Hello everyone! It's been a while. This is my last year of high school so go easy on me cause' I'm rather busy. Thanks for all the reviews they mean a lot. AnywaysI don't think it was here, but someone pointed out thatI should write Dariens point of view. Just to clear that outI can't doo that because then it would give away the plot you'llfind out about Darien and how hewas feeling through this ordeal but your going to have to wait for later chapters. I want to acknoledge all the people that review but it's extremely had to do since there are soo many. SoI am just going to answer some questionsby somer reviewers thatI noticed.

Queen Dia: Yes her hatred for Serena will be revealed it sounds like you read the first version but there aregoing to be sometwist and a completely different ending soI hope you stick around.

V4n3s5aCh4n: Sorry about your little mishap. The title was changed so that's probably why you had such a problem finding it and i am glad you are enjoying the newer version.

Lady Iris: Your review made me laughI am glad you'll becareful with your future in laws. lol

To everyone else who review thank you so much andI am glad you enjoyed it and i'll try very very hard to update as soon as possible MUCH LOVE FROM PR, your friend Demonic.


Chapter 6

Two months had past since the night of Serena's confrontation with Darien; she hadn't seen him in all that time. She figured he was either too busy working at home, or was otherwise occupied beyond the confines of the estate. Not that she minded all that much; it actually worked out better that way as far as she was concerned.

A sense of calm had significantly reduced her anxiety, for there was no longer a reason to feel guilty and struggle with her conscience and conflicts of interest that plagued her.

Additionally, Serena's relationship with Rini had blossomed; this wouldn't have been possible with Darien watching her every move. She smiled to herself, well pleased that a deeper bond had been established between mother and daughter. In fact, Serena and Rini were scheduled to go shopping that very day. Much to her chagrin, the ridiculous rule requiring she be escorted by a guardian, of course, remained firmly in place. When she thought about it, she realized it really didn't matter all that much, for Diamond would accompany them on such excursions. He had gotten them out of a bind in the past, and besides, he could carry their bags.

"Rini, are you almost ready?" Serena yelled through the bathroom door while putting the finishing touches to her make-up. "Diamond says the city is far away and we want to beat the rush-hour traffic." Serena added while applying blush over her high cheekbones. Serena glared back at her reflection, recalling her last conversation with Jessie, the head maid. Jesse had made it abundantly clear that it was 'imperative' they return before Darien arrived home from work. Jesse placed particular emphasis upon the words, 'it was a direct order from master Moss.'

After avoiding him all this time, she would have to suffer the pompous ass once again. She knew this day was coming and hoped it wouldn't, and with this thought released another sigh of exasperation.

Serena turned off the bathroom light and strode into Rini's room looking for the bubbly little girl she loved so much.

"Rini, we have-" She was interrupted before she could finish her sentence by someone firmly clasping onto her leg.

"Here I am." Rini announced with excitement.

"That's a good thing … I was about to send out the search parties with their tracker dogs to find you." Serena said feigning an heir of seriousness, but the huge grin upon her face brought a gleam to Rini's soft-pink cheeks. Serena picked up her child and carried her the rest of the way.

"But we don't have search dogs." Rini began to giggle as she spoke to her nanny.

"Then search cats!" Serena retorted as she tickled her daughter's sides. They gleefully made their way towards the front door wear Diamond stood patiently waiting for them. After a short greeting, they headed towards the car and argued about where Serena and Rini were to sit. She explained that it would be quite tedious for Diamond to sit in the front by himself. Diamond rebutted this point and explained it would be improper for the young mistress of the house to be seated with the hired help. Diamond wore a sardonic smile acknowledging to himself that there was no way he could hope to win an argument with Lillian when her mind was made up. He shrugged and knew he wouldn't be able to handle both the young nanny and her charge, equally determined to have their way. He sighed then grinned sheepishly and leaned over the passenger seat to open the door for them both to climb in beside him.

They spent most of the trip singing along to old Pearl Jam songs. In no time, at all they had arrived at their destination. Diamond parked in a lot outside the Evergreen Mall.

Serena could barely hold back her excitement at the sight of the relatively small building. After being cooped up in that house for so long, the sight of Burger King would enliven her.

Rini and Serena spent all morning buying for themselves. The winter season was not far off and they needed appropriate, yet stylish clothing. Diamond too spent some money before it was time for lunch.

As they made their way towards the shopping center, they'd noticed there weren't all that many people about. After surveying the food court and finding it all but empty, they turned to one another and smiled. They made their way towards the counters and made their selections and they were relieved they didn't have to wait in those torturous lines.

Diamond decided Taco Bell would satisfy his hunger while Rini and Serena agreed on McDonalds.

After lunch, they continued their shopping spree; Rini picked out some new toys while Serena purchased some cheap jewelry. By four, they climbed back into the car and Diamond stacked their purchases into the boot and slid into the driver's seat and soon they pulled out of the mall's car park and turned towards home singing the same Pearl Jam songs they'd sung earlier.

An hour later, they pulled up before the large portico cradling the entrance to the huge house. Serena couldn't think of any place she'd rather be than spending quality time with her daughter. She knew they'd all enjoyed themselves, but her heart sank instantly at the thought of having to face Darien and groaned.

Rini promptly ran from the car into her father's open arms, hugging him ecstatically. Serena couldn't help but notice the tender look upon his face as he beheld his precious daughter. The pain ate away at her heart as she continued to watch them together; it seemed in that moment there was no room for her in their lives.

She was mildly tempted to keep her identity secret and live her life as Rini's nanny just to be involved in her daughter's life, but she was only tempted for a second or two.

It would be hard to separate Rini from her father, but she would find a way to make her daughter understand.

Frowning, Serena climbed out of the car to help Diamond collect their bags. She brushed past Darien and headed towards her room to sort out her purchases and put them away. After completing this task, she'd passed through the conjoining door to help Rini with her stuff. Afterwards Serena and Rini made their way downstairs for dinner. Lita had prepared a scrumptious meal of country-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and peas. Rini refused to eat her peas and threw a tantrum when Darien tried to force her to eat. Serena had to hold back her amusement at the sight of the cool sophisticated Darien Moss at work trying to feed his child. Darien, barely managing to get the peas into her mouth only to have her promptly spit them into his lap made Serena bite her lip to prevent herself laughing at Darien's expense, 'and that simply wouldn't do now would it?' she thought to herself. Darien took a tantrum of his own, sending Rini to her room without dessert.

In a state of absolute disgust, he excused himself from the table to change, asking Serena to meet him in his study after dinner. She took her time finishing her meal before keeping her appointment, hoping he would be there waiting saving her the anxiety of sitting there alone until he'd arrived. Serena was dismayed to find that she had indeed arrived before him. She waited, and felt extremely nervous then picked up a paperback, a thriller, and sat to read. She allowed her body to sink into the soft upholstered black-leather chair set before his desk and skimmed through the pages of the novel. Fortunately, she hadn't long to wait. He strolled into the room wearing his silk-flannel pajamas. Not just any silk pajamas … pajamas Serena had bought him during their difficult marriage. She almost fell out of her seat at the familiar and disturbing site. 'What the hell is he doing in those pajamas! He told me he hated those pajamas,' Serena argued in her head as he ear fixed on him in scrutiny.

"Is there a problem with my nightwear, Lillian? I can assure you they are rather comfortable." He chided interrupting her thoughts.

"Of course not, sir. I couldn't care less about your pajamas." Darien smirked at her smug comment, but continued to press on.

"Very well, I did not call you in here to discuss my sleep wear," he sighed heavily sweeping his large hand through his disheveled tresses. "I wanted to apologize for how I behaved the night of the party; I was arrogant-"

"And imprudent," she interrupted.

"Yes, but."

"Not to mention pretentious." She added thoughtfully enjoying his attempt to propitiate her, but she had the advantage right now and wished to make him squirm.

"That too, but I -" he seethed trying to contain his temper.

"You were also being… childish," she smiled knowingly at him.

"Enough!" He raised his voice losing his composure, but quickly recovered before continuing. "I agree that I was unreasonable at the time, but you were no better than I."

"You're right … I am sorry for the harsh things I said to you; I didn't mean a word." She noticed Darien loosen up at her apology.

"See as we both recognize we were both in the wrong, I propose a truce of sorts. It's hard to live with this tension between us." He extended his hand towards her to shake on it and make their agreement official.

"Agreed," Serena slowly extended her small delicate hand towards his larger one, and just as their fingertips touched, a sharp yowl of pain pierced the silence within the room.

Serena fell from her chair in a state of complete surprise onto the floor with a loud thump.

"What the hell was that … was that Rini?" Serena jumped to her feet and was about to rush out of the room to check on her daughter when Darien grabbed her wrist and she stopped and turned to face him with a questioning look on her face.

"No … the sound came from within this room." Darien scanned the study's interior quickly before finding what he was looking for. Serena noticed his eyes widen a fraction and followed his gaze. He was staring at the cats, Luna and Artemis. At first she was confused as to why Darien was staring at the cats like that until she looked down at the floor and noticed a little blood upon the fur between Luna's legs.

"Oh shit." Serena cried as she moved quickly, but carefully towards the cats. "Darien, what's wrong with her … what's happening?" Serena cried with alarm almost calling out again when she noticed a bloody bundle at her feet against Luna's warm body. Darien rushed to her side and examined the object.

"Damn-it, she's giving birth."

"Are you kidding me, I had no idea she was pregnant." Serena retorted.

"Neither did I, but that doesn't change the fact that she is giving birth." He stated calmly as another blood covered kitten emerged.

"What do we do?"

"Well, I saw a segment on animal planet once about cats. They are pretty adept at looking after themselves from when it comes to birthing their kittens. I will make a bed of my pajama top for Luna, but I can't touch the kittens, neither can you we don't want our scents to rub off on them." Darien quickly removed his shirt and laid it on the floor for Luna to use when she finished delivering.

"She looks like she is in a lot of pain. Is there anything else we can do? I can't stand the sight of her suffering without trying to help her with the kittens?" Serena cried desperately her hands slightly trembling at the sight. Darien un consciously took her hands in his in an effort to calm her nerves.

"No, because Luna will clean them, eat the placenta and the kittens will seek nourishment from her teats. All we have to do is just give her the option of a clean bed and she will do the rest." Darien said soothingly. Serena looked up to him and her heart skipped a beat. He looked so pure at that moment. He looked like a man who'd never lie to her and she relished in his comfort even for that small moment.

"That animal planet really did wonders on you Darien." Serena said feeling relaxed and sighed with both amazement and relief. The relief could only last so long though. It seemed one of the kittens were stuck; Luna allowed Darien to gently massaged Luna's abdomen and back. Sadly, three of the kittens were stillborn, but three survived. As if on cue, the last kitten was born.

"Can I hold one?" Serena said excitedly.

"I'm sorry Lillian, but we can't handle the kittens until they're at least two weeks old. If we touch them, she may reject them and they'll die." Darien explained as Serena left to fetch a bowl of milk and dry food for Luna and set these upon a rug, positioning the pajama top to accommodate Luna and her litter. Sure enough, within five minutes, Luna had moved herself and the kittens to their new bedding and she began the task of cleaning and feeding both herself and her young. Artemis looked on as if pleased with himself for his part in the life-giving process.

"The kittens are pretty helpless right now as they're blind and their eyes will open in a few weeks. Normally, a male cat is dangerous to keep nearby a litter as they can attack and kill one or more kittens, but Artemis is domesticated and won't hurt them, he never has." Darien said confidently as they knelt side-by-side enraptured by the loving ministrations of Luna the mother and her three beautiful kittens. The three that survived were eagerly drinking from their mother's teats as the ones that had passed away were quietly taken away to be berried in the garden behind the roses.

After Luna and the kittens were left alone for a time, Darien and Serena had buried the kittens in the flowerbed and recited a small prayer for the babies before solemnly heading back inside to check on the mother. Serena couldn't help but smile at the sight. Luna was lying on Darien's pajama top curled around her feeding kittens. Artemis was situated in back of her; his head lying next to hers every once and a while licking her ears to comfort her.

Serena looked at Darien and was about to express how grateful she was that three had survived, but that's when she noticed his lightly tanned skin glowing in the light of the fireplace. His muscles rippling as he breathed lightly. Her eyes traveled down his sculptured torso to his waist where his pajama pants hung loosely at his hips threatening to fall at the slightest movement and reveal his delicious body.

"Beautiful isn't it." He whispered as the two black kittens, one with a white crescent marking upon its brow and the other all black and the white kitten like its father fed hungrily as Luna looked up with golden eyes as if to say, 'Hey look what I've done!'

"Yeah…." Serena added still in a daze, her eyes fixed upon the hem of his pants.

"It's an amazing feeling … just playing a small part helping bring life into this world." He added philosophically looking at the feline family before him, something that he secretly longed for.

"Yeah … wait a moment, what did you say?" she asked, finally snapping out of her stupor realizing they weren't talking about the same subject. Darien looked down at her raising an eyebrow in response to her confused state.

"Delivering the kittens, are we on the same page here." He asked indecorously.

"Of course we are. You're right, it was an amazing sight," she laughed nervously to herself. "Wow, look at the time! I don't know about you," Serena yawned artificially, "but I'm pooped out; I think I'm going to head up to bed." Turning to leave she was stopped once more by Darien's strong hand. Cursing her luck, she slowly turned around to face him, but couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye and just stared at his hairless chest. Drawing in his musky scent that was completely his own; she didn't have any idea until that moment how much she'd missed it. Darien lifted her chin with a gentle touch of his long fingers and she looked up at him.

"Remember that comment you made about why my wife left me." He spoke quietly.

"Oh Darien, forget I ever mentioned it; I didn't know what I was saying."

"It's just that you had a point; I truthfully don't know why she left me, maybe she couldn't stand my company any longer and left me." His voice was so soft and somber. She wanted to take him in her arms and assure him that this wasn't the reason, but held back the urge.

"Darien, I'm sure that's not it; there has to be another reason behind it." He scoffed at this suggestion. Serena felt awkward having this conversation with him. After all, it was she who was the subject of their conversation and he was the one who lied and cheated her, so why was he acting this way… was it for pity.

"You're probably right … but why then. She didn't only leave me she left our daughter. Rini asks about her all the time, she looks up to me with those doe-eyes asking me. 'Is mommy ever going to come back to us' or 'Does mommy not love me enough to come back …' Jesus, how do I answer her without lying? I wish I knew why. I just want to know what I did." He stated looking deeply into Serena's eyes.

Oh, she was fuming all right. Why did he have to lie to her? He could have simply told her the truth about how he and his mother teamed up against her, she wanted to cry and curl up on the floor and sob her heart out and release her pain, but she wouldn't grant him the satisfaction of seeing her so broken. 'Jesus, what was he expecting after telling me something so personal? Did he expect his nanny to sympathize with his plight and comfort him, maybe even fuck him?' She asked herself looking at his deep-blue eyes. She really wanted to slap that sorry look off his face, but held herself in check.

"Why are you telling me all this Darien?"

He shook his head as if shaking himself out of a trance like state. "I guess it was just the heat of the moment, delivering those kittens. I missed Rini's birth, you know. I was out on business and left my wife alone with my mother; I have always regretted that day." He looked back into her eyes. Serena felt slightly eerie as if he knew something; the look he gave her unsettled her. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, he began to slowly lean forward and their lips brushed lightly.

"Well goodnight Lillian, I will see you tomorrow I suppose." He said in a disembodied voice, and with that said he left. He just walked away heading towards his quarters leaving Serena standing there like an idiot in total shock. 'He was trying to get into my pants!' She yelled inwardly, 'that slimy bastard!'

Serena stomped all the way back up stairs to her room completely infuriated with how stupid she had been; she would have to pay him back for that.