worked for! I for… forbid you from being with her!"

"Forbid me?" I laughed. "Really? You know what, do what you have to do mother! I don't care. I'll leave this room and take Sakura with me! I'll leave all of you if I'm such a disgrace in your eyes! I don't need you or the Li title! You'll see! We'll be happy without you!"

Now it was she, who laughed. Her snicker and sneers seemed to boom louder than my own shouting voice. She actually placed her hand over her stomach to control herself. I knew what I was saying was unrealistic. I just want her to suffer, or at least take the winning smirk of her face! As if Sakura would actually go with me…

"On the contrary Syaoran…the Li title is…exactly what you need."

I needed to punch something. Instead I watched her as she explained.

"Syaoran… you are nothing without me or your heritage…Go on then, run away with her… be with your little precious Sakura…marry her…let her have your child…you'll find…it's not the life you want it to be…"

"What are you talking about!"

"Think about it! What priest… will marry the two of you?...what men would build your house?...what company will want you?...a disowned Li. They will want nothing to do with you…for fear of me… I'm afraid that even you… don't know half the extent of what I can I could do… I have contacts…everywhere. Sakura will never have a job…I will blacklist her…no hospital will deliver her child… she will be known as the woman who steals men for their money…a gold digger… I'll shame her to the point… not even her family would want her. It doesn't matter…how far you go… I will make your life…misery…make your children miserable…don't think…I won't Syaoran because…I will."

"Why do you hate me?" I said practically exhauster and tired of all this.

"Love and hate has nothing to do with anything Syaoran…it's just business."

"You'll never let us be happy will you?" I said feeling like I was once again in a completely hopeless situation.

"Never. Her life will be worse then yours. Spare her Syaoran, spare her unnecessary grief." She wasn't saying this out of kindness.

"Why Tomoyo though? Why couldn't you pick anyone but Tomoyo? Why someone so close to Sakura?"

She suddenly became tight lipped, hiding something. Her skeletal head turned to the left to gaze out into the night sky. All the starts were covered by black, stormy clouds.

"Oh yes, Tomoyo…" I thought I saw a smile across her lips as she said that. "As for that lying, deceitful witch…."

"What?"

"Never mind…that girl will soon find herself unable to bottle it up, she's so predictable, you'll find out soon."

I stood numb and puzzled before her.

"This is what's going to happen Syaoran. No one will ever find out about your deceitful…infidelity. No one! We carry on as normal. You and Tomoyo…will be married March the second. You will carry out the plan as normal understand?"

"That's a month earlier!"

"Exactly. Syaoran, I have not much longer to live. I am determined to see you follow through with your fathers wishes…all of them. If I had more time I would discard Tomoyo but I have no time to prepare someone else for you. She'll have to do…despite her…past actions."

I didn't know what she meant by this. Nor did I care. She wasn't even disguising the fact she was running my life. She was unleashing her inner plan.

"Mother… please…"

"If you refuse to follow through then fine. Leave now and never come back. Ruin your life… as well as hers. Shame us, and taint the respectable name of your father. You will have no one to blame but yourself. Go on then! Fail him on his last dying wish!"

I felt the knife of guilt plunge into my gut. My father… was this how you wanted it all to turn out?

"Fine." I said trying to keep a solid voice. "If you promise to leave Sakura. Let her be. Let her live her life… without me in peace. At least promise me that."

A wicked smile curled up her lips. "Of course darling. Of course." She chanted, delighted that I was giving into her demands.

It's all for you Sakura. You were right, maybe in this world we can never be together but in my heart and soul you will always and forever be mine. I hope secretly your thinking this too. Though I'm not a religious man, I hope there is an afterlife. Maybe then our suffering will be rewarded with each other. I'm sorry for leaving you but I get the feeling you'll understand. You won't make it difficult either. You'll pretend to be happy for me and I, for you.

But in reality, we are both dying inside.

We are both… breaking.

Sakura's POV

Syaoran's been in there a long time now. As each second ticked by I couldn't help but be concerned for Yelen. I shouldn't be. After all, didn't I hate her? Didn't she look down at me her whole life seeing me as scum that stained her perfect polished reputation? Did she not deserve this?

I sighed and held Fuutie tighter. No one deserved this I suppose. I guess I'm not as heartless as I try to be.

In my arms Fuutie wept quietly like a sad doll in my arms. It was her who called Eriol and I. Eriol felt we should go out of support for Syaoran and Tomoyo, he was right to some extent. If my father were here I would want Syaoran here, despite everything, I wanted to know he at least cared.

"Fuutie," I whispered into her ear.

"Yes?"

"I have to go now," She nodded and released me. She wiped her nose and her eyes.

She nodded and released me and wiped her nose and her eyes.

"Sorry, thank you for coming. You didn't have to. I know you and mother didn't always get along."

I smiled and got my bag. Sheifa did not acknowledge my departure but rather she kept flicking through her magazine as if she were at a bus station waiting for a bus. She really surprised me. How could she be so calm when her mother lay in a terrible condition? Did she care?

Of course she did. Someone had to be strong, even if her way came across as ignorant and heartless. I remember it was my father who stayed so strong when Toya and I were a mess not knowing the fate of our mother.

Only when I left the room and descended down to the hospitals eating area did notice that both Eriol and Tomoyo were missing. No, they can't be… not here. Surly Eriol is more sensitive than that! I sighed. I don't know what happening anymore. We all seemed to have lost our moral conscience to the point I don't know what's right or wrong anymore.

I never got to confront Eriol about it, nor did I mention it to Tomoyo. I was in catch twenty two and I didn't know how to get out of it.

I would have dwelled more but then I caught sight of Fanran sitting in a melancholy state by the window. After our last confrontation you can imagine the fear that I was feeling. With my head down I walked pass her avoiding every sight but my feet.

"You're loving this Kinomoto aren't you?" She said not letting me get away.

When I looked at her she wasn't crying this time. A bitter glaring expression devoured her face making her look older than she actually was.

"I'm very sorry for you circumstances Fanran. I'd never wish this on anyone… not even you."

She continued to stare at me just hating every little bit of me.

"Don't make me laugh."

"I don't want to fight with you Fanran and I won't. I hope Yelen's recovers."

I turned away from her glad for the briefness of that conversation when I heard my name being called again.

"Sakura!" Feimei huffed down the stairs stopping out of breath before me.

"What's wrong Fei?" I asked placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It mother. She…she wants to speak with you."

Both Fanran and I stared at Feimei with an incredulous look on her faces. I must have heard her wrong, I must have!

"She…what?"

"Mother specifically asked to see you! Now, before visiting hours closed. The doctor said immediate family only but you know mother…she's insistent."

Ok… I definitely heard right. Yelen wants to see me. She specifically asked for me. I knew what was coming. She wanted my head on a platter.

"I wonder what she could possibly want with you." Fanran's voice sneered as she sauntered like a snake towards me.

The expression on my face must have caused the concern in Feimeis' eyes.

"It's ok Sakura. I'm sure she just wants to say hi." Even Feimei knew that was a lie.

She tugged at my fingers and brought me away, the last thing I saw before I disappeared from the room was Fanrans' winning smile of victory as she watched me be lead like prey to the hunter of all hunters…

Probably one of my longest chapters so far! ^_^

So now almost everyone knows…except Syaoran! :O

Anyway hope to get another chapter up before Monday but no promises! Thanks again for the reviews!

R&R! : )