Chapter 6

Author's Note: Hi Girls! Thanks for all the lovely reviews. It really warmed my heart. I'm dedicating this chapter for all my reviewers. And big hug to Rach for beta this chapter for. Quickly as always.

"I told you I don't want to hear the word 'wife' again," said Clarisse as she finally freed herself from his arms.

"When did you say that? Wait, now I remember. We were at the beach house, chatting late at night. But… that was SEVEN years ago."

"That's not the point," Clarisse answered firmly and a bit confusedly.

"Of course." whispered Joseph and took a step towards her. "Clarisse… I thought that was just talk… I didn't think you meant it."

"Why did you think that?"

"Because you were a little drunk… and…"

"Then let me tell you, I've never been so serious before in my life."

"I see," sighed Joseph. "So… that means you don't want me."

"I've never ever said anything like that!" cried Clarisse and grabbed his arms. "Of course I want you… Sometimes I want you so badly that I… I just cannot imagine my life without you. I want you Joseph. I truly want you."

"And you know what I want… I told you that night. And…"

"I didn't know that you were talking about me."

"That's true. But since we got together, you have had time to think. I mean, you know that I want a family, a warm home, with my wife…"

"Then just why don't you go and find somebody else who wants the same?" asked Clarisse frustrated. She was almost crying.

"You know I don't want anybody else, Clarisse. You know I have NO choice. There is only one thing sure in my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So if you don't want to marry me…"

"But we can still live happily. Everything is the same, except I won't be your wife."

"But why? Just give me a reason."

"I don't know…"

"You do. Just tell me… please. Clarisse, please." The last bit was only a whisper.

"All right. I will try," sighed Clarisse and she gave up the fight. They settled down on the sofa. Joseph was in a sitting position and Clarisse snuggled up to him. Oh my God, it felt so good to be in Joseph's arms…

"So… I don't know how to explain it. I'm just… simply sick of this word… 'Wife.'" said Clarisse and a shudder passed over her. "You know, I have always been a wife. And that was the reason why I had to do everything in my life. I had to sleep with Rupert, because I was his wife. I had to give birth his children, because I was his wife. I had to do my duties as a queen, because I was his bloody wife," cried Clarisse. "That was the only reason he ever gave. He could explain everything with this one word. You have to do it, because you are my WIFE." Now she was crying.

"Sshh Darling." whispered Joseph and hugged her. "I don't want to make you cry."

"It's all right." said Clarisse softly and continued. "So do you understand me now?"

"Yes, I can totally understand you… And I would kill him right now, if he wasn't already dead." That comment made her laugh a bit.

"I know," Clarisse smiled with teary eyes.

"And you know that I want to give you all the happiness you should have gotten before now."

"You ARE everything I need," whispered Clarisse and looked up at him. His answer was a long and tender kiss, allowing them to forget the problems for a moment.

"Can I ask you a question?" started Joseph when they slowly broke apart.

"Of course."

"If you know it wouldn't be the same… Then why…"

"Why don't I marry you? I don't know the real reason. Maybe it's too deep inside me. This 'wife' thing… I think I will never be able to get over it."

"But maybe… Is there any chance?"

"No, Joseph. I'm sorry."

"But…" started Joseph… and fortunately she couldn't stand seeing the sadness in his eyes and knowing she was the cause of it.

"But I will try."

"That's all I ask," smiled Joseph and kissed her, like he never ever wanted to let her go…

To be continued….

Author's Note: I bought a PD poster yesterday. Julie's face is bigger than mine!!!