Chapter 3

Marianne stepped off the lift and headed towards Christopher's office. Not many people left in the office since it was a little past 4pm. She looked towards Elinor's area and saw that her stuff was still there but was just away from her desk. She reached his office and knocked on his door. "Come in". She heard from the other side. She opened it and walked in. He looked up and had a surprised look on his face which immediately turned into a big boyish grin. She smiled back at him as he got up from his desk. Even though she was disturbed and nervous about the news she received he immediately made her feel better by just seeing him. They met halfway and she immediately through her arms around his neck for a hug. He was going to tease her about this morning and make a comment if she couldn't stop thinking of their start to the morning as much as him. He sensed though something was off with Marianne. He pulled back to look at her. Using his hand to move a strand of hair off her cheek then keeping it there, "Is something wrong darling?" He asked with a look of concern. Marianne nodded. "Yes, I got a letter from the court. Johnny's sentencing is next week. They want me to come to speak with the solicitor. I know there isn't a reason, but I am a little scared. Will you come with me?" She asked with pleading eyes. Christopher hugged her tighter. "Of course I will. I will not let you go through this alone. He cannot hurt you. I will never let him again my love. This is the final time we have to deal with him. It will be over after this. Then we can totally move on from this and start our lives together." He declared to her. Marianne reached up and squeezed his hand that was on her cheek. She softly smiled at him. She didn't know why she would have had to ask. She knew he would be there for her. "Thank you. You always make me feel better and safe. I don't know what I would do without you. I love you so much Christopher." She declared. He smiled back at her. Even though all the insecurities about their relationship and him worrying that she might realize that he was not right for her were wiped away when she accepted his proposal. It still warmed his heart and reassured him that she loved him and wanted to spend her life with him.

"I love you too. I will always be there for you. We are in this together. Whatever happens good and bad. I just hope for a lot more good after this." He said. She nodded in agreement.

"Once this is over we can start planning the wedding and getting ready for Christmas. It just sunk in that it is December 1st." He smiled at her. "I already have my Christmas present." He said. Marianne grinned back at him and leaned in for a kiss which he gladly accepted.

Shortly Christopher's office door opened as he escorted Marianne out his door. He just was going to do a few last minute things before he left work. He was going to go to her house with her to have dinner with her family. Marianne wanted to stop and ask Elinor her to join them. She knew Edward had a night shift tonight and might want some company.

Marianne found Elinor asked her to join them. Elinor began packing up her stuff. She was going to just run home to change and then head over. While Marianne waited Allison Riley came over.

"Marianne! It is so good to see you." Allison said happily hugging Marianne. "We miss you here." She said as she pulled away. Marianne smiled back.

"Thank you. I miss it here too." She responded. Allison couldn't help but tease her a bit. "I am sure the main reason to miss it here is Christopher." Marianne had a coy smile and blushed.

"I still cannot believe I didn't notice or pick up on you two. But I am very happy for you both." Allison declared.

"Thank you. We just wanted to keep it a secret and not make anyone uncomfortable. We love each other very much." Marianne explained.

Allison nodded in agreement and smiled at her. "I understand, but I am sure no one would have had an issue. We have all wanted him to find someone. He deserves it. Now let me see the ring please!" Allison said excited. Marianne grinned and showed her her left hand.

Christopher soon came out and walked over to the ladies. "I am heading out Allison. I will see you tomorrow. You ready darling?" He asked Marianne as he reached for his hand. "Yes I am all set. Have a good night and thank you Allison." Marianne stated as they headed towards the lift holding hands. It felt so good to them to be able to act like a couple now. Allison smiled as she watched them board the lift. "They are just so cute together." She thought to herself.

Later in the evening Marianne explained to the family after dinner about getting the notice about the sentencing date. Christopher had made sure to mark it in his calendar and send a company email notifying that he was not going to be in the office that day. Marianne and Christopher just wanted it to be over and done with Johnny.