A/N: This is my second time to write. Okay. I remembered reading a novel during high school and that piece made me cry a bucket and so this fic is inspired by that novel.

Disclaimer: Disclaimed.

CHAPTER ONE

It is quite unusual for the Yukihara's to be this quiet during dinners. Their usual set up would be having conservations as they pass viands and soup and their utensils clashing. The father of the family comically crack some jokes and sideway comments were made by Yuka and Mikan. The house would be filled with laughter and giggles. But today, on a Friday night, no soul dare to speak. Even the maids and their dogs, Ero and Neiji could sense the tension.

Mikan tried to speak hoping that what she has heard was a mistake on her part, "Dad, I think I misheard you. Could you please repeat what you just said?" She graced a small smile.

Izumi sighed deeply and repeated the words he uttered moments ago, "You heard me right, Mikan. You'll get married."

A pregnant pause.

"I think Mikan has a say on this matter, Father." Rei, Mikan's older brother gave his fair share of opinion on behalf of his sister. He usually doesn't meddle in affairs of their family but today is an exception and as much as he wanted to be as calm as possible, he is losing his cool.

"Mikan dear, if you want, we'll give you time to think this over." Yuka said, squeezing Mikan's left arm.

"Mom, dad", she shifted her eyes from Yuka to Izumi, "I-I don't think this needs some thinking. I don't want to get married to someone I never met. Besides, I am still studying." She reasoned out. Her grip from the fork and spoon tightened.

A long pause before Izumi spoke again, "Mikan, I know this is hard on your part but please, the company needs this. If we won't do this we'll go bankrupt."

"As for your studies, you can finish your graduate degree and could still be a doctor. I'm sure Natsume will understand."

Who the hell is Natsume? She thought.

Out of frustration, Mikan rested her face on both of her palms, "What am I? An insurance? A collateral? Dad! We're talking about my future here! This is about me! You can't do this to me!"

"But dear, Natsume's a good guy. He is willing to help. He offered his help, his family offered it to be exact and this is the only solution that we've come up to." Izumi calmly explained hoping that his daughter would understand.

"Bu-but.."

Yuka cut her off, "We know this is hard but we won't ever put you in a situation that you'll get harm."

Mikan looked at her brother for help.

Rei cleared his throat, "I know the company is in a grave situation, mother, father. But.. give me time, I'll do what I can to solve this."

Izumi and Yuka exchanged glances. Until the latter broke the news.

"We know we are being unfair. But, you both know how your father worked hard for this. He managed to get this far and the whole company is depending on him. If there is another option we won't do this, Mikan. You know that. But we've got no choice. We will be sued and our employees will be laid off. We couldn't do that."

"Why? I thought our assets could cover all those?" Mikan asked. Frustration in her voice.

Yuka breathed deeply, her voice wavering, "We loaned from banks. We thought we could recover but as you can see, we're down the road. Our assets could not suffice our liabilities."

Mikan felt dejected. She stood up not wanting to finish her meal. She lost her appetite all of a sudden. She did not bother to look back her parents and brother.

"Give me time. I'll think about it." She then waltzed to her room.

A/N: This is for chapter one. Please leave a review. Thank you.