Synopsis:
Sakura fell in love with a man she knew was out of her league. He had an incredibly long line of suitors waiting to enchant him and become his wife. What would he see in her that the other women did not have? As fate would have it, they cared for each other deeply. Their love blossomed over time. But one fateful day, he disappeared. She was told he was dead. But she held on to the belief he was still alive. Alas, he reappeared, but not as her Li Syaoran, but the fiancé of the daughter of the Wang clan. He did not know Kinomoto Sakura existed, let alone a certain little boy who carried his surname.
Chapter 2: Shimmers
"Thank you, Sakamoto-san," Sakura chirped, flashing the Lis' driver, who held the door open for her, with an infectious grin. The smartly clothed middle-aged man bowed and offered a gloved hand to her. Sakura took it as she climbed out of the car.
Like her first visit, she was welcomed by the Lis' butler, Wei. Like her first visit, the elderly man's kind smile quietened her wildly thumping heart. Even though she had a lovely first experience at the Lis' mansion two days ago, Sakura was still a bundle of nerves. Li Yelan seemed like an approachable and warm lady, but she could not be sure of the other members in the household, especially the children who would be under her care from this day forth. She wondered how they were like. Mischievous? Sweet? Rebellious? She only prayed they would be kind to her. After all, her only experience with children was when she and her cheerleading team volunteered at an orphanage. They had taught them basic cheerleading stunts and routines, and interacted with them during lunch. The children had been a genial and lively bunch. It had been a pleasant and enriching experience for Sakura and her team.
"Welcome, ojou-san," Wei greeted, giving the young lady before him a slight bow. Behind the elderly gentleman stood two maidservants clad in simple turquoise cheongsams. Mimicking the household's veteran, they bowed, a notch deeper.
Sakura inclined her head in reciprocation. When her emerald eyes met his wrinkled ones, she smiled. "Hello, Wei-san. Please call me Sakura."
"You are very kind, Sakura-san," Wei answered deferentially. "I will take you to furen's home office. The two young ladies here will bring your belongings to your room, which you will be shown after your meeting with furen."
"Th-Thank you." Sakura gave the two dark-haired maidservants a modest bow.
Sakura followed the kind butler into the house. Instinctively, she tilted her head upwards to gaze at that riveting golden bell that had caught her attention when she first stepped into the compound the day before. The small yellow tag was still hanging from it but this time, Sakura saw a dust of glitter dancing around it. She blinked a few times to ensure her eyes were not playing a trick on her. The bell swayed in a circular motion, giving off a light melodious chime as the clapper hit its metallic interior. Like magic, the outline of the bell shimmered. Sakura wanted to ask Wei if the bell had some sort of magic enclosed within it but decided to keep mum for now. She did not want to risk being labelled as an eccentric. Since young, Sakura had an uncanny ability to see beyond the physical realm. She saw wonder, beauty and power in the most ordinary of things. Apart from her onii-chan, otou-san and her best friend, Daidouji Tomoyo, she had kept it as her own little secret.
Like her first visit, Sakura was spellbound as she glanced around the opulent house that she thought she would only see in dramas. This time round, Sakura caught a whiff of sweet fragrance that permeated every square inch of the hallway. It was strange but amazing how the scent made her feel… embraced. She took a deep breath, inhaling its every molecule into her being. She tried to find the source of the heavenly smell by looking around the hallway. She saw vases of pink and white flowers decorating the various corners and sides of the pair of spiral staircases. Could it be from these flowers?
Curious, Sakura piped up, "Wei-san, what are these flowers called?"
With a gentle lilt, Wei answered, "They are peonies. They are a favourite in the Li household."
Sakura nodded in acknowledgement. "I see. I guess the sweet scent in this room comes from the peonies?"
With his eyebrows slightly raised, Wei replied, "You have a sharp sense of smell, Sakura-san."
"Why aren't you packing up?"
The CEO of Li Corporation glared at the speaker, clearly annoyed. The right hand side of his computer was piled with unfinished documents that needed his perusal and approval. Other than that, his desk, which was made of fine walnut wood, was as neat as a pin.
Fiddling with his platinum-coated, black Montblanc ballpoint, the Li heir said plainly, "I still have these to look through." He nodded towards the stack of papers and files.
"Well, my busy CEO cousin, those can wait but your Mother's summoning us to dinner at home this evening cannot wait."
Syaoran sighed in exasperation. "You know it's her ploy to get me to…"
"… mate?" Eriol chimed in, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Yeah, whatever you call it." Syaoran tossed his pen aside and leaned back against his black leather swivel chair, closing his eyes. He exhaled in vexation. Ever since he had turned twenty-one, his mother had been throwing girls at him in the hopes of getting her only son to tie the knot with someone from a reputable family and worthy of supporting the future leader of the Li clan. Woman after woman, heartbreak after heartbreak – he had enough. Then again, he could not bring himself to displease his mother who, well, only had his best interests at heart. Syaoran respected and wanted to honour her as best as he could. After all, she had raised him and his four sisters single-handedly since the death of the late Old Master Li. He did not want to break her heart. Hence, he had always agreed to meet the women his mother had set up for him, though he had not once invested his heart in any of them. Just one look and he knew there was no chance he could spend the rest of his life with those women his mother had sourced for him.
Not wanting to appear as though he weren't putting in any effort, one month was the time frame he would give for each of the women. After that, he would break it off, explaining to his mother she was not a good fit. At such news, the Mistress of the Li household would sigh in disappointment and promise to find him another potential life partner.
"You know you can't keep delaying your engagement forever, right?" his mother would say.
"I know, Mother. But things just didn't work out," he would reply.
"You think too much, dear cousin. It's just an innocent dinner to welcome your family's new live-in tutor. I know your mother. She is the sort who tries to make others feel welcome as much as possible," Eriol explained matter-of-factly, although there was a trace of doubt in his words.
Not wanting to be nagged further, Syaoran rose from his chair, picked up his briefcase and suit jacket, and headed for the door. "You win, Hiiragizawa."
With a triumphant smile, Eriol held open the door, bent over his waist and said in mock servitude, "After you, ouji-sama."
Syaoran paused at the exit and rolled his eyes. "Cut the crap, Hiiragizawa. Let's go."
"As you wish, ouji-sama," Eriol jested, closing the door behind him when they were both out of the office.
Sakura plopped herself onto the plush, cloud-like bed, taking in the details of the room she had been given in the enormous Li mansion. The walls were painted a cream colour, peppered with soft yellow floral prints. Against the right side of the room was a white dressing table with a luxurious stone top and matching stool. Next to it was a compact study desk with a clean, white finish, and two drawers which provided ample storage space for Sakura's paperwork paraphernalia. In front of the desk was a neutral cream-coloured office chair with faux leather upholstery and a swivel base in walnut laminate finish. A few standing lamps dotted her room and a ceiling fan with adjustable LED brightness and colours hung from the centre of the ceiling. On the left side was a white, elegant wardrobe with sliding doors. Just above the headboard of Sakura's bed was a frame of abstract oil painting in hues of yellow and blue. Two simple white bedside tables were on either side of her bed, both of which had identical table lamps made of ceramic and cloth materials. On one of the tables was a telephone.
Running her hand over the supple sheets, Sakura smiled to herself. She had expected a basic room with minimal furniture, perhaps even more rudimentary than her rented apartment she had just vacated. She felt as if she had been showered with blessings when Wei had shown her to this very room that she could now call her own. She thought she had walked into a posh hotel room. There was everything that she needed and more. There was even an exquisitely decorated en-suite bathroom just beside her wardrobe. The room smelled like fresh flowers – truly a balm to the soul. Sakura could not feel more thankful for Li-san's generosity. Wei had told her that this room was specially chosen for her. Her. Kinomoto Sakura, just another ordinary girl, a drop in the ocean.
Spreading her arms and legs comfortably on the bed and heaving a blissful sigh, Sakura fell into a gentle slumber.
He blinked once. Then twice. Did he see right? He was quite sure that he saw the house bell shimmer in pink and lilac. The few occasions when the only Li son noticed subtle changes in the appearance of the bell were when something significant or impending was about to happen. He remembered he first saw the bell shift in its exterior when his father was about to pass away. Its usual golden colour had turned dark. It no longer gleamed in the sunlight. As the family gradually walked out of their own grief, the bell slowly returned to its original state of gold. The second time the bell changed was when two of his sisters gave birth to his nephews and nieces. It had emitted a jade green glow. He recalled how his heart had swelled with joy as he cradled each of the precious little babies in his arms.
Li Syaoran's eyes squinted at the bell. There was no mistaking the pink and lilac shimmer around the bell. It was different even if that one little change was ever so nuanced.
"You alright?" Eriol asked, more curious than concerned about what had made the Li heir stop in his tracks when everything in the compound was as usual. What had caught his attention in a familiar place such as his own house? He followed his cousin's gaze which was quickly diverted at his words.
"Nothing. Let's go in," mumbled Syaoran as he quickened his steps and strode into the mansion, with Eriol trailing behind.
As he entered into the ever familiar hallway, his heart gave the tiniest leap which could easily be ignored as something unremarkable. He stilled it with his breath. In that brief moment when his heart was stirred, he was pulled into a memory that was tucked away for eleven years. In his mind's eye, he saw his fifteen-year-old self knelt over his father's bed, sobbing. He felt how he had felt then - anguished, scared, lost. He was losing the most important male figure in his life. Li Tian was the one who taught him the ways of a gentleman, how to wield a sword and harness magic to protect the ones he loved including himself, the importance of being calm and patient in all circumstances and many more which he had buried deep into the recesses of his soul along with his father's still body. Even so, his father's last words rang as clear as glass within him.
Follow your heart. Listen to it. It will lead you to where you are meant to be.
Sakura's eyes widened and she had to stifle a gasp as she stepped into to the Lis' dining hall. She was struck by its expansive space - it could fit at least ten of her own dining area back in her home in Tomoeda! The ceiling soared high above, adorned with intricate mouldings and a stunning crystal chandelier that took Sakura's breath away. The hall was bathed in soft natural light from the setting sun, streaming through tall, arched windows.
A long, polished table, crafted from rich mahogany, dominated the centre, surrounded by plush, upholstered chairs, a few of which were already occupied. The table was elegantly set with fine china and sparkling crystal. In the middle of the table laid plates and bowls of delicacies.
Rich, opulent drapes framed the windows, their colours complementing the warm tones of the wood and the subtle hues of the walls. A grand sideboard displayed an array of exquisite serving pieces along the right side of the hall while photo frames that depicted the different moments of the Li family adorned the opposite wall.
Li Yelan occupied the seat at the head of table while two pairs of identical ladies sat opposite each other. There was some light chatter going on among them as they sipped from their wine glasses. When the eldest of the five spotted the awkward-looking girl standing near the foot of the massive dining table, she placed her glass lightly down and flashed her a warm smile.
"I hope you had a good rest, Sakura-san. Is the room to your liking?" Yelan asked kindly.
At their mother's acknowledgement of the presence of a newcomer, four identical faces turned towards the stiff honey-haired girl.
Sakura nodded her head vigorously. "Yes, Li-san. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I'm grateful beyond words." At that, she gave a deep bow, hoping the act of reverence could convey her heartfelt thanks that words alone could not.
Yelan gave a good-natured chuckle. "You're too polite, Sakura-san. It's only right to provide the best for Haitang and Haitian's live-in tutor." Gesturing her over, she continued, "Sakura-san, these are my daughters - Fuutie, Shiefa, Fanren and Feimei."
The four dashing women gazed at Sakura in pure curiosity and interest. Their stares, though harmless, were piercing, just like their mother's. Sakura could not help but feel that she was being scanned to her bones. Not forgetting her manners despite her self-consciousness, she bowed and introduced herself, "I'm Kinomoto Sakura. It's nice meeting all of you, onee-san."
"Onee-san? Aww, isn't she the cutest?" gushed one of the Li sisters. She wore a bob hairstyle and light makeup. Her outfit was a simple white blouse and dark green high-waisted skirt. Simplicity notwithstanding, she exuded unmatched elegance and charm. This jaw-dropping trait applied to the other three sisters.
What fine genes they have, Sakura thought to herself as she beheld the Li women in untainted admiration.
"Little Haitang and Haitian are going to love her!" the sister seated nearest to Yelan piped up. She had long tresses that were neatly braided with purple ribbons. She had the same kind face as her mother.
"I'm sure they will!" answered the other who was seated next to the one with the bob hairstyle. She had thick, wavy brown hair that cascaded gracefully to her lower back. She wore a pink floral dress and a matching hairband. She continued, "I'm Fuutie, Haitang and Haitian's mother. I'm glad to have you as their tutor." She beamed at Sakura who only blushed a light pink.
Bowing once more, Sakura promised, "I will do my best as their tutor and not disappoint you, onee-san."
"Enough of all the formality, Sakura-san," began the sister opposite Fuutie. Her voluminous brown tresses were tied smartly into a ponytail with a maroon ribbon. "Come and sit down with us. I bet you must be famished." She gave the family's guest a friendly wink.
From the little exchange with the ladies of the Li family, Sakura could feel the tension she had held on to since morning starting to melt away. Their candidness and affability proved her apprehension futile. Sakura weaved through the chairs and took the empty seat next to Fuutie. The maidservant standing behind her laid out a napkin on her lap.
"Thank you," Sakura responded.
"Are the children almost ready, Nanny Zhang?" Yelan inquired.
A plump, tender-looking lady in her mid-fifties stepped forward from her position in the dining hall at her Mistress's inquiry and said, "Furen, young master and young mistress are getting changed. They should be coming down about now."
Sakura noticed how the nanny gave off a soothing presence. Her facial features were soft and she had a head of gracefully greying hair. Her hands, though calloused from years of menial work, looked welcoming and reassuring.
"I see. What about Xiao Lang? Is he reaching home soon?" This time, the question was directed at the elderly butler, Wei.
He took a few steps towards the Li Mistress and said, "Young Masters Xiao Lang and Eriol are on their way from the office. They should be…"
The oak double doors to the dining hall opened with a soft push by the maidservants, revealing two tall, broad frames.
The bespectacled man with dark hair strode towards Yelan and gave a small bow. "Good evening, Yelan-san."
"Good evening, Eriol." Yelan's eyes shifted to the figure with neatly styled chestnut hair. "It's nice to see you, Xiao Lang."
Giving a curt nod, the only Li son replied, "Mother."
"Come, sit."
After the two men took their seats, Yelan turned to Sakura. Nodding towards each of the two latest additions to the dining hall, she said, "This is Eriol Hiiragizawa, a distant relative of our family. And this is Xiao Lang, my son."
Sakura gave them a small smile.
"This is Kinomoto Sakura, Haitang and Haitian's new tutor," Yelan introduced.
Eriol, who was seated beside Sakura, turned to her and said, "Nice to meet you, Sa… Would you mind if I called you by your first name?" His azure eyes sparkled with playful delight, crinkling at the corners as his lips curved upwards. Though they glinted with mischief, those eyes radiated warmth that could lift one's spirits. His gentle demeanour seemed to have the ability to tame the wildest souls.
"Of course," replied Sakura, somehow feeling at ease in the presence of this pale-skinned stranger.
"Welcome, Sakura-san," Eriol chirped, "And please call me Eriol."
"Thank you, Eriol-san," Sakura answered as she gave a little tilt of her head.
Across her was the only son of Li Yelan. He nodded his head in thanks as the maidservant gracefully unfolded the crisp napkin and placed it on his lap with a gentle motion. With a subtle elegance, he lifted the glass to his lips. He paused for a brief moment, seemingly savouring the crimson liquid before taking a measured sip. His expression was thoughtful as the rich flavour enveloped his senses. The movement was smooth and refined, embodying a sense of poise that seemed effortless.
Unlike Eriol, he was quiet and reserved most of the time unless being spoken to. Even then, his responses were laconic.
Just then, there was a thundering of the stairs and shortly after, the doors of the dining hall burst open and two dark-haired children tumbled in.
"Mother! Mother! I heard we have a new tutor today!" exclaimed the older of the two siblings, her voice a high-pitched melody of joy.
Her younger brother bounced on his toes, barely able to contain his excitement. "I can't wait to meet her!"
"Children, calm down," interjected Fuutie. She rose from her chair and went over to her children. She led them by their hands to their seats.
"Sakura-san, would you like to introduce yourself?" Yelan smiled encouragingly at the emerald-eyed girl who got up from her chair, readying herself to make a proper introduction to her students.
"My name is Kinomoto Sakura. I'll be your tutor starting today. I hope we get along well." Giving her brightest smile, Sakura looked into the eyes of the two children. Their faces lit up as they beamed back.
Haitang and Haitian took their seats next to their new tutor. Words tumbled out in a rush, each syllable bursting with energy as they shared their names, hobbies, likes and dislikes with their new tutor. Their hands waved animatedly, underscoring their eagerness to share every detail of themselves. Sakura found herself drawn to their innocence and boundless zest. They reminded her of herself when she was their age - so carefree, so fearless, so joyful. Granted, it was not like she had lost all excitement for life, neither was she so chained and shackled by responsibilities that she had become bitter and cynical. On the contrary, she was still her cheery and exuberant self, full of hope for the future. Although she had to shoulder greater responsibilities that are typical and expected of a twenty-five-year-old, and she had to admit at times that she wished life could be kinder to her, she always chose gratitude which invariably gave her the motivation and zeal to press on and delight in all that she got to do. Kinomoto Sakura was full of joy because of the hope she harboured in her heart.
Unknowingly, her gaze landed on Li Xiao Lang who was seated opposite her. He was quietly partaking of his dinner. He held his chopsticks with practised ease, his fingers poised delicately around the slender wooden utensils. As he lifted a piece of vegetable, his movements were fluid and precise. He navigated the intricacies of the meal, taking each bite purposefully and with care. Sakura glanced around the table, noticing that everyone ate their meal with so much grace and composure, even the boisterous siblings. Their upbringing was truly impeccable.
Sakura found her eyes roam back to the Li son. She watched him as discreetly as she could. He seemed to be wrapped up in his own zone where no one was to trespass without his permission. There was something about him that caused a twitch within her. He felt familiar. Had she seen him somewhere other than the family portrait in the hallway? That brown hair, aloof disposition, words that were curt and glacially calm… the hotel! The bitterly sobbing lady!
As if on cue, one of the Li sisters piped up, "So, Xiao Lang, how are things going between you and Zhang Yun?"
There was a moment of silence before her brother spoke. "We ended things yesterday."
"Oh."
An audible sigh escaped Yelan's mouth. "Xiao Lang, same reason as before?"
"Yes."
Eriol chuckled. "Whoever is able to capture the heart of this Casanova must be a rare breed of women. Either that or an extinct species."
Syaoran glared at the speaker, his eyes seemed as though they could devour him whole. "Eat your dinner, Hiiragizawa."
Unfazed, Eriol chuckled again.
Casanova, huh. No wonder. He must have had so many suitors throwing themselves at him. Look at him. So handsome, so rich, so mysterious. Which woman wouldn't want him? Sakura thought to herself. She could understand why women flocked to him despite his notorious reputation in the field of love and dating. This Li heir was generously endowed with every good thing in this world. Even so, she shuddered inwardly as she thought about the countless women whose hearts he had so mercilessly broken. What a frightening man.
Then, amber locked onto emerald. Their eyes met. Sakura froze. Crap, he caught me staring. She quickly looked away and pretended to be busy picking out bones from the bright orange salmon fillet on her plate.
At the front porch of the mansion, the bell chimed euphoniously, pink and lilac dust dancing around it, accompanied by a jade green glow.
"Moshi-moshi," Sakura greeted cheerfully.
"What's my love doing?"
Sakura giggled into her phone. "Nothing much. I'm just done with dinner. You called at the right time."
Kimura Hideki replied smugly, "Kudos to our telepathic connection."
Sakura smiled though her boyfriend of three years could not possibly see, even with their telepathic connection. "What're you doing?"
"Thinking of you."
"You and your sweet talk, Hideki-kun." Sakura hopped onto her bed, twirling a strand of her auburn locks as she reveled in the voice of this man whom she had not met virtually in the past one week because of their busy schedules.
Sakura had met Kimura Hideki back in their university days. Captain of the basketball team, Hideki was the heartthrob among girls. Hence, Sakura was surprised that he had never dated anyone before her. She was even more surprised when he came up to her a week before graduation to ask her out. He confessed that he had set his eyes on her when they first started working together on a project for one of the modules they were in the same class for. He admired her charm, confidence and tenacity. He loved how much her bright personality infected him. There were so many facets to love about her.
Sakura remembered how she was reduced to a stuttering mess when Hideki had approached her. Sure, she had a line of suitors hoping to date her but they would always be politely refused. Ever since she accepted the captaincy for her university's cheerleading squad, she had various opportunities to work with the different sports teams in organising a myriad of campus events. Because of that, she got to know Hideki at a deeper level. Apart from his debonair appearance, Sakura found his commitment to his sports and studies, his thoughtfulness towards others and his chivalrous ways alluring. Over time, she had developed a little crush on him.
Sakura and Hideki went out together as friends for a couple of weeks before they officially became a couple. In the course of their relationship over the last three years, the most significant transition they had to tide through together was Hideki's blossoming career as a professional basketball player. He was overseas most of the time due to training and would only be back a few times a year. They had to subsist on video calls and texts to maintain their relationship. As such, managing a long-distance relationship proved more difficult than what they had naively expected.
When Sakura had told Hideki about her new job as a live-in tutor, he had voiced his disapproval.
"A live-in tutor? But that's not what you had in mind when you graduated, is it?" he had said, his tone was one between bewilderment and frustration.
"Well, I don't mind giving it a shot, Hideki-kun. What if it turns out to be something I really like?" Sakura had replied, though slightly hurt that her own boyfriend did not support her decision.
"I still don't really fancy the idea that you're living in a stranger's house, Sakura. And it doesn't help that I'm now miles away from where you are."
Sakura's heart had softened at his words. He was being protective and he cared about her safety. And that was what she liked about him. "Don't worry, Hideki-kun. That family is quite reputable. I doubt I'll find myself in a perilous situation there," Sakura had reassured her concerned boyfriend.
Sighing in defeat, Hideki relented, "Alright then. I know I can't change your mind when it's made up. Just be careful, okay? And text me whenever you can so I know you're…"
"Alive?" Sakura had cu int, her tone teasing.
"Well, I guess." Hideki had chuckled and that had put Sakura's mind at ease.
That conversation they just had two nights ago was but one of the many other disagreements they had had ever since Hideki went abroad. But of course, they would always try to talk things out at the end of an argument. They never went to bed without resolving their disputes. Sakura was quite satisfied with how things were between them at the moment, though she wished he could return to Japan more often. But perhaps because she had gotten accustomed to his absence, Sakura felt herself enjoying life even without Hideki physically around. She did not find herself pining hopelessly for him or bawling her eyes out whenever she missed him. In fact, she had noticed that she could go a day without thinking about him, especially when she was heavily preoccupied.
Was her love for him fading? She had heard it was a common phenomenon that could happen between couples who had been together for a long time and it was a common reason for breakups. Sakura shook her head. No, it's because we haven't been communicating as much. I still love Hideki but now, there are other things that I—we—need to focus on. It's just a phase.
Sakura closed her eyes as she listened to Hideki's mellifluous voice tickling and serenading her soul. He was not just a talented basketball player, but he was also a brilliant singer. Ah, one of the many reasons I love him.
She let her mind wander and she found herself thinking about the cruel Li son. He was an enigma, a mystery that she could never – would never – try to unravel. He seemed so… stern, so serious, so emotionless. She just hoped she would not run into him during her stay in the household.
A/N: Let me know what you think! :)