Luncheon Fancy, restaurant, beautiful yellow table cloth, lace draped over, silver ware set perfectly An older woman, beautiful, elegant, Cold, sharp eyes staring at a younger, plain, wide, brown eyed girl returned the gaze. Domyoji Kaede faced Makino Tsukushi over a cup of coffee “Well, Weed, you continue to flourish among my roses." Surprised, Tsukushi had no words. How rude! Anger How dare this woman, calling her a weed. Inviting her to a restaurant. All to humiliate her in public, Tsukasa had no knowledge. He was in Europe or elsewhere, she never knew. Tsukushi glared “Why did you invite me? To insult me? Call me names, embarrass me.” Kaede gazed out the window. Fear Tsukushi trembled After all this time, the hag was breaking them up. Four years had come and gone, an extra year, just preparation for high society. Just for her to meet this woman’s standards Pass or fail, depended on this cold woman. Tsukushi is terrified. Looking at the woman controlling her fate, “You decided?” Questions and Answers Kaede turned from the window, focusing her dark eyes on Tsukushi, again. “Do you love my son?” Yes, no hesitation. Humm… for his status, name, wealth?” Tsukushi felt frustration, what is this woman going on about… “No and no. Why?” Kaede kept a steady stare, “Weed, are you a gold digger?” Tsukushi felt her ire rising- But breathing deeply, she answered. “No. I love Tsukasa. I am not a gold digger. Confession Tsukushi looked at the older woman, still puzzled by her intense hatred. Sighing, Tsukushi looked down at her own beautifully manicured fingers. Tsukushi, weed, that is who I am…. Mrs. Domyoji. My parents sacrificed, I scarified, worked, studied to attend Eitoku. Never an easy path, I’ve studied, worked, in High School, College, And even your silly Bridal Boot Camp. Never faltering, growing stronger, flourishing Even among your roses. Kaede smiled, A smile touching her eyes, a genuine smile, lighted, amused eyes. So, like Tsukasa’s “Well, my dearest weed… you have many accomplishments.” Tsukushi puzzled, what does she want? Kaede smiled, You’ve proven weed, that you are strong, resilient, persistent, intelligent, although not beautiful… But worthy of the Domyoji name.” Wait, what? Shock and Awe Kaede continued… Officially you are his fiancée, unofficially, a weed, needing to prove Her worthiness “But Dearest Weed” At these cruel words, Kaede gently smiled. “You’ve earned my approval. Just one last question. Why do you love Tsukasa?” Tsukasa Tsukushi smiled, eyes sparkling. He is rude, arrogant, stupid, quick to anger, smug, cruel, annoying, conceited… Kaede smiled, But, that’s him, all those negative traits make him Tsukasa. Yet, he is gentle, kind, loving, always, there for me, no matter, when, how, or why… I am never lost; he always finds me… He believes in me, encourages me, protects me…. He once told me, just be myself. He’s simple, straight forward, direct in his words and thoughts. He’s always by my side during the hardest, toughest time. Attempting to hold back tears, whispered, he supported me during the Teen of Japan, even now… He came for me, so many, many times. Rescued me. Tears dripping, she smiled weakly, I love him… As a boy, a brat, a man… many times, honestly, I love him Despite his name, position or wealth. Kaede nodded. Tsukushi inquired, “Why don’t you ask Tsukasa why he loves me” Kaede smiled, “I don’t need to ask him… he loves you for all the reasons I’ve learned to love and accept you. Tsukushi, welcome to the family.” You are a Domyoji Timely exit. Proposal Still shocked, she closed her eyes, Blinking away joyful tears. Blinking, clearing her vision… Viewing a tall, black suited, lanky, black curly haired young man. talking with a hostess. pointed in her direction. Turning, deep brown mirth filled eyes, met hers. Striding towards her, he bent down, Kissing her lips Kneeling on one knee, taking her hands, Smiling hugely, commanded Marry me! Yes! Wrapping her arms around his neck, returning his kiss. Lifting her, gently twirled, together, at last.