Reaching for her glass once more Elizabeth caught sight of her father
making his way across the cobblestone patio to where she sat. She felt her
body tense immediately. Long gone were the days when the man striding
toward her was a welcoming sight. Her sham of a marriage and the part he
played in it had made sure of that.
She leaned over the chaise lounge slipping her silken cover up over her string bikini, preparing herself for whatever her father had in store for her this time. It seemed as of late that all of his visits came with strings attached.
"Father," she said coldly as he took a seat across from her.
"How are you darling?" He smiled all the while uneasy. Sitting across from his only daughter knowing full well how much she despised him was more than a bit unnerving.
"Anthony stopped sending you progress reports?" she quipped sipping the last traces of frozen liquid from her glass.
"Can we please have a civil conversation for once?" Jeff stressed not ready for another go round with her.
"What is it you want?" she said pulling no punches.
"I would like your assistance......"
"I think I have given you my fair share of assistance, don't you?" Elizabeth thrust her hand in his face not allowing him to finish his remark. She waved her wedding band in her father's face. "What more can you possibly need me to do?"
Jeff motioned to one of the servants who immediately brought him a scotch and soda. He swallowed down the caustic liquid instantly returning the empty glass as a request for another. "I would like you to stop sulking and put your life to some good use." The alcohol had brought about words that Jeff wouldn't have been able to say otherwise.
"EXCUSE ME?!?!" Elizabeth exploded.
"Elizabeth dear, you know what I mean." He made a vain attempt at stopping his daughter's impending tirade in its tracks.
"I don't think that I do. Why don't you enlighten me with your great wisdom!" She shot back.
"I'm just saying that it's time that you move on don't you think?"
"MOVE ON?!?! Exactly where the hell should I be moving on to? This is my life now. You saw to that!" she spit.
"Elizabeth, that's not fair?!?!"
"FAIR!?!?" Again she cut him off enraged by his caviler attitude. "Do you even hear yourself when you speak? What's not fair is that I am paying for your god damned crimes!" Elizabeth's voice spewed all the venom she held for the man before her. A man she once loved so much.
"What's done is done." Jeff said as if it was a simple matter of closing a door and opening a window. Yet from Elizabeth's perspective it was as if the world opened up and swallowed her whole.
"What do you want?" she questioned him once more wishing he would disappear.
"I would like you to help organize a benefit for the coronary care unit at Chicago Memorial." Jeff watched his daughter's expression closely. He knew how much Elizabeth loved her mother and Jeff Webber intended to use that to his advantage. His wife had succumbed to a rare virus of the heart that caused the muscle tissue to harden to the point that it no longer functioned. Unfortunately a donor heart wasn't found until six months after she had passed away.
"Don't..." Elizabeth stopped him before he could go on. "Don't you dare say what I know you are going to say."
Ignoring her he continued. "What I was going to say was the administration is looking to raise monies to expand the facility. I thought it might be something that you could get behind and support. I'm sure that Anthony would gladly be a major benefactor."
"Did I hear my name?" Anthony Malucci said joining his wife and father in law on the patio.
"Yes, yes you did. I was just telling Elizabeth about this worthy benefit that Chicago Memorial is beginning to organize. It's for the expansion of their coronary care unit. The head of Cardiology is hoping that this will swing some research grants in their direction," Jeff said pointedly looking at Anthony.
"Sounds like a wonderful event for you to get behind dear." Anthony bent down and kissed his wife's cheek. Elizabeth resisted the urge to hurl. "And Jeff," he said turning to the man to his left. "You know that my organization will do our part in making the event successful."
Elizabeth felt the bile climb higher into her throat. The whole scene playing out before her made her want to wretch. If it had been anyone other than the two men standing there it would have sounded like a perfectly normal business conversation, yet it wasn't. It was filled with veiled innuendoes.
"I don't really think that I would be interested," Elizabeth stated to them both as she got up to walk away.
"Where do you think you are going?" Anthony's voice deepened.
"I'd like to take a shower."
"Not until we finish up this little matter with your father."
"There's nothing to finish. I have no intention of being party to this little scheme of yours!" Elizabeth's eyes shot daggers at them. "All the parties and benefits that you throw your money at isn't going to change where the hell it comes from. And it certainly isn't going to get you the respect you are looking for. Sooner or later Tony Malucci, everyone will know what rock you crawled out from under!" Elizabeth smiled as she filled an empty highball glass with scotch.
She watched and waited for the explosion that never came. But the sinister smile that she observed on her husband's face told her that even for her she had crossed over a line she never had before.
"Jeff," Anthony turned to his father in law, "would you please excuse us for a moment?"
"Certainly," he returned knowing he had been left with not other option than to exit the patio quietly.
A wave of guilt overtook him as he padded down the plush carpeted hall. The father in him had wanted to stand up for his baby girl; had wanted to in no uncertain terms tell her bastard of a husband how truly lucky he was to have such a wonderful woman to call his wife, but Jeff Webber knew that would serve neither himself or Elizabeth. He had too much tied up in the Malucci family now to take the chance of angering the man who virtually held the strings of his life not to mention that of his daughter's.
"What the fuck did you think you were accomplishing with that little display of yours!?!" Anthony reached out whipping Elizabeth by the arm forcing her livid eyes to meet his own.
"What display? I was merely stating the facts as I see them," she said calmly.
"You fucking disrespectful bitch!" he said grinding his teeth. "You are my wife and you WILL do what ever the hell I tell you to do!"
"So I have been told."
"I expect you to back your father in this little project of his. Am I making myself clear?" He tightened his grip on her forearm.
Elizabeth felt the tears burning the back of her eyes but she refused them release. She had learned a long time ago never to let him see her cry. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. "Crystal!" she countered forcefully removing her arm from his grasp.
"You might as well get started this evening," he said suddenly composed as if there had never been a trace of rage in his voice. "I have a business meeting to attend to tonight and seeing as you will be all alone..."
"When has that ever bothered you before?" she quipped finishing off the amber liquid at the bottom of her glass.
"Need I remind you that if being my wife is too much of a burden – there's the door my dear!" he stated secure in the knowledge that his well placed threat of years gone by held her captive.
"Don't be shocked if one day you come home and find me gone!" she countered with overstated vibrato.
"And don't be shocked when you find yourself on the wrong end of a gun," Anthony said smiling as he walked away from her.
Elizabeth sent the heavy glass in her hand careening at the closing door suddenly feeling more like an animal trapped in a cage than she ever had before.
"Are you alright?" Jeff asked stepping over the fragments of glass in his path.
"Like you fucking care!" she growled.
"I......I'm......." he stammered.
"You're what? You're sorry!?!?!" Elizabeth heard the sound of her own laughter at the absurdity of the thought. "Too little too late!"
"So about the benefit," Jeff continued on with the original reason for his visit without skipping a beat.
"What's in it for you?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Jeff returned innocently.
"I know from personal experience that you don't do anything unless you stand to gain something from it." Again Elizabeth flashed her wedding band as a reminder of that fact.
Jeff shifted uneasily before her eyeing the quickly emptying scotch bottle perched on the edge of the bar. He reached for it but pulled his hand back knowing full well that was what had gotten him into this mess in the first place.
"Please be my guest!" Elizabeth shoved the bottle into his hand. That simple action was all Jeff needed to pour himself a generous serving. "So I ask again, what's in this for you?"
"I am hoping to gather enough support to throw my hat into the upcoming senatorial race."
"Oh just wonderful," Elizabeth countered sarcastically. "That's all we need is a Mafia backed senator!"
"Elizabeth that's enough. It's time that you stop rocking the boat so much. It's not good for me and certainly not good for you. Can't you just play the game?"
"You can't be serious?" she asked in astonishment.
"Dead serious!"
"This game you talk about – it's not even one with a prize for me. That is unless you count my staying alive." Elizabeth pointed out.
"That's exactly what I am saying."
"If this is the life I am to have until I am old and gray – well then death would be a relief." With that said Elizabeth left her father alone to ponder that thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jason sat at the head of the table listening as the doorbell sounded again and again. His families' guests were ushered past the closed door toward the awaiting festivities outside in the garden and connecting pool area. The mixture of voices grew louder indicating to him that he wouldn't be able to hide for much longer before Joseph would come looking for him.
He rose from his position making his way to the open window. Pushing aside the shroud of the heavy draperies, Jason had to admit the scene he found there was exquisite. His mother had paid painstaking attention to every last detail of that night's events.
He watched as she and his sister, Emily, milled about the guests as his emotions tore him in so many different directions. There was no denying that he was indeed happy for Zander and Emily but Jason couldn't shake the resentment that prodded at him. Resentment that shouldn't have been directed at the happy couple but more times than not it had been. He was having difficulty masking his emotions and the harsh words that sometimes spilled from his lips hurt those that Jason loved the most, which included his dear sister. It wasn't Emily's fault that the fate chosen for him was the exact opposite of hers nor was it her fault he had erected a wall so deep around himself just so that he could get through each day. That had been his doing and his alone. Jason had hoped in doing that he would somehow bury the pain and emptiness that followed him everywhere.
"There you are," his father's gruff voice invaded his thoughts. "We do have guests." He gestured to the spaces outside of the room Jason had barricaded himself in.
"I know," he returned.
"Your mother and I would it if all of the family was present for the celebration," Joseph said pointedly.
Jason caught his father's not so subtle meaning. This was the part of the evening that was purely for show. This was the side of Joseph Morgan that the society pages would write about. However Jason was far more concerned about the darker side of his father. A side that no doubt would be needed for the sit down that was to take place in a matter of hours.
"I think we need to discuss a few things first," Jason said voicing his weariness.
"Such as?" Joseph questioned.
"The money and merchandise that Anthony Malucci and his crew have been skimming."
"Jason," Joseph said in a fatherly tone. "We will handle Malucci. I have known Rocco for many years. We have always done business peaceably. I am sure that tonight will bring about the same."
"Let's not kid ourselves here," Jason countered. "Face it, Rocco Malucci is on his deathbed for god sakes!"
"Your point?" Joseph Morgan didn't need his son's blatant reminder of his friend's failing health.
"My point is that it's not Rocco that we need to be thinking about. It's Anthony. He's the damn wild card in all this!" Jason sighed exasperated.
"Yes I will agree that Anthony has taken far too many liberties but Jason we all still live the by the same set of rules. And tonight my plan is to reinstitute a few that Rocco's son has seem to have forgotten."
"I think you are making this far too simple. Look at these numbers. Look at how many points we have lost to them already. I seriously doubt that it's going to stop there. He's boosted at least two of our trucks on each of our runs. I think it's time for us to start sending out a few well placed messages don't you?" Jason questioned.
"Out of respect for Rocco," Joseph said. "We must allow him to handle his own family business."
"His family's business is fucking destroying ours!"
"Joseph, Jason," Cassandra's soft voice split the two men. "This is Emily's night. I would appreciate it if you both would remember that." Her eyes darted between father and son knowing that she had interrupted a test of wills. In her many years of marriage to Joseph she had come accustomed to the double meaning of parties held at her home but tonight was different. Tonight was for her daughter.
"We will join you in a moment." Joseph spoke in an even tone.
"See that you do." Cassandra Morgan turned on her heel making her way back to the grounds outside.
"This conversation is over!" Joseph said before his son was able to object. "Your mother is right. This is Emily's night and I intend on sharing it with her."
Jason stood fuming silently as his father exited the room. It amazed him how much stock he but in Rocco Malucci's ability to control his son. Unfortunately Jason had much less faith. He saw Anthony Malucci for the true threat that he was. His only hope was that his father came to the same realization before it was too late.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth threw her body against the perfectly arranged bed and suppressed the screams that filled her. She felt her body shudder with the rage that threatened to overtake her. Her mind raced with all the things she had said to Anthony earlier. Why she had even attempted such a bold display with her husband she hadn't a clue. The only reason that blared from beneath her jumbled thoughts was that it was her was of asserting some control over her uncontrollable life.
Without warning the tears that she had been holding at bay since her confrontation with her father and then her husband spilled forth. In the privacy of the silent room, she let loose a flood of emotions – emotions for all those things in her life that were never meant to be.
Absently her eyes were drawn to the massive diamond that sat on the third finger of her left hand. Once it had held such promise of a great life that was to be filled with love and happiness, yet now it was nothing but a reminder that her life was for show and show alone.
The sound of Anthony's voice from outside the room readily caught her attention. Quietly Elizabeth made her way to the double doors that separated their room from the hallway. Easily she turned the knob, giving her just enough line of vision to see Anthony standing there in his tuxedo speaking to Raul.
"Business meeting my ass," she said under her breath suddenly angered by his lie if not a little puzzled by it too. Anthony hadn't made a secret of his many extramarital affairs in the past so his sudden need for deception had Elizabeth's thoughts running wildly.
She looked on as Raul placed Anthony's topcoat over his outstretched arm and did her best not to laugh. For a man who prided himself on his cutthroat ruthlessness, to see such pomp and circumstance now, to Elizabeth was completely ludicrous.
Her eyes followed his retreating frame until he had descended the staircase out of sight. His need for her to believe that this was a business function peaked her interest in what was truly going on. Elizabeth slipped out of their room, anxiously looking over her shoulder as she entered Anthony's private study. The door clicked shut behind her as she made a beeline for Anthony's expansive desk. Elizabeth didn't know what she was even looking for but that didn't stop her from rummaging through the stacks of papers and files lying about. It wasn't until she turned to go that she saw an ivory envelope on the edge of the credenza. The bold script read – 'Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Malucci'
"I wonder who's getting the honor of being Mrs. Malucci tonight?" Elizabeth said sarcastically to the air around her. She slipped her fingers under the flap pulling an ornate invitation from inside.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morgan
Cordially invite you to
Join them in the celebration
Of their daughter, Emily Louise Morgan's
Engagement to Alexander Smith.
Elizabeth resisted the overwhelming urge to crush the paper in the palm of her hand as waves of anger again consumed her. Why all of the sudden was she bothered by all of this? The answer to that question eluded her. More times than not she had done her best to distance herself from these sorts of events, but for whatever reason tonight the notion that Anthony had decided to escort a goomah rather than his wife infuriated her – infuriated her to the point that she was about to make a move she could possibly live to regret.
She leaned over the chaise lounge slipping her silken cover up over her string bikini, preparing herself for whatever her father had in store for her this time. It seemed as of late that all of his visits came with strings attached.
"Father," she said coldly as he took a seat across from her.
"How are you darling?" He smiled all the while uneasy. Sitting across from his only daughter knowing full well how much she despised him was more than a bit unnerving.
"Anthony stopped sending you progress reports?" she quipped sipping the last traces of frozen liquid from her glass.
"Can we please have a civil conversation for once?" Jeff stressed not ready for another go round with her.
"What is it you want?" she said pulling no punches.
"I would like your assistance......"
"I think I have given you my fair share of assistance, don't you?" Elizabeth thrust her hand in his face not allowing him to finish his remark. She waved her wedding band in her father's face. "What more can you possibly need me to do?"
Jeff motioned to one of the servants who immediately brought him a scotch and soda. He swallowed down the caustic liquid instantly returning the empty glass as a request for another. "I would like you to stop sulking and put your life to some good use." The alcohol had brought about words that Jeff wouldn't have been able to say otherwise.
"EXCUSE ME?!?!" Elizabeth exploded.
"Elizabeth dear, you know what I mean." He made a vain attempt at stopping his daughter's impending tirade in its tracks.
"I don't think that I do. Why don't you enlighten me with your great wisdom!" She shot back.
"I'm just saying that it's time that you move on don't you think?"
"MOVE ON?!?! Exactly where the hell should I be moving on to? This is my life now. You saw to that!" she spit.
"Elizabeth, that's not fair?!?!"
"FAIR!?!?" Again she cut him off enraged by his caviler attitude. "Do you even hear yourself when you speak? What's not fair is that I am paying for your god damned crimes!" Elizabeth's voice spewed all the venom she held for the man before her. A man she once loved so much.
"What's done is done." Jeff said as if it was a simple matter of closing a door and opening a window. Yet from Elizabeth's perspective it was as if the world opened up and swallowed her whole.
"What do you want?" she questioned him once more wishing he would disappear.
"I would like you to help organize a benefit for the coronary care unit at Chicago Memorial." Jeff watched his daughter's expression closely. He knew how much Elizabeth loved her mother and Jeff Webber intended to use that to his advantage. His wife had succumbed to a rare virus of the heart that caused the muscle tissue to harden to the point that it no longer functioned. Unfortunately a donor heart wasn't found until six months after she had passed away.
"Don't..." Elizabeth stopped him before he could go on. "Don't you dare say what I know you are going to say."
Ignoring her he continued. "What I was going to say was the administration is looking to raise monies to expand the facility. I thought it might be something that you could get behind and support. I'm sure that Anthony would gladly be a major benefactor."
"Did I hear my name?" Anthony Malucci said joining his wife and father in law on the patio.
"Yes, yes you did. I was just telling Elizabeth about this worthy benefit that Chicago Memorial is beginning to organize. It's for the expansion of their coronary care unit. The head of Cardiology is hoping that this will swing some research grants in their direction," Jeff said pointedly looking at Anthony.
"Sounds like a wonderful event for you to get behind dear." Anthony bent down and kissed his wife's cheek. Elizabeth resisted the urge to hurl. "And Jeff," he said turning to the man to his left. "You know that my organization will do our part in making the event successful."
Elizabeth felt the bile climb higher into her throat. The whole scene playing out before her made her want to wretch. If it had been anyone other than the two men standing there it would have sounded like a perfectly normal business conversation, yet it wasn't. It was filled with veiled innuendoes.
"I don't really think that I would be interested," Elizabeth stated to them both as she got up to walk away.
"Where do you think you are going?" Anthony's voice deepened.
"I'd like to take a shower."
"Not until we finish up this little matter with your father."
"There's nothing to finish. I have no intention of being party to this little scheme of yours!" Elizabeth's eyes shot daggers at them. "All the parties and benefits that you throw your money at isn't going to change where the hell it comes from. And it certainly isn't going to get you the respect you are looking for. Sooner or later Tony Malucci, everyone will know what rock you crawled out from under!" Elizabeth smiled as she filled an empty highball glass with scotch.
She watched and waited for the explosion that never came. But the sinister smile that she observed on her husband's face told her that even for her she had crossed over a line she never had before.
"Jeff," Anthony turned to his father in law, "would you please excuse us for a moment?"
"Certainly," he returned knowing he had been left with not other option than to exit the patio quietly.
A wave of guilt overtook him as he padded down the plush carpeted hall. The father in him had wanted to stand up for his baby girl; had wanted to in no uncertain terms tell her bastard of a husband how truly lucky he was to have such a wonderful woman to call his wife, but Jeff Webber knew that would serve neither himself or Elizabeth. He had too much tied up in the Malucci family now to take the chance of angering the man who virtually held the strings of his life not to mention that of his daughter's.
"What the fuck did you think you were accomplishing with that little display of yours!?!" Anthony reached out whipping Elizabeth by the arm forcing her livid eyes to meet his own.
"What display? I was merely stating the facts as I see them," she said calmly.
"You fucking disrespectful bitch!" he said grinding his teeth. "You are my wife and you WILL do what ever the hell I tell you to do!"
"So I have been told."
"I expect you to back your father in this little project of his. Am I making myself clear?" He tightened his grip on her forearm.
Elizabeth felt the tears burning the back of her eyes but she refused them release. She had learned a long time ago never to let him see her cry. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction. "Crystal!" she countered forcefully removing her arm from his grasp.
"You might as well get started this evening," he said suddenly composed as if there had never been a trace of rage in his voice. "I have a business meeting to attend to tonight and seeing as you will be all alone..."
"When has that ever bothered you before?" she quipped finishing off the amber liquid at the bottom of her glass.
"Need I remind you that if being my wife is too much of a burden – there's the door my dear!" he stated secure in the knowledge that his well placed threat of years gone by held her captive.
"Don't be shocked if one day you come home and find me gone!" she countered with overstated vibrato.
"And don't be shocked when you find yourself on the wrong end of a gun," Anthony said smiling as he walked away from her.
Elizabeth sent the heavy glass in her hand careening at the closing door suddenly feeling more like an animal trapped in a cage than she ever had before.
"Are you alright?" Jeff asked stepping over the fragments of glass in his path.
"Like you fucking care!" she growled.
"I......I'm......." he stammered.
"You're what? You're sorry!?!?!" Elizabeth heard the sound of her own laughter at the absurdity of the thought. "Too little too late!"
"So about the benefit," Jeff continued on with the original reason for his visit without skipping a beat.
"What's in it for you?" she asked.
"What do you mean?" Jeff returned innocently.
"I know from personal experience that you don't do anything unless you stand to gain something from it." Again Elizabeth flashed her wedding band as a reminder of that fact.
Jeff shifted uneasily before her eyeing the quickly emptying scotch bottle perched on the edge of the bar. He reached for it but pulled his hand back knowing full well that was what had gotten him into this mess in the first place.
"Please be my guest!" Elizabeth shoved the bottle into his hand. That simple action was all Jeff needed to pour himself a generous serving. "So I ask again, what's in this for you?"
"I am hoping to gather enough support to throw my hat into the upcoming senatorial race."
"Oh just wonderful," Elizabeth countered sarcastically. "That's all we need is a Mafia backed senator!"
"Elizabeth that's enough. It's time that you stop rocking the boat so much. It's not good for me and certainly not good for you. Can't you just play the game?"
"You can't be serious?" she asked in astonishment.
"Dead serious!"
"This game you talk about – it's not even one with a prize for me. That is unless you count my staying alive." Elizabeth pointed out.
"That's exactly what I am saying."
"If this is the life I am to have until I am old and gray – well then death would be a relief." With that said Elizabeth left her father alone to ponder that thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jason sat at the head of the table listening as the doorbell sounded again and again. His families' guests were ushered past the closed door toward the awaiting festivities outside in the garden and connecting pool area. The mixture of voices grew louder indicating to him that he wouldn't be able to hide for much longer before Joseph would come looking for him.
He rose from his position making his way to the open window. Pushing aside the shroud of the heavy draperies, Jason had to admit the scene he found there was exquisite. His mother had paid painstaking attention to every last detail of that night's events.
He watched as she and his sister, Emily, milled about the guests as his emotions tore him in so many different directions. There was no denying that he was indeed happy for Zander and Emily but Jason couldn't shake the resentment that prodded at him. Resentment that shouldn't have been directed at the happy couple but more times than not it had been. He was having difficulty masking his emotions and the harsh words that sometimes spilled from his lips hurt those that Jason loved the most, which included his dear sister. It wasn't Emily's fault that the fate chosen for him was the exact opposite of hers nor was it her fault he had erected a wall so deep around himself just so that he could get through each day. That had been his doing and his alone. Jason had hoped in doing that he would somehow bury the pain and emptiness that followed him everywhere.
"There you are," his father's gruff voice invaded his thoughts. "We do have guests." He gestured to the spaces outside of the room Jason had barricaded himself in.
"I know," he returned.
"Your mother and I would it if all of the family was present for the celebration," Joseph said pointedly.
Jason caught his father's not so subtle meaning. This was the part of the evening that was purely for show. This was the side of Joseph Morgan that the society pages would write about. However Jason was far more concerned about the darker side of his father. A side that no doubt would be needed for the sit down that was to take place in a matter of hours.
"I think we need to discuss a few things first," Jason said voicing his weariness.
"Such as?" Joseph questioned.
"The money and merchandise that Anthony Malucci and his crew have been skimming."
"Jason," Joseph said in a fatherly tone. "We will handle Malucci. I have known Rocco for many years. We have always done business peaceably. I am sure that tonight will bring about the same."
"Let's not kid ourselves here," Jason countered. "Face it, Rocco Malucci is on his deathbed for god sakes!"
"Your point?" Joseph Morgan didn't need his son's blatant reminder of his friend's failing health.
"My point is that it's not Rocco that we need to be thinking about. It's Anthony. He's the damn wild card in all this!" Jason sighed exasperated.
"Yes I will agree that Anthony has taken far too many liberties but Jason we all still live the by the same set of rules. And tonight my plan is to reinstitute a few that Rocco's son has seem to have forgotten."
"I think you are making this far too simple. Look at these numbers. Look at how many points we have lost to them already. I seriously doubt that it's going to stop there. He's boosted at least two of our trucks on each of our runs. I think it's time for us to start sending out a few well placed messages don't you?" Jason questioned.
"Out of respect for Rocco," Joseph said. "We must allow him to handle his own family business."
"His family's business is fucking destroying ours!"
"Joseph, Jason," Cassandra's soft voice split the two men. "This is Emily's night. I would appreciate it if you both would remember that." Her eyes darted between father and son knowing that she had interrupted a test of wills. In her many years of marriage to Joseph she had come accustomed to the double meaning of parties held at her home but tonight was different. Tonight was for her daughter.
"We will join you in a moment." Joseph spoke in an even tone.
"See that you do." Cassandra Morgan turned on her heel making her way back to the grounds outside.
"This conversation is over!" Joseph said before his son was able to object. "Your mother is right. This is Emily's night and I intend on sharing it with her."
Jason stood fuming silently as his father exited the room. It amazed him how much stock he but in Rocco Malucci's ability to control his son. Unfortunately Jason had much less faith. He saw Anthony Malucci for the true threat that he was. His only hope was that his father came to the same realization before it was too late.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elizabeth threw her body against the perfectly arranged bed and suppressed the screams that filled her. She felt her body shudder with the rage that threatened to overtake her. Her mind raced with all the things she had said to Anthony earlier. Why she had even attempted such a bold display with her husband she hadn't a clue. The only reason that blared from beneath her jumbled thoughts was that it was her was of asserting some control over her uncontrollable life.
Without warning the tears that she had been holding at bay since her confrontation with her father and then her husband spilled forth. In the privacy of the silent room, she let loose a flood of emotions – emotions for all those things in her life that were never meant to be.
Absently her eyes were drawn to the massive diamond that sat on the third finger of her left hand. Once it had held such promise of a great life that was to be filled with love and happiness, yet now it was nothing but a reminder that her life was for show and show alone.
The sound of Anthony's voice from outside the room readily caught her attention. Quietly Elizabeth made her way to the double doors that separated their room from the hallway. Easily she turned the knob, giving her just enough line of vision to see Anthony standing there in his tuxedo speaking to Raul.
"Business meeting my ass," she said under her breath suddenly angered by his lie if not a little puzzled by it too. Anthony hadn't made a secret of his many extramarital affairs in the past so his sudden need for deception had Elizabeth's thoughts running wildly.
She looked on as Raul placed Anthony's topcoat over his outstretched arm and did her best not to laugh. For a man who prided himself on his cutthroat ruthlessness, to see such pomp and circumstance now, to Elizabeth was completely ludicrous.
Her eyes followed his retreating frame until he had descended the staircase out of sight. His need for her to believe that this was a business function peaked her interest in what was truly going on. Elizabeth slipped out of their room, anxiously looking over her shoulder as she entered Anthony's private study. The door clicked shut behind her as she made a beeline for Anthony's expansive desk. Elizabeth didn't know what she was even looking for but that didn't stop her from rummaging through the stacks of papers and files lying about. It wasn't until she turned to go that she saw an ivory envelope on the edge of the credenza. The bold script read – 'Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Malucci'
"I wonder who's getting the honor of being Mrs. Malucci tonight?" Elizabeth said sarcastically to the air around her. She slipped her fingers under the flap pulling an ornate invitation from inside.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Morgan
Cordially invite you to
Join them in the celebration
Of their daughter, Emily Louise Morgan's
Engagement to Alexander Smith.
Elizabeth resisted the overwhelming urge to crush the paper in the palm of her hand as waves of anger again consumed her. Why all of the sudden was she bothered by all of this? The answer to that question eluded her. More times than not she had done her best to distance herself from these sorts of events, but for whatever reason tonight the notion that Anthony had decided to escort a goomah rather than his wife infuriated her – infuriated her to the point that she was about to make a move she could possibly live to regret.