Chapter 7

Mon woke up in a great mood in the morning, it was still early but she already had that silly grin on her face. Probably because last night's events were still fresh in her memory and she couldn't help herself but make her grin even wider. She started her morning routine by getting dressed into her jogging clothes and heading out for a run. Mon welcomed the new day, the air was a little chilly but she didn't mind. Some of her neighbors greeted and waved at her, which she returned and ran to the park. There were only a few people who could be seen at the place and most of them were runners like herself that she recognized. She ran for about an hour until she got tired, so she ran towards the nearest bench facing a beautiful lake. A smile suddenly made its way to her face as she re-lived yesterday's event. Without realizing it, her hand moved to reach for her phone and she scanned through the photos. Again,her grin if possible grew wider when she stared upon the photo before her.

You really are an Enigma. Mon thought happily.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by a voice of a woman that spoke to her.

"It's a nice morning isn't it?"

The woman said, looking at the lake in front of them. Mon glanced at the woman and couldn't help but be drawn to her. But by the way she's dressed, Mon figured that she lived a little closer to the area and must've been out for a walk and wanted to enjoy the morning air. Just like herself.

"Ah, yes it is."

Mon couldn't help but steal several glances towards the woman. Just from the corner of her eyes she could swear that the woman looked almost like… dare she say it, her boss. But it was impossible since Mon had never met or seen her boss's parents or knew if she even had any.

"The view is very beautiful. My mom used to bring me here when I was younger and we'd just sit, drink our hot chocolate and watch the lake." Mon remembered the memory like it just happened yesterday and she had always been so fond of the special times she spent with her mother growing up.

Why am I even talking to this woman? I don't even know her. And here I am talking about a precious moment I spent with my mother, when I was a kid.

Mon couldn't understand why, but she just had a feeling that this woman was not a bad person. So she just continued with the conversation.

"But the scene would be better if you had someone you care about to share it with." She said,

"Do you have someone you care for?" The woman asked. Mon gave her a natural smile. A smile that can make anyone melt.

"I have a great amount of people I care for. My family, my friends, my coworkers. Hmm, for some reason even my Boss. Sam." Mon admitted with much admiration in her voice. The woman beside her smiled at the mention of the said woman's name and how the tone of the brunettes changed into more affectionate as she mentioned her boss.

"Do you have someone you care about, Ojousama?" Mon asked curiously. The woman beside her smiled but it was a sad smile. She immediately wanted to smack herself for ruining the mood.

"Yes, just like you I care so much for my family. They are everything to me. But I made a mistake to them…to him." She answered.

But then Mon could hear the woman trying to hide the sadness in her voice. She wanted to stop the conversation but decided to let her continue.

"Tell me young lady, can you forgive the one you love who did something horrible to you?"

Whoa! Now it's getting serious. She went from happy-happy to moody and serious. Huh, reminds me of someone else.

"Honestly, I really don't know." She paused and looked at the ground. "I've never been in love to experience such things." She looked over to the woman and averted her eyes to the lake, not really liking her response. "But if you are the one l love…I can definitely forgive you. I can see how much you're hurting, you may have stone features outside but your eyes can't hide your real emotions."

Again, someone else I know.

"I'm sure the man who loves you knows it and is definitely hurting to see the one he loves most, suffering from sadness and regrets."

The woman stared at her for a moment and all she saw was the sincerity of the younger girl's features. She felt her lips curve upward and a genuine smile became visible on her face that made the woman look more beautiful, even for her age.

"Thank you so much my dear. You really gave this stubborn woman some peace of mind and a genuine piece of heart."

Mon tilted her head in confusion and didn't understand. "But I didn't do anything Ojousama. All I did was answer your question."

"Hmm, you've done a lot more than that. And I thank you again for it."

Mon smiled and continued to gaze at the enchanted lake and enjoy the company with a beautiful middle aged woman. Until the brunette felt a sense of uneasiness. She recognized the feeling and didn't like it at all. The woman had noticed Mon's change of character and wasn't sure what was happening. She looked down and saw that her hands were in a fist formed and turning whiter than they were before.

"What is wrong my dear?" She asked with such sincere and concern.

"Excuse me Ojousama, and I apologize in advance for being so blunt but…" she pointed her index finger behind them while her gaze remained on the lake. "Are those yours?"

The woman turned herself around and saw that four men in suits were walking towards her. She sighed and turned back to the lake, not wanting to deal with them but they came with everything.

"Yes."

"Then I will take my leave."

"You don't have to leave yet my dear. They mean no harm."

"Thank you for your concern Ojousama, but I don't feel comfortable with them around."

"You don't like bodyguards?" She asked.

Mon wasn't sure that she should answer. She had been somehow open with this woman and didn't understand why. And for her to explain her situation was something she would never do. Even to a kind heart stranger. So she won't tell her.

"I don't like men in general. I despise them with an outrageous passion."

Well that crashed and burned. So much for not telling her. She thought. And mentally slapped herself.

"Please enlighten me my dear. I would like to understand. I honestly don't mean to intrude in your personal affairs but, I'm also interested."

Mon looked confused again, "Why Ojousama?"

Finally the bodyguards had reached their mistress and stood behind her looking all authoritative.

"My lady, are you ready to go?" Bodyguard #1 asked.

The woman looked at the lake and then to Mon. Her eyes had shown so much emotion that she didn't want things to escalate further. She stood up and brushed off any wrinkles in her outfit as she stared at Mon.

"Thank you again for the company my dear. I really did enjoy our time. And I apologize for my intrusion on you. Good day."

She walked in front of her guards as they escorted her to the car. Mon looked on and wanted to stop her. But her body had suddenly frozen her to the spot. She did the only thing she could think of and without thinking about it she just let out.

"My father!"

Mon shouted loud enough for the woman and her bodyguards to turn around, not to mention the runners that were passing her left and right had stopped for a second but continued their run. She was able to move her body and walked a few feet closer so she would hear and Mon wouldn't have to shout.

"It was my father, he is the reason." She admitted.

The woman grinned sympathetically and nodded her head as she finally understood the brunette's reason and continued her way to her transport. Mon felt like she made a huge mistake by telling a random stranger her personal things. But she had learned that for some odd reason, that it was better to talk to an unknown stranger than to someone you actually know. That way they'll give an honest answer and not judge you for it.

-0-

The woman made a stop at one of the pastry shops on the way and bought a box of donuts for her lovely husband Toshi. By the time she made it to the Mansion, her husband was already awake sipping his tea in the garden. She asked for her husband's forgiveness for cheating on him back then, she also admitted to him that the only man she loved was only her husband and will always be. Toshi couldn't stop the tears that threatened to fall from his eyes. He hugged his wife tightly, telling her that he already forgave her.

"Where did you go, my love?" Toshi asked after he regained his composure.

"I went to the park where we first met to watch the sunrise. By coincidence I met one of our daughter's employees there. It seems she has taken a liking to our daughter." She answered her husband smiling lovingly to her, "I am sure you will like her, she's like an angel in disguise but she also has this rebellious vibe going for her."

Toshi thought about the description of the young woman that his wife had described and he wasn't sure how he felt about that. If he could remember correctly, Sam had once been involved with a woman from a different social upbringing which was why Sam had kept the affair a secret because she had thought that her family wouldn't approve. Once Toshi had found out about his daughter's affair with the said woman, things had already escalated and turned down hill for the raven beauty. He had remembered how sad and broken his daughter was and felt like he shouldn't put her through that experience again.

"Well, we best get ready for the party. But, rebellious vibe you say? Hmm. Tell me love, do you happen to know this angel's name?"

-0-

Mon finally made it home and once again she never noticed that the same black Satan was parked outside her house, nor did she see a familiar motorcycle parked behind it. But she did notice a rather large man standing outside her door who she recognized as her… Oh no.

"Welcome home Ojou-sama"

Rex Kiyoko. Chauffeur, butler, doorman you name it he's it. Rex had been working for the family for a long time almost since Mon was born and she adored and liked him very much. Yes, Mon does have a hatred towards men but Rex was different.

"Rex, you've known me since I was in diapers…why won't you call me by my name?" she asked as she smiled and waited for an answer while trying to hold a grin.

"Ojou-sama, it would be very inappropriate of me, given my position as your family's employee." Rex opened the door so that his mistress may walk through her home.

Mon let out a loud sigh and rolled her eyes a little. I swear, one of these days Rex. One of these days. She thought.

She went straight to her room, took a shower, changed into comfortable clothes and went back downstairs to greet her mother.

"Hello my love." Naksu said as she planted a kiss on Mon's head.

"Hi mom, long day?" Mon asked,

"Not really, it's just a usual day at the office"

"Natsu, I thought you had work? That's why I went on a run by myself."

"I didn't have to go in till 9am. Plus I overslept." Natsuki's cheeks had a little pink on her cheeks, which meant that she herself had an eventful night. "I was hoping to catch you before you left but you were already gone. So I decided to wait for you to come back, until Aunt Naksu showed up."

"Okay so what brings…" Sniff-sniff' Mon caught a whiff of a new scent that caught her nose but it wasn't from her cousin but…

Mon took a whiff of a very strong scent that was not her mother's or Natsuki's scent but a rather familiar scent. So Mon stood up and came face to face with her mother which made Naksu a little nervous as to what was happening.

"Mother?"

"Daughter?" She said nervously.

Naksu knew that tone in her daughter's voice and the way she spoke the word 'mother' was a dead give away

"Mooother. Did you go to that place again?" she asked in a whisper.

Complete silence was enough for Mon to know that her mother did not spend her day at the office. While on the couch Natsuki was just watching the scene play right in front of her.

"Ma! You said you weren't gonna go unless you took me with you!" Mon erupted with a sad expression in her eyes.

"I know honey I know but I was just driving by and I didn't intend to stop but it was calling me and I'll tell you…It felt good, the wind on my face when I'm in the air, the smell of fresh mowed lawn and toxic dirt, the roar and sound of the machine that vibrates my_"

"AHH! God mom stop, that's enough; Geez I'm glad you didn't invite me." Mon sighed in relief.

Naksu smiled and wrapped her arms around Mon's shoulders from behind and leaned over her, "I'll invite you next time kiddo" she said and kissed her on the cheek then left towards the kitchen.

"Well Natsu, how are things going in your company?"

"Some of our subornants, you know Takashi right? He's been dragging me and Shizuru everywhere he goes." Natsuki said tiredly.

"Takashi? I didn't know you three were close." Mon replied.

"Neither did I." Natsuki said.

Mon made her way to the dining table. Natsuki sat in the center as her daughter sat to her right and Natsuki the left.

"So, are you ready for tonight?" Natsuki asked to start a conversation.

"I don't know, I just don't know." Mon shrugged.

"I'm sorry to lay this on you, kiddo." Naksu said while she placed a piece of food in her mouth.

"I know that mom. But since you all will be there along with Mai, Mikoto and Nao as my date, I should be fine."

Mon said. She wasn't one for gatherings but she was willinging to deal with it if she was surrounded by people she knew.

"I will be ready by tonight and I promise to behave." Mon said and all three women enjoyed the company.

-0-

It was the night of the party and time had passed by so quickly from early morning. Natsuki had decided to get ready at Mon's house because after she left the company for the day she had been on the phone with her mother, reminding her to make sure that her cousin is to arrive on time. Afterwards, she had gotten a text from Shizuru telling her that her outfit was delivered to Mon's house by Mai and that they would all be getting ready and showing up to the party together. Except that Shizuru will be meeting her there instead.

What am I gonna tell my mother about Shizuru? She thought.

Natsuki had just finished taking a shower and was cooling off in Mon's air-con room, she stared over at the black bag that had her outfit inside and was very nervous about what it would be. Everyone knew how the bluenette hated dresses or skirts or anything that had a hem on it that would touch her body and she wasn't going to start by giving into her mother or Mai or even Shizuru's satisfaction.

Oh what the hell. She sighed and gave in.

Natsuki opened the bag and was caught off guard big time. She pulled out a light blue coat, with white cuff sleeves for her wrist. Some gold and white near the collar with a stripping design. She noticed a black silk skinny pants with silver linings and blue prints near the button area that looked like thunder bolts and finally, a white strapless top that covered her breast and a little up the top of her midsection, only revealing her lower belly and the cute belly button. To finish the last touch of her outfit, she was having a little trouble with the collar, she fumbled around and tried to get it right but the black tie just wouldn't look straight.

Ugh! I hate ties. She thought out of frustration.

Natsuki furrowed her brows and looked in the mirror. Her outfit was amazing. Shizuru and Mai worked hard on the outfit that the bluenette can tell by how much time and energy and dare she say, love to her attire.

"Mai! I need your help!" Natsuki shouted.

"Natsuki I'm just next door there's no need to shout."

Mai came walking in but had stopped at the door when she was caught by her friend's appearance. The orange hair woman was awestruck and didn't have the words to describe the bluenette. Natsuki had caught Mai from the corner of her eye and couldn't help but smirk.

"Don't look too hard Mai. Mikoto is just in the other room." she laughed when she noticed that her orange hair friend was turning red.

"I-it's not what this is! And I am very loyal to Mikoto just as she is to me." Mai had declared and was proud to be involved with her feline gorgeous girlfriend.

"Relax Mai, it was a joke. So how do I look? Truthfully." Natsuki wanted her friend's opinion since the outfit was made by her and Shizuru. "Anytime now, Mai!" She got irritated when she wasn't getting any response.

"You look amazing, Natsuki. I still think a dress would've been more appealing, at least that way Shizuru and I wouldn't have had to work so hard." Mai noticed that the tie on Natsuki's neck wasn't straight so she went ahead and fixed it for her. "There. You look very charming."

"Thanks Mai."

Mon had finally gotten ready and was just about to enter the room. She heard multiple voices coming from behind the door and was about to enter but she felt a hand tap her on the shoulder.

"Mon."

"Hey Mikoto. You look dashing."

"I wanted to look good for Mai." The young feline woman was still shy whenever she tried to impress her girlfriend.

"And you are."

"I still remember the first day I met here…"

Flashback…

When they first met, Mai was in a cooking class and Mikoto was roaming around the halls trying to make her way to the cafeteria. Suddenly she caught a whiff of something sensational and mouth watering. She followed the incredible scent which was getting stronger each time she would approach any room that came close. Each room she would enter, everyone would be surprised to see the feline woman looking like she wanted to eat them.

Where is it!? She thought out of frustration which made her even more hungry.

Finally she busted into the last class and once again the whole room was stunned. Mikoto ignored the wandering eyes and scanned the room for the one that made her search almost the entire floor for the scent. She came to a stop and her eyes had met the most beautiful lilac eyes she had ever seen. The teacher had spotted her and his face turned into a grin.

"Well, Minagi-san! Interesting to see you here. Let me guess, you were on your way to the cafeteria, right?" The teacher asked.

"Yes Sensei. Apparently breakfast wasn't enough. I also smelt something very delicious. It smelled like soup."

"Well given your palate, you will give the approval of the next dish to be graded." I just hope it'll satisfy her hunger for now. He thought nervously.

"Yes please Minagi-san." The orange-haired woman asked but felt a little nervous. Not just for her grade on her food but also because Mikoto was making her blush. Crap! Mikoto is here. She's standing right in front of me!

"Sure! I'll be honest." Mikoto said cheerfully.

She had finally tried the ramen and as soon as she tried it, she stood still and dropped her chopsticks. The teacher and Mai looked worried.

Impossible! She didn't like it less then she noticed me! Mai was starting to panic but she needed to know what the feline woman was thinking. "D-don't you like it?"

Kami-sama! This is the best ramen I've ever tasted in my life. I love it!

Mikoto stood from her seat and took Mai by the hand. She looked straight into those purple orbs and gave away her best genuine smiles.

"Will you go out with me?"

Everyone became petrified by the black-haired woman's response. Mai included.

"What?!"

"It seems that Mai's dish is excellent as always. Congratulations Mai. Minagi-san, good luck and enjoy the food."

"It was the best ramen I've ever had in my life. Please make more of it for me." Mikoto asked with dreamy eyes which Mai had always fallen for. But she wasn't alone in that matter.

Basically it was his way of saying that class was dismissed. Mikoto kept holding Mai's hands while she didn't know what to say, neither of them paid attention to what the teacher had said. Mai wasn't sure if the black-haired woman liked her because of her cooking or her instead. If it were the latter then she'll be disappointed, if it were the other then she'll be the happiest woman in the world.

"You don't have to say that because you love my cooking. I would be happy to cook for you from time to time, Mikoto."

Mikoto had the look of determination, "Mai…I like you! I have for a long time. I just have been too shy and too scared to tell you. I honestly didn't think that you would feel the same. And now you do. But if you'd give me a chance to get to know you better…would you still consider my proposal?"

Without hesitation or time to even consider her options and knew that she was feeling a hint of an incoming blush, she let out a loud answer. "I accept!"

End flashback.

"And after two to three days, you both started dating. And look at you now, four years later and still have the hots for each other." Mon stated. so bluntly.

"Why must you say it like that?" Mikoto asked annoyingly.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. It felt like the perfect time to say it."

Mon opened the door and had noticed that Mai And Natsuki were talking amongst themselves and Mikoto froze in her step once she caught a full on picture of her orange hair girlfriend. Mai could feel eyes roaming her body and looked in the direction of the source. She tilted her head sideways and smiled at the most important person that stole her heart. Mai walked over to Mikoto after saying hi to Mon and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend.

"You look rather dashing." She said in a husky tone in her voice.

Mikoto blushed a little and averted her eyes down to the floor, until she felt two fingers on her chin, lifting her head back up to meet her.

"There's no need to be shy, love. I can tell already that you find me irresistible."

Oh you have no idea. Mikoto thought.

"Your tie is crooked. I swear, you and Natsuki should know how to do this."

"But if we did. Then you wouldn't be able to fix it." Natsuki said out loud.

Mon walked to her mirror and did a double check on her outfit. She turned to her cousin and grinned with approval.

"You look good." Mon said.

"So do you." Natsuki agreed. "You want Mai to do your tie?"

"No. I'll ask mom to do it. No offense Mai." Mon said without having to be rude towards her friend.

"None taken. I understand." Mai said.

"Thanks."

Everyone had complemented each other and was finally ready to leave for the party.

I can't wait for tonight to be over.

-0-

When the evening of the party rolled around, Mon was more nervous than she realized. Natsuki, Mai and Mikoto were right beside her for some encouragement. Mon never did like going to these parties, especially the crowd that she had to endure and pretend to care that they all were nice people. They departed from the limo and fixed themselves before heading on in. Mon wasn't exactly excited about the event nor did she want to attend. If it were up to her, and she would never admit it but, she would rather spend the time with her boss.

I wonder what she's doing? She thought.

Mon had come out from her thoughts until she spotted a redhead near the entrance.

"Well it's about damn time!"

"Nao chill. I texted you earlier."

"That's because you wanted to be late. I was about to find another date." Nao said. Mon grinned and she surprised Nao by taking her hand and placing a small kiss on it.

"Sorry Red. Forgive me?" The brunette asked with watery eyes that the redhead couldn't resist.

"I-I gu-guess I can." Nao was about to turn red just like her hair, but she was able to recover and give the brunette a stern look. "Whatever. Hurry, I want to make an entrance." Nao demanded.

All four women rolled their eyes out of amusement and Mon made her arm so that Nao could slip it through and secure their closeness. Mai and Mikoto had done the same and Natsuki was on the other side of her cousin and laced her arm with Mons. The brunette looked to her right and just smiled. Once they entered they were about to be introduced until Natsuki pulled the announcer to the side. He wasn't sure why his mistress would interfere but she explained the situation and he nodded in agreement. Mon was grateful and once she entered the doors with Nao on her arm, she had spotted her mother who had spotted her like a hawk. The older woman walked through the crowd and smiled.

"You finally made it. You look very handsome, my baby." Naksu stated.

Mon was trying to hold her composer but she knew she was starting to blush from her mothers comment.

"Does she Aunt Naksu? I thought so too. Almost good enough to eat." Nao said flirtatiously and licked her lips for a dramatic reaction.

Mon gasped. She was surprised to hear that her redheaded friend would say something like that, especially in front of the brunette's mother.

"Nao, what the hell!?"

"What? Am I wrong to think that my date happens to be a very attractive individual, who is lucky enough to have someone like me, hanging on her arm?"

Mon sighs and shakes her head. I see why she did it. She embarrassed me, so everyone would look at her. Typical move Red.

"All joking aside. Please be a little social tonight Mon."

"I will mom. Ah, are the Kanzaki's here yet?" She asked.

Naksu pointed in the direction where the band was and Mon had spotted the conniving two-face bastard, Reito Kanzaki. Mon's blood was starting to boil and she needed to cool off, so she caught a waiter that was making his rounds and she took a glass of champagne and chugged it like it was a tequila shot. The smoothness of the alcohol relaxed her nerves, as to Naksu and Nao, they had noticed the change of the brunette's aura and were hoping that she'll be able to make it through the night.

-0-

Sam did her best to wear her best plastic smile as she maneuvered herself through the rather boring party going on at another family's estate. The estate was large enough to hold a large ballroom, where the party guests were mingling, chatting, exchanging fake smiles and fake pleasantries. For Sam Hon, it was merely her role to play the dutiful daughter, to make herself available to any possible suitors. But mostly she just stood at the edge of the room to look pretty and not make a fuss.

Later that day, Sam had been hanging around her friends and had made it home from the outing she had with them. She had received a call from her father that she would have to attend a party with him and her mother for business purposes. Sam wasn't exactly thrilled with the idea and was about to refuse the offer, until Toshi reminded her that it will be a reason to find her a life partner.

"Sam, are you okay?" A middle aged woman had asked her.

"I'm fine, mother." Sam said. But the woman didn't feel convinced and decided to push the subject further.

"Please don't fret my daughter. I know what you want and and you know what you want, but at least try to consider the choices that are presented to you."

Sam nodded her head. She didn't want to fight with her mother about the situation and just did as she was told.

I can't wait for tonight to be over. She thought as she downed her champagne glass.

-0-

"I need a drink." Mon announced.

It had been a whole hour since Mon and her friends had arrived and she didn't seem to have noticed the stare's that were surrounding her but she had already been fed up with some of the male guests and wanted to kill every single one of them that dared to approach her. So she hovered mostly near the servants handing out drinks or the hors d'oeuvres table, often politely refusing offers to dance with some of the male guests... or not so politely when they were tipsy beyond the socially acceptable limits.

"This is one of the worst parties I've ever been to." Mon admitted to Mai and Mikoto. Nao was still lingering around the brunette and Natsuki had disappeared to find Shizuru and Mon was okay with it. "I want to leave."

"You can't, silly. Your mother wouldn't allow it." Mai said. "Especially your aunt." Nao had clarified.

"Well then, the best solution is to not tell them!" She stated.

"Okay, you've been jobbering ever since you got her."

"That's because I didn't want to be here. All I've seen is a bunch of drunken men that can't hold their alcohol. And I don't want to admit it, but each and every one of them reminds me of the old man."

Mon had felt a light hand on her shoulder and was about to take that hand and break it, but by the looks on her friends faces she realized that it wasn't a man, but her mother.

"Mom. I-I-I didn't_"

"Come with me Mon-B."

The older woman apologized to Nao and asked if she could steal her date away for a moment. Nao was happy to do so, but was also sympathetic towards her friend. So she went off with her two roommates to socialize. Naksu led her daughter to the outside terrace so that they could talk in private. As they did so they were being observed by another older woman who was not too far from when they left to enjoy the cool night air. The woman had thought that the younger woman had looked familiar but was not able to see the young brunette's full face. So she decided to let it go for now, until they had both come back in.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound like how it did."

"Tell me, Mon-B…do you miss your father?"

Naksu's tone in her voice was one of the things that would break Mon's heart. She never liked seeing her mother in pain or hearing her cry throughout the hours of the night, like how she used to when Mon was little. Naksu sometimes would try to put on a straight strong face in front of Mon and play like everything was okay, but underneath that mask still lies a woman that wanted nothing to do with her ex-husband but after so many years that passed, Mon knew that her mother wanted to be noticed. Naksu wouldn't admit it but she got tired of feeling the coldness in her bed at night whenever she would change positions. She didn't want to be tied down, but she didn't want to be alone either.

Mon kept her mother waiting too long and gave her a truthful honest answer.

"No. I don't mama. After what he did to you and aunt Saeko, I never want him in my life…in our lives."

"Good. You made me worried there. Now, I know that you're starting to struggle and I'm pretty sure you have more than enough glasses." she pointed at Mon's glass in her hand. "But please try to be a little subtle, especially when one of our new clients is here. And also, keep a lookout for any available women."

"I will."

-0-

The night was almost coming to an end. Mon was able to find Nao and continue to be in each other's company while both would interact with the amount of people at the party. Mai and Mikoto along with Natsuki and Shizuru happen to join them after speaking with more than enough people that were working in their company, Mon could tell that her cousin had reached her limit with conversing with so much people that she may not remember the next day, but Shizuru would be there to help answer questions that Natsuki didn't have the answer to. That's one of the things that Mon loved about Shizuru, she would give the bluenette all the support and help she needed, and made sure that they both don't overwork themselves.

"So, just out of curiosity, when are you gonna tell your mom?" she whispered so that anyone around them couldn't hear her.

"I-I haven't figured out how to tell her. You know how my mom is. In fact, you all know how my mom is. If she finds out then she's gonna want to do things too fast. Right?" Natsuki looked over to the chestnut beauty with her best puppy eyes without her actually doing it.

Kawaii! My Natsuki is so cute when she pouts without even knowing. Shizuru thought.

"Even so, she is your mother. She just wants what's best for you."

"We all know that marriage is something you never want to talk about Natsuki, but now that you and…Shizuru." Mai whispered, "Are a thing, maybe this might be a good time to actually talk about it."

"It's not that I don't want to, it's just…I'm old enough to make my own choices and decisions, and it's better that my mom would focus the topic on someone else rather than me." Gasp!

Natsuki slapped her hand to cover her mouth after blurting out the real reason why she, her aunt and mom had ganged up on her cousin. Nao was trying to hold back a laugh, as Mai and Mikoto were surprised and Shizuru was shocked but she hid behind her champagne glass while shaking her head. Mon slowly turned her head to the bluenette and everyone could feel the coldness of death arising. Natsuki couldn't make eye contact and could feel like she might start to sweat out of fright knowing now that her cousin knows the truth.

"Natsu, look at me." Natsuki slowly lifted her head and their eyes met. "Are you saying that you did this to me, so you could avoid talking to Saeko about marriage?"

It took awhile for Mon to calm down and a great amount of restraints to keep her from killing her cousin in front of a lot of witnesses. She had let the subject go for now because Natsuki's evil plan had already been in motion and Mon couldn't back out now. She gave all her time, energy and patience to the company she's working for and she did not intend to let any of her coworkers down. Especially her boss. Sam.

After she had a few more drinks, she had caught a glimpse of a familiar beautiful older woman who was accompanied by a handsome older gentleman that was conversing with oldman Kanzaki. He had a champagne glass in one hand and he held the older woman's hand gently as Mon could see that he was caressing his thumb over her hand ever so lovingly. But what caught her sight was the younger woman right next to them. It could've been the alcohol playing tricks on her but she needed to be sure who the woman was.

Damn, turn around already so I can see who you are. She thought impatiently.

Right on cue; the young raven woman turned swiftly around with her own champagne glass in hand. Mon became frantic. She turned herself around so quickly that it startled her friends and some had spilled their drinks on the other.

"What the hell, Mundane!" Nao shouted but not loud enough to disturb the crowd.

"I'm sorry Red. And I told you not to call me that!" Mon whispered. "It's her."

The group became confused and looked around to see that there were many women in the room.

"Who are you talking about?" Natsuki asked.

"My boss. She's the young raven standing next to the couple talking to oldman Kanzaki."

All five pairs of eyes had darted in the direction of the raven beauty and what they saw was a complete vision of a goddess. They all noticed that she didn't seem interested in anyone that was there but she wasn't planning on becoming rude to those who wanted to dance with her, so she politely declined any offers, which were made by men. All walked away with pouts on their faces from the raven beauty's rejection and for some reason Mon felt happy that she did, but also confused on why she was here. Suddenly a thought had struck her nerve and realized why the older woman looked so familiar.

"It all makes sense. That's who she reminded me of. I've been thinking about it ever since. It can't be that coincidental. I mean what are the odds that I would be working for the daughter and just meeting the mother earlier this morning?"

"Ah, Mon. You may want to lower the tone. You're attracting a lot of attention." Mai suggested.

Mon felt her face blushing and took a drink out from Nao's hand and downed it in one gulp. The redhead was about to retort but Mikoto was quick enough to place a piece of sushi in Nao's mouth. Nao glared at the black hair feline but Mikoto gave a thumbs up and was rewarded with a kiss to the cheek by Mai. She was caught off guard but she didn't mind at all. Mon was just about to relax until she heard the most conniving voice she could ever hate.

"Well look who it is. I should've known that the screeching across the room was you. If I were you I would keep it down."

"And what makes you think I care about what comes out of your mouth?" Mon said.

"Oohh! You got me shakin' with the tone in your voice and the cold look in your eyes."

"Kanzaki, now is not the best time to piss off my cousin." Natsuki warned the Obsidian Prince.

"Oh I wouldn't do that Kuga-san. Besides, we all wouldn't want to cause a scene and embarrass our families now, would we?" He stated, and stared at Mon as he said it.

"Careful Kanzaki, you wouldn't want to sprout any more gray hairs than you already have."

The group tried to keep their giggles to a low key, but the expression on Reito's face was sheer panic as he searched for his phone and looked at the reflection of his hair from every angle.

"Ha! Made you look." Mon smirked.

Both heir's were standing on separate sides of the area that they all were at and continued their glaring contest. Each one had an intimidating aura and fascinating determination to win the argument, which was something that Shizuru liked about Mon. The chestnut woman figured that this fit had gone on long enough and decided to step in.

"Ara, I think that we should all calm down. There is no need for anyone to start anything. Kanzaki-san, we appreciate you coming by and saying a few words of your choice. But I think it's best if you move along." Shizuru suggested in a very serene way.

The black haired man was about to leave until he decided to make the biggest mistake that he could ever do by placing his hand on Mon's shoulder.

Big mistake.

Mon knew what would happen and apparently so did Kanzaki. So she had planned ahead if he ever did touch her, that she needed to be a little out of the party or at least from any lingering eyes that might see what would happen. So it was a good thing that they all were behind a huge size pillar that anyone could be hidden behind. On instinct, she grabbed his wrist, wrapped his arm around his back while holding the other arm stretched out. He grunted in pain as his face was slammed to the pillar.

"Let me go or…"

"Or what? You'll tell daddy that a skinny little girl crushed your ego? Touch me again or any woman that I care about…and I'll make sure you never sit again."

Mon released him and he left without saying a word. He tried to adjust his composer and make it sound like he wasn't in pain, but the expression on his face was giving him away. He politely approached his father and told him that he wasn't feeling too good, that it was something he ate accidentally. Oldman Kanzaki figured that it must've been an allergic reaction because he noticed that his son's hand was shaking. So he excused himself from the party and headed off home. By the time the Kanzaki's were gone, Mon had felt a sudden chill run up her spine. She felt that feeling before and her first thought was her mother or aunt, but this one was different, it felt more colder. She then looked around for the source until her eyes had connected with pitch black orbs that looked like they were going to devour the brunette whole.

Holy crap. She saw me. Mon had thought out of fear.