A/N: OMG I can't believe all the reviews that poured in. I forced my proofreader to hurry this chapter up so I could post it as a thank you to you all! You were so very inspiring and I want to let you know how it is appreciated. Just one more chapter to go...I am going to miss this storyline, but I have brewed up some interesting ideas for the sequel. There will be far more intrigue, different locations and some more action. I will write about that in the conclusion to this story...before I forget...don't own Yu-gi-oh...

Chapter 27

Iolite stood there in the library while her world whirled around her like a demented carnival ride. She felt sick to her stomach while her head swirled in colors she had never experienced before. She was more confused then ever. He didn't want Mortimer's company but now it seemed he didn't want her either. She looked at the papers in her trembling hand. She placed the ownership papers of Mortimer down and slowly unfolded the dissolution of marriage papers. There were several places where arrows pointed to where her signature was required. His lines were already signed. A tear slipped down her cheek. This was an unexpected turn of events. Her anger now felt spent, replaced by a hollow misery.

Kaiba sat down behind the desk in his office, not believing he had just given freedom to the one thing he desired most. It had been weeks since he returned, he had tried every means possible to get through to her, but she had walled him out-completely. Were there other options? Had he missed something? No, he was sure he had tried everything. He closed his eyes and sat back into his chair. He had placed the proverbial ball in her court.

Iolite left the library not completely sure where to go in the huge mansion. It suddenly felt as if the walls were closing in on her. She needed to talk to someone. Maybe Tea or Mai. No, she looked at he clock on the wall; it was too late to call them. Who then? She raced up the stairs and down the halls, stopping only when she came upon the room of the one person who could help her.

She knocked on the door and waited for a response. Slowly the door opened and there stood Raine. He looked over her features, she reminded him of the child he had been hired to guard so many years ago. Gone was the hard edge, the ferocity in her eyes, before him stood a broken spirit. He stepped aside and she walked in, stoically. Her eyes down, shoulders slumped, her heart broken.

He closed the door behind her and slowly led her to a chair, he sat in one across from her. Then, waiting patiently, he watched her expression change from sorrow to chagrin to remorse. Never had he seen her cry in all the years he had known her. She had walls that were high because of her screwed up family. These past few weeks with Seto Kaiba produced the woman he knew lurked below the surface. She had so much of her mother in her, which, thankfully, prevented permanent warping by her deranged family members. Sharing her tears would be new to her and his heart lurched at the thought of being there.

"He doesn't want me Raine," she finally managed to choke out the whisper. Her concentration was focused solely on the hands that she had demurely folded in her lap.

"What do you care Princess? You don't want him either." His indigo eyes danced with mischief. It was time to snap her out of her martyrdom.

Her head straightened from its downtrodden position. She eyed him suspiciously.

"What do you mean by that crack?" She asked, her resolve returning slowly. Raine was glad to see the recovery.

"You've been purposefully ignoring him, treating him horribly and I know why." Raine stood and crossed to the fireplace that was slowly dying. He tossed in another log and poked at the flames.

She looked at her guard and stood. Slowly she folded her arms across her chest. "Why Raine? Why would I treat him so badly? You seem to know my psyche even better than me so do tell." She was being sarcastic and that was better than tears any day.

"It's simple Princess," he rose, softly brushing his hands together to remove the soot. "He's very arrogant and you hate that trait."

"He isn't," she corrected him, "Kaiba is just sure of himself and knows what he wants. I don't consider that arrogance just confident."

"Then there's the matter of his being so cold. I swear the man could survive the artic in his swim trunks. You're too warm to want someone that frigid." Raine walked over to the table in his room and poured a glass of water, he motioned as if asking if she wanted any. She shook her head no.

"He's not that cold Raine," she sighed, her eyes seemed to concentrate intently. "He went through a lot with his adopted father and he, like me, learned to hide his feelings. He's not that bad when he's not making business deals or expressing his authority." She smiled slightly when she involuntarily recalled a night of kissing in bed with him. He had been a downright tease and he'd been warm. She also recalled the ice cream fight and how he played arcade games. His sarcasm was so humorous. She wouldn't change a thing. "He's not frigid, just guarded."

"It's too bad that he doesn't," Raine paused, as if deep in thought, "how did you put it? 'Express his authority' with emotion. I guess to do that the man would need a heart wouldn't he?" Raine questioned her without turning to face her. Dead silence assaulted his ears. He smiled widely, she was assessing her feelings for the first time.

She finally came up with a retort, "He has a heart, look how he acts around Mokuba. Something changes when he's around his brother, it's like Christmas." She smiled, her eyes had a far away look about them. "I wish I loved someone like that. That their mere presence could light me up inside."

Raine knew that there was that someone and he was just as stubborn as she was.

"So he might have a heart, even a conscience and possibly he's just more confident than he has a right to be, but even you have to admit that his hair has to go." His words hung between them. His eyebrow raised, she had been defending his character, would she defend his looks?

"I mean," he continued, trying not to laugh at her galled expression. "The way it falls over his eyes, how can the man see? I'm surprised he doesn't trip. Then again, maybe it's better that his hair covers his face, perhaps he should grow it longer so we wouldn't have to look at him at all."

"Are you calling him ugly?" She sounded appalled by the idea. "I think Seto is the most amazing looking man I've ever seen. His blue eyes are magnificent, his hair is perfect I think I'd cry if he cut it and I like how it drapes over his eyes it give him a bit of a roguish look. I wouldn't change anything about him!" She was almost in tears now. How could Raine be so heartless that he could cut up Kaiba at a time like this, when her heart was breaking?

"For someone who has been ignoring him and treating him with glacial insolence you sure do sing his praises."

She looked at Raine, the realization of what he had just done dawned on her.

"You're toying with me, you're playing with my feelings for him! How dare you?!" The sad frightened child who entered his room was now gone, replaced with a woman incensed with his taunting.

"No Princess," he corrected, "how dare you!"

She stood there staring at him aghast, he had never yelled at her before. She was sure she hated it. She thought about telling him so when he continued, in a dangerous tone.

"Now, sit down and shut up while I tell you a thing or two." His eyes were enflamed.

"You have a chance at true happiness here. I know Kaiba has done a few things that were bad, but he has tried to correct them. He's new at showing his feelings. You, on the other hand, have behaved like a spoiled brat. He has tried to explain, you slammed door after door in his face. You meet him with more ice than I though you could muster. You don't listen, you don't try, you're stubborn and aggravating-well, you've accomplished what I didn't think you could...you've developed your mother's worst flaw, learn from her mistake!" His look was sad as he shook his head slowly, "You have to forgive in order to attain forgiveness."

"There is only one defect in your way of thinking Raine. How do I love someone who will never love me in return? How can I hand my heart over to someone who will never reciprocate? I want him to love me but I don't know if I'll ever receive that emotion from him and I don't know if I can handle that." Her voice trailed off as if considering how lonely her existence would be without Seto's heart.

"Have you ever considered how grand his gesture is?" Raine let the question sit in the air. "He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve, but he would do anything for his brother you've seen that love and recognized it. He's just handed you a corporation that, merged with your own company, rivals Kaiba Corp. plus he gave you what he thinks you want most-your freedom. Do his sacrifices mean nothing? Perhaps his actions speak louder than his words ever will."

She took a few seconds to think his words over. Tears formed in her eyes, "What have I done?"

"Nothing that can't be undone, not yet anyway. Go to him and tell him how you feel Princess." Raine's voice was cool and soothing.

"I can't" She whispered.

"Then you'll loose him, sign the papers and dissolve the marriage." Raine walked to the door and opened it. "Don't let me know what you want, let him know. For once swallow your stupid pride. Where has it gotten you anyway? Isn't he worth the risk?"

He came back, putting his arm about her shoulders, then he walking her to the door, she was in a dream state. He led her out into the hall. The door shutting behind her brought her around. Now what?

Despite his feelings of dread about what he had done last night Kaiba dragged himself to work the next morning. He wondered if she had slept at all, was she happy about the dissolution, the handing over of Mortimer's empire? He wanted to ask her this morning, but she had seemed so preoccupied in the garden he didn't want to disturb her. He began to realize that he would miss her presence. Besides, he knew if he confronted her she would tune him out.

A soft knock on his door elicited a growled 'what' from him.

"I'm sorry sir," his secretary slowly opened the door, "I know you asked not to be disturbed, but this just came for you." She walked in and handed an envelope to him. She turned and left without another word. He looked at the envelope, wondering if it was a 'thank you for my freedom' note. His intense blue eyes waited impatiently for his fingers to open the envelope and pull out the card. He slowly read the lines...

We need to discuss future arrangements. Please meet me in our room tonight at 8pm. Iolite

His eyes read and reread the note. It was simple enough. He had a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach that he was sure would last until he finally had a chance to speak with her. Even if it was to simply say good-bye.

A/N: One more to go... Will it be happily ever after or will he have to chase her into part two, or will she chase him? Please read and review...

Dragon Master's Mistress: This chapter totally didn't help resolve anything did it? I do have my reasons and I'm hoping the next chapter will make you happy, it's possible it won't, I guess we'll have to wait and see right? Ending the marriage is the last resort, but then again this marriage started for all the wrong reasons...right? Two stubborn people who both will only admit to being right, what an awful combo! Thank you soooo much for reviewing. I will try to complete the next chapter soon, promise. I only hope my proofreader can get through this and her class work without giving herself a migraine!

CRAZYABOUTANIME: I always aim to please with my quick updates! Glad you liked it, I know it was sad but hopefully it will all turn out in the end... I thought the avoidance was a nice touch. The girl had self-discipline to resist that man. Thanks for the review!

JosephineJekyl: I know, this chapter answered nothing. I just couldn't do another huge chapter, I had a complaint that I wrote too long. So, I divided this in two. The finale should be up soon, just a bit more to go and then some editing. I'm glad I'm keeping you guessing. Thanks for the compliment and as always for the review! Bye for a short while!

I heart Seto!: How did you know I love romance?! Is it because all of my fics revolve around romance? My cartoon crushing stage hit a new low...rented the Yu-gi-oh movie and can't stop watching it...They didn't miss a trick with Seto did they? Don't care too much for the story only for him. It was inspiring...I'll be writing into the night lol! My family and friends are amused by my Seto obsession, thankfully I have some friends who find him amazing as well! Glad you liked the scene about her taking over his authority role. I tried to make him not as omnipotent, let him see a wife could be a good thing. Oh well, I like to slap his character down a bit every now and then. When he's too all-powerful he comes off as a bit annoying. (But I love him anyway lol). Glad you think this story is the best and hopefully the finale won't disappoint you! Thanks as always!

Peachi goddess: Thank you so much for the review! Glad you think it's so good. Hope this is soon enough for you.

Sarah: All will be resolved soon. As for Kaiba apologizing, he has tried in his own way, but she keeps ignoring him. I think this chapter works quite well showing her realizations... I don't want to tell you much, or else I'll ruin the ending. Thank you so much for the review!

Mariks1andonly: I hope this chapter helped you not be so mad at Seto. He isn't a man of many emotions... You'll have to wait for the end to see how it all resolves. The sequel is already in the works. I'm mapping it all out at this point. There are so many ways to go and I'm quite excited about it. You have my e-mail address too...on my profile page if you want to write. I'll definitely keep in touch...Thank you for reviewing, you are so loyal to this story and I love it!

Ayala: Wow what an awesome review! Thank you so much. You soooo made my night! I'm flattered that you think I'm doing a tremendous job I just hope I can keep it up. Just one thing...pay attention in school please, I would hate to think I'm responsible for bad grades...lol...thank you sooo much!!!

GoddessOfVictory: I cut this chapter down...I was going to make this the last chapter, but it would have been even longer than the last chapter that way! Glad I'm keeping you on the edge of your seat. I'm also glad that you like the fluff (my favorite part) and the way I portray Kaiba. Thank you so much for the review and I hope this chapter kept you entertained!

WhitejellO: Hmmmm I wonder if this chapter answered some of your thoughts...

I always enjoy Disney, went there again this past weekend and we're going this weekend as well. My friends and I have yearlong passes that expire soon. We're going to get passes for Universal/Islands of Adventure in 2005. I haven't been to the Disney in CA in years. I think you have things there that we don't have here-like the Indiana Jones ride. Have you been there in awhile? Have you been on Tower of Terror? That's the ultimate fun! I hate long lines too, that's why we all usually go on weekdays-Friday I have no classes and neither do some of my friends. It works well.

Glad you found the chapter incredible, hope you liked this one as much...is this the end? Will someone bend? I love it!!! Sorry I left you hanging and sorry I have to do it again! One more to go! Thanks for your thoughts...you are the most awesome reviewer!

Scuba muffin: Glad you're interested in the sequel...it should follow the finale quite quickly. I'm also happy that you understand why she's mad now. He really was horrible. One more chapter left to tie up the ends of this part of the story! Thanks for reviewing!

Evilclowns666: Thank you for the great review! I'm so glad you are really enjoying it, the last chapter should be up really soon. Hope this met your expectations, sorry for the little cliffie...

Cara: I know you reviewed chapter 17, but I figured I would thank you here...Glad you loved it, hope you loved the chapters that followed it just as much...Thanks for reviewing.

Solo-girl: Is it such a bad thing that his ego was deflated? You know that won't last long right?! Would you like me to make her run to Ryan's arms? You of all people would hate that. Though, secretly I know you want Ryan to annihilate Seto...jk lol (don't flame me I just couldn't resist). I felt bad writing the part about the divorce papers...it was quite sad. I do think Seto is bending, but she's being a brat now. I hope this chapter gave you a good snicker. I wanted to have her put in her place, Point accomplished I believe...

I have the DVDs before they made it 'special'. I also have tapes. The only special ones I saw were the ones of the first 3, or should I say, 4,5 and 6. I have yet to see the ones of 1 and 2. I think I will see #3 in the movies only because I am intrigued as to how it will tie that series to the better series. Is any of this making any sense? It's late and I'm kinda babbling I think. The Wookie home world huh? That might be worth seeing...where Chewie came from. I hope you see the trailer soon. I can't remember when it's supposed to come out (missed that part entirely).

I'll be summarizing the next story at the end of this one. Basically the same lines but with new conflicts and all. I started a few plots in here that I want to delve into. I also have decided to stir up more new trouble as well. It will focus mostly on Iolite and Kaiba with a bit more adventure and intrigue (of course prevailing romance as well). Hopefully I can keep entertaining you! You have so entertained me with your reviews! Thank you so much and don't forget to keep reviewing!

SirisAnkh: It is sad... Hopefully it will all end well. Hope you liked this chapter too! Thanks for the review!

Victor-primis: I'm just glad you reviewed. I don't care where you did it from. I'm glad you love the story. I feel quite badly for you, it seems like you're having a hard time right now. If you do read this, know that I hope it all gets better soon. I know how things can get bad, should have seen me when I was told we were moving from NY to Florida! I totally flipped out. Thankfully things calmed down and now I'm in a way better place. Nothing lasts forever, not even the worst stuff. I hope your situation improves soon.