A/N: THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REVIEWS. LOVED THEM AS USUAL. HERE'S CHAPTER SIXTEEN. THERE'S QUITE A FEW THINGS GOING ON IN THIS ONE, JUST TO LET YOU KNOW.

ANYWAY, ENJOY.

~*~

A Few Days Later

Harmony Airport

Kay sharply sighed as she tried to drone out Rebecca and Julian's irritating giggles. But her attempts were futile and she groaned irritably, feeling the onslaught of a headache. To make matters worse, she was feeling lightheaded and every smell made her want to run to the bathroom and vomit her guts out.

"I'm going to kill Fox for leaving me with those two." She muttered to herself. He was at Crane Industries again, like he had been for everyday since they returned from New York. She was hoping to tell him about the big news but between Fox always at the office and her busy work schedule and 'illness', Kay couldn't find the opportunity.

Then there was gnawing fear that Fox might not want this child or any child for that matter.

"Are you okay?" John, who had been sitting beside her, asked worriedly.

She shot him an aggravated look. John had been grating her nerves all day, doting on her hand and foot just because she finally admitted or more likely, did not deny that she was pregnant. He had insisted that she go see a doctor which Kay reluctantly did so, knowing that sooner or later she was going to have to do it. But of then he just had to remind her that she had to tell Fox and would not drop the subject. "I'm fine!" She hissed.

John didn't look convinced at all and he narrowed his eyes at her. "You look horrible."

"That just boosts my ego. Remind me to lower your salary." She snapped.

He shook his head at her, not at all troubled that she was ready to attack him. "I'm looking after you here, Kay. Fox would want me to."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, whatever." She felt her stomach tighten and Kay fought another wave of nausea. "Why do they call it morning sickness if it happens all day?" She groaned.

He shrugged, feeling sympathetic for her. "Don't look at me."

Kay shot him another look and then turned her head towards Julian and Rebecca who were sitting a few seats down, huddled together, giggling, with their martinis in hand. "I'm going to kick them if they don't stop whatever it is they're doing." She told John who just chuckled.

"They're very active." He stated.

"They're disgusting." Kay argued. "Dammit, why did Miranda have to suggest that Jason and Gwen stop by New York so they can take one plane to Harmony?" She was not in any way thrilled with having to pick up her friends with Rebecca and Julian.

"Because it's more convenient." John replied.

Kay muttered curses under her breath. "Not for me. Those two are driving me insane." She glared at Julian and Rebecca again who were still oblivious of anyone else's presence.

John snickered. "You live in the same house as them. How did you manage to survive for days now?" He asked curiously.

Kay shrugged her shoulders, her forehead creased into a frown. "I avoided them. I was at work or sleeping most of the time. The only time I saw them was at dinner and breakfast. Thank God this arrangement is temporary." She replied, sighing.

John quirked an eyebrow. "Temporary? Kay have you forgotten something?" He pointedly looked at her stomach and she hissed at him.

"No, dumb ass, I did not forget." She retorted heatedly, shifting her arms so they would cover head stomach. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm sticking around the Crane mansion. Will you drop this whole baby thing?" She whispered low enough for only John to hear.

"You're going to have to face the facts, Kay. I'm dropping it just for the day." He declared. "I'm going to help you with this, whether you like it or not."

"Fine, just don't talk about this anymore! You are so annoying sometimes."

He smiled despite her annoyance. "It takes one to know one." He said sounding amused and Kay was about to retort something mean when she spotted Jason. She stood up and flung herself at him.

"Jason!" Kay squealed as he lifted her off the ground and twirled her. John didn't miss the slightly jealous hint in Gwen's eyes. He was sure Fox would act the same if he saw Jason and Kay now. The two were just too close.

"Gwennie!" Rebecca frantically waved at her daughter as she shoved a few people out of her way. "Simpletons, please move out way! Rich woman coming through!"

Gwen looked slightly embarrassed but amused as well. "Hi, Mom." She greeted hugging Rebecca tightly.

"The lower classes are so disrespectful these days." Rebecca muttered, shaking her head slightly. "Oh, Gwennie, you're home. I missed you."

"I missed you too." She answered cheerfully. "Oh, this is Jason Callaway. I told you about him yesterday." Rebecca looked puzzled for a moment and then realized that this was her Gwennie's secret man.

"Rebecca Hotchkiss." She purred as she offered her hand to Jason. Julian snorted beside her while Gwen looked somewhat embarrassed. Kay rolled her eyes and Miranda cleared her throat.

The rest of the introductions then ensued. Gwen and Kay shook hands as well, then John and Jason, who looked somewhat puzzled why it wasn't Fox who was with Kay, followed. Miranda was introduced to Rebecca as well. Then Julian and Jason shook hands.

"I'm Julian Crane. I'm sure you've heard quite a lot about me." Julian said smugly as he refilled his martini glass. "Aren't you my arch nemesis' heir?"

Jason gave him a strange look but then chuckled. "I am but I'm not here on business." He replied and Kay smiled beside him.

Julian downed his martini to the last drop and then nodded, pleased with himself. "Well, then that's good. Why don't we all resume this in the mansion? The Neanderthals around us are looking hungry."

Rebecca let out a small sound which was halfway between a whimper and a whine. "Put your wallets in your front pockets and if you're like me put them-"

"Don't finish that." Gwen quickly intervened.

************************************************************************

A Few Minutes Later

Crane Mansion

Rebecca and Julian were leading the group as they entered the Crane mansion. The maids, who have now learned to fear Rebecca, paused from whatever they were doing and waited for her orders.

"Take their bags upstairs." She said as she strode into the living room.

"I'm dehydrated." Julian declared as he filled a new glass.

Miranda took the chance to drag Kay upstairs and talk. She was beside herself with excitement, having been tortured by waiting a few days before finally coming to Harmony. "John hasn't found anyone new, has he?" She asked hesitantly as Kay led them to her bedroom. Miranda made a point to examine the lavish room.

"No." Kay replied tiredly as she settled on the bed.

The red-haired girl pursed her lips doubtfully. "He seemed distracted. He kept look at you." She continued.

Kay sighed as she snuggled against her cool pillow. "He's not into me." She replied flatly. She knew John was just concerned for her.

"I hope not. I really like him." Miranda declared, almost insecurely and Kay sighed sharply. "If he likes you, then I'll back off but then that-" She stopped herself when noticed that Kay was not really paying attention. "Kay, are you alright?"

The other girl nodded listlessly. "I'm tired." She answered, suddenly feeling like her stomach contents were coming up her throat. Kay shut her eyes, breathing sharply as she willed herself not to throw up.

But Miranda flopped on the bed and Kay groaned, scrambling to the bathroom. She reached it just in time. She kneeled on the floor; the tile cold against her skin.

"Kay, what's happening? Should I call help?" The older girl asked, alarmed to see her friend like this.

"No." Kay replied. She cursed even in her weakened state. "I'm fine."

"Do you need a doctor?" Miranda asked as she helped Kay to the sink.

She shook her head as she turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on her face. John was right. She did look horrible. Her eyes were bloodshot and the energy was drained out of her. "I said I'm fine." Kay lied stubbornly.

Miranda folded her arms over her chest, glaring at Kay. "You don't look fine to me." She insisted.

"Miranda, I'm not in the mood to argue." Kay hissed as she pushed past her friend.

The other girl followed. "Kay, if you're hurt you have to let me help you." She insisted and Kay groaned irritably.

"I'm fine! I'm perfectly fine!" She exclaimed angrily, flailing her arms in the air. "I don't need help!"

Miranda glowered at her. "You're not fine! Don't you lie to me, Kay. You're throwing your guts out. Now tell me or I'll go out that door and demand what the hell they're doing to you!"

"They're not doing anything to me and it's none of your business!"

"You're my family; you are my business." Miranda argued firmly and Kay sighed sharply.

"No! No, I am not anybody's business. Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that you and John can ask or say anything you want and expect me to-"

Miranda gasped. "You're what?"

"Shit." Kay muttered, looking guilty as Miranda stood in front of her. The other girl stood blinking for a moment, startled beyond belief.

"You're pregnant." Miranda whispered. "You're pregnant! You're pregnant!" She squealed cheerfully as she hugged Kay.

"Keep it down!" Kay ordered frantically.

"Oh, this is wonderful, Kay. A baby, a baby!"

Kay pulled back, suddenly frantic. "No. It's not wonderful. I feel awful all the time. I puke my guts out, I can't sleep, I'm always hungry and tired and I haven't told Fox!" Her eyes suddenly filled with tears and she could no longer hold her doubts back. "What if he doesn't want this baby? What if he thinks that it's not his? What am I going to do? Your family will be so ashamed of what I've done. They won't forgive me. Oh, God! The baby won't have a father then and it'll hate me. And I'll hate myself. What if they make me give it away and I'll never see it again? I have to see my baby, Miranda. I love it too much-" This was her second child and Kay could not risk failing at it again. She knew that she couldn't lose the baby under any circumstances and it frightened her to the point of panic.

"Calm down." Miranda said softly as she pulled Kay into her arms. The other girl sobbed on her shoulder, her body trembling. "It's going to be okay. It's okay." She felt genuinely sorry for her.

Kay's sobs subsided and she pulled away, sniffling. Miranda handed her a tissue. "So many things could go wrong." She whispered.

"But think of all the things that could go right. Stop stressing yourself out. It's not good for the baby."

"You can't tell anyone." Kay groaned as she rubbed her forehead in frustration. "Only John knows and now you."

Miranda looked surprised. "John?"

She nodded. "He figured it out before I did. How? I will never know. Promise me you won't say anything."

"Promise."

"Fox has to find out from me. He'll never forgive me if he heard it from anyone else." She declared unhappily.

Miranda nodded somberly as she brushed back a strand of hair that was in Kay's eye. "It'll be alright, Kay. You and Fox will talk about this. You have nothing to worry about. You love each other too much to let things go wrong now. And this baby is a blessing."

"I know."

"Then be happy." She gave Kay another hug. "And congratulations."

************************************************************************

The Next Day

Fox decided that his grandfather truly hated him. After a few days of practically being locked in his office at Crane Industries, Alistair finally decided to cut him some slack and let him have the day off. Of course, the old man had chosen the day that Kay and the girls were at Boston to do some last minute shopping. So Fox only saw her for a brief time during breakfast.

Now he was stuck at the mansion with Jason, not that he minded the other man; John, whom Kay gave the day off and Julian, who for some odd reason decided that now was a great time for some male bonding.

It was a testosterone fest.

The only women in the house were Rebecca, who was currently busy with the designer and party planner Pierre, and the maids who were now brought to tears as they followed the orders that the much older red-haired woman was shouting on top of her lungs.

"Well, isn't this lovely." Julian drawled sarcastically as he poured himself his fifth glass. Jason was wondering why he was not drunk yet and John was trying to figure out a way to leave without insulting anyone.

Fox smirked. "Shouldn't you be off somewhere?"

"Actually, no. That Pierre is giving me funny looks whenever I'm within the vicinity." He replied. "I think it's best to stay away."

Jason smiled. He found Julian arrogant and amusing, which wasn't all that strange since Julian did have a sense of humor; twisted but still existent. Jason had expected to hate the older man and instead he didn't at all. "The women have put us in exile, for the day at least." He commented and everyone nodded in agreement.

The big unvoiced question of what to do now hung in the air and each man shifted in his seat, uncomfortably.

"Let's play poker." John piped up and they all looked startled. "Well, we're all bored. We can play until the girls come back unless someone has a better idea." He suggested and mumbles of agreement erupted in the room.

"Drinking poker?" Julian suggested.

"I think we'll stick to the regular poker." Jason replied and the rest nodded in agreement.

"Oh, and no real money. I'd like to have enough money to survive for the next few years of my life." John declared Fox gave him a disappointed look.

"That's no fun."

Julian pulled out a deck of cards. "Alright, gentlemen, put your game faces on."

************************************************************************

Boston

The man stood in front of Gwen and Kay, one eyebrow arched while he flashed them a cheesy grin. He was trying to suave, which Kay found utterly repulsive. Gwen was fighting back the urge to cringe.

"So, lovely ladies, where are you off to?" He asked with a fake accent that did not go unnoticed. He oozed of cheap cologne.

Kay and Gwen shared a look and then returned their gaze to the man. "We're waiting for our friend." Kay replied icily. Miranda was lucky enough to be in the ladies room at the time, powdering her nose or what not.

He chuckled. "Well then, we have time to get to know each other. I'm Stan." Stan drawled, offering his hand which neither girl accepted.

"And we're convicted felons who just got out of prison. Please leave us alone." Gwen smoothly replied and Kay almost laughed due to the absurdity of her claim. They looked nothing like convicted felons in their posh designer clothes and shoes. Still, they both hoped that Stan would take the hint and scamper off.

But he didn't. "Tough girls. I like. What were you both in for?" Stan asked curiously as he inched nearer. Gwen scowled and Kay would have punched him had she not been carrying quite a few bags or pregnant and thinking of her baby.

Gwen smiled. "Murder. I stabbed my ex-husband with the fireplace poker until he was full of holes." Stan swallowed.

"And I chopped him into little pieces and froze him in blocks of ice. No one knew until six months later." Kay piped up. Both women looked impeccably serious and whatever color that was left on Stan's face drained away and he stammered.

"You know what? You're right. We should go sit down and get to know each other. We haven't with a man in years. We're quite lonely." Gwen said cheerfully and the man stumbled backwards, still stammering.

"I....I....have somewhere to go." He muttered before walking away as fast as possible.

Gwen burst into giggles. "Slime bag." She muttered.

Kay laughed. "Serves him right."

Silence fell between them and Gwen uncomfortably shuffled her feet while they waited for Miranda to reappear. Kay bit her bottom lip and sighed. "I hope you don't mind me coming with you and Miranda." She spoke, unable to withstand the silence.

Kay smiled at her. "Not at all. It's about time we all got to spend some time together. All I know about you is what Jason told me over these past few months, not counting what I know of your past of course."

"All good, I hope." Gwen stated and Kay nodded.

"Jason loves you very much. He hasn't come right out and said it to me but he does." Kay stated softly and Gwen smiled.

"And do you care that he feels that way?"

Kay shot her a curious look. "Of course I care. I love Jason dearly and I don't want him hurt."

"I won't hurt Jason. I love him too much and I know what it feels to be betrayed." She declared sincerely and at that moment, Kay decided that she liked Gwen Hotchkiss.

"Join the club."

She arched a curious eyebrow. "You've been betrayed?" Gwen asked.

"Many times. Different circumstances and people but the same outcome." Kay confirmed quietly as she gave the other woman a sideward glance. The blonde nodded sympathetically.

Miranda appeared moments later and the three decided to head home. They reached Harmony later in the night, the women somewhat exhausted from their little adventure. "Is it always this quiet?" Miranda asked, slightly worried by the house's unnerving silence.

"No." Gwen replied as the three of them stalked into the living room and found it empty. Usually, Julian and Rebecca would be there, pouring drink after drink until they could no longer stand.

"Where is everyone?" Kay asked a maid who happened to be in the room.

"The men are outside having a barbeque. Ms. Hotchkiss is still with Pierre, working on some last minute things for the ball tomorrow." The maid declared.

The women shared a grim look before walking to the back of the house. As they were told, Julian, Fox, John and Jason were all seated around a circular table, leaning idly in their respective chairs as each relished a bottle of beer. Cards were scattered on the table, as well as gambling chips as well as few empty bottles of beers which the maids were quickly dispensing.

They were laughing and talking like they had been friends since childhood.

"Oh boy." Kay muttered before revealing her presence.

"They're here!" John cheered loudly and Kay looked at him like he had lost his mind. He was definitely drunk. The other men joined in on the cheering and Fox rose from his seat to swoop Kay off her feet and whirl her around.

She yelped. "I missed you." Fox declared before giving her a kiss. Kay gave him a small smile.

"I missed you too. Having fun?" She asked, taking a look at him.

Fox nodded. "I won at poker. They're amateurs." He declared cheerfully, leading her back to join them.

Gwen was already seated on Jason's lap who had an arm around her waist. John had offered Miranda her seat and although drunk, he managed to stand behind her chair.

"I'm alone." Julian muttered somberly and as if on cue, Rebecca appeared.

"Pookie!" Rebecca yelled as she walked over to him and swatted him on the arm. "You've been having fun here while Pierre bored me to death!" She accused him.

"I'll make it up to you, Becky-poo." Julian replied. Gwen cringed.

"You're going to be punished tonight. Bad boy. Bad boy! Someone's going to get whipped." Rebecca giggled as she grabbed Julian's tie and led him back into the house. Julian shivered with excitement as he winked at the rest of them over his shoulder.

"Oh, God." Kay muttered dreadfully.

"I'm scarred." Miranda whispered. "No offence, Gwen."

"None taken."

************************************************************************

One Day Later

Harvest Ball, Crane Mansion

"We look good." Gwen happily declared as she stood beside her two new found friends in front of Kay's overly large full length mirror in her walk- in closet.

"We look damn good." Miranda said proudly as she smoothed her hands over her dress.

In between her friends, Kay just smiled, slightly nervous.

They were quite a beautiful trio, one had to admit; all striking in their own unique way. Collectively, they were stunning and they knew that tonight heads would be turned.

Gwen was petite and blonde. Kay towered her by an inch, her hair longer and darker, and her eyes blue as to Gwen's brown ones. Compared to the two other women, the one word to Miranda was, vibrant. Her red hair was so bright it almost gave others the elusion of flames and unlike her brother, her eyes were deep green, a color rare to humans but not in cats.

"My mother is going to be furious that she's all alone downstairs." Gwen declared as she took one last look at her reflection. "We should go."

Kay nodded in agreement.

Miranda beamed. "Let's knock them dead." She declared, thinking of John.

They reached the foyer a few minutes later and saw Rebecca greeting arriving guests, Julian by her side with, undoubtedly, a martini in one hand. Gwen went to say hi to her mother while Miranda searched for her date and Kay for Fox. When she couldn't find him, Kay joined John and Miranda.

Her older non-brother was futilely trying not to stare at Miranda who was enjoying the effect that she had on him. Her dress was deep red, halter and simple in style until she moved and the slit on the right side parted, exposing quite a lot leg.

John swallowed, thankful that Kay showed up. "You look nice, Kay." He said abruptly. She smiled, quite aware that he was desperately trying to be distracted from Miranda.

"And Miranda too, right?" She beamed, willing to make him uncomfortable for just a bit more.

He nodded, giving her the evil eye. "Of course."

"Have you guys seen Fox?" Kay asked, looking around.

"Well, he was here a while ago." John replied with a shrug.

Kay nodded with a sigh and she spotted Jason and Gwen in the dance floor. He looked happy as he held Gwen in his arms and Kay was glad. He had never seen Gwen in anything but a suit before and in the silver dress with the swooping neckline and small train, Jason decided that she was gorgeous.

"John, can you get us something to drink?" Miranda asked and he nodded, taking the hint. "Everything, alright?" She asked Kay who looked tenser than all of them.

She exhaled deeply, peeling her eyes off the dance floor and staring straight at Miranda. "I have a bad feeling about tonight." Kay declared warily. "Is that a photographer?" She asked and was about to walk over to the man and insist that he leave the property but Miranda pulled her back.

"I already asked about him. Alistair hired one for the night." She explained. "Kay, calm down. It's just nerves. Everything will be fine."

Kay sighed sharply. "It's just this feeling. Oh, God, I sound as crazy as Charity."

Miranda gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're worried about you-know- what. Just relax."

The other girl nodded. John returned, hoping that Miranda would not notice that he brought Kay a glass of water. She absentmindedly took it and sipped.

"There's Fox." He declared and Kay turned and saw him approaching them. He didn't look very happy although he managed to smile.

He gave Kay a soft kiss on the cheek and greeted John and Miranda. "Let's dance." Fox declared as he pulled Kay into the dance floor.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

Fox quickly shook his head. "Nothing I can't handle. Some of the guests are irritating me."

"Oh."

He smiled. "You look beautiful." Fox declared. Kay was wearing a navy blue dress that fell quite low in the back, making a few eyebrows rise in curiosity as to how much she was wearing underneath. Two thin almost threadlike straps held it up while tiny sapphires adorned her neck and ears.

"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." She chuckled feeling his warm hand against her bare back. He feigned a hurt look.

"I think I should get you out of that dress." He whispered hotly in her ear.

"Now, now, Fox. Me, naked in front of all the guests; that would be quite a scandal." Kay replied, teasing him slightly. They were unaware of the crowd watching them intently, noting what a stunning pair they made.

"I'm sure most of them won't mind." He said offhandedly and Kay laughed. The song ended and Fox led her into the sidelines. "Wine?"

Kay was startled for a moment but she shook her head. "Stomachache." She lied and he nodded. Fox introduced her to the guests. Most of them were the Crane's business associates. The rest were wives, a few sons and daughters and loyal friends from over the years.

When Fox was suddenly caught into a conversation about the current stock prices these days, Kay excused herself to get some air. He heat in the house, mixed with the smell of cigar and perfume was making her slightly dizzy.

She welcomed the cool breeze as she stood in the balcony, hoping that the nauseating feeling would pass. Kay could not risk fainting or worse throwing up in front of all the guests.

"Can I join you?" A voice interrupted and Kay turned to face the owner. It was a blonde, about her height, maybe a few years older.

She nodded. "Sure."

"Nice party." The girl commented and Kay smiled.

"You should tell Rebecca that. She did all of it." Kay replied, folding her arms over her chest. "She's good at these things, running the house and planning this but you didn't hear it from me."

The blonde chuckled softly. "My lips are sealed. I'm Erica Reed."

"Kay Callaway." She replied, shaking Erica's hand.

"Business colleague or friend?"

"Friend." She replied, suddenly feeling very cold.

Erica shrugged her shoulders, a bitter smile on her lips. "I used to be a friend until of course, Fox Crane screwed me over." She stated icily.

Kay frowned, taken aback. "He screwed you over?" She echoed the other woman's words, her heart suddenly pounding rapidly in her chest.

"Yeah." She nodded with a slight hiss. "Typical Crane behavior. I wouldn't be here but my parents insisted that I show up to prove to Fox that I'm better than him and I'm not like the rest of his conquests."

Kay narrowed her eyes at the woman. She looked sincere and a part of Kay hated the fact that she was beginning to believe every word that Erica said. She was desperately trying not to believe the other woman but it seemed futile. "I didn't know."

Erica nodded, smirking. "Fox is very good with keeping secrets. Another damn trait he has. You know what makes it worse is that I was actually happy without him, I was actually living a life that didn't include him but he had to come back. He had to 'accidentally' see me in Vienna and ruin everything. He's such a charmer and I'm disgraced to fall for his tricks." Tears trickled down her cheeks and Erica wiped it with the back of her hand, nervously chuckling. "Fox treated me like the queen then, like he does to every girl but I was such a fool to believe that he'd take me back. A few weeks later, he tells me I mean nothing I shouldn't have been so delusional about us. He was going back home."

Kay fought back the urge to cry as she gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay composed. "Why are you telling me this?" She angrily demanded.

Erica shrugged. "Because I saw how he looked at you. Maybe I saw me in you before Fox broke my heart. Maybe a part of me wants to save you from that. Walk away before it's too late."

But it's already too late, Kay miserably thought as the reality that she was pregnant dawned on her. "I should go." She said brusquely.

When she turned her back, Erica grinned.

"And the Oscar goes to Erica Reed." She whispered viciously, delighted with herself. Fox was going to pay.

When Kay reentered the house, all she wanted to do was drag Fox upstairs and demand his side of the story but instead, he pulled her into a dance she had to prolong her outburst. "Is there something you want to tell me?" She asked, unable to hide the quiver in her voice.

He looked genuinely baffled. "No, I tell you everything." Fox replied, planting a kiss on her lips which suddenly felt very bitter to Kay.

Liar! A voice screamed in her head. She sighed sharply. "Who's Erica Reed?"

His expression darkened at the mention of the girl's name. "An ex- girlfriend. I'm assuming the two of you met."

Kay nodded, frowning. "We talked."

"Don't believe whatever she told you. That woman is out to get me." He quickly declared.

"What happened in-" Kay began to ask but she was suddenly cut off by the sound of the speaker overhead, being turned on. She pulled away from Fox and like everyone else, she stood still and waited.

Alistair's voice echoed in large ballroom. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen to the Crane Harvest Ball. I hope you're all having a good time."

The guests began to murmur in response. Others were wondering what the patriarch was up to now.

"As you all know, yearly Crane events are important but this is the most significant event yet."

The whispers became louder. Many tried to guess what the surprise was. It was surely going to cause uproar. From across the room, Jason caught the look in Kay's eyes and immediately knew that something was horribly wrong.

There was a long pause and the guests waited in suspense. Alistair finally continued over the speaker. "As you all know, my son Julian and I run Crane Industries. I have decided to make my grandson, Nicholas Foxworth Crane partner in running Crane Industries." There were more startled gasps, whispers. All eyes were suddenly on Fox who looked blissful. "On one condition. He must marry within one year from today."

And then room became eerily silent but moments later, the guests cheered for Fox, the crowding as they congratulated him; the men trying their best to win his approval, the women hoping that their daughters be the next Mrs. Crane.

Kay saw Erica approach Fox, cup his face and plant a kiss on his lips as if labeling him as hers. Kay didn't wait for his reaction and left.

Jason, not missing this, followed. "Kay!" He called, his voice drowned by the noise and music. She slipped through the kitchen, hoping that she could discreetly run upstairs. "Kay!" Jason called again and finally she heard as they walked further and further away from the party.

"Shouldn't you be with Gwen?" Kay bitterly asked, refusing to look back at him and show Jason that she was crying.

"She'll be fine. Where are you going?" He demanded as he fell into step with her.

Kay carelessly wiped her tears as she headed for the stairs. "Where do you think? I'm packing my things and getting the hell out of here?"

"What happened?" He demanded as he held her firmly on the shoulders, refusing to let her walk away.

She sighed sharply as the hot tears continued to fall. Kay shook her head miserably. "Everything happened. I should have listened to you. Now I'm into too deep and I don't know how to fix it."

Jason frowned, his heart going out to her. "What did he do?" He demanded and he could already feel dread in the pit of his stomach. The sight of Kay in tears made his heart ache and his anger rise. Whatever Fox did to Kay, Jason swore he'd pay for it.

"He lied!" She exclaimed. "He lied to me like he did to the other women! I was a fool like all of them!"

"I'm sorry." He whispered. Jason had never been sorry that he was right. He had hoped to be wrong for Kay's sake.

Kay yanked herself from Jason's hold, furious with Fox for hurting her, with herself for falling hard for him and with Jason for being right about his accusations. "Sorry isn't enough anymore!" She yelled as she tearfully climbed the stairs. "I don't care anymore. I'm going to leave and he'll never see his child for all I care." She announced bitterly. Jason looked horrified and Kay shot him a quick apologetic look. "I'm sorry you have to find out this way. I wanted to tell you but it doesn't matter anymore." She continued to sob as she held the hem of her skirt, hoping to make it to her room as quick as possible. Jason followed up the stairs behind her, thankful that no servants were around to hear them.

"God, Kay." He muttered, aghast.

"I've officially screwed up, haven't I? I've made a mess of things again." Her voice broke and she cried harder. "Don't try talking any sense into me, Jason. Don't tell me that it would be best if I stayed for the baby's sake. I am thinking about it and we don't belong here. Fox doesn't love me. He never did. It's over." The words stung as she said it and Kay's heart tore as she realized that she would never recover from this.

She hastened her steps on the stairs, cursing. Before she could reach the top step, a figure emerged from the shadows and pair of strong hands shoved Kay back.

And then she fell.

~*~

A/N: WELL THERE YA GO. I KNOW THAT SOME OF YOU ARE GOING TO SAY THAT KAY CRYING AND PANICKING IS OUT OF CHARACTER JUST REMEMBER THAT WHEN HER BABY WAS FIGHTING FOR HER LIFE ON THE SHOW, SHE ALSO PANIC AND LET DOWN ALL WALLS. I TRIED TO GIVE THE SPOTLIGHT TO ALL THE WOMEN IN THIS CHAPTER, HENCE THE TITLE. TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK BECAUSE I REALLY,R EALLY WANNA KNOW.

ANYHOO, THANKS FOR READING.