Updated 25.1.2019

Chapter 2

They never fought or argued. The fact that he was not at home 99% of the time helped.

Normally, it's him who snaps at her when she tries too hard to please him - or catch him in a bad mood; besides, Orihime was not the kind who would raise her voice and rebuke. She had never raised her voice at anyone, as far as anyone remembers.

The so-called marriage wasn't working because it takes two – in this case, only one was willing to try. The so-called marriage wasn't working because of the cold shoulder treatment he gives when he was around, as most of the time he was buried with work.

The young husband was already dressed before sunrise because he had a flight to catch. Suit case in on hand and a hand carry bag on the other as he made his way downstairs, he stopped for a moment in front of her door. Yes - they didn't even sleep in the same room. They shared one night together on their wedding night in the hotel suite.

It was a night neither of them wanted to remember, but who could forget?

After the wedding dinner, and one too many booze with the boys, the groom returned to the hotel suite, fully intending to sleep. That was, until he saw the refreshed bride in a white lacy lingerie. She blushed as she walked towards him, feeling his intense dark eyes on her. Reaching for his tux, she shyly began to undress him.

He crashed their lips together, teasing, searching, wandering, dominating, owning. She was melting under his kisses and shuddered under his touch. She couldn't have asked for more. Being married to the love of her life, and soon – becoming one with him. Even if he didn't love her – they could make this work, she would make this work.

The sound of ripped fabric brought her back to reality. Suddenly she felt self-conscious, being so naked in front of another person. Then she felt him squeezing and moulding her large bosoms with his hands, while hungrily sucking on her neck and shoulders.

"Wait, please.. not like thi-"

She almost died of embarrassment when he pushed her onto the bed and dive his face into her womanhood.

Her struggles were futile as he locked her thighs around his neck. After she came gloriously apart, he positioned his shaft at her entrance.

"This is what you've always wanted, right?" Holding her chip up, forcing her to meet his eyes, he waited for her.

Mentally telling herself not to ruin her moment by being a weak coward, she took a sharp intake of breath before saying yes.

He plunged into her innocence, taking everything.

Tears flowed from the princess as it hurt so much more than she expected.

He ignored her cries and pleas, but let his needs guide him as he pounded into her relentlessly.

It had felt so fucking painful to her.

It had felt so fucking good to him.

She wanted him, she wanted this for so long. She imagined her first time to be sweet, tender, and gentle. But she did not expect the pain as his lust and need took control. It was just a fuck to him. But it meant so much to her. Yet she would stand the pain he was giving her, because she loved him.

When he decided to call out Rukia's name – the pain in her body was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

He was surprised she did not walk out of the marriage after he traumatized his virgin wife, and not to mention, said another woman's name.

Instead, she continued to play her part of being the faithful, caring and loving wife. But then again, she was Inoue Orihime – selfless and giving, she was also really kind, always putting others before herself.

So why was he treating her so coldly? Why was he treating her so badly?

She was beautiful, smart and kind; her body was perfect, her smile was brighter than the sun. So, what stopped him from… falling for her?

Well, he didn't exactly know. Maybe because the marriage was for the inheritance, and she as a choice, was just out of convenience.

Was it because of Rukia? Did he really love Rukia?

Yes – that's the answer he resigned himself to.

Perhaps the true reason was because of he felt so guilty about the first night that he refused to continue anything with her that would potentially hurt her. Even if he didn't love Orihime, she was... actually, quite important to him.

It had been days since the broken-tea-cup-incident.

Her husband was attending training in Tokyo for the rest of the week, giving them ample time to cool off. Yet, the auburn head was surprised at how indifferent she felt after that night. She decided not to shed another tear for him, and she didn't. Maybe she was getting the hang of this marriage they were in after all. But whatever it was, she decided that it was time for a change.

Humming to herself happily as she walked along the boutiques. She was never spoilt and hardly spent on shopping or pampering herself because of the condition that she grew up in. Even now, being the wife of an heir to a multimillion dollar corporation, where she was given a credit card and more than enough money dutifully debited to her bank account each month.

So far, she bought a dress, it was a wrapped-like tube dress in shades of peach, pink and purple - chic; for accessories, she picked a set of pearl necklace and matching earrings – classy. Feeling quite pleased with herself that she found the perfect outfit for Tatsuki's and Uryuu's upcoming engagement party; Until the protest from her stomach made her realised she forgot lunch.

Glancing around, she spotted a very appealing cute dessert cafe in bright pink and hearts decoration. Like a child, she finally took a seat with a tray containing a strawberry frosted donut, with two side scoops of ice cream (wasabi and red bean for the record), just when her day couldn't have been better – her phone rang.

Raising her eyebrows as she saw the caller ID being 'home', she realised it must be the house cleaner.

"Mrs. Kurosaki, there are two people at the house looking for you!"

"Do you know them? Don't let strangers in the house!"

"I've never seen them and I didn't let them in,"

"Good, but did they say who they were?"

"They are..."

Scowling as he entered the house, he wondered where was his little wife, seeing that she didn't come to greet him and welcome him home.

It annoyed him that she did not send him off when he left for Tokyo – but the fact that it annoyed him, was even more frustrating. He didn't care about her! Right?

But his irrational feelings disappeared when he heard the muffled sound of his wife weeping.

Confusion fell over him – wondering if she was crying because him being such a useless husband, or because of their unhappy marriage. But his protective instincts suddenly flared – wondering who the hell hurt his wife.

A gasp escaped the auburn head when she felt a weight on the side of the bed, quickly lifting her eyes, she only saw a mass of orange as the figure pulled her into a hug. One of his hand on her back, the other behind her head, gently patting her as if she were a child.

Never in a hundred years did she imagine him to do that...

Why was her heart pounding so fiercely? Why can't she breathe, let alone think properly when he's holding her like that?

"Did something happen?" it was a sincere and genuine question, and she naturally nodded.

Oh his voice! Why did it sound so dark and velvety... like chocolate!

"My parents," she mumbled over his shoulder.

Not sure if he heard her right, he let go off her and shifted backwards, then asking her to repeat herself.

She immediately missed his warmth and his scent – wait, what?

No, she couldn't fall into that self-set trapped again. Stupid stupid Orihime! She knew it was one-sided love, but yet she held on to the hope that one day he would at least... well, like her back? When her wishful thinking doesn't come true, she had no one but herself to blame for the self-inflicted heart ache.

"You said your parents.. Are they alive? How did they find you? Don't tell me... ... they're here to ask us for money!"

She was utterly embarrassed. Because he was spot on about her parents. Somehow they found her, and no surprise they wanted money. Her parents were good for nothing, but it was not a good feeling to hear it from someone else, in this case, her husband's obvious tone. Besides, she would be to blame if her parents approached him or his family, or worst go to his company.

"I'm sorry." She said as she wiped the last of her tears, suddenly she cease crying.

"Why are you apologizing for?" his brows furrowed as he was further confused.

"It's nothing. I don't want to cause you any trouble. I'll deal with them myself."

"Tch, what are you going to do? What can you do?" he stood up, clearly pissed.

But what caught him by surprise was when she got off the bed and glared at him with anger in her eyes. She can't fanthom how he could hold her protectively and show so much concern for her in a second, and then cold and fierce in the next.

"It's my business Ichigo. I'm very well capable of solving them on my own! I'm a grown up, you don't need to worry about me," her voice loud and clear.

But you're my wife!

That's what he wanted to say... but he was glad he caught his tongue on time. That would have been weird for both of them. He never acted like a husband, why now? They were married, but it was more of a facade anyway.

"Fine, whatever,"

.

.

.

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End,

Blitch out (13.11.10)

A/N: My bad! It was quite misleading in the last chapter, in which many of you thought Ichigo raped Orihime. He did NOT. It was a few sentences taken out of the entire scene cos I didn't want to do a full lemon. But it will be explained more in this chapter!

I thank everyone for taking the time to R&R, very much appreciate the honest feedback & I'm truly happy that there are people who enjoy this piece of work. *HUGS*

More to come... ... Nah, I'm not gonna spoil it for yer!