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Author's Note: I have no idea if anyone is still reading this, as the updates don't show up on the Smallville home bit. If you are reading, please review.
Chapter 23: Out of Control.
Lionel had ensured he was 'busy' whenever Lex tried to contact him, so that there was no way his plan would be ruined before the big day. Lex had considered talking to Bruce, but had dismissed it out of hand since there was no evidence to back up his suspicions. Catherine had returned the day before the wedding and hidden in a hotel room with Bruce, catching up. Then she'd left to spend the night at the Luthor mansion, where Lionel had stuck to her like glue and ensured Lex was never alone with either of them to ask, eventually sending him off to be with Bruce, as Lex was his best man, much to Dick's chagrin.
The night before the wedding had been very busy, with everyone rushing around for last minute preparations, and Lionel fussing over Catherine. Chloe and Lana had been invited to spend the night, but Catherine ensured that she and Chloe were never alone, in case Lex had said anything to her.
From the outside everything looked perfect, but no one could have seen Catherine crying in the bathroom, or Lionel's anger when she spoke to him straight after. He wasn't the best father in the world, but he never wanted his children to suffer, he wanted to make them strong. He'd forgotten that girls were subject to different risks than boys; he hadn't taken into account that if the situation were reversed Lex could quite easily get someone pregnant and walk away, but Catherine would be pregnant. He'd found himself having to call up his 'dodgy' doctor just so that his daughter could smile in her wedding photos, he didn't know what he would have done without Prozac.
The transformation of the tearstained 21 year old into a beautiful blushing bride had amazed even Lionel, who had seriously considered postponing the wedding when he'd seen her that morning. The dress was perfect, a strapless gown with a full skirt in a pure white, it had some light purple heather embroidered around the top of the bodice, and she carried a bouquet of white roses and mauve lilies. The bridesmaid's dresses were pale purple and were slim fitting, they were halter necked and low cut so that they revealed a small amount of cleavage, but nothing too obvious. The two younger girls had gone ahead in the limousine, and Catherine followed with Lionel in a Bentley.
They had arrived at the church to a flurry of paparazzi, and Catherine and Lionel had been photographed as entered the church. As they passed, one of the photographers had called out to her 'good luck with Prince Charming.' Lionel had felt her stiffen, and had hurried them inside.
"What was that about?" He whispered as they waited in the foyer.
"He's not my Prince Charming is he?" She looked on the verge of tears.
Lionel did something he hadn't done since before Lillian had died, he gave
Catherine a real hug. "I know
sweetheart, but you will find one, one day.
And we'll get you out of this marriage before you can say
'irreconcilable differences.'" He
whispered to her, as Lana and Chloe were only feet away waiting to go in.
"It's ten times harder now, though." She whispered back.
"Chin up, it's your wedding day." Lionel said reassuringly.
"I know, but I'm just sorry Mum can't be here." She said.
The wedding march began and they headed up the aisle behind the bridesmaids. The service went surprisingly smoothly since four members of the wedding party had good reason to 'speak now' rather than holding their peace. Lex had been watching closely throughout the service, and noticed that Catherine braced almost imperceptibly before Bruce kissed her.
As they filed out of the church, Lionel watched his daughter glance over her shoulder to seek his approval for her actions. When he caught the hint of pain behind her eyes he wondered, for the first time in his life, if he'd gone too far.