A DEADLY NUPTIAL

31

***Later***

We laid together on the couch looking at the painting on the mantel above the fireplace.

"Do you really like the painting?" I asked Josephine.

"Yes I really do. I can't believe you got me to look so...beautiful." she said in awe.

"It really wasn't that hard. You already are beautiful. I just had to put it on the canvas."

"All this time I thought you were ignoring me..."

"Sorry, I didn't realize I made you feel that way. It's just that when I get involved into one of my projects I get so absorbed I'm in a different world."

"Don't worry, I understand. It happens to me all the time." she stared into my eyes understandingly. I couldn't help but brush my lips against hers.

"Merry Christmas," I said kissing her forehead.

***The Next Day***

Josephine's POV

I woke up feeling the sun against my eyes. Not wanting to open them just yet I rolled over in bed. Or at least I thought I was in bed, but apparently not. I land with an oof! onto the wooden floor.

Before I even opened my eyes there was Dark's laughter filling up the room. I opened my eyes sitting up and looking at Dark through narrowed eyes. That only seemed to make him laugh even more. I rolled my eyes getting up and brushing off the back of my dress. We had fallen asleep on the couch in Dark's office. Dark finally stopped laughing.

"Finally," I said exasperated, "it took you long enough. It wasn't even that funny."

"Yeah it was, you should have seen the look on your face."

"Hmmpf!" I crossed my arms walking out of his office. He caught up to me in the hallway.

"Aw, Josephine, come on! Don't be mad! You would've laughed it that had been me!"

I ignored him all the way to my room. I really wasn't that mad, I just wanted payback. I locked the door to my room to make sure he wouldn't get in, and took a quick shower. I put on some comfy sweatpants and a tank top with my old high school hoodie, and grabbed my fuzzy slippers. After putting my hair up in a messy bun I made my way downstairs where the aroma of gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate was making my mouth water. I walked into the kitchen where Yusi was behind the stove stirring the hot chocolate, and Dark was sitting at the counter.

"Morning Yusi!" I said giving her a big hug.

"Morning Josephine, my you're in such a good mood."

"You should have seen her this morning,"Dark said under his breath.

I shot him a look which instantly shut him up.

"Do you need any help?" I offered.

"No, I'm fine dear. Why don't you sit down."

I made my way back to the counter grabbing a fresh baked cookie on the way. I sat next to Can ignoring his presence. It was like that all through breakfast as I talked to Yusi about her Christmas with her family. I excused myself after hearing her family stories. It reminded me of my family Christmas. I didn't want to bawl my eyes out in front of Yusi, so I made my way to my office. I needed to distract myself from all these memories. I couldn't focus on my drawings, so I gazed out my walkthrough door window that led onto the balcony. I didn't even hear the knock at the door or someone walking in until I felt Dark's strong arms grab my shoulders in a comforting way. I wiped the tears quickly turning around. He coaxed my chin up making me look into his deep eyes.

"Were you crying because of me?" he asked clearly worried.

I shook my head no.

"If it was because of this morning I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh that loud. It was just-"

"It's fine Dark. I know it was hilarious, and I must have looked stupid on the floor. It's just that I was remembering all this family memories. I didn't want Yusi to see me crying and make her feel bad."

He smiled as if he were proud.

"What?"

"It's just amazing how you put others feelings before your's."

***

The rest of the day we took down the ornaments from the small Christmas tree we had in the living room downstairs.

"So..."Dark started saying.

"So...?" I questioned.

"About prom..''

"Dark, forget prom. I know I can't go because of the stupid contract. It's not a big deal really."

"It is a big deal. It's your senior prom. Once in a lifetime thing. You're only a senior once."

"I graduated last year," I stated.

"Well you still got an invitation."

"Yeah, but you're too old anyway. Besides, what are people going to say when they see this," I flashed him my ring.

"We can say we're engaged. Only Lorenz knows the truth."

I bit lip thinking.

"And I am not that old," he argued, "I'm only 23."

"That's still 5 years older than me! Prom dates can be at the most 19 and have gone to that school."

"It sounds like you're trying to make excuses for me not to go."

"I'm just stating the truth."

"Well if it's age requirement, I'm pretty sure I can make convince the principal. Besides how do you know I didn't go to your school?" he said with a raised eyebrow.

"Did you?"

"Yes, I did."

"Then why do you want to go to another prom? I'm sure you probably went your senior year."

"I did, but I didn't really like my date the way I like you." he beamed.

His comment made me smile.

"Well, I guess you could go with me then." I said playfully.

"It's a date then."

December 30 (The day before prom)

Josephine's POV

"Dark!" I yelled from my room knowing he would hear me.

A gust of wind flew into my room letting me know of his presence.

"Yes?"

"You want me to go to prom with you right?"

"Yeah..?" he asked slowly while raising his eyebrows.

"Well, what am I supposed to wear? I have nothing in this closet worthy of prom." I said frowning upon the pile of dresses spread out on my bed.

Dark rolled his eyes carrying me bridal style while vampire running. I opened my eyes once I felt him stop moving and the wind no longer in my face. I peeped open one eye to see where we where. It was his studio, what a surprise (hint sarcasm). He put me down and walked to where a bed sheet was covering something. I recognized the shape under the sheet. It was just like the shape of the mannequin he had used to make my ball gown. It couldn't be another dress, could it? He smirked his usual smirk that always took my breath away. It was like William Levy's signature smirk he always used in the mexican soap operas I would watch with my mom. (Y'all should look up pictures! He's so hot!!!) He lifted the sheet and their stood another one of my creations. It was the other sketch I had lost with my ball gown. Again it took my breath away, the details, the exact color, it was perfect. It was a teal one shoulder floor length prom gown with a slit that began in the middle of my thigh. It was elegant and sexy. I touched it's silky smooth satin back. It was exactly what I wanted. I turned to face Dark and jumped into his arms clutching his neck as I kissed him. He twirled us around placing me down after a few spins.

"I take it you like it?" he asked c*****g one head to the side.

"Of course I like it silly, it's perfect!" I leaned happily against his chest observing the dress. I thought about our last discussion about the dress he had made for me. It was such a waste of talent. I sighed which of course he didn't miss.

"What's wrong?" he asked causing me to have to look up into his worried eyes. I tried to smile, but it wasn't there.

"Nothing, I just love the dress," I feigned.

He frowned, "That was not a happy sigh missy, and I know it."

I removed myself from his grasp and pretended to concentrate on taking the dress of the mannequin.

"Josephine..." he said my name in that tone. The tone my dad would always use when I wasn't telling him something.

"It's really nothing, and I don't want to bring it up because I know it'll just end up in another argument like last time. Just drop it Dark, I don't want to ruin this moment."

"Ok, fine I'm dropping it," he said holding his arms up in surrender.

"Thank you, now help me get this dress off, so I can put it on."

"Are you going to need some help taking your clothes off as well?" he asking teasingly.

I felt my jaw drop. He had never been one for making s****l remarks.

"We'll see," I smiled.

Shine's POV

I groaned. I had to find a dress quick, and Vagon was not making things any better.

"Vagon would you hurry up and just choose a suit! We have less than 2 hours to get ready for prom."

"I honestly don't see how you got us an invitation." He said fixing his crooked black tie.

"It doesn't matter, I have my ways." I was so not telling him I had to sleep with that old principal to get an invitation.

He raised an eyebrow was looking at me through the mirror.

"Come on, I have to go buy a dress pronto."

"Where are you going to find a dress on New Year's Eve? All the stores are closed."

I froze. I forgot today was New Year's Eve. What was I going to do?! I ran to the room where I was currently staying with Vagon. I looked at my watch. I wouldn't have time to run to my apartment. I looked through the few dresses I could find in the closet. The only decent one was the one I wore to Dark's wedding. I bit my lip contemplating on whether to wear it or not. After debating in my mind for five minutes I grabbed the dress from the hanger and dashed to the bathroom. I was not going to miss tonight for anything. We had to continue our plan of destroying Josephine and Dark's relationship, even if it meant wearing the same dress I wore to their wedding.

Dark's POV

I hurried down the hall where I met Josephine at the top of the stairs. I was rushing to get my tie on properly, but my quick fingers were not helping.

"Dark, relax. Let me help you," she removed my hands and fixed my tie. I looked anxiously at my watch.

"Josephine, we have to go now,"

"There I'm done, let's go."

I took her hand and pulled her down the stairs where Yusi came out of the kitchen holding a clear box.

"Dark, you forgot something," she said smiling at me with her old twinkling eyes.

I smiled back taking the box from her hands. Josephine gasped.

"Dark, you didn't have to!"

"It's prom Josephine. I have to do things right."

She bit her lip holding out her hand as I placed the corsage on her wrist.

I kissed her hand looking at her still worried face.

"What?"

"I feel bad, because I didn't get you one of those bou-"

Yusi interrupted her before she could continue.

"That's not a problem at all sweetie. I know just how to fix it, wait just one moment."

She shuffled along to the kitchen as me and Dark waited to see what she had. She returned with a white rose that was trimmed at the bottom.

"Yusi, you're a genius!" Josephine exclaimed taking the rose from her after a hug.

She placed the rose in my front pocket.

"There, perfect."

"Wait! There's one more thing!" Yusi exclaimed.

Yusi walked to the mahogany table located next to the stairs and pulled out a camera.

“Let me see if I remember how to work this thing,” she fiddled with the camera trying to turn it on.

“Nana, you push the green button,”

“What green button? Oh! Here it is! Stand by the stairs, so I can take a nice picture.”

I led Josephine to the stairs and stood behind her placing my arms around her waist, while she put her hands on top of mine. We took a dozen more pictures until Yusi was able to capture a decent one.

“Nana, we really have to go now,” I said kissing her cheek. She swatted me away.

“Alright, go on now, shoo.”

Josephine gave her another hug, “I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve Yusi. You’re not staying here alone are you?”

“No, I’m going to be staying with my family for a week,” she assured her. “The taxi will be here any minute now.”

“Ok,” I could tell Josephine felt better knowing Yusi was not staying by herself in this giant house.

“Josephine, we really must go or we’re going to be late.”

“Ok, let’s go you’re acting like such a woman,”

“Me, a woman? If I was a woman, I don’t think I’d be able to do this,” I carried her putting her over my shoulder as she hit my back like the night of our wedding.

"Dark, put me down!”

“Nope.”

She groaned and stopped hitting me. I placed her down onto the ground as we stood next to the car.

“Thank you,” she said exasperated.

I opened the door for her watching her slide into the passenger seat.

I walked around the front of the car getting into the driver’s seat.

"Dark," Josephine said once I was in the car, "you're acting as if this was your senior prom. I'm not even as anxious as you are."

"That's true, how come?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. I was never really the one for dances and stuff."

"Well," I said taking her hand in mine while steering with my left hand, "I'm make sure to make it one of the most memorable nights." I kissed her hand, making her blush.

30 minutes later, with my vampire driving, we arrived at the venue. I got out of the car giving my keys to the vallet, and walking to the other side to open the door for Josephine.

We walked into the large venue, it was a big ballroom with a giant dance floor. We got in line for our couple photo. Everything was sparkly and sort of had a hollywood theme. We looked for our table and quickly spotted Lorenz sitting there along with another brunette girl. Josephine's eyes instantly lit up.

"Lorenz!" Lorenz jumped out of her seat and attacked Josephine with a hug.

"Josephine ! I'm so happy you came!"

"Where's Alex?" Josephine asked looking behind Lorenz.

Lorenz's face immediately fell, "He couldn't come."

"Why not?"

"He had important things to do with your father. Which I totally understood."

"Oh..." Josephine's voice was no longer full of enthusiasm.

"But, I came with two people that have missed you a ton!"

"Who?" she asked.

"Mike and Lily!"

"Lily's here!?"

Who was this Lily they spoke of? It was most likely the girl sitting at the table talking with the stupid vallet guy.

"Lily! Josephine's here!"

The girl instantly looked up and her eyes grew big upon seeing Josephine.

"Josephine! OMG!" she hurried over and hugged Josephine as well.

"Lily! I didn't know you were getting back so soon! Aren't you still in college?"

"Yup, but we're still on break. I leave in 2 days. How have you been! I'm so sorry I couldn't make it to the-"

"Engagement party," Josephine interrupted.

"What are you talking about? Aren't you-"

"Shh! Nobody can find out! Only you, Mike, and Lorenz know!"

"Oh! Sorry!"

"It's fine. Anyway, this is Dark," Josephine introduced me to her friend.

"Hello, I'm Lily," she said shaking my hand.

I shook her hand smiling, "It's nice to meet you."

After all the talking we finally sat down for dinner. As the waiters were placing our food in front of us, I couldn't help but shoot daggers at Micheal. The way he was looking at Josephine was not making me very happy.

Josephine's POV

I was so glad to see Lily. It had been months since I had seen her. She had also graduated a year early like me, but had gone to college once she graduated. She had struggled to get there, but had worked her hardest. Our high school was a private high school, so she had gotten in on a scholarship unlike me and Lorenz whose family had money and didn't struggle with tuition. That didn't matter to me though. I could've cared less if she had money or not, seeing as I married Dark for his money. We finished eating and the first song came on. Of course it was a slow song. I felt Dark's breath in my ear, "Dance with me."

I nodded. He led me onto the dance floor taking me in his arms. I placed my head under his chin as we swayed back and forth. I sighed content. This was exactly how I had wanted my prom night to be like. Just as I was thinking that, I noticed a bright fuschia dress entering the venue. I recognized that dress, it was Shine. I felt myself tense up, and Dark must have sensed it too.

"What's wrong?" he whispered into my ear.

"Shine's here," I explained. I could feel Dark tense up as well. The song ended, and we stood on the dance floor waiting for another song. I didn't take my eyes off of Shine even as she started walking towards us with a smile that looked so fake, she could have been a Barbie.

I plastered a smile to my face, "Shine, what a surprise. What brings you here?"

"Dark't I come to prom?" she innocently asked.

"Aren't you a little old for prom?"

She scoffed, "I came with a date who happens to go here."

"Really, and where is your date?"

She looked around, then raised her chin. "He should be here any minute, he went to the restroom."

I knew she was trying to use a cover up story. I didn't believe her one bit. Another slow song started playing.

"Oh, I love this song! Dark would you dance with me?" she asked Dark batting her fake eyelashes.

"I don't think that would be the most appropriate thing, Shine,"Dark said.

"It's totally fine Dark go dance with her I'm going to go talk to Mike," I smiled assuringly. For an instant I saw his eyes glaze over in hatred? jealousy? He simply nodded taking Shine in his arms.

I walked over to where Mike was stirring his straw in his punch.

"Hey Mike," I greeted.

His eyes lit up at my sight. "Josephine, you're alone. To what do I owe this visit?" he asked sarcastically.

I gave him a look, "What do you mean?"

"Ever since you got married you've been avoiding Lorenz, your family, and even me."

"Mike, it's not that simple. I-" I quickly thought of an excuse, "I live far away. This is the first time I'm back in town."

He frowned.

"Don't look so glum. Come, I'll dance with you."

"Are you sure your husband would allow that?"

"Mike,it's not like I need his permission for everything. Besides he's dancing with Shine."

A smile tugged at his lips, "Fine let's dance. We only have a couple minutes until midnight."

"Already?"

"Yup,it's 11:55," he said taking my hand and leading me to the dance floor. We were a couple feet away from where Dark and Shine were dancing. Shine was pressed against his chest shooting smirks my way. I wasn't trying to be the same, but Mike pulled me close to him.

"You know Josephine.."

"Hmm?"

"I haven't been able to do what you told me," he said in my ear.

"Why not?"

"Everywhere I go, I think of you, I haven't been able to let you go."

"Mike," I began.

"No listen, I know you love me, I just know it."

"Mike I don't."

"Do you really love your husband?"

I paused a moment before answering, "I do."

"I know a way we can test if you really do or not."

"How?"

"Give me permission to kiss you, and you'll see that you really love me, not him."

I bit my lip thinking. I knew I truly loved Dark, so this wouldn't change my mind, would it?

"Fine," I said.

We hadn't been aware of the countdown as we were in our intense conversation, but right when they said 0! Mike took my face in his hands, kissing me forcefully. As I was kissing him I realized my feelings were true, and I didn't feel anything for Mike. I loved Dark. Mike pulled away looking in my eyes for the answer.

He must've seen the expression on my face and knew the answer. His face immediately fell.

"I'm sorry, Mike,"

"It's...ok Josephine," he said dropping his arms from me.

"I really wish I felt the way you feel for me, but I don't."

Dark's POV

I took Shine in my arms trying to hold her at a reasonable distance, but she pushed herself against me. We swayed back and forth my gaze never leaving Josephine. She had gone to talk to the vallet boy. They seemed to be talking about something serious, but he got up and took her to the dance floor as well. I could smell her scent a few feet from where I was. I looked at my watch noticing it was 11:58. I pulled my gaze from Josephine and looked at Shine.

"Shine, I'm sorry but I'm going to have to end our dance early. The countdown is about to start, and I want to be with Josephine."

She pouted, "Fine," she looked at Josephine and Mike, "but I don't think you're wanted. They seem cozy the way they are." She flipped her hair walking away. Just as the countdown started I walked towards Josephine only to stop in my tracks. Mike took Josephine's face in his hands and kissed her. She hadn't even had the audacity to push him away. I felt my heart began to crack as I watched my wife kiss another man. After they stopped kissing, Mike pulled away. Josephine said something, but I couldn't hear over the noise of the party and excitement for the new year that had just arrived. I could hear snips of what she was saying to him.

"Mike don't leave-I love you-"

She loved him? Is that why she hadn't confessed her feelings for me? I felt hurt and anger coursing through my veins. I watched Mike leave her and practically saw Josephine's own heart breaking. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes. She walked towards the back of the venue heading for the balcony. I followed her. She walked out in the cold night holding the railing as she tried to take deep breaths.

I tried to feign my hurt and act normal, "Josephine! I've been looking everywhere for you." She wiped her face before turning around.

"Hey, I just needed some air."

"Is everything alright?"

She nodded, but her eyes looked like they were about to let go of all their sadness. She couldn't even look me in the eyes.

"Dark we go? I'm not feeling well."

"Why? This is your senior prom! You looked fine on the dance floor with Mike."

This time she looked me straight in the eyes knowing what I was referring to.

"Dark we not talk about this right now? If you want to stay we can stay."

" I think you're right. My mood's seemed to have died. Let's go."

She nodded following me back into the venue. We said farewell to her friends and walked out waiting for the car from the vallet. I didn't bother to open her door. She got in taking the hint that I was definitely not in a good mood. As soon as her door closed I speed out onto the main road. She bit her lip scared. I slowed down a bit. We reached home in a record time. I got out of the car slamming the door shut. I walked towards the front door not hearing her heels against the stone pathway following. I turned around finding her still sitting in the car biting her lip staring straight ahead. I walked back flinging open her door. She didn't even move. Her hands were together almost white from the way she was holding them tightly.

"Josephine, are you going to come inside or am I going to have to carry you,"

Her head snapped up at the sound of my voice, breaking her out of her trance.

"I'm" her voice cracked she cleared her throat, "I'm coming," she grabbed her purse getting out of the car. She looked like a zombie as she walked towards the door.

Once we were inside she leaned against the entrance wall looking like the world was collapsing beneath her.

"What happened with your lover boy that made you so sad," I questioned, not even bothering to turn on the lights.

Her eyes closed and opened a small tear leaking out of one of them. She shook her head, heading towards the stairs. I followed her as she headed to our room. She hadn't even bothered to turn on the lights. Only the moonlight luminated her sadness. She sat at her vanity in front of the mirror wiping of her makeup with one of her wipes. I threw my jacket onto a nearby chair loosening my tie. I sat on the chair next to it watching her. After minutes I couldn't take it anymore and I exploded.

"Damn it Josephine! Why didn't you tell me before?!"

I had startled her, causing her to look my way in surprise. "Tell you what?" her small voice asked.

"That you loved the vallet boy! Did seeing him tonight make you realized how much you loved him or something because right now you look like someone died!"

She stood up angrily facing me.

"I'm not in love with him!"

"Then why the hell did you kiss him?!"

"Because-"

"Because what?!"

"Because he wanted to prove that I loved him with a kiss and asked for my permission to let him kiss me. Knowing I didn't feel that way I decided to let him do it, just so he would be able to see, and I was right Dark, because when he kissed me I didn't felt anything like I feel when you kiss me. He realized this too and that's why he left."

"Then why did you tell him not to leave and that you loved him."

She shook her head, " I told him I loved him like a brother."

"I don't believe you," I said walking out to the balcony.

Josephine's POV

I sighed hearing Dark say that. I couldn't take anymore of this. I walked onto the balcony standing behind him.

"Dark," I said twirling my ring around my finger, "I don't know how much more of this I can take. I feel like our marriage is getting bumpier and bumpier each time I talk to a guy. If you don't have trust in me I don't know how this is going to work out."

I paused before I continued. He turned around noticing the pause. I took a deep breath and said, "I think the best thing for both of us is that we end this here before anyone gets hurt." His eyes searched my face. I took my ring off my finger, took his hand and placed the ring in his palm closing fingers over the ring.

I turned around to walk away, but his voice stopped me, "Josephine, I-"

Josephine's POV (cont'd).

"Josephine, I-I think that would probably be the best for both of us," he said to my back.

I felt the hairs rising on my exposed back. This was the moment I had been dreading. My heart breaking into a million tiny pieces. I closed my eyes letting tears escape as I reopened them again. I turned around to face him again.

"I actually thought for a moment you were going to stop me" I shook my head in disbelief continuing "I'm an i***t for actually thinking you loved me and you-it's fine I see how it is. I don't want anything from you Dark."