Happy Endings

chapter 14

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Lex's Pov

The MLEF had a 24-hour hotline. It was said to only use it in dire need of emergency. Wasn't this just that? I knew where the mass murderer Sirius Black was, it was my duty as a citizen to lock him up for good. Naturally, I couldn't let Isabella get mixed up in this. No future wife of mine could be caught in a scandal this close to the wedding. The question was how to get Black out. Get him out, without her knowing. If I could draw him away, well, then the possibilities were endless.

"You look troubled love," Marie Le Froy emerged from the bathroom, a white towel wrapped securely around her body. I don't know why she bothered; it wasn't anything I hadn't seen before.

"I am," I leaned back in the leather chair I was sitting in. "I need a favor."

"Anything for you."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"How do you lure a man, a man under house arrest mind, from his house?"

She frowned and took a seat on the armrest of my chair. "You play up to his interests I suppose."

"Right. And how do you find a man under house arrests interests?"

At this point she rolls her sea green eyes. "You sleep with the person who can get you information regarding every criminal in just about every country, i.e. me."

"Correct," I smirk and take a drink of my red wine.

"One condition."

I nod.

"Marry me."

I frown and place my wineglass on the marble coffee table in front of me. "Marie-"

"Lex, I don't understand. You say you love me. But you're marrying another women. A women I might add, with less money, less social standing, and less, well, everything. Why? Surely your father doesn't approve. And if he does then you're both crazy."

"No, he doesn't, well, know actually." I sigh. "It's complicated."

"I have time." She crosses her arms over her large chest and the towel slides a little. I smirk and pull her onto my lap. "Lex," she complains.

I place my lips to the sensitive spot under her earlobe and her breathing hitches. "I will tell you my French flower, eventually. And you and I will get married one day. But right now, I simply want to enjoy you."

She nods, and I know she won't ask again. Because no one can say no to me.

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Olivia's POV

"Mom, I promise, he's up to something!" I took a bite of the pasta Sirius had cooked us for dinner.

"Olivia, I want to hear no more of this. What Lex did was wrong, yes, but it was a natural reaction. I need to be honest with him, he is after all, in three days, my husband, and your father." My mother glared at me and then went back to eating.

"No he won't," I said quietly. "No one will ever replace my real father. Especially not that bugger."

"Olivia, watch your tongue," Isabella scolded.

I glared at my meal and shifted it around my plate some more. "Where is he then?"

"Excuse me?"

"You're getting married in three days tomorrow, why isn't he here?"

There was no response to this question, she knew and I knew it.

"Good dinner, dad." James gave a small smile at Sirius, who returned the gesture.

"Anytime."

"And you!" I rounded on my father. "Not doing anything! Doesn't anyone care?"

"There's nothing I can do," my dad interjected. "What would you have me do Ollie? Apart from blackmailing me into signing the divorce papers, which any man would have done in his situation, he's done nothing wrong. Nothing." Sirius frowned as if wishing Witherstone would do something wrong, anything.

"He's not right, he's just not right," I muttered.

"I have to go pick up the dresses tomorrow," Isabella said conversationally. "Sirius, I'll need you to man the fort while I'm out, make sure no one runs away," she glanced at me. I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not Anna!" I retort.

"I never said you were," she replied coolly.

"All of you are being so, so infuriating!" I stood up and stomped to my room, where I slammed the door loud enough to rattle the whole house.

It wasn't fair! I knew Sirius and my mom loved each other, it was obvious. But what didn't make sense was why they were giving in so easily. Why they were simply letting themselves be conformed to this life. I sighed and plopped onto my bed. There had to be something, anything I could do. It was at this point my computer let out a loud beeping noise. I looked at the monitor and to my surprise found that Anna was sending me an instant message. I stood up and settled myself down in front of the computer, hoping it was good news.

Banana18: How are you?

I frowned, is that all she wanted? If so couldn't she just have called, or dropped by. It wasn't as if she were that far away.

Hamlet: Why didn't you use the phone?

Banana18: I'm in Italy, with Mary and her family.

Hamlet: Really? Will you be back for the wedding? Does mom know?

Banana18: We come home tomorrow. No, mom doesn't know. I have to tell you something, important.

Hamlet: Is something wrong? Are you okay?

Banana18: I am, but mom might not be when she finds out.

Hamlet: What?

Banana18: Mary and I decided to spend a few days with her distant cousin from France. Marie Le Froy is her name, although she's from France, she spends most of her time in Italy.

Hamlet: ok…

Banana18: We went to her house and everything was fine, she's a nice lady. From a wealthy family

Hamlet: Get on with it!

Banana18: fine, fine, well, on the mantle, in her parlor, were several photos. I took a closer look and they were all of her and LEX! I asked her about them and she said he's her long time boyfriend, in fact they're practically engaged!

Olivia read this message and felt her heart leap into her throat. This was it. This was the perfect opportunity to separate Lex and her mother forever. No one, not even Olivia's mother could possibly think highly of Lex after this news came out. Proving it however, was going to be another story entirely.

Banana18: well?

Hamlet: This is perfect!

Banana18: ??

Hamlet: Talk to Mary, find out what you can about Marie Le Froy. Does she know Lex is engaged? How old is she? Where does she live? All that. If possible talk to her before you leave. Invite her to the wedding.

Banana18: No, no, no, no! I am not going to get mixed up in your scheme Ollie.

Hamlet: Please, please. Anna, I need you. A lot has happened since you left.

Banana18: Really? I kind of doubt that.

Hamlet: No, really! James, he's well, he's different. He and Sirius made up, the divorce papers have been signed! This could be our only chance!

Banana18: Divorce papers??

Hamlet: Oh, yea. Forgot to tell you about that. It's a long story. The point is that this is it! This could be the only chance we ever have of telling mom the truth about Lex. I can't do it alone. Please please please help!

Banana18:… fine but you better explain the divorce paper thing when I see you tomorrow.

Hamlet: deal

Banana18: bye little sister

Hamlet: bye

Olivia closed the conversation box and leaned back in her chair, grinning like the Cheshire cat. They weren't out of business yet.

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A/N: First off, I am so sorry for not updating sooner. Things got really crazy. My grandfather broke his hip and a week later my father had to go in for back surgery. Then I ran out of inspiration and I was as dry as a well in Nevada. But it all suddenly came back. I think they'll be maybe two more chapters. Two or three. tear Ican't believe it's almost over!! Please leave a review!

MJ16