A/N: I wrote this story a while ago, so it wasn't really my best work. I'm going to be editing it and adding more. So, for old readers, I hope you like the revised version. For new readers, thanks for reading and feel free to leave your opinion of the story. I just ask that you don't be rude and nasty in your review. Other than that, enjoy the fanfic!
Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh or any of its characters because, if I did, I wouldn't have to write fanfiction for Kaiba and Téa.
PS: What I write in no way reflects the policies of Tisch. Everything I've written is purely FICTION.
And now, **drumroll** onto the fic!
Anzu let out a sigh as she looked out the window of the plane. She couldn't believe that she was suddenly on her way to New York City. Shortly after getting a call from her dream school in New York City, she had gotten a plane ticket to NYC after discussing her decision with her mother. After she'd made her decision, she'd told the group that she was leaving Domino City for a while. Yugi and Tristan had urged her to go the moment they heard. Joey, on the other hand, had been a bit more hesitant before he too encouraged her to follow her dreams. However, now that she was on the plane en route to NYC, she felt some fear and anxiety bubbling inside her. After all, she didn't really know anything about NYC and she had no relatives or friends there.
"No, not now," Anzu thought as she took a deep breath, deciding that it was no use regretting her actions now. She had already come this far and couldn't quit now. Besides, the plane was about to land, so she didn't have a choice either.
She inhaled and looked out her window at the city that never slept, knowing that her life was going to change dramatically.
Anzu looked down at the address on the paper as she paced around her hotel room, her mind racing. She had been in Domino City less than 24 hours ago and now she was not only in a completely different country, but on a different continent.
Mr. Stevenson's office was located in Broadway, wherever that was.
She had spoken to the man a few days earlier when he'd called to tell her that he was a member of the admittance board at Tisch and that she'd been accepted into their graduate program for dance. From the conversation, she'd gathered that the admittance board had reviewed her audition and had decided to offer her a seat. He'd also informed her that not only had she gotten a seat, but she was also been the recipient of a full scholarship, which had come as a shock to Anzu. After all, one moment she hadn't been accepted and then suddenly not only did she have a seat but she'd also gotten a full scholarship.
Of course, she'd questioned him about her admittance to which he'd replied that she should come to NYC within the next week to discuss the details. She had been about to refuse due to financial problems when he'd also informed her that her ticket and hotel room would be paid for, shocking her further. Unable to find a reason not to go, she'd agreed to meet him. Thus, here she was in NYC one week later.
So far everything was working out perfectly. She was currently staying in the hotel room Mr. Stevenson had paid for. The only problem was that she had no clue as to how to get to Broadway. Hell, she didn't even know where she was at the moment.
"Damn it," she moaned as she threw herself on her bed, "does he mean Broadway like the stage or is there somewhere else called Broadway?"
Almost as though someone had an answer to her question, the phone suddenly rang.
"Hello?"
"Good morning, Miss Mazaki. This is Mr. Stevenson. I was calling to tell you that there will be a car waiting for you downstairs in an hour to bring you to my office," he replied and Anzu let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that luck was on her side after all.
"That's wonderful. Thank you," she quickly thanked the man.
"It's no problem. I'll see you soon. Goodbye," Mr. Stevenson said. Anzu returned his goodbye before hanging up the phone. Quickly, she got to her feet and moved towards the bathroom. She needed to get dressed quickly.
Anzu got out of the car and walked towards the large building in front of her. Her heels clicked on the sidewalk as she made her way to the revolving door.
Stopping, she took a deep breath before she walked through the doors into the building.
The moment she entered, she paused and looked around, her eyes wide in awe. The inside of the building was stunning and majestic. Marble tiles with specks of gold shined under the brightness emitted from the immense crystal chandelier that hung over her head. On either side of her was a large aquarium filled with fishes of every color. To her right was a small sitting area with a coffee table and three large, comfy chairs.
Taking a deep breath, she walked straight ahead towards the receptionist desk, clutching her admission papers in her hand.
"Good morning. How may I help you?" the receptionist asked, looking up at her. She was a petite blonde woman with hazel eyes that stared back at Anzu through silver rimmed glasses. A smile graced her lipsticked lips.
"Good morning. I'm looking for Mr. Stevenson," Anzu replied.
"Do you have an appointment?" the woman asked with a thick New York accent.
"I'm not too sure. He actually called me and told me to come in for a meeting regarding my application to Tisch," she replied and the woman nodded.
"I see. What is your name, ma'am?" the woman asked as she began to type away on the keyboard.
"Mazaki," Anzu replied and saw the woman nod.
"Anzu?" Anzu nodded in reply.
"Yes, it says here you have an appointment with him at 1. You can go right up. Take the elevator up to the 15th floor. Turn right and his office is at the end of the hall."
"Thank you," Anzu smiled before she turned and headed towards the elevator.
"Mr. Stevenson?" Anzu asked, knocking on the door to his office.
"Come in," she heard a voice answer. Slowly, she turned the knob and entered the room. There was a man sitting on the large chair, his back to her.
"Are you Mr. Stevenson?" Anzu asked again as she moved into the office. The chair spun around, revealing a middle-aged Caucasian man, no older than 45, with black hair and a thin, well trimmed mustache. His brown eyes gazed back at her as a smile broke out on his face.
Anzu stared at the man, feeling as if she had seen him before.
"Ah, Anzu. Welcome, I'm Mr. Stevenson," the man smiled at her, extending his hand.
"Nice to meet you," Anzu smiled, shaking his hand. He nodded and motioned for her to sit.
"You're looking well," he smiled at her and she gave a small smile in response. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd seen him somewhere before. But where?
"Now, down to business," he said, interrupting her thoughts, "I called you to my office to give you an invitation to a ball. Well, a jubilee actually. You see, every year we have one to honor our distinguished guests," he smiled and handed her an invitation, "one of whom happens to be you."
"I don't understand," Anzu looked down at the invitation and then up at Mr. Stevenson in confusion.
"It's nothing really. Just think of it as part of your admittance," he smiled at her and she nodded slowly, still confused.
"I see. Thank you," she replied and he chuckled.
"Don't thank me just yet," Mr. Stevenson suddenly said, his face becoming slightly somber.
"Wh-what do you mean?" Anzu asked as she looked up from reading the invitation, her eyebrows knitting together.
"Well, you see, before we can give you your scholarship and full acceptance, there is," Mr. Stevenson stopped and fumbled for the right word.
"A condition that you have to agree to," he finally said and Anzu immediately felt her defenses raise.
"Condition? I don't understand. I thought I was admitted into the program," she replied, doubt and suspicion clearly etched on her face. She should have known that it had all been too good to be true. What condition did he want her to agree to?
"You have been admitted. Come to the ball tomorrow and you will understand," he smiled at her, "and thank you for coming. It was a pleasure meeting you."
"Same," Anzu mumbled as she left his office.
What condition could she possibly have to agree to? Had she been accepted to Tisch or not? And why did Mr. Stevenson look so familiar?
Anzu felt her breath catch in her throat as she got out of the car that Mr. Stevenson had sent to the hotel to retrieve her. In front of her was one of the most beautiful mansions she had even seen.
There was a large mermaid fountain sculpted out of marble in the middle of the circular driveway. Water poured out of the fountain, shining under the lights around the mansion. She walked up to the door, where she was greeted by a smiling butler.
"Good evening madam," the man smiled and opened the door for her. Anzu gasped as she entered the mansion.
It was beautiful and exquisitely furnished, not to mention packed. There were several marble columns around the room and people gathered around every part of the room. A beautiful and massive chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling with several smaller ones located all around the room.
Anzu walked fully into the mansion, her eyes on the massive staircase several feet in front of her. As she looked around the room and took in everything, she felt a feeling of unease come over her. It all looked so familiar to her, but why?
Her eyes landed on a glass door to her right. Making her way though the crowd, she walked towards the glass door, which was open and led outside. There were small groups of people gathered outside, each group discussing a different topic.
As she walked towards the edge, she stopped and let out a breath of awe. There was a garden below that stretched out in front of her. There were two pairs of stairs on either side of her that led down into the garden. Leaning over the edge of the balcony, she saw a marble birdbath and an elaborately carved swing chair set next to it.
She stumbled backwards slightly as her eyes fell on a beautiful, mahogany gazebo further away in the garden which seemed to overlook a pond. Leading to the gazebo was an elaborately carved bridge with the letters "TG" carved into it. Immediately, Anzu realized why it all seemed so familiar.
Eyes wide, she spun around and ran from the balcony as memories she'd repressed for years came flooding back to her.
She made her way to the main door and was about to leave when she felt someone grab her hand. Turning around, she was greeted by Mr. Stevenson's beaming face.
"Ah, Téa. You've arrived," he smiled down at her.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come here. It was a horrible mistake," she said, shaking her head and attempting to pull her hand from his grasp. However, her eyes grew wide as she realized that he had called her Téa, not Anzu.
"Stevenson," She breathed, as realization dawned on her. She turned to face him again, her face full of disbelief.
"Uncle Steve?" she breathed and watched his face change before he gave her a wide smile.
"I see you caught on faster than I expected," he chuckled before continuing, "then again, you always were brilliant, Téa."
"My name is Anzu, not Téa," she hissed in response as she pulled her hand from his grip, her eyes narrowed in anger.
"And why did you call me here?" she asked, folding her fists at her side. What exactly was going on? For some reason, she felt that this party had nothing to do with her acceptance to Tisch.
"Isn't it obvious, Téa?" Just as she opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, the last person she'd expected to see approached them.
"Ah, Mr. Kaiba. How wonderful to see you again," Mr. Stevenson smiled at Kaiba, who had just joined their group. He merely nodded before he turned towards her. A look similar to one someone would have after stepping on something disgusting crossed his face. Evidently, she was the last person he'd expected to see at a function such as this. Well, it didn't really bother her because she was planning on leaving immediately.
However, fate seemed to have something else in mind. Just as she was about to leave, Kaiba spoke.
"Ah, Mazaki. Will you be tonight's entertainment?" he asked, his trademark smirk on his face. Immediately, Anzu felt her temper flare. Maybe she wouldn't leave just yet.
"Actually, Kaiba, I was invited," she replied as she turned back to face him. She watched as surprise crossed his face before it quickly disappeared.
"You? Don't make me laugh," he scoffed, hoping to provoke a response.
"I didn't know you could," she replied in a sweet voice, watching his eyes narrow before he gave her a sneer.
"I see you two have met," Stevenson suddenly said, reminding them that he was still there.
"Oh yes, I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kaiba on several occasions," Anzu replied and saw Kaiba roll his eyes slightly as if meeting her was the worse thing that could happen to him. She could say the same about him.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," she smiled at both men and headed towards the punch bowl lest things turn ugly. Anyone who knew her knew that she and Seto Kaiba could not be around each other for more than a few minutes.
"I need to get out of here," Anzu mumbled to herself as she grabbed a glass of punch.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you all for coming and hope you're all having a wonderful time," Anzu turned around and saw Stevenson was on the stage, which meant that he was no longer blocking the door. Seeing her chance to escape, she began to head towards the door.
"I'm sure that many of you are wondering why you're here. A few months ago, Mr. Gardner was able to locate his long lost daughter. Sadly, he died before he was able to see her," he paused and bowed his head slightly.
At his words, Anzu froze and slowly turned around. Her father was dead?
"However, he declared her to be his only heir in his will. I'm pleased to announce that his company will be taken over by his daughter," Stevenson smiled, his words shocking Anzu out of her own shock. She looked over at him with wide eyes before shaking her head. The hell it won't! Quickly, she turned to make a run for it, but let out a curse as she saw two burly men move to stand on either side of the door.
"Damn it!" she hissed as she looked for another escape.
"I'm even more pleased to announce that this party is actually an engagement party, which will establish a partnership between Gardner Designs and Kaiba Inc through marriage!" At his words, Anzu felt her heart skip several beats. Partnership between Gardner Designs and Kaiba Inc through marriage? As in, marriage between her and Seto Kaiba?
Absolutely not! Never in a million years would she marry a pompous ass like Seto Kaiba!
"So, without further ado, will Mr. Kaiba and Ms. Gardner please come to the stage?" Stevenson smiled as he moved aside and applause filled the room. Anzu felt as though she was about to pass out. She saw Kaiba heading towards the stage, his face expressionless. She had to marry him? Never!
A new wave of strength washing over her, she looked around the room, desperate for an escape. Her eyes fell on the glass door leading to the garden. Perfect! She didn't care if she had to run through the garden. Hell, she didn't care if she had to run through the fires of Hell. Anything was better than marrying Seto Kaiba. However, she watched as two men suddenly moved to stand beside the door, effectively preventing her from leaving. Damn Stevenson. She was sure he'd known she'd try to escape through there.
"Ms. Gardner?" Anzu heard Stevenson calling her name. She turned around, looking for another exit while trying to remain hidden in the crowd. She saw Stevenson motion towards the two men guarding the front door. As they moved away, Anzu realized that that was her chance.
The moment she moved, she looked over and her heart fell. From the look on his face, it was obvious that Stevenson had located her. Smiling, he motioned towards the two men who were guarding the balcony door. Anzu turned and saw them heading towards her, knowing that she'd have to make a dash for it.
However, she didn't count on tripping over her gown as she tried to run. She let out a squeak as she stepped on the edge of her dress and fell forward.
"Damn it!" she yelled as she flew forward. She crashed into the table, letting out a scream as the punchbowl fell and punch drenched her. As she raised her head, she was aware of the fact that everyone in the room was now staring at her.
"Ah, it seems that we found Ms. Gardner," she heard Stevenson announce over the mike, his voice tinged with amusement. Damn him!
"No, no, no. Don't carry me up there," she whispered to herself as she sat on the floor, punch streaming down her face as she attempted to hide it.
However, she felt a man grab her and pull her to her feet before throwing her over his shoulder.
"Let me go!" She began pounding the man's back but knew it was no use. She slumped forward, hiding her face in the man's back as he carried her to Stevenson.
"So difficult, Téa," Stevenson chuckled as he took in her disheveled appearance. "If you'd just come up, there wouldn't be punch all over you."
"Jasper, don't carry me out there," she begged, trying to pull her hand away as he led her on stage.
"I'm sorry," he whispered to her before moving her to stand beside Kaiba.
"Miss Téa Gardner," Stevenson smiled and everyone began to clap. Deciding to get it over with, Anzu turned and looked over at Kaiba, who looked as though he'd just swallowed a lemon.
"You're Téa Gardner?" There was no mistaking the surprise in his voice or on his face.
"Surprise," she gave him a weak smile, wishing she could be anywhere but here. She heard him mumble something under his breath and wished she could disappear altogether.
"Marriage?!" Anzu shrieked as she looked down at the paper.
"I'm sorry, Téa, but we had no choice. It was all in your father's will, not to mention the contract he'd signed with Gozaburo," Stevenson explained. Anzu closed her eyes against the tears threatening to fall and turned away, releasing a sigh.
"When did he die?" she asked, her back to Stevenson.
"About two months ago. He had a heart attack," Stevenson replied and Anzu felt a tear roll down her face.
"Hmm, I'm actually not surprised at all," she replied, sniffing and wiping the tear.
"I always told him he overworked himself, but your father was stubborn and never listened to anyone. He was such a powerful man," Stevenson replied, letting out a little chuckle.
"I know. Even after his death, he's still using his power. What does he want from me now?" She looked at Stevenson, waiting for him to reveal how her father intended to ruin her life.
"Well, as your father's lawyer and adviser, I have to carry out his last wishes. His last wishes were for you to take over his company and for you and Kaiba to marry." At this, Anzu let out a frustrated yell.
"Of all the billions of people in this world, why did he pick Seto Kaiba?" she yelled, plopping down into a chair and burying her face in her hands.
"It happened many years ago. You see, about 22 years ago, your father and Gozaburo Kaiba formed a company together. It was around the time that your father began launching his own company. Gozaburo took an interest in him. They drew up a contract saying that their respective heirs would run the company together after their deaths. After your birth, they decided to make it a marriage instead. So, you were betrothed to Gozaburo's son until his accident. After Gozaburo adopted Kaiba, he became your betrothed. When Gozaburo Kaiba disappeared after Seto Kaiba took his company, the contract was still in place and is still binding," Stevenson replied, with a dejected look on his face. Anzu let out an exasperated groan and frowned.
"So, in other words, I have to marry him, don't I?" Stevenson nodded and earned another groan from her. "I'm 21! Why am I being forced into a marriage?! This is so outdated! Is it even legal?!"
"I'm sorry dear, but the contract is legally binding. However, there is a bright side," Anzu glared at him, wondering what could possibly be the bright side of being forced into a marriage with Seto Kaiba.
"Really? Then, enlighten me Stevenson. Tell me the bright side to being forced into a marriage, especially one with Seto Kaiba!"
"Well, according to the contract, the marriage will last for only six months. For the six months, you two will be legally married and share all assets. After the six months are over, you are free to get divorced. After the divorce, you will each get half of the partnership company. However, if either of you decides to get divorced before the six months, that person will have to give up his or her half of the partnership company," At his words, Anzu's eyes lit up and she smiled.
"There's the loophole then! I don't care about the damn company! I'm willing to give it up to him! So, there is no need for me to marry him!" she squealed in excitement.
"Téa, calm down and think before you make any rash decisions," Stevenson raised his hand in an attempt to calm her down.
"What do you mean calm down? Stevenson, I am calm! I just found the answer to my problems!" Anzu smiled, clapping her hands together in joy.
"Actually, you didn't. You see, if you get divorced before the six months, you lose your inheritance and your admission to Tisch as well as your scholarship." Stevenson watched as her face changed and she stared at him in complete shock.
"What?! How? That is unfair! My marriage has nothing to do with my going to Tis-" she began yelling before realization dawned on her. She stopped yelling and glared at Stevenson.
"He bought my entrance into that school, didn't he?" she breathed, anger flowing through her. Stevenson looked ready to deny it but she stopped him.
"He paid for me to get in?!" she yelled, slamming her hands down on the desk.
Stevenson shook his head. "No, he didn't. You got in on your own."
"Really? Was that before or after they found out I'm his daughter?" she asked and Stevenson cleared his throat.
"That's what I thought," Anzu huffed and he shook his head again.
"You have it all wrong. Let me explain it to you," he said, motioning for her to sit. Taking a deep breath, Anzu took a seat, wondering what he could possibly say to make her feel better about her current situation.
"Your father and I have been searching for you for quite some time," Stevenson explained to her, "and I located you a few months ago. After some digging, I found out you were applying to a graduate program at Tisch and that you'd been accepted and given a scholarship."
"Wait," Anzu interrupted, "you mean I was accepted since the beginning?"
Stevenson nodded and she pinched the bridge of her nose to keep calm.
He continued, "after your father found out that you were accepted, he decided to use your acceptance to his advantage," At this, Anzu snorted.
"Of course he did."
"You see, Kaiba recently found out about the company your father had started with his stepfather and wanted to take it. But he didn't have the remaining 50% of stocks, which belonged to your father," Again, Anzu interrupted him.
"Is that why he was looking for me in the first place? So that he could get the full company?" she asked.
"I've actually been searching for you for years. I just happened to find you at this time," Stevenson answered, avoiding her question.
"Anyway, your father had his mind set on gaining majority stocks for the company and was hoping Kaiba would give it up. After all, he wouldn't marry for a company, would he?"
"And I'm supposed to?" Anzu asked.
"But," he continued, ignoring her, "Kaiba wasn't going to step down. That was when we found you. After hearing about your admittance, your father went to Tisch and used his power to make them sign a contract to withhold your acceptance and scholarship for the six months of the marriage, which is why they told you that you'd been rejected. Your father planned on using the admittance and scholarship to blackmail you into the marriage but wrote it into his will after he realized he didn't have much time left."
Anzu looked at Stevenson before she let out a scream full of pure anguish and anger.
"I'm really sorry, Téa. I wish I didn't have to do this, but, as his lawyer and adviser, I have to follow what he wrote in his will," Stevenson said as he moved to rub her back. She was shaking her head, rage radiating from her.
"It's not your fault. We're both pawns in his sick twisted chess game," she spit out before she stood and headed towards the door.
"Where are you going now?" Stevenson asked.
"Back to the hotel," she muttered, needing a bath more than anything else. This day had been too much for her.
"Well," she turned and saw Stevenson looking down nervously and knew that she wouldn't like whatever it was he was going to say.
"What now?" she groaned. Hasn't her father ruined her life enough for one day?
"Well, since you are married to Kaiba, you will now be staying at his house. You two will be living together as husband and wife," he paused and watched as her face twisted. Just as she was about to yell again, he quickly cut her off.
"It's all in the contract," he held up the document.
"Why is this happening to me?" Anzu groaned as as she rested her head against the door, "I just came here for my scholarship and now I'm married."
"I'm sorry, Téa. But," he stopped and she turned towards him, "just think of it as a game. You play along for six months and get a full scholarship to your dream school as well as your inheritance and half of your father's partnership company as well. It'll be over before you know it."
The moment he said the words, Anzu realized that it was all true. Her father had played with her entire life as though it were nothing more than a game, and her as though she were nothing more than a pawn.
"Of course," she replied, her face emotionless and her voice cold, "my life and happiness is all a game to him. It always had been."
"Téa," Stevenson began, but she shook her head, cutting him off.
"It always was a game to him. He never truly cared for me. Not after what happened."
"He realized that he was wrong," Stevenson said but she scoffed in response.
"It was more than a little late when he did," Anzu bit out in a harsh tone, "too many lives had already been ruined."
No more was said as neither wished to dig up what they'd worked so hard to bury and forget.
"Send a car to my hotel and have my belongings carried to Kaiba's mansion," she said as she opened the door, ready to leave.
"Very well. Anything else?" Stevenson asked, looking at her. She thought for a moment before nodding.
"I want my name to be changed back to Téa Gardner. After all, I am Terry Gardner's daughter," she smiled bitterly at him, "whether I want to be or not."
"Don't worry, Téa," Stevenson smiled at her in an attempt to comfort her. "It'll be over before you know it."
So, I hope you guys like the story so far. Feel free to leave your opinions and comments. Until my next update!
-DramaQueen95