Here it is! The last chapter! I hope you enjoyed this journey with me. I know my stories are not perfect but I appreciate all you readers, followers, commenters, etc! I have an epilogue outlined but for now I am filing this story under complete!

55 Days Later

"Where the hell is she?" Emma murmured to herself as she checked the time on her iPhone again.

Regina was supposed to meet Emma in her room twenty minutes ago. Thinking they got their wires crossed, Emma had ventured to Regina's room on the floor above hers. No answer. Now, Emma stood besides the parked Suburban in the underground lot of their New York City Plaza.

Lifting her phone to her ear for the fourth time in twenty-five minutes, Emma was not surprised Regina did not answer.

Typing a snotty text to her cousin, Emma carefully got into the backseat of the SUV. She smoothed her powder blue evening gown as best she could. The skirt was a little too poofy for her liking but her mother insisted that this was the appropriate attire for the night.

When had her parents ever thrown a gala?

This had to have been Brennan Jones' doing.

He was pretentious enough to want a red carpet affair for the merging of their two companies. And to host it at the Met? Emma rolled her eyes at the ostentatiousness of it all.

It should have been a short ride down 5th Avenue, but no rides were short in the city. Emma watched the familiar buildings scroll by her window as she fiddled with the gold detailing on her skirt.

Emma was familiar with this feeling of dread now. It had taken hold of her heart and would not let go. As it slowly washed over her skin, Emma closed her eyes.

This was all moving way too fast. She wasn't ready to take over the business. And it seemed that her father and uncle weren't ready either, seeing as they left her in the dark about virtually all of the happenings of the past few days. Not that Emma was complaining.

The last thing she wanted to do was sit in on the numerous meetings her father and Uncle Henry were attending. But she was running out of excuses of why she was not able to be there. Eventually she would have to face him again.

Shame still gripped her whenever she thought of Killian.

But far beneath her humiliation was a glimmer of hope. Thursday night at the Rabbit Hole had given her that. She should have left it there. But she was selfish and wanted to continue whatever it was they were doing. She should have known he would have questioned her more at the diner. How could he not?

And her answers were so…lame. That was the only word for it, right?

She had so many feelings bubbling right at the surface and she couldn't bring herself to confront them honestly.

Instead, she thought of ways to continue avoiding her duties. Maybe her father's retirement date was not set in stone. After all the shit that had happened behind her back, Emma would not be surprised if David Nolan postponed his leave. How could he leave her to handle all of this without him or Henry?

That's it. They aren't retiring. Her and Regina won't be promoted and she can transfer back to California and work with Mr. Gold.

Fuck. Her parents would never go for that.

As the Suburban approached the line of cars at the front entrance to the large museum, Emma mapped out the layout of the halls in her mind. It was an incredible space.

Meaning plenty of places to hide.

The pounding on the suite door drew Robin from his bathroom. He was having a blasted time getting this bowtie to stay put. He thought he was meeting Killian at the car but at least his cousin would be able to help him with this.

"Mate, this bloody—" Robin's words quickly died as he realized who was standing at his door.

Regina's breath was caught in her throat at the sight of the man in front of her. She hadn't wanted to look at him in the conference room, but now it was inevitable. So she took advantage.

His ashy brown hair was slightly longer than it had been this summer. It was parted neatly and pushed up away from his face. His signature stumble was gone as he sported a clean-shaven face. It made him look younger. Which Regina did not prefer.

His skin was paler too, the lines in his forehead more prominent. But his eyes shine just the same. Bright and blue.

They were complimented by the deep navy tuxedo that adorned his figure. It was fitted perfectly for him and made him look…

"Mhm." The sound was made in the back of Regina's throat before she could even realize what was happening. It was soft but held the sound of approval at the sight of him.

Embarrassment heating her tanned skin, Regina cleared her throat roughly tying to cover it.

"Regina, what are you doing here?"

'I threatened the desk clerk into telling me which room you were in so I could ambush you and figure out what the hell is going on with us.'

"I came here to apologize." Good thing that was what came out of her mouth. It sounded far saner.

Robin's eyes flashed with sadness and his quickly checked his watch so she wouldn't see. They still had an hour before he was meant to meet Killian. Opening the suite door wider and moving his body, he motioned for her to come in.

The door had barely closed before she was speaking, "I'm transferring to the Asia offices."

Her back was turned to him as he flipped around at her words. The black gown fit her perfectly. That was one thing about Regina, she could make a potato sack look good. The dress's bodice was formfitting over her torso and then led artfully into the tulle skirt. Her long raven hair was pinned expertly at the back of her hair, exposing her long neck to him.

Of course she was gorgeous. His body could never deny that.

But he forced himself to focus on her words. Asia?

"Pardon?"

Always so refined.

Now she turned to him and Robin's eyes roamed over the wonderful dip the dress made over her chest. Internally berating himself for his boyish actions, he had to remember what this woman did to him. His eyes traveled back to her face in order to preserve his body's reaction to her.

But her face twisted his heart. Regina had a look of utter brokenness.

Her lids were dark with smoky details and her lips were sensually red but her amber eyes lacked their usual light.

"I requested a transfer to our office in Asia. I can't work with you. I can't look at you everyday knowing I messed this up." Regina felt so hot standing in front of Robin and saying all this to him.

"Regin—"

"No let me finish." She had recited this speech to herself too many time to be interrupted before it was over.

"I was telling the truth in the note I left you."

The morning of her and Emma's departure, Regina was unable to have a clean break with the man. It would have been so simple to walk out those hotel doors and never think about him again. But she was unable to leave him without any word. So she had entrusted Mr. Gold to deliver her last goodbye to him. A silly note written sloppily on a yellow sticky note: Whatever happens, just know my feelings were real.

"All my feelings are real."

Of course Robin noticed how she used the present tense.

"I will be forever grateful to you. My heart had given up a long time ago. And I thought I was fine with that. But meeting you…You opened up my heart in a way I didn't think was possible."

"Regina I-" Robin tried again.

"I'm in love with you." There it was. She said it.

The conflict of emotions that raged on in her chest was making her nauseous. How could something feel amazing to admit but make her skin crawl at the same time? She wanted so badly to sit down and take off her shoes. She wore heels everyday of her life so why were her feet on fire? Well, to be fair, her entire body was on fire. And there Robin was, looking devastatingly handsome and just staring at her.

"I have to go." Regina had refused to think about how Robin would respond to her confession. She told herself it didn't matter. This was for her. She had to tell him even if it broke her heart. Because that meant her heart could heal. It had healed after Daniel and it could heal again after Robin.

Quickly brushing past Robin to reach for the door, Regina's hand was snagged and pulled back to him.

Her world spun and then all she felt were his lips.

He was kissing her. The brunette desperately wanted to process what was happening, what this meant, but the familiar tug in her stomach cleared her mind and melted her body into his.

His lips sealed to hers as if she had never left California. She was back in his bed, sharing warm kisses and sensual touches. It had all been so perfect before.

Robin's large hands gripped the sides of her jaw and held her to him. He had waited far to long to kiss her again.

Finally pulling back, Robin was happy to see the fierce light return to Regina's glazed eyes. "Yes, I was hurt but your note gave me hope. And when you were gone I realized I had to find you. I left that meeting because I needed time to process what had happened. But I processed it. And you can't go to Asia."

Regina's stomach clenched.

"Because it turns out I'm in love with you too."

Regina's voice was caught in her throat for the second time that night. But that was fine because she didn't want to talk anymore. Tears brimmed the edges of her made up eyes and her fists gripped the sides of his jacket. Pulling herself up, she kissed him again. This time releasing all her emotions into it.

When Emma entered the grand hall of the building she was immediately swept up into countless introductions and conversations. There was a whirlwind of people congratulating her and her family on their corporate success but her mind was focused on…other things.

She was never really a fan of these things. And this was the first time she would be one of the centers of attention. She enjoyed being the unknown daughter of David Nolan. Emphasis on the 'unknown'. She had never had to worry about gossip columns or paparazzi and she never had to worry about small talk with other CEOs.

Another aspect of her life that was going to greatly change soon. She silently asked herself if this really was what she wanted.

That inquiry pissed her off. All her life all she wanted was to follow in her father's footsteps. He had done such great work that impacted hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people. And throughout all his success, he was still the same man her mother had fallen in love with. She aspired for that kind of humility.

But now, after a stupid summer of flirtation, she wanted to give it up? She had worked hard to get here. She deserved the promotion. And no man, no matter how handsome, would sway her.

"Oh Emma dear, I cannot believe I have known Mary Margaret all these years and I am just now meeting you! Your parents are so funny!"

Emma couldn't recall the woman's name but she couldn't help but feel like that was a passive aggressive comment. No one in their upper class world liked to be out of the loop. And hearing news of Regina Mills and Emma Nolan definitely made people feel out of the loop.

It wasn't hard for them to stay out of the spotlight. She never thought her father and uncle outright lied about their existence but the men were good at playing their cards close to their chest.

Emma forced a smile at the woman and her husband as she took a sip from her stiff drink. Where was Leroy to save her from their dreadful presence? Better question, where the hell was Regina? Emma had arrived nearly an hour ago and there was still no sign of Regina.

"Mr. and Mrs. Darling, I hope I am not interrupting."

Emma's throat constricted at the familiar lilt of the voice behind her, causing the liquid in her mouth to choke her. Coughing roughly, the couple in front of her looked on with concern.

Waving her hand in a dismissing fashion, the couple turned back to the new addition to their conversation.

"Ah Killian, my boy! It seems that congratulations are in order! I think you and Ms. Nolan here will make a wonderful team."

"Thank you George, speaking of which, may I steal Ms. Nolan away from you two?" without waiting for an answer, Killian placed his left hand on the small of Emma's back and took her drink with his right. Placing the glass down on a nearby table, Killian directed Emma towards the dance floor where numerous couples were waltzing to the music.

To say Emma was surprised would be an understatement. She had not expected Killian to seek her out, let alone lead her to the dance floor where they would be intimately close together. She was a planner. And she had not planned for this situation. And therefore had not planned how their conversation would go. So, she stayed silent.

"Ah, it looks like I have found the reason my dear cousin had abandoned me tonight." Killian's voice was low as it reached Emma's ear. She followed his eyes to a distant corner of the grand room to where Robin was sitting happily. With Regina.

Her second cousin looked elated. Even from this distance, Emma could see the pure joy radiating off of Regina. Judging by how closely the couple was sitting to each other, they clearly had made up.

A small weight was lifted from Emma's chest as she only sighed in response. Her eyes softened at the couple before Killian twirled her in a different direction.

"I thought I would see more of a reaction from you lass." Killian's voice was still low but held more of a playful tone to it.

She didn't want to look up at him. She didn't want to feel that zing of energy that reach all the way to her toes if she did. So instead she focused on the tiny stitching on his gray tie.

"Emma Swan would be throwing a fit right now." She didn't know why she said it, meant it to be playful.

She felt the man in front of her go rigid as he continued to move around the floor with her. A few seconds passed and the song was quickly coming to a close. He quickly dropped his hands from her and did not wait for the customary applause before he was furiously walking away.

This is what happens when you don't have a plan.

No alone and embarrassed on the dance floor Emma watched him go.

Debating if it was appropriate to have another drink this early in the evening Emma stopped herself.

Get your shit together Nolan.

It was Regina's voice in her head now. That was a line she used on Emma when the blonde was being overcritical. Which was often.

This whole mess had been going on far too long. And it would end tonight. It had to if they were going to work together. She couldn't be tiptoeing around him for the next 30 years of her life. She would put everything out on the table and then they would be able to move forward.

She had seen him make his way towards the stairs that led to the upstairs balconies. There were very few people in that location of the room so she understood why he chose that route. She subconsciously stood taller and stalked her way after him in hopes to feign confidence.

Fake it 'til you make it, right?

After artfully avoiding multiple people and conversations, Emma arrived behind Killian. Gathering more courage, she took her time to examine him. He was leaning against one of the huge architectural pillars that were designed intricately with the massive arches of the hall. His right shoulder was slouched against it as his hands were shoved deeply into his pants pockets. Even from behind, his black tuxedo fit perfectly.

Because of the ambiance of the party, the upstairs was much dimmer than below. The amber hue of the lights were casting shadows on her dress as she ventured further into the open space.

"What I did…I don't blame you for hating me." Killian's posture did not change as she spoke, leading her to believe he knew she was there. She waited, not knowing if he would respond to that self-pitying statement.

A few more seconds passed and he turned slightly so his entire back was against the pillar, giving her a view of his profile. "Of course I am angry. That is the normal reaction to have in a situation like this. But, internally, I cannot fully commit to the hating you. Because this one part of me is so glad that you are here that none of this other stuff matters."

"What?" She couldn't think of a more intelligent response because she could have sworn he just said that this other stuff doesn't matter. Other stuff meaning…her betrayal? Her head was spinning as it tried to comprehend.

"It doesn't matter. Not one fucking part of it matters to me." Killian was fully facing Emma now as he stepped closer to her. "That last night I saw you, after you ran out. I stayed up the entire night drafting what I was going to say to you the next morning. I had it all planned out and it was going to be perfect. And then when you weren't at your shift, or in the lounge or even in that café down the street, I knew. I just knew. Gold only confirmed my fears. You were gone. No forwarding address, no phone number, it was over. And I would never get the chance to fix it."

"So fix it now." Those words sounded wrong coming from her mouth since she was the one who desperately wanted to reconcile the situation.

Again he moved closer to her, "Stop referring to Emma Swan as if she is not you. You may have lied about your name and who your family is but over those three months…I know you Emma. Listening to you talk about your mother or how much the Yankees suck; the way your eyes light up when we played beach volleyball and the way you looked under those stars. Those moments were the real you. And you may have built up the walls around your heart to keep people out but a man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets."

Before Emma could even fathom responding to him, Killian hand was on the back of her neck as he dragged her up to meet his lips in a ferocious kiss.

All the stresses and worries of the past two months melted away as she only focused on his fierce words and fiercer lips.

She could feel the pinpricks of tears behind her closed eyes but she pushed them away and reveled in the happiness that was flooding through her now.

Gripping his designer lapels, she pulled his body flush against hers. She wanted to feel him completely against hers; like she had wished as they had laid in the grass staring up at the stars months ago.

She hadn't realized they had moved until her back was firmly pressed against the pillar so it shielded them from the world below. She was so close to feeling every inch of him hard against her…but this stupid fucking dress was in the way.

Emma wanted nothing more than to rip it to pieces as he ravaged her body beneath. Seeing as this wasn't the best place to shed her layers, she opted for the next best thing.

Slowly pulling away from Killian's lips, Emma stared intensely up at his glazed blue eyes, "Let's go."

Before he could respond, she was pulling him towards the stairs.

To hell with this gala.

Thank you again! Check out my other stories if you enjoyed this one :)