Author's Note: Hope you enjoy this next chapter! I've already completed this story just about so if you want more review and let me know! Reviews= faster uploads. :) (I love hearing feedback, makes me a better writer and gives me good motivation.)

Chapter 6

"Something's wrong." Velma proclaimed, climbing into Shaggy's car. "Was he in there?" He asked, looking over at her. "He was, until he ran away!" Throwing her hands in the air out of confusion and shock. "From you?" Switching the car's gears, pulling out of the drive way. "Yes! I confronted him, about how his breakup with Daphne just wasn't possible. Unless! He was trying to protect her from something." He snapped his fingers "Or someone!" She nodded. "Exactly. He got upset, then told me to stay away because I could be in danger too." Shaggy scratched his head. "He knows something he's afraid of telling even us." Velma remarked, scanning the contacts on her phone to text him. "One thing I do know, if he won't talk to us we only have one choice. Telling the authorities." He concluded, leaving a period of silence in the car. "Let me try calling him.." The phone rang three times before he finally answered. "Fred?" She question the silence on the other end. "Velma, I can't talk about it!" He confirmed immediately. "Not here, but maybe somewhere secluded, I'll text you a location. Meet us there. Daphne's life may depend on it." Hanging up the phone and quickly typing out "Shaggy's basement..NOW!" and sending it.

The scent of her most favored perfume filled the air. Her ankles chained to the ground, Daphne looked into the mirror that revealed a woman she barely recognized anymore. Her face so weak from the tiny portions given for nutrition. On the cosmetic side, she looked exactly the way she once was. Her hair all shines, silky and smooth. He'd given her strict orders to upkeep her hairs youthful glow and bounce. And by stealing her beauty supplies she was able to fulfill his wishes daily. Now she sat at a vanity with all her makeup in front of her. "Wear the red one tonight, darling." Staring at her carefully chose to correct one and apply the elegant cherry red lipstick. "I could watch you do that all day" he sickly gushed in her face. Cringing as she snapped the lid back on and tossed it into the box. "Stunning" his eyes admired hers, stroking his cold fingers down her neck. "Now for the proper attire for our classy evening." Slowly walking towards his beloved stash of her things. Ever so carefully sliding the wooden wardrobe door open. "I feel this would be quite fitting" holding out a breathtaking lavender gown. "My dress..." Looking at him holding it behind her in the mirror's reflection.

*FLASHBACK*

A live orchestra played music that was candy to everyone's ears. Hundreds danced around the enormous sized ball room. Dresses flowed and swirled so whimsically across the marble tiles. It looked like a scene out of a movie, but it was real. A real case on the Mystery Incorporated's hands. The billionaire Lewis B Huffington had been receiving threats for his life and odd chilling ghost sightings were running about. His only daughter, Loraine Desiree Huffington life was at the greatest risk. After solving a good portion of the case Fred had set up the trap. This time, Shaggy and Scooby were getting a break from being the "bate". Daphne selflessly volunteered herself to be the decoy. Lewis stepped into the private bedroom. "You look almost exactly like my Loraine..• he gushed sweetly, looking into Daphne's violet blue colored eyes. She grinned softly, a rose pink blush appearing. "Thank you Mr. Huffington. If only I could do this gorgeous dark brunette hair the justice your daughter does." Complimenting the tightly curled wig. He chuckled lightly and then took her hand into his in a fatherly way. "Be careful.." She nodded. Taking one more glance in the full size mirror. "Don't worry, we've got this. Hopefully after this ball, you and Loraine can go back to living life normally again." He smiled brightly. The door swung open. Dressed in disguise wearing a formal suit and tie, Fred stood with jaw nearly hit the regal carpet beneath his feet. "Daph-ne" he stuttered.

"Freddy." Daphne greeted surprisingly, a slight giggle in her reaction to his face. "Ready?" Swaying her way towards him. He swallowed, feeling the growing knot in his throat. "You look-" she placed her finger on his lips. "Like Loraine Huffington? I know. Lets go." Smirking at him as she opened the door. "I miss your red hair." He implied, as they walked down the seemingly endless hallways. "I don't look good as a brunette?" He realized he was stepping on shaky ground when she referred herself to whatever he'd said. "No...no you're actually, the most beautiful brunette I've ever seen." His darling little shy voice said dreamily, gazing into the eyes he still recognized so clearly. Pressing her lips against his, gripping his tie tightly, pulling him in closer. He happily dove in closer for the blissful moment. She let go and looked into his eyes, with a smile brighter than the sun. "Calm down tiger, we've still got a case to solve." She purred, causing his heart to skip a beat. His dimples showcased with his handsome grin. "Are you saying we can pick this up after the case is closed?" He asked, his eyes gleaming. She giggled. "You better catch the Gruesome Gladiator if you wanna find out." Prancing down the hall. He trailed behind. "Are you sure you feel comfortable posing as Loraine?" She nodded confidently. "They said I get to keep this stunning gown, how could I resist?" She said cheerfully, he chuckled. "Well then, Miss Loraine, would you care to dance?" He dramatically said in an attempted fancy accent. Holding out his hand at the bottom of the stairway into the ball. "I'd be delighted!" Grabbing his hand and waltzing gracefully into the dance floor.

The dress swept across the floor gliding so perfectly as she twirled, successfully returning to his arms. "What are you staring at?" She asked shyly. "One day we'll have to dance like this again..only you with red hair." He said softly. The two looking straight into the others eyes. "You like this gown?" She questioned, glancing at it. "You've never looked more enchanting..it reminds me of the wedding dress I hope to see you in someday.." Her eyes widened with joy. "Wedding?" She squealed softly. He laughed. "You have to have guessed that by now I intend on making you my little wife someday..when the time is right." He informed sweetly. She sighed happily. The loud static rang in his ear. "Fred! Sorry to break up the romantic moment, but we've got a gladiator to trap and you're kind of a important part in it." Daphne giggled. "Right. Be right there Velma." Hoping she'd forget the whole situation. "Go get'em!" She cheered quietly. He winked and like the shining knight in armor he was, rushed off to help save a life.

*END OF FLASHBACK *

"You never wore one like this again...that wedding never came" his sly, dark voice said. "It doesn't mean he didn't..doesn't still love me." She choked. He laughed, "His love for you is dead. Much like your life outside my safe keepings." Her eyes held back the tears, he wasn't worth them. He enjoyed seeing her suffer, so she'd try her hardest to never be weak in front of him. "Get dressed into the gown. We're going to dance." The villain in his voice being evident.

Fred sat across in the comfortable lounge couch in Shaggy's basement, reserved and focused. "Here's some refreshments, if anyone's interested." Bringing a tray full of chips, dip and a container of soda with a few solo cups stacked on the side. "You should probably eat something Freddy. You look weak." Velma remarked, taking the chair across from the couch. He exhaled heavily and shook his head. "I'm not hungry" he simply replied. "That may be true, but you haven't eaten in days you said. Fred you can't keep going like this." Shaggy nodded in agreement. "Like, by the looks of it you haven't gotten sleep either." Fred lifted his head and looked directly at them for the first time all night. "Who could?" Velma crossed her legs and folded her hands together on her lap. "In other news, we need to discuss your mysterious breakdown that happened in the old mansion. What were you talking about?" Quickly getting down to the questions she wanted answered.

"No silent treatment tonight Jones." She confirmed. He nervously dug into his pocket, it all started with this. Pulling out a diamond ring fit for royalty. Shaggy and Scooby gasped. "An engagement ring?" Velma questioned, closer examining the sparkling diamond rock. "Was this.." He nodded. "It was for Daphne..." He finished.

TBC

A/N: Thanks for reading! Can't wait to upload the next chapter! R&R :)

P.S. For all the readers of "Black Friday?" I will be finishing up that story too, keep an eye out for it! :)