Elizabeth Crane sauntered down the stairs of the family home like the diva she felt like being that night. The party had become in full swing. Guest were steady arriving filling the place up even more. Nice desserts and drinks had been added to the room, it really looked like a show place. Her eyes fell on one of the security guards and she frowned some. As she entered the main room she found her brother and walked over to him.

“Nicholas,” She said tapping his shoulder. “Is it just me or is security extra tight tonight?” She asked.

Nicholas nodded his head. “They’ve been extra tight all day.” He stated. “In case you have not noticed we have been followed all day. really can’t tell you why though.”

Elizabeth frowned as she turned around and she was shocked to see security in nearly every spot in the house talking into their little intercoms and being very observant. She looked back to her brother. “I wonder what’s up?” She stated. “I mean I know for safe reasons once in every month we are always tracked by security, but the routine watch was done like a week ago.”

Nicholas shrugged. “Like I said I am clueless.” He stated. “Maybe Grand father is just being extra cautious with every thing that has been going on lately with the family.”

Elizabeth smirked bitterly. “I doubt.” She stated. “He doesn’t care that much to pay guards to watch his daily. No, some thing is up.”

“Tell you what.” Nicholas stated. “You keep your eyes open, and I’ll do the same. If you see any thing suspicious pass it along.”

Elizabeth nodded her head. “I’ll try.” She stated. “But tonight, I have other things on the agenda.” She said a twinkle lighting up in her eyes.

Nicholas cocked his head some, and then smiled at her. “What is that devious little brain of yours working up?” He asked.

Elizabeth smiled back at him. “You’ll see.” She stated. “When I am ready. In the mean time, enjoy the party.” She said walking off to go meet and greet.

Nicholas shook his head some. “What is that little girl up to?” He asked himself.

“What little girl?” An all to familiar, and comforting voice filled his ears. He turned around and smiled.

“Miguel,” He said stepping closer. “It’s about time, I have been looking all over for you.”

Miguel smiled some at the attention he felt Nicholas placing on him. “I just got her with Luis and Sheridan.” He stated. “So what were you talking to yourself about?” He asked.

Nicholas shook his head. “That doesn’t matter now.” He stated. “All that maters is that your here.” He smiled some. “You know I would kiss you but this is a little to public.”

Miguel nodded his head. “I understand.” He stated. “But do you think we can maybe get together later on tonight?” He asked.

Nicholas smiled devilishly. “Oh that is most certainly on my agenda.” He said as a waiter approached him with two champagne glasses and he and Miguel struck up a different conversation.

Ivy smiled at the familiar looking maid as she rolled into the mansion. She thanked another servant as he offered she and Sam a drink. Sighing she looked up at Sam. “I hate being in this thing.” She stated. “I feel like a child.”

Sam looked down at her with a warning look. “Ivy Eve already told you that you lost extremely too much blood today. You should not even be here tonight.” He stated.

“I know Sam. I promise we won’t stay long either.” Ivy stated. “I just want to stay long enough to ensure that my children remain safe.”

“Ivy there are security guards all over the place.” Sam stated. “Each of them with an eye on each of your children.”

Ivy looked up at him. “Might I remind you Sam that Kay is now one of my children.” She stated. “And you can’t deny that you are worried about her being in this situation too.”

Before Sam could reply, a figured appeared before both of them. “Well, speak of the devil.” Sam said smiling at her as she approached.

Kay smiled some at her ex father. “I didn’t think you’d be here.” She stated. “Much less talking to my mother.”

Ivy looked up a Sam, and he looked down at her, both of them smiling. “Well, Kay darling there is some thing that we have to tell you.” She stated.

Kay looked at them suspiciously. “What ?” She asked.

“Well Kay,” Sam began. “Your mother and I have decided to....”

“Ivy?” Eve Russell approached her in shock with Julian being behind her. “Ivy, what in God’s name are you doing here?” She asked.

Ivy rolled her eyes some. “What is that going to be the question of the night?” She asked. “I came to make sure that every thing.....and every one would be okay.” She stated.

Kay once again looked down at Ivy confused. “Okay why wouldn’t it be okay?” She asked. “Is some thing going on? Is that what all of those weird cops, or whatever or all over the place?”

No one answered, which only made Kay’s suspicions rise. “Yep.” She stated. “Some thing is certainly going on. Spill what is it?” She asked smiling some.

“Mother?” Elizabeth said entering the foyer seeing Ivy in her chair. “What on earth happened to you why are you back in mobile city?” She asked.

Kay frowned. “Oh my God, I just noticed that, what happened?” She asked.

“Well, if you girls would all calm down, there is some thing really important we have to tell you.” Ivy stated. “Number one, I am only in this chair because Eve insisted that I take a few days off my legs. I don’t want to rush the process.”

Elizabeth nodded her head. “Okay fine.” She looked to her father. “Hey, father what is with all the weird guards all over thee grounds?” She asked. “They are freaking me out and Nicholas said he could have sworn he was being followed today which of course would not make any sense because we already went through that routine this month.”

Julian tensed some and looked at Ivy, who shrugged a little. “Well dear, you see....um....these guards are here because.......um.......”

“Sam and I are engaged!” Ivy suddenly blurted out bringing all conversation to a halt and all shocked eyes on them.

“What?” Kay asked in utter disbelief.

Ivy nodded her head some, nervously as she lifted her finger and showed an exquisite diamond ring. “So, what do you think?” She asked.

Elizabeth frowned some as she looked to her father, then back to her mother. “Wait a minute I ma confused.” She stated. “I mean a few days ago the two of you were having sex......and I know because I passed by your room a few nights ago to get to the living room....and now all of a sudden, mother and Sam Bennett or engaged? What is this music bed partners?” She asked smiling some. “The next thing you know some one will be telling me that Eve is living in the Mansion.”

Eve quickly tensed, and it was very visible to Elizabeth whose entire face fell. “Oh my God your living here?” She asked out loud.

“Sh!” Julian and Eve hissed. “You need not broadcast it to the whole damn town.” Julian stated.

Kay held up her hand. “Okay let me get this straight.” She stated. She pointed to Ivy. “You were fighting a divorce from Julian to remain Mrs. Crane, and you even slept with him, and now two days later you are marrying my ex father, your first love, and my father is obviously divorcing my mother to be with his ex lover my ex mothers best friend who no one pretty much heard from for days?” She asked. No one answered. Kay sighed and shook her head. “I guess only in Harmony.” She stated. “I mean stranger things have happened.”

Elizabeth shook her head some. “I need to get back to the party.” She stated. “This is just too much for me.” She said walking away, just as the door opened again, and John entered.

Kay smiled eagerly. “Oh my companion for the evening just arrived.” She informed as John spotted her and walked over to them, however the second he saw Ivy he tensed.

“Well,” John said in a small voice. “How is every one?” He asked.

A collective nod of the head went around the room. Kay seeing the tension took John by the arm. “Hey, lets go in and get a drink.” She stated.

John nodded his head. “Good idea.” He stated.

Ivy quickly spoke up. “Only water or juice Kay.” She stated. “Remember that you are with child.”

Kay nodded her head some as she and John exited the foyer. Sam sighed some. “Well those were a lot of questions avoided.” He stated.

Both Julian and Eve nodded their heads. “So I .....I guess congratulations are in order.” Julian spoke up shocking both Sam and Eve, however Ivy was not the least bit surprised as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Congratulations Ivy, and I hope this time every thing works out for the best.”

Ivy smiled up at him. “Thank you Julian.” She stated. She let here eyes fall to Eve. “I only wish the best for both of you as well.”

Julian nodded his head as he looked at his watch. “Well the night is steal young.” He stated. “And God knows there s no tell what could happen at one of these parties.”

Ivy nodded her head. “Lets just remember to keep an eye out.” She stated. “I mean in case you know who should show up there is most likely going to be some fast action.”

Julian nodded his head. “The security already has orders to first and far most get the children out of here should any thing ho wrong.” He stated. “Every thing has been locked down real tight tonight.”

Eve nodded her head as the door opened and she gasped. Entering into the room was her husband, and two daughters. Whitney was the first person to spot her mother.

“Mom.” Whitney said softly, catching Simone and her fathers ear.

Simone’s eyes lit up with excitement and relief. “Mom!” She said running over to her mother and embracing her.

Eve felt tears in her eyes as she and her younger daughter connected for once again. She know that it wasn’t but it felt like years since she held her and saw her, and she never wanted to feel like that again. “Oh baby, it’s so good to se you again.” She said tears slipping down her face.

Julian looked to Sam and Ivy. “Maybe we should all venture into the main room.” He stated.

Both Sam and Ivy nodded their heads and did as they were asked and exited into the party room leaving Eve to her family. Whitney approached her mother after Simone let her go. “Mom, it’s good to see you.” She stated as they hugged each other closely.

“It’s good to see you to baby.” Eve said patting her daughters back some as they held each other. She sighed some as they broke apart. “You look just lovely. Both of you.” She said touching their shoulders.

T.C. approached them a stern look on his face. “Girls, why don’t you go into the party.” He stated looking at Eve. “There are a few things your mother and I need to discuss.”

Whitney looked to her mother. “Are you going to be okay?” She asked not trusting her father as much.

Eve nodded her head. “You go a long sweet heart.” She stated. “I’ll be fine.”

Whitney nodded her head and took Simone by the hand in the room with her leaving their parents to each others mercy.

As they stepped into the main room, Simone quickly noticed Kay, Nicholas, Miguel, and John all in a corner sharing some joke that had them all laughing. “Hey Whitney I am going to go see my friends we’ll talk later okay?” She asked.

Whitney nodded her head. “Okay sweetheart.” She stated as her sister waked off towards her companions. Only seconds later, she spotted her best friend, standing alone by the bar. “Hey Theresa.” Whitney said walking up to her best friend.

Theresa smiled sadly at seeing he friend. “Whitney, hi.” She said as they exchanged a quick hug.

When Whitney looked back at her closets friend, she could see that some thing was troubling her, it almost looked as if she had been crying. “Theresa, s some thing wrong?” She asked.

Theresa shrugged as she looked at Whitney. “Well besides the fact that I have really lost Ethan forever this time I am just fine.” She stated sadly.

Whitney looked at Theresa confused. “Theresa what are you talking about?” She asked. “Ethan proposed to you, not Gwen.” She stated.

Theresa nodded her head. “Yeah, he did.” She stated. “But look where he is at now.” She said her eyes falling on her fiance, who was standing with his arm around Gwen, both of them chatting it up with some college friends of theirs.

Whitney looked back at Theresa in shock. “Oh my God,” She stated, “Theresa did Ethan call off your engagement for Gwen?” She asked getting some what angry.

Theresa shook her head. “No.” She stated. “He really didn’t have too, not after what he did.......” She shook her head. “I can’t even begin to say the words.”

“What words Theresa?” Whitney asked. “Honey what do you think Ethan did so wrong that you could have lost him forever?”

Theresa sighed heavily as she began. “Well as you know the other night was that terrible storm, and Gwen had called and told Ethan that she was in town, and that she had found out that they were having a baby girl.” She informed.

“So that’s why Ethan is with her now?” Whitney asked.

Theresa nodded her head. “Yea that and the fact that Ethan rushed over to her that night and....well lets say I found him the next morning....in the same place......sleeping on her couch practically naked.”

Whitney took in a shocked breath. “Oh my God Theresa.” She stated. “You mean that......”

Theresa nodded her head. “Yes.” She stated. “And Gwen loved rubbing it in my face this morning.”

Whitney sighed sadly. “Oh Theresa.” She stated. “You poor baby.” She looked to Ethan and Gwen angrily. “You know I want to go over there and give them both a piece of my mind.” She stated.

“No!” Theresa grabbed her arm quickly. “You can’t.” She stated.

“Why not?” Whitney asked angrily. “I mean I can’t believe they would even bother to show up here together flaunting it in your faces.”

“Whitney, Ethan did not come here with Gwen he came here with me .” Theresa informed.

Whitney’s entire face fell suddenly. “With you?” She questioned. “Okay wait, now I don’t get it.” She stated. “Why would Ethan come here with you if he’s back together with Gwen.”

“Because Whitney,” Theresa stated. “I never really confronted Ethan with the truth yet.” She stated. “He doesn’t even know that I know.”

“Okay, but how is that even possible?” Whitney asked still confused.

“Well like I said.” Theresa stated. “Ethan was asleep when I went to Gwen’s he doesn’t even know that I went there are spoke to Gwen. He showed up about an hour later back here, and gave me some story about having to room in with one of his friends because the storm got so bad.”

Whitney looked at Theresa confused. “Well honey why don’t you tell him you know what a lying bastard he is!” She asked.

Theresa shook her head. “Because Whitney,” She stated. “If I don’t have Ethan I have nothing.” She stated. “I need him in my life,” Tears began to well up in here eyes. “Even if it is a lie.” She said wiping at her eyes.

“Well you are going to say something aren’t you?” Whitney asked.

Theresa shook her head. “No Whitney,” She stated. “And I want you to promise me that you won’t either.”

Whitney shook her head. “Theresa, I don’t think I can just watch those two mon......”

“Please Whitney.” Theresa begged taking her best friends hand. “Promise me you won’t say anything to them, or to any one else. As my friend all I want you to do is be string for me, but please don’y say anything.”

Whitney sighed heavily as she looked into Theresa’s pleading eyes. “Alright.” She stated. “Okay if you insist, I swear i won’t say a word to anyone.”

Theresa nodded her head. “Thank you.” She stated. “Now, please excuse me while I go freshen up.” She stated. “I can’t let Ethan see me like this.” She said turning around and walking away.

Whitney shook her head some at her poor friend, her eyes then fell on Ethan and Gwen smiling and taking like a happy couple, and she felt pure disgust for both of them.

Ethan said goodbye to his friends as they walked away, and then he looked back at Gwen. “So, you want to sit down?” He asked.

Gwen shook her head. “I’m fine Ethan.” She stated. “Perfectly fine.”

Ethan’s smiled dropped some. “Look I just want to apologize again about last night.” He stated. “I should not have kissed you it was wrong, and I didn’t mean to lead you on, I guess I was just overcome with joy.”

Gwen shook her head once again. “Ethan for the last time it is okay.” She stated. “I mean it was one little kiss, but we both know your heart belongs to Theresa.”

Ethan nodded his head. “Thank you for being so understanding about that.” He stated. “I mean a lesser woman would have resulted to dirty pool and secretly plotting behind the scenes, but you took my decision and excepted it like a grown woman.”

Gwen only smiled but said nothing. ‘Sorry Ethan,’ She thought. ‘But I had to play like a lesser woman this time because there is no way I was going to let that little bitch steal you away from me again.’

Suddenly, Nicholas approached them. “My, my you two look cozy.” He stated. “If I didn’t know any better I would think the mother f your child was the woman you picked to be with.”

Gwen his he smile behind her drink as Ethan rolled his eyes in irritation. “Don’t start Fox,” He stated, “No one is amused.”

Nicholas shrugged. “Whatever.” He stated. He looked to Gwen. “So Ms. Hotchkiss, how about a little dance?” He asked as some tango music came on.

“Forget it Fox.” Ethan snapped.

“No Ethan it’s okay.” Gwen stated. “I would love to dance with him, it may be fun.”

Ethan was momentarily stunned, but quickly came back. “Well I’ll dance with you if you’d like?” He stated.

Gwen shook her head. “Oh come on Ethan we both know you have always had two ;left feet, and besides, your brother asked first.” She said slipping her arm into Fox’s. “Its just a little while, maybe you should go and find Theresa.” She suggested.

Nicholas smirked as he pulled Gwen in his arms. “My, my you are enjoying this game aren’t you?” He asked as they swayed to the beat of the erotic music.

Gwen smiled some. “Well I have always been one for playing the field.” She stated. “But I know a good catch when I see one, and I am planning to hold on to Ethan.”

Nicholas nodded his head. “I can see that.” He stated. “And so your plans with Theresa how did they go?” He asked. “Did she by it.”

Gwen nodded her head as she smiled evilly. “Hook, line, and sinker.” She stated. “She actually believed that Ethan and I made love, and then at that ran off with out even confronting him, and she still won’t.” She smiled even ore wickedly. “It was glorious.”

“I’m sure.” Nicholas smiled back with her.

Gwen’s face was one of a sudden curiosity. “Fox, I was just wondering,” She began. “You said that you had some thing in the works for Theresa too.” She stated. “What exactly was that?” Se asked.,

Nicholas smirked some. “All in good time dear.” He stated. “But believe me what I have in the works for her is going to seal your fate with Ethan, forever.” He said snickering some.

As the music ended they pulled apart. “Well, I can’t wait to find out what it is.” She stated. “And I promise you I will pay you back for all of this some day.”

Nicholas smiled cockily. “You know, there is a perfect way that you can pay me back.” He stated. “We used to be very good together Gwen.” He stated.

Gwen shook her head. “I already told you Fox.” She stated. “We were not going there again. Ever.” She touched his arm lightly and then walked away into the crowd with Nicholas watching her go.

Sheridan smiled as Luis lifted her at the ending of the song and they revived a few hand claps from people around them. “Well it looks like we can still cut a rug.” Se said as they as a waiter approached them with a drink.

“Was there ever a doubt?” Luis asked smiling as he handed Sheridan a drink and they clanked their glasses together and sipped their champagne.

Elizabeth Crane approached Sheridan and Luis smiling gleefully. “Well that was a wonderful performance.” She stated standing right next to her aunt side so she could get a look at Luis. “I was in awe.”

Sheridan smiled some. “Thanks Elizabeth.” She stated. “Luis and I have always been the best partners.”

Luis nodded his head and smiled as he wrapped his arm around Sheridan. “We have always been good together.” He said looking pointedly at Elizabeth. “And we always will be.”

Elizabeth only smiled. ‘We’ll see Luis.’ She thought ‘But I swear to you, tonight you will make love to me!’

“Elizabeth, have you seen your sister?” Sheridan asked. “I have been wanting to check on Katherine for a while now.”

Elizabeth nodded her head. “She arrived just a little while ago with....Grace Bennett and her daughter, and her niece.” She stated. “I think Elizabeth said she wanted to show them the gazebo.”

Sheridan nodded her head. “Good, I’ll go see her.” She stated.

“I’ll come.” Luis quickly offered.

Sheridan shook her head. “Don’t be silly, stay and chat with Elizabeth.” She said rushing off before he could respond again.

Elizabeth eyes Luis as he looked back at her. “What?” Luis asked uncomfortable with the way she was looking at him.

“I was just imagining what you look like under there.” Elizabeth said in a wicked tone.

“That’s it, I’m gone.” Luis stated trying to walk away but she quickly grabbed his arm making him face her.

“No, no, no, no.” Elizabeth stated “Not this time.” She stated. “This time I have a proposition for you.” She stated.

“Well I’m not interested.” Luis stated. “Elizabeth don’t you get it. I don’t want you. I don’t love you. I love Sheridan, and I want to be with Sheridan.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “You loved me once too.” She stated.

“That was a long time ago.” Luis insisted. “What we had is offer, do you hear me. And there is nothing you can say that will change that.”

Elizabeth nodded her head. “Oh yes there is and I will.” She stated.

“No there isn’t!” Luis snapped beginning to et aggravated.

“You mean that I can’t tell Sheridan that we were madly in love, and that we made passionate love, and....about every thing that happened up stairs a day or two ago.” Elizabeth said smiling evilly. “I am sure she would just love to here that.”

Luis narrowed his eyes and shook his head in disgust. “My God Elizabeth,” He stated. “What happened to you? You used to be a caring, compassionate woman, how did you end up like this.”

Elizabeth shrugged. “I am still the same woman Luis.” She stated. “I am just more determined to get what I want.”

Luis rolled his eyes. “Fine,” He stated. “Then what is it that you want?” He asked.

“You know damn well what I want!” Elizabeth hissed in a whisper.

“Well you can forget it!” Luis hissed right back. “I am not going to leave Sheridan for you.”

“I don’t want you to leave Sheridan for me.” Elizabeth stated, “I just want us to be together again, we can be discrete if you don’t want to hurt....”

“I won’t have an affair either!” Luis stated sternly.

“Then you have just sentenced her to another life time of heart ache because I swear to God above if you do not make lobe to me tonight, I will tell Sheridan everything!”

“Alright!” Luis said suddenly his anger pulsating through his veins. “Alright damn it I'll....I’ll do.” He said lowering his voice some.

Elizabeth smiled triumphantly as she slid her arm in his. “I knew that you would eventually see things my way.” She stated.

Luis shook his head. “No, not here.” He stated. “Not now.”

Elizabeth frowned. “Why not?” She asked.

“Because this is your party and if we both jus up and vanish people might start to get suspicious.” Luis stated. “Tonight. Later on tonight when the party ends I’ll think of an excuse to get away from Sheridan and then....I’ll meet you some where, at a Hotel or some thing.”

Elizabeth sighed some a little upset at the change in plans, but she realized that it was for the best. “Fine.” She gave in. “Fine, I’ll wait until tonight. But this had better not be some game Luis or I swear....”

“No game.” Luis stated. “I.....I will make love to you as long as you promise to keep Sheridan in the dark about us."

Elizabeth nodded her head. “Agreed.” She said leaning up and kissing him softy on the lips. “Until tonight my Love.” And then she walked away.

“Now, all I have to do is think f a way to stall before tonight.” Luis said out loud. “But how?” He asked.

In the upstairs part of the Mansion, Theresa stepped out of the bathroom and into the hall of the Crane Mansion. With a heavy sigh she made her dawn the long stretched hall, but stopped when she heard a raised voice coming from a bedroom. Stepping closer to the sound, she realized that it was Julian’s bedroom.

“You listen to me Harper, I don’t care how much you have to do my divorce from Theresa is number one!” Julian’s upset voice rang into Theresa’s ear. “Now I have the annulment papers in my hand and all you have to do is come to the Mansion and get it and file another copy down there, and hurry up damn it, the thought of still being married to Theresa makes me ill......No don’t bother coming through the party I have the papers in my room, just come up here, get them and call me when you get back there. Good night Harper.” Then he hung up the phone.

Theresa quickly hid behind a wall as Julian exited his bedroom and went the other way to get to the party. After another minute or so of making sure no one was coming, Theresa crept from behind the wall, and scurried into Julian’s bedroom closing the door. Eyeing the room quickly, her eyes fell suddenly on a sheet of paper laying besides his fax machine. Hurriedly she walked over to it, and smiled some as she realized it was exactly what she’s hoped it be.

Lifting the annulment papers in her hand Theresa smile grew even more. “I will get my revenge Ethan,” She sad to herself. “On you, Gwen and every one else who had wronged me. I swear it.”