Chapter 112 Strange Bed Fellows
* The part of Olivia---will now be being played by Leslie Ann Down. I see her as Olivia now that she'll be a huge part of this story.


Ridge watched his ex-wife give him one of those cold heart-stopping squints of hers.
“ You have the nerve of asking me what I’m doing?”
“ Bridget is upset and you aren’t helping matters.” He stated not comprehending the change in dynamic between her and Taylor.
Brooke crossed her arms looking at Ridge with smoldering anger in her golden eyes. “Bridget wouldn’t be upset if you weren’t giving her conflicting messages. We had a deal Ridge. To work together as a team. She’s a teenager. If you don’t watch, she’ll try to play you just like the other women in your life.”
Taylor’s mouth tightened at Brooke’s pointed comment. “ Logan nobody’s playing me.” Ridge said annoyed that she’d hint that he was being played.
“ I told you not to call me that Ridge.”
He held up his hands in front of him as admission of surrender. “ Okay. But please just sit down so we can talk this out as adults.”
She didn’t move.“ I’d rather stand.”
Ridge sighed heavily. “Logan…uh Brooke. I just don’t understand what has happened to make you so hostile. You came in here and attacked my wife.” He turned Taylor’s head so Brooke could see the red imprint that her slap had made. “ You hit her. You had no right to put your hands on her. This is our home. You are our guest. Let me make it clear that you won’t ever disrespect my wife again or you’ll be asked to leave our home.”
Taylor who felt vindicated at Ridge’s defense smiled smugly at Brooke.

Tears streamed down Stephanie’s face. How could he do this to her? How could he leave? After all the years that she had given him. What about the four beautiful children they shared. Their 40 years of being married. Didn’t that matter? “Why Eric?” Why couldn’t he be strong? Stand beside her just as she had done for him off of those years. She used the back of her hand to wipe up her tears. “He didn’t mean it.” She said to herself over and over as a mantra to keep her going. But it didn’t keep her going. She remembered the feeling of Eric’s hands around her neck. Her eyes stung. “How could you want to hurt me?” Pain etched in her face making her look older than her years. The cold divorce papers were on her coffee table. He wanted out. Of their marriage. Of the life they created for each other. Hot tears filled her eyes stinging them once again. Heaving up as if she were one hundred pounds heavier she looked lost as she went to the mini-bar to take out a bottle of champagne that she often used to celebrate. With shaky hands she poured herself a glass before she downed the contents. The alcohol slipped down her throat but it did nothing to ease the pain radiating from her heart.

The bank manager opened the file as sat down. “ You have to understand Miss. Novak that you haven’t had any action on your account for more than five years.”
“ I haven’t had any need.” She answered honestly.
Sharon Tate looked over the file and then the young woman. “ You’ve earned a great deal of money in interest especially with your accounts being inactive.” She pushed her lips together. “ Are you sure that you want to close your account? This is a great deal of money.”
“ Yes.”
“ You could sit down with one of our finical planners to create a new portfolio for you with your funds.”
“ I won’t need that. Thank you Mrs. Tate. I’ve already made plans for my funds.”
Sharon hoped so. “ For some people this isn’t considered a lot of money but for a young woman as yourself it is. I just wanted to make sure you know what you are doing.”
“ Don’t worry. I won’t squander my funds.”
Sharon nodded. It wasn’t her money. She just hoped that the young woman knew what she was doing. Taking the bank check, she handed it to Angelina. “Here you are. One check for a half of a million dollars. I hope you know what you are doing.”
Eve looked down at the check. Her heart was pounding not because of the amount on the check but because of the name on the check. Angelina. This was the past that she had let go. The money, blood money. Money she got by allowing herself to be used not to mention the entire year she spent as a sex slave to Jared. It was money that she had walked away from. Money that she had no intention of using or ever touching. But now she held it. This was the only way. Eve picked up the pen and signed a name that she no longer used Angelina Novak. That person was dead to her. But she needed her to get Trudie out of the mess she was in.

Caspian reread the paper in his hands, not that he was surprised by the outcome. There it was in black and white. The hair sample that he had taken from Lark’s brush and from Brooke had been analyzed by the lab he had sent it to. There was no doubt about it. Brooke and Lark had the same genetic markings so close that only identical sisters would match so perfectly. They were sisters. He closed his eyes as if to block out the information that would change so many lives. The damage this would cause to Brooke’s life not to mention to other.
“ How in the world do I tell you? How do I destroy everything that you hold dear?” He poured himself another drink. Quickly downing the contents of the Hennessey. It burned but not as nearly as the questions he had.
“ Caspian?”
His eyes opened at the sound of his sister’s voice. Darkness swept over him. An anger that burned within his chest bursting to be set free. The knowledge of his betrayal ate at him. She had known this all along. The damage this could cause yet she had said nothing. She out of all people had lied to him. Turning around he found his sister in the doorway to the den in his penthouse.
“ What are doing sitting here in the dark?”
“ Don’t turn the lights on.” He poured himself another drink in the Waterford Crystal glass before he took a sip.
Isabelle’s eyes adjusted to the darkness. He was drinking, the of Grand Monay bottle next to the glass
“Cosa c’e?” She asked him. What’s the matter.
“Non ti proccupa re” He uttered. Don’t worry.
But she did. There was something wrong. Is it Grayson?” She came into the room across from him. He raked his beautifully cool sister. Standing there in a black with Oscar de la Renta original silk blouse with a slashed Bergdorf Goodman skirt triquater skirt and matching boots there was a regalness about her. Maybe it was the way her hair was pulled back in a tight bun of the silver coiled chocker she wore but there was a Lady McBeth quality to his sister tonight. There was a hint of something that looked like sadness in her eyes. But then he could be wrong.
“ Tell me.”
“How about you tell me about all of your secrets Bella.”
For once something other than controlled calmness claimed his sister. Confusion clouded her eyes. Where was the scorn coming from? “There are none.”
“ Really?” He said with disdain Bella watched her brother as if were a snake uncoiling for a strike. She took a slight step backwards as if to get away from the gaze of fury. He stopped her by grasping her by her wrist. “Why are you moving away?” He pulled her closer toward him. “Are you afraid that I’ll look into your eyes and see the truth.” He stood towering over her.
If it were anyone other than her brother they wouldn’t have gotten to close to her but this was Caspian. He was her protector, her friend, the only real connection she had. She had one with Pierce but she had ended it. “See what? Caspian. I don’t understand what it going on.” She pulled her hand away from his grasp.
“But I do. I understand that you are willing to lie to me. Me out of all people.” His face-hardened like granite. “ After everything we’ve been through. Growing together, depending solely on each other. You were the one person that I could depend on. Yet you have the audacity to try to manipulate me.” Something moved deep and dark under his dark eyes. “Tell me when did I become someone you could easily play like a little chess piece in a game that you love to play.”
“ You’ve never been a fool. You aren’t making any sense. Non capisco.” She stated in Italian.
“ I understand a great deal. I’ve been able to piece everything together. Starting with how you encouraged me to just meet this mystery woman who had Larks face. Later, I understand the reasoning of why you pushed and prodded me to spend time with Brooke.”
“ Brooke. This is about her. What’s happened?”
“ What’s happened you asked?” He circled her. His voice became calm. Deadly. “What you wanted to have happened. I fell in love with her. Desperately in love with her.”
“ There is nothing wrong with that. She’s perfect for you. I knew it the moment I met her.”
“ No.” He shook his head. “ You didn’t know it then but you had an idea. After all she looked like Lark.”
“ She isn’t Lark.”
“No, she isn’t.” Bella stated.
“ Lark didn’t have the strength, the power or the passion Brooke has. Brooke is intense like you. She loves deeply.. She’s given you a reason to live again. She’s perfect for you She’ll make you a wonderful wife.”
“And all you had to do was ensure a meeting.” He said quietly.
Isabelle felt a shiver run up her spine. Coldness radiated from him. “Caspian what is this about?”
“ What else did you have to do Bella to protect your secret? The one that you and Olivia shared.”
“ Olivia? What does SHE have to do with this?” Isabelle mind clicked. Her eyes widened for a millisecond before they went back to normal. Caspian watched a myriad of emotions play on face. “Astonishment, shock and anger.
“ What did she do?”
“ Nothing but mention a connection between Lark and Brooke. I’ve been so wrapped up in what was going on with Brooke and the business that I never investigated the situation. Of course you predicted sooner than later I’d investigate so you simply took the precautions to ensure that I never found out the truth. There were certain things that I couldn’t understand for instance how Brooke could tell me about a dream that she had that mirrored something in Lark’s life. Or about a dream of Lark’s that mirrored Brooke. Oh, Olivia only nudged a little. So I checked, the inconsistency of a certain doctor who was there when Brooke was born. A missing birth record of Lark that was taken out by a woman who seems remarkly to be one of your aliases not to mention a break in of my home that assured that documents pertaining to Lark went missing.” Isabelle was silent during Caspian’s tirade. There was no point. She was caught he knew the truth.

Eric didn’t want to go back to Brooke’s house. He should be feeling a sense of lost however he didn’t. For the first time, he felt that he were free. As if a heavy weight were lifted from him. He was no longer was being controlled and manipulated by a heartless woman. He was free to live his life. Be the type of father he had always wanted to be. There was no time to look back, he was only looking forward. Eric found himself as an old bistro that he had been in years that served the best swordfish and roasted vegetable sewers. He had just finished ordering those sewers, a robust salad and a bottle of white wine when he turned to see a face that he hadn’t seen in many years. Standing he went over to the table. “Olivia”
Olivia looked up to find a handsome gray haired man dressed his finest in front of her. It had been almost forty years since she had seen him last but she would never forget his handsome face or his generous nature. “Eric….”
Eric smiled. “ I thought that was you.”
“ Oh. It’s been so many years.” She said with her crisp British accent.
“ Well, the years certainly been good to you. You look ravishing.” He said meaning every word of it. Olivia was a beautiful woman. The years hardly touched her. Her face was flawless. She looked to be in fantastic shape her figure shapely. She still had curves in all the right places. Olivia’s taste in clothes was impeccable. She looked lovely in an azure colored spaghetti strapped dress with a matching coiled necklace.
“ Why thank you. You of course look as dashing as you did on those fashion magazine.”
‘ You are keeping up with fashion.”
She shrugged. “ You know me. I was born to shop so I’d only shop for the best. Naturally Forrester is in the forefront.”
Olivia looked over in the direction he had been sitting. “ Are you by yourself or with your wife Stephanie?”
“ No. I’m not with her.”
“ Are you meeting someone for dinner?”
“ No. I’m just having a light dinner by myself.
“Would you….”
“ Would I what?”
Olivia looked him in the eye. “Would you care to have dinner with me. It’s been a while and I’d love to catch up with you.”
Eric felt his heart lift. This is what he needed, dinner with an old friend. A beautiful old friend. “ I would love it.” Eric went to the waiter and told him of his seating change then hurried back to the table with Olivia.


Stephanie carried the empty champagne bottle and glass with her as she looked around the dark dank house that used to be filled with the love and laughter of her children and grandchildren. How could Eric do this? How could he walk away from the life they created together? It wasn’t fair. He should be here with her, by her side the way that she had been by his side off of those years. He should be supporting her, not BROOKE.
“ Brooke you bitch!” She looked at a picture of she and Eric on her last birthday then knocked it over. “ You think that you’ve won. Well you haven’t won. I’m not going to let you win…” An apparition of Broke appeared in front of her.
“ Oh. But I have won.” Brooke taunted wearing a tight vivid green dress with a plunging neckline to show off her breast. “ Eric’s living with me. In my home. Pretty soon he’ll be in MY Bed.”
“ You bitch!! He doesn’t want you.”
Brooke just have her a smirk as she played with a strand of her hair. “Come on. You know how your husband feels about me. How he’s always felt about me. That’s why you’ve always hated me. Because you know that he loves me. He always has and always will.”
“ That isn’t true.”
Brooke laughed with glee mocking Stephanie. “ Oh course it is.” Brooke began to finger down in between the globes of her breast. “ You know the truth and I know it. Eric is a man with a specified taste. Why would he want you? You are nothing but a dried up all hag when he can have me.”
“ You had better not go near my husband.”
“ Of what? What are you going to do to me? Nothing. Tonight I’ll romance Eric. Maybe tomorrow I’ll move on to Thorne.”
“ His wife is pregnant.”
“ So. Why has it stopped me before? I don’t care about Kimberly or that brat that she’s carrying. Then I’m on to the biggest prize of all. Ridge.”
“ Ridge? You stay away from him.”
“Why should I? After all he would have been my husband if you hadn’t interfered.”
“ I had nothing…”
“ Oh please! We both know that you are lying, don’t we?” Brooke leaned forward to lounge on the backside of Stephanie’s sofa. She caressed the sofa as if she were caressing a man. “ It only a matter of time and I’ll have him. He’ll remember the bond we had. The love we shared. Not to mention the great sex that he doesn’t have with the Saintly One. So, get ready. I plan to become Mrs. Forrester one-way or another. Eric, Thorne or Ridge. They will certainly leave their wife or wives for me. Look at Eric. He’s already left you.”
“No! Nooo. I won’t let you have him you bitch!!!” Stephanie ran forward as if to tackle Brooke however Brooke’s image just disappeared. Stephanie looked around looking for someone to blame and hurl accusations at. But instead of Brooke she found a young woman drenched by the rain standing in the doorway. The dark haired woman looked slightly frightened at the damp, mascara streaked wild looking woman who was screaming in dark empty house.

 

“Brooke we need to talk.”
“Talk.” She crossed her arms in front of her. “ It might have been nice had you wanted to do so. But I think that we are past talking. Aren’t we?”
“No. I don’t think that we are.” Ridge looked at his wife. Then back to Brooke. The tension in the room escalated. “What the hell is going on with the two of you? I come home to find my wife upset, Bridget up and you acting like Bridget has no right to stay here.”
“Rights. Is this what this about?”
“ Ridge does have certain rights as Bridget’s father.”
Brooke turned her eyes toward Taylor. “Let’s get one straight. YOU don’t have any type of say in anything in regards to MY daughter. In fact you have no place in this conversation. So, either sit down and shut up or leave.”
“ That’s enough!” Ridge stepped in front of Taylor. “Taylor is my wife and I won’t have her disrespect her. I think it’s best that you leave.”
“ What?” Brooke looked astonished.
Taylor felt validated. Ridge was doing what he said he was going to do. He was finally standing up to Brooke.
“ You heard me Brooke. I think that you ought to leave our home. I won’t let you come here and harass my wife. I won’t let you upset Bridget either.”
“ Upset Bridget. She’s a teenager. She’s always upset. But I don’t care how upset she gets. I’m her mother. I carried her in my body for nine months. And if I remember correctly I did it by myself just like I raised her ALL BY MYSELF.”
“ That wasn’t Ridge’s fault what happened. He would have been there for Bridget if he had known the truth. We are only trying to right a wrong.”
“ Well, we can’t. You can’t change the past. None of use can go back in time and change what happened. I know that you wouldn’t do it if you could because you are the person who benefited the most from Stephanie’s lies and betrayal. So don’t tell me about how you are going to right any wrong. You weren’t wronged here. I was. Ridge was. And my daughter was. Our family was ripped to shreds so you could become Mrs. Ridge Forrester.”
“This isn’t Taylor’s fault and you know it. This isn’t about her Logan. It’s about my daughter. I have a right to spend time with her.”
“Nobody said that you didn’t.”
“ Then why the hell are you acting like this? We aren’t the enemy.”
“ Really. When you decide that you want custody of Bridget then you become my enemy. My god Ridge. I trusted you. I didn’t expect this from you, not after what you mother tried to do.”
Ridge wiped his face with his hands. ‘What are you talking about? Custody of Bridget? Logan I only wanted Bridget to spend another night here. To get used to being here. Then I wanted to talk with you about joint custody of her. She’ll spend part of the time with me and with you. I didn’t want to talk about it today but give you time to think of it. But I’ve got to say whether you agree or not, I plan to have my rights outlined. I didn’t do it with Dylan and look what happened. ”
Brooke looked from Ridge’s astonished face to Taylor’s. Just then she knew it. Taylor had lied. Ridge didn’t want custody; he only wanted time with Bridget.
“ So you only wanted more time with Bridget.”
“ Yes. What would give the idea that I want full custody?”
Brooke looked at Taylor. Ridge turned toward his wife. “Doc, do you know something about this?”
Taylor looked like a deer caught in headlights. She played with a strand of hair. “Well, I think that Brooke misunderstood what I was say…”
‘ Ridge…I think that maybe I misunderstood. When Taylor told me about custody. I guess I thought that she wanted full custody of Bridget, not joint.” Taylor frowned. What was Brooke up to?
“ I guess with everything going on I thought that she want to go to court, have me declared unfit and become Bridget’s new mother.
“ Logan. Why would you think that?”
Ridge put his hands on Brooke’s shoulders. “Logan. You are Bridget’s mother. You have raised her and down a damn good job of it. I don’t want to infer in it. I just want a chance to be a part of her life. Taylor will play the role of her stepmother and friend but you her mother. Any decisions about Bridget will be between you and me. Taylor understands that.”
“Ridge. I think that you and I need to talk. Alone. Where there can be no misunderstandings about anything. We can talk about a schedule for Bridget that we both can agree on.”
Ridge was silent for a moment before he turned to Taylor. “Sweetheart. Do you mind? I think that Brooke and I need to talk to come up with a plan for Bridget.”
“ I think that I should be part of the plan.”
Brooke moved toward Ridge and put her hand on his shoulder. “ I don’t think that is wise. Ridge, you and I are just starting to work together as team. I think that another person being involved will complicate matters.”
Taylor implored Ridge with her eyes.“ I’m your wife.” The last thing she wanted to do was to leave Brooke alone with Ridge who knows what she said. All the gratifying feeling she has when Ridge told Brooke to get out of their home dissipated.
Ridge caressed her hair. “Please Doc. It won’t be long I promise. Brooke is right, she and I have to learn to work together to do what’s best for Bridget.’
“ I love Bridget.’
“ I know that you do but Brooke and I are her parents we’ve got to work together on this.”
“How can you do this after she hit me?”
“ She was wrong.” Ridge turned to Brooke. “Weren’t you Brooke?”
Brooke wasn’t going to apologize. She meant every word she said and new that Taylor.
“ I’m not going to apologize for the way that I acted. If anyone ever threatened my daughter or tried to take her away it was only natural.’
Brooke’ Ridge chided.
Brooke took a step toward Stephanie. “ However seeing that I misunderstood. I am sorry Taylor.”
“See Doc.” Ridge stepped in to hug his wife. “Everything’s fine.” Taylor looked over Ridge’s shoulder to Brooke who gave her a look that let her know that she hadn’t meant a word of her apology.

Caspian stood behind his sister. She was silent as she turned toward him. “I know that you are upset with me.”
“ You lied to me. Not only that you knew from the moment that I got involved with Brooke that she was Lark’s twin sister.”
“ Yes.” She didn’t dare to deny.
“ Why? Why would you lie to me?”
“ I wanted you to be happy.”
“Happy. You manipulated me.”
“ No. I didn’t. I just hoped that things would turn out the way that it did between you and Brooke. All I did was set up the meeting. Peak your interest. I had been watching her for a while. I’d seen her in the news. I knew the moment that I did that she was Lark’s sister but it wasn’t until I investigated her that I knew that she’d be perfect.” Isabelle left out her original plan involving Brooke. She never had to resort to it so it was better left unsaid. Caspian would have her head if he knew.
“ So you tried to get rid of the information pertaining to Lark.”
“ I knew one of these days that you’d investigate it. I didn’t want you or anyone else to find out.”
“ Olivia knew.”
“ She was against this from the start.”
“ So, you were conspiring with her.”
“ No!” Isabelle’s eyes jumped. “ She butted in. Went on and on about how I was going to hurt you in the long run.”
“ She was right.” He admitted.
“ No. She wasn’t. She doesn’t know you.”
“ I thought that you did. I thought that you out of all people understood me. That we had each other.”
Bella’s eyes became distant as if she looking at something unseen over each shoulder.
“ We did. I did this for you.”
“ You manipulated me. You kept vital information from me about the woman that I love. How do you think that helps me? The situation is a mess. I could have had full warning.”
“Warning about what? If you’d known you would have stayed away from Brooke and missed out. I helped you.”
“ You lied to me. Don’t you understand that? How is Brooke going to feel about me when I destroy her world? How much do you think that she going to love me after that.”
“ You don’t plan to tell her do you?”
“ Yes.”
“ Why!” Isabelle’s world was spinning. She had done all of this for him and he’s going to ruin it. “ Don’t say anything.”
“ You don’t get it do you? I want honesty between us. I want future without lies. Without all the secrets. Don’t you understand that I can’t live that way.”?
“ You never wanted that before”
“ I do now. I’ve got to tell her everything. But first, I want to know everything. Every lie that you’ve covered up.” His face became a mask of fury. I want to know now.” He stalked toward her like a predator. “And….if you lie to me. God, help you.”

“Who the hell are you?” Stephanie asked on weak knees. She teetered slightly on her right. Eve raced forward to help Stephanie.
“ Mrs. Forrester, let me help you.”
“Huh?” Stephanie blinked “Where is Brooke?”
“ Brooke?” Eve looked around the dark house. “You mean the other Mrs. Forrester.”
“ She isn’t a Forrester.” She snatched her hand from the wet girl. “Who are you?”
Eve was honestly concerned about the welfare of the other woman.“ I’m Eve.”
Stephanie looked bewildered. “ That doesn’t tell me who you are. Nor does it tell me what it is that you want.” She said to the intruder in her home.
“Mrs. Forrester. I’m Rick’s girlfriend. We met remember at the hospital. Remember?”
“ Oh.” Stephanie thought for a moment. “ Well, what do you want? Rick isn’t here.”
“ I know.” Eve wasn’t sure if this was the right time. “ You look really upset. Maybe you want coffee or something.”
“ Of course I’m upset you stupid girl. My husband has decided to run off with that tramp.”
“ Mr. Forrester.”
“Yes. My husband.” Stephanie looked around. “ I build this house and home for him and he doesn’t even want it. He’s too busy with that tramp. That’s all that he can think about her.”
“ I’m not sure who you are talking about.”
“ Brooke. Brooke you nitwit.” Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Don’t you understand that I’ve lost him? I lost him. My husband to her. He’s living with her.” Stephanie’s face contorted with pain. “Nobody understands that I’m only trying to protect my family. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” She grabbed on the labels of Eve’s raincoat. “I only wanted to protect them from her. But nobody would listen to me.” Her body began to shake as she cupped her face with her two hands and cried. Eve wasn’t sure what to do. Stephanie Forrester was a mess. The woman had bribed a doctor to lie about the paternity of her own grandchild. What kind of woman did that kind of thing? At the same time, the woman in front of her was falling apart.

Olivia bit in the garlic bread that accompanied her mixed greens salad with feta cheese and oil and vinegar. “ Mmm. This is so delicious.” She put the rest of the bread on her plate. “ I should even be eating this. Carbs you know.” Wiping her mouth with the red linen napkin.
“ I hope that you aren’t trying that no-carb diet. You need carbohydrates to stay active.” He gave her an apperactive glance. Besides from where I’m standing you look fantastic.”
Olivia premed over the compliment. “ Oh Eric. You did always know how to charm the ladies didn’t you?”
“ Not you if I remember correctly. It was you who had all the guys dying to carry your books to class.” Olivia had been the girlfriend of one of his frat brothers back in college. Even then, he had been bowed over by her beauty, charm and wit. Lincoln had been a very lucky man. Truthfully if she hadn’t been going out with one of his friends, he may have asked her out. By the time she and Lincoln had broken up he had found love with Beth Logan. Yet, he couldn’t help to remember how it was six years later when he had started Forrester Creations and needed capital for his company a chance meeting with Olivia in Florence had changed his life. They had shared lunch and had a long talk in which he discussed his dream of most extraordinary fashion house with quality work. It was later that evening that he had received a call at his hotel to meet Olivia and her mysterious husband. Eric had been very impressed when his private car that had been sent for him pulled up in front of a glorious old villa. He had wondered about the serious amount of armed guards not to mention his own search before he entered. It was only after he had met Olivia’s handsome husband did he understand what kind of man she had married.
“ Oh please. I remember how the girls would line up to try to impress you. The very handsome an talented Eric Forrester.”
“ Really?” Eric sipped on his martini while Olivia poured more wine in her glass.
“ You knew it. They all talked about you. How handsome you were. Not to mention your drive, talent and ambition. We all knew that you were going places. I remember those exquisite portraits that you’d do of people. They were so real and life like.”
“ You flatter me.”
“ No.” She touched his hand lightly. “ I knew it.” Olivia looked down as if she hadn’t known that she was touching his hand and withdrew it like I was hot coal. “Sorry.” She looked uncomfortable.
“ No.” Eric looked at. “Don’t be.”
“ Your wife…”
“ My wife and I are no more.”
Olivia opened her mouth and then closed it before she took a moment to speak. “So, the rumors that are flying around L.A, they are true?” She leaned forward into a whisper. “I normally don’t take stock in such gossip.”
Well, he said losing his tie. “For once the rumors are true. My marriage is over.”
“ Oh. I’m sorry.”
“ Don’t be. I’m not.” This surprised Olivia. “ I’ve spent years being married to a woman who uses her love for her family as a weapon. She’s obsessed with our eldest son Ridge. Obsessed in whom she thinks he ought to be married to. It doesn’t matter what he or the rest of us thinks, only her opinion matters. She’s spent no time developing our marriage. I can’t remember the last time we went on a vacation together. Hell, I can’t remember the last time I touched her.” He said bitterly. “ I’m simply am a pawn to her or her lackey it’s better now that I see what kind of damage she’s capable. This way I can move on and never look back.” Eric paused. “I just wish that I had been able to protect my children.”
Olivia wasn’t sure what to say to him. Her marriage ended over twenty-five years ago but from an assassins bullet, not divorce. Still, she had known the hurt of losing a loved one. “ I remember the kind of man you were all those years ago. A man of kindness. One who was loyal. For you to end your marriage after all these years is no small feat. I am sorry for the pain you’d been through.”
Eric nodded. “Thank you so much. But it’s nothing compared to what my beloved granddaughter is going through. My wife you see, no matter what the papers or her lawyer says is very much guilty of changing my granddaughter’s paternity test.” Eric didn’t know why he felt a need to unburned himself. Maybe it was the alcohol. Or maybe it was her beauty across the table. Or maybe he didn’t feel so pathetic telling her about the mistakes in his life. Whatever the reason, he felt good telling someone that his marriage was over.

Caspian was infuriated. She couldn’t remember him ever being this angry with her before. It hurt. She hadn’t meant to be disloyal to him but to help him have to life he deserved. She poured herself a glass of wine from the bar. “ I never meant to betray you.” She whispered.
His eyes narrowed not believing a word that she had said. His sister could easily manipulate this situation if he allowed her to. “ But you did. You conspired to keep things from me.”
Her blue eyes found his dark ones. “I wanted you to be happy.”
“ I’m not a child for you to play those games with.”
“ I never play those with you.” She snapped. Her nerves were on edge. “I only wanted.”
“You only wanted to be in control of the situation. Isn’t that true. You never liked losing control to anyone.”
Caspian’s angry words hit a nerve with her. Of course she had to be in control. To lose it to allow herself to be total control meant she’d risk being hurt. That time in her life was gone. Ever element was calculation so the outcome was predictable. Surely he knew that. She was the strategic planner. “Lark came to Olivia with the news that she may have a sister. She found some letters from the woman she thought to be her mother.” She said calmly masking her own feelings about his anger and hurt.
“ What letters?”
She looked at him. He closed his eyes. Another lie.
“ Her mother had some letters that she didn’t know about. They had been packed away. She must of found them. She went to Olivia with the news. Excited at the prospect of a sister. But, she died before she found out who or where Brooke was. I didn’t know about them. But Olivia did. She never said a word but one day I saw Brooke in a magazine. I investigated it. Olivia came over with one of her visits and saw the picture of Brooke she put it together. I looked into Brooke’s past and then set it up so you’d see her picture. I knew that you’d have to meet her. Then, I found out the truth behind the connection. It was too late. You were already in love. So, I did what I could. I went to Grayson and got the okay for the break in for your house.”
“ All the evidence any traces of Lark’s history was erased.”
“ You made a oversight.”
“The doctor?” She stated.
“ The nanny. That isn’t like you. You are losing your touch.”
“ It was a rush job.” She said honestly.
“ How did this happen?”
“Beth Logan. She had an affair with Samuel Huntington. She got pregnant. He wanted a child. She had twins. From what I gathered they separated the children.”
A steely demeanor came over Caspian. “ Beth took Brooke and Samuel took Lark.”
“ Yes. Then Lark married you.”
“ And years later I feel in love with her twin sister.” Caspian chuckled bitterly. “ I’m sure it warmed Olivia’s heart to find something for you two to bond over.” Caspian said sarcastically. His mother knew. But he didn’t. After all she started them out playing these types of games. She and their father. “Out of all the people in the world. Why would you confide with Olivia?”
“I didn’t.” Bella said offended. “ She just knew and I was afraid that she’d say something and ruin it.”
“ You, afraid. That I find hard to believe.” He said moving closer to his sister that their noses almost touched. “ You aren’t afraid of anything. Not even me.”
“There are things that even scare me.” Isabelle stated honestly with regret. She moved away from her brother toward the table to pour more wine in her glass. It took such emotional control to not betray the deep hurt she had. “You are all that I have.” She turned toward him. Her blue eyes devote of any of the torrent emotions she felt. “You are my last connection to anything emotional.”
Caspian couldn’t help but to feel conflicted betrayed at the same time a need to rise up and protect his sister who uttered the truth that they both knew.” But instead of turning to me with the truth. You took upon yourself to get rid of those documents without my help. With everything we’ve been through. With everything that we’ve done to protect each other you’ve decided to keep secrets. That is the one thing that I cannot abide from you.”
“ I only wanted to protect you.”
“ I don’t need YOUR protection. I need your honestly.” He turned from her feeling as if they were miles apart instead of only a few feet. “In my life. I’ve trusted only two people. You and Grayson but you were he one that I could have complete honesty with! YOU know that! In the world we lived in where people backstabbed and plotting against us. You know out of all people what happens when you trust the wrong person.” He yelled.
She blinked as if he had slapped her. “ I miscalculated when it came to Benito. If you recall. I killed my husband for you. Not to mention I lost my daughter.”
Caspian felt frustrated.“ Bella. I’m not talking about Benito. God knows that we’ve both committed our share of bloodshed. I’ve also agonized the lost that you’ve had. Both with Benito and your daughter. There is no question about that. If I could turn back in time to spare you the pain that you’ve gone through.” Bella was silent. There was no need to talk about things that neither could change. “But this is about you and I. You didn’t trust me to handle the truth about this matter. You’ve made a difficult matter even worse.” There was disappointment in his voice. “But worse than that you’ve broken the trust between us. A bond that was created throughout the years of pain we’ve shared together and the love that I thought we had for each other.”
His words sank in like blood across the sand. She turned afraid for the first time that she was going to crack. She could deal with just about anything. But not this. “ I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“ But you did.” He said angrily. “ You lied to me Bella. To me. I’ve been there for you through our ups and down. I’ve never passed judgment on you. You should have come to me NOT Olivia.”

 

So. What was the original plan?”
“ Plan?”
“Bella. I know you. You do nothing without having every angle anticipated. Everything is calculated with you.”
“ There was no real plan. I read about Brooke. I know all about your taste. I knew that you’d be compatible.”
“ You expect me to believe that?”
“ I expect you to know that your happiness if more important than my own. I’m lost Caspian. I have been for a very long time. I’m never going to have that happy ending. But you. You had a chance so I took it.”
“ You played God.”
“ God.” Bella cracked a sad smile. “ There is no God Caspian. There is only this life and what you make out of it. Surely you know that.” She paused a minute. “ What are you going to do.”
“ I’m going to tell Brooke the truth.”
“ That would be a mistake. She’d never understand. Finding out that she looks like Lark is one thing but finding out that she’s Lark’s sister is another.”
“ What do YOU suggest that I do? Lie.”
“ Of course.” She admitted. “ Brooke need not to know.”
“ No.”
“ Playing knight in shinning armor isn’t your style.”
“ Is that what you think that I’m doing. Playing games with her?” Caspian looked at his sister. “ Do you really think that I want her knowing that I’m lying and manipulating her.”
“You haven’t minded before.”
Bella’s truth struck him. “ Yes. Well that was before.”
“ Before what?”
“Before I changed. I want something real Bella. Not something manipulated or contrived. I want honesty. I don’t want a life where I have to manipulate others around me because I’m afraid of losing them. I want something tangible, a family. A life. I want peace.” His disillusionment shone in his eyes. “ I thought you were the one person that I could count on. I thought that you would help me find peace Bella not create additional bedlam. For whatever reasons you did this. There is only betrayal. That is what hurts me the most.”
Bella said nothing but there was a crack a small one in her façade.
“ Everything that I’ve ever done. I’ve done for you.” A waver of pain that shone on her face for only a few seconds before she pushed it away. There was nothing to say. But as she walked out of his penthouse and rode down in his private elevator his words sunk. She had disappointed the one person in the world that she could honestly love without regret or fear. Bella pushed the emergency button. The alarms from the elevator went off as Bella legs finally allowed her to slide to the floor. There the façade cracked. Bella allowed the sorrow and the pain to come to the surface as the hot tears streamed down her face.

Ridge came back into the room carrying a warm cup of tea. “Here you go.” He handed it to Brooke.
She sipped the hot tea.“ Thanks. It’s perfect.”
“ I know how you like it. Hot with a little bit of milk and sugar.”
Ridge was quiet for a moment.“ You know. Hitting her was over the top. What are you trying to do?”
Brooke took a sip and put the mug down. “I’m sorry. I misunderstood.”
“ What else happened?”
“ Nothing.”
“ Nothing. The tension between you two is higher than ever. Worse than ever before. Ridge sighed. “I don’t have time to think about you two right now. Bridget is more important than the both of you.”
Brook smile softly for a moment before it disappeared. “ You are sounding like a true father. You are right.” She sat down next to Ridge putting her hand on top of his. “Bridget is the matter at hand. She always has been. She and Rick are the most important thing in my life.” She smiled. “ Do you remember when she was born?”
Memories filtered through his brain. “ How could I forget? Us up there in Big Bear. Me scared out of my life. Then after hours of watching you in labor, there was this little life in my hands. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. I never got to be there for Thomas or the girls when they were born. Not even my son…” A far away look crossed his face.
“ Dylan.” Brooke murmured. Awareness struck her.“ You know what happened.”
“ Yes. I just came from seeing Charlie and your brother.”
“ I’m sorry Ridge.” Brooke said honestly. “ Now I can understand why you need time with Bridget.”
“ He’s my son Logan. I know that he wasn’t conceived like the rest of my children. Thomas, the twins and Bridget were conceived out of love but Dylan wasn’t. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t love him.”
“ I know that you do.”
“ I haven’t spent the time that I should have with him.”
“Ridge, don’t do this. You’ve been busy. There are Bridget’s health issues. You’ve been trying to get back with Taylor and your children.”
“ Not to mention the thing with mother right?”
“Lets not get into that right now. Tell me how are you feeling about Dylan.”
“ Logan. I’m so frustrated. I love my son. I need to see him. I need to be a father to him.”
“ And you will be.”
“How am I going to do that if I don’t know where he is?” Ridge said frustrated. Brooke followed him to the fireplace mantel to where he was. She put both of her hands on his shoulders.
“ Ridge do something about it.”
He turned. “Like what?”
“ I know that Charlie is using all her contacts to find Dylan. She’s very much broken up about this as well.”
“ She didn’t look that broken up playing house with your brother.”
“You two never did like each other. Storm is being supportive but that doesn’t mean that you can’t as well. Don’t you have some connections? Use them, find Morgan. But before you do, go to a lawyer and have visitation established. You are paying child support, aren’t you? So you’ll be able to spend time with your son.”
“ What if she doesn’t come back?”
‘ Ridge, that crazy.”
“ This is Morgan we are talking about she not the model of stability. You do remember that she’s the only who lied to get me to get her pregnant. Not to mention she used that videotape in the hopes of ruining my marriage.” Ridge felt a slight tenseness in Brooke’s body language. “Logan, is everything alright?”
Brooke felt a sense of guilt way on her. Ridge still thought that Morgan was the one who showed the videotape. “ Yes.” She rubbed the back of her ear nervously before she put some space between them. “ I think that you should be very careful and tread lightly when it comes to her. Morgan is a tad off balance.”
“ And she has my son.”
“ But she’s his mother. Like it or not, she does love Dylan. She wouldn’t hurt him. You do know that Ridge, don’t you?”
Ridge looked at Brooke for a moment. “ I guess. It’s just. She left.”
“ Well she was very angry with me and Charlie.”
“ Why? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“ I don’t know. She kept going on about Bridget being yours. Charlie knowing. She not knowing. Some was acting all insane about how I have big plans to reel you in. She was really upset the most about the family trip that her son wasn’t part of. I think that she took Dylan as a message to you. She loves her son. She wouldn’t hurt him. You’ve got to find out where she is and work things out.”
“ She wants a job at Forrester. I can’t work with her after all of this.”
“ I agree. She was paid a very handsome settlement. I won’t change my mind about that. I don’t fold easily to emotional or any other kind of blackmail.”
“ Good for you Logan.” Ridge reached down to touch a small piece of her hair that was out of place. “Thank you. For letting Bridget stay the night.”
“ Well, she loves you. Besides she’s angry with me right now.”
“ Yeah. I know. Are you going to be alright?”
“ Don’t worry. It’s part being a parent to a teenager. Their emotions are volatile. Up one minute, down the next. Loving you one minute hating you the next.”
“ I heard what she said to you. I’m sorry.”
“ She doesn’t mean what she says. I know it. But I’ll admit it hurts.” Brooke wiped away the tears that suddenly developed. “She knows where all the pressure points are.”
“ Like mother like daughter.” Ridge said pulling her into his arms before kissing her on the top of her head.
“ I guess. Payback huh?”
“ I heard what she said about your being jealous of Taylor.”
Brooke pulled away from Ridge. “It was ridiculous.”
“ Is it Logan? Because from where I’m standing it could be the truth.”
“ What?”
“ Logan, just listen. It’s not what you think. But right now Bridget’s mad at you because of Scott. So, it’s easy for her to turn to Taylor right now. For Taylor it’s a chance for her to get close to Bridget in order to develop a relationship with her. She isn’t trying to hurt you.”
“ Ridge. I don’t think that this conversation is going to help.”
‘ She’s my wife Logan. I love her.”
‘ I understand that.’
“ Do you? Do you really understand because you are making things harder for me? Come on Logan. Please. I know that maybe you and Taylor could get along better if you both tried.”
“ Ridge..”
“No.” He interrupted. “I’m just getting my family back. Taylor, the kids, not to mention Bridget. I lost my son for the moment. I want to keep the family that I’ve got. That includes you too Logan. We are family. You and I have an irrevocable bond because of Bridget. How is Bridget supposed to relate to Taylor as a stepmother if you two can’t get along? So, I’m asking you. For me Logan. Will you please try?”
Brooke was seething inside. Ridge clearly saw his wife as a victim. He had no idea of her treachery. No idea how she cheated on him and covered it up. He had no idea that her change of heart was noting more than a front so that her marriage wouldn’t be blow into pieces. He certainly had no idea that she had threatened the custody of their daughter. Brooke wondered if she had down the right thing in saying nothing to Ridge about what Taylor had done. A huge part of her wanted to say something but she had opted not to. Truthfully with everything going on focus had on be on Bridget and Dylan. Ridge didn’t need the added drama. He didn’t deserve any of it. He too was a victim. Deep down she wondered if she would have been able to give Ridge the letter that would destroy his family. It was one thing to destroy Taylor, she’s been itching to do that but it was another to do that to Ridge. So instead of telling her long time friend and lover the truth about his wife she kissed on his lips softly. “ I’ll try.” She lied. ‘ I’ had better go see Bridget.”
On her way out Brooke made sure she went past the corner in which she knew that Taylor was ease dropping on their conversation. She gave the irate woman, who had seen the light kiss a smug look.
“ If I were you I’d make sure my husband was on board of the master plan before I make threats.”
“ Why didn’t you say anything?” Taylor asked her suspicious of Brooke’s motive.
“ I wanted to make you squirm.” Brooke moved on up the stairs. Taylor look relieved and went to go and hug her husband. Brooke watched them on the top overlooking the balcony. Taylor really thought that she let the threat against her child go? She was in for a rude awakening.

Pierce heard a noise down stairs. The alarm system downstairs should have worked but it didn’t and he knew that he had heard something. He paused to take a silver candleholder downstairs when he headed in the dark spacious living room. “ Who is there?” He turned to find Bella standing wet, completely drenched her long hair matted to her forehead. She was disarray, something he’d never seen in Bella. “ Bella. How did you get in here?”
“That rinky dink alarm system can’t really keep anybody out if they wanted to get in.”
“ You picked the lock. Breaking and entering is a crime.”
“ A crime. That minuscule on my list of sins.”
“ Why are you here? Are you here to torment me more.? Because I’m sick of your games.”
“ That’s because I like to be in control. I have a tendency to hurt everyone that I’ve cared about or loved.”
Pierce had never heard Bella speak as if she were emotional. She always liked keeping her emotions hidden deeply. Pierce went to her no interested in his anger with her but wondering what caused her to be clearly upset. “ Bella. What happened?
“ Bella. Clearly it isn’t nothing. What happened?”
She walked to the sofa and took a seat. He followed.“ How come you’ve never asked me about all the sins that I’ve committed Pierce.” She said as if she hadn’t heard his question, which he knew she did. ‘Clearly you know that there are many.”
“ I’m not interested in what you’ve done in the past.”
She turned to look at him.“ Why not. You make no sense.” She touched his check lightly. “ You are hard to predict. Hard to control. That’s why I had to get rid of you. If I allowed myself to feel anything when I’d been so numb for so long it could have serious repercussions.”
“ For who?”
“For myself and for others. Mostly for others.”
Pierce was troubled by the stillness inside of Bella. It was clearly the calm before what could be the storm if the right buttons were pushed. He caressed her face pulling her wet hair away from her face. “Bella. What has happened tonight? Something has upset you.”
“ Caspian is furious with me.”
Pierce was silent. Bella refused to have any emotional connection with anyone except her brother. He was her emotional anchor. Years of training saw that in their relationship. Her stability was grounded with him. Isabelle could take rejection and anger from anyone expect her brother.” Why is he angry with you?”
Bella turned her cool blue eyes on him. “ I did something he thinks was dishonest by keeping a secret. He thinks that I betrayed him.”
“ Did you?” Bella said nothing. Pierce sighed. “Bella I don’t care what it is that you did but I’m concerned about your relationship with your brother. I know what he means to you.”
“ I want him to be happy.”
“ It’s very important to you.”
“ He was all I had when I grew up. We depended solely on each other.”
“ Where was your mother?” Pierce asked hoping to get the answer to so many of the questions he had. Clearly Isabelle had a traumatic experience probably some sort of abuse as a child.
“Olivia was unfit to raise me. Caspian had a lot of responsibilities combined with raising me. When he married his wife, I thought that he’d be able to find happiness but that didn’t last. They had issues, differences that couldn’t be resolved. Then she died. He only lived a half of a life until Brooke came into his world. But then everything change. All I wanted was to give him a chance to live a real life.”
“What about you Bella. Don’t you deserve a chance to have happiness? To have someone to love and care about you?”
“ Someone like you.”
“ Yes, someone like me. You care for me. Don’t you.”
She said nothing. It would only make things harder if she told the truth. “ I didn’t mean to hurt you the other night. I didn’t know that you’d be coming over. With Deacon. It was only sex.”
The mention of the other man she had allowed in her bed cause him more than discomfort. It fueled his fire. “ Only sex. Right”
She didn’t look ashamed. Bella could face the truth when she needed to. “ Deacon and I were using each other.”
“You use sex as a weapon. Which I why you ended things with me. You feel something for me, don’t you Bella. You care for me.”
“ Diagnosing me? Good doctor?”
“ You live for control. It’s the only way that you can function. Without it you feel helpless. Something that you’ll never allow to happen again. That’s why you push me away when you should be pulling me toward you. You are afraid of me. Of us. Aren’t you?”
For the first time she showed real emotion in her eyes. Strong waves of emotion came off from her. “ I’m no good for you. Everyone who has ever loved me has paid a price.” She touched his face. “ You are a good man Pierce. You deserve someone who can love you with all her heart.”
“ I love you Bella.”
“ No. You only think that you do. You don’t know me. Not all of me. You don’t know the things that I’ve done in the past. Things even you with your kind heart wouldn’t be able to stomach.” She stood. “I’ve got to go.”
“ Bella. Please don’t go. Not when we’ve made progress.”
“ You call this progress. Nothing’s changed. I’ve still slept with another man. We still can’t be together.”
He refused to allow her to push at old wounds in order to push him away. “ I call it progress because you started to open up to me about your feelings.” He stood.
“ Don’t try to fix me. You can’t.” She backed away almost if aware of a trance that she had been. “It was a mistake to come here.”
“ But you came here. Bella that says something. You were hurt by your brother so you came to the only other person who you knew that you could share your feelings with. Me. You’ve taken the first step. Take the rest.”
Isabelle looked at the hand that Pierce had stretched out in front of her. She wanted to take it. She wanted so desperately to go to him. But she couldn’t. Not now. Not ever. This had been a mistake. She had almost told him the entire story of her childhood. That would have been a mistake. Giving a man like Pierce power over her. She had allowed her hurt feeling to influence her to make an error. This is what happens when people allowed themselves to be influenced by their emotions.
“ I can’t. I won’t do that to you or me. I care too much about you to bring you into my world. I’m better off with the Deacon Sharpe where sex is just sex with no emotional connection.” She turned her back and walked away. “ Caspian has every right to be angry with me. I kept things from him that I shouldn’t.” She said softly in the shadows.” Stay away from me Pierce. You’d only get hurt, just like everyone one else.” Thunder boomed in the sky. Pierce took his eye off of her for a moment. Just like that she was gone.”

 

 

Bridget heard the knock on her bedroom door. “Did it work Taylor? Was dad able to changer her mind?” She opened her door to find her mother on the other side. “Oh.”
“ So, you want to know if your father changed my mind?” Brooke walked into the bedroom. “Why don’t you ask me?”
‘ Can I stay?”
“Before I answer that question. I think that both you and I need to have small talk.”
“ Mom.”
“ Now Bridget.” Brooke said her in no nonsense voice. Bridget sat down on her queen size bed. Brooke looked around the spacious room with it’s own balcony and private bathroom with double sink vanity, skylight and Jacuzzi bath. “ This is a nice room.” Brooke said looking at the walk-in closets. Brooke noted the flat screen TV with digital cable, DVD, the Ashley sleigh bed and matching dresser and nightstand. Brooke also noticed the drawing table set up in the corner of the room with a variety of colored pencils and charcoal.
“ It’s bigger than the one that I have at home.”
“ Yes, it is.” Brooke said sitting in the oatmeal colored suede lounge in front of the French doors. Brooke thought about Bridget’s beautifully decorated room at her home with all of her drawings, paintings and other watercolors. The canopy bed was draped in cream sheers that matched her window dressing that she and Brooke had picked out together three years ago. Brooke thought about the antique desk that she had picked out for her daughter to study her love of artwork. More ever she thought about the Waterford picture frame that host a picture of both she and Bridget when Bridget was six years old. Brooke loved that picture that graced Bridget’s nightstand at her home. “Although bigger doesn’t always mean better.”
“ I didn’t say that.”
“No.” Brooke said looking at her daughter. “ You didn’t. But I do want to talk with you about what you said earlier about me being jealous of Taylor.” Bridget turned red.
“ Mom…”
“Maybe a small part of you is correct. Maybe I am jealous but not because of what you think. I’m your mother and I won’t pretend that it doesn’t hurt me when you push me away and draw her closer. It does. But that doesn’t you give you the right to play on that fact. Nor does it give you the right to use it to manipulate what you think is going on.” She gave Bridget a pointed look. “The bottom line is although this will become a second home for you, your place is always with me. I’m your mother. I love you very much. I carried for nine months in my body. I will always love and protect you. That means that sometimes you aren’t going to like what it is that I have to say. Or like what I have to do as your mother.”
Bridget looked down at her hands. “ So. What are you saying?”
“ I’m saying that I haven’t changed my mind about Scott. He’s too old for you. I know that you are angry with me but you’ll have to be angry. As for tonight. There was a misunderstanding but I’m not going to get into it with you. But I don’t want you to think that I don’t understand that you want to spend time with your father. You’ve lost time. And I am partly to blame.” Brooke stood to sit next to her daughter. “ The circumstances of your birth weren’t your doing. None of this mess was. But you are paying the price and I’m sorry for that. However I’m not going to let be an excuse for you to manipulate or make be feel badly for any decisions that I for you. I love you. You know that. But doesn’t mean that you are entitled to get everything you want. Life’s about disappointments.”
“ I know that.” Bridget said solemnly.
“ Do you really Bridget? I know that there are things in you life that is unfair. Some are because of my making but you’ve also had a blessed life. One full love. That is what is most important.” Brooke stood. “ Your father and I have agreed to let you spend more time here. You can stay for the next few days then you’ll be back home with me. Tomorrow we will work out a schedule for you so you’ll be able to spend time with both of us.”
Bridget looked at her mother with disbelief. “Really?”
“ Yes. So, you got what you wanted. But there are certain rules you must follow. Number one; No Scott. Number Two: During the weekdays you have an 11 pm curfew and be home. Three: You must continue working at the Art Institute regularly missing no classes. You took that job and I expect you to see it through.
“ I wouldn’t miss those classes. I love those kids.”
“ Good. I want you to have something to enjoy. I want a call every night that you spend here.”
“ Is there anything else?”
“ No. Just take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep. Make sure you miss all of your meals. Take your vitamins and your medication. Don’t over do it. You’ve got to take care of yourself.”
“ I’m only going to be here a few days.”
“ A lot can happen in a few days. So, be careful. Take care of yourself.” Brooke stood up. “Look like you got what you wanted. More time with your father.” Brooke smiled bitterly. “ You also found a way to hurt me. Congratulations Bridget. I only hope that one day you’ll understand why I’ve made all the decisions that I’ve made. I also hope that you’ll understand why I’m cautious about your newfound relationship with your stepmother.” Brooke kissed a confused Bridget before she left.

Eve tucked the covers around Stephanie. The woman was in horrible condition. It had taken all of her strength to “help” her up the stairs to her bedroom. She had helped her into some nightclothes, a pair of silk pajamas, not sure if Mrs. Forresters even knew she was there or not. Mrs. Forrester had rambled on and on about the good of the family. How she was protecting them. She was in no condition to talk about the situation with Trudie or the issue of Bridget’s paternity. Eve looked down at the drunken woman who was now sleeping amid the expensive covers. How could this woman who looked so lost and alone be the mastermind behind changing her own granddaughter’s paternity test? It seemed almost impossible but true. Eve was a testament herself that what seemed like a reality and what was reality were two different things. Still deep down Eve didn’t have the heart to leave the woman all alone in her state. Eve knew what it was like to be alone at her darkness point and if Mr. Forrester had left her and her children had abandoned her then the woman was alone. Eve couldn’t leave her. So she found a towel to press to her own damp hair and took the loveseat and Mrs. Forrester’s sitting room. She’s be there if the woman woke and needed her.

Loneliness could be a terrible thing when all you had was estranged to you, Caspian thought, as he stood alone. Things had not gone well with his sister. There was anger. Rightfully so. She had lied to him. It had honestly surprised him because he had never known her to do so. Their argument or his rallying on her didn’t make him feel any better. Not that he thought it would. Bella had been Bella yet there had been a moment of real pain. He had hurt her on a level. He hadn’t meant to. Yet what was said needed to be said. She and Olivia, out of all people, had shared this secret. Worse yet, Bella had done everything in her power to make it impossible for him to uncover the truth.


Brooke found Ridge and Taylor in the living room in a heated kiss. She coughed lightly to get their attention. They broke apart. “ I’ve talked to Bridget. She’s very happy to spend night. Thank you for giving her such a beautiful room.”
Taylor stood in front of Ridge with his hands around her waist. “It was one of our best. Tomorrow I plan to take her to McCartney’s to find furnishings that she’d like.”
“ That sounds but don’t you have a doctors appointment tomorrow with the twins and Thomas. From what I’ve read and seen with Rick, it a be tiresome with having three children tested by giving blood and the various other test. They might be a little tired to go shopping.”
“Maybe. Brooke’s right honey.” Ridge said kissing her on the top of her head. “It might be too much especially with Mary Ellen, the wedding coordinator, coming early tomorrow morning.”
Taylor flashed Ridge a phony smile. “ Maybe you are right maybe it will wait until Sunday. We can all have breakfast at my favorite restaurant. Bridget might want to bring a friend.”
Brooke had no intention of standing around and watching Taylor play happy family with her daughter. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ridge followed her to the door and hugged her quickly. “Thanks Logan. I really appreciate it.”
“ You deserve time with Bridget.” Brooke turned and left. A few moments later Bridget came running down the stairs.
“ Did mom leave.”
“She just left.”
“No. I’ve got to say goodbye.” Bridget opened the front door and ran out just in time to see her mother get into her car.
“ Mom!” Bridget ran out to her mother. “Mom, wait.”
Brooke turned naturally as any mother would hearing their child sounding upset. “Bridget, honey. What is it?”
“ I …” Bridget looked slightly embarrassed. “ I just wanted to say. That I love you.”
Brooke’s wounded heart healed a bit. ‘ I’m also sorry for hurting you. I know at times I can be pretty spoiled. I know that I’ll be spending time here with Dad, Taylor and their kids but no matter what. Home is always with you.” Tears filled Brooke’s eyes as she pulled her daughter into a hug.

Taylor let go of the curtain that allowed her to see Brooke and Bridget hugging. “You may have won this little battle this time Brooke. But you better enjoy the time that you have with your daughter. Because once I’m done with you, she’ll be mine.”

Olivia laughed at Eric’s stories as they shared a slice of country fresh cheesecake.
“ Oh. My Eric. I can’t believe the stories.’ She wiped her mouth. ‘ It seems that you have a lovely family. Such wonderful children.”
“ They are wonderful.” He said. “ I couldn’t have asked for more. What about your children?” Eric thought for a moment as if it hit him who her children were. “What’s right I’ve met you son Caspian. But I don’t think that I’ve met your daughter.”
“Bella, her name is Isabelle, is more of a reclusive individual. She’s very independent and strong willed like her father. She’s beautiful and very cunning.” She sipped her hot after dinner coffee.
“You too aren’t close, I take it.”
“No. I wish that I could say that my relationship with my children is close as yours but it isn’t. It isn’t their fault. I made some mistakes as a parent with them.”
Eric clearly saw how uncomfortable she was. “Sorry. The last thing that I want to do is upset you after you’d been nothing but kind to me tonight.”
“ Eric. Please. You aren’t opening up any old wounds or anything. I’m fully aware of my strained relationship with my children. You didn’t know anything about it. Besides.” She whispered softly. “ It’s of my own doing.” Olivia saw the question in his eye. “ I made a horrible mistake of not putting my children first when I should have.”
“ That seems so hard to believe. I do distinctly remember how loving you were with your son the time I came see you. Caspian may have been no more than a year old. I honestly couldn’t take my eyes off you. There you were with two nannies however you were the one taking care of him and a scrape that he had gotten on his knee.”
Olivia smiled warmly at Eric’s memory. “ I had forgotten that.”
“ I haven’t. You were in your element. Although you were in this very formal elegant home you had no problem getting on the floor with your son and playing with him. Stephanie….she was never like that with any of the children. Except him. With Ridge she had the time.”
“ If only I could go back in time when both Caspian and Bella were children. I would have done things differently.” Melancholy touched Olivia. It was the truth. She had made one dreadful mistake after the other. “You see. I didn’t put my children first when Sonny died. I put my own needs in front of my children. It was a mistake that I’m paying for until this day because my children want to do very little with me.”
Eric said nothing. There was little to say. Whatever mistake Olivia had made surely ate at her. The regret, sorrow and pain were there mirrored in her eyes. Eric did all he could do. He covered Olivia’s hand with is own.

Connor closed the file that he had been reading and wrote down a few notes for the up coming arbitration when he checked the time. It was getting late and he hadn’t heard from Trey. He hoped that whatever news he was to get from his friend and private investigator on Caspian DeAngelo would be something that he could use to help figure out what was up with the man Brooke was seeing.
Pierce had finally given up the search. He had one to all the places that he thought that he might find Bella. Her house, the office, even the art gallery. But she was nowhere to be found. It disappointed him that she had run away but he hadn’t been that surprised. Bella’s break or argument from Caspian had allowed her to open herself up for only a moment about her feelings. Honestly this argument she had with her brother may have been a blessing. If Pierce could get her to tap into her feelings. Admit her fears and finally divulge the truth about her history then maybe she’d be able to open herself up to real love. One thing was for certain. She loved him. She had all but to admit it. Tonight had been a turning point. The other night he had written her off. He had been devastated to see her with another man. A younger man. It had struck him hard, hurt his ego but tonight had caused a paradigm shift. He had seen a slight mirror into her soul. He wasn’t about to let her go.

Brooke had arrived at her home after leaving Taylor and Ridge’s mansion. She changed into a pair of comfortable sweat pants and a t-shirt before making herself a bowl of cereal for dinner when she realized that she was the only one home. She called Eric’s cell phone and left a message concerned how things went with Stephanie. Deciding to ease her restless mind she did three laps in the pool before she settled down in the living room reading Forrester International reports. Within an hour she was fast asleep. It wasn’t until Storm who had come in hours later tried to cover her up that she woke. Brooke blinked. “What time is it?”
“ It’s late. After 12.”
“ Are mom and dad home?” She said sitting up.
“ Yeah. Their car is outside.”
“ What about Eric?”
“ I guess so.”
Storm took the files off her lap. “Why don’t you go upstairs. You can’t get anymore work done. Besides you looked peacefully finally getting some sleep.”
Brooke nodded sleepily taking the blanket off herself when Rick came out of the kitchen with Little Eric. “Is he alright?”
“ An ear ache.” Her son answered. “ I gave him some medicine for it. Along with a Popsicle. I’m going to stay in my old room just in case if he needs me.
Brooke touched Eric’s head with the palm of her hand. “ He has a slight temperature.”
“ I know. Rich rubbed his son’s forehead with his chin. I know what to do mom. So don’t worry.”
“ I know that you do. You’ve become a good father.” She gave him a concerned look. “Are you okay?”
Rick knew that his mother was talking about Eve. “Right now I’m focusing on my son. He’s my main concern.” Rick gave his mother a kiss goodnight, said goodnight to his uncle before going upstairs with his son.
“ What’s that about?” He turned to his sister who stretched out the crook in her neck.
“ He asked Eve to marry him.”
“ Really?” Storm was concerned. “ They haven’t been dating very long.”
Brooke folded the blanket and put it in the chest next to the sofa. “ I know. She wisely said no. Thank god.”
“ Smart girl.”
“ Don’t get me wrong. I like Eve very much but she’s young and so is Rick. They’ve only dated for a small amount of time. I just want them to take their time before making such a heavy life long commitment.”
“Seems like good advice for ALL of us to take. Not jumping into marriage is very good advice.”
Not willing to allow the comment to side, Brooke slid her brother an amused look “ Is that a pointed comment to me.”
“ You have been known to take that trip down the aisle without thinking about it clearly. How many weddings have it been?”
“ I’m not sure if I’m offended by your comment or not.”
“ I don’t mean to. I just want you to think about your relationship with Caspian. Take things slowly. I think that you’ve rushed into too many marriages. The first with Eric because of Rick. The second with Ridge because you were afraid to take your time. You were chasing a dream. The third with Ridge because Taylor was pregnant. Not to mention all the engagements. Mostly your last one with Thorne. ” Storm put his hands on her shoulders. “ You are my sister. I want you to find happiness. A good husband who is committed to you. Loves you. And put you in before everything. I don’t want you to have another failed marriage because he couldn’t commit to you fully or because you are still hung up with someone else. Namely Ridge.”
“ Ridge isn’t an issue.”
“ Ridge on some level is always an issue.” Storm frowned. “ I don’t know what it is about that guy. He likes to think that all women want him. He’s arrogant, spoiled and an asshole.”
“ Storm, he’s Bridget’s father.”
“Don’t remind me. Some father he’s been to any of his children.”
“ You don’t like him. You’ve never liked him.” Brooke pointed out.
“ I was there when he had his hands all over Charlie. You should have seen him. He was all over her hair fawning over her. He’s married but he doesn’t care. He just has to put his hands on a woman.”
“ That’s typical Ridge. He doesn’t mean anything. He always flirts.”
“ Yes, but with the mother of his child’s sister? Then he blows up at her.”
“ Is Charlie okay?” Brooke asked concerned.
“ Yes. He beat up on her pretty bad. She doesn’t deserve what she got from him. She loves Dylan as if he were his own.” Storm’s fist clinched. “ I wanted to beat the shit out of him. If it weren’t for her. I would have.”
“ I’m glad that you didn’t. We are trying to come together as a family. Bridget would be very upset if her favorite uncle were to beat up her father.”
“I guess not but I still would have liked to have hit him once.”
Brooke laughed. “ I bet you would have. I’m glad that Charlie had you to be there for her tonight. It’s always romantic when a man can play knight and shinning armor.”
“ Really. I’ll have to remember that.”
Brooke stood. “ I’m going to pack it in.” She took the stairs.” Storm…”
He looked up at her. “Yeah.”
“ I’m glad that you’re here.”
“ I’m too sis.”


Brooke her best to go back to sleep but she couldn’t. After another hour of finishing e-mails, responding to three, one from a doctor giving her information about bone marrow, another from Melinda an old high school friend, and one from Forrester International Vice President. That she hadn’t checked for the day she still couldn’t seem to rest. Lightning struck as the storm upside had started again. Slipping out of bed and shutting down her laptop she picked out a black raincoat and slipped it on with a pair of black heels. She got her car keys went down the hall to check on Little Eric who was now resting peacefully. In the kitchen she scribed a note and left it on the counter. Got an umbrella from the hall closet and headed outside in the rain.

Trey walked into the airport garage where his metallic black Jag was parked when he heard his name being called. He turned to see the very cute flight attendant who had been on his delayed flight coming toward him. Long chocolate legs encased in a blue skirt that matched her uniform not to mention her beautiful face and cute short black hair cut into a flip. But what had really made her stand out was her intellect and wit. She had surprised him with her vast knowledge. Trey had gotten her number hoping to take her out to dinner. “Trey.” She walked fast toward him. “ I forgot something.”
He smiled. “What did you forget.” It was too bad that he had work tonight or he’d take her one of his favorite spots.
She caught up with this and dug in her purse. “ I forgot this.” She pulled out a gun with a silencer took aim and got off two shots before Trey could reach for his firearm under his jacket. Trey fell back against the car.

 

The security guard at Springfield towers didn’t say a word when Brooke Logan walked through the foyer to the building using the special key to the penthouse elevator. She rode the elevator in silence before the doors opened to Caspian’s personal floor. However she had to smile when the double doors to the penthouse opened to a very sinfully looking Caspian wearing nothing but his black pajama bottoms.
“ Waiting for someone.” Brooke asked with a smile as she toyed with the strings to his pajama bottoms.
“ I got word that you were coming up from the doorman. So I wanted to be ready.” He said before pulling her in the penthouse and shutting the door behind her.
“Be ready for what?”
“ For you.” He untied the black trench coat. That slipped off her shoulders. He took her in. Nothing but black high heels and her perfect smile. Her body was stunning. God, she was magnificent. He didn’t say a word as he lifted her up in his arms and took her upstairs to his bed.

Taylor closed the door to her bedroom. “ Is everything okay?” Ridge asked lounging naked in bed.
“ Yes. Just a little nightmare. I read him a story and went back to sleep. Then I checked on the girls and Bridget.”
Ridge opened his arms to his wife who loosed her robe to expose her naked body to him before she slipped into bed next to him. Ridge kissed her softly. “ You are a wonderful mother.”
“ Thank you.”
“ Honey. I know that you were upset earlier about Brooke. But you’ve got to understand that we’ve got to work things out with her. She’s Bridget’s mother honey and part of this family.”
“ Ridge. Please. The last thing that I want to do tonight is talk about Brooke.”
Ridge sighed. “Alright honey. With everything that happened today, it’s too soon. But I want you to know that I meant what I said.”
“ About what?”
“ About this being our house. Your home. Brooke is a guest. What she did tonight, hitting you. That was wrong. I promise that I won’t allow anything like that to happen again. You and my children are my first priory. I want you to know that.”
“ I know it honey.”
“ Good.” Ridge kissed Taylor on the lips. He relaxed as her body slid next to him to make contact. Taylor began to kiss his chest and work her way down. “I love you. I want us to be a family. You, me, Bridget and the children. Our children. We are making a new life together.” She said in between kisses. “ I want Bridget to have what our children to have, the best of a mother and a father.”
“ I know. Her life has been nothing but chaos.” Ridge said. “ Ohhh. Doc…” She worked her way down his body and found a spot with her tongue. “But Brooke has tried her best. She’s been a good mother.” Taylor’s hand reached around Ridge’s p*nis as her head lowered to lip the tip.
“ That may not be good enough. She needs something more. She needs us.”
Ridge’s breathing was labored. “ She has us and Logan.” Taylor’s mouth found his pen*s. “Doc…lets talk about this later.” Taylor took him deep within her mouth. Yes, she planned to talk about this later. Sooner or later, she’d get what she’d want.

Storm waited until the condo door opened before he held up the bag. Charlie looked at him with mild annoyment. “ Do you know what time it is?”
“ Yes. But I had a feeling that you couldn’t sleep. Besides I have the perfect solution for restlessness.”
“What is it?”
“Double chocolate fudge ice cream.”
She ought to send him home but she didn’t want to. Ridge’s condemnation of her earlier that night had hurt her badly. He had blamed her for Morgan taking Dylan and had been furious at her for not notifying him earlier. But seeing him standing there looking handsome as ever with ice cream got to her. Charlie stepped aside wearing a pale pink and black silk nightgown with a matching robe to all him entrance.

M. closed the door to black SUV that held Trey’s body. She pulled out her cell phone to make a call. “ This is M. the target is taken care of.”

Two bodies moved together in slow motion. Hands connected. Full taunt nipples contacted a sweaty chest. His hands found her hips as she moved on top of him. Her inner muscles tightened around him. She was so wet, so hot and wild for him. His groans could be heard throughout the bedroom’s French doors. She moved against him. He was hard inside of her. Her breathing was labored as their bodies came together. They moved together, bodies intertwined in romantic fashion. Sweaty bodies mated until she climaxed then he followed. Her body fell over top of his. She tried to catch her breath. A child like giggle escaped her. “ My god. Eric Forrester. That was fantastic.”
Eric looked up into the face of graceless beauty. “ No. Olivia.” He fingered a strand of her auburn hair. “That is what I’ve been wanting to do for years.” Eric ran his fingers up her taunt legs. “This night was incredible.” He pulled her lips down into a heated kiss.
“ You are incredible woman.”
Olivia ran her hands through Eric’s gray hair. “ Am I incredible enough for you to stay the entire night?” She asked.
Eric sat up. “ You want me to stay?”
Olivia looked slightly embarrassed. “ It’s been a long time since I had someone in my bed.” She pulled away getting out of the bed. “ I’m sorry if I…”
“ No.” Eric followed her. “ You didn’t understand. I’m honored that you’d want me to stay.” He cupped her face in his hands. “ I want to spend the night if you’d have me. I just can’t believe that you don’t have men swarming all over you. You are a very beautiful, delightful, sensual woman.”
“ It’s been a very long time since I wanted a man in my bed. Those years of my life. Looking for lovers have been long gone. You, my friend, are a delightful, wonderful surprise. I’d be a fool to turn you away.

Brooke laid her head against Caspian’s chest as she told him about the night’s activities.
“ Are you going to be okay?”
“ Are you talking about Bridget.” She said looking up into Caspian’s arms. “ Yes.” She fingered one of his nipples before she kissed it. “ Not that I feel comfortable with her spending so much time with Taylor. Unlike Ridge whose love is genuine, Taylor is playing a game with my child.”
“ In order to get back at you.”
“ I think so. She’s transparent. But right now I need her. Tomorrow the children are being tested then I can deal with Taylor. But I don’t plan to do anything right now.”
She sat up pulling the sheet over her naked body. “Besides. I don’t want to hurt Bridget. She’s had enough of that.”
Caspian sat up. “ You are a wonderful mother. You do know that.” He laced hands with her’s before he kissed it.
“ So, why don’t you tell me why you were up so late when I arrived.”
“I was thinking about Bella. She and I argued tonight.”
“ About Lark’s sister.”
“ Yes.”
“ What did she say?” Brooke asked as Caspian left the bed. Caspian poured her a glass of juice and handed it to her. She scooted to the side of the bed taking her juice with her.
“ She says that she did this for me. For my protection.” He said drinking his own glass.
“ Protection from what?”
“From being pulled back into my obsession with Lark.” He half admitted the truth. “But for me it wasn’t just about this. It was conspiring with Olivia.”
“ Your mother.”
“ My so called Mother. She knew about this. Obliviously she used this as a ploy to get closer to Bella.”
“ Maybe your mother was honestly concerned.”
“ You don’t know my mother.”
“ But I do know the bond that you have with your sister.” Brooke put her empty glass down. “ You love her. Yes, she was dishonest and kept things from you. But that doesn’t change how you feel about her. It doesn’t change the past that you two have.” She turned his head toward her. “ Don’t let this one thing ruin your relationship with her. Talk to her. Keep the lines of communication open.”
She leaned to give him a kiss before she pulled him back into bed. “Stewing about this tonight isn’t going to help. But I have to say that I’m very pleased that you are sharing your feelings with me.” She brought her body close to his. “ It makes me feel close to you.”
Brooke’s words made a lot of sense. Caspian felt somewhat lost. He loved his sister. But at the time he honestly wondered if he could trust her totally when it came to this situation. Bella had not told him what her original plan had been introducing her to Brooke. Could it have only been wanting them to meet or something more? The bottom line was that now all the evidence linking Brooke to Lark was mostly destroyed. Brooke, when faced with the truth, would want answers. Answers that it seemed that his family had chosen to destroy. Truths, it could destroy them all. Truths that by tomorrow Brooke would know all about.

 

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