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SAKURA

The whole morning was stressful for me, even Sasuke sensed it. He had little in the way of personal belongings, but I helped him pack some awards, books, and a few shirts he kept on hand just in case. I shook my head. As I folded one of the shirts, I ran my fingers over the fabric of the sleeve. He had all of his shirts custom made with the Uchiha family symbol stamped on the cuffs.

Only wealthy and influential families had their own crest. I thought it was almost unreal. His things fit into just two boxes next to three of mine. Sasuke's office was as impersonal as his house. I looked around and saw that nothing had changed even after packing all his things. No one would even notice that anything was going on here, only upon close examination.

I also deleted my stuff from the computer to clean up after me. Sasuke, on the other hand, did a more thorough cleaning of the computer with a slight smirk as he fiddled with the hard drive. Then he shut down the computer. I could only guess what the IT department would discover there later.

Sasuke picked up both of our written resignations from his desk to go through them quickly before I went to deliver mine to CEO Danzo first. My gaze lingered on a small porcelain cat. I reached for it and picked it up. "Should I put that in the box too?" Sasuke glanced at the porcelain cat I held in my hand, but before he could reply, the door flew open and Danzo burst into the office, obviously wanting to discuss some work otherwise he wouldn't have come in.

He stopped suddenly and looked at us. Sasuke was sitting on the edge of his desk holding prepared resignation letters and I was standing with that cat in my hand over the open box. Danzo looked suspicious at first and gradually, as he realized we were packing up, he began to look angry. "What the hell is going on here?"

Sasuke slowly walked over to me. He took the porcelain cat from me, put it in the box, closed the lid, and I saw a small grimace on his face. "We're done here. Sakura, go to your desk and wait for me." He told me, but he didn't take his eyes off Danzo. I froze in place because this situation, though expected, came so suddenly.

I was only brought out of my stillness by Sasuke, who saw that my feet were not moving out of his office, so he did the same thing he did this morning. His hand slowly rose to my face and his fingers carefully tucked a strand of hair that had fallen out of my ponytail. This time on the opposite side than in the morning. Wait, so this morning... He's been practicing for this moment?! He couldn't have... My gaze shot to his eyes and I was about to ask him about it, but before I could do so, his voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Sakura..." He added in a low voice near my ear. "Go."

I looked at him in astonishment. What's he doing? And how can he be so calm? Sasuke leaned closer and I felt his warm breath on me. "I'll take care of this, go. We'll be leaving soon." I did as he said and I forced my feet to move towards the door.

Danzo was watching me like a vulture and I tried to shake off his gaze, but I hadn't even made it to the door before Danzo started yelling at me. "What is this?! Are you two having an affair? And in my company?!" Startled, I took a step back and bumped into something hard. I turned my head and Sasuke was standing behind me. When did he get to me? I hadn't heard him get behind me at all, and even faster now he was in front of me, his hand pushing me behind him.

I held my breath, dreading what would happen next.

"What we have together is none of your business." Sasuke pointed out to him with icy calmness, at which Danzo started laughing ironically with a harsh raspy voice. "Don't make me laugh!" He shouted after Sasuke and looked at me. "You can't stand her! You've been trying to get rid of her for so many months!"

"Good cover-up, huh?" Sasuke said with a leer, and I was amazed at how naturally he could play the CEO like that. "You just signed your death warrant at this company." The venom dripped from Danzo's voice, but Sasuke didn't let it sway him. "Too late." Sasuke added, tossing two bundles of papers with company letterhead, aka both of our resignations under Danzo's feet. "I'm quitting, and so is my fiancée."

Danzo stared at him in disbelief. "Your fiancée, Uchiha?" Danzo stomped his cane on one of the papers at his feet. "You want to throw away your future and career for such an worthless cunt!?" He screamed at Sasuke, lifting his cane and pointing it in my direction.

I didn't expect him to call me such a nasty term, but since he often called other employees alike, I was used to it by now. Still, it hurt and made me angry. How can he address me like that, shannaro!

The whole thing happened so fast, I didn't have time to stop it. One second Danzo was cursing and pointing at me, and the next Danzo was stretching his back slightly in the air when Sasuke grabbed him under the neck by his shirt. Sasuke's chest heaved in a perfect reflection of his calm breathing, which at first glance might have appeared calm, but wasn't.

What was before my eyes was a perfect example of what it might look like if a man was protecting something or someone he cared about. Not like in my case, where he was protecting a liar pretending to be his fiancée for money. Still, I was glad Sasuke stood up for me like that. Because it was probably just part of the camouflage again.

I was snapped out of my trance by the clink of Danzo's cane against the floor. "Don't talk about her like that." Sasuke paused. "Don't talk about her at all or I..." I took a step closer to him and put my hand on his shoulder. "Sasuke-kun..." I wanted to calm Sasuke down because I didn't know what could happen if Danzo pissed him off even more. It wasn't right for our soon-to-be former CEO to be held under his throat like that. But that old man deserves it for sure!

I saw Sasuke's grip slowly loosen. Danzo drop to the ground again and I breathed a silent sigh of relief. "We're done here. I've had enough of your screw-ups and this whole company." Sasuke announced to him, letting go of Danzo with a small shove. I was startled to see Danzo slump to the ground, but thankfully he just stumbled and bent down for his cane. "You'll regret this..." Our ex-CEO hissed with a hateful tone.

"My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner." That was the last sentence Sasuke said to Danzo.

"Sakura..." I perked up when Sasuke addressed me. "Go get your stuff, we're leaving." I didn't wait for anything more and walked at a faster pace out of his office, past Danzo, straight to my desk where I grabbed my brown coat and purse. Sasuke marched out of his office soon after me, ignoring Danzo's shouting behind him full of threats, promising to take him to court and destroy him.

Sasuke gestured with his head towards the door and then I followed him out into the hallway. Danzo limped behind us with his cane, calling out in a hoarse voice for us to stop. Other employees and managers were getting up from their seats and peeking out of their office doors. They stared at the ruckus Danzo and us had just caused. I had never experienced so many stares at me before and I prayed that we would be out of the ROOT Inc. building as soon as possible.

I kept my eyes on Sasuke's back. I'm sure in his mind he's happy with his work. He kept walking straight, oblivious to the stares from the others, his head held high without a single sign of hesitation. He wasn't the least bit ashamed of the scene he'd caused.

We reached the elevator and Sasuke pressed the button. He turned to a small group of bystanders who, though they had no idea what was going on, were enjoying the resulting drama. He ran his hard gaze over them all one by one until the elevator doors opened with a clang.

Sasuke was the first to enter everywhere, so I wanted to wait for him to enter. For that reason, I didn't expect Sasuke to stay still. I felt his arm around my waist and looked at him in surprise when he pulled me close. "Sasuke-kun? What are you..." I looked at his hand on my hip and back at him.

"After you." Sasuke leaned down to my ear and urged me to go in first. To those who could see our backs, it might have looked like he kissed me on the cheek or something. This is so awkward! I simply nodded and, blushing with embarrassment, got into the elevator first.

Sasuke took his time getting on, but just in time because Danzo appeared at the end of the hallway and made his way towards us. The shocked gasps and muffled exclamations from the other employees dimmed the sound of the elevator doors closing as we both got on.

As soon as the elevator started going down, Sasuke let go of me and pulled away a bit. I found the stuffiness of the elevator unbearable, so I stepped back and leaned my back against the cabin, breathing a little heavily. His whole act was calculated and contained a trace of rage. "Was this really good thing to do?" I asked uncertainly, still absorbing the whole situation. "I bet the whole company will know about us by tonight." The corner of his lips lifted, indicating he was pleased with the result of his work.

The elevator took us to the lobby where we both got out and I followed Sasuke to his car. On the way to the parking lot, Sasuke called the movers to come get the boxes and take them to his house. Actually, it's our house now. I waited until he got off the phone. We both got in the car and only then did I ask: "Sasuke-kun... Did you... Was this all planned?"

Finally he smirked without hiding his satisfaction. I could see it in his eyes. He looked like a troublemaking kid. I haven't seen him like this very often. "No." I furrowed my brows. "I planned it differently, but when he barged in and figured it out, I went about it the other way." He stuck the keys in the ignition and drove off, eyes forward.

"It was embarrassing..." I said quietly, turning my gaze out the window, watching the people out on the streets.

"It was a publicity stunt."

Sasuke retorted to my comment and continued. "And a damn important one. Not only did everyone see that I was done with Danzo, but they also learned about the two of us." I cut in with my question and turned to him. "And how does that help us if the whole ROOT Inc. is going to gossip about us?" Sasuke flicked me a look and resumed his driving. "Tomorrow when we get to Namikaze's house, he'll know I quit my job and caused a scene at work just because Danzo insulted my fiancée. It's going great."

I shook my head in dismay. I would never have called what happened great. "Don't worry." He snorted and continued to deftly weave through the heavy traffic. "It's all over now. You don't have to go there anymore. I'll call my lawyer and he'll deal Danzo the first blow. And we'll corner him right off the bat."

"First strike?" I didn't understand what he meant. I thought that today was the end of ROOT Inc. and we would just focus on the Namikaze Group. As soon as he mentioned his lawyer, I realized I had seen his name on our contract. Obito Uchiha. So more family members have been successful, besides Sasuke and his brother Itachi.

"Danzo hates negative publicity around his company. If he thinks I'm after him because of his backstabbing and unhealthy work environment, he won't try anything on us. It's just insurance." Sasuke explained in detail and I was left speechless.

I was honestly fascinated by how prepared and smart Sasuke was. He takes all situations into consideration, no matter how uncomfortable it is. On one hand, it was reassuring to know that he was doing everything he could to make sure we weren't harmed. Even though his actions were a leap from one extreme to the other, but it was also his charm.

I sighed and laid my head against the cool window.

"Have you thought about the shopping?" Sasuke said as we drove past the mall.

"Do I have to go?" I grinned at Sasuke. I tried to avoid it, but it was clear from the start that I was going to go shopping for new things, sooner or later.

"I'll call the stylist and she'll help you tomorrow to get ready for Saturday at Namikaze's house." Yes, I remembered him telling me about a friend of his who did this for a living.

"What's her name?" I asked for the name of this supposed goddess of style and fashion.

"Yamanaka Ino."

"Okay..." I sighed and Sasuke drove on, saying nothing to my obvious enthusiasm. Great. I hated shopping. Mostly because I could never spend money. But if I stopped thinking about paying bills, maybe I'd start to enjoy it. I hope so. After today's experience, I needed a distraction.

...

Soon after we arrived back at the house, Kabuto came with today's mail and handed Sasuke a small envelope. He opened it and took out a black credit card, which he promptly slipped to me.

"What's this?" I looked at the card he held out in front of me. "For your purchases." I looked at the card and saw that it had my name engraved in silver. "I said I wasn't going to spend your money..." I looked at him and shook my head. "Never mind." I huffed a sigh. Apparently, what Sasuke wanted, he got. I took the credit card and Sasuke went to sit in the living room. "Sign it and use it." He added that before disappearing around the corner.

I put on a cranky face and followed him. I sat down a little bit further away from him. "Couldn't Ino have bought me the dress herself?" I tried to ask slyly. "I'm sure you've already given her instructions on how you want me to look at Saturday."

But Sasuke was insistent. "It's not just Saturday. I made that clear. I want you to wear dresses, tailored suits, and elegant things. You're going to get a whole new wardrobe." He looked at me, waiting for a hint that I understood him and that I agree. I made a thoughtful face on purpose.

I, on the other hand, looked thoughtful and furrowed my brow. "All new? Should I throw away my underwear too?" I tried to be brave and make fun of him with a little sarcasm. I hoped to break his calm and composed mood a little, which he now had as he sat comfortably on the couch. And that's exactly what I managed to do. Sasuke rolled his gaze sideways to the window on the other side, pretending he hadn't heard me. Nice!

After a moment of awkward silence, he looked back at me and uttered "Whatever... Throw it away. Throw it all away. Buy what you need for the role you're about to play."

I figured he clearly didn't find my joke amusing, so I said nothing in response and reached in front of me to the table for my purse. I'd better put that card in my wallet before I lose it. "Why are you so annoying?" He hummed to himself, but I heard it. "Did you say something?"

"Nothing, it's pointless to discuss..." At his comment, I got up from my seat and looked down at him. "Then find another one to discuss things and this charade with you, shannaro..." I wasn't angry, I just wanted to pretend to be offended. I can't even believe I'm in the mood to nudge him like that. I would never even think of talking to him like that or picking on him.

I wanted to go to my room and leave him here, but he grabbed my hand with his long fingers.

"Sakura."

"What?" I shook off his hand, but his gaze was fixed on me.

"Why don't you want to buy new things?" He asked, honestly looking for a reasonable explanation.

I tiredly rubbed my hand over my eyes. "If you don't get what you wanted after Saturday... you're going to waste a lot of money for nothing. All this madness will be for nothing." Yes, I felt sorry for him and the money. But more of that money. I didn't trust myself enough to say for sure that on Saturday I would convince all the high society what a wonderful lady I was. And in love with my boss on top of that. I didn't have the confidence in myself that Sasuke had in me.

"All the madness?"

I blinked to keep the tears from forming under my eyes. "Pretending we're engaged, ripping me from my home, throwing away both of our jobs, buying all that new stuff, forcing yourself to spend time with me..." I said in a low voice, not wanting to let my thoughts out, but he should know how I felt about this. "Even Danzo knew how much you hate me, Sasuke. How could that possibly work?"

"If the whole thing doesn't work out... and it's a big if, you're left with a bunch of expensive clothes you can wear at your next job or sell. And the place you've been living in can hardly be called home."

"But-" I jumped in, but he cut me off. "If it doesn't work out, we'll find you something better, take it that way." I slumped my shoulders and thought about what he had just said. He was right, it wasn't home, but it was simply mine. I felt like I had nothing, even though Sasuke was offering me basically everything.

"And honestly..." His voice snapped me out of my thoughts as Sasuke stood up from his seat and lowered his gaze to me. "Maybe I judged you too soon. It's not that I hate you. You're actually quite tolerable company." I widened my eyes at his unexpected honest confession, because I never thought I'd ever hear that come out of his mouth. I had no idea what to say in response to such an unexpected statement.

"You just can be incredibly annoying, that's all."

Damn, did you have to add that last sentence?!

My scowl had such an effect on him that the corner of his lips lifted into a slight smile. "How about we call a truce?" He turned his whole body toward me. "We need to work as a team, not as individuals. What do you say?" With a warm smile on my face, I also stood up so we were face to face. I was pleased with his offer and glad he had suggested this. "I agree, Sasuke-kun. We'll work as a team."

"Hn." He nodded, and I felt strangely relieved to have that reassurance from him. "But there's one more thing." I perked up and watched him reach into his pants pocket for something. "What is it?" He held out his hand to me, and in his palm sat a tiny black box. "I want you to wear it."

Is that what I think it is? Is it... a ring?!

I stared repeatedly at him and at the box. And then back to him and the box. "It's part of the equipment for our contract. It won't bite you." I ignored his sarcastic remark. "What's that?" I whispered, though the answer was already clear to me.

"An engagement ring."

"Do you want me to kneel with it?" He said rather irritated because I still wasn't moving. I think he was just messing with me because his voice was kind with a hint of mischief. He's teasing me, shannaro!

"No!" I yelled. "No, no, that won't be necessary..."

I steadied my nerves so it wouldn't be so obvious as I took the light box in my hands and slowly opened it. Inside, a beautiful ruby ring stared back at me. It was simply breathtaking! After a moment, I raised my eyes to Sasuke and our gazes met.

"I described to my jeweller what it should look like. I thought you might like one like this." I ignored the fact that Sasuke had his own jeweler because my thoughts were in a completely different place right now.

Aunt Tsunade liked jewelry, and she had learned many things about gemstones, such as their price and meaning. It stuck in my mind that ruby is the stone of courage, rebirth and eternal youth. It energizes, balances, stimulates the chakra of the heart. It symbolizes love, passion, desire and loyalty. It protects from danger and helps establish special connections.

"You were right Sasuke-kun. I like it a lot." I told him cheerfully, full of warm feelings. I was touched by this so much. I put it on my finger and looked at that small masterpiece. It fit perfectly, yet it felt strange to have it on my hand.

"I'll keep an eye on it until it's time to give it back to you." I said to Sasuke for reassurance and he snorted derisively. "You should. But with your clumsiness, I'd rather have it insured." I had to giggle at his little funny remark.

"Wear it."

Those were the last words Sasuke said to me before he turned and walked away towards the stairs leading to his room on the upper floor. "Sasuke-kun! Thank you." I shouted after him and he stopped. I expected him to turn around and make a comment or nod, but after a moment he continued upstairs.

I hope he knows that this ring made me genuinely happy. I've never had any expensive jewellery but I felt like I had something precious in my possession to cherish. Something small and significant that binds our new truce with Sasuke. It made me excited to experience, for once in my life, what it would be like to have an engagement ring. I reached out my hand to look again at that stunning ring that just glittered on my finger. Wow... So it looks like I have a fiancé now.

I was engaged to a man who didn't exactly love me, but I guess there wasn't complete hatred in it anymore. Maybe our alliance will bring out feelings of unity in both of us after all, and we'll be closer as people. We can do this together, as a team.

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End of Chapter 13