User talk:TeamTaycobsessiveObnoxiousMoronicBlackNike'sGirl/@comment-5605779-20120909173946

“You’re sure you want to do this, Juliet?” Stefan asked me. “We don’t have to renew our vows if you don’t want to.” We were at his—more accurately, our—house and in our bedroom.

           “Yes, I’m sure,” I answered, taking his face in my hands. “I love you, and we’re together, and that is all that matters.” My husband pressed his lips to mine in a tender kiss, and he began to plant kisses on my neck. I moaned in pleasure and his mouth claimed mine once more and we were lost.



           I awakened to Stefan’s warm touch, his arm draped lovingly yet protectively over me. I rolled over to face him and I stroked his hair. “Stefan, wake up,” I said quietly. I saw his mouth curve up slightly in a smile, and I gently kissed him. “Wake up. Today’s the day.” He opened his eyes and smiled lovingly at me.

           “Yes, it is,” Stefan agreed. “I know you’ll be beautiful. You always are, Juliet.” I climbed atop of him and he combed his hand through my hair. I cupped his face in my hands and granted him a passionate kiss.

           “I love you,” I murmured.

           “I love you too,” my husband responded. We made love once again, and after it was over, we quickly donned our clothes. “I’ll see you at the altar,” he said, and our lips met once again. After several long moments, we broke apart and went our separate ways. I headed to the chapel, and there, the assistants helped me prepare for the ceremony before we headed to the Falls via carriage, where my husband awaited me. I felt a slight pang of guilt for disallowing my father to escort me down the aisle, but I disregarded it. He had shattered all of my faith in him by giving the Alchemists my daughter, and I could never—would never—trust him again. Once we arrived, I stepped out of the carriage, clutching my bouquet of roses. I Was Glad began to play as I made my way down the aisle, beaming. Stefan was clearly stunned by exquisiteness, and I smiled at him. I could not put into words how grateful I was to have him in my life. He was the one I could count on the most. I knew he would always be there for me when I needed him, and that he would always love and protect me. Once I made it to the altar, I gave it to my cousin Samantha before joining hands with Stefan.

           “You’re beautiful,” Stefan whispered to me, and I smiled.

           The minister began to speak. “Friends and loved ones, we are gathered here today to witness the renewal of a commitment. A commitment between Stefan and Juliet to love one another, unconditionally and endlessly. Stefan and Juliet, there are many things I could say to the two of you today. But, instead, I choose to listen to the words you have for each other...Juliet.”

           “Stefan Winchester, we have been through so much together,” I began, feeling tears burning in my eye and falling down my cheeks, “and through it all, throughout my mistakes and regrets, you have always been there for me, protecting me and loving me unconditionally. You are more than love to me; you are everything. I love you, Stefan. I always have, and I always will.”

           It was Stefan’s turn to speak. “Juliet, my darling, on our wedding day, I promised you many things, including my faithfulness. It is with deep sorrow and regret that I broke that promise, and I realize now that I took you for granted, and for that I am sorry. You complete me, Juliet. I cannot imagine spending the rest of my life without you. I have fallen in love many times…always with you. I love you, Juliet Hathaway. You are, and always will be, my dream.”

           “Do you, Stefan Winchester, continue to take Juliet Hathaway as your beloved wife? Do you promise to continue to love her, honor her, comfort her, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?” the minister asked.

           “I do,” answered Stefan, gazing deeply and lovingly into my eyes.

           “And do you, Juliet Hathaway, continue to take Stefan Winchester as your beloved husband? Do you promise to continue to love him, honor him, comfort him, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”

           “I do,” I said.

           “Stefan and Juliet, you both have wedding rings as outward symbols of your commitment to each other. The unbroken and never-ending circle of your rings symbolizes your never-ending love for each other.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">Stefan, hold Juliet’s hand, touch her ring, symbolically giving it to her again, and say to her these words:

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">‘From this day forward, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my love for you.’”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           Holding my hand, Stefan touched my wedding ring. “From this day forward, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my love for you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Juliet, hold Stefan’s hand, touch his ring, symbolically giving it to him again, and say to him these words: ‘From this day forward, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my love for you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I held my husband’s hand and touched his wedding ring. “From this day forward, I recommit myself to you, and this ring is a symbol of my love for you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Stefan and Juliet, having witnessed your renewed vows, by the authority vested in me by the laws of the state of Virginia, I hereby affirm your commitment to continue as husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           Stefan’s lips met mine in a passionate kiss and I threw my arms around my husband. The congregation burst into applause as we kissed, and it felt like there were only two people in the world: I and my husband. We were lost in our love and passion for one another, and after several long moments, we ended our kiss before walking back down the aisle, hand-in-hand. The reception took place in the town’s local ballroom, the same place where our reception took place on our wedding day. We made our entrance to the sound of applause as the music began to play. I linked my arms around his neck, his hands on my waist, as we circled around the room.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “We did it,” I said. “Against the odds, we’ve made it.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Yes, we have,” he agreed, and paused briefly. “I love you, you know that?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I love you too,” I said softly, and felt the tender pressure of his lips on mine. Everyone applauded, and we broke our kiss, gazing into each other’s eyes. I loved him so much that it hurt. The next few hours went by quickly as we danced with our friends and family. After some time, I found myself dancing with Dimitri.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Dzhul’etta,” he began, but I cut him off.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Dimitri, I don’t want to do this right now,” I told him.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m not here to ruin anything,” Dimitri went on. There was clear emotion in his eyes and voice. “I am here to say goodbye.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I was shocked. “Goodbye? What do you mean ‘goodbye?’’ My voice broke. As much as I loved Stefan, I still deeply cared about Dimitri.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I can’t be in your life anymore, Juliet,” he explained. “I’m still in love with you, and I don’t want my love for you to destroy your marriage like it almost did several months ago.” We both knew he was referring to our brief love affair that had occurred while my husband was under the Originals’ compulsion.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Dimitri, you don’t have to leave town because of this,” I countered. “I care about you, I really do.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You know that isn’t enough for me,” he said, and sighed sadly. “You know I don’t want to leave, Dzhul’etta, but I have to. I love you.” I knew he wanted to kiss me goodbye. He ended our dance and walked out of the ballroom, leaving me with nobody to dance with. Fortunately, it was time for the dinner and speeches.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           My father went up to the podium and began to speak. I couldn’t help but feel a stab of resentment towards him for even bothering to attend the vow renewal. “It is said that love is the most powerful force in the universe, and at first, I didn’t believe it until Stefan and Juliet’s wedding day and I still see it even today. I still see their love for one another and how true, unconditional and everlasting it is. To the bride and groom!” Everyone raised their glass in honor of me and my husband and took a swig. I was surprised to see Stefan make his way up to the stage and he began, “My wife and I, we’ve been through a lot the past couple of years. We’ve both made mistakes that we regret, but through it all, the only thing that kept us together was love. I love Juliet more than anything else in the world, and I feel complete knowing she feels the same way about me. Thus, I’d like to propose a toast to my wife. Thank you, Juliet, for everything. I love you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I smiled at him as he made his way back to his seat. I tenderly kissed him after he sat down, holding his face in my hands. Several of our guests gave their speeches before it was time for the last dance. Stefan led me back out to the dance floor, pulling me into his arms as the music played. “I can’t wait until we’re alone together,” I murmured, gazing into his eyes.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “We will,” he responded just as quietly. “I remember the first time we made love; it was one of the best nights of my life.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Yes, it was,” I said. “You were my first, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “As I love you,” my husband told me, and our lips united. The kiss was gentle, but it slowly grew passionate and deep. Stefan planted a kiss on my neck, and I barely stifled a moan. I didn’t want everyone to think we were about to make love on the dance floor. He lifted his head up and kissed me again, this time hard, cupping my face in his hands. We kissed for what could have been forever when we heard the music stop. I was breathless from our moment of intense passion and said, “Looks like that’s our cue.” Hand-in-hand, we made our way out of the ballroom to the sound of applause. We made our way to the wedding limo, and I blew a few kisses to the crowd. The driver revved up the limo and took us back home. When we arrived, we went into the house and changed our attire. I knew we were travelling out of town for our honeymoon simply by our need to change clothes. I donned a simple black dress and stiletto heels, while my husband donned a buttoned shirt, jeans and shoes. After I was done changing, I stepped out from behind the changing curtain and asked, “How do I look?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           Stefan turned to face me and smiled. “You’re beautiful,” he said softly. He drew closer to me and lightly kissed me, his lips brushing mine. “How about that honeymoon?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I wrapped my arms around him and met his loving gaze. “That sounds great to me.” He pressed his lips to mine in a tender kiss and we disengaged before heading to the airport.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “So, where are we going for our second honeymoon?” I asked him.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “The Seychelles,” my husband replied, and I smiled at him. We were revisiting our original honeymoon destination. “I always felt we never had a proper honeymoon.” We both knew he was referring to my abduction by the Alchemists during our honeymoon after we were married. My kidnapping, and the events following my return, had almost destroyed our marriage. It had been a very dark and difficult time for both of us. After going through the security checks, we boarded our flight. We killed the time reminiscing about our vow renewal and our wedding day. Once our flight landed, we were able to catch a taxi that took us to our honeymoon suite. We checked in to the hotel and entered our room. I was surprised to see that it was the same room in which we had first consummated our marriage. I turned to face my husband and said, “This is the same room where we spent our wedding night.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I wanted to recreate our honeymoon as much as I could, Juliet,” he told me, drawing closer to me. He stroked my face with his thumb, holding it gently in his hands. I felt his lips on mine, and we quickly got lost in our kiss. Stefan pulled back briefly to take off his shirt before kissing me again, lifting me up into his arms and gently placing me on the bed. We let our desire take over as we clung to one another, kissing passionately and stripping each other of our clothes. Our naked bodies finally came together as one and we began to make love. Stefan moved above me, kissing me and whispering words of love. I let the glide of my hands along his chest, arms and torso move with the rhythm of our breathing. We broke a kiss, and he gazed lovingly into my eyes.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I love you, Juliet Hathaway,” he said softly.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I love you, Stefan Winchester,” I responded just as quietly, and he pressed his lips to mine once more.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           We stole another day together, making love and letting our passion ignite as it had many times before. My husband’s every touch, kiss and caress sent heat and electricity running through my body. Although we had made love to each other before, we had never done so with so much passion and intensity. After it was over, we rested in each other’s arms, our bodies entwined underneath the sheets. I was exhausted from making love for such an extended period of time, but I didn’t care. Stefan and I had so much to cope with, and for once, we were able to wind down and be alone together for a few days. I didn’t want to face my father, not after his betrayal, but I knew I would have to do so when the time came. I desperately wanted to find Rose, my daughter, and bring her back home, but the chances were slim. Stefan and I both knew that. Our chances of getting our daughter back were one in a million. She was either dead or one of the Alchemists now. I prayed that she was alive; it was better that she be one of them than be dead. Stop thinking about it, I chided myself. ''You’re on your honeymoon with your husband; you’re supposed to enjoy it, not worry about the shit going on in your life. ''My train of thought was derailed when I felt Stefan stroking my back.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Juliet,” he murmured. Our eyes met, and the look in my husband’s eyes said it all. I took his face in my hands and passionately kissed him. I loved him so much that it literally hurt. Living without him would shatter my heart, and I didn’t know what I’d do without him. We stared at each other for the longest time before making love again. After we made love, we got dressed and went out to the beach. We spent most of the day there, kissing passionately and reveling in our love, before going out for a romantic dinner at one of the most critically acclaimed restaurants. Once we arrived back in our hotel room, we made love until we were both spent and satisfied. I was so exultant that I thought my heart would burst out of my chest. Stefan and I had managed to make it through one of the most difficult times in our relationship, and we had renewed our wedding vows. I chuckled softly, and Stefan smiled lovingly at me. “You seem happy,” he said.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “How could I not be?” I said, stroking his face. “I love you so much, and I am so glad to have you in my life.” I pressed my lips to his and climbed atop of him. My husband combed his hand through my hair and whispered, “You are so beautiful it hurts sometimes.” I smiled at him, wishing so badly we could stay here in the Seychelles and forget about the issues in our life. Our eyes locked, and for the longest time, there was a deep and powerful silence between us. I wanted him to make love to me again, and I was about to kiss him when my cell phone rang on the bedside table.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Who the hell would be calling me right now?” I asked. I reached over and answered it. “This had better be important.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Juliet, it’s your father,” my caller said. “I think I know where Rose is.” I was shocked speechless. It took me a few moments to shake myself out of it.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Where is she?” I demanded.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “She’s in the Seychelles,” answered my father. “On the news, it says that she blew up an entire building. By the look of it, it may have been the Alchemists’ headquarters.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Why would she blow up their headquarters if she was one of them?” I mused.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “She must have gone rogue,” Stefan said.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Look, Father, I have to go now,” I said. “I’ll talk to you soon.” I killed the connection and we quickly donned our clothes. We were just about heading out the door when I opened the door to a woman holding a gun to my face. She had a slim, but physically fit, figure. Her eyes were dark brown, and her hair was a brown so dark that it almost looked black. She had a complexion of the inside of an almond, and appeared to be about my age, 19 years-old.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Juliet Hathaway,” she said coldly. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, the moment when I would kill you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Who the hell are you?” I demanded. Deep down, I knew the answer. Stefan stepped protectively in front of me, shielding me from her.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m Rose. Rose Hathaway,” she answered.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Rose, we’re your parents!” I said. “Don’t do this.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I honestly could not give a fuck if we’re related, Juliet,” Rose spat. “And Stefan, don’t even think about taking a bullet for your wife. This gun is loaded with wooden bullets.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Don’t you dare touch her,” Stefan growled. “If you do, I swear to God I’ll—”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You’ll what?” our daughter taunted. “Kill me?” She chuckled darkly, advancing towards us. Stefan and I took a few steps back as she stepped into the room, closing the door behind us. “If anyone is going to die here, it’s going to be you.” She pulled the trigger, and the bullet missed my husband by inches. “That was just a warning, Stefan. Step aside, and step aside now before I shoot you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “No way in hell,” he said firmly, and she pulled the trigger again, and he let out a shriek of agony, collapsing to the floor. Blood oozed out of his shoulder, and I rushed over to him.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “That was just to incapacitate him,” snarled Rose. “I’ll kill you in front of him.” She was about to pull the trigger again when I lunged for her. I knocked her to the ground and the gun slid out of her hand. She grabbed me by the hair and head-butted me hard. I cried out in pain, but I fought through it and scrambled for her weapon. My attempt was in vain, as Rose grabbed me by the hair and made me lay on my back so I was facing her. She drew a knife and held it to my throat. I struggled against her, but she was much stronger than I was. “I’ll kill you in front of your husband, and then I’ll kill him,” she said. She raised the dagger high above her head, prepared to make the killing blow when I swung my leg over her with enough force so I was above her. I didn’t want to kill my daughter, but I knew I had to take her out. I punched her in the face with as much force as I could muster, striking her unconscious, before rushing to Stefan’s aid. “I need to take the bullet out,” I told him, “and you’ll need to take my blood.” He nodded, and I grabbed the bullet that was lodged into his shoulder. I pulled it out, and he screamed in pain. I tossed the bullet aside before grabbing Rose’s knife and cutting my wrist.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Juliet, no,” said Stefan firmly. “I’m not drinking your blood.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Drink, Stefan,” I ordered. “You need it!” I shoved my wrist into his face, desperate to help him. “Please, Stefan.” Reluctantly, he grabbed my wrist and sank his teeth into it. I cried out in pain and he had barely pulled away from my wrist, but I quickly said, “I’m okay, I’m okay. Keep drinking.” He did so for what felt like several minutes, and finally, he pushed my wrist away. I felt lightheaded and my husband asked me, “Juliet, are you okay?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I nodded. “I’m fine,” I lied, and the world descended into darkness.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           I regained consciousness in a brightly lit room with a quiet beeping. I felt someone’s hand holding mine, and I turned my head to the side to see Stefan. He caressed my cheek, and I smiled at him.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “How’re you feeling?” he inquired.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I feel much better,” I said. “What happened after I passed out?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Rose has been arrested for assault and attempted murder,” explained my husband, “but I’m certain this isn’t the last of her we’ve seen.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I couldn’t bring myself to kill her,” I told him.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “She’s our daughter, Juliet,” he replied gently. “I wouldn’t be able to kill her either if I was in your position.” His voice was thick with emotion; he was clearly just as shaken as I was by the revelation of our daughter being an Alchemist.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “What are we going to do, Stefan?” I asked. “If she breaks out of prison—”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I honestly don’t want to think about it,” said my husband. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” He leaned over and kissed my forehead just as the doctor walked in.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Mrs. Winchester, how are you feeling?” the doctor questioned.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m feeling great,” I answered.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “That’s good to hear, because I believe you’re good to go,” she responded, and she walked out, leaving the two of us together.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I can’t wait to get out of here,” I said.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Do you want to take a flight back home?” pressed my husband. “I know this honeymoon didn’t go the way we planned, but—”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “No, Stefan, no,” I interrupted. “I want to stay here for a while longer.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Are you sure?” he went on, and I nodded. I sat up, holding his face in my hands and tenderly kissed him before we checked out of the hospital. I changed back into my clothes and we headed back to the hotel. Once we arrived in our room, we made love, healing our emotional wounds and forgetting about the revelation that our daughter was now the enemy. We made love with such intensity and passion that we ended up rolling off the bed onto the carpeted floor, twisted in the silk sheets. After it was over, we lay in each other’s arms. “I love you, you know that?” Stefan said quietly.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I love you too,” I whispered. I stroked his hair, and our eyes locked. “How do you do it?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Do what?” he asked.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You’re so strong, Stefan,” I explained, “and sometimes I don’t feel I have that strength.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You make me strong, Juliet,” my husband answered. “You’re my strength, and all I need in this world. As long as I have you, I am complete.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I feel like I’m holding you back,” I confessed. “I—”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “No,” he interrupted “No, you absolutely are not holding me back. Don’t think like that, Juliet.” I snuggled up closer to him as he stroked my back.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I know, I’m sorry,” I said. He kissed my hair, and we made love again before we donned our clothes. “Stefan, I’m going to take a walk for a while. I need some time alone to think.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “That’s okay,” he answered.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Thank you,” I said. I wasn’t going for a walk, but rather paying Rose a visit to ask her some questions. I made my way out of the hotel and called a taxi to take me to the Seychelles prison. Once I arrived, I paid the driver the fee before making my way inside. I was led to Rose’s cell and she turned to face me.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Oh, hello there, Juliet,” she spat. “What brings you here? Are you here to visit your dear old daughter?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m not here to pay you a visit, Rosemarie,” I told her.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Does Stefan know you’re here?” asked my daughter.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Why did you blow up the Alchemists’ headquarters?” I pressed. “You’re allegedly one of them.” She stood up and walked over to the bars, almost gliding.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I may be an Alchemist,” Rose began, “but I would rather not spend the rest of my life obeying orders.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Then why the hell did you do it?” I demanded.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I wanted to strike out on my own,” she replied, “and maybe kill you and your husband as well.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You stay the hell away from Stefan,” I snapped.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I almost killed you,” she hissed. “I could easily finish the job. Is that why you came here?” I was absolutely horrified by her behavior. The Alchemists had taken her from me and raised her as their own.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You sicken me,” I said guardedly, and she burst into laughter.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I was born for this, Juliet,” she said. “It’s about time you accepted it and moved on with your life…or what’s left of it anyway.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I shouted.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Oh, don’t be so ignorant,” Rose said icily. “I’ll hunt you down until it kills me, and you know it. You can’t run from me.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You do not want to do this with me,” I warned her, and she lunged for my throat. She managed to get her hands around my throat and she began to squeeze. The guards tried to pry her hands off me, but she didn’t budge. My vision became a tunnel, and soon, the world descended into darkness. I woke up to find Stefan leaning over me.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “What the hell, Juliet?” he said angrily. “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to visit Rose?” He pulled me to my feet and we made our way out of the prison.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I knew this was how you would react!” I shot back. “You would never let me do it!”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “You’re right. It’s too dangerous and I would not let you go,” my husband told me. “Why did you come here anyway?”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I needed answers, Stefan,” I explained. “She is the only surviving Alchemist there is and I needed to get some answers.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I understand,” he said calmly, “but Rose almost killed you. When I got here, you were unconscious!”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m not made of glass,” I retorted. “Stop treating me like it.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I just want to protect you,” my husband told me. “I know I can seem overprotective, but I want the best for you.”

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I know you do, and I love you for that,” I said. He cupped my face in his hands, and our eyes met. I was lost in his beautiful blue eyes, and I felt the tender pressure of his lips on mine. His hands went from my face to my waist, pressing me intimately close to him. I held his face in my hands, and we broke our kiss. My husband pulled me into a warm embrace, and I felt safe in his arms.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “I’m sorry for being so overprotective,” he said.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           “Stefan, it’s okay,” I answered. I brushed my lips against his again and he deepened the kiss. I pressed my hands against his heart, and after several long moments, we pulled apart. “It’s okay.” We made our way back to our hotel and once we entered our room, we made love. My husband’s lovemaking was utterly passionate and I did not want to leave his arms. Our love had endured so many trials, and I was confident that we could face anything together.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">           Whatever came our way, we would face it together.

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"MicrosoftNewTaiLue","sans-serif"">