Hey guys! Well here's another chapter of Champaigne and Caviar, I'm giving you advanced warning about the cliffhanger at the end so you have notice! Hehe, once again a huge thanks so deadly diva, without her this wouldn't be possible, and yes I'll probably be updating the next chapter of Poisoned Honey soon, it's currently being edited. So enjoy and don't forget to tell me what you think.

Ps: Normal disclaimers apply.

To reviews on Heart, Kiweee, MOMOismyPeach, hit60, iluvboys, Foxibabz21, arjeta
, Sailor Libra24, Snick3rDooDl3, Bella Moon: thankyou all so much for your reviews, its comments and support like yours that keep me going and keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the chapter and well, don't kill me for the cliffhanger at the end. Once again, I appreciate all the kind commends and thank you most sincerely, and I hope to hear from all of you again soon.

To yellow: I can promise a happy ending-but not necessarily a conventional one. Hehe, enjoy the chapter.

To Serena71: I know, I feel for the both of them too because you can't help but think that they would fall in love if they put aside their games. But we both know them too well for that, rei and jadeite wouldn't be themselves if they weren't stubborn. Its so fustrating. You made a really good point but don't worry it'll make more sense as the story unfolds, I have no intention of portraying the guys as saints wronged by evil women. I think the guys, especially jadeite reacted the way they did because they relaised they got played, that women outsmarted them, and this is the thirties so it would have packed a considerable punch! Lol, thanks heaps for your review, I really enjoyed it. Till next time.

To Prometheus FireBringer: Thanks-I think Tourniquiet really worked the whole supernatural element out of me for a while, but then again magical powers make their return. I don't have a degree in history but I'm a big history buff and I did a bit of reaserch into the era before starting the fic, and I almost have a degree in English. So yeah, are you a student too, what are you studying? Thanks, I wasn't expecting PH to be as popular as it has been-thanks for reviewing.

To misfire: I don't know, Jadeite has a bit of a soft side too, so we shall have to wait and see what happens. Thanks for the review.

To Mika-chan: mais bien sur ma chere. Hehe, I hope that's right (my French skills are fading at an incredible rate.)

To Shannon19: maybe, but I'm not sure. Remember Rei and Jed are both incredibly stubborn, not even I know exactly what's going to happen!

To mel88: hey were talking about Darien here, trust me, he'll figure out a way. Thanks for the review!

To ssteph: A duel b etween Andrew and Darien-I can't promise anything there but I must say that the suggestion has given me a few ideas. Wait, are you asking how darien and serena will react, or how jed and rei will react? As for mina and malachite well you'll just have to read and find out. I hope to hear from you again soo!

To daisy31: well that bad thing is that I can't tell you what will happen next, the good thing is that the update means you don't have to wait long to find out. Thanks for the review, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

To reviews on aria's:

purple1793, xMoonPrincessx, Anonymous, JadeFantasy, Darrien4Serena, starryice18: thankyou all so much for your reviews, its comments and support like yours that keep me going and keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the chapter and well, don't kill me for the cliffhanger at the end. Once again, I appreciate all the kind commends and thank you most sincerely, and I hope to hear from all of you again soon.

To angekani: I see what you mean when you say the characters fit the same mould as the ones in red silk, but no it wasn't intentional, although I guess I just have a particular way of interpreting the characters, but theyre very different in poisoned honey. Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy the chapter. I'm glad to hear you've enjoyed my other stories as well, do you have any favourites?

To Critika; After every story I say I'm going to retire, and after every story I get an idea that I simply can't ignore. Its quite ironic actually-I seem to be incapable of retiring. I'd love to say that this is the last, but I've already started Poisened honey so that complicates matters. I know the girl vs boy thing has been done over and over, but I can say the story is about to take a turn to the unexpected. Thanks for the review.

To vtong8: lots of people said they didn't think that the bet would be exposed so soon, but I guess that I needed the plot to move forward. Jed's a bundle of suprises and quite a loose cannon there's no telling what that boy will do when he's mad. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

To ja9: Ahh I see, thanks for the wishes of luck, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.

To Dark-Huntress: thankyou, I put in a lot of effort into my characterisation, it's greate when someone compliments me on it. Hope you enjoy the chapter and thanks for the review.

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Jadeite swayed from side to side, mouth slightly open, eyes bloodshot. The stench of alcohol had infiltrated every crevice of his clothes. His hair was plastered against his face as the rain further drenched his already soaked body. They had kicked him out of the bar, claiming he had drunk too much. He snorted at the memory. How could he have possibly drunk too much if he could still remember her? The way her body arched against his, the sound of her voice, the look in her eyes. Tears stung his eyes as he let out a breath in despair.

Out of all the women he had known, why, why had he fallen in love with Rei Hino?

She had betrayed him not once, but twice. He had needed to hurt her back, the way she had hurt him. He sniffled; the cold finally wriggling its way into his body causing a tremor to dance on his skin. He stopped, holding onto a lamp-post for support. He gazed around uncertainly, trying desperately to figure out where he was. He closed his eyes, clasping them shut before re-opening them. But it was of no use as his sight had gone slightly foggy from the alcohol and the cold. Just as his world was starting to spin, his eyes fell on a house he knew. He staggered over to it clumsily. The late hour was the only thing that saved him from an early death as he crossed a road without so much as a glance for cars. He raised a hand and beat against the door. Shuffling footsteps echoed from inside and then the door opened ever so slowly.

Malachite looked at him with marked disapproval. However, after staring at him for a moment, he grabbed Jadeite's arm hauled it over his shoulder and helped his friend inside. In the living room, Jadeite fell into a chair, his neck barely able to contain the weight of his head and thus he was slouching and drooping. He attempted to say something but the only meaningful word he could articulate was 'bah'. He heard Malachite chuckling and raised his head slowly, eyes narrowed.

"I'm glad I'm not going to be you in the morning." Malachite stated plainly, glaring at Jadeite. He once again hauled Jadeite's weight to one side of him and took him up to the guest bedroom. Jadeite stumbled to the luxurious sanctuary clumsily, almost breaking a vase on his path. Nonetheless, sleep enveloped him the moment his eyes were closed.

Oh god. If he ever even so much as smelt alcohol again he would throw up.

What had he done to deserve this?

Jadeite attempted to move his head but it was pounding so ferociously that he gave up instantly. He clutched his eyes shut the moment memories of the night before began to flood his mind. However, the anguish he had felt before slowly began to turn to a simmering anger. What the hell had happened to him? One night hadn't changed anything. He swore quietly as it dawned on him that he had allowed her to make a fool of him yet again. She would not have considered the night they shared anything of significance. However, his rejection of her body would definitely cause her unlimited vexation. The thought caused a smirk to form on his lips. What he would have given to have been there when she opened her letter. He took a deep breath, and turned slowly so that he was lying on his side. Then, after a moment he tilted himself up, resting his weight on his hand. Ignoring the pounding in his head, Jadeite made the final leap and sat up in bed. He ran a hand through his hair, cringing at the tangled mess he found. Getting up was a colossal effort but he managed, albeit a bit shakily, and made his way to the washroom.

No matter what, he would not let Rei Hino dictate his behaviour or emotions for a second more.

WWWWWWWWWWW

"My you two are quiet tonight. Usually I have to stop you with dessert, and even then...You're not quarrelling are you? God knows you're too old for that." Serena's father remarked, glancing from Serena to Andrew.

Serena sighed and looked away, her father's words causing a blush of embarrassment and indignation to sting her cheeks. She was positively furious. Andrew had made a point of being aloof and uncouth towards her the entire evening. They had had disagreements in the past, but really, he was definitely over-reacting in this situation. She had gone to him in the past for advice. Granted she had never before asked him to arrange anything, but still, it wasn't like he still had feelings for her.

"Well," Her father uttered uncertainly, realising he had highlighted the awkwardness of the night. He rose to his feet slowly before continuing. "I have just realised that I have some business that I need to attend to. If you two would excuse me." Andrew was on his feet in an instant, his eyes lowered in what Serena had learnt was a sign of shame.

"Sir please, there is no reason for you to leave so abruptly. Serena and I can have nothing to discuss that we cannot do so in front of you. Truly, we are not quarrelling. I do not think I could bear the pain of having run my host out of his own home." He looked up and met Bruce's eyes briefly before turning away. Bruce placed his hand on Andrew's shoulder and smiled.

"You know me well enough to know that no one could run me out of my home. Where do you think the lass gets her stubborn side from? No, I really do have business and consider it a sign of my trust in you that I leave my daughter in your company unchaperoned." Andrew pressed his lips together and nodded briefly, noting that the damage had already been done and that his behaviour had most probably led to such a situation. The moment Bruce was out of the room Andrew turned to Serena a look of pure anger sprawled across his features.

"How could you not step in?" He growled, running a hand through his hair and stepping away from her.

"Because my father, although aging, is neither blind nor foolish. A child would have sensed something amiss with your behaviour tonight. I understand that you may still be mad about me pursuing Darien despite your advice, but really, this is uncalled for." She replied, sighing and resting her head on her hand. He turned to her and shook his head.

"Serena you are one of the most intelligent women I am acquainted with. You understand people with such terrifying clarity. Yet when it comes to comprehending other's emotions you are as daft as a common beggar."

"I shall not be insulted in my own home. Did you come with the sole intention of being rude?" Serena replied as calmly as she would declare a preference for of white wine.

"Then perhaps I should stop coming." His voice was barely above a whisper. His tone conveyed the emotions of a man defeated.

"That may be wise." Serena replied coldly looking into his eyes, a slight frown on her features. He nodded slowly. With his heart wrenching, he made his way to the door and clicked it shut as he walked out of her life.

He briefly noted that a messenger walked passed him as he made his way through the corridors. However, he had not walked more than a two meters away from the door when the sound of a large crash alarmed him to such an extent that he turned ran back to where he had left Serena. He moved with speed he was unaware of possessing and threw the door open mercilessly. He found her sobbing uncontrollably, while clinging to a chair for support. The back of her hand was pressed against her mouth while her entire body reverberated with the intensity of her sobs. Andrew immediately poured a glass of brandy, but when he offered it to her she shook her head and staggered to the other side of the room. He followed her determinedly, clasped her elbow gently and pulled her around and then pressed the glass firmly into her hand.

"Drink it." Serena, too tired and in no position to fight, obeyed his command and took a deep gulp of the offered liquid. Andrew then took a firm hold of her shoulders and led her to a chair. Once seated, he kneeled before her, both of her hands clasped in his own and he gazed worriedly into her eyes.

"Not your father?" He asked gently, his own heart wrenching at the thought. She shook her head calmly. Somewhat relieved, Andrew's glance fell on the crumpled envelope on the floor. "May I?" He asked gesturing to the discarded document. A sombre nod was the affirmative indication he received. Andrew carefully took the paper and read the contents. It was a wedding invitation from Diamond. He crumpled the elegant cream letter violently.

Diamond, was in a word, the vilest form of humanity that Andrew had encountered. After his brief rendezvous with Serena, she had meet Diamond through a mutual acquaintance. He, being eight years her senior, and no doubt charmed by her naiveté, had won her over with florid poetry and an assortment of various gifts. Indeed Diamond had caused many a rift between husband and wife, because all women demanded, "the respect Miss Stanton is so carelessly given!" However, for all his pretensions as a romantic hero, Diamond's true colours soon began to show. Rumours about numerous creditors began to emerge only days after his proposal to Serena. Then, only a week before their proposed nuptials, Serena was confronted by one of her own maids. The girl had been a nervous tearful wreck. Once calm, the girl had announced that she was carrying Diamond's child. Not only that, she claimed that Diamond had forced himself on her.

Outraged, Serena had dismissed the girl at once, giving her only a dozen very hard words for company. Andrew had been there when Serena had received the news. He remembered the way she paced up and down, the way her jaw was set and the way her eyes had dulled. Andrew remembered the way she had turned to him, seething, furiously stating that it was a lie. She held firm to the belief that her betrothed was not capable of such acts. Andrew, however, was neither so kind, nor so optimistic. He told Serena that he had heard rumours, from reliable sources, that this type of behaviour was not unusual for Diamond.

Many tantrums, a few broken vases and a flood of tears later Serena was able to confront the truth. She broke off the relationship with Diamond and cancelled the wedding much to everyone's relief. However, Andrew knew that the reason her eyes darkened at the mention of Diamond's name was not because of hurt alone. No Serena was far too complex for that. Her cold demeanour following these incidents was a result of a very deep emotional conflict. She had never been able to forgive herself for allowing Diamond to deceive her so easily. However, that was not what alarmed and worried Andrew the most.

Despite everything and all rationality, Serena was still very much in love with Diamond.

Andrew resumed his kneeling position in front of Serena and slowly brushed away her tears with her thumb. He spent the better part of the hour soothing her, listening to her as she ranted half audibly. With every tear she shed, Andrew renewed his vow that Diamond would pay dearly.

WWWWWWWWWWW

"You don't have to avoid me madam." Malachite murmured softly to Mina, noticing that her cheeks flushed slightly at his comment. However, she did not return to the exuberant manner that was so characteristic of her nature. Instead, she did the opposite. She turned her face up towards him coldly, nodded ever so slightly and then simply turned and left. Malachite was to say the least surprised. Her reaction to him had not at all been what he had expected it to be. He had been certain that the moment she saw him she would have been smothering him with gratitude. Malachite had almost avoided the event because he had not wanted to spend it fighting off Mina's advances.

A slight smirk formed on his lips and he followed the blonde with his eyes. He preferred her with blonde hair, but she was in no way Minerva. No, the angel before him was Venus herself. Malachite had never before been so bluntly rejected before, which explained why he suddenly had an overwhelming urge to kiss the girl senseless. He approached her once more, but Mina once again excused herself politely at the first opportunity. Malachite was exasperated. However, the feelings that were rolling ferociously through him did not show in the least in his expression. He clenched his jaw as his mind burned with ways which he could get her to turn to him. He almost cringed when he came to the only conclusion possible. He swore silently and shook his head. He had promised himself that he would never resort to such measures to gain the attention of a woman.

He walked slowly, very slowly, to where the matrons were huddled gossiping and no doubt disapproving of the younger generation. Seeing Malachite approach caused the women to fall silent, which amused Malachite to no end. For all their years, they were still as transparent as a girl of thirteen. He smiled politely and nodded directly at Mrs. Chaswick. Malachite could feel his stomach muscles clenching as the grotesquely overdressed woman wobbled towards him. The slight hue on her cheeks from seeing him approaching had turned into a full blown flush with the strenuous effort of walking a meter towards him. For the first time in his life, Malachite had the urge to roll his eyes and then immediately concluded that he was spending too much time in Jadeite's company.

"Oh Malachite, it's so good to see that you're finally mingling in society. I was just telling Doris the other day that you're a man of very fine calibre and that it was a great loss to all of us not to see you more often. Although we have a number of fine young men in our midst, none seem to be quite the same as you. In fact Mrs. Chadborne was just telling me-"

Malachite smiled politely and gently nodded his head. Inside, he was wondering if the blasted woman ever stopped talking. With every moment he grew increasingly frustrated, as it was the height of rudeness to interrupt a woman. A slight smirk formed on his face as he got an idea. He slowly looked towards Mina and continued to stare at her. This caught the old hag's attention very quickly and she immediately switched the conversation to a topic that interested him.

"I see Mina has caught your eye. Sweet child, with the most agreeable disposition I have ever seen. She would make any man a very nice wife." Malachite smiled slightly. That had been almost too easy. He nodded a bit hesitantly at the comment as he did not want to appear over anxious. After all he didn't want to marry the girl; he just wanted to talk to her. "Come with me, I shall introduce you." Inside Malachite was practically jumping for joy. Mrs. Chaswick made her way to Mina and gave her a look that clearly said make the most of what I give you.

"Mina darling, you remember Malachite don't you?"

Mina smiled through clenched teeth.

"Of course." She replied aloofly, while glaring at Malachite briefly and then turning away. The behaviour earned her a very stern glare as well as a hard pinch in the arm from Mrs. Chaswick. With that, Mrs. Chaswick promptly left the two young ones alone. The minute Mrs. Chaswick was out of earshot Mina gave Malachite a piece of her mind.

"What do you wish to speak to me about that requires such devious and low measures?" She asked casually, however her burning eyes belied her calm tone.

"Why do you wish to avoid me with such passion?" He watched her face carefully and was amused to see it rapidly be transformed by anger. However, her features melted back quickly and within an instant she was smiling at him triumphantly.

"Have you always wanted what you can't have? I hate to be the one to tell you that Minerva was nothing but a fantasy."

"Perhaps in some ways." He replied continuing his scrutinizing glare on every inch of her face.

"I don't care for ideological debates. I have been informed that they are quite unbecoming to women of my station." She replied, pursing her lips and glaring at him before turning away.

"You can't be serious."

"No, that seems to be your permanent occupation. Excuse me sir." Once again Malachite was left looking after her as she promptly walked away from him. The girl had definitely changed. She had grown cynical and while losing some of her innocence, she had grown rational. He did not know if he liked the change, but he was more than willing to continue occupying unconventional methods in order to find out.

WWWWWWWWWWW

She sipped the amber liquid slowly. Anguish was cursing through her veins to such an extent that self pity had well and truly set in. Every nerve in her body demanded that she gulp the brandy in her hand, but she resisted. She did not want to numb the pain. In a strange way she believed that hurting herself would hurt him as well. Tears had begun to dry on her face, burning channels in her ivory skin. She did not bother to wipe them away and for all of Andrew's kindness his words had done nothing to soothe her. The thought caused her to grimace with shame. Andrew had been more than a gentleman towards her even after her pride had caused her to treat him so incredibly ill. A slight tremble began to dance on her skin and dark thoughts began to cloud her mind. She would apologise to him first thing in the morning.

Serena let her head fall into her hands. She would call off the bet too. How could she have been so blind? Hadn't she been deceived by kind words? Hadn't she been conned to believing she was in love? A deep sigh escaped her lips as she took another sip of her drink. How could she have let herself become so blinded by self pity? How could she have ever inflicted what Diamond did to her onto others?

There was a knock on the door and the sound caused a shiver to go down Serena's spine. She sat up with alarm and quickly wiped away her tears and then practically hurled the brandy in a hidden drawer. Another knock came, the length and speed indicating that her visitor was growing impatient. She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing it out quickly before moving to the door.

"I'm coming father." She called out a moment before she opened the door.

Her heart sank at the sight of him and for a moment she was tempted to slam the door in his face, etiquette be damned! Out of all the beings in the world, why did Darien Shields have to be the one to come to her tonight of all nights? She couldn't handle him tonight. Not tonight when she desperately needed someone strong. Not when his warm glare was causing goose bumps to line her skin, when even the memory of his stormy eyes made her heart flutter with desire. She didn't want him, but she wanted a man, any man that would take her mind off Diamond. The idea made her furious and vulnerable at the same time. No man had ever really wanted her. They toyed with her heart and she had gotten tired of taking it. She had fought back damn it, and for that she wasn't sorry.

His smirk made her realise that she had been staring at him for a long few moments. A slight blush stained her cheeks and she looked away biting her lip. Slowly turning back, she straightened her chin and narrowed her eyes. She may be vulnerable but she would not allow him to gain an advantage over her. If anything happened, it would be by her design.

"I'm sorry. I'm not inclined to entertain tonight. If you would excuse me." She replied, deciding that he was not worth the trouble. At least, that was what her mind kept telling her.

His reaction caught her by surprise to say the least. He had the audacity to tilt his head and laugh at her condescendingly. She took a deep breath pulling on every once of self control to prevent herself from lashing out at him physically. However, Darien was not in the least fazed by the smouldering glares she threw on him, quite the opposite in fact. The bastard had the nerve to simply step past her and make himself comfortable in the room.

"I have a proposition for you." The words dropped out of his mouth like honey. Serena glared at him, but once again he ignored. He instead casually reached into his jacket and took out a cigar.

"I'm not interested." She snapped back, pressing her lips together in anger. He smirked at her and calmly placed his cigar to his lips, suckling on the end without a care in the world. She looked away.

"I'm afraid that you don't have a choice in the matter."

"I believe you have overstayed what little welcome you had." She replied matching his tone for calmness and ostentatious self assurance.

"Yes, I think you are right. I'm sure I'd be more welcome in other houses that would greatly like to hear that their prized socialite is nothing but a glorified whore." Serena sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing with anger. His words had been said in the same way he had uttered everything else, with no emotion whatsoever attached.

"Oh calm your rumpled feathers. I know about your little bet." Serena's hair stood on edge at those words. She looked up at him slowly, making sure that she maintained her composure.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." She replied calmly, glancing at him from under her lashes.

"Your intelligence never ceases to amaze me. For you to contrive a bet with Mina and Rei to seduce myself, Jadeite and Malachite while being completely unaware of your actions takes some talent. Don't you agree?"

She wanted to strangle him.

For a moment she paced the room, pressing a hand to her head. His amused glances only heightened her grief and frustration. Thoughts of redemption quickly died from her mind. She sank into a chair and turned to him, glancing at his eyes. Her shoulders were square, her chin up.

"What do you want?" She asked without ceremony.

"Well you see I run a business based in trade, the buying and selling of products. Now one of my main buyers is threatening to take away his business on account of his wife's action. You see his wife does not approve of me. Normally, I'd just seduce the harlot and be done with it, but the man is beyond jealous. Thus for me to be able to maintain his services, I would require someone to distract him." Serena paled as she heard his last words and she memorised each of his words carefully.

"Don't bother. I have told you nothing specific. You will find nothing with which to incriminate me." Her head snapped up and she glared at him, cursing herself for allowing her calculations to show so plainly on her face.

"What guarantee do I have that you will not make what you know public?" She questioned.

"I have a solution that will ensure neither of us will betray the other."

Serena snorted and rolled her eyes. "Do enlighten me." She replied, her tone heavy with sarcasm.

"Simple -- You will marry me."