*Author's note* Thank you all for reading, and for the reviews. I truly love seeing that you are enjoying this story. I hope you like this chapter, and get ready for more because things are about to get crazy after this chapter.
Gomez had promised her that she only had to live in her hell for two more weeks, and she patiently counted down the days. They could not risk any disruptions to their escape, so Gomez insisted they be thorough. He was planning every detail with impeccable precision, determined that this time no one would interfere. Morticia was given information through his endless love letters. Although he didn't tell her how he was accomplishing everything, she was aware of what was happening and the role she had to play.
Their hour was drawing nigh, the day had come for their plan to be set in motion. A party, that was Gomez's brilliant ruse. It was simple enough that no one would suspect it was all an excuse to bring Morticia to his mansion, and provide a distraction while the couple snuck off into the night. The entire Addams clan as well as various friends would be in attendance.
Morticia's anxiety was so high, it was making her physically ill. All morning, she had been confined to the bed with nausea. Balthazar had given her multiple opportunities to back out of going to the party, but she insisted she just hadn't slept well. When Morticia was finally able to stand without feeling queasy, Balthazar surprised her with a new gown. It was a burgundy velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, and a trumpet skirt. Balthazar was insistent about Morticia trying it on immediately. Obediently, she slipped out of her nightgown, uncomfortable with the way Balthazar's eyes roamed over her exposed flesh. Quickly she stepped into the dress, eager to cover herself from his lecherous gaze.
Using the open zipper running down her back as an excuse, he pounced on her. Morticia could feel how slowly he was closing the metal teeth, letting his fingers run up her smooth back. The contact was making Morticia's anxiety flare up, she grabbed the bed post for stability. If he noticed the action, he chose not to say anything. Instead, Balthazar finished zipping her up then gathered her raven hair in his hands and draped it over her right shoulder. As soon as his lips touched her skin, she bolted towards the bathroom where she lost what little food was still in her stomach.
"Morticia?" Balthazar followed her, concerned. "Dearest, are you sure you are well?"
Morticia was sitting on the cold bathroom floor, willing the dizziness to disappear. Her eyes closed, trying to shield her from her own unstable vision. Using all her strength, she answered her worried husband.
"I'm fine. My stomach must be upset from the lack of sleep."
"I will get you some medicine. If you aren't well before we leave, we aren't going."
"I promise it will pass, Balthazar. Would you bring me a cup of henbane tea? That should calm my nausea."
"Of course, dear."
She could hear Balthazar's heavy footsteps as he left the room. Pulling herself to her feet, she used the sink to balance then glanced at her reflection in the mirror. The dress was gaudy, and surprisingly tight, she could feel her ribs stretching the fabric with each breath. As she straightened her posture, she realized just how constricted she was. Her breasts were held tightly in their place, their natural shape manipulated to make them push together, creating an obscene amount of cleavage. There was absolutely no breathing room, her already shallow breaths were forced high into her chest since her abdomen had no room to expand. The color glistened against her ivory skin, outshining her pallor and making her look washed out. As she studied her tired expression against the foreign attire, she realized she was nothing more than a plaything. To Balthazar she was an object of desire that he could dress up, show off, and have his way with. Never did he talk to her as an equal, for she wasn't. She was his most prized possession. A trophy to show off to all the other boys until something else shiny came along.
Morticia quickly freshened up before Balthazar returned. She was determined not to let her body betray her chance at freedom. A living doll is not how she planned to spend the rest of her life. Thoughts of Gomez strengthened her will. Only a few more hours of this ridiculous existence before she was in his arms. In Gomez's strong embrace, she felt treasured. She could feel his love seeping through his pores and absorbed immediately into her own. Unlike Balthazar, Gomez never belittled her or admired her only for what she could do for him. They were equals, learning to love together.
When the dreaded knock rippled against the wooden door, Morticia plastered a smile on her face. As the door opened, Balthazar's expression changed from stern worry to delighted surprise. Morticia's sudden vibrancy attracted him to her like a moth to a flame, and he studied her image diligently.
"My, you look stunning."
"Thank you, but I'm afraid the dress is too small. I'll have to change."
"Nonsense, Morticia. It fits you beautifully. If it is a little snug, you'll just have to be mindful of how much you eat."
His response was shocking and almost rude. For weeks, she had dealt with his back handed statements, but never had he complained about her figure.
"Are you suggesting I need to diet?"
"If your clothes are beginning to shrink, then maybe it isn't such a bad idea. If that dress is a little tight, it will make you aware of how much you're eating. Don't worry darling, I'm sure it's just a few extra pounds from adjusting to this comfortable lifestyle. You will be rid of it in no time."
Morticia was appalled by what he was saying. If she had gained a few pounds, she hadn't noticed so it must not have been a significant amount. It was certainly not an issue which was to be dealt with in such a callous manner. Anger was bubbling throughout her body, ready to rise and swallow Balthazar whole. Her tolerance had just been extinguished, and murder clouded her mind. It would be so easy to stab him with one of his many valued swords, or to poison his hourly glass of brandy. Although the thoughts gave her satisfaction, she remembered that after tonight she would not have to suffer through his company ever again. Thinking of Gomez, she smiled.
"Of course, Balthazar."
Her submission pleased him, he kissed her forehead triumphantly then left her to get ready. Morticia took her time in front of her vanity. Tonight was the beginning of her and Gomez's life together, and she wanted to look as perfect as he made her feel. Occasionally she would get a burst of illness, but she felt like she was able to tame the feeling. The dress was pushing into her flesh causing bruises and continuous discomfort. Besides the tea, she had not consumed anything all day and her hunger was starting to demand satisfaction. She promised herself she could make it until the party, then she would eat and change. In their secret meetings during the past two weeks, Morticia had given Gomez essential items to pack for their trip including a few dresses.
As the time finally arrived for them to leave, Morticia appeared on the stairs. Balthazar stared, mouth agape as she descended. Her raven hair was elegantly pulled up in a chignon which was adorned with a gold bat barrette encrusted with diamonds on the wings and rubies for the eyes. The way she did her makeup was simple, but the black cat eye accentuated her sparkling blue eyes which bewitched Balthazar to succumb to their beauty. Every curve could be seen in her gown, especially the swell of her breasts, and the plumpness of her hips. It took all of Balthazar's will power not to throw her down on the stairs and have his way with her. His social priorities won over his lust, and he placed Morticia's cloak over her delicate shoulders and offered his arm as they walked outside.
During the car ride, Morticia could feel her plague returning. She turned her face to hide the pain from her burning indigestion and spinning vision. After what seemed like forever, they finally arrived at Gomez's home. He and Ophelia were greeting everyone as they walked through the door. When Morticia and Balthazar were met by their hosts, Gomez brought her hand to his lips. Her heart raced, and her legs quivered at the contact. One simple affection, and she was melting in his hand.
"Doesn't she look beautiful tonight?"
Balthazar asked Gomez smugly. He wanted the praise of jealous men, and Gomez was no exception in his eyes.
"Ravishing." Gomez answered, his eyes locked on Morticia.
"And you, Ophelia, you look lovely." Morticia praised her sister. She was eager to direct everyone's attention elsewhere so they would not see the exchanges of love between herself and Gomez. Balthazar was quick to compliment Ophelia, offering to accompany her inside. She accepted. Gomez was elated, his fickle little wife was so flattered by male attention that she left him behind to accompany Morticia. When her arm looped through his, they felt complete.
"Cara Mia" he whispered lovingly into her ear. Her sapphire eyes were hopelessly gazing at him as her heart went wild in her chest.
"Mon amour"
Gomez pulled her closer against him, fiercely squeezing her arm against his torso.
"Control yourself, darling. Party now, amour later."
"You're right, but it's not soon enough Tish."
"I know, darling, but we are so close. You just have to behave a little while longer."
"Anything for you, Cara Mia."
Their whispers were covered by the music coming from the ballroom. With each step, the melodious chords grew louder and more exciting. As they were immersed in the mass of dancing family members, Balthazar turned to speak to Gomez.
"Gomez, you don't mind if I borrow Ophelia for a few dances, do you?"
Gomez grinned.
"Of course not, old man! I'm sure she will enjoy a fresh face twirling her around the floor."
Balthazar grinned with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"Why don't you escort Morticia? We can't have such a lovely creature left for the vultures."
"It would be my pleasure, if she'll have me." Gomez extended his hand to Morticia, who happily placed hers in its care. They began to move gracefully around the room, Gomez expertly leading Morticia's pliable form away from their spouses.
"It seems our opportunity has come early, querida."
"Perfect." She purred, as his grip around her waist tightened. For the first time all day, she didn't mind her inability to breathe. Their happiness was short lived as their intimacy was abruptly interrupted when a hand tapped on Gomez's shoulder.