A DEADLY NUPTIAL

34

Dark's POV

As soon as the grand finale began I froze. The model walked out confidently wearing Alexa's sneak peak dress for her Spring Wedding Collection. She looked strangely familiar despite wearing the mask. Her brown eyes glowed as she catwalked reaching the end. She posed pouting her lips. I could see she was trying to hide her smile. She failed smiling as she turned around again. Her hips swaying just like Josephine,. No, I shook my head. It can't be,now I was hallucinating. I sniffed the air trying to catch a familiar scent but all I could smell was Shine's overwhelming perfume that did not smell good. I could practically taste it on my tongue. I focused my attention on the model again. This time she walked back with Alexa and the other model. Everyone got up to clap. Shine and I joined. The man that was sitting in front of us got up on stage and gave Alexa a hug. Must be her brother I thought. He gave Alexa a bouquet a flowers then proceeded to give the model a bouquet as well. They must have been an item or something for she whispered something in his ear which quickly turned into them walking into the backstage area.

"Dark! We must talk to Alexa! I want her to make my dress!"

"Your dress? For what?"

"For our wedding silly. You didn't think we were having this baby out of wedlock did you?"

I froze. It had only been a month since Josephine's abandonment, an she expected me to marry her?

"We'll talk about it later." I simply said.

She did her famous pout irritating me like usual, "Come, let's head back to the hotel."

Josephine's POV

"Did you see him?!" I practically yelled once we were backstage.

"Who?" Casper asked.

"Dark and Shine! They were sitting behind you!"

"They were?"

"Yes! Do you think they know it's me?" I exclaimed pacing back me forth.

"Josephine calm down. If Dark had known you were here I don't think he would have brought Shine."

I bit my lip. He had a point.

He soothed my frustration rubbing my arms in a calming way.

"Thanks," I said after a moment hugging him. "I forgot to say thank you for the flowers, and I missed you."

"You're welcome, and I missed you too." He said kissing my forehead.

* * *

"So how are you?" He asked as he drove me home in his rented car.

"Fine."

"Really, you're 'fine'?" He gave me a skeptical look.

"'I'm not having the greatest time of my life, but it's close," I said holding my belly.

"Alexa told me you had some news to tell me."

I gulped. "She did?"

"Yup, so spill it," he commanded as he rounded a corner before parking alongside the curb outside my apartment.

"Ok, just don't get mad."

He raised an eyebrow.

I bit my lip then blurted out, "I'm pregnant!" As fast as I could.

"You're-?" He sat there before realization sank then punched the steering wheel causing it to William making people that were walking down the sidewalk turn to stare.

"Casper-" Before I could say anything else he got out of the car slamming the door shut.

I was scared. I had never seen Casper mad. I hesitated before getting out and stood next to him as he leaned against the car with his head against the top,

"Casper," I whispered lightly touching his arm.

He sighed before turning around and pulling me into a hug.

"I'm sorry I overreacted. It just makes me so mad how he did this to you and now you're pregnant."

I sighed as well grabbing his arm.

"Come inside, so we can talk."

"Fine, but just for a while. I have to meet up with Alexa later."

"Oh come on, it'll only be a few minutes."

"Ok, but just for a moment."

That moment turned into two hours as we were catching up on each others lives. He stated he had given up on dating ever since the incident with Sarah or what ever her name was.

"You'll find that girl one day Casper. I just hope she doesn't break your heart."

"Nah, I don't think I'll ever find her."

"You wanna bet?"

"Whatcha gonna bet sweetheart," he said with his country accent. Oh how I missed that accent. Hearing French accents everyday made me miss it even more.

I c****d my head to the side pursing my lips. "Hmmmm..."

"When you find a girl I approve of you get to be the godfather of my baby. If you don't then I...hmm I can't think of anything."

"I can think of something. I don't think I'll ever find her, so I have an idea."

"What is it?"

"Marry me."

"Marry me." He said with no joke in his eyes.

"What? Are you serious?"

He knelt down before me.

"Josephine, you're pregnant and alone. I can take care of you. Don' think of it as marriage of love. We both love each other like siblings, but if you marry me I can take care of you. I will even give your baby my last name. I'll protect you both. You can come home and see your family and not run anymore. We both know this is what you're doing. You ran from him because you claimed you were going to start over, but have you? Is Paris worth leaving your family behind? You can't run forever. He will find you, and you will have to face him."

"You're calling me a coward."

"No, I'm trying to help. What are you going to do when your belly starts showing? You won't be modeling for long, so what are you going to do?"

I shook my head. "You're not just saying this for nothing Casper, you're hiding something."

He sighed, "You caught me." He stood up and paced the floor. "I don't exactly know how to say this."

"Just say it."

He sat down on the couch next to me taking my hands in his. "Josephine, I need you to take this calmly. Yesterday, you're father and brother were in a car accident. Alexander's in a coma, and your father's... on life support."

I sobbed into his shoulder. "How did you find out?"

"It's all over the news in the U.S.. They say it wasn't an accident. It was intentional."

My heart froze. That bastard.

I got up wiping away the tears. I raced my bedroom grabbing my suitcase.

"What are you doing, Josephine?"

"I'm packing my things. I'm heading back tonight. I know who did this."

"Dark?"

"Why else would he be here? He knows I'm here! He just came to laugh in my face. He knew once I found out I would head home. He's probably waiting!" He looked surprised at my fury. "I'm sorry," I said sitting down on the edge of my bed.

"It's ok, what you're going through is very difficult. Don't alarm yourself Josephine it could hurt the baby."

I nodded then proceeded packing.

"I can take you home Josephine. I came in my private jet."

I shook my head,"You came to visit Alexa. I'll just take an international flight."

"I actually didn't. Well, I did for the show, but I called her last night and explained the situation. She'll understand if I leave."

"Thanks Casper, you're the best."

* * *

Shine's POV

"How did it go?" I spoke into the phone.

"The plan is a perfection. I talked to Evan earlier. He said the old man's going to die any day now, and the kid is in a coma."

"Perfect, now the b***h is going to go home any moment, and Brown can deal with her."

"Don't call her that." Hulk said in a steel tone.

"It's what she is."

"And it's what you are."

"Watch your tone Hulk."

"You watch your tone. You're fooling that bastard with our baby, so watch your tongue or I will tell him everything."

I panicked for a moment before composing myself, "Keep your mouth shut, and I'll keep mine shut."

"Deal."

I hung up before I headed to the bar counter in our suite. Dark was downstairs working out. When he wasn't working out he was in his office, or that little dirty room that had God knows what. I grabbed a glass of whiskey gulping it down letting the alcohol sink in. I could not stand being pregnant any longer. This thing was growing fast. I looked like I was at least 5 months pregnant. Elsa was unsure when this baby was going to be born. Since it was part vampire it was going to grow faster than a normal baby. Since I was a full vampire, it would probably grow at twice the rate, but Elsa and Dark didn't know that.

Dark burst through the door sweating but looking like a god with his muscles showing through his white T-shirt.

He didn't bother saying hello. He just walked by and headed for the bathroom. His nose didn't miss anything though. He quickly returned and grabbed the drink from behind my back.

"Shine, why are you drinking? You know this could hurt the baby!"

"It was only a little sip! I'm sure it didn't hurt the baby."

He shook his head in disbelief. "Sometimes I don't think you want this baby."

"Of course I want it!" Or else you wouldn't be with me, I thought to myself.

He walked away leaving me fuming.

* * *

Josephine's POV

I sat in Casper's plane praying to god my family would be alright. Casper would occasionally grab my hand and give it a squeeze. I was glad to have him at a moment like this. The flight lasted several hours before we finally landed in the city. We took Casper's car to the hospital where he made sure no one I knew was there. We had backup plan. He had gotten me a black wig and nurses outfit. They would think I was a nurse and not suspect a thing as it was almost 4 in the morning and there were no more visits. Casper stood outside the door keeping watch. I snuck into my dad's room first desperate to see him. I couldn't bare to look at the state he was in. His injuries were deep. He had casts everywhere and his breathing was controlled by a machine. Casper explained that he wouldn't survive without it. They were waiting for me to make the call an cut him from life support. I didn't think I had the heart to make the decision of ending my dad's life, but I knew he was only surviving because of the machines. I sat by my dad's side taking his hand in mine.

"Dad, I hope you can hear me. I've missed you so much in the past few months. I leave then find out you were in a car accident. You have no idea how I felt when they told me. I felt like it was mom's accident all over again. I feel so alone. I don't want to lose you. I don't want to be alone in this world. You need to survive Dad, you just have to," I sobbed. "But I understand you're only surviving because of these tubes, so I want you to know that you can go and be with mom. You won't have to suffer anymore. I will take everything," I brushed away more tears before continuing, "I will be fine I promise, and I will get revenge. I will punish whoever did this to you." I squeezed his hand and a miracle happened. My dad opened his eyes. They were barely open and weak. I could see he was struggling.

"Dad," I said holding his face with my hands, "I love you just as much as Alex, he's going to be fine." Fresh tears formed. I bit my lip and tried to look strong I could see the light fading in his eyes. "Dad,"I quickly said, "don't worry about me. I'm happy, " I lied, "I love Dark. Marrying him was the best thing ever. We're going to have a baby, you're going to be a grandpa." The corner of my dad's lips twitched upwards as he looked directly in my eyes then the light was gone. He was gone. I felt my heart clench in grief. I felt suffocated and empty. Both my parents were now gone, and Alexander was in a coma. I don't know how long I laid there holding his hand. It was losing its heat. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Josephine, we have to go. There are papers to be signed."

My sobs had now calmed down to hiccups. I nodded letting him lead the way. I myself felt dead. I went through the emotions but didn't feel a thing. I had no clue what I signed. I let Casper do everything. After everything was settled he took me to his mansion.

It was like a déjà vu. Me lying in the same bed in grief like a month earlier but only this time with a baby inside of me and twice the pain.

"Josephine, you have to eat something. Do it for the baby."

"That's the only thing that'a keeping me going Casper," I sighed sitting up as he set the breakfast tray on my lap. In another occasion the pancakes and would have seemed delicious, but they were tasteless in my mouth.

"Have you thought of what you're going to do?" He questioned as he leaned by the window leading to the balcony with his hands in the pockets of his jeans.

"I have." I paused before continuing, "I told my dad I'd get revenge, and that's what I plan on doing. "

"What exactly do you plan on doing?"

"I've thought of something, but I'm going to need your help."

"What Dark I do?" He said looking at me.

"I need you to trust me. I've been thinking about this for a while."

"Go on."

"I designed dresses when I was living with Dark, and I was thinking I could create my own fashion line, but I don't have any money."

"So you want me to lend you the money?"

"Yes, but you could invest in the line. Perhaps it could be a fashion line that merges from Alexa. I could add a few dresses with Alexa's collection, and see how it goes."

"How does this work with your revenge though?"

"If this company succeeds I could end with the Evan's company and leave them in ruins like they did with my family. They won't know it's me though until the time comes."

I had devised this plan all in one night. In a month Casper and Alexa would announce a new clothing line from one of the models at her last show. I could envision the suspense of everyone trying to guess who it was going to be. The Evan's would get a special invitation and never know what hit them.

After explaining all this to Casper he agreed.

"One more thing Casper," I said as he turned to walk away.

"Yeah?"

"Let's get married."

"Really?" He asked with his lopsided grin.

"Yes, I want Dark to feel the pain I'm feeling everyday."

He kissed my hand, "Don't worry this will only be a business contract between friends. You will get your reputation back, and I will be there to protect you and your baby."

I smiled giving him a hug.

"I've arranged the funeral. Don't worry it's going to be private no one will even know it's happening."

"Thank you so much Casper."

* * *

2 days later

It was a rainy and cloudy day as me, Lorenz, and Casper watched my dad being buried. He was buried next to my mom. It was a bitter sweet moment to be back home. It tore my heart to see all the pictures around the house. I had to dismiss all the maids and butlers as I had no money to pay them and there wasn't anything to do. I was sad to them all go as they were sad to see another family member go. They were like family. They had served my family for years.

After the burial we quickly left. Lorenz would be taking care of Alexander to reduce the risk of me being seen by the press.

* * *

Dark's POV

Another month had passed. Joseph had passed away and there was still no sign of Josephine. She had been there for the funeral, but no one had even noticed. This whole situation had my stomach in knots. Something was not right. The accident had been intentional. I had feeling my father had something to do with it, but I had no proof.

Shine was now in her 3rd month. The baby could be born any day to possibly next month. She had the stomach of a 6 month pregnant lady.

"Dark!" Shine yelled from the living room of our apartment.

"What is it?" I asked dashing to the living room in vampire speed.

"Look! An invitation to the Williams' special event. It says they will reveal a new addition to The Williams' clothing line. One of the models from Paris will be the head of the line! Can you believe it!?"

I scoffed, "That's what you called me for? I thought it was something important!'

"It is! We're the guests of honor!"

"What? Let me see that," I took the invitation from her hands and read.

Evan Family,

We hope to see you present at our special event. We have a special surprise for your family as you are the guests of honor.

"Huh, that's strange."

"We're going, right?"

"Sure, just tell my father."

"Of course," she beamed.

* * *

The Following Weekend

We arrived at Williams' mansion and estate in our limousine. We were escorted to the gardens where a runway was built and our table was right in front. The cameras flashed as the sun was setting. The show was about to begin.

As the show began the atmosphere became more and more tense. Everyone was anxious to see the grand finale and the model of the night. The lights dimmed and I could feel everyone hold their breath as the model walked on the runway. I could hear a few gasps as they noticed the model was pregnant. Her belly was very round. She looked like she was at least three months pregnant. She wore a maternity wedding dress that made her glow. It was simple, but her beauty made up for it. She held the white mask with one hand an posed with her hand on her hip. Could this be the same mask from Alexa's other show. Was this the model from the grand finale in Paris?

"Ladies and gentlemen the moment you've all been waiting for, the revelation of the new designer for the Williams' clothing line! Who is also my brother's fiancé!" The audience gasped. She slowly removed the mask as Alexa revealed her name, "Josephine Johnston!"

My heart stopped.

"Josephine Johnston."

My heart stopped. It was her standing be before me. She looked smugly in my direction. Her left eyebrow arched and her lips pursed as she stared into my soul. As if she knew she was inflicting pain on me.

My father swore under his breath while Shine was about to stand up. I grabbed her hand saying ,"Sit back down and do not cause a scene," under my breath.

I could tell she was biting her tongue as she sat back down. People all around us were murmuring. I could feel their states burning at my back. I looked back at Josephine who had Casper wrapping his arms around her as Alexa handed him the microphone.

"Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and guests of honor." He looked in our direction and winked.

Anger was bubbling inside. My teeth were clenched and my hand was firmly grasping the champagne flute as he continued. "My sister and I are glad to announce our company's merging with Johnston corporations and my wedding with Josephine Johnston as well as the announcement of us expecting a baby." His hands rubbed Josephine's belly and gave her a kiss on the cheek. The crowd was at first shocked,but then began clapping.

I didn't know what to do. This was who she had left me for? Casper Williams? She had been cheating on me for three months with that bastard! It must have been while I was gone.

"This is preposterous!" My father exclaimed hitting his fist down on the table causing me to jump from my thoughts. "She signed the contract with us! She cannot do this!" He stood up furiously going after Josephine as she disappeared into the crowd of eager people that were desperate to talk to her. I followed him not sure of what he would do to her.

"Father!" I yelled after him. I saw him the distance whispering something in Josephine's ear. She gave him a curt nod excusing herself from the guests and leading him into the house. I flowed quickly catching up. She led us into the mansion through the back door. Through different hallways we ended up in a study that must have been Casper's. She opened the doors allowing us to enter first then following. My father took a seat while I stood standing. Just as she was about to close the door Casper barged in giving her a peck on the lips.

"Sorry I'm late, I had to speak to a few of the guests." Disgusted I turned around.

"It's fine, we just arrived." Hearing her voice nearly sent shivers down my spine. How I missed hearing her voice. She sat down in the giant arm chair across from us with Casper behind her. As soon as she sat down my father began his rant.

"You signed the contract! You are in debt with us! Your father owed me a large some of money!"

"I never said I wasn't going to pay you your money. You will get your money," she said calmly but coldly with her eyes narrowed.

"You are also married with my son, you can't marry this-"

"I Dark and will," she quickly interjected before he could say another insult, "your son and I are separated. I have already filed for a divorce. You will be hearing from my lawyer very soon, and don't worry Brown I won't be asking for anything."

 father was left speechless. He hadn't anticipated this. "Alright,  business here is settled." father left without another word or farewell. We were left in an awkward silence that Josephine broke talkin to Casper as if I wasn't there.

"Casper, could you please find Elsa and bring her here?"

"Of course, love. I'll be back soon," he said placing a kiss on her cheek giving me a glare before leaving. We were left in another silence.

Still thinking about Casper, I burst out the question I had been thinking about for months.

"Why?"

"Is that really what you're going to ask after two months?" She asked looking at me for the first time. Her eyes with filled with hurt and disgust.

"You're the one that left me! Was that what you were waiting for? Your chance to escape and leave me for that bastard?!"

"Casper is not a bastard!" She said slamming her fists on the desk.

"You know,I was right about you. You just seduce every guy you meet for their money." Her hand came in contact with my cheek.

"Don't you dare insult me! You have no right!"

"I do have a r-" Casper came in the door without knocking. We both must have looked like a mess. Josephine's face was flushed, and I was literally shaking.

"Josephine are you right?" He asked rushing to her side with Elsa following.

Josephine sat down rubbing her temples with her eyes closed. "I'm fine, I just need to calm down."

"Elsa's here. We'll both leave you to talk," he said eyeing me. I took that as my note to leave, but I wasn't planning on leaving without having a few words with Josephine's fiancé.

Josephine's POV

with Dark gone I felt I could breathe. Seeing him had clearly affected me and the baby. It hadn't stopped kicking while he was here as if it knew Dark was its father.

"Josephine," Elsa said warmly. I stood up hugging her.

"Elsa how are you?" "I'm fine, but the question is how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"That's not what it sounded like from outside the doors."

"It's difficult having a conversation with Dark sometimes."

"It's his isn't it?"

I looked down at my huge belly? I couldn't lie to Elsa. "It is, but you can't say a word to him."

"Josephine, he should know. He's the father."

"I don't need him. I have Casper."

"But you don't love him like you love Dark." Damn she was good.

"I know I will never love Casper like I loved Dark, but Casper's willing to take responsiblity and be a father to this child. After having to deal with Dark cheating on me with Shine and knocking her up, and all my family problems, I just can't deal with this anymore."

"I understand. I'm guessing you need my help with pregnancy as the baby will probably turn on 1/4 vampire."

"Does that explain why it's growing so fast?"

She looked perplexed, "You are growing fast, almost as fast as Shine's and her's is half vampire. I think you should come by the clinic tomorrow, so I can give you a check up."

"That sounds great,." I hugged her again.

"No problem, you'll always be family to me Josephine." She smiled.

I smiled in return leading the way out of the study. We went out to foyer finding Dark and Casper arguing over me. They insulted each other which turned into fight. Punches were being thrown, and I couldn't bear it any longer.

"Dark, Casper stop!" I yelled.

They paid no attention to me. I was afraid of what Dark's could do having his vampire strength that Casper was no match for. as Dark grabbed Casper by the collar of his dress shirt and raised his fist in a matter of seconds I got in between them shielding Casper as Dimiti's fist came in contact with my eye. The last thing I remember is screams and shouts before blacking out.

Josephine's POV

As I began to hold of my conscious I could hear voices arguing in a hushed tone. My left eye was to painful to even try and open therefore I could only open my right eye.

Casper and Dark were still arguing unaware of me being awake.

"Could you please stop arguing?" I said feeling a headache coming on.

Casper rushed to my side, "How are you feeling?"

"My eye really hurts, and I feel a headache coming on."

"You shouldn't have done what you did Josephine," he said in a serious tone.

"He's right,"Dark agreed, "you didn't have to interfere."

"I did otherwise someone would have ended up severely injured."

"And now that someone is you."

"I'm fine as long as the baby's fine," I said soothing my belly that had begun kicking again. I grabbed Casper's hands and placed them on the spot where the baby was kicking.

"Wow," he said truly amazed at what he was feeling.

"Isn't it amazing?" I said as tears began forming. I was so hormonal, I had no control over my emotions.

Dark cleared his throat ruining the moment. Casper and I looked at each other knowing the irony in the situation.

"I'm believe I should be leaving. Josephine I'm truly sorry for what happened please send me the medical bill, and I'll take care of it."

"I don't need your money Dark, I just need you to leave and leave me alone."

"Alright, I hope you feel better," he said leaving me and Casper alone.

There was another knock on the door,"Come in," I said.

Elsa walked in with her kit.

"Have the guests left?"

"Don't worry they have. Alexa gave them the excuse that you had to rest for the baby."

"Thank goodness." I didn't want to have to deal with all those people.

"Your eye's going to take a while to heal. I'll give you some painkillers that will not hurt the baby. You'll need to apply ice around the area and no lie flat. Stay propped up against the pillows. We'll see how your eye does these next few days. Hopefully nothing serious."

"Hopefully. Will you be able to perform the check up here tomorrow? I don't want the paparazzi to get a load of this."

"Don't worry, I'll come by tomorrow. I'll have to sneak in my equipment."

"Of course, we have plenty of room here. We could use one of the spare rooms. I was thinking about having the baby here."

"Josephine, I can take you to the best hospital. If it's about the money don't worry about it." Casper said.

"It's not about the money, Casper."

"I'll leave you two to talk." Elsa said giving me a hug before leaving.

"Thank you so much Elsa I'll see you tomorrow."

I was left explaining to Casper about Dark and my baby being vampires. He thought I was

crazy at first which took a lot of convincing.

"Is that why you got in between us?" He asked.

"Yes, I didn't want you to face the consequences of his strength."

"In the end you did and you shouldn't have! You're pregnant for heaven's sake Josephine!"

"I didn't want to risk someone else in my life!" I explained my eyes watering.

"Oh Josephine, you will never lose me. I'm still here," he said embracing me in a hug.

He stayed with me until  fell asleep.