~*~

Fox was so confused and afraid. What am I going to do? He asked himself time and time again. It was the only question that his mind circled continuously. Fox let out a long breath. He sat down to calm himself. For awhile he sat there, lost and unsure of himself. For the first time in his life, Fox felt like he didn't completely know what he was doing. A new idea popped into his head. I'll ask Ethan for help. It wasn't his favorite idea, however Fox was desperate. His love was at risk and he would do everything to make sure he and Theresa stayed together.

Fox walked quickly pulling out his cell phone. He dialed Ethan's number reluctantly. It rang three times before Ethan's voicemail answered Fox. Hey, sorry I'm not able to answer your call. Leave your name and number and I'll call you as soon as possible. The message said.

"Damn!" Fox muttered. "Where could he be?" Fox walked around not noticing where he was going. When he looked up he saw Ethan walking quickly his arms full of bags.

"What'd he buy?" Fox thought curiously as he ran quickly to catch up to his half-brother. "Ethan!" He called. "Wait up!"

Ethan stopped and turned around. "Oh, you." He said when Fox reached him.

"Ethan I need your help." Fox said pausing to take a breath.

"My help?" Ethan asked in surprise.

"Well, more like advice." Fox clarified.

"Okay, what is it?"

"Can you tell me if it's necessary to have a marriage serve as a binding contract for let's say business purposes?"

"Well I'm not sure, but I guess it could."

"Damn!" Fox said feeling discouraged.

"Why?" Ethan asked.

"Alistair and Julian have arranged for me to marry Audrey to serve as the 'binding contract' for Crane and Wellington Industries."

"What? Are you going through it? What about Theresa?"

"I told them I'd marry Audrey." Fox ran his hand through his hair.

"What?! You bastard! You're actually going to-"

"Wait! Let me finish. You see, they threatened to hurt Theresa if I didn't agree to their arrangement. So, the only thing I could think of at that moment was to agree with their terms. I also told them I wanted a long engagement so that I could figure out a way to get out of this mess."

"Have you talked with Theresa yet?"

"No, but I am going to as soon as possible. I want her to hear the news from me so that I can explain."

"Oh."

"Yeah. I don't want anyone to hurt Theresa. You know Julian and Alistair. They'll do just about anything if you don't agree to their terms. I can't lose Theresa, Ethan. She's the only woman I've ever loved and I just can't let anything happen to her."

~*~

I get to marry Fox Audrey thought cheerfully. I win. Completely ignoring Fox's request not to tell the news, Audrey thought Hmm..I think I'll go ahead and tell Theresa the good news. It'll make her and Fox's breakup a little quicker and messier. Audrey smirked then frowned as she looked at her hand. No ring. She thought. "I don't have a ring." Audrey said aloud unaware that someone heard.

"We'll just have to fix that." Julian said entering the room.

"Oh, hello Julian. Or should I say- Father-in-law?" Audrey giggled.

"Hello, my dear. Father-in-law sounds grand, but Julian will do just fine. Anyhow, wear this." Julian pulled out a stunningly beautiful diamond ring.

"Oh my! It's gorgeous!" Audrey gushed.

"Yes, it is. It's been in the family for years."


Audrey slipped on the ring. "I wish Fox was the one to give it to me."

"He's preoccupied with other things at the moment. But don't worry, he'll be the one to slip the wedding ring on your finger."

"Yes, he will." Audrey smiled. "Well, I must be going. I have some-" Audrey paused.  "Business of my own to attend to." She finished.

"Bye, dear." What is she up to? Julian asked silently.

Audrey walked quickly determined to rub the new in Theresa's face.

~*~