Five years later

Dorothea stood in front of the full length mirror that hung in her huge walk in closet. Never ending shelves of high fashion clothes, pricy purses, hats, and shoes all lined in neat order. Like almost any young woman, Dorothea loved to shop. In fact just last month for her honeymoon, Philip treated her to a shopping spree in Paris. Standing there, now eighteen years old. She no longer looked like the scared and helpless child that was kidnapped by Nix almost seven years ago. She had grown into a beautiful stunning woman. Her body filled out and had smooth curves. Her breasts seemed to shape the sparking black gown she wore, and had nearly glowing perfect skin. Her hair short now and dyed, she felt different. In fact, she felt stronger. Here she was, a blessed woman with all these things in her life, along with beauty.

Looking at herself, she turned a bit before looking down at her huge sparking wedding ring. Philip himself bought it in Europe last year while touring. Thinking back to the wedding, it was all her dreams come true. Famous talents came all over to see the two of them get married. Dorothea had gotten used to living in the spot light. In fact, Philip was the 5th richest man in Los Angeles. He was the most famous illusionist of all time. Selling out shows, and traveling all over the world. His "magic" had touched people, and amazed them. She knew Philip had done all of this for her. Here they were living in a dream mansion, and she didn't have to do one thing. While other eighteen year olds were starting college and hanging out with friends. She was now married to Philip Swann, and having all her dreams come true.

Smiling, she walked out of her closet and into their master bedroom. Crossing over the white tiger rug, she looked at her reflection again in her vanity before the door opened. Philip walked in, wearing a black suit. Over the past five years he still looked just as handsome as the day she first met him. Even though his beautiful long hair was shorter, he was still the same.

"Hello love, you look beautiful."

"You think so?"

Swann nodded before Dorothea turned.

"Zip me up?"

Swann walked behind her and began to pull her zipper up. One hand placed on her thin waist.

"Valentin has the limo waiting."

Turning, Dorothea locked eyes with her husband. Yes her husband…she had waited so long to say this. Here they were, far from what they used to be.

"Please me careful tonight, these new illusions you put in always make me nervous."

Swann smiled.

"Dorothea, this is my opening show of the year, it has to be exciting."

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she looked him straight in the eye.

"I just don't know what I would do if something happened to you…"

Swann leaned in, kissing his wife before taking her hand.

"Come on, we got a show to do."

At the theater, thousands of people crowded around into their seats. Dorothea sat in the front row with a few of her friends. Mostly people from wealth and fame. Regan, a soap opera actress talked with her while stroking her fur coat before the lights went down. Looking forward, the same excitement entered her heart as it did with a child. Anytime she watched Philip perform, she knew she married a truly amazing man.

Right away he appeared out of nowhere as the audience gasped. Watching him, her heart pounded.

Later that night, Dorothea burst into the bedroom, nearly crying. Swann followed her.

"What's wrong, you didn't say a word the entire ride home."

Dorothea turned around, clutching her purse.

"What's wrong, you nearly got yourself killed up there tonight!"

Earlier in the show, Philip tried his newest trick dealing with a saw lowering above him. Everyone sat on the edge of their seats before he just in time unlocked himself free. Dorothea meanwhile saw the slight look of panic in his face and felt sick. Afterwards he explained to her that everything worked out fine, and nothing had happened to him. But she felt scared. It wasn't like this was all fake, she knew inside it was real.

"I didn't marry a man who will be dead and gone within a year!"

"Dorothea, what did I tell you…it was part of the act."

Dorothea began taking off her earrings, crying as her eyeliner ran.

"I don't care, it looked dangerous…"

Before she could say another word, Swann turned her around and looked into her eyes.

"I would never do anything like that to hurt you…"

Dorothea couldn't help it, tears dripping down her face she shook her head.

"Your all I got, I just get so nervous…"

Before she could finish, his mouth was on top of hers. Kissing her deeply, he began bringing her over to their bed. Working her dress off, it slipped around her ankles before he laid her on the bed. Wiping her face, she watched as he worked off his suit jacket and began undoing his belt. Sliding back on the silk sheets, she watched him breathing hard.

Once they were undressed, Swann slid on top of her, feeling her smooth body against his as he kissed her softly down the neck. Shutting her eyes, she tried to forget about worrying. Nothing was going to happen. Her husband was here with her…alive.

Wrapping her arms around his back, she felt him enter her. Right away she moaned out. Knowing he had been the only man she had been with, and ever would be with. Loving him so much, she shook as he began to thrust. Opening her eyes, she watched him, looking into those beautiful blue eyes. Philip meanwhile began a steady pace, thrusting in and out, spreading her legs and holding himself back. She rocked underneath him, moving her hips.

Once they finished, they laid naked together in bed. He stroked her hair, while she laid up against him in the darkness. Lately he had been so busy, always working while she stayed here alone. Looking down at her ring, she smiled as he kissed the top of her head.

"I love you…"

Turning, she kissed him.

"I love you too…"

Laying there, he kept stroking her hair as she laid up against his chest. Breathing in and out, she knew that this was really what heaven was like.

The next day, Dorothea woke up to see Swann dressing across the room. Sitting up, looking at the window that lead to the balcony, curtains blew back and forth from the passing breeze. It was another beautiful day.

"Hey…"

Swann turned smiling.

"Hi, sorry I woke you."

Dorothea smiled before crawling across the unmade bed.

"Stay with me, we'll sleep in."

Swan shook his head.

"I have rehearsal at eight, I'll be home in the afternoon…maybe we'll go out for lunch or something."

"Make love to me again, please…"

Swann grinned before walking over, leaning down he kissed his wife.

"I wish I could baby, but I gotta run."

Kissing her again, Swann winked and then walked out. Laying there, Dorothea rolled over smiling.