Disclaimer: I do not own Erik, daroga, or other references of Leroux's novel. They belong to the author that created them.

A/N: I this chapter, you see more of the Russian Phantom and Stacy. But as I have said before, this story is different from what you have read before. PLEASE REVIEW! YOU JUST HAVE TO TYPE 'LIKE' OR 'HATE' AND I'LL KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. Please make me happy by reviewing… I review stories of those who review mine. I know how boring and tedious reviewing is… but PLEASE shoves Erik in the spotlight and jabs him with big stick… He then gives puppy eyes REVIEW FOR PUPPY-EYED ERIK!

Ziroana: OMG! How could I forget a REVIEWER! Please forgive me! Thank you for liking my story andtaking the time to actually REVIEW gives a hinting look to the readers who've read but not reviewed.

Harem98: Yes I know you've actually read my story until chapter six, but I am HAPPY you reviewed my story the part you have already re-read… lol. I expect more reviews for the parts you've read so far. I haven't forgotten what I owed you. I am working on it now. Multi-tasking is so much fun.

Twinkle22- I am glad you like my story! I like it, too. PLEASE continue to review.

Katelyn- I was so excited when you reviewed my story TWICE swoons Please continue to check it out and kick your friend into reading and REVIEWING lol.

ChristianAngel7- Aw… I reviewed your story for chapter five. I love your story and I hope you like my very different story. Enjoy chapter three.

HUGGLES FOR ALL MY REVIEWS!

Chapter 4- Russian Secrets

"Momma!" All my children ran into my tearful embrace. All of us were scared, but found comfort in each others' presence. We felt better and walked into the living room of the Ambassador's house. Sitting together on the large couch at Hugo Stazgonocove's lobby at his house, I felt William sit stiffly next to me; cold to me, but loving to his children. He explained his disappearance as work-related and they accepted it whole-heartedly.

A couple of minutes later, Hugo made his appearance. He looked young for his age (late thirties, early forties.) With a high forehead with arched eyebrows and well-defined nose, it gave him a scholarly figure. He had dark, sad eyes and dark brown hair. Thin built, he looked kind and did not appear intimidating.

He smiled and introduced himself. He showed us around his house, showing our rooms, and acquainted us with his three children: Lucas, Nathaniel, and Elyssa. The older were fourteen year old twin boys and Elyssa was eleven. All seven children scampered off to their rooms to play.

Hugo sat William and me down in his library by the vast fireplace. Sighing heavily, Hugo spoke, his voice melodic, but heavy with grief, "Hallo, Stacy. My name is, as you already know, Hugo Stazgonocove. I lost my wife, Celina, to the hands of terrorists five years ago. When William and I were discussing terrorism, it came to my knowledge that his family would be targeted for his line of work. So I pleaded with him to bring his family here so I could feel that you were protected and safe."

My manners that I was raised with came back as I profusely thanked Hugo for his generosity and we continued to talk as William remained silent.

Over the next few days, Hugo and I developed a 'father and daughter' relationship. We cared for each other deeply and studied the Bible with our families together. My four children, Nicholas, Serene, Erik, and Erica meshed well with his three, Lucas, Nathaniel, and Elyssa. The children seemed not to be phased. They were joyous and adored having their father back into their lives. However, my relationship with William has become even more strained.

He followed me everywhere, never letting me leave his sight. I felt his anger… his silent fury… when I refused to share the same bed, and slept on the couch. It did not matter, William never slept. He locked me within our room, making me too terrified to sleep. All the accumulation of lack of sleep and stress caused me to lose weight and develop dark circles under my eyes.

One day, Hugo sat me down to talk to me. "Anastasia…" (This was his pet name for me; it's my name in Russian.) "What is troubling you?" Averting my eyes, I spoke nothing. "Is it William?"

When he spoke my husband's name, my involuntary response was to look up. That was foolish. Hugo sighed. "Anastasia, I have known William since he was a boy. Great in everything he did, he was brilliant in everything he tried, but he knows nothing of human nature… to love. I know he loves you with such force it takes even my breath away. I do realize, however, his behavior is erratic." Hugo paused, contemplating if he should tell me something… a secret, maybe.

"William has been physically and mentally traumatized all of his life by De'Jaro, the general, Nicholas, his family, and Jack. You were his cure. Your love transformed him. He felt as if he were human; a part of mankind. He felt normal. He loved you enough to give you up to protect you. The reason for his erratic and attitude stems from a secret he has kept. Stacy, something dreadful happened to him in Vladivostok. I do not know the full detail. Perhaps with time, he will tell you, but have faith in him. He does love you, whether or not he shows you. So perhaps you need to show him first."

And with that said we parted. It was late and the hallway was dark, making me scurry to my room. Shutting my door, I leaned against it, breathing a sigh of relief. I pictured my husband as he was before his 'death' with my eyes closed.

"What are you thinking of?" A tap on my shoulder sent so much fear down my spine, I attempted to run away, but an arm held me in place. I immediately recognized the scent. William. His emotionless eyes stared at me, sending chills down my spine, and I shivered at being uncomfortable.

"You need sleep, my love. Why haven't you ate or slept? This is not good for you or the kids." His mocking tone felt like daggers in my heart.

I uttered in reply, "Why do you hate me? What have I done wrong but completely love you? Why do you intentionally hurt me with your words… your actions… your eyes reflect ultimate hate to me?" After I finished, my legs gave way and I slid out of his stare and unto the cold floor, sobbing like a child. I felt nothing when he lifted me in his arms and put me on the bed.

His fingertips brushed the hair out of my face. Unconsciously, I reached toward his mask, but he grasped my hand. "No." They way he said it…breathed it… I knew it was a warning. I nodded and felt him relax as he lay next to me. Feeling unnaturally tired, I tried to turn on my side, but William's arm stopped me. His captivating golden eyes revealed a placid quality, contrasting with his uneven breathing. Drawing my body close to his, he leaned down and our lips touched. He ignited me on fire and my hand gripped the hair on the back of his head as our kiss deepened. Our tongues collided with such passion and force I forgot all things except my love for this man. I could not breathe, but I did not dare try. My mind became numb. His lips parted from mine so fast that I did not register it. I moaned for him. However, it was short-lived when he kissed my tender spot on my neck. I gasped sharply as he gently nipped at it. His mask cut into my skin, but I never noticed. Pulling away from me, his cold demeanor softened as he felt my forehead.

"You have a fever. You need to rest." I tried to sit up, but he forced me to lie back down. "You will do as I say," he warned viciously. Confusion flooded through me. Though he said this, Serene screamed my name. "Mom! Mom!" I gazed at William.

"She needs me, William."

"You will rest. I will go to her."

Feeling my anger and resentment rise up within me, I glowered at him. "You will scare her. She barely knows you." The corner of his mouth twitched as he vainly tried to conceal his fierce anger. Seeking my opportunity, I slipped away from him and went to Serene's room, never noticing William strolling towards Hugo's room. Entering Serene's room, I saw her sitting up with a tear-stained face and a blank expression. "What's wrong, sweetie?" "I had a n-nightmare. M-mom?" "Yes, baby?"

"Does Dad love me?" "Oh darling, of course he loves you! He loves you more than you could ever know. He just has a difficult time showing it, my love. Give him time and you will see." Smoothing out her hair, I kissed her goodnight and left the room.

I walked down the hall but felt dizzy. Nearly collapsing at the bedroom door, I heard yelling and the door slam shut. A very harsh voice rang out in the darkness. "I told you to rest. In one way or another, you will listen to me."

Too nauseated to care, he lifted me again, he gently said, "You have flu-like symptoms. I will go get medicine for you tomorrow. Get some sleep." He attempted to get up, but I stopped him. "William, do you love me?" He appeared to smile slightly. "Sleep."

I heard him go to the large oak door and talk to Hugo softly. After I heard William and Hugo go to the adjoining room, I snuck out of the bed and pressed my ear to the door to eavesdrop.

"William, you need to tell her!"

"Do not presume that I have to do anything, Hugo! I am not your child."

"She deserves to know what happened to her husband!"

"She must not and will not ever know."

"William, she needs to know. I implore you to tell her what happened when you were taken captive in Sib-"

"Silence, Hugo!"

"I will tell her then, William."

"No, you will not. If you value your life, I would advise you to stay quiet."

"William, ple-"

"Enough! I grow tired of your insolence. She will find out one way or another on her own. When she does, I will answer all of her questions. Is that not right, my love?"

At the sound of William's sarcastic acknowledgement of my presence, I bolted back to bed, hot with fever and embarrassment. I slept heavily, all the while, knowing that the demon-faced, not my husband, but simply William, watched over me.

A/N: on hands and knees, begging again Please REVIEW! Hopefully since the romantic parts between Stacy and the Russian Phantom have shown, you will be more inclined to review. I love you guys, and did I forget to mention, I add my reviewers on my bio and I also REVIEW YOUR STORIES IF YOU REVIEW MINE! SO, PLEASE REVIEW. I want to know if my story is really any good… It would help me tremendously. I know you guys are reading it… I have seen all the hits… wink

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