Oliver walked into the elegant venue that held Tommy and Laurel's engagement party. He was a happy man. Not only had Emma come home to him but she was going to make a father out of him. They had spent the rest of the day cuddling, talking about their future and the baby and running a few rather important errands.

The simple thought of a little blond boy or girl with her almond-shaped eyes and his smile, brought immense joy to his heart. He already felt so much love for this little human being and even though he knew he would need to wait 7 more months, he was impatient.

He took a glass of champagne from one of the waiter's trays and headed towards Tommy and Laurel who were greeting guests along with Malcom, who was talking with Moira. He hated the fact that Malcom always seemed so sure of himself, like the world belonged to him, like he was the center of the universe. The only thing he didn't know was that his universe would shortly come crashing down.

Since Tommy and Laurel were busy with another couple he directed his attention towards his mother and Malcom.

"Mom, Malcom"! he said as he hugged Moira and shook Malcom's hand.

His mother looked at him. "Oliver, you seem to be in better spirits tonight", she said.

He smiled at her. "Yes. Time is a great friend".

Malcom put his hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Soon, all of this will be a distant nightmare".

Malcom was so busy feeling more than content with himself that he didn't see what was unfolding right in front of him.

"I'm sorry I'm late. The ladies room was overcrowded".

Malcom's smile downsized and he blinked a couple of times as Emma arrived by Oliver's side in a beautiful black dress. Oliver took her in his arms and kissed her.

"No harm done. I was waiting for you to go congratulate Tommy and Laurel".

"Good evening Moira. Malcom".

"Emma darling, what a nice surprise. I understand now why Oliver is back to being his old self again. I take it you've managed to work things out".

Emma smiled and nodded. "We've ironed out a few things and worked out our differences. The first year of marriage can be so testing".

"It was terrible tasting medicine", said Oliver, "but in the end, it's made our couple stronger. We really feel like nothing could ever come between us ever again". He quickly shot a glance at Malcom who couldn't keep his eyes off Emma.

"Well", said Moira, "I'm glad to hear it".

Oliver looked again at Malcom who was trying desperately to keep it together, all the while trying not to show that he wasn't.

"You were absolutely right Malcom. Soon all of this will seem like a distant nightmare".

Malcom who generally was outspoken found it suddenly hard to speak. "Of course".

Tommy and Laurel joined them.

Emma hugged Laurel. "Congratulations. I wish for you to be as happy as Oliver and I"!

"Thank you"! said Laurel as the girls hugged. Even if in the beginning their relationship had been a bit slow and distant, it had in time evolved and both girls appreciated each other quite well.

They talked a bit then eclipsed themselves so that they could continue to greet the other guests.

As Oliver spoke with Walter, Emma headed for the bar. She was thirsty.

"An orange juice, please".

"You never cease to surprise me".

Emma took her glass from the barman and turned nonchalantly towards Malcom who had been waiting for the opportune moment to spring up on her. She too, had been waiting. She knew that it was her he would have come talk to, not Oliver.

"Good. I intend to keep it that way".

"Why did you go back to him? Is it for the money? Because if so, I'm sure you and I can find an understanding".

Oliver looked at them talking at the bar and eyed Emma, trying to see if he needed to come to her rescue. She shook her head and he nodded in understanding.

"Money can't buy you love Malcom. Sex maybe, but not love. Love is a powerful feeling, it's dangerous even. It will make people do things you never thought them possible to do. You see, I realized how Oliver wasn't responsible for what happened back then and how technically he wasn't responsible for my leaving, you were. I not sure what you were hoping to achieve by me leaving Oliver. If it was to destroy him purely and simply or if it was in the hope that I would come running to you for comfort, where you could have tangled me in your web of charm and eventually seduced me. Nothing would have hurt Oliver more than to see me with you. Or maybe it was both. Nevertheless, my marriage to Oliver has never been about money. He is an amazing man and I'm grateful to have him in my life. So, what could you possibly have aside money that could interest me? Nothing, absolutely nothing. And since I'm not in it for the money, you're at a loss. So, stop wasting your time and most of all, stay away from me and my husband".

With that she walked away feeling the most powerful she had ever felt so far in her life. Putting Malcom back in his place had felt good! She gave Oliver a wink and a smile and he smiled back. He couldn't have felt prouder that she was his wife.

Even if that was done, Emma still had one more thing she needed to tend to. She took a deep breath as she walked over to Moira who was talking with another woman.

"I'm sorry to interrupt Moira, but may I have a few minutes of your time"?

Moira smiled and looked at the woman. "If you'll excuse us"?

The woman nodded and kindly walked away.

Emma opened her clutch and pulled out a folded document from it. She handed it to Moira.

She took it but didn't open it. "What is this"?

Emma looked at Moira with a kind face. "I know that you've been worried about my motives in regards to your son with this marriage".

Moira suddenly felt bad. She nodded.

"I understand. Your family is a very influential family and you would want Oliver to protect himself. I love him more than anything and I am not interested in his money nor do I need it. I hope that with this, my motives are clear".

Moira unfolded the document and read it. It was a notarized postnuptial agreement that had been done that day. In it, Emma agreed not to request alimony, assets or properties in case of a divorce or death. Only child support would be agreed upon. Moira folded the document back up and felt ashamed.

She took one of Emma's hands. "I'm sorry I have misjudged you or your intentions. Please accept my apologies".

"It's not necessary. You are his mother, it's only natural that you look out for him. Some don't have that privilege".

"Maybe someday, you too will understand, that you would do anything to keep your children from harm's way".

Emma said nothing but simply nodded. If only Moira knew that, that someday would come sooner rather than later.

Oliver and Walter walked up to them. Oliver put his arm around Emma's waist as Walter took Moira in his arms. "Everything alright here"? he asked in doing so.

Moira looked at Emma. "Everything is fine dear. I was just telling Emma how lucky Oliver is to have her in his life".

Oliver smiled. "Yes, very lucky".