Sakura watched her biological mother Haruka Suzuki from the distance, wondering what was on the woman’s mind. She had been sitting there in the Princeton brothers’ private garden for a while now, with a faraway look in her eyes. Sakura noted the mixture of happiness and sadness playing about her features and wondered if she herself was the cause of such conflicting emotions.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked a few moments later, as she took a seat beside the older woman.

“Of the Sakura flower,” Haruka replied promptly. “Of the time that has passed... Of the things that I have done... Of Kenji.”

“Mono no aware,” Sakura said.

“Yes.” Haruka nodded.

Sakura thought that soon, in only a few more weeks, the beautiful flower would die down again. Its life span was very short, yet in that very short time it bloomed gloriously, bringing so much joy and beauty to this world.

“Do you miss him?” Sakura asked. “Err... Kenji?”

Haruka nodded. “Yes. I was his wife. He was kind to me.”

“Was he...” Sakura took a deep breath, unsure how to ask the question that was burning within her mind, the question that reflected her own dilemma. “To you... was he the one?”

Haruka turned to look at her daughter for a moment and noted the quandary playing about her pretty face. She chuckled. “My, my, Sakura, where is this coming from?”

Sakura blushed. “I... I want to know how you can tell... I mean, how do you know which one is the one?”

Haruka couldn’t help herself and laughed, which immediately made Sakura a little upset at her mother’s inconsiderateness.

Once Haruka managed to calm down, she said, “I’m sorry, darling. That was uncalled for.”

Noting her mother was only teasing, Sakura relaxed and smiled. “It’s okay,” she said.

“I will be honest with you, Sakura.” Haruka began; her tone sober and serious, her eyes rather sad. “As a matter of the one, I don’t actually know, because Kenji was chosen for me even before I was born. It was decided the Suzukis and Tanakas would bind bloodlines through marriage. It is the way of our heritage. The way we strengthen our families’ wealth and power.”

“I see,” Sakura said, nodding, suddenly realizing her mother had had no choice in the matter of choosing her own husband. Unlike her, who had more than one to choose from as her potential other half. Should she consider herself lucky?

“Are you perhaps finding it hard to decide?” Haruka asked, looking at her closely. “Between the brothers?”

Sakura hesitantly nodded.

“My advice would be to get to know them deeply and see how it pans out. See which one your heart tells you that you need and want most.”

Sakura frowned. “That’s easier said than done.”

“Of course, love. I never said it’s easy.” Haruka chuckled. “But no matter which one you choose, Sakura, they are all good men, the Princeton brothers, Sosuke included.”

Sakura blinked at her mother in confusion, in which case the woman simply chuckled.

“Sakura-chan, don’t tell me you didn’t know.”

Sakura shook her head.

Haruka sighed. Her daughter was really quite oblivious to the fact that many men were attracted to her. She knew not only were Sebastian and Darcy two of the top contenders, but Tristan, Logan, and Hayden weren’t far behind. Not to mention Sosuke. Hayden was, of course, the black sheep of the family and the one to watch out for. He’d pounce when he was ready, and she felt he was ready. Sebastian and Darcy had better watch out and step up their game if either of them was to secure Sakura’s heart.

Nicolas, on the other hand, was too complex for her to judge. He had shown a lot of interest toward Akira, but then again, that could be a decoy to get Sakura’s attention. Nicolas, after all, was a very intelligent man. On the contrary, Conrad, the youngest of the Princeton brothers, was simply that. He was kind and had no hidden agenda. Haruka could see he loved Sakura deeply and took every chance to dote on her.

Indeed, her daughter was a very lucky girl where the heart was concerned.

“Well, I shan’t say any more,” she said a moment later, chuckling.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Mom,” Sakura said hesitantly. “That is why... Oh, I don’t know.”

“There you are.”

Sakura felt her heart race in delight the moment she heard the deep-timbered voice calling out to them. She turned to see Sebastian Princeton at the door.

Every time she saw him she felt a sort of radiance within her being, glowing with an intense burst of flame.

Indeed, the man was handsome today, wearing a loose shirt and jeans that fit his masculine physique perfectly. As per usual, his pale-blond hair glittered like white gold under the setting sun. And that smile on his face, it tugged something wonderful deep within her heart.

Sebastian made his way toward them and came to a stop before Sakura. “Dinner is served,” he said.

Haruka nodded and then stood up. “In saying that, Sakura-chan, one must choose the one who is always there for her.”

Sakura got the meaning behind her mother’s words and blushed, noting Sebastian was gazing at her with a questioning look in his eyes. She knew he wondered what her mother meant. Of course, she wasn’t going to enlighten him. It was too embarrassing. After all, the subject involved him and his brother, Darcy.

Haruka smiled at Sebastian and then walked back into the house where the loud noise of friendly arguing between the Princeton brothers and the Suzuki siblings could be heard.

“Tristan!” That was Conrad’s voice. “I’m sitting beside Akira-chan.”

“Who’s your Akira–chan, eh? You little brat!” Tristan demanded. “You’re not Akira’s childhood friend.”

“As if you are,” Conrad shouted. “Akira wants me to sit next to her.”

Nicolas intervened. “That’s enough, guys. I’m sitting beside Akira. Any objection?”

At this point, Sakura started to laugh. She said, “Akira is having a hard time. I certainly know what it feels like to be on the receiving end.”

Sebastian sat beside her and nodded. “I’m okay with that. Just as long as those stupid brothers of mine don’t come and bother you.” He gently placed one hand at the nape of her neck and drew her close.

Sakura blinked as she stared into his eyes—that beautiful azure had fascinated her since the first time she had met him, many years ago.

Sebastian dug his fingers deeply into the thickness of her hair, while his thumb continued to caress the sensitive skin about her cheek. He was seducing her again, Sakura knew. The handsome man really did know what he was doing, and it wouldn’t be long before she’d surrender to his ardent kiss.

“As long as they don’t take you away from me,” he said cheekily. Then he drew his head in and claimed her lips.

His kiss was slow and gentle, warm and soft, just like chocolate and ice cream melting on a hot summer’s day. Then slowly, he persuaded her lips to part for him, allowing his tongue to enter her mouth, to explore that much-desired sanctuary.

Sakura groaned as she felt her body weaken and become warm and fuzzy. She felt as though she were floating in the air as Sebastian stroked his tongue against her, caressing her and playing havoc with her.

When he finally drew his head back, she was breathless and out of sorts. Her eyes were bright and her cheeks were red. Her whole body was trembling with heat, not to mention what was happening in her core.

“You shouldn’t have kissed me, Sebastian,” she said softly.

Instead of sympathizing with her, the blasted man had the gall to laugh, which annoyed her.

“Why not?” he queried innocently.

“We’re not officially dating, yet,” she retorted.

Sebastian cocked his head to one side. “Oh? Not officially dating, yet? Does that mean something?”

Sakura blinked and instantly understood the meaning of her own words. Damn myself! She had spoken without thought.

“What I mean to say is I haven’t decided, yet, as I’ve told you before.”

Sebastian took her words in stride. He leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. “Your words give me hope, Sakura. I’m happy to wait until you give me the answer.”

Suddenly, he opened his eyes again and drew her into his arms, embracing her.

Being squeezed so tightly like that, Sakura could feel the heat of his manly body against her. He was hard everywhere, and he was making her feel a little too warm. Not in a bad way, of course.

“I love you that much, regardless of who you choose. Me or Darcy.” Then he laughed sadly. “Either way, one of us brothers will still have our heart broken.”

Sakura tightened her hands about him, tears threatening to brew. “Hmm...” She couldn’t agree more. “Why does it have to be like this? Why do I have to love two men? But I can’t help myself.”

Sebastian moved and kissed her on the forehead lightly. “Either way, my love, you’ll be my wife or my sister-in-law. There’s no other choice.”

Sakura blinked, and it was only then that she began to laugh. “No other choice, eh?”

Sebastian smiled, pleased.

“I’m your sister-in-law?” Sakura asked rhetorically. “I can’t imagine it.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t,” he said, and began to laugh, too.

It was then a loud, “Oh, brother!” came their way.

The two turned to see Logan shaking his head.

“Stop being lovey-dovey to Sakura, Seb, and get your ass into the house before all the food runs out. You’ll have no one to blame but yourself.”

When Sebastian ignored him by shrugging his broad shoulders, Logan marched to them. There he stood, feet apart and glaring at his brother.

“And good Lord, do something about that bedlam that is still going on in the house. I feel sorry for Lady Haruka. She has to put up with our stupid brothers.”

“As if you aren’t one of those brothers,” Sebastian said mockingly. In which case, Logan snickered delightfully.

“You didn’t feel sorry for me when I had to put up with you brothers,” Sakura said, one brow raised in a challenge.

Logan gave her a handsome smile. “Still don’t, my darling sis,” he said. He grabbed her slender wrist and led her up from the seat, away from Sebastian. “Now then, can’t leave you here with this ugly brother of mine too long. Shall we grab some dinner?”

Sakura chuckled. “Sure.”

Sebastian shook his head and followed the two into the penthouse. Once they stepped across the threshold, a blast of loud noise greeted them.

“Sakura, darling,” Tristan said, the instant he spotted her. He sprang off his seat and came around to her. There, before Logan was any the wiser, he stole her hand from the brother and whisked her away to the seat beside his, which was next to Hayden.

Logan gave Tristin a dagger-like stare, to which Tristan countered with a dashing smile and a wave of his hand.

Sebastian shook his head at his brothers’ childish behavior and took a seat next to Darcy. Opposite him, across the table, was Akira. She was, not so surprisingly, flanked by her two very intimidating bodyguards; Nicolas on her left and Sosuke on her right.

On the other side of the table, Sakura glanced at Darcy, who, for the past few days, had been acting rather distant toward her. For the third time since then, she wondered if it was merely her imagination. In fact, he hadn’t spoken to her since that night four days ago when they had been back at the Princeton Hotel, when her mother Haruka had revealed to Sakura they were related.

After she had talked to Sebastian that night and returned to join everyone else in the penthouse, Darcy had left. Since then, he had been residing at his loft instead of here at the apartment with his brothers. Perhaps he had a lot of work to do before departing for Hawaii. But really, what had happened since that night? What had made him act so distant and aloof?

She was still looking at him when he suddenly caught her eyes. He gazed at her long and hard, pinning her there where she was, making her breathless. Her stomach began to flip and heart began to pound fast when, finally, he glanced away and returned his attention to his food.

Sakura felt shaken from the intense eye contact and wondered what was wrong with her. What happened between us?

“So, Akira-chan,” Tristan said from the other side of the table, “have you packed yet?”

“I’ve started it,” Akira said.

“Make sure to bring bikinis.” He teased.

Hayden looked heavenward. “We’re going there to work, Tristan, not laze around holidaying.”

“I’m sure there’ll be lots of time in between to have some fun.” Logan chimed in. “Isn’t that right, Sakura?”

Sakura nodded. “Yes. Mary has already sent me a list of things for us to do.”

“What’s on the list?” Conrad asked enthusiastically.

Sakura cocked her head to one side as she bit into her roasted potato.

“I can’t remember, because it’s quite long. Let me see... shopping. Ah, there’s that fashion show...”

“What?” Conrad pulled his face. “That’s girly stuff.”

Sakura laughed.

Akira chuckled. “It’s for us girls, Conrad-san.”

“Huh?” Conrad stared at her. “But what about us?”

“Sorry, Conrad,” Sakura said teasingly. “You’ll have to negotiate with Mary.”

“Why, that woman!” Tristan grumbled. “Stealing our darling Sakura away from us just for herself.”

“Don’t worry, everyone,” Haruka put in, smiling. “Tachibana-sensei and Ruka-san have planned many things for everyone to do before and after the shooting days.”

“Oh?” Nicolas couldn’t help but feel compelled to find out what plans Mr. Tachibana and Ms. Ruka had for them. It was the first time he had heard of it, and considering Mr. Tachibana and Ms. Ruka were the masterminds behind the whole thing, it was bound to be interesting indeed.

When Haruka looked around her, she noted it wasn’t just Nicolas who was interested. His brothers were, too, for they were all looking at her, expecting her to elaborate.

She chuckled. “Ms. Ruka said there will be games.”

Tristan rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait.”

“Me, too,” Logan said, laughing.

“Me, three,” Conrad chimed in.

---

It was much later after dinner when Sakura managed to escape the Princeton brothers. Alone in her own room, she picked up her cell phone and dialed Ned’s number. As the phone rang, she heard Akira chatting to the Japanese maid next door. She could catch a few words here and there, mainly about which clothes to take and whether they’d be suitable for the very hot temperature in Hawaii. The maid must have been helping Akira pack, she thought with a smile. She had heard from Sosuke that Akira couldn’t pack to save her own life, and had always had the maid to help out.

She was giggling to herself in reaction to Akira’s muttering when the line was picked up and a familiar voice came through.

“About time. I thought you’d never call.”

Sakura chuckled. “Sorry about that, Ned dear. I was a little busy, you know.”

A sigh and then, “I know. Beth told me.”

Sakura tuned out the light conversation going on next door and collapsed onto her bed. The softness below made her sigh with pleasure, and she relaxed. Her body was tense all over, and she knew it was because of the stress from the past months. Of course, it had all started that day she had once again met the Princeton brothers in the hotel during Mr. Tachibana’s Spring-Summer Collection fashion show. Needless to say, her life since then had been nothing but drama.

She turned over onto her back and lay there staring up at the ceiling. Toby chose that moment to climb onto her tummy and make himself comfortable. Sakura began stroking him as she said, “I see we have a spy?”

Ned laughed. “As if,” he said sourly. “If there’s a spy, she’s a very unreliable one. Reporting back to headquarters is disgustingly sporadic and the info is defective.”

Sakura knew this undercover agent was Beth, his sister, of course, and she had to laugh.

“So anyway, many things have happened, Ned.”

“You and the brothers?”

Sakura nodded as she said, “Yes, me and the brothers. And you could never believe this, Ned.”

“Try me.”

“It’s about my biological mother.” Sakura began excitedly.

“From that voice of yours, it’s good news?”

Sakura laughed. “You know me too well, Ned dear.”

“I didn’t spend that much time with you for nothing, darling Sakura.”

Sakura laughed. Gosh, every time she was with Ned, he always made her feel happy and warm. He made her feel she was a part of his family, even though she wasn’t. That was Ned all right, and she loved him to bits.

“You see, Ned dear.” She began. “I think my prayer has finally come true.”

“Jesus, woman,” Ned muttered. Then he laughed. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Just tell me already.”

Sakura laughed. “I kind of am. But anyway, Lady Haruka is my biological mother.”

A long pause followed that statement, which worried Sakura. She frowned and sat up, sliding Toby off her tummy and down to her lap.

She queried, “Ned? Is everything all right?”

A chuckle. The kind that was hesitant, which Sakura knew was very unlike Ned. It was as if something had struck him by surprise.

A moment later, he said calmly, “Nothing. Lady Haruka, huh?”

“Yes, Haruka Suzuki,” Sakura said.

“Haruka is a very common Japanese name?” he asked.

Sakura cocked her head to one side. It was very odd indeed for Ned to suddenly ask her that type of question. It was even odder his tone had changed to one that was sad when he had said the name Haruka. It was as though this particular name caused him pain in a certain way.

“Yes, I suppose it is.” Then more certain, she said, “Yes, it is. Actually, Ms. Ruka the Japanese stylist who works for Mr. Tachibana is also named Haruka. She just likes everyone to call her Ms. Ruka.”

“Hm,” came the reply. Sakura still noted the sadness radiating from Ned’s voice. It was so unlike him.

“I just can’t believe I’ve finally found my biological mother, Ned. It’s just unbelievable.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad, Sakura.”

“Me, too,” Sakura replied. “So, when are you coming over to meet her?” She teased.

A long pause. Again, very unlike Ned.

“Don’t be silly, you darling,” he said. “I have too much work to do here in L.A.”

“I see.” She was a little disappointed.

“And didn’t you forget to tell me something else, too?”

Sakura cocked her head to one side. “What’s that?”

She heard him sigh in frustration, to which she laughed.

“Hawaii!”

“Ah!” She chuckled. “That. Sorry. Yes, I’m off to Hawaii with everyone tomorrow. The flight will leave at six in the morning. It’s an eleven-hour flight. Gosh, I don’t even know how I’m going to handle it.”

“You’re always horrible with flights. But that can’t be helped in this case. Although, I’m sure you’ll be all right, since James and Brenda will be there with you. And don’t you dare neglect to look after yourself, like you usually do,” he demanded firmly.

Sakura wasn’t offended. In fact, she liked that he fussed over her.

“I don’t think I have ever neglected to look after myself.” She laughed.

“Beth told me the family is heading over to St. Thomas Island for a little vacation after this so-called photo shoot is done.”

Sakura nodded. “It was Daddy James’s idea. I heard it’s near Hawaii. I’ve never been there before. Is it very similar to St. Joseph Island?”

“Yes,” Ned said. “The Princetons own islands all over the place. Nobody can ever keep count. St. Thomas is pretty secluded. It’s only for private guests. It’s a nice place. Have fun, won’t you? It’s about time you get a holiday from work.”

Sakura nodded in agreement. “Yes.”

“Is the gallery business going okay?” he asked suddenly.

“Yes, Melissa quit and Megan is back,” she said cheerfully.

“Good,” Ned said. “Megan is a good worker. I trust her.”

Sakura nodded. She knew Ned, too, didn’t trust Melissa. Thank God the woman resigned.

She asked, “So, when will you be back? To New York, I mean.”

“In a couple of weeks,” he said. “Or months. Depending on how things go here.”

“All right,” Sakura replied. “Can’t wait for you to meet my mother, though.”

Once again a long pause. Finally, he said sarcastically, “Can hardly wait.” In which case, Sakura laughed because his tone made it sound like a chore. He continued. “If the mother is anything like her daughter, it’ll be a headache.”

Again, Sakura laughed. “Ned, how rude. My mother is a very elegant lady.”

“Elegant lady, my ass,” he said. “Now, you darling, I have work to do. Stop bothering me with nuisance phone calls.”

Once again, Sakura laughed. “Don’t blame me if you fall head over heels in love with her when you see her.”

A sour voice came through. “Very unlikely.”

Sakura smiled. “All right. I got it,” she said. “Talk later.”

“I expect regular updates and details,” he demanded.

“Bye, Ned dear,” she said and then hung up.

She sighed and turned her attention to Toby as she stroked him. Suddenly, a thought struck her. “Shit! I didn’t tell him about Mrs. Byrd... or rather, Mrs. Clark now.”

But then again, she didn’t want to worry him. He was already too busy with his business over in Los Angeles to be bothered about her welfare. In fact, she had troubled him enough, ever since she had been a little girl.

The thought of Mrs. Clark once again made her feel sick. How she wished with all her heart the woman wouldn’t do anything stupid, such as come out and hurt her once again. Even so, this time, Sakura wasn’t just going to let her have her way. On top of that, now she had Daddy James, Sebastian, Darcy, and everyone else behind her. So there was nothing to worry about.

She smiled. The thought of them worrying about her and working hard to protect her made Sakura’s heart glow with happiness. She felt blessed to have them come into her life.

The thought of the Princeton brothers, however, made her remember Darcy. She really must have a talk with him, at least to clarify her own suspicions that something was up between them.

She was just thinking about how to approach Darcy when her door open and Akira stood there.

“Have you packed yet, Sakura-chan?” the beauty asked. “I’m here to help.”

Sakura cocked her head to one side and chuckled. “I have. How about you?”

“All sorted,” Akira replied. She came in and lay on Sakura’s bed. The hard work of packing must have really exhausted her.

“I’m spent,” she muttered. Then she spread her arms out and smiled. “I can’t wait to get this photo shoot over and done with. I just want to go to St. Thomas Island and really have a holiday.”

“When did you last have one?” Sakura couldn’t help asking. “A holiday.”

Akira turned over and rested her head on her arms.

“Hmm... Holiday, eh? Despite what Sosuke said, that I always think about holiday, it’s not really like that. I only mention it so Oba-chan and Sosuke can ease their workload a little and enjoy themselves.”

“What do you mean?” Sakura was interested.

Akira sat up and pulled her legs against her chest. She wrapped her arms about herself and smiled sadly.

“Ever since the accident... when our father and uncle passed away, all Sosuke and Oba-chan ever do is work. They have never allowed themselves to let go, you know. The company became their responsibility, and they worked really hard to make it stay prosperous so the competition couldn’t beat them. I think, at times, the only thing that kept Oba-chan happy was the thought of finding you.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know about that,” Sakura said.

“That’s why this vacation would be really good for them,” Akira said. “And I can’t wait.”

Sakura laughed. “Me, too.”