Disclaimer : We do not own Gilmore girls, nor do we intend to, but we do own any original characters.

Rating: PG-13 though it might go as high as R. There may be some minor swearing in chapters.

Pairing: Trory of course!

Authors Note: This chapter picks up right after chapter 4 left off. This is where things start to get really interesting…let's just say it's the calm before the storm = )

Chapter Six: I can't help…

Tristan awoke to the sounds made from the early morning grind of the New YorK streets. The noise was made louder by the fact his window was still open from his brief star-gazing from the night before.

Reluctantly getting out of his bed, he made his way to the window, intent on closing it. In doing so, a grumbling protest was made from his stomach indicating that he was in desperate need of food after forgetfully skipping dinner last night.

He placed a hand over his taut stomach and grabbed a shirt with the other, walking out the door and heading towards the kitchen. His vision was momentarily blocked as he pulled the shirt over his head. When he finally could see again, he was in the living room and reasonably shocked at what he saw;

The confident, unemotional Vivienne he knew was a far cry from the one that lay before him. For she, the queen of self-composure, was hunched up on the couch, arms tightly hugging her legs, her body rocking gently back and forth due to her uncontrollable sobbing.

So unexpected this situation was, Tristan had no idea what to do or say.

"uhh.. what's wrong Viv, " he finally got out awkwardly. She looked up from her tear-stained hazel eyes as if noticing him for the first time.

"My father…" she said barely above a whisper, " he died this morning…"

"Viv…," Tristan trailed off, genuine concern engulfing his features as he headed towards her,

" I am so sor-"

"-and I think I killed him, " she interrupted before he could finish his sentence.

By now, Tristan was sitting on the coffee table across from her. Her surprising revelation took him off guard for a moment but it wasn't too long until he voiced his objection,

"That's not true. Your father has had that heart condition for as long as I can remember. You have to realise that it was only a matter of time"

"No ! " she cried out as she got up and threw her hands up in the air as if to emphasise her point, " You don't understand…"

Confused, Tristan intentionally remained quiet to let her explain.

"I told him something last night that got him really mad and…and…"

"What did you tell him ?" Tristan pressed on, half expecting to be ignored.

Vivienne let out an audible sigh before replying, " I told him that I wanted to take over the company myself."

" What ?" Tristan cried, boring his shocked eyes at the back of her head urging her to turn back around to see if she was sane.

" Let me repeat what you have been saying to me countless times before," Viv said turning back around, " we are only getting married for business purposes, so you can take other my father's company. You were given that honour by my dad -- an honour that I should've had…If it wasn't for the fact I was a fragile little girl that was incapable of doing what should be rightly a mans job – or so my mother would say.

"But I'm sick of all this superficial shit. I don't want to spend the rest of my life being moulded into a trophy wife. I don't want to be unhappy… " she ended on a sad note.

"But why now, " Tristan said with all the calmness he could muster and shaking of the slight sense of déjà vu coming over him, "Why when everything is so close to being finalised…"

Vivienne shook her head slowly while pacing the room.

"I have wanted this ever since I was a kid. Seeing as I was the only child, it only made me more determined to succeed my father. You probably could have seen my shocked reaction when I heard the news of our parents' plan of us getting married – and for you to take over, " she said in a bitter tone.

"At that time I hated you so much-- even though I didn't really know you. I wanted to ruin your dreams like you did with mine--"

Tristan was about to ask what exactly she did to ruin 'his dreams' but was halted at the fact Viv got out something first,

" – and for that you have to know how unbelievably sorry I am. I realised that you were much a pawn as I was in all this. I just wanted…" she trailed off unable to get out what she was about to say.

Tristan could do nothing but sit; thinking it was best to not pressure her into getting it all out. So he patiently waited for her to continue.

"…I just wanted to give him one last chance to change his mind. To abort all plans," she finally said with a slight tremble in her voice, "I knew he was really sick; close to dying…," tears started to well up in her eyes, " I thought that he would be sick enough to agree, " she tearfully let out in an almost whisper with her face betraying any emotion of guilt she felt, "but he said he didn't believe in me…I don't think anyone does…"

An empty silence filled the room but both knew that it wouldn't be for long.

"I believe in you, "Tristan said with genuine sincerity.

Vivienne averted her eyes from where she was gazing to look Tristan in the face to see if there lay an expression of mock on his features.

He didn't.

On an impulse she got up and threw her arms around him giving him a hug – which was a rare intimate gesture between them. From then on, a certain bond was formed, and although it was not a bond of any romantic kind, it was still something – a comforting understanding to say at the very least.

"Thank you, " she whispered in his ear before sadly saying, " Do you know how heartbreaking it is to have someone you love not believe in you? "

It was more of a statement than a question but Tristan answered nonetheless,

"No. I don't believe I do"

***

A whole week had passed since Rory's last encounter with Tristan and it was only until this bright, Sunday afternoon that she was given notice of a possible interview time by Tristan's secretary.

She didn't mind that a long time had elapsed since her arrival to New York and still she had no work done. Instead, she took it in her stride to find out more background information on the couple – denying to herself constantly that her intention wasn't to try and dig up dirt on Vivienne.

It was understood that this girl was more than just a pretty face. Because beneath that long blond hair, and well-defined facial features lay a girl with an intellect, which Rory could not help but respect.

"Vivienne Wesmore" she read aloud from the newspaper article that lay before her. " Born January 3rd 1986 and graduating from Yale University in 2008, she completed her business degree with distinction and top honours just like her fiancee, Tristan Dugrey, did the year before. It is believed that it was on that campus where their first encounter took place.

"The good-looking couple are being hailed as a match made in heaven for not only do they both share the instinctive flair needed for the cut-throat world of business, they also share the common bond of being raised into a family of privilege.

"The marriage is not only being long awaited for their undoubtedly extravagant wedding ceremony, but also for the official announcement of the merger of their companies which will be given in a press release following the ceremony.

"Many condolences are to be made to the Westmore family for today has marked a week since the passing of the beloved matriarch, Arthur Westmore…"

So caught up was Rory into the article, she didn't notice that there was only a limited amount of time to get ready for the interview.

Aborting her focus from the paper, she hurriedly made her way to go to the bathroom to change into her 'business attire' which consisted of a smart looking ladies suit with a white shirt underneath oozing its feminine appeal.

On her way to get there, a previous thought came into her head, which made her go and make a slight detour into her room. She headed towards the drawer to get out something in advance for the fear of forgetfulness might ruin her intention.

It was a certain something that she was knew she'd have to give back.

It was the ring.

***

Tristan often refrained from consuming alcohol in the afternoon but the imminent presence of Rory Gilmore made him give in. As he himself poured a shot of tequila, he silently wished for the substance to calm his nerves for even though he had met Rory on more than one occasion since her arrival to New York, he couldn't shake of the slight feeling of the nostalgia from the past they once shared.

That nostalgia was what made him momentarily lose his guard and stop him from acting like the distant person he set out to be towards her.

But not today.

His emotions were going to stay firmly intact if he was going to get through another form of publicity shit that Rory just happened to be involved in.

At that moment, the piercing sound of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. He then gulped down the rest of his drink and walked towards the door—but Vivienne beat him to it.

" Don't worry, I've got it, " she said casually over her shoulder.

Tristan could hear the polite greeting being exchanged the two, then the sound of the door shutting indicating that Rory was indeed inside.

He then turned around to head towards a chair and as he plopped himself onto it, the two women reached the entrance of the room.

"Hi, " came the sound of Rory's eager voice. Tristan made no effort to reply but made a nod of his head signalling his acknowledgment of her.

If there was any form of hurt or embarrassment of any kind, then Rory did a convincing job on hiding it well, which was showed by her moving right along and getting out all the necessary equipment needed to start the interview.

"Let's get to work" Rory declared as she sat across from where the couple were to sit.

"What a good idea, " Vivienne replied a bit to enthusiastically as she sat herself onto the lap of her fiancee while casually draping an arm across his shoulder, " Where do you want to start ?"

Rory fumbled with the notepad in her hand that contained the non-existent notes – anything to avoid seeing the cozy picture the couple made. But if she did, she would've seen the equally shocked face of Tristan giving confused glances to the girl on his lap.

"Okay," she finally said, getting the nerve to look up again, "How about explaining on how you two first met. "

"Well, " Vivienne began before Tristan could get a word in and ruin her plans, " We first met at college. I cant speak for Tristan here but for me, it was definitely love at first sight. Unfortunately, he was involved with someone else at the time but- " she paused for dramatic effect, " they broke up—well, she broke up with him – rather harshly I might add. But hey, I'm not complaining. If it wasn't for her, I would never have had a chance to be with my one true love, " she continued with a big smile as she placed a lingering kiss on Tristan's cheek.

Seeing that gesture and hearing what Viv said immediately got Rory uneasy because she knew that the girl in question was undoubtedly her. And by looking at Tristan's solemn face, he knew it too.

But bravely, she continued.

"Wow…how romantic, " Rory replied forcing a smile onto her face then turned slightly to face the only male in the room. " How was your take on the first meeting ? "

The two women looked expectantly at him, waiting for his reply.

"If I had known that my girlfriend was going to dump me the way she did, I would've definitely asked Viv out on a date " he unemotionally replied, levelling his gaze onto Rory's hurt face.

Yet she still continued.

"Oh really ?" she replied, unable to think of anything else to say. Eager to change the topic, she impulsively asked the first thing that came to her head, "How did Tristan propose to you?"

Vivienne hesitated in answering because in reality the proposal was anything but romantic. It involved a family meeting, a dining table, a pen and a contract. How romantic indeed.

"Unbelievable, " she ended up replying. " Tristan whisked me away from a hectic day of work and took me out to an unplanned dinner. It was at that moment that I was convinced he was going to propose. You can just imagine how shocked I was when he didn't do it at all during dinner," she said with amusement. " But then he took me out to this little town…we looked up at the stars…that's when he asked me to marry him, " she ended on a deliberate dreamy note.

"How romantic, " Rory sadly whispered as she once again focused on her notebook. "May I have your opinion Tristan, " she continued in the same tone as if she was talking to a complete stranger—a person she never knew.

Tristan rummaged through his brain, trying to think of a suitable answer. He could quit this charade he and Viv were playing and tell her the truth or he could continue to lie through his teeth, intentionally hurting Rory just like she did to him. It wasn't as if he owed her anything.

"It was the best day of my life"

That one sentence had so much negative effect on Rory, but she would never let it show. She wasn't going to give into this psychological war she and Tristan were playing.

Foolishly, she still continued with her questions, not knowing how much more she could take.

" What's the one thing that attracts you to each other the most "

As expected, Vivienne was the first to speak up. " His understanding…his loyalty" she sincerely replied.

There was a pause in the room as the women once again eagerly awaited for Tristan's response.

"Her ability to maintain a lasting relationship "

That was it.

That obvious gripe at her was what finally made give in. Tristan won.

"Can I please use your bathroom " she hastily said, waiting for someone's reply.

" Down the hall- " but Viv didn't even get to finish her sentence as she was already on her way.

" What the hell was that ? " Tristan hissed when he was sure Rory was out of earshot.

Unaffected by his tone, Vivienne let out a seductive smile saying, " I just wanted to let her see what she was missing. "

"Wow, Viv, that was really thoughtful of you, " Tristan replied, sarcasm evident in his voice

"But I don't think that was necessary. I – "

But the sound of Viv's distinct laughter halted him from finishing. " Oh please Tristan. Don't try acting like a martyr here. I mean, I have an ability to maintain a lasting relationship, " she teasingly impersonated.

Rory, back from her 'toilet break', was fresh and rejuvenated using that time to think things through. She was determined to not take anymore of Tristan's crap thinking she had done enough at trying to get into his good books. If he wasn't going to forgive her for what she did then she there was absolutely no point in even trying.

Slowly, she walked down the expansive space of the hallway trying to conjure up another one of her stupid questions to ask but then the sound of muffled voices slowed her down even more; her intention being slow enough to reach the entrance by the time they had finished their conversation.

But they were still talking by the time she arrived at the entrance of the living room, so she decided to give them a few more moments, intent on using that time to think of a question she still had not come up with.

" Oh please Tristan. Don't try acting like a martyr here. I mean, I have an ability to maintain a lasting relationship" came Vivienne's voice, breaking Rory from her reverie who then started to half-heartedly listen as she still tried to map out what she was going to say.

"How do you know I wasnt telling the truth? " Tristan countered back with a trademark smirk.

"That's hilarious Tristan." Viv sarcastically replied. Determined not to be defeated she then readily continued, " You cant honestly say you have ever loved me, can you ? "

It was at that exact moment Rory's head shot up. It wasn't what Vivienne said.

It was how she said it.

It sounded so familiar. So distinct but she couldn't quite put her finger to it.

And then the tape recorder came into her mind; 'You cant honestly say you love this Rory girl can you?

And then it all fell into place.

Before she could contain herself and realise what she was doing, Rory was on a rampage,

" It was you ! You were that voice in the tape "

The two people situated at the couch, abruptly turned around to face her.

Rory then realised the full extent of what she done. Mentally slapping herself at her utter stupidity at revealing what she had kept for so long, she wished right then and there that an invisible hole would swallow her up and let her die.

Then, as if to her rescue, someone spoke up, completely relieving Rory of her previous apprehension.

That person surprisingly came in the form of Vivienne.

"I think I've got a lot of explaining to do. "

***

Author's Note: Well guys, there's not much left of this fic. Hopefully* fingers crossed * it would be done in 2 or 3 more chapters = )

Anyways, here my chance to thank everyone that has reviewed the last chapter:

Mandie, Tristanlover, anonymous, southernbend, sam77, meghan, sapphireskies, chikadee, ez, Marie, KaylaW, 11, Grrbabyyea, Dontia

Meghan: Yup she's going to give back the ring I think…just a matter of finding out when = )

Supergirl101: awww thanks. Well yea.. the interview is done !

Char-chan: LOL I have a feeling he'll find out very soon. Anyways thanks for being my 100th reviewer!…at least I think you were

Little Miss Aly: hehe serious ? how coincidental! ..as for you being not sure how in character Tristan is, don't worry, im not sure either =)