Saturday 12th November 2005.

"Well, that's me all packed," Joseph said as he came down the stairs carrying a medium sized suitcase.

"Good, and do you have your passport?" Clarisse asked as she stood with her back to him and slipped on her coat.

"I do, in here," Joseph said while patting his jacket as he stepped off the last step and put his case down beside him "I wish you were coming with me, it won't be the same without you there."

"I know, me too," Clarisse said as she turned to him "but what with Mia's birthday party tonight and the Christmas events meeting on Monday we both agreed that it's just not possible this time."

"I know we did but it isn't making it any easier," Joseph said as he stepped closer to her while putting one of his hands up to cup her cheek.

"I know, but I'm at the end of a phone if you need to talk," Clarisse said while placing her hands on his sides and looked up into his eyes.

"I know," he nodded "are you going to be okay while I'm gone?"

"Of course I will be, Isabella's coming to stay so I'll be just fine," she said, smiling.

"That's what I'm worried about, I know what you two are like when you're left alone together," he said, smirking.

"I will be fine, I promise," Clarisse smiled and gave him a quick kiss before looking back up into his eyes "we better get going now if we're dropping into the palace on the way to the airport."

"Oh you're right, I didn't realise what the time was," Joseph said as he checked his watch for the time as Clarisse grabbed her handbag and car keys from the sideboard before moving to open the front door "do you have Mia's birthday present?"

"Yes I do, it's in my handbag," she smiled as he picked up his case and began walking towards her, grabbing his backpack from the sideboard as he past by.

Moments later they were on the road, heading towards the palace.

Stepping close to her granddaughters office door, Clarisse put her arm across in front of her and placed her hand on the handle while putting her other hand up to knock as Joseph stood close behind her, his hand resting on her hip "I hope she's not in a phone meeting," she said while turning her head to the side and moved it closer to the door, listening for voices.

"I'm sure she's not, not at this time," Joseph said as he watched Clarisse knock.

"Come in," Mia called out cheerily and looked over at the door as it opened.

Smiling, Clarisse stepped forward and popped her head inside as Joseph's hand smoothed from her hip to her lower back "happy birthday, darling!"

"Oh, thank you," Mia smiled "but I thought you were going to the airport this morning?"

"We are but Joseph wanted to swing by on the way so he could see you on your birthday," Clarisse smiled over at her.

"Oh how lovely," Mia smiled back.

"So do you have a spare few moments?" Clarisse asked.

"For you and Joe, always," Mia smiled as she stood to her feet and began walking around her desk.

"Great, we won't keep you," Clarisse said while walking in the office and over to her granddaughter to give her a hug as Joseph followed her in the room and closed the door behind them.

"Happy birthday, Mia," Joseph said as he made his way over to them and kissed Mia's cheek as she and her grandmother stepped apart.

"Thank you," Mia smiled at him then at her grandmother as she pulled her present out of her handbag.

"We wanted to give you this now too with Joseph here," Clarisse smiled as she gave her granddaughter her present "and it saves me bringing it tonight."

"Oh wow, thanks," Mia smiled while taking it and began to unwrap it as Clarisse watched her "it's a shame that you have to go away, celebrating my birthday tonight won't be the same without you here, Joe."

"I know, we were saying the same thing last night," Joseph smiled and looked over at Clarisse "but because I won't be here, you'll need to keep an eye on your grandmother for me."

"Oh sure, you can rest assured Joe that I will keep an eye on my grandmother for you, and I will make sure she behaves herself," smiled Mia as she looked at Joe then at her grandmother "especially since I know she has her sister staying with her."

"Hey," Clarisse gasped as Joseph stepped closer to her side and slipped his hand under her open coat, placing it on her hip before wrapping his arm around her waist "I'm not that bad," she said and looked up at her husband as he laughed.

"Sure, grandma," Mia smiled and looked down at her present, giving them a moment.

"I'm only messing," he whispered in her ear before lifting his head to look into her eyes as she raised her hand up to playfully grip hold of his jaw a moment.

"You're lucky that I love you," she said, gazing into his eyes a moment before reaching up to kiss him while still holding onto his jaw.

"Oh, I am lucky," he agreed before they both looked over at Mia as she gasped.

"What's the matter, darling?" Clarisse asked as she lowered her hand from her husbands face and turned to face her granddaughter as she stared at her present, a pair of diamond earrings, a long moment.

"These are beautiful grandma, thank you," she said, finally looking up at her before stepping closer, giving her another hug before moving to hug Joseph "and thank you to you too, Joe."

"You're welcome," Joseph said as they stepped apart "now don't work to hard today, okay?"

Laughing, Mia shook her head as Clarisse checked the time on her watch "I'll try not too."

"I'm really sorry darling, but we better get going now or Joseph will miss his flight," Clarisse said.

"Of course," nodded Mia as she looked at Joseph "have a good trip and I will see you when you get back?"

"You definitely will," Joseph smiled as he walked over to the door and opened it.

"And I will see you tonight," Clarisse smiled as she stepped closer to her granddaughter and kissed her cheek while wrapping one arm around her shoulders.

"Oh hello, I didn't know you were here," came a voice from the doorway.

Stepping back, Clarisse looked over to see Pierre stood smiling at her "Pierre," she exclaimed and began walking over to him "I had know idea you were going to be here, when did you arrive?"

"Last night, I wanted to keep it a secret," Pierre smiled while giving her a hug "but do you really think I would miss my nieces birthday?" He said while smirking over at Mia.

"No, you wouldn't," Clarisse said as they stepped apart "how long are you here for?"

"Until Monday," Pierre smiled.

"Oh I'm so happy that you're here, you'll get to see the new house," Clarisse exclaimed excitedly as Pierre laughed.

"I can't wait," he smiled.

"Grandma, shouldn't you be leaving for the airport?" Mia asked and moved to stand behind her desk as everyone looked at her.

"Airport?" Pierre asked while looking back at his mother as she once again checked the time on her watch "are you going away?"

"Oh no," Clarisse said as she looked up at her son "I'm not going, Joseph's going to Italy for a week to help Gino with some business and if we don't leave now, he'll miss his flight."

"If you want I could get one of the guys to take me, I'm sure Mia wouldn't mind me stealing one of the guards?" Joseph said as he looked over at her.

"No of course not," Mia said with a shake of her head "you go right ahead."

"No no I said I was taking you, so I'm taking you," Clarisse smiled as she looked at her husband then up at her son "I will pop back after I have dropped him off, we can catch up then?"

"Well, why don't I come with you? We could pop to see the new house on the way home?" Pierre said.

"Okay then, let's go," Clarisse smiled and looked over at Mia "I will see you tonight."

"Yes, you will," Mia laughed as she watched them leave her office.

Pulling into a drop off parking space outside the main terminal at the airport, Clarisse shut of the engine and everyone climbed from the car. After saying goodbye to Joseph, Pierre climbed in the passengers seat to give his mother a moment to say goodbye to her husband. But looking into the wing mirror a moment later he watched as Joseph put his hand up onto the side of his mothers neck, his thumb resting on her jaw as he stepped closer and kissed her. Averting his gaze away, he couldn't help but smile at how open while out in public his mother had become since she and Joseph had married, something he didn't think he'd ever see.

Moments later Clarisse climbed back in the car with a sigh and as Pierre watched she buckled up her seatbelt and started the engine. "Next stop, the house," Clarisse said and smiled at her son as she took the hand break off.

"Yep," smiled Pierre as they pulled out of the parking space. "I must say, this feels really strange you driving me."

"Funnily enough, Joseph says the same thing," Clarisse smiled as she kept her eyes on the road.

"It certainly takes a bit of getting used to," he smiled and looked out of his door window a long moment. "He's not going to help Gino with the business, is he?" He asked and looked back at his mother as she concentrated on the road a moment before answering.

"No," she said and shook her head as they slowly came to a stop at a set of traffic lights "he's not."

"How come you're not going with him then?" He asked.

"I was going to go with him, but what with Mia's birthday party tonight and the Christmas events meeting on Monday we decided that I should stay here," Clarisse said as they started off again.

"You know, I'm sure Mia would have understood you being away over her birthday," Pierre said as he watched his mother focus on the road "she's an understanding person after all."

"Yes she is, and I'm sure she would understand, but she doesn't know what's been going on," Clarisse said as she checked her mirrors to make sure it was clear to change lanes "she doesn't know about Emily, well Victoria as she's now known."

"Victoria? Wasn't that Joseph's sisters name?" Pierre asked, watching his mother as she continued to stare out the front window while smoothing her hands to the top of the steering wheel.

"Yes, it was," she said with a nod of her head a moment later.

"How bizarre that her name is Victoria now," he said and looked out of his door window.

"I said the same thing, but what's even more bizarre is when they spoke on the phone to arrange this trip she told him that once he sees her then there won't be any need for a DNA test," Clarisse said as her son looked back at her "he will know straight away who her father is."

"That's odd, if she was fathers," he said, averting his gaze to his mothers hands as she gripped tighter onto the steering wheel "then surely she wouldn't allow this meeting to happen, right? She's got to be Joseph's to allow him to travel there to meet her."

"We thought the same thing, but weren't getting our hopes up just in case."

"That's understandable," Pierre said as he nodded "how does Joseph feel about there being a strong possibility that she's his?" He asked.

"He's nervous obviously, and he's angry too, especially at Liliana for not telling him about her sooner," she answered.

"Well that's natural, but what about you? How do you feel about it all?" He asked and watched as she continued to stare out of the window a long long moment before finally answering.

"If she is Joseph's then I'm happy for him, for them both. He's always wanted to have a child of his own, and even though he's had a later start to other fathers I know he will be an amazing dad to Victoria." She said sadly "if she allows him."

"And what if it does turn out that she's fathers?" He asked and watched as her hands once again gripped the steering wheel tighter.

"There's not much I can do now, but if your father was still alive then obviously I would have probably killed him," she said and glanced at son before looking back at the road.

"You wouldn't be the only one," Pierre said.

Later That Night.

Holding onto Pierre's arm, Clarisse smiled at the doormen as they held open the doors for them to walk through and wished them goodnight before looking up at her son. "I think it's safe to say Mia enjoyed herself tonight, don't you?" She asked, pulling her wrap tighter around her shoulders as the cool night air hit her.

"Yes, I believe she did," Pierre smiled "and as far as I am aware her, Lilly, Nicholas and Captain Kelly are all going to a late night wine bar shortly."

"Oh dear," Clarisse laughed and slipped on her gloves as her son turned to lean against the balustrade at the top of the palace steps to look over the driveway "they will all have sore heads in the morning then."

"I'm sure they will," Pierre smirked at her then looked over at the limousine waiting to take her home "mom?"

"Yes, darling?" Clarisse said as she looked up at him and followed the direction he was looking.

"Who is that man aunt Isabella has been talking to all night?" He said and looked back at his mother as she watched her sister stood by the car, talking to the man in question "his face looks familiar, but I can't place him."

"That will be Jaures," she said and looked back at her son.

"Jaures?" He said, looking back over at his aunt when he suddenly realised who he was "not thee Jaures?" He gasped and looked back at his mother.

"Yes," she nodded "thee Jaures," she said and looked back over at the pair, who were now laughing by the car.

Looking back at his mother, he raised his eyebrow and asked "what's he doing back here?"

"Motaz told me this evening that he's back as a member of parliament, hence why he's here tonight."

"Oh," he said, watching his mother as she watched her sister "does she know?"

"No, no one does, only you," she said and looked back up at her son "and that's how I would like it to stay." She added in a quiet but stern voice as he nodded.

"Of course, I'm not going to tell anyone," he said and they both looked back over at the pair "you do realise though that there has been a lot of flirting between them tonight, don't you?" he asked.

"I do, yes," Clarisse nodded and looked back up at her son "but it'll be fine, she's married, nothing will come off it."

"Let's hope not," Pierre said and looked back at his mother.

"It won't," she said and shook her head "right, I'm going home to call my husband," Clarisse smiled at the mere thought of hearing her husbands delicious voice, and put her arm up to wrap around Pierre's shoulders as he reached down to kiss her cheek "meet you for lunch tomorrow?"

"Definitely, see you tomorrow," Pierre smiled and watched as she made her way down the steps and towards the waiting car before going back inside.

"Come along Isabella it's time to say goodnight to your friend," Clarisse said while walking towards the limousine as the driver opened her door for her "thank you Lars," she smiled at him and watched as he bowed his head to her.

"What about you, do I not get a goodnight from you?" Jaures questioned in his French accent as Clarisse placed her hand on the top of the door and began climbing into the back of the limousine.

Stopping, she stood back up straight and looked over the top of the car at him "oh I'm sorry, goodnight, Jaures. I wish I could say it's been a pleasure, but I'd be lying," she said and looked at her sister as Jaures laughed "please can we go now, I need to call my husband or he'll only worry."

"Of course," Isabella nodded and looked up at Jaures as Clarisse climbed into the back of the car.

Sitting in the back of the car waiting for her sister, Clarisse looked down at her wedding ring as her mind drifted off to thoughts of Joseph. He only left that morning, but she missed him terribly and couldn't wait to hear his voice, to feel his body against hers. Closing her eyes a moment later, she knew tonight and every night for the next week was going to be lonely without him there with her.

"Right, I'm here," Isabella said as she climbed into the car beside her and closed her door "let's go home."

Opening her eyes, Clarisse looked at her then checked her watch for the time "about time," she said and looked at Lars sitting in the drivers seat "we can go now, Lars, thank you."

"No problem," he said and bowed his head once again as he started the engine and began to drive.

Looking at her sister sitting beside her as she stared out of the window with her hands folded together in her lap, Isabella sensed a change of mood and asked "what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Clarisse said and turned her head to look at her.

"There is, your mood has changed," Isabella said as she watched her look down at her hands, more to the point, her wedding ring.

"It's been a long day, I'm tired and I miss my husband," Clarisse said as she looked back up at her sister "and your flirting with a man who is not your husband, did not help my mood."

Looking down, Isabella let out a sigh "he's not going to be my husband for much longer, we're getting divorced."

"What?" Came the quiet reply from Clarisse as Isabella looked up at her "what?" She said again, more loudly.

"That's what I have been trying to tell you for weeks, months even," Isabella said sadly "we drifted apart a long time ago, we tried to stay together for the kids but we were constantly arguing and then one day we just decided enough was enough."

Taking her sisters hand, she pulled it towards her and held it in her lap as she studied her sister "why didn't you tell me?"

"I couldn't," Isabella shrugged "you were busy with preparing Mia to take over from you and getting married to the man of your dreams, how could I possibly tell you I was getting divorced when you were on cloud nine?"

"You should have still told me, I'm your big sister, I would have been there for you," Clarisse said as she rubbed the top of her sisters hand "is that why I've hardly seen you?"

"Yes," Isabella nodded and looked down at their hands "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, I know I should have but whenever I saw you, you were with Joseph and you're both so in love. I would watch you both together and wish I had that, I wish I had someone special to hold me at night."

"Oh come here," Clarisse said softly as she shuffled closer and wrapped her arms around her sisters shoulders "there are plenty of wonderful men out there, sadly though Jaures isn't one of them."

"It's alright for you, you found your happy ever after but who's going to want me?" Isabella said as she sat back up and looked at her sister "compared to you I'm the ugly sister, I always have been. I'm the sister who no one wants and let's face it, who will want me? I'm sixty one years old, I'm getting divorced and I'm a mother of two grown up children, with a beautiful sister who spent most of her life as a Queen. Every man who crosses your path falls at your feet, including my soon to be ex husband."

"Oh what rubbish, that's not true,"

"It is, he only married me because he couldn't have you," Isabella said as she fumbled with her purse, getting a tissue to dab her eyes with as she continued "you had the perfect life, a king as a husband, two handsome sons and a lover," she exclaimed tearfully "I want that."

"What a husband who cheats on you?" Clarisse asked.

"No, not that," Isabella said with a shake of her head as she looked down at the tissue in her hands "I want the perfect life, I want someone who would love me for me, I want a lover, I want to be with someone who doesn't say your name as we make love." She said as Clarisse gasped and placed her hand on her chest in surprise "yes that's right, Charles once said your name as we made love."

"Oh Isabella, I... I really don't know what to say," Clarisse said, shocked at her sisters confession.

"It's okay, you know, I got used to it, like everything else I had to get used to over the years," Isabella said sadly as tears rolled down over her cheeks.

Putting one of her hands up, Clarisse brushed a bit of her sisters hair behind her ear and cupped her cheek "Isabella, you are one of the most beautiful women that I know and you always have been, and one day you will find your happy ever after too," Clarisse said as she watched her sister break down in front of her "it may not happen right away, but one day it will, when you least expect it."

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Isabella cried.

"Because you're my sister and no matter what's happened I still love you," Clarisse said softly and wrapped her arms around her, holding her close as she cried on her shoulder "just please don't give up."

Standing in the guest room doorway at the house, Clarisse watched her sister a moment as she lay sleeping peacefully on the bed before turning to leave, switching off the light and closing the door behind her as she stepped from the room. It had been a long, emotional hour and all she wanted to do was fall into bed herself, but as she walked through her own bedroom doorway there was one more thing that she had to do before calling it a night. Grabbing the phone from the bedside table, she dialled Joseph's mobile number and sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for him to answer.

"Hello, Clarisse?"

"Yes, it's me," Clarisse said while placing her free hand on her tummy as it filled with butterflies at the sound of his voice "sorry I'm calling so late, it's been an eventful hour."

"Why? Whats happened? Are you okay?" He asked, full of concern.

"Yes, I'm fine but it can wait," Clarisse said as she moved to sit on the bed properly.

"Are you sure? We can talk about it if you like?"

"Of course I'm sure, I want to hear about what's been going on there so please tell me about your day? Did you meet Victoria?" She asked.

"I did," he said, beaming "but before I say anything else, I have sent you an email with a picture attached, can you check it for me please?"

"What, now?" Clarisse asked as she looked over at the laptop sitting on top of the chest of drawers.

"Please? It's important."

"Okay," Clarisse said, pulling herself off the bed and walked over to get the laptop.

"Thank you," smiled Joseph.

"It's okay," she said while putting the laptop on the bed and turned it on before climbing to sit back where she was sat just a moment ago.

"So while we wait for it to load, are you going to tell me what's been going on there?" He asked.

"I'd rather not over the phone," Clarisse said and closed her eyes.

"Okay, but just promise me something?"

"What's that?" She asked and opened her eyes.

"Just promise me that you are okay, and safe?"

"I promise that I am okay and that I'm perfectly safe," she said softly and typed in the password to access her laptop "okay, I'm nearly there."

Listening to the tone of her voice, Joseph nodded. He could sense that she wasn't okay, but was satisfied that she was at least safe "okay, let me know when you have opened your emails." He said and they both fell silent.

"Okay, I'm in and can see that I have one email from you."

"Okay, are you ready?" He asked.

"Of course, can I open it now?"

"Yes, you can," he said, listening for the click of her opening the email and hearing the gasp on the other end of the phone confirmed that she had seen the picture he had sent "meet Victoria."

I sense trouble coming, do you? Please let me know your thoughts? It's much appreciated, thank you.