Really short chapter, but I promise to update soon. My writer's block is horrendous and now that I'm going to a university, my work load is doubled plus a part time job. I haven't given up on my stories. I never will. I just need time and patience from all of you. Thanks for your support and Enjoy!

Also, I just started a True Blood story, so if you're interested, check it out. It's kind of funny having two characters named Eric/Erik.

Anne sat across from Mae, not being able to get that man out of her mind. Adrianne told her that he was the new administrator and he just arrived with a friend. It gave her some relief, but her looked so similar to Maurice. It scared her. The thought of Erik and Maurice confronted made her blood run cold and prayed that would never happen.

"I've never seen such a young administrator before and very pleasant to the eye," said Mae.

"Oh, yes? How does he look like?" asked Anne, trying to have a casual conversation.

"A good height," started Mae, "slim, but strong, clear green eyes, dark brown hair, and a charming smile."

Anne lost her breath. Could it be..

Maurice stopped outside Erik's study, trying to control his emotions. Stepping inside, he walked closer to the man that made his life hell these last months. He wondered why he wore a mask. He heard about him before through his composition and secrecy, although he was never into the fine arts. Erik Levesque is probably the most famous composer in Paris at that moment. He was dying to know how he met his sweet Anne, how he treated her, and how could her family possibly give her away to a man in a mask, who they barely knew in a personal level.

Erik turned his head and saw Maurice standing at the foot of the door. "Monsieur Laroche?"

Maurice tipped his head. "Oui, at your service," he said, limping over to shake his hand.

Erik frowned in confusion. "Normally administrators are expected to be older. Erik Levesque," he introduced.

"Nice to meet you," replied Maurice. Nothing wrong here yet. "Here's my letter of recommendation."

Erik nodded. "Please have a seat."

"Merci," said Maurice, sitting. Though he seemed normal, he couldn't help himself but glare at this man.

Erik's brown rose. "Your references are good. Monsieur Kahn also mentions that you are a widow?"

"Yes," responded Maurice quickly.

"I suppose you agree with the salary that my friend proposed."

"Yes, it'll be enough for both my friend and I. He's a great worker."

Erik shrugged. "You already know Mademoiselle Marie, I assume." Maurice nodded. "Her father was administrator of the manor since I built it. Marie is familiar with her father's task, so if you need help with anything, she may help you. They also told me you were hijacked and stole your belongings. I'll give you some money for you and your friend so you can replace your valuables."

"Merci, Monsieur," said Maurice, still eyeing him.

"Normally," began Erik, getting up along with Maurice. "I share my dining room with trustworthy people. You are welcome to eat with us."

Erik extended his hand and Maurice shook it. "Thank you again."

"I'll see you at lunch time," said Erik smiling. "I would like for you to meet my wife."

Maurice tensed. "It will be a pleasure, sir" he forced out. He excused himself and walked out of Erik's study.

Strange man, thought Erik.

"They don't sleep together?" asked Maurice.

"Well that's what the maid told me," said Travis, scratching his head.

Maurice laughed. "You see? I told you Belle still loves me that's why she doesn't allow him to touch her. I need to take her out of here, Travis, before her husband looses his patience and takes her by force. She's mine, you hear? Mine," he whispered, grasping her cloth.

"How's the husband?" asked Travis.

"He's young, not bad looking, but that doesn't matter. Belle sees past those things. He wears a mask though."

"Maybe she's seen what's underneath and is scared to go near him."

"Or maybe he treats her bad," he said, growling. "He wants me to have lunch with him and she's supposed to be there."

"And you don't want that?"

"Non, Travis. I just hope I have the patience not to hurry myself up."

Erik entered Anne's bedroom and saw that she was sitting by the window. She was still thinking about Maurice and the new administrator.

"Are you feeling better?" asked Erik, stepping besides her.

Anne jumped and sighed. "Yes, thank you."

"The new administrator just came. I invited him for lunch and I'd like for you to sit with us," said Erik.

Anne bit her lip. "I don't really feel like going downstairs..."

Erik's frown deepened. "What do you mean? I already sent your mother a letter explaining our situation. You should be happy."

"I-I am," she stuttered. "I appreciate it, but I prefer to stay here."

"Why?" he questioned. Anne said nothing and looked down. Erik sighed and crouched down to her level, taking her hand. "I would give up my life for us to have met in a different way." He turned her head to him. "Are you sure there isn't a possibility for any reconciliation?"

"I wish it were that way, so both of us would stop suffering." Anne looked away and sighed. "I don't know."

Erik let out a breath and stood up. "I'll wait or you downstairs."

"I'm not going."

Erik grabbed Anne by the arm and lifted her from the chair. "Why? Tell me why you don't want to?" Anne stayed quiet. "I'm tiered of your excuses. If you don't come down, I'll come for you."

Anne watched as he left. She shook her head, not knowing what to do.

Erik smiled a bit as Maurice entered the living room. "Come in, Monsieur Laroche."

"Did I come too early?" asked Maurice.

Erik shook his head. "Not at all." He noticed that he was limping again. "Is that a current injury?"

"No, I fell off a horse a few months ago."

Erik chuckled. "Well, it's obvious that they didn't cure you correctly. If you want I can check you. I am a doctor."

"I appreciate it, but it's alright," said Maurice quickly. "I only limp when I'm tiered."

Erik nodded. "Alright then. You are from Paris?" he asked, trying to make conversation.

Meanwhile, Anne fixed herself a bit before heading downstairs. She didn't want other's commenting about her. Though she hated being there, she didn't want people talking behind her back. She was the lady of the house after all. She made her way downstairs until she heard the voice of the man she was going to escape with on her wedding day. She saw Maurice speaking with Erik, their back turned towards her. She clutched her hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath. She made her way back to her room, quickly and closing the door behind her.

"Good God," she panted. "It's him! Maurice came for me!" Anne grinned widely. A bloom of hope spread inside her.