A/N

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long, I've had writer's block all week and when I finally finished this chapter last night the internet went down so now, 16 hours later, I'm attempting to upload this again.

I actually don't know how many more chapters I'll need for this fic. I'm trying to get this one finished and out of the way so I can put all my effort into finishing Learning to Love but this is also starting to grow on me again - especially since I think I've finally decided how I want this to end. I'm thinking around 16 will be enough.

This chapter might be a bit slow-moving but the next chapter is already in the works and the ones after this will be more dramatic because sh*t is about to go down, so to speak.

Thanks to everyone who's continued to read this, even though I've been all over the place with my uploading schedule.

Weeks had passed by since Jacqueline's revelation and she had simply fitted back into family life. Her past misdeeds had been forgotten and it seemed that she was finally able to live as Katrina Gavin; even if this was only behind closed doors. Klavier often referred to her as the missing puzzle piece to his life; the one person who had always had his back had returned – thus completing him entirely. Every time Phoenix saw the two estranged siblings together, he could tell that Klavier was eternally grateful to have been given a second chance, to make amends with the sister he gave up on all those years ago. Even more so because Kristoph's arrest had left him alone without any family.

Additionally, Phoenix had also noticed a change in Jacqueline. She had been much more receptive of him after their reunification and even in public, the coldness she had once treated him with was starting to thaw.

In fact, Jacqueline had kept true to her word and was to attend the LAPD's New Year party with Phoenix – something which he had long anticipated. And so had she.

"What do you think about this one?" Jacqueline emerged from behind the dressing screen in a long red dress.

Wilfred nodded, smiling warmly at his mistress. "This dress is also very lovely, madame."

"Is it? I feel like it's too…red?" She hung her head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Maybe I should just call Phoenix and cancel…"

"Absolutely not." Wilfred fastened Jacqueline's favourite necklace around her neck. "I'm certain that you will have a spectacular evening."

"But what if something goes wrong? I could slip up and ruin everything that I've worked for."

"Or you could possibly have the most enjoyable evening of your life."

"Wilfred—"

"Forgive me, madame but I cannot allow you to give up this opportunity for happiness. You have friends now…and they can easily become the most important people within a person's life. Therefore I must urge you to tread carefully; should you make any errors, your new relationships may suffer the consequences." Wilfred furrowed his brow, unsure of how to explain his words without causing too much offense or conflict. "What I'm trying to say is that I would advise you to talk to Mr. Wright. I personally believe that you would be wise to consider making a confession."

"I can't, Wilfred. I can't lose this life!" Jacqueline shook her head adamantly. "I respect you, you know I do. You're like a father to me but I'm just not strong enough to return to that life."

"Well I insist that you at least try!" Wilfred asserted, raising his voice slightly to match his boss'. "I've seen you rise from nothing so you're possibly the strongest person that I know; thus I'm certain that redemption is possible for you."

"No, Wilfred. People like me don't get the happy ending. We don't get the guy, we don't get the house or the perfect children! I'll just get sent back to a mental hospital – or jail, if I'm lucky." Jacqueline struggled to keep her voice calm, its breaking becoming evident. "So please never tell me to confess again, Wilfred. Because I won't do it, I can't do it, alright?!"

Despite his desperation to see his mistress return to a life of truth, with Phoenix by her side, Wilfred decided to accept Jacqueline's decision with a supportive smile. "Very well madame, please accept my apology. I-I'll be waiting for you in the car."

Before Jacqueline could get her butler to stay in the room, before she had the chance to apologise and explain her actions, he hurried out of the room – evidently guilt-stricken as a result of his boldness. Wilfred had never vocalised his opinion when it came to his highly complicated mistress; however, on this occasion, he had felt the need to point out the morally correct path. He wanted to save Jacqueline's soul before it became damaged beyond repair.

Once Jacqueline had finished getting ready, she joined Wilfred in the car and they began their journey into the city; although stopping at Phoenix's apartment beforehand so to drive him to the party.

"You look really great." Phoenix said with a smile as he climbed into the back of Jacqueline's car, strapping himself in beside her as Wilfred set off.

"You don't look too bad yourself." Jacqueline replied, hiding the tension from her earlier argument with her butler behind a content red smile.

While Phoenix and his date exchanged in pleasant conversation during the drive, Wilfred kept making eye contact with Jacqueline, almost desperate to make amends. After all, he hated it when they had their disagreements.

Although Jacqueline also felt regretful for their debate, she was too proud to admit this and therefore hardly spoke to him over the course of the journey. However this wasn't too much of an issue; after all, both Jacqueline and Wilfred knew that they'd be as close as ever by the following day.

At the New Year party, many of the guests were surprised to see Phoenix with the journalist Jacqueline Blakesley on his arm; they certainly weren't too people that anyone would've paired together but, in a strange kind of way, their differences helped to complement each other nicely.

They sat at a table together and Phoenix brought over the wine, eager to impress his date. Even more so now that he was aware of the tragic life she had led so far.

"…People are staring at us…" Jacqueline mumbled, feeling uncomfortable to be the wrong kind of spectacle.

Phoenix turned his head to see Miles and his fiancée Nina standing on the sidelines; clearly unsure of whether or not to approach the couple. Mentally groaning, he beckoned them both other – Jacqueline could've used a few new friends after all.

The newly-engaged couple eagerly took Phoenix's invitation and joined them at the table; finally able to meet the woman who Phoenix had both complained about and yearned after for so long.

"So how long have you guys officially been together?" Nina asked with a smile. Jacqueline observed the officer; how she was holding Miles' hand tightly, while sitting as close as possible to him – the pair of them smiling like they'd come down with the worst case of love sickness she'd ever seen. But then again, this struck Jacqueline as a red flag: should she be behaving this way with her own date? Would such loving behaviour draw him in closer and make him love her unconditionally? Because she needed to be able to assure herself that the defence attorney wasn't going to abandon her anytime soon. It didn't even bear thinking about - if Jacqueline were to lose Phoenix over this ridiculous façade, she didn't know what she'd do. Did that mean that she actually cared for him?

"Jacqueline?" Phoenix dragged her out of her deep thoughts with a gentle nudge to the shoulder.

"Perfectly fine." She looked up from her glass of wine quickly, then got to her feet. "Please, excuse me for a moment." Then she hurried into the bathroom and locked herself inside of one of the stalls.

"Is Ms. Blakesley alright?" Miles inquired, curious as to why such a reserved woman had suddenly freaked for no apparent reason.

Phoenix shrugged, equally confused. Jacqueline had been as charming as ever mere minutes ago – was something on her mind? And if there was, the chances of her opening up to Phoenix were slim to none; he hardly knew anything about how Katrina spent her time before adopting the personality of Jacqueline Blakesley.

However, while both of the men were only just learning the workings of the female mind, Nina was a veteran when it came to speaking with disturbed people. "I could go and talk to her?"

"Nina, wouldn't that upset Ms. Blakesley further?" Miles lowered his voice, having seen how reckless his fiancée tended to be – even if this wasn't always her intention. Nina was just too inquisitive at times.

However Phoenix nodded in agreement with Nina. "I think it'd be good for her. Jacqueline hasn't really connected with anyone…if you could reach her Nina, it would be greatly appreciated."

Nina clasped her hands together and stood up. "Well, I'll try my best." She kissed Miles' cheek before heading into the bathroom.

"Hey Jacqueline, are you okay in there?"

"Phoenix sent you to talk to me." Jacqueline muttered from the other side of the door, refusing to leave the cubicle. "You can leave, I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Look, it's alright to show a bit of weakness every now and then; fear is what makes us human. I always used to tell Miles that we need our emotions, as stupid as that sounds, and I think that—"

Before Nina could say another word, the toilet door swung open. "Don't pretend that you know me..! I'm sick of people thinking that they know me – I'm nothing like you. My relationship with Phoenix is nothing like what you and Mr. Edgeworth have and it never will be."

"Of course it can be. Phoenix adores you and I know that you care for him just as much. What's stopping you?"

"I'm not who I say I am. He doesn't deserve that…"

Nina tilted her head, confused as to what the journalist was getting at. "And who are you?"

Jacqueline sighed, "Katrina Gavin."

"…As in, Klavier's sister?" Nina felt her jaw drop to the floor and she ran a hand through her dark hair. "I wasn't expecting you to say that. Does Klavier know?"

"Yes, a few people do but I'd prefer for you to keep this to yourself for now. Please?"

Nina thought for a moment, then she smiled. "Of course. I mean, what're friends for?"

Jacqueline chuckled at hearing that word. Friends.

Then she recalled how Nina had said the word; there had been no hints of insincerity or malice in her voice. She had genuinely insisted that they had a friendship. In fact, Nina was possibly the first person in a long time to take on such a role.

"Just promise me that Phoenix won't get hurt if this secret life of yours causes any drama. He's a really good guy and he clearly likes you a lot."

"I promise." Jacqueline said with slight hesitance. While she wanted to believe that this was a promise that she could keep, Jacqueline couldn't escape the probability of her being unable to stick to her word – even if she desperately wanted to spare Phoenix any hurt. Poor Nina didn't even know half of the truth. However she continued to smile and followed Nina out of the bathroom.

Phoenix cornered his date as she left the bathroom, desperate to finally speak with her following her absence. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, thank you." She glanced over at Nina, noticing how she hugged Edgeworth upon her return. Grimacing slightly, Jacqueline threw her arms over Phoenix and hugged him too; although Phoenix appreciated the first affectionate gesture that his girlfriend had offered, he could sense that she felt slightly uncomfortable.

"You're not really yourself tonight, are you sure everything is okay?"

She nodded quickly, then looked around the room at all the unfamiliar faces. Although somewhat famous, Jacqueline had never enjoyed being in the presence of other influential people – or people in general. This was a preference which had developed dramatically as a result of her years in isolation.

"If I'm honest, I do feel slightly ill…it must be the wine." Jacqueline thought about what Wilfred and Nina had said to her. About what she owed Phoenix Wright. "I'm sorry, could we just head back to mine instead? A quiet night in with you just seems more appealing at the moment."

"As long as going back would make you feel more comfortable…" Phoenix said, handing Jacqueline her coat. "Although we should call a cab to save your butler the trouble of driving out here at this hour."

Jacqueline nodded in agreement; Wilfred deserved a break and tonight she would relief her butler of any concern. She would tell Phoenix the whole truth about her turbulent life.

They sat in the back of the taxi together as the fireworks rung in the New Year: a new start. Jacqueline needed one of those now more than ever. She needed the opportunity to set things straight. After all, she had grown very fond of Phoenix over the previous weeks. As she had done with Klavier – which made everything all the more difficult. Jacqueline desperately wanted to finish her work on Kristoph Gavin but, with this mission, she had found new purpose. As accidental and unexpected as this change had been, the journalist would've immediately insisted that her previous confession had changed her life for the better – and she didn't want it to stop prematurely. But Jacqueline also didn't want to continue living a lie where she was hurting such good people.

"You'll have to meet Trucy." Phoenix insisted out of the blue, turning to Jacqueline who was too focused on the fireworks outside the taxi. "She's really eager to see you. We could have lunch or see a movie?"

Phoenix's words struck a chord with Jacqueline. She had already become too involved and if she met her lover's daughter, it would be almost impossible to withdraw from the situation. It would make this new life all too real.

That was why Jacqueline knew she had to savour what she had before it was too late. She turned her head to face Phoenix and planted a soft kiss on his lips while quickly forcing any stray tears about to fall from her blue eyes to go away. Phoenix kissed her back of course; he had waited so long for Jacqueline – or Katrina – to show any signs of true affection for him and, although she was finally starting to open up now, he had a strong feeling that she would shut down once again come morning.

When the taxi reached Jacqueline's home, the pair quickly jumped out and ran up the steps; eager to continue with their evening together. And Jacqueline was desperate to get her confession out of the way.

However, as soon as she opened the front door, all plans were obliterated – consequently causing Jacqueline to retreat back into her shell.