CHAPTER 9

The rays of the morning sunlight trickled in from the windows and down onto Rebecca's bed, the shards of light made unique patterns on the numerous dresses Rebecca had laid out. She rifled through them picking up the black dress with the shoulder fringes, she ran her fingers through the fringes as she sat on the bed. "Marlene's favorite," She thought out loud and placed it aside. Rebecca rummaged through the closet finding a pair of black stilettos to match she then readied herself for breakfast.

The castle had been decorated the day before with bows and ribbon aligning the staircase and to the great room where the reception was to be held. Rebecca made her way down the hall to the dining room, "Good morning Countess," Justus whaled, "Justus," She spoke, "And why are we so happy?" She questioned with a smirk. "I love weddings Countess and surely this is the last," He quietly joked pouring her coffee. "Now if you will excuse me, I have many things to do," She acknowledge him, "Thank you Justus," Rebecca walked over to Tristan, they both peered out the window and onto the lawn where the gazebo for the wedding was set up. Tristan looked at Rebecca, "I hope our brother knows what he's doing, I'll need a drink before then," He mildly added as they both laughed, it was something they hadn't shared in a longtime.

There had been too much tension and strife regarding the welfare of the Lahnstein's and their empire. The past few years had been a welcomed gift for both of them, Rebecca now Chief Designer and Tristan at the helm of the Lahnstein Bank. They both had matured greatly coming into their own. Ansgar was no longer the threat he had been before, Elisabeth moved him to the forestry service allowing him to spend much of his time abroad in Canada running the land holdings there. Sebastian remained as the family's Attorney overseeing LCL's business ventures and assisting Elisabeth. "Surely Sebastian has thought this through," Tristan remarked candidly knowing Tanja was still a thorn in their side. Rebecca contemplated what he said, "I couldn't agree more with you but what do you do, he is Emma's father and in their own strange way they love each other," Rebecca spoke realistically. Tristan put his arm around her shoulder, "I'm glad we've stuck together," she laid her head against his arm.

Tristan added vodka to his juice, "I think choosing Elisabeth was the best decision for this family, " Rebecca giggled, "Vodka?" She questioned, "It isn't even ten yet," Tristan grinned, "My little sister," He groaned ruffling her hair with his hand. "Your right Tristan choosing Elisabeth was the right thing to do, especially since our father's death all the turmoil that surrounded us, almost losing the castle our home," She stated rationally. Tristan looked at her, "It could've been you, you know," He casually reminded her, she sighed with a smile, "Designing fashion is all I really care about." She sat to the table and began eating breakfast, "It worked out for the best, I never cared for groveling over family affairs, I've worked hard and have had to deal with a lot of heartbreak where Tanja is concerned," Rebecca spoke finishing the last of her breakfast.

Tristan turned back towards her, "I should be happy she stays out of the banking business," He answered as he downed the rest of his drink, "I guess you heard she hired Marlene as Art Director," Rebecca mentioned. "I'm happy for her if that's what she came home for but working with Tanja in a big position won't be the same as being the Receptionist," Tristan offered and Rebecca nodded in agreement she bowed her head. "I never thought seeing her again would be so hard, I mean she's been gone a longtime and now we will be working together," She paused momentarily, "Challenging," She muttered resting her hand on her cheek. Tristan had a puzzled look on his face, "Where does Katherine play into this?" His questioning prompted her to hastily answer.

"She's my girlfriend," Rebecca replied shaking her head, "Having Marlene at LCL won't be easy," She hesitated looking him directly in the eye. "Katherine doesn't know about Marlene," She quietly clarified.

Tristan seemed perplexed, "You haven't told her about your past relationship? Why? She was your greatest love," He responded curtly, "Until you managed to destroy it," Tristan's tone was gruff his words however true caused an ache in the pit of her stomach. "Asshole," She lashed out, "I don't need to be reminded of what I had and then destroyed," He raised his brow to her, "But that's the Lahnstein way," Rebecca felt cornered by his stinging comments she knew deep down she had to tell the truth and make amends in order to move forward and clear her conscience she arose from the table, "I have some things to take care of at LCL before this afternoon," She remarked brushing passed him and quickly leaving the room.

The wedding ceremony was to begin at three the guests began to arrive and take their seats. Marlene walked Jakob to his seat and returned to the back where she was escorted by Tristan to the front, they stood opposite of each other. Marlene scanned the crowded venue for any sign of Rebecca. Tristan cued in on her and politely asked, "Are you looking for my little sister?" Marlene glared at him, "Get a life Tristan," She remarked angrily. "My sister is happy in her new life Marlene, remember that," He bounced back at her. She rolled her eyes at him and quickly caught sight of Rebecca making her way down the isle.

Marlene noticed the black dress with the shoulder fringes on it, it was one of her favorites she smiled briefly looking at Rebecca's shapely figure. Rebecca looked beautiful but Marlene's gaze was suddenly broken by the sad reality of Katherine, they were hand and hand as they moved into the front row. She refocused on Rebecca a smile crept across her face as Rebecca acknowledged her. The two stared at each other for what seemed like hours, Rebecca's heart fluttered wildly in her chest. "Rebecca," Katherine spoke trying to gain her attention, "Isn't Marlene's dress beautiful?" Her questioning broke Rebecca from Marlene's spell. "Uh, yes Marlene is beautiful," She answered almost biting her tongue. Katherine grinned, "I meant the dress Rebecca," Rebecca was caught off guard she felt awkward, "Katherine we need to talk after the reception," She begged. "Ok Rebecca," She whispered noticing the bride and groom coming down the isle.

The guests stood until they were in their places, Rebecca sat down keeping an affixed eye on Marlene only to turn away when Marlene noticed her stares.

Marlene looked radiant in the afternoon sun. Rebecca noticed a glow about her as she stood well poised through the, I do's.

The announcements were made about the reception after the completion of the ceremony. The guests began to enter the castle, Rebecca patiently waited for Marlene to step from the gazebo when she noticed a tall blond approach her and take her by the hand he led her towards the castle doors. Rebecca froze a look of sadness covered her face. Katherine came up behind her placing her hands on top of her shoulders, "Shall we join the reception?" Rebecca grimaced before facing, her, "Sure," she managed to compose herself.

They walked into the crowded room where people were dancing and conversing. Rebecca spied Marlene dancing she stared at them with a hurtful expression. Katherine walked to the bar to retrieve them a glass of champagne.

Rebecca felt the uneasy stress that she aloud to cloud her judgment on numerous occasions, seeing Marlene with someone else shook her to the core. "Rebecca, your drink," Katherine handed it to her breaking her train of thought. "Dance," She demanded sitting her drinking glass on the fireplace mantel taking Katherine in her arms and holding her tightly.

Rebecca rested her chin on Katherine's shoulder moving her closer to Marlene. She closed her eyes and then slowly opened them to see Marlene directly across from her.

Rebecca's heart raced with anxiety and fear, Marlene shifted her look to Rebecca their eyes probing each other. Katherine suddenly pulled her face to Rebecca's and began kissing her. Marlene became irritated and out of sorts as she watched them playfully kiss. Jakob stopped momentarily, "Is everything ok? You seem a bit tense," He asked grasping her chin with his thumb and index finger. "I'm fine," She replied, "I just need a drink," Jakob walked her to the bar, Marlene could feel the presence of Rebecca's penetrating stare. She quickly turned back to her and could see the agitation in her face. Jakob handed Marlene her drink he looked up and caught a glimpse of Rebecca staring at Marlene. Marlene appeared lost in thought.

Jakob snapped his fingers in front of her face getting her attention, "Did someone make you angry?" He asked wondering about the stares between the two women. "Don't be silly," Her eyes followed Rebecca as she exited the French doors of the great room and out onto the patio. "Excuse me Jakob," Marlene brushed past him heading towards the doors.

Rebecca laid her face in her hands Katherine came into view stopping Marlene from rushing to Rebecca's side. She stayed within the shadow of the door and keenly listened to their conversation. "Is everything ok Rebecca?" Katherine cautiously asked. "No," She lifted her head up to speak. "Katherine, please listen carefully to what I have to say, there are things about my past you need to know," Rebecca began to pace. "Lately you've been preoccupied and totally distracted Rebecca," Katherine spoke and attempted to hold her.

Rebecca pulled herself away and kept her at arms length, "I really need for you to listen," Rebecca took in a deep breath. "It's about Marlene," She began, "Marlene," Katherine frowned strangely. "We were together once, she was my live in girlfriend," Rebecca answered looking somberly at her. Katherine was confused and shocked, "I don't understand, I thought she was married to your brother once,"

Rebecca shook her head, "She was they divorced and she was about to marry Tristan but we were in love," She cut in, "Engaged to Tristan? You were seeing her behind your own brothers back?" Rebecca felt a numbness creep over her she found it hard to speak, "I don't believe this, why didn't you tell me this months ago? Rebecca why?" Katherine became furious she, cradled her face in her hands not wanting to face Rebecca.

Rebecca turned away from her, "I never wanted to tell you, what was the point she was gone and out of my life for good but," Katherine pulled her back around to face her, "But what? Do you still have feelings for her? I mean ever since she's been back you've been uptight and distant, it all makes sense now your moodiness the way you haven't wanted to touch me," She began to cry. "She was my first true love Katherine and she will always live in my heart," Marlene grasped her chest hearing the words Rebecca spoke she continued to listen remaining unnoticed.

Katherine wiped her face with the back of her hand she needed to get a grip on her emotions, "What went wrong?" She demanded an answer. "There were problems, mistakes," Rebecca was hesitant her voice trembled, "What kind of mistakes? What could be so bad that two people who are in love are torn apart?" Katherine grimaced with anguish.

"I let my career and the business come between us, I left her home, here at the castle day after day with nothing to do, she lost her voice, Tristan made sure of that her singing career was ruined but I was too blind with ambition to notice the pain and fears she had," Rebecca paused catching her breath. "Surely you could have worked through that but somehow that's not really the whole story is it?" Katherine frankly asked her tone callous.

"I was selfish and what I had to give I gave to LCL, god things were so demanding back then, I struggled to prove myself, my worth," Rebecca tried to reason, "Designing was my life, I had everything I wanted and in many ways she tried to make me see I was spinning out of control but my stubbornness ruled my thoughts, my needs," She began to weep thinking of the hurt she had caused Marlene. "She loved me unconditionally but all I ever did was complain," Rebecca took Katherine by the hand walking her out onto the courtyard, Katherine remained silent allowing Rebecca to speak her peace. "Marlene worked at LCL for awhile but some of the things she did caused arguments between us, living and working together can be difficult," Rebecca turned to face Katherine.

Katherine could feel the blood rushing to her head realizing what Rebecca was saying, "Arguments don't cause break ups," She remarked as they faced each other closely. "No, no they don't," Rebecca winced lowering her head. "What happened?" Katherine questioned eager for a truthful answer, "I cheated," Rebecca answered her firmly. She slightly laughed, "You cheated?" Her look was of shock, "I don't believe you," Katherine grasped her by the hand, "You would never cheat on someone your in love with," She searched Rebecca's facial expression for some rationality.

"It's true, we argued and I let my anger towards her punish her," She spoke seriously. "That's a poor excuse Rebecca and you know it, cheat? Really? But, why should I be surprised you both cheated your brother," Katherine barked loudly she could see the sorrow building in Rebecca's face touching her cheek with her hand. "You still haven't answered my question?" She quietly implored, "Do you still have feelings for her?"

"Katherine, I just wanted you to know the truth she's my past and you're my future and I want to be with you," Rebecca spoke sincerely, "Marlene wouldn't allow us a second chance, I tried, I begged but it was of no use, it hurt me badly to let her go but I had to she needed to find herself and she's done that, we've both moved on," Katherine fully embraced her holding her as she continued to weep but the suspicions about Marlene were now deeply seeded in her. "I've never asked you this before," Rebecca began to talk, "I Want you to stay the night with me, please, I know you have a lot on your mind, I know that what I just told you wasn't easy for you to hear and I'm truly sorry," She stopped her, "I love you Rebecca," Rebecca smiled, Katherine gestured with her hand, "Show me the way."

Marlene was focused on Rebecca and Katherine as they walked away she suddenly felt the tapping of a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Jakob, standing before her he smiled. "Who is she?" He abruptly questioned, "Who are you talking about?" She casually answered. "The Brunette with the big brown eyes that you can't seem to take your eyes off of Marlene," Jakob eyed her facial expression for a clue, she moaned under her breath, "You mean Rebecca?" Marlene shyly answered. "Is that her name? What's going on Marlene?" She pulled herself away from the door and back into the crowded room, Jakob followed.

Marlene approached Tanja and Sebastian, "The wedding was lovely but Jakob and I must go," Tanja grabbed a glass of champagne from the waiter's tray she sipped it and frowned at her, "Is everything ok?" Marlene rolled her eyes. "He knows," She whispered, "Rebecca?" Tanja quizzed. The look in Marlene's eyes was proof enough, "Enjoy your weekend, I'll see you Monday," Tanja and Sebastian bid them a good evening.

Katherine's head rested against Rebecca's chest the moonlight beamed in on them through the windows causing a pale light to outline their faces. Rebecca stared quietly at the ceiling as Katherine lay in thought of Marlene, "Are you awake?" Katherine whispered pressing her lips to Rebecca's neck. Rebecca turned her head, "What is it?" She replied in a raspy voice, "Is this why you've wanted to take things slow?" She asked in an attempt to understand Rebecca's reasoning. Rebecca exhaled slowly, "When I met you I had been through a lot, I tried to convince myself that everything that went wrong between Marlene and I was my fault, I spent much of my time in denial of what had happened and what I couldn't hold onto, I never thought I would meet someone who would charm me as you did," Katherine grinned tracing Rebecca's face with her finger. "I loved her and I lost her and I didn't want to compromise what we now have," Katherine rolled over on her stomach facing her.

"I know that you have a very tough road ahead of you, Marlene working at LCL will be challenging but I somehow think she's there for a reason," Katherine pondered. "What do you mean?" Rebecca asked turning onto her side, "I think she's realized that what she had is really what she's wanted all along you said it yourself there were no second chances and she apparently left on a whim and now suddenly she's back working at the very place there was strife and bad feelings," Katherine sternly interjected. "Nonsense," Rebecca argued, "She seems happy, she appears to be seeing someone, a man, I think his name is Jakob he's been in L.A. with her," Katherine laughed, "A man? And you know this how?" Rebecca sighed before answering her, "Because when she left that's who offered her a job working in the theater can we please stop talking about this, you need your rest," Rebecca turned over facing the windows pulling the covers up over her shoulders.

Rebecca's words sent a spark of curiosity through Katherine she lay there momentarily before speaking, "Did she introduce you to him?" Rebecca wrinkled her forehead and rolled her eyes, "No I just assumed that, I don't know him and I've never met him," Katherine caressed the side of Rebecca's face, "I was just curious thinking about her, you," Rebecca slightly moved out from under the covers, "It's late and I'm tired there's really no need for you to think about her, please can we get some sleep?" Rebecca became adamant. Katherine sighed closing her eyes but the words Rebecca said about Marlene echoed through her head over and over she felt uneasy and unsure about Marlene and her motives. "Rebecca," Katherine whispered, "What is it Katherine?" Rebecca rolled over grasping her and pulling her into the pit of her arm, "I love you, I just wanted you to know we'll get past this," She spoke in hopes Rebecca would be understanding of her questions. Rebecca kissed her forehead, "We will I promise."