Well, it was time to go. My stomach was in knots and my hands wouldn’t stop sweating. Alex could feel my nerves, he was holding my hand tightly, and I wondered if it was for my comfort or his. It was obvious he wasn’t happy about tonight. He saw the event as a risk and he was right, but we’d both agreed we wanted Sofia to think we had no idea what she’s been up to. If we go into hiding until David has proof of what she’s done it will seem like we’re running away.

He squeezed my hand gently. “It’ll be ok baby.”

“I hate the idea of seeing her. She’s done so much damage.”

“This is the best way to deal with her.”

“I know and I agree until I think of coming face to face with her.”

“You’ll be fine; I won’t leave your side. You have to put your game face on which should be easy because you’ve been doing it since I blackmailed you.”

I gave him a little smile “It’s different with her, I don’t like her one bit.”

“And you love me.”

“You know I do.”

“If you see her just ignore her, it’s not like she would notice anything different in you because you used to ignore her before. If you’re nice to her, she’ll become suspicious.”

“I couldn’t be nice to her. She ruined us; she tried to blacken my name and made me lose you.”

“Relax baby I don't want you to be nice to her, I was just making a point. Remember, I love you I’m not going to let anyone upset you.”

“I know you love me, I’ll try to relax, but I really want to punch her in the face.” I frowned when he laughed at me.

“You don’t have it in you, you’re too sweet.”

I sighed, he was right. I don’t like violence. “A girl can dream.”

“I’d rather you dream about me.”

“I always do,”

The car came to a slow stop, and I shivered. There were reporters on either side of the rope which led to the entrance of the hotel. I hated the press and their questions, how they force their microphones in your face like it will make you stop and talk to them.

“I’m here baby and Jon is just inside the door waiting for us. Head up and keep smiling.” He kissed me on the forehead.

I plastered a smile on my face and he laughed. “That’s my girl. Now come on, the sooner we’re in there the sooner we can put them behind us.”

He stepped out of the car as the driver opened the door and held his hand out for me. I slid out as gracefully as I could and gripped his hand so hard it must hurt him. I tried to loosen my grip, but he squeezed my hand in reassurance. We kept smiling as the press shouted questions and finally we made it through the doors.

Jon walked over to meet us and I hugged him hard without letting go of Alex’s hand.

“Sweetness shall we go and get drinks? People are starting to stare and the headlines tomorrow will have us in a ménage relationship if you don’t let go soon.”

Alex laughed loudly causing people to glance over, and I blushed scarlet. He was right, the press like a good story even if there’s no proof of it. I pulled away and followed Jon to the bar. Alex ordered me a glass of iced water. I’d decided earlier not to drink knowing I’d need all my wits.

“Is she here?” I asked Jon quietly.

“No, she hasn’t arrived yet.”

“I’ve just seen David over there,” Alex nodded his head to the left and I caught sight of David. “He’s keeping his eye out and when he sees her he’ll give us a heads up so we can prepare.”

“Ok.” I agreed. I hoped I didn’t see her. I’m not afraid of her, but of what she had planned.

The host tapped Alex on the shoulder and the next couple of hours went by in a blur. Everyone seemed to want to speak to Alex and his new wife which was flattering and annoying because most people were just being nosy. One brave man asked me how I’d managed to snare Alex into marriage, he’d leered at my breasts and I’d seen the flash of anger in Alex’s face before he’d reined it in and very calmly told him that he’d made me marry him because he loved me. We’d shared a secret smile then, Alex and I, because he wasn’t lying there was he, he had made me.

The need to use the ladies room had me excusing myself or at least trying to. Alex wouldn’t relinquish his grip on me and at one point he said he would come with me. I had to remind him it would look weird if he did, and finally he caught David’s eye from across the room and let me go after brushing his lips across mine. His eyes were on me as I made my way towards the ladies room. David met me before I made it and linked his arm through mine as he got close. “I haven’t seen her, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t slipped past us, be on guard just in case.”

“I’m not worried. If you haven’t seen her I’m sure she isn’t here.”

David grinned. “I’m good love, but I’m not perfect.”

“I’ll keep my eyes open.”

“I sure hope so Callie else you’ll walk into a few things.” He winked making me laugh.

“Poor choice of words, but you know what I mean.”

“I know, but it’s nice to hear you laugh. You’re very pretty when you do.”

“Thanks,” I said blushing. He nodded and, he was all business again. When he turned I saw he was wearing a small ear piece. I wondered who he was listening to. I opened the door and checked my reflection in the mirror before using the facilities. After I flushed the toilet, I opened the cubicle door and walked straight into an angry Sofia. Before I could ponder how she got in here without David noticing she spoke.

“You stupid bitch.”

I flinched at the venom in her voice. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You heard me. I worked hard to get Alex to chuck you out yet somehow you’ve managed to weasel your way back into his life.”

“You were behind the photos weren’t you?” I asked. I’m proud of how strong I sound when my insides were a quivering wreck.

She clapped her hands, the echo making my head hurt. “Well done. You’re not as stupid as I thought. I was behind the newspaper story and the photos of you and your friend Jon too. I also tipped off the press on your wedding day thanks to Alex’s little secretary sharing that little titbit with me. She also told me how unhappy you seemed and I figured I could make up a little story about blackmail in the hopes I could get Jon to fall out with you for being so stupid.” She shook her head. “Only he didn’t. He actually went along with your wedding even though I could tell he didn’t want to be there.”

I’d never heard anyone be so proud about trying to ruin someone’s life. I would have laughed at the coincidence over the blackmail in normal circumstances, but I felt sick at the lengths she’d gone too to separate Alex and me. Surely she couldn’t be sane. “Why did you do it all?”

“Alex is mine!” she shouted at me. “He should never have been interested in you in the first place. You’re not his type yet somehow you got him to choose you, with your mousy hair and fat figure over me.”

She rubbed her hands over her super thin body as if she was better than me. Maybe she was more attractive, but Alex loved me for me, curves and all.

“You and Alex weren’t together when I met him.” I pointed out.

“We were on a break. I allowed him time to sow his wild oats before he came back to me ready for marriage and babies.”

I probably shouldn’t poke the crazy person but I couldn’t help myself. “I don’t think Alex got the memo.”

“That’s what you think. He obviously doesn’t want to tell you the truth which is that he loves me and we’re going to marry.”

I pitied her. She actually believed what she was saying. “He’s married to me.”

She huffed. “He only married you to get revenge on me for sleeping with Peter. He’ll divorce you and it will all be fine. You can disappear back to wherever you came from and Alex and I will be happy.”

“Who’s Peter?” I shook my head before she could answer.  “Don’t answer that I don’t care. Alex and I are not divorcing.” She was really loose- tongued it made me wonder what else I could get out of her. I was curious why Alex hadn’t burst in here looking for me, he must have noticed how long I’d been gone, but then she spoke again.

“Yes, you are going to divorce. I’m going to make sure of it. No one passes me over for a poor artist with bad taste in clothes. I’ve got rid of you before and I’ll do it again.”

“How did you get my face on those photos?”

“Clever wasn’t it?” she bragged. “I have a friend who is amazing at photo-shop he very kindly helped me for a small fee.”

“Not much of a friend if he charged you for his services,” I muttered. “Who is the man in the photo?”

“Oh, that’s Peter. It was a mistake to sleep with him but I used it to my advantage. I saw a lone reporter on the balcony as I plastered myself into Peter’s arms. He pushed me away because he’d already asked me to leave, but not before the guy got the shot. It didn’t take much to bribe him for the photo then I took it to my friend and suddenly I’d been transformed into you. It’s funny really because you don’t travel in our circles so you’ve never met the man who you supposedly cheated with.”

I shook my head at her explanation, so much effort to ruin what Alex and I had. “How can you be so cruel? You’ve messed with Alex, hurt him and yet you claim to love him. Love doesn’t wound, it heals.”

“Whatever.” She hissed. “I’m bored with this conversation. After tonight, you won’t be a problem anymore. I’ve already set everything up.”

My stomach clenched. Would Alex believe her next set of lies? I hoped he wouldn’t, but it was out of my control. I shrugged, hiding my emotions. I didn’t answer her and instead, made my way to the sink and washed my hands. I caught the smirk sent my way, and ignored it. It was difficult, but I would not give her the satisfaction of showing her my worry. Drying my hands I turned to face her. “Do your worse.”

Shock flashed on her face for a second before she grinned. “Oh, don’t worry, I will.”

I held my head high and pushed open the door walking straight into a furious Alex.

“What’s the matter?” I whispered.

“You’re asking me that after what you’ve just been through in there?” I lost my breath in a whoosh when he pulled me hard against his body. “She will never get near you again.”

“I’m confused, how do you know what happened in there?”

“I heard everything baby.”

“How? Were you standing with a glass at the wall?” I half joked.

He chuckled softly. “There’s a bug in your handbag. I slipped it in there before we left the house.”

“Why?”

“I’ll explain everything later. Do you trust me?”

He’s nervous of my answer I can see that. “I trust you, Alex.”

“It took everything in me not to storm in there when I heard Sofia talk to you. David held me back and made me see that her confessing to you gave us the proof we need to get her out of our life. I didn’t like it one bit though.”

“It’s ok, I’m ok honey.” I reached up to cup his cheek. “She’s definitely just proven she is one crazy bitch.”

Sofia opened the door and walked out looking cool as a cucumber like she hadn’t just accosted me and confessed to her crazy schemes. She shot me a glare then turned a smile on for Alex. He looked over his shoulder ignoring her and I followed his gaze seeing David and another man step into sight.

“I believe you two have already met,” Alex asked Sofia.

She looked flustered.  “No, I believe those two have, though.” She replied pointing at me and then to the man.

Alex shook his head. “Callie meet Peter, Peter this is my Callie.”

“Oh, hi.” I greeted understanding now why Sofia looked like she was about to bolt.

“Callie.” Peter nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“What do you mean it’s nice to meet you? You’ve slept together for god sake.” Sofia screeched loudly making me want to hold my ears.

Peter took a step towards us and Sofia suddenly looked worried. “I will warn you only once Sofia because I’ve had enough of your lies. Either you stop this right now or I will make your life hell.”

I could almost taste his fury, but his voice was calm, and that somehow made him scarier.

“You couldn’t.” She sneered at him, but her lip wobbled giving her away.

“I can and I really want to so I suggest you don’t test me.”

“Even I can see he isn’t bluffing,” I told her earning another glare.

“Callie is correct. I’ve heard the lies you’ve told and I’m telling you it’s over. We have proof of what you’ve done and now I’m going to speak to your father.”

Her face paled. I almost felt sorry for her, but then I remembered that this was the woman who was hell bent on destroying me. I didn’t enjoy her being scared, but I refused to feel sorry for her either.

“I’m not coming with you Peter and you can’t make me.” One last act of bravado came from her before she saw the movement of the security guards behind her. Her shoulders dipped in defeat and when the guards took her arms in a firm grip and led her out of the back door, she didn’t struggle. David gave us a nod and followed them out.

I turned to face Peter, and he smiled.

“Thank you,” I said quietly.

“Thanks aren’t needed; I’m just sorry I did nothing sooner.”

“Why should you have done?”

“Because I’ve known her practically all my life. I’m aware of what she’s capable of. I made an incredibly stupid mistake sleeping with her and she used it to try to destroy you both.”

“It’s not your fault. I don’t even think it’s hers. She needs help.”

“She does, but even if she seems crazy she still knew what she was doing. Don’t feel sorry for her she’ll only use it against you.”

“She will never get close to Callie again,” Alex spoke for the first time. I wrapped my arms around him to calm him. His body was shaking with rage and I know it’s been hard on him hearing the truth. It was for me, but I always knew I hadn’t cheated on him. He’d believed it which he’d beat himself up for. Sofia’s words came back to me. “She wasn’t in it alone Alex. You need a new secretary.”

“I heard. I will have Sylvia escorted out of my offices tomorrow in front of everyone and I’ll make sure when I’m done with her the only job she’ll get is picking up litter. There’s nothing wrong with that job, but she would rather die I’m sure.”

I’m a little turned on. “And you called me ruthless.”

“I need to go and deal with Sofia. I’m glad the truth is out, maybe now we can all move on.” Peter spoke reminding me he was there.

“We already have,” Alex said and I couldn’t agree more.

I watched as Peter made his way out the door before I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed Alex. Even in heels I still needed him to bend down. I kissed his jaw, his chin and finally his lips. “I’m so glad that’s all over,” I whispered against his mouth.

“Me too. I’m so sorry Callie.”

“For what?”

“I’d already decided I believed you even though the evidence said I shouldn’t, but to hear her saying those things to you, hearing her words of hate… it really hit home how you would never do anything like what you were accused of. I’m truly sorry I can never make up for how I treated you baby, but I’ll spend my whole life trying.”

I gazed into eyes and it was easy to see how much he meant the words, how upset he was and tears blurred my eyes, but before I could say anything his lips came crashing down on mine and he kissed me until my legs gave out and I had to clutch his arms to keep myself upright. His arms snaked round my waist to keep me steady. We couldn’t seem to break the kiss both of us struggling to get closer to each other. One of my hands went to the buttons on his shirt and I opened the top one moving quickly to the next.

Someone cleared their throat loudly, and I jumped embarrassed to be caught making out like a teenager. I pushed my hot face into Alex’s chest and closed my eyes.

“What did I miss apart from the obvious show you two are putting on?” Jon asked.

“Oh everything, you missed everything.” I laughed.

“And you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out because I’m taking my wife home right now to finish what we just started.”

“That’s more than I needed to know.”  Jon groaned.

“Sofia isn’t a problem anymore, Peter has seen to that.”

“Who’s Peter?”

“Tomorrow I will ring you or you can ring David now if you want to,” Alex replied as he ushered me towards the back door. I turned to see Jon frowning, but he didn’t get the chance to speak before we were gone and the doors closed behind us.

“That was rude.” I scolded.

“No, baby it would have been rude if we’d continued to do what we were doing right there because if Jon hadn’t interrupted I don’t think either of us would have stopped.”

“Oh.” He was right I hadn’t been thinking clearly.

“Now you see why I’m in such a hurry.” He said as he helped me into the car as Arnold hurried over to us. Alex sat as far from me as he could and in other circumstances it would have hurt my feelings, but one look in his eyes told me he wasn’t in complete control and I didn’t want to push him. I watched the buildings as we passed them and relished the excitement I felt at having Alex to myself with the truth out in the open. When the car stopped outside our house Alex all but dragged me towards the front door and closed it quickly behind us. My last thought was that I was glad Violet had the night off before he pushed me up against the door. My dress was ruined as instead of opening the tiny buttons down the back he just ripped it off. I didn’t have time to be sad about it because he did the same to my knickers ripping them off and throwing them to the floor to fall on my discarded dress. He picked me up placing my back against the door with my legs around his waist. I took a breath as I felt his erection rub my centre once before he plunged in joining us in one hard thrust. Passion took over, and we both hit our climax at the same time.

“I love you, Callie.” He whispered in my ear making me shiver.

“I love you too. Shall we go for round two in comfort?” I teased.

“Yes, but first I need to get the feeling back in my legs. Every time we make love you knock me for six.”

“You call that making love? It felt more like we were attacking each other.” I smiled.

He didn’t return my smile, his face grew serious instead. “All we ever do is make love Callie.”

“I know,” I assured him. “It’s good to know you do too. Now take me to bed, I want more.” I demanded, kissing his cheek.

He grinned and moved towards the stairs. Even hampered by his trousers hanging off his hips he still carried me to our bedroom. It was probably a stupid thing to do given he could trip, but I loved that he couldn’t bear to put me down.

I rested my head on his shoulder. Everything had turned out well, all I had to do now was tell him I was pretty sure I was pregnant and see how he reacted. I was happy and he would be too after he got over his shock. Finally, I could see our happily ever after in sight.

A lot had happened, a lot of hurt and sadness and accusations, but now we had closure and made our peace. We were in it together; we could take anything that was thrown our way.