I'm sorry I haven't published a new chapter in such a long time! I hope this makes it up to you!


Chapter 3

It was late in the evening and Clarisse was once again sitting alone in the kitchen, but this time, with a content smile spread across her face. She was certain that the week - so far - couldn't have gone better, starting with how she had gotten along so amazingly well with Charles straight away, to when they were laughing and joking at dinner, even Joseph had gotten involved in some conversation which of course she was thrilled about. Maybe Charles travelling here was the best thing for Joseph after all, he was such a kind-hearted man, he had only arrived here four days ago yet she felt as though she'd known him for a lifetime. However, underneath his light-spirited personality, there always seemed to be a deep sadness there too. Clarisse had started to see that whenever Charles was deep in thought, she never failed to notice the flicker of sadness, the hurt that seemed to pass his eyes for a split second every now and again. It was like there was something he was locking away which only appeared when he thought he was alone. She was so deep in thought herself that she didn't notice the gentle knock coming from the door or the man who walked slowly inside.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you at this late hour, Clarisse. Mind if I join you for a moment?", Charles asked in just above a whisper as he continued walking towards her without waiting for an answer.

"Oh no not at all". She grinned at him, happy to have some company for a change. She wasn't tired and so far she didn't have any trouble keeping a conversation interesting with this man, which was a lot more than she could say about her own husband.

"You couldn't sleep either?", he asked while pouring himself a cup of coffee, breaking her once again out of her reverie.

She looked up at him before replying. "Oh I've been coming down here at this hour quite often recently. I find it helps me unwind before going to bed."

He chuckled lightly again. "I should try that, I find myself constantly tossing and turning most of the night these days" he said, mostly to himself. Clarisse knitted her eyebrows in wonder. Maybe she was right? But, as much as she wanted to, she knew she had to resist the urge to ask him why. He spoke again. "I'd also like to thank you and Joseph for inviting me here. I appreciate it."

"Oh, you're a pleasure to have here, Charles, really". her eyes beamed up at him. Suddenly, a wave of tiredness came over her, so she decided to retire for the night. "And, as much as it's been lovely talking to you, I'm afraid it's time for me to be getting some rest", she continued, almost regretting it.

"Well, I have to admit I won't be far behind you. I'm starting to get a little tired myself. Sweet dreams, Clarisse.". He replied, raising his mug slightly to her.

"Goodnight, Charles", she smiled once again at him and left.

On her way to her bedroom she could only think again of how wonderful the place had been since he first arrived. Like tonight, she was so genuinely happy to have him to talk to that she silently hoped she would find him there tomorrow night as well. Her body instantly came to a halt at that though. Wait! Shouldn't she be hoping for Joseph to be there instead? It was only then that Clarisse became fully aware of what was happening to her relationship with him and it scared her more than anything. Yes, his mood had changed a little since his brother arrived, and he had started to talk a lot more.. But was his conversation directed towards her? He only seemed to talk to Charles. That was another problem. Chalres was constantly invading her thoughts and she had no idea why he was occupying her mind lately. Sure she had concern for him, but no matter how much she tried to push him out of her thoughts, those thoughts only got stronger, reminding her of how well they got along and her shameful slight attraction to him. Finally reaching her bedside, she could do nothing more than to throw herself carelessly onto her bed, cursing herself for her futile attempt to stop herself from crying. She didn't understand Joseph any more, she didn't even understand herself any more. She felt completely helpless and alone.


Clarisse spent the next few days burying herself in tons of what was meant to be Mia's paperwork, but this time she didn't care. She was desperate to push the absurd thoughts out of her head, even if it meant having to struggle through the dreaded work. It didn't matter. At first she just blamed it on her over-tiredness, but the same thoughts had been constantly occupying her mind for days and she was certain it would drive her mad soon enough. She was tired of feeling lonely, tired of being married to a man she didn't know any more, and tired of the lack of attention he was giving her. Seeing his face once a day was all she saw of him.. She couldn't take it any longer! But then, as if on cue, a firm knock sounded at the door making her head shoot up instantaneously. She cleared her throat and sat up straight, putting her guard back up again. "Come in", she said clearly. Her eyes lit up at the sight of no other than Joseph walking towards her with the all too familiar, unreadable expression on his face.

"Joseph! There's something I've been meaning to ask y-"

"Clarisse, I'm sorry but I have to leave for a few days. I'm visiting America to check on security." She stood up, a look of disbelief on her face.

"But.. Joseph, can't you send someone else to do it? What about Scott?"

He was looking at the floor, barely making eye-contact. When his eyes found hers, he paused for a moment, as if contemplating.

"No, I have to do this myself. I'll be leaving in about an hour."

And with those last words he left, not speaking another word or even looking back. She just stared at the closed door, her face portraying no emotion whatsoever. On the inside however, she was screaming. She wanted to tell him how he'd reverted back to the unreachable man he was when she turned down his marriage proposal. She suddenly wanted to hurt him as much as she'd been hurting over the past weeks. She wanted to tell him how cruel he was being to her. But she had to remind herself that he wasn't doing it intentionally. Security work was all he knew for years. It was so natural to him, it was as if he breathed it. Rage, sadness and pain ripped through her like a bolt of lightning, forcing her to break into involuntary tears.


It was 6:00pm and Joseph had already left for the airport. He had meant it when he said he'd be leaving in an hour. Clarisse didn't know whether to feel angry or hurt, and so she felt both.

"Maybe I should get Amelia's advice on this situation. She's a young girl, and probably knows more about relationships than I ever did.." Clarisse thought. But after a few minutes of going over what she could possibly say to her granddaughter, she dismissed the idea. She knew she needed to get her feelings out, but she was far too ashamed. Ashamed of not being able to keep Joseph happy as his wife.

She decided it was best to sleep on it, and decide whether or not to confront Mia in the morning.

Instead of going to the kitchen, she had Olivia bring up some tea. Just as she finished putting on her pyjamas there was a knock on the door.

"Come in Olivia." Clarisse called as she entered the living room. When the door opened, she was surprised to see Mia walking cautiously in, also already in her pyjamas.

"Grandma? May I come in?" Clarisse sighed. She felt she had been neglecting Mia ever since she arrived him from America, and she wanted to make it up to her; but she wasn't positive she felt like talking at the moment.

"Mia, dear. How nice to see you!" Clarisse smiled as warmly as she could and motioned for her to sit down on the sofa beside her. At that moment, there was a second knock, and Olivia entered with the tray.

"Thank you Olivia." Clarisse said as her maid set the tray down, poured a cup of tea, and quickly left.

"So Mia, what can I do for you?" She said as she poured milk into her teacup.

"Grandma, I was wondering if everything is okay. You know, between you and Joe."

Clarisse felt her heart drop. Apparently this couldn't wait until the morning.

"What are you talking about darling?" Clarisse tried.

"Well.." Mia repositioned herself into a cross-legged position. "I was talking to Joe today, and he didn't seem very happy. Now all of a sudden he's on a plane to the U.S for a few days?" Mia paused and looked for a reaction in her grandmother. Nothing. Clarisse stared into her cup.

Mia contined. "I asked him if there was a security issue there, because I wasn't told anything about it, and he only nodded. When I asked him if you were accompanying him, he said no and then quickly excused himself.."

Clarisse didn't look up.

"Grandma.." Mia leaned forward and put her hand on Clarisse's. She was surprised to find it cold and shaking. "Did you and Joe have a fight or something?"

Clarisse tried desperately to stay calm. She'd been good at hiding her feelings her whole life, but she found that when it came to Joseph, everything was different. She started to tell Mia that everything was fine, but she couldn't speak. She felt her granddaughter move closer and put an arm around her. She unconsciously leaned into her and accepted the comforting gesture.

"So you did have a fight.." Mia said sympathetically.

"N-no.." Clarisse managed to say, confusing Mia. She took a deep breath. "We didn't have a fight. I.. I don't know what's wrong with him." She finally looked up, and Mia could see tears threatening to fall. She had never seen her grandmother this upset before. Usually she was so calm and collected. It was obvious how much her grandmother loved Joseph, and how deeply hurt she was by the way he was acting. So she did the only thing she could think of at the moment, and fully embraced her.

As Mia held her tightly, Clarisse's tears fell rapidly. "A g-gran-d—daught-er should-n't have to comfort her grandm-oth-er like this."

"Shhhh Grandma, it's fine. Everyone needs to let their feelings out somehow."

"I don't understand." Clarisse cried. "He's been like this for weeks now. Some days he seems fine, but lately he's been so miserable. He barely even says goodnight to me any more, let alone goodbye when he left this afternoon." She sighed. "This is so childish of me. I'm sorry Mia."

"You're not acting childish Grandma. I'd feel the same way. When Joseph gets back, tell him how you feel. Maybe you'll get a response from him, and you guys can work it out. You WILL work it out, I know it."

"But I've tried talking to him about it! He doesn't listen." She shook her head and rested it in her hand.

"Don't worry Grandma, he'll come around. I know it. You two are meant for each other, and this thing isn't strong enough to pull you apart. I know Joseph loves you with all his heart, and he always will."

Clarisse paused. "What if he leaves?" she whispered. Mia could barely hear her, but the panic in her voice was evident.

"He won't, I'm sure of it. I see the way he looks at you. His eyes brighten just at the mention of your name. He may not show it right now, but he feels it deep down."

Mia held her grandmother for a while until she calmed down. She contemplated whether it was best to give Clarisse some space, or keep her company. If she and Nick got in a fight, what would she feel?

"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?"

Clarisse laughed. She was a grown woman, surely she could handle a few nights by herself. However... "Mia, dear, you're so good to your old grandma." She patted Mia's hand. "I would actually really like that."

Half an hour later they were nestled in bed; Clarisse on Joseph's side and Mia on hers.

She inhaled deeply, filling her senses with his cologne. Was he missing her? Did he know how much she longed for him to hold her close again? She felt Mia stroke her hair comfortingly, just like she had done many times when Mia was upset. It was nice to not have to spend the night alone in that large bed. "Thank you" she whispered.

"I love you Grandma, goodnight." Mia hugged her and nestled close.

"Goodnight sweetheart, I love you too." Clarisse yawned, and fell into a somewhat peaceful sleep.