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Anne stared almost emotionless at the altar, kneeling next to her mother and aunt. Her wedding was only in a few short days and her sorrow was getting the best of her. She tried to avoid her father so he wouldn't see her so depressed.

"Come, Annie," said Camille getting up. "We have to speak with Father Delven, so we can discuss about the wedding ornaments."

"You go, Mother," she said, quietly. "I'll stay here."

"But this is about your wedding," hissed Camille.

"Whatever you decided is fine by me, Mother," whispered Anne. Camille sighed and signaled Charlotte to stay with Anne as she silently prayed.

Have mercy on my soul, God. I beg you not to make this wedding take place. Anything but this, she thought letting out a sob.

"I asked Belle if she knew that Monsieur Levesque paid for the plantation's tariffs and she didn't deny it," said Stephan as he sat with his wife in the parlor. "Did you tell her?"

"Yes," responded Camille meekly.

"Why? I thought that we weren't going to tell her that Erik lent us money. Did you do it to pressure her to accept Erik's hand in marriage?" accused Stephan.

Camille's mouth widened. "How could you think that?"

"I think that because I know you."

"Stop it, Stephan. You said it yourself that Annie couldn't have accepted a better man to marry," argued Camille. "He's amiable, polite, and handsome. He loves her above all things and if she's not crazy in love with him now, she will be."

Stephan just sighed. He looked up and saw his son coming into the parlor. "What are you doing here?" he asked angrily.

"Good evening. I came to speak with you, Father," Ricard said humbly.

"I don't have to speak with you," said Stephan, looking away.

"Please, Stephan, listen to him. Have some sympathy since Annie's wedding is only days away. Can't you forgive him?" asked Camille.

"Forgive him? I'll only forgive him when he becomes a respectable and hard working man."

Ricard sighed. "Father," he said kneeling before him. "Here," he said, handing him a pouch full of coins. "It's my first money earned. I give them to you with the most respect."

Stephan glared at him. "How do I know if it isn't dirty money?"

"Stephan," hissed Camille. "Have confidence in your son!"

"I beg you, Father," said Ricard. "I swear that I'm very sorry. I beg you to take this money as a firm proposition that I'll keep on working and following the right path."

Stephan looked at him for a moment and nodded. "Alright, give it to your mother," he said, getting up and leaving the parlor.

"How did you get the money?" asked Camille him once her husband left.

"I already told you, Mother. Lancet's business is a success," lied Ricard. Honestly, Lancet had a chat with Karina, saying that Ricard was in great need of money and Karina offered to help, giving him 1,500 francs.

"Are you telling me the truth?" she said, snatching the pouch of money. "Did you get yourself in another problem?"

Ricard said nothing. You have no idea.

The day before the wedding

Anne quickly read the note that Erik's messenger gave her. "Tell Erik that… he's welcome to come anytime he wants." The messenger nodded and quickly left. Anne reread the letter again.

I arrived at Paris at Dawn. If you're not too busy with the wedding plans, I'd like to visit you.

I love you,

Erik

There was a sudden knock on the door and she went to answer it. A small man was there, who appeared to look shocked to see her. "May I help you?"

It took a moment for him to answer. "Bonjour Mademoiselle is… is Elise here?"

Anne frowned and called Elise to the door. "They're looking for you," she simply said and went up to her room.

Elise smile to greet the man, but he kept on looking at Anne's figure. "Is that Mademoiselle Annabelle Durand?"

"Oui, but who are you?" asked Elise.

"Me, I'm no one," he said, still hypnotized. "But!" he said quickly, remembering why he was here again. "There is someone outside who would like to see you."

"Who?"

"I can't tell you, but please, come with me," he said, grabbing her.

"What are you doing? Let go of me," cried Elise. "I don't know you!"

"What is going on here?" asked Camille annoyed.

"This pig is trying to take me to see a man outside," said a frightened Elise.

"Who are you? What do you want?" asked Camille to the stranger. He kept quiet. "Leave or I'll send the police to chase you out of my property." The man quickly left. "Who was that man?" Camille asked Elise.

"I-I don't know Madame, I swear. He told me someone wanted to see me outside, but I don't know what man he's talking about!"

Camille eyed her and went outside to see. Meanwhile, Travis ran back to where Maurice was hiding before Camille could look at him.

"What happened?" asked Maurice.

Travis panted. "Some crazy lady kicked me out."

"Yeah, I saw. It's Belle's mother. Did you see Elise?"

"Of course, I did. First, a really pretty girl opened the door."

"How did she look like?" Maurice asked.

"Really pretty, well dressed, with her hair… and her eyes…"

"Annabelle," whispered Maurice.

"I was too frightened to ask her, but I spoke with Elise. I asked her to come with me like we planed, but she refused to come with me. Also because that lady threw me out. She told me she'll the send the police on me."

"Was Belle there?"

"No, but if you want I'll go back in a while."

"Non, we'll try something else, but how did you see her? Was she happy or sad?"

"W-Well, she only asked what I wanted and she quickly left."

Maurice smiled. "Was she pretty?"

"Beautiful," said Travis laughing with him.

"Soon, Travis, soon."

"They killed one of my workers outside of Orleans. His name was Julian. That's why I had to leave so soon," explained Erik as he sat with the Durand family.

Camille gasped. "How awful! If that place is dangerous, then Annie shouldn't live there."

Erik glared at her, but Stephan spoke up. "The whole country is filled with people like that, Camille. Besides, that is up to Erik to decide not us."

"I apologize, but I don't think we're going to our honeymoon as soon as we planned. At least, not until I figure out who killed Julian," said Erik.

Anne felt a relief going through her. "You aren't going to your honeymoon?" asked Camille, stunned.

"Hush, Camille. Erik knows what he's doing," said Stephan.

Erik turned to Anne. "We could always stay in Paris for a few days, but I have to return to Orleans soon. Is that alright with you?"

Anne nodded. "Yes, it's fine."

"Are you sure you're fine with the decision I made?" asked Erik as Anne walked him to his carriage.

"Yes, it's alright."

"I know your life will change drastically, but so will mine," he said, trying to make small talk. "Are you scared or nervous?"

Anne sighed. "Yes," she answered truthfully.

"Don't worry, Anne," he said, grabbing her hands. "I'll never hurt you in anyway. I'll care for you very much. I love you." Anne closed her eyes as he hugged her. "You're the most precious thing life has given me."

Anne held her tears at this.

Anne cried as she lay in bed. She glared at the wedding dress that stood in the middle of her bedroom. Sleep not coming to her, she got up with a pillow in hand and headed to her aunt's bedroom. She saw her already deep in sleep, but decided to wake her up either way.

"Aunt Charlotte," she whispered. Charlotte woke up in a start. "C-Can I sleep with you? I don't want to be alone."

"Of course, my dear," she said, making more room for her.

Anne slide into bed as her aunt turned to the side. "Aunt Charlotte, how did you feel your… your first night with your husband? Was it… difficult?"

"At first," responded Charlotte with embarrassment, "but not so much then."

"I think it'll always be difficult with me," sobbed Anne.

Charlotte turned to her. "Maybe not so much. Even if you aren't in love, your husband is young and clean. Maybe you'll enjoy the way he makes love to you."

Anne shook her head. "I'll never like it."

Charlotte sighed. "Go to sleep, love. Tomorrow is going to be a trying day. It'll be fine, Annie. Don't worry."

The wedding day

Nicole huffed as she tried to search for her white gloves. She had parted them aside because they were the only gloves that went with her dress. She went to her parlor and grinned when she found them.

"Madame," said Mikaela. "The same man that came yesterday came back today. He gave me this note so you would give it to Mademoiselle Annabelle."

Nicole nodded and took the message. "Alright, thank you," she said, dismissing her. She quickly read it and gasped. "God help us. This man has gone mad."

Anne sobbed looking at her brother with pleading eyes as Charlotte finished with the last touches. "Please, Ricard, talk to Erik. T-Tell him that I don't want to marry him."

Ricard just handed her the bouquet. "It's too late for that now."

"You're nervous, sweetheart," said Charlotte.

"No, I'm not nervous!" cried Anne. "I'm desperate! Can't you see it? I should have never accepted! Please, do something! I beg you!"

Ricard scowled. "Do you understand what scandal will happen if you don't get married? We'll be the laughing stock of all of Paris! Think of our father. Do you think he'll support this disgrace?"

"And do you think I'll support what's coming when I'm alone with a man that I barely know and who I don't love?! He's going to make me share his intimate moments in bed, touch me…" Anne felt tears fall down her face. "Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered. "Can't anyone feel sympathetic for me?! Not one person!"

Charlotte rubbed her niece's back. "Calm down, Annie. It's alright," she soothed.

Erik smiled as Anne walked beside her father towards the altar. She looked like an angel fallen from above to save him for all the harsh treatments life has given him. He didn't know how luck played him like this.

Anne, however, felt dread and utter despair that the man she was going to marry was not Maurice, but Erik. Her father had asked her before if she was feelings alright, but she just smiled and said it was nerves. It had to be the worst day in her life and she was soon to be Madame Levesque.

Anne smiled superficially as guests gave their congratulations. She felt uncomfortable with Erik's hand on her back. It almost burned.

"Congratulations, Annie," said Karina smiling.

"Thank you, Karina," she said politely.

"Oh, you look beautiful. You'll make anyone jealous," she said, shyly. "Oh, and congratulations to you, too, Monsieur Levesque."

Erik nodded courtly. "Merci, shall we?" he asked, looking at Anne.

Anne nodded. "Excuse us, Karina," she said as she left. Erik, too, excused himself.

When Anne was alone, Nicole pulled her aside. "I really need to talk with you," she said urgently.

Anne looked at her curiously. "What is it?"

"Come here," said Nicole, pulled her inside Stephan's study and closing the door behind them. "I don't think I should tell you, but it'll be worse if I don't."

"What are you talking about?"

"Here," said Nicole, handing her Maurice's message. "Open it."

Anne did so and quickly opened. Her blood ran cold when she read it. It was from Maurice. He said to meet him in their usual spot within her gardens at four o'clock, if not he'll go though the front door of her house to see her, not caring who will see him. She looked back at Nicole. "Who gave you this?"

"Maurice came by yesterday to my house, but I didn't invite him in because I was afraid Raymond will see him," explained Nicole. "He back again in the morning with the letter. Annie, you have to tell your brother to make him go away. Imagine the scandal that will happen if he shows up here!"

Anne looked at the time. It was almost four. "No, I'll go see him," she said, leaving, but Nicole stopped her.

"No! After what he did to you?!"

Anne ignored her and went to the gardens, making sure no one would see her. However, Nadir noticed her urgency as she made her way outside. Curiously, he followed in secrecy. He had to know what Erik's new bride was up to.

Anne quickly walked up the steps and saw Maurice standing there. He looked at her in disbelief. She dressed in a beautiful white dress. He was so confused.

"That dress is that…?" He started.

Anne nodded as she glared at him. "A wedding dress. Oui, I just got married."

He walked up to her, limping, shaking his head. "Why? Why?" he demanded.

"And you ask me?" she hissed. "After what you did to me? You swore that you loved me and that you wanted to marry me! I was about to loose everything for you!"

"Belle, I love you more than anything. If I left, it wasn't by choice!" he said, trying to explain to her.

"Of course, you were forced to leave after your wife told me everything!"

"My wife? What the hell are you talking about?" he asked, shaking her.

"Of Desiree, your wife, and the son you have with her," she said, beginning to cry.

Maurice looked at her stunned. "I must be dreaming. What are you talking about?!"

"Of your wife!"

"I don't have a wife! I've never married, Belle," he shouted. "Please, tell me what's going on."

"It happens that I went crazy with fury and grief," said Anne.

"But I'm not married, Belle," he said, making her believe him. "I swear on my mother's grave that I'm not. They arrested me and then they injured and abused me. My leg is crippled and they almost had to amputate it. They sent me to Chateau d'If with no explanation."

"B-But why?" asked Anne.

"I don't know, but I all I know that I was General Bertrand that made the order for my imprisonment. I hate to say this, but I think it was a scam that your mother and brother did," he said. "They already have threatened me before. Please, Belle, believe me. I don't have a wife and much less children. Belle, look into my eyes. Do you really think I would lie to you?"

Anne trembled at the realization. "M-Maurice, you have to understand me. I thought you abandoned me. I was desperate and felt hurt. If I married, it was because they forced me into marriage. My husband lent money to my family and I didn't have another choice."

Maurice took her hands. "You should have never doubted me, Belle."

"T-The next day I went to look for you in the morning, but they told me they haven't seen you since the day before."

"I repeat to you that it was a trick."

Anne nodded. "I don't doubt it. My mother and brother have been so greedy. I'm sure my husband also is involved with this," she spat.

Maurice cupped her face. "Do you still love me?"

Anne kissed his hand. "With all my heart, Maurice."

"Then… let's leave. Come with me and we'll escape," offered Maurice.

Anne's eyes widened. "I just got married."

"That's exactly why we should leave very far away. Who cares what those aristocrats think," he growled. "They've treated you indifferently and did the same to me." Anne sobbed contemplating on what to do. "Belle, look at me," he said, lifting her chin up. "I don't want to loose you. I'd die without you."

Anne closed her eyes as he kissed her, a kiss full of love and passion. The only man she could ever kiss that way.

Nadir watched the scene in awe. He could bare make out what they were saying, but the kiss gave him the notion that she just cheated on Erik on the worst possible way.

Anne sighed as she hugged Maurice tightly. "Please, say you'll come with me, Belle. We could always travel to London o-or go to America. No one knows us there and we can live together like we always dreamed of. Forget about everything. We have no other choice."

Anne sniffed and nodded. "Yes, you're absolutely right. It's not fair what they've done to us. J-Just let me change."

"No, let's leave now," he said immediately.

"N-No, wearing a wedding dress will cause more attention. I-I'll put something simply on and pack a few things."

"Be careful," he whispered.

"I will."

"I love you, Belle. I love you with all my heart," he said, kissing her again. "I'll wait for you here."

Anne nodded and quickly made her way back to the house and up to her room.

Nadir searched for Erik and found him speaking with Stephan and Raymond. "Excuse-moi, but I must speak with you, Erik."

"Tell me," he said, cheerfully.

"Uh, not here," he said in a low tone. Erik nodded and followed Nadir in a more reclusive spot. "It isn't easy for me to say this but… I just your wife in the gardens… kissing another man." Erik's smile disappeared in the matter of seconds. "His name is Maurice and what I heard they're going to flee together."

Erik clenched his fist in fury and with accusing eyes he looked all over the room at the Durand family members. He stomped out of the parlor, trying to get some sense. His beast was awakened after trying to hibernate it for so long. He was about to unleash his fury and for once he missed his magic lasso.

Uh-oh! Damn those cliffhangers. Don't worry, I'll update asap!