Chapter 4

-Hinata's POV-

As exhausted as I was once Sasuke and I were finished, I couldn't bring myself to fall asleep. Not when I know he'll be gone when I wake. The man looked dead on his feet when he walked into this room, but he, too, remained awake.

I never bothered getting off of his lap. Instead, I simply collapsed against his chest and stayed there. He didn't seem to mind and wrapped an arm around me, his hand resting on my lower back, where it occasionally moved slowly up and down.

It's been almost half an hour since our tryst ended. Neither of us said a word.

As though thinking about it set things in motion, long fingers suddenly brushed my hair over my shoulder, and I sensed Sasuke was looking at me. I lifted my head, meeting his eye. As handsome as he was, there was no denying how tired he looked. At least he wasn't in tears anymore. The look on his face earlier will haunt me for the rest of my days. I never want to see it again, especially when it was my fault it arose.

"I don't hate you. I never should've said that."

I nodded but couldn't find the words to say because he already knew I forgave him.

Beautiful, dark eyes searched my face silently. I tried to memorize his, too.

Slowly, he lifted his hips and turned onto his side so we faced one another. My hand moved on its own, lifting to gently brush his jaw, my thumb running softly over his bottom lip. Sasuke just watched me. As I took it all in, his scent, warmth, and appearance, tears began to well in my eyes again.

My voice sounded hoarse and unfamiliar, "Thank you for finding me."

His eyes narrowed. Rather than immediately respond, he gently lifted a hand to catch mine and brought it to his lips so he could kiss it. He spoke into my palm only after closing his eyes, "Tell me why you're doing this so I can get you out of it. I'll find a way."

I shook my head, tears overflowing when he reopened his eyes. I knew he would ask; I just didn't know when.

"Sasuke, I can't. Y-You…." My chest tightened, and I had to pause, take a deep breath, and offer him a pleading look, begging him to understand, "I don't want you to interfere."

His fingers curled around my hand as he pulled it slowly from his mouth, his eyes narrowing.

I cut him off before he could speak, "Losing you….Losing everything I love is far better than what'll happen if I don't."

"And what is that exactly?"

My mouth clamped shut. Just by the look on his face, I understood he never expected me to answer the question, but that didn't mean he wasn't angry about it.

We were silent for a long time, multiple minutes, before he closed his eyes, "Are you really going to marry him?"

I was reminded of Toneri's visit earlier in the day.

Panic began to arise again, but I attempted to mask it by also closing my eyes, "I-I don't have a choice."

The room became quiet again. I thought we were done talking for the night, but Sasuke surprised me with an uncharacteristically honest statement, "I know you mean it when you say you love me, but I…. How are you okay with us breaking up?"

My eyes shot open to lock onto his, "I'm not okay with it."

Sasuke released my hand and frowned, "That's not what I meant."

My brow furrowed as his expression gradually fell into the tragic one from earlier, where he was almost in tears.

"I don't know what I'm going to do."

A severe ache throbbed through my chest as I moved closer to kiss him. When I pulled back, I held his face with shaking hands, "You're going to go home and f-forget about me. Y-You have to."

His tears overflowed. For the first time, Sasuke let me see it, even if it was only a couple of them.

A sob shook my chest, and I moved to hug his head to my chest so he couldn't see the traumatized look on my face. Strong arms wrapped around my middle so I could feel his warm skin against mine. This pillar of a man, who's been a rock since day one, was broken and hurting, and it's all my fault. I apologized softly, repeatedly, into his hair until both of us calmed down.

Another half hour passed before I mumbled into his hair, admitting the truth despite knowing it'll only hurt us both that much more, "I wish it was you. I-I'd have said yes if you asked."

He didn't respond even after a full minute, so I pulled back slightly to see he'd fallen asleep. It's probably for the best. The knowledge that I was willing to risk it all for him, even before all this happened, is something I should keep to myself anyway. It'll just make it harder for him to let me go.

I should follow his lead. This might be the last good sleep I get for a very long time because Sasuke won't be there, on the left side of the bed, anymore.

-Sasuke's POV-

When I woke up, a wonderfully familiar scent surrounded me. As sleep's fog faded, I realized it was Hinata. Then I tried to fall back asleep. If I don't open my eyes, I won't have to look at her and leave.

But I have to because that's what she wants. The butler at the compound mentioned nude photos, but I know it'd take more than that to make this woman submit. She's not weak. No, there's definitely something else, something worse.

My interference could unintentionally ruin the sacrifice she's made. Selfishly, I can't help but wish she'd do anything and everything just to be with me because I don't know how I'm going to do this without her. The more significant part of me understands that she's suffering far more than me because not only does she have to give up on us, but she also has to leave her friends and career in March.

Hinata gave up everything, and I have a feeling it was to protect others. I'm obviously part of it because my name was included in a clause of the marriage contract.

A heavy weight appeared in my chest as my eyes crept open.

No.

I changed my mind as I watched Hinata's chest move slowly with her breath. I refuse to let her live the rest of her life unhappy for someone else's sake, no matter who it is. Maybe she'll hate me for ignoring her request not to interfere, but at least she won't have to marry Toneri.

I want to say I don't care if she doesn't marry me, but I'd be lying. Sure, I'm not ready to pop the question right this instant, but when I think about my future, Hinata's always at my side. Eventually, I know I'd take that step, whether it be a year from now or five. When all of this is said and done, likely, she won't be able to stand the sight of me, but as of moments ago, I've made my peace with that.

There's only one person I'd let go of Hinata for: Hinata herself.

So, I carefully removed myself from her arms, dressed, stole one last look, and left the room.

When I returned to the house, Gaara and Sakura bombarded me the moment I walked in.

"Did you find her?"

"Is she okay?"

I pushed past them and slowly crossed the room to sit on the sofa. They came to stand before me, and I lifted my gaze, "They're obviously blackmailing her with something, but she won't talk. She asked me not to interfere."

Sakura's brow furrowed, "You're not gonna listen, are you?"

"No."

Gaara changed the subject jarringly, "The file we were downloading. Did you ask her what it is?"

I shook my head, "Kinda had other things to worry about."

The redhead came to sit beside me, opening the laptop on the coffee table, "It didn't finish, but I figured out it's a recording of some kind."

My brow furrowed as I watched him pull up the screen of files I downloaded from Hinata's phone. The one in question had a little white line through its icon, identifying it as corrupt, "Why does any of this matter right now?"

Gaara's eyes were trained on the screen as he right-clicked the file and pulled up the "Properties" option. Then he highlighted the file size, and I understood. Slowly, my eyes glazed over as I sat back on the sofa, mind reeling.

"Whether it's video or just audio, it has to be well over twenty-four hours long. Her phone was malfunctioning, right? It's slim, but there's a chance it's been recording everything. If that's the case-"

"We'll have proof that she was blackmailed!" Sakura cut off Gaara's explanation excitedly. Her green eyes shined brightly, "Sasuke, where's the phone? We need to finish the download!"

I shook my head absently, inwardly cursing. The room became quiet as the two realized what'd happened.

"You…gave it back to her, didn't you?"

I nodded, running a stressed hand through my hair.

"Well, call her and tell her we need it back!"

My vision refocused, "She can't know about this, or she'll do something to stop it." The eager glint in Sakura's eye faded.

After a quiet moment, Gaara asked, "Maybe your brother can sneak it away without her noticing."

His girlfriend perked up again, "Or Neji! I'll call him, and you call Itachi, okay?"

My first instinct was to argue that it'd be useless to ask my brother for help because he's undoubtedly on that recording somewhere if that's even what the file is, but then I began dialing anyway because there's not much else we can do.

He picked up after a few rings, "What." His tone was blunt. At least I could be sure he wasn't in anyone else's presence if he was being honest like that.

"Listen to me. You were right. I was wrong. All of that doesn't matter. What matters is that you do me a favor. I'll be in your debt."

Itachi paused before responding in a less off-putting tone, "What is it?"

"I need you to steal Hinata's cellphone, but she can't know it was you."

"Why?"

I want to believe that Itachi is a good person, somewhere deep down, but this is something I can't leave up to chance, so I lied, "There are some… personal things on it that I know she won't delete. I don't trust Toneri not to go through her phone. If he sees them…."

My older brother said nothing, so I added, "Please, Itachi."

After another few moments of silence, I heard a defeated sigh and pressed a fist to my lips to hold back any sounds of relief, "Alright, little brother. I'll see what I can do."

-Hinata's POV-

I knew Sasuke was gone before even opening my eyes. Its easier to palate the loneliness when I don't have to look at him, though, so I rolled onto my back and sighed. Yesterday was gutwrenching, but I'm glad we spent one last night together—a twisted, bittersweet goodbye. We'll see one another often for work, but it won't be the same.

Even if Toneri hadn't forbidden me from Sasuke, I'd never be able to keep our relationship going. It'd be too unfair, seeing as I'll be married. There's no love between my fiance and me, and likely never will be, but I refuse to ask Sasuke to share anyway. I respect him too much for that.

So, I bathed and dressed before heading downstairs and entering the car Fugaku Uchiha had sent for me. The chauffeur drove silently, not offering a greeting of any kind. I pulled my phone out of my purse, Sasuke having brought it to me last night, and frowned when I realized it was still frozen. I'll just have to get a new one.

An older gentleman, a butler, opened the door for me when I arrived at the Uchiha compound. I bowed politely before allowing him to lead me through the large building; to Fugaku's office. Itachi, his father, my father, and Tenmu Otsusuki waited inside. The situation felt similar to yesterday's, making my nerves spike as I sat between Itachi and Hiashi, Tenmu on the man's other side as we all faced the Uchiha CEO.

I wondered where Toneri was, but the thought was quickly overshadowed when the powerful man behind the desk said, "A press conference will be held tonight, where your engagement will be announced. We expect you to act appropriately. Do you understand?"

My throat tightened with panic as I nodded again.

My friends and colleagues will all find out, not to mention my fans. Prestige's popularity is likely to suffer a massive blow because of this.

"Itachi, I entrust her to you until then. Ensure she is appropriately prepared."

I must've done a poor job hiding my confusion because he added, eyes narrowing, "I'm aware of your friendship. If you're with someone that you're comfortable with all day, then it's less likely you'll screw up tonight. Don't disappoint us. You know what's on the line."

Thankfully, the other two older men didn't speak a word before Itachi wordlessly guided me out of the office, through the compound, and then out to his car. He was being uncharacteristically straight-faced and quiet, but my mind was so occupied with all that was going on that I couldn't focus on it much.

"Where to?"

"I need a new phone."

The car became silent again. I frowned, deep in thought, as I stared out the window. It's lucky that sunglasses are necessary for me to go out because no one can see how red and puffy my eyes are. Makeup can only hide so much.

Half an hour later, Itachi parked the car near an electronics store. When I reached for the handle to get out, he stopped me, "You should stay here."

It felt uncomfortable to meet his gaze for some reason. Regardless of the reason, I pulled my broken phone from my purse, "Can you see if they can transfer the files from my old one?"

He nodded, accepting the damaged device before climbing out of the car and heading inside, also wearing sunglasses. I could tell he was wearing concealer on one side of his face, likely to cover the bruise Sasuke's punching had to have created. I wonder if he told his father what happened.

After my incident onstage, I haven't been in public. I haven't been online because my phone's been on the fritz. I'm sure Itachi's right that it's best for me to remain out of sight. If not for the agency's sake, then for my own, so nothing happens before the announcement that could get us in trouble.

It didn't take nearly as long as I thought for the Uchiha man to return. When he did, he informed me that my old phone was beyond repair and that not a single file could be saved. The store recycled it. I didn't bother taking the new device out of the shopping bag because I don't care about it.

My eyes widened as I realized something before Itachi could even put on his seatbelt, "M-My case! My phone case! I have to get it back!" Sasuke gave it to me for Christmas, with a photo that I hold incredibly dear.

"It's on the new phone already."

I sighed in relief, relaxing back in the seat. A newer model has already been released, but Itachi got the same one, so I could use the same case. I know he did that for me, even if neither of us said anything.

The day passed faster than I liked, and then it was time to return to the compound for the press conference. Itachi's odd behavior continued throughout the day, but I chalked it down to him feeling guilty for not being able to prevent all of this from happening.

When he pulled into the massive garage and turned the car off, I reached for the handle, but he stopped me as he had earlier in the day. "I don't understand you." My eyes narrowed, but I kept them directed at my lap and waited for him to elaborate. "Why are you putting yourself through all of this? A couple of photos and a dating scandal wouldn't end your career or Sasuke's."

"Sakura and Gaara don't deserve to have their lives ruined just because they're involved with me."

Itachi turned to look at me, and I finally met his eye. He wasn't giving his charming smile like always. Instead, he offered a severe expression that made the resemblance between him and his brother uncanny.

"If I were in your place, I'd save myself no matter the cost."

A frown tugged at my lips as I searched his face. I'm not a complete idiot. I know Itachi's personality has always been a facade, at least for the most part. What surprises me is that he's being honest now.

"I'd venture to guess you don't have people you genuinely love in your life. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so confused right now."

His jaw flexed, but he didn't say anything. It seemed as if my response didn't satisfy him. Either way, we have to get a move on, or we'll be late, so I climbed out of the car and shut the door behind me. I didn't bother waiting for the man before heading for the entrance of the main building.

To my surprise, Itachi didn't get out of the car for a very long moment, but then he was hurrying to catch up and grabbed my wrist to stop me, "Hinata, wait." The man's behavior today has been odd, so I faced him curiously. "You're right, but I…."

As I searched his face, I realized what he was actually trying to tell me. Itachi's not happy. It's as simple as that. The life he's led hasn't been satisfying. He likely has regrets, and seeing my life upside down has put things into perspective. The older Uchiha brother wants to change. How, I don't know, but he seems sincerely lost.

"I want to love Sasuke."

My brow furrowed at Itachi's quiet admission. Tears welled in my eyes as he searched my face as though the answers would show up on my skin.

"If you mean that, you should try to be there for him. H-He's…He's struggling right now."

I turned to continue heading inside, but the man tightened his grasp on my wrist, "Hinata. I want to love you, too." My face warmed, eyes widening in surprise. Dark eyes, similar to the ones I fell in love with, remained locked onto mine, unwavering, "I want to be a good friend and brother, but doing so will mean betraying the rest of my family."

Understanding came to me, and I gently slid my wrist out of his grasp to instead hold his hand, "If this were a better world, you'd be able to have both, but I don't see that happening. I-I'm sorry. I know how hard it is; I've been exactly where you are."

We silently stared at one another for a moment before he blurted out, "Our fathers know Sasuke came to the hotel last night. Please do your best to make tonight go well. I don't want you to get hurt."

My lips thinned as I stressfully pressed them together, nodding. I knew the chance of us not being found out was slim, "Th-Thank you for telling me."

His brow furrowed, and he seemed just as confused as before.

Tilting my head, I squeezed his hand more firmly before releasing it, "I-I think you're a good person, Itachi."

When we headed inside, I was quickly pulled away by two maids, who touched up my hair and makeup before having me change into a different, more appropriate outfit. Then I was brought to the hall near the compound's entrance, where Toneri stood waiting with a few security officers and public relations agents.

Toneri was dressed nicely, and if I didn't know how easily he's swayed by money and power, I'd even say he looked handsome. He doesn't hold a candle to Sasuke, though. His blue eyes were icy and hard on me, but neither of us said a word as we listened to Fugaku, Tenmu, and Hiashi introduce themselves and make some opening statements.

Our queue to go outside came. Toneri grabbed my hand, interlacing our fingers, before pulling me along at his side.

I focused on only one thing: keeping my face from reflecting my inner dread. The large crowd of reporters and photographers went quiet when we came into their view, but then the air was full of questions and camera flashes.

"We'd also like to take this opportunity to formally announce the engagement of Toneri Otsutsuki and my daughter, Hinata Hyuuga," Hiashi spoke professionally as though he had no emotional ties. He doesn't, either.

To my relief, we weren't expected to answer any questions personally and were excused from the press conference some fifteen minutes later. Toneri didn't release my hand even after the cameras were off us. He pulled me along in silence to the garage, where he opened the passenger-side door. When those icy blue eyes met mine, they were cold and demanding. Worrying I'd make him angrier by not following his requests, I gingerly sat in the car. He closed the door behind me, climbing into the driver's seat.

The white-haired man drove to the hotel. Once parked, he grabbed my hand and led me inside, as he'd done at the compound. Only when he opened the door to my room with his key, all but shoving me inside, did he speak.

Toneri closed the door behind him, tearing my purse out of my grasp and tossing it onto the floor as he approached, "Did you not listen to a word I said yesterday?" I took steps backward until my back hit the closed door of the bathroom, where he cornered me.

When I couldn't respond, he hissed, "I know you let that Uchiha brat into your bed last night. You have a twisted way of showing appreciation for my patience."

My brow furrowed, him having hit a nerve, "Wait. You think I should thank you for what you said yesterday?"

"I even offered to give you time to get over Sasuke, and this is how you repay me? Spreading your legs for a man that isn't your fiance?"

Tears welled as I argued, "Y-You've got to be kidding me, Toneri! We just wanted to say goodbye to one another. Tell me you understand that."

The white-haired man's eyes narrowed, "You said goodbye?"

I nodded, wiping my eyes, "I broke things off with him. I-I told him not to interfere, so do you think you c-could back off?"

For a moment, he seemed surprised, but then he glared down at me, "You don't have to love me, but you will show me respect. I'm going to be your husband."

My eyes fell into a glare, and I averted my gaze to his chest, right in front of me, "We're behind closed doors, so there's no need for me to play a part. Until March, you don't own me."

Long fingers gripped my jaw, roughly jerking my head up so I had to meet his eye, "I found it amusing when I realized your meek personality had been only a rumor, but you're starting to get on my nerves."

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed his wrist and yanked it away from my face, "Get used to it. You're stuck with me, remember?"

Suddenly, his lips were pressed roughly against mine. A surprised sound was muffled between us, and I shoved against his chest with both hands to try and push him away. Toneri didn't budge. Instead, he captured my wrists in his hands.

After another few moments of my struggle, he pulled back, "I could always tell your father that I found out you're making plans to stop our marriage with your friends."

My eyes widened, the anger and irritation evaporating into shock and fear, "Y-You wouldn't."

"I would, and I will if you don't behave. So, are you going to do what I say, or do I have to get some of those photos released?"

For some reason, I felt betrayed. Some small part of me must've been holding onto the hope that Toneri was a good guy deep down, a victim like me, but I was wrong. He seemed uninterested in me until he found out I saw Sasuke again. Now he's acting like a spoiled child who doesn't want anyone touching his toys.

I just nodded, doing all I could not to break down into tears again. I've cried so much over the past two days that I'm likely to become dehydrated.

Toneri kissed me again, more swiftly than before. Then he released my hands and stepped back to look down his nose at me as though I'm less than, "And for the record, you became mine the moment you signed that contract, and you know it."

With no verbal response to give, I simply glared at him. He smoothed out his clothes, fixing his tie absently, "If you think I'm going to wait for you to adjust now, you're wrong. I gave you a fair chance to act as my equal, and you squandered it."

My fingers trembled as I wrapped my arms around myself, worried he'd act on his words immediately. A satisfied grin met his lips, and he tilted his head while looking over my appearance, "That's more like it."

Toneri, thankfully, turned and headed for the door, lifting a hand casually, "See you in the morning, Babe. I think I'll stay the night tomorrow, so have room service change the sheets."

Then he was gone. I slowly slid to the floor, a hand coming up to cover my mouth. I feel nauseous. In Toneri's eyes, I betrayed his trust, and now he's punishing me for it. My eyes danced to the bed, where I last lay eyes on Sasuke, and the dizzy spell faded. It was worth it. For one last night with the man I actually love, I'll take being treated poorly.

Internally, my mind kept bringing up the fact that Toneri said he was going to sleep here tomorrow night, but I shoved the thoughts away. There's no point in fretting over what he's bound to try because I'm backed into a corner. If I don't do everything he says, he'll tell our parents I've broken the contract by conspiring against them.

I just hope it's not as bad as my anxiety is expecting.