Something Between Us

Chapter : 10

The Hyuga compound was as lively as ever. Clansmen and maids were busy in their daily routines as they strode past the former heiress. No one paid any attention to her as she made her way through the courtyard.

"Hello, Lady Hinata."

Hinata turned and looked at the source of the voice. A young Hyuga maid was bowing her head.

"Hello."

"Lord Hiashi has summoned you in his office," she said as she stood straight. Hinata's brows furrowed as she wondered why her father wanted to see her.

She nodded and walked towards her father's office. When she reached the doors, the gaurds let her in. Her father was sitting on his chair and when he saw Hinata comimg, he gestured her to sit down. But Hinata ignored it and kept standing. She just wanted to listen what her father had to say and be gone.

"Father." She greeted her with a slight bow.

Hiashi nodded at her and started talking, "In a few days Hanabi will be sixteen and will take over my position as the head."

He paused to let it settle down and Hinata nodded. "I am well aware of that, father."

Hiashi clenched his jaw tightly but it went unnoticed by Hinata as she was looking at the table in front of her.

Hiashi continued, "You know our traditions and customs well. When one child of the main family becomes the head, the other have to become the part of the branch family and take the seal as well."

Hinata closed her eyes and took a deep breathe but remained silent.

"I am asking you one more time, Hinata," he paused but before he could continue, Hinata interrupted him and said quietly.

"No matter how many times you ask, father. My answer will be the same." She finished and looked her father in the eye. Her father's eyes were hard and unwavering as usual. Cold and distinct.

She didn't like it at all, she wanted to look into the soft eyes that her father had when she was a young girl. When he used to look at her with love and pride. But Hinata knew clearly that her father who possessed the feeling of love had died along with her mother. After her death, he just wasn't the same.

"It is your duty, Hinata!" Hiashi said in a loud and firm voice. Hinata slightly flinched at that but did her best not to show it. She said nothing, she just stood there and kept her mouth shut. He stood up and gave her a disappointed look.

"I am disappointed in you."

When Hinata said nothing, he sighed and turned away from Hinata with his back facing her. He was a horrible father but he have to do it. So he took a deep breathe and said in a firm tone and an authoritive voice.

"You have made your choice. You will get the caged bird seal a day before Hanabi becomes the head," he then looked over his shoulder and said, "Understood?"

"Yes, Father," Hinata said, her voice was calm and steady. Her face held a blank expression but her eyes refused to meet her father's. Hiashi then turned his head away and dismissed her. She bowed and left her father alone in the room.

She made her way to her room, greeting the maids with a gentle smile as they smiled at her and bowed in respect. She finally reached her room and slid the door open and stepped in. She closed the door behind as she took in the silence of the room that seem to scream at her. She stood there as a lone tear slid down her cheek. Soon after, she broke into sobs and slid down the door as she covered her face with her hands to muffle the sound of her crying.

She wasn't crying because of what will happen to her in a few days but because of the promise she made four years ago at her cousin's grave. She couldn't keep her promise, she failed. She always failed, she was a failure.