My Husband's Wedding- Chapter Seventeen

My Husband’s Wedding

Witch-Mistress-Animaru

A/N: This had to be the quickest update I made for — what, three, four months? It’s just that I can’t help it, without anything to do, and the stories in FF community that I’m actually looking forward to finishing aren’t even close to updating…ha-ha, so thank the authors of those stories for this truly quick update! Hey, can you keep a secret? I know this isn’t allowed, but please, I really want to answer some of your questions as shortly and as quickly as possible. I hate not being able to answer; it’s so smothering for a wordsmith like me. Before I give my thanks, here’s my answer, in general, to all of you who asked. Sadly, I’m not likely to divulge information as to where this story is leading, though I may drop hints and teasers from time to time (that’s evil little me speaking, ha-ha.):

About the author: Well, I’m turning 16 a few weeks from now and if anyone bothered reading my profile you’d know I’m a Filipina (That’s not sarcastic, mind you, just stating the facts, ). I’m a freshman college, in one of the Universities around here…taking up Broadcast Communication. Ha-ha. Now if you’re asking why I didn’t take Creative Writing or something like that, tell me and I’ll tell you personally the reason why (It’s too long, that’s why I can’t tell it here). In the Philippines, there’s no middle school; we jump straight from elementary (Do you call that primary?) to high school. But you’re right, I’m a bit young for my education; some of my batch mates are already 16, 17…and heavens, 18! I’m the youngest from my batch, but I know there’s one person in my university who’s actually 14, turning 15 this year! It doesn’t matter anyway. The interview I was talking about was a requirement for one of my classes; well, it went…great. I brought some celebrity along, ha-ha, and my classmates liked it. Truly.

About the story: I noticed no one felt sorry for Syaoran. Ha-ha. Reading between the lines, he feels so damn wretched having missed the first few years of his son’s life. But anyway, bet you didn’t notice that. And no, they never stopped loving each other; they’re just idiots who let their pride talk for them. Ah, the glory of being a writer, you can make these elements work; you know…well, we’ll have fun in the chapter after next. That’s when we’ll see their life together…and then we add a few twists and turns again. Never too happy, are they? As for the plot, well…I didn’t get to watch Bridget Jones’ Diaries, so you can’t accuse me of plagiarism. I wasn’t even aware of that movie having that sort of plot, J.F. Mitchell. But let me tell you this: I’ve read enough romance novels to know that was a cliché. Ha-ha.

Remember last chapter when I said it was the longest author’s note? I lied. This one’s longer. Ha-ha. Now, thanks to: MizUnapprochable, Lil LoveStar, eternalsolaris, gege ) (A), thereviewergirl, insanity-ward, Lil-BabYAnG3L, yukyungtang, xKawaiixIndox, bellcicle, ori-chan, anime-lover-forever2007, MistressMizu, juju (A), Sakura Lover, Tachiko, Lyphta, meow-mix23, SwEeTxChErRy, J.F. Mitchell, kaipanther, Hikari Blaze, magicianprincess (A), Crystal Butterfly, teenureen, Illyria (A), rika411, Elisandra1, blueducky511, AmberJade (A), Sakura YingFa Li, ladyblossem, Animefreakkagome, pollyhi5, lollipopper, xfamtasygirlx (A), Musette Fujiwara, miyu (A) and mary (A).

Now, here goes Chapter 17!

Another note: Again, this might disappoint some of you…since this isn’t filled with drama or angst or anything like that at all. Consider this a part 2 of the denouement. Ha-ha.

17: Together Again

(A.K.A. Facing the Clan…)

An hour later, Sakura stood outside the door, their baggage beside her, and Xiao Chen on her right.

How easily Xiao Chen accepted the news; it was as though he already expected this to happen. And, truth be told, he seemed really pleased by his father’s decision. This knowledge only annoyed Sakura more.

True to Syaoran’s word, a gleaming black limousine pulled up the driveway and stopped in front of them a few minutes later. The chauffeur took their bags and they began to make their way to Tokyo, where the Li Mansion was located, and so was Syaoran’s bachelor flat. But as they got to Tokyo, she noticed that their route was toward the Li Mansion.

“Aren’t we supposed to go to…uh, to his private place?” She asked the driver anxiously as they neared the mansion.

“Ah, no…my orders were to get you straight to Li mansion. I suppose the family will get to meet you.” Noticing the worried frown in her face, and her pallid complexion, the driver added quickly, “Do not get worried, Mistress Li. Master Xiao Lang will be there as well.”

Sadly, this knowledge only bothered her more.

Besides, she dreaded facing his family all over again. Although the circumstances may be different now, still, their last encounter wasn’t exactly a good one; in fact, she and Syaoran walked out on them. What did they make of her, especially the Elders?

Then the driver spoke again. “As for your permanent residence, I believe it will be Li Mansion. I know it is not my business, Mistress, but if it will stop you from worrying perhaps I can tell you. Well, I overheard Master telling Lady Yelan of his plan to sell his bachelor’s pad; he is very much married to you, after all, and he seems to think that keeping the place will bring a nasty impression upon other people.”

“What!” She exclaimed, but the man did not speak again, apparently realizing he had said too much.

All through the ride Sakura was fidgety, and the only thing that seemed to reassure her is her son’s presence beside her.

Xiao Chen was very much oblivious of his mother’s discomfort, however. He kept on wondering aloud and bugging the driver who only looked amused and quite entertained by the master’s son. He answered Xiao Chen’s questions patiently, and even ruffled his hair to Xiao Chen’s annoyance.

Too soon they were already in front of the looming Li Mansion, and the driver drove the car swiftly to the garage, which could have held a dozen cars the size of the limo but was empty save for two luxury cars; one of which was a Jaguar powder blue in color, and the other was a shocking pink Porsche. She could guess it belonged to the Li women, her sisters-in-law.

They took their luggage, the driver helping them get it out. And soon enough, they were walking inside the hostile walls of the mansion, Sakura dragging Xiao Chen up to the front doors since her son was absolutely fascinated by the fountain in the center of the garden and apparently had no intention of going in.

Terribly anxious, Sakura knocked on the gigantic oak doors. An old, familiar face opened the door.

“Welcome,” Wei’s formal and passive voice said. “Welcome, my Mistress. And…ah...” He added, noting the presence of Xiao Chen. “This must be young Master Li. The likeness cannot be mistaken.”

“Konbanwa, Wei-san.” She answered, as it was nightfall already.

He acknowledged her greeting with a polite, formal nod before he spoke again. She had the feeling she wasn’t really welcome here.

“They all await your arrival in the Grand Hall, Madame. As for Master Xiao Lang, he will be down in a minute. I suppose you would like to…” he chose his next words carefully… “…change to a much more suitable attire?” But even so, she felt her cheeks heat up as she noted on how shabbily dressed she was.

She nodded, and he led her over to a large room.

“Wei, when you say ‘they,’ do you mean —” but he cut her words as they arrived in front of a door in the far end of the second landing.

“This is your and Master Li’s room.” He said, but before he could open the door, it was thrown ajar by…Syaoran, who was wearing a fitted black shirt that showed his well-muscled abs (proof that he wasn’t confined to his office alone) and a pair of blue jeans. This somewhat struck Sakura as strange; even six years ago, she was used to seeing him wear anything but casual. It was discomfiting; so unlike him.

Xiao Chen at that moment seemed to have decided to make his presence known to the adults who seemed to be idiots gaping at each other, for he threw himself to his father’s unknowing arms and gave him a hug.

Sakura went out of her trance at once.

“Dad…I missed you,” he said shyly before breaking away.

“I—” Syaoran cleared his throat, “—miss you too, Xiao Chen.” He said before scooping the boy to his arms.

Then he turned to Sakura, who was still looking a bit stunned.

“Shall we, Sakura?” He asked, offering her his hand, but she shook her head. And the magic was broken.

“I…I’d like to change first, if you don’t mind.” She said shakily, feeling a bit embarrassed in her worn-down skirt and thoroughly-washed blouse. He studied her dress appraisingly, before nodding briskly.

“You better do. But make it quick; they’ve been inside for ages.” She nodded apprehensively, and then slammed the door shut.

She chose a green blouse and pink Capri pants, a creation of Tomoyo. It suited her perfectly, and brought out the color of her eyes more. Then she placed floral-designed hairclips on her shoulder-length hair. She applied a bit of baby powder and lip gloss; she has always hated make-up, but she felt like she needed it. Taking a final glance on her reflection, she shook her head and walked out of the room.

Syaoran’s approving nod seemed to reassure her, and this time she took the hand he offered, and they walked hand-in-hand toward the dining hall, Xiao Chen on Syaoran’s shoulder. They were perfectly unaware of the family portrait they made.

Sakura tensed as Syaoran pushed the door open. This was déjà vu, save for the fact that it was for real, and not her imagination.

“Good evening.” A cool woman’s voice said from inside the room. “Xiao Lang, at last you had the sense to show up here. If you must—” Yelan Li froze when she noticed that he wasn’t alone. “Heavens! What is the meaning of this?” Her gaze focused on Xiao Chen, and Sakura could’ve sworn that the woman was close to fainting. “T-That boy…who is he? He…he looks like…” She was unable to finish this as she stared, this time, at Sakura. “And you…you look familiar…God!” She added; recognition was all over her pale face.

The Elders, who were seated around the table, stood up abruptly and turned accusing eyes on Syaoran. For a brief moment, no one seemed to have the courage to speak.

“First, you call all of us here without as much as a day’s notice, but bring about unexpected guests, too!” One of them, the one seated at the other end of the long table, found the courage to speak and soon there was an angry buzzing and murmuring about them.

Then, one of them seemed to have recognized her.

“Good God… is she — she is Kinomoto Sakura, I cannot be mistaken!”

“The boy, look at the boy!” Another one shouted, seeing the likeness between father and son.

“Silence!” Yelan Li stood up at this point. “Gentlemen…please, Elders. Do sit down.” She was shouting, but there was pallor in her complexion, and she seemed to be shaking. Then she turned her eyes on her son. “I must ask you to explain this to us. Even I cannot understand. What does this mean?”

“Yes, I must…I know.” Syaoran said in hollow tones. “But I must correct you, Elder Kai.” He addressed the Elder who spoke her name. “Not Kinomoto Sakura, but Li Sakura.” Silence followed his words, then a few shocked gasps from the Elders as comprehension dawned their faces, but Syaoran did not stop there. “And this boy…this boy is Li Xiao Chen, my son and the heir to the Li Empire.”

The Elders looked shocked and highly affronted at this declaration. Mei Lin, though, was smiling slightly, and she didn’t even bother to stand at all. She, of course, knew about Xiao Chen, but her lack of outraged behavior seemed to have caught the boy’s attention. He smiled his recognition as he saw her.

“Aunty Meiling!” He exclaimed, oblivious of the disbelieving stares he got from the Elders. “You are here, too!”

Yelan Li turned an accusing eye on her niece, who looked away guiltily.

“This is an outrage! What of Xi Keira? You very well know we are particularly fond of that girl — especially since you turned Yang Zhen Yi because of her! Surely—” Syaoran shook his head to silence the old man.

“I don’t think you understand. I told you, I married Sakura six years ago.”

“Ah, yes! The boy found a way to defy us, and look where it landed him!”

“Hmph! We expected better of you than to have disobeyed us!”

“Most outrageous, my dears…most outrageous…”

The muttering has started again, and Yelan intervened before it got worse.

“Silence, if you must! I still don’t understand.” She turned to Syaoran, who looked very awkward, indeed. “How did you manage to hide her for so long?”

“It’s complicated, Mother, but…I plan of us moving in here.” The Elders were indignant at this idea, but Yelan Li nodded.

“That is very well. This is the reason you wish to sell your private place?” When he nodded, Yelan Li walked towards her grandson, who backed away a bit. Sakura vaguely noticed that she was shaking.

“I have a grandson?” Her voice was filled with so much anguish that Sakura felt so guilty. “And you didn’t bother to tell me?” Sakura started at this, for Yelan was looking at her directly, speaking to her, not to anybody else. “Why?” She turned this time to Syaoran, who only shook his head. “Why did you keep him from me?”

At this point, Sakura started to speak.

“He…he didn’t. We separated, to tell you the truth.” She said in a small voice, her cheeks reddening as she spoke.

“Aha!” An Elder exclaimed, wagging a finger at them dramatically. “So you admit the mistake Syaoran made of marrying—”

“Elder Kohashi! If you please…” Yelan said sharply, and the Elder shut up.

“Hello, there…” She said gently to Xiao Chen, who was now eyeing her with curiosity and not fear. “Xiao Chen…you have a lovely name. Do you know me?” The boy shook his head.

“I…I’m your grandmother…”

At this point, Yelan Li broke to uncontrollable sobs, and Mei Lin went beside her to pacify her. Yelan Li hugged Xiao Chen, who only looked confused at what was happening. But he, too, hugged his grandmother back.

The banquet continued without much speaking afterward; for once, the Elders were not even arguing amongst themselves.

Finally, it was over, and the two of them were alone. Syaoran carried a sleeping Xiao Chen to the room beside theirs, and Sakura went inside theirs with increasing apprehension.

“What…what about our…agreement?” She asked, breaking the mounting silence between them.

“I’m sorry; I can’t overrule Mother’s decision.” He said sharply. “Your bags are all here?” She nodded meekly. “Go and change, I’m going to take a shower.” He looked so irritable that the best thing to do was agree. With that, he went inside the shower inside their room, slamming the door shut.

Oh, dear, what now?