Chapter 11
Laura’s left Leslie Lu in her mother’s care and departed for Rome with Julius. He knew Stefan was staying there for a while overseeing the rebuilding of a firm he had recently acquired. Julius was taking her to a dinner party tonight where he knew Stefan was one of the invited guests. Laura was nervous and excited. She would actually get to see Stefan tonight. She had missed him so much. She took special care in getting ready for the party. She had bought a designer dress that cost the heavens but she did not care because she was intent on capturing Stefan’s fancy tonight. This was the new sophisticated Laura, she would project a new image deserving of the man her heart desired. Laura could not believe her eyes as she stared back at the woman in the mirror. She had chosen a green haute couture dress that hugged her new slim figure to perfection. The spaghetti straps showed off her flawless shoulders and her new short haircut framed her face just right. She touched her fingers to her bare nape and fingered the end fringes of her short do nervously. She looked so much younger. It was strange not to feel the weight of her hair caressing her neck but the cut made her look so great she didn’t mind. Would he like it?
Laura exited the guest bedroom of Julius’ elegant townhouse and went in search of him.
When Julius saw her he almost choked on the whisky he was drinking. What was he doing? He should be wooing this woman for himself.
Laura: “Come on, it’s not that bad now, is it?”
Julius: “Laura, you are breathtakingly stunning. There will not be a man who would be able to resist you tonight.”
Laura smiling: “Thank you. You are quite stunning yourself.”
Julius looked quite handsome in his tux.
Julius: “Shall we go and wow them?”
Laura: “Lead the way.”
They made their way into the palatial mansion and were directed towards a room filled with elegantly dressed people loitering with drinks in their hands.
Stefan was bored out of his mind. He was always wrangled into these affairs, which he obligingly went to because more deals were made at such functions as were not. He would rather have been home going over some important papers or relaxing with a brandy and a good book. He may even take Monique up on her offer and spend a few pleasurable hours enjoying her company. Just at that moment Monique turned around and looked at him from across the room. Raising her glass to her lips she sensuously conveyed the message that she wanted him. Stefan decided then to spend the rest of the evening in her company. Pushing back the sleeves of his tux he checked his watch and mouthed 15 minutes to her. Monique smiled and turned her attention back to her companions’ musings. She felt flushed all over. He was finally taking her up on her offer. From the moment she had laid eyes on Stefan Cassadine, she had wanted him. She doubted that there was any woman who didn't. That he was available came to her as a pleasant surprise. She could not believe that some woman had not caught this man. Well all the better for her, they did not come any finer than this. He was a bit intimidating and aloof, but that only made her want him more. The challenge excited her. Many viewed her as a wealthy socialite with nothing to do but spend her father's money, but Monique had a keen intelligence and had a few business ideas she was playing around with. Yes, Stefan Cassadine was the man for her. Delicious, brilliant, and the know how to help her in her endeavor. She could not wait for them to leave, just thinking about their evening ahead sent shivers down her spine.
Stefan made his way towards the exit of the room but was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw none other than Laura.
Damaged
Chapter 12
It had to be her, yet the woman holding on to the arm of Julius Armando could not be her. She was breathtaking. She smiled up at Julius and Stefan felt a rage unlike anything he had ever experienced before consume him. Clenching his fists he waited until he had control of himself before approaching them.
Julius was the first to see him. Julius whispered to Laura. “Don’t look now but your man is coming over here and he does not look like a happy camper. Is it too late for me to bail?”
Stefan: “Now this is very unexpected. I didn’t realize you two knew each other.”
Laura: “Stefan! What a coincidence, it is good to see you again. I met Julius when he was visiting with Nicholas. We hit it off and before you know it here I am.”
Julius reached out a hand to shake Stefan’s hand: “It’s been a while Cassadine.”
Stefan looked at Julius’ hand and after a brief pause shook his hand. Stefan had not smiled once.
Laura: “I can’t believe you’re here. What are you doing in Rome?”
Stefan: “ Business. If you’ll excuse me, goodnight.” Stefan walked away from them and exited the room. Laura looked after him in shock. “We failed Julius.”
Julius: “On the contrary, I think we’ve succeeded a little too well. He was barely contained Laura. Is there something you’re not telling me? That was not a man who may have had a passing interest in you. For some reason I fear I have gotten in a little over my head.”
Laura: “It was not supposed to go like this. I didn’t even get the chance to have a decent conversation with him. How could he walk away like that?”
Julius: “Laura, the man was enraged. Couldn’t you see it?”
Laura: “You have to do something Julius. Invite him over to dinner or something, at my request.”
Julius: “No Laura. If you need to contact Stefan you’ll have to do it on your own and on neutral ground. You may embellish our relationship to him all you want but I will not flaunt it in front of his face by dinning with him or any such foolish venture. He would not accept at any rate. Was Stefan in love with you Laura?”
Laura: “Yes.”
Julius: “That’s just great. What have I gotten myself into?”
Laura: “You can’t back out on me now Julius. Fine, I’ll seek him out myself but I need you to back me up in this. Please don’t throw in the towel, not now.”
Julius: “Do you have any idea what those eyes of yours do to a man Laura?”
Laura hugged him. “Thank you.”
Stefan walked out into the brisk autumn air and inhaled deeply. His chauffer driven limo pulled up and as he was about to get in he heard his name called. He stiffened in anticipation that it was her. It was only Monique. Hiding his relief and disappointment, he turned towards her.
Monique: “You weren’t going to leave without me now were you?”
Stefan held the door open for her and she got into the car. Stefan entered after her.
Stefan: “Shall we go to your place?”
Monique: “That’s fine by me.”
Monique poured Stefan a snifter of Brandy and handed it to him. Stefan gulped half of it down in one swallow. Monique sat in her elegant chaise lounge and crossed her legs to show off their long slim length.
Monique: “You seem tense Stefan. Is something wrong?”
Stefan: “Long day.”
Monique: “Is there anything I can do to help?” She walked over to him and caressed his tuxedo-encased shoulder. “A massage maybe?”
Stefan cupped the back of her neck with one hand and placed his thumb on the pulse beating rapidly there. Stefan caressed his thumb up and down over the area and watched as Monique’s breathing became shallow and her pupils dilated. Stefan made her sip some of the brandy from his glass then using his tongue, traced the outline of her lips. Monique groaned. He then slipped his tongue into her mouth and commenced a dance with her tongue that left her trembling and wanting more. Stefan left her mouth and trailed his tongue from the base of her ear to her jaw line and down to the eratically beating pulse. Monique called out his name and Stefan straightened and looked at the woman in his arms. He coldly analyzed her aroused features and decided he would not go any further. Monique became aware of his withdrawal and opened her eyes. Stefan smiled slightly to cover his detachment and pressed a finger to her lips.
Stefan: “You are very beautiful.”
Monique: “Why did you stop?”
Stefan: “Because I must go. I underestimated how tired I really am and I do not wish to be thought of as a lacking companion.”
Monique: “I could never find you lacking.” Indeed, she was a very sensual woman with experience and no man had ever left her feeling this way with only a kiss. She wanted him so bad she could taste it but she did not want to push him either. She would tread very carefully with this one. She did not want to loose him. “But I do understand. Will you have dinner with me soon?”
Stefan took out a business card and gave it to her. “Give me a call and I’ll see when I’m free." Stefan kissed her on her cheek and departed.
Monique: “You shall be mine Stefan Cassadine.” Monique touched her fingers gently to her kiss swollen lips.
What were they doing now? Were they already lovers? Most likely, since he had taken her to Rome. It was not like Laura though to commit so quickly to a sexual relationship. His stomach was tied up in knots and the train of his thoughts was not helping. Just the thought of another man touching her baby soft skin made him feel murderous. The fact that the man was an acquaintance of his made it all the more difficult to tolerate. He could not get the images out of his mind. He had thought being with Monique might have taken his mind off of the matter for a few hours, but when he was kissing her all he could think of was how Laura tasted and felt and that Julius had had the opportunity to have that pleasure. It hurt like hell and the thought of them together was slowly driving him out of his mind. He had managed to reach the point where she was not a constant presence in his thoughts due to all consuming work and relentless determination. He thought he was succeeding, only to have this happen. Stefan abruptly asked his driver to change directions and go to Julius’ address instead. He had no idea what he was going to say to her but he had to see her. Julius was not home but his butler let Stefan in as he recognized Mr.Cassadine as one of his employer’s acquaintances. Stefan waited for their return.
On entering the house Julius asked: “Would you like a nightcap before retiring Laura?”
Laura: “No. I think I’ll just go to bed.” Laura went up to him and kissed him on the cheek. “You are a dear.”
Stefan: “ How touching. I know this may seem like a bad time but I need to speak with you Laura.”
Both Laura and Julius turned in shock to see Stefan standing there.
Julius: “How did you get in?”
Stefan: “Your butler.”
Julius: “It’s late Cassadine, couldn’t what you have to say to Laura wait till morning?”
Stefan: “No.”
Laura: “It’s ok Julius. It may be important.”
Julius: “If you say so. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.” To Stefan, “I believe you can let yourself out. Goodnight.”
Stefan did not reply.
Laura: “Umm, why don’t we go into the salon? It will be more private there.” Laura walked past him and entered the salon. Stefan followed her and closed the door.
Stefan: “Do you want to tell me what the hell you think you’re doing?”
Laura: “Is it any business of yours Stefan? I don’t think I owe you an explanation, and you were very rude to Julius tonight. Was that necessary?”
Stefan: “To hell with Julius. I never took you for the promiscuous type Laura, after all the years of proclaiming that Luke was the only man for you, what has brought on this sudden change?”
Laura: “I told you Luke and I are through and you refused to believe me. I am still young and I am a woman with a woman’s needs. You didn’t expect me to just live the rest of my life chaste and alone because you no longer wanted me?”
Stefan: “If it’s sex you needed, all you had to do was ask. There is no need for you to throw yourself at the likes of Julius Armando. He is out of your league Laura. Men like him have women like you for breakfast. He will chew you up and spit you out when he’s through with you.
Laura: “Women like me. Just what type of woman is that Stefan and as for asking, I did, just not you. You turned me down before remember?”
Stefan: “You are not into casual relationships Laura and Julius is not into becoming a homebody. Mention commitment to him and he’ll take off. As for turning you down, I never did, just your proposal. Leave with me and I’ll see that your needs are met, don’t degrade yourself any further with this man.”
Laura: “And what you’re offering me is not degrading? You stand there and preach to me about men like Julius when you are the very master yourself. If you’re through insulting me please leave.”
Stefan: “I will not leave without you.”
Laura: “Well you’re in for a long night. I’m going to bed.”
Stefan: “Laura.”
His voice stopped Laura in her tracks. A dangerous tone had entered his voice. Laura turned to look at him.
Stefan: “Do you care for this man?”
Laura: “Of course I do.”
Stefan: "Well I would advise you to come with me now. It would not bode well for him if you stayed.”
Laura: “Are you threatening me with doing harm to Julius?”
Stefan: “I am just giving you a choice. Physically harm him? I’m not a thug, but I can make his life very difficult for him.”
Laura: “The method does not make a difference, it’s still…”
Stefan: ‘It’s still what Laura? You are good at accusing me of evils, what’s one more?”
Laura: “I didn’t say you were evil. Is this necessary Stefan? You don’t even want me.”
Stefan: “Oh I want you, just not on your terms. Why not try mine for a while Laura? You may find that you like it.”
Laura: “Being your mistress?”
Stefan: “If you want to call it that. You told me once that you weren’t ready for marriage having recently dissolved one and you were quite willing to fulfill the role I’m offering to you now. Why not take it?”
Laura: “But I changed my….” Laura sighed. “OK Stefan. Your terms it’ll be.”
Stefan: “I’ll see to it that you don’t regret it. Get your things, I’ll wait here for you.”
Laura: “You expect me to leave now? I can’t just leave Julius this very second.”
Stefan: “That’s exactly what I expect Laura. I will not have you remain under his roof for one more night.”
With an exasperated look at him Laura exited the salon. She found Julius waiting for her in an upstairs sitting room. Throwing herself into Julius’ arms she laughed.
Julius: “ I take it things went well?”
Laura: “He wants me to go with him now or he’ll destroy you financially.”
Julius: “What!”
Laura: “Don’t worry. He won’t do anything. I just can’t believe the turn the evening has taken. I thought all was lost. He wants me back Julius.”
Julius: “ How do you know he still doesn’t intend to follow through with his threat Laura? The man is dangerous when riled.”
Laura: “Because he thinks he’s getting what he wants. He still says he doesn’t want to marry me but he will in the end. Stefan thinks he’s in control, but oh is he in for a surprise.”
Julius: “I believe you. Do you want me to put up a token protest? “
Laura: “No. I’ll just give him some story. You have no idea how grateful I am to you for doing this. You have made a friend for life.”
Julius: “And an enemy too it seems and a formidable one at that, but it was worth it beautiful Laura. Cassadine is a lucky man.”
Laura hugged him again and went to get her luggage. Stefan met her at the foot of the stairs and took her bags from her. Following him out to the car Laura secretly smiled to herself. She had her man back and she was not letting him go.
In the back of the limousine Stefan regarded Laura.
Stefan: “What did you tell him?”
Laura: “I told him I was leaving. He asked me if there was anything he could do to change my mind and I told him no. He has been good to me Stefan. He would never stand in my way if it is something I really wanted.”
Stefan: “And do you really want this?”
Laura: “Yes.”
Stefan: “I don’t want you to have anything to do with him again. Will that be a problem?”
Laura: “Is that necessary Stefan? He is no threat to us.”
Stefan: “It is a problem for me. Laura, are you committed to what’s ahead for us or not?”
Laura: “I am. We will play by your rules, ok?” For now, Laura thought to herself.
Laura went to take a shower in the master bathroom in Stefan’s penthouse apartment as Stefan had enlisted himself to unpack her clothes. She raised her face up to the powerful stream of water jetting from the shower and slicked back her short hair. Stefan startled her when his hands palmed her wet breasts and his hot mouth sucked on her long exposed neck. Laura smiled and leaned back against his hard wet naked body.
Stefan: “I can’t believe you are here in my arms.”
Laura: “I can’t believe it too. I missed you so much.” Laura turned around and pulled his head down to her for a hot all consuming kiss.
Afterwards they laid spoon fashion in the big master bed. Stefan repetitively caressed her from her breasts to her abdomen and back again.
Stefan: “Why did you cut your hair?”
Laura turned to face him.
Laura: “I needed a change from the inside out. I somehow feel freer, lighter. It could be because I’ve let go of not only my hair but a ton of baggage as well. Do you like it?”
Stefan: “You are absolutely beautiful. I must admit I miss tangling my hands in it but I also get more access to your lovely neck.” He started to trail kisses down her neck. Laura moaned and gave herself over to the delicious sensations he was creating.
Damaged
Chapter 13
Stefan sat in the meeting but his mind was far from the present proceedings. His thoughts were preoccupied with Laura. She would have to return home soon to Leslie Lu. Their time together in Rome was nothing short of blissful. She was more attentive to him and his needs than she had ever been and he had to admit, she made him feel cherished. He did not want to buy into it though, he knew Laura could change her mind at any moment and he would not be caught unprepared. He was torn. He did not like the role he had relegated her to, she deserved more and he wanted a lot more with her. Who was he fooling? He could not envision letting her go but he was apprehensive about marrying her because to have a taste of her as his wife would take him to the point of no return. If he were to marry her he would open his heart up to her again and if she were to leave him he …He was just not open to that possibility. This way, what they had now afforded him some form of detachment, thus sanity. That he let her back into his life again was truly a miracle to him. He really had thought he was through with her. “You will never be through with Laura,” an inner voice whispered to him.
When he returned to his apartment that night Laura had a candlelight dinner prepared and she was dressed in an ankle length black dress that left her shoulders bare. Stefan was mesmerized by her beauty. Stefan greeted her with a long leisurely kiss.
Laura: “You took long. Was it a success?”
Stefan: “I made the deal but I cannot relay to you what the majority of the meeting entailed. I was very distracted.”
Laura: “I wonder what with?”
Stefan: “I will show you later.”
Laura took his hand and led him over to the dinning room table. “Well let’s eat for the time being.”
It was after the meal that Laura broached the subject that was troubling her.
Laura: “ I have to go home Stefan. Leslie Lu needs me and I do have a job to attend to. I, I don’t want this to be the end though.”
Stefan: “It won’t be. Laura, Lucky is practically a man leading his own life, your mother spends most of the year in North Carolina, and Nicholas, well he has come into his own too. Is it necessary for you to live in Port Charles?”
Laura: “What are you saying?”
Stefan: “Leave Port Charles. Live anywhere in the world you want to, I can relocate.”
Laura: “But I like Port Charles, and I do want to be near Nicholas and Lucky. Besides, I like my job very much. I think I can make a difference in those kids lives.”
Stefan: “Is that all there is to it?”
Laura: “Yes. That is all there is to it. When will you believe me that I have moved past Luke, that I no longer wish for or want him to be in my life? He doesn’t even live in Port Charles any more.”
Stefan only looked at her. Laura sighed.
Laura: “Fine. Don’t believe me, but I’ll prove you wrong yet Stefan. As for relocating, what would we do? I cannot move in with you, not with Leslie Lu.”
Stefan: “There seems to be only one solution left then.”
Laura: “What?”
Just then the doorbell rang. They were both annoyed at the interruption. Stefan excused himself to answer the door. Stefan took a little while in returning so Laura went to see what was holding him up. She was not pleased with what she saw. There was a very svelte blonde standing at the door speaking to Stefan. Stefan turned to see Laura approaching him so he made the introductions.
Stefan: “Laura, I would like you to meet Ms. Monique Vaune…
Damaged
Chapter 14
Laura walked up to Stefan and entwining her arm in his reached out her other hand and shook Monique’s hand. The woman barely touched Laura’s hand in a simile of a handshake and withdrew. Both women exchanged plastic smiles.
Monique: “Stefan darling, I’m so sorry to interrupt but I wanted to personally invite you to a small dinner party I’m giving this weekend. Nothing grand, just a few close friends and I would be painfully disappointed if you didn’t come.”
Stefan: “Thank you Monique…”
Before Stefan could finish his sentence Laura spoke up. “He won’t be able to attend. We are getting married this weekend. Maybe another time?”
Monique looked at Stefan in shock, recovering from this unexpected blow she smiled sweetly. “Well! Congratulations are in order I believe? This prevents you from attending I’m sure but I will not be satisfied until I receive a rain check from you darling. You promised,” Seductively she purred, “remember?”
Stefan who had just received the shock of his life managed to reply to Monique. “I do remember and I always keep my promises. Thank you for the invite Monique, I will be in touch.” Monique then took her leave. As soon as the door closed Laura rounded on Stefan.
“How dare you accept that woman’s invitation in front of me? It’s ok for you to see others while I have all been told I have to cut a very good friend out of my life.”
Stefan grasped Laura’s arms with both hands and laughing drew her against his body. He kissed her and resting his forehead against hers he shook his head. “You are the most maddening, perplexing, impulsive woman I have ever encountered. So you have decided you want to become a Cassadine?”
Laura pulled her arms out of his grasp and encircling his neck pulled his head down so she could whisper in his ears. “Only if you are the Cassadine I’m hitched to. Now apologize for blatantly flirting with that woman. I mean it Stefan, I’ll not share.”
Stefan grasped her waist and led her towards the bedroom. “Come with me, I think I have a way of apologizing that will please you. Will you be a possessive wife Laura?”
Laura: “Is that your way of saying yes Stefan?”
Stefan: “You knew what my answer would be you little minx.”
Laura stopped their progress towards the bedroom and faced him. “I wasn’t sure Stefan. Not after everything, not with my betraying you like I did.”
Stefan: “Shhh. That’s all in the past. I want to make love to my fiancée.”
Laura went into his arms willingly but her heart was not at ease. Had Stefan really forgiven her? Was he truly over what she had done to him or was he sweeping it under a rug only to have it blow up in their faces in the future? She pushed aside her uneasy thoughts as Stefan had started ministering to her in the most delicious way possible. She would worry about the troubling past later. The present was just too heavenly to ignore.
They were married in Rome a week later in a private service. The wedding was held at night in a beautiful cathedral with a Russian orthodox minister presiding and Stefan’s personal secretary and a friend as witnesses. Though the cathedral was magnificently grand it had taken on a feeling of intimacy. The many candles added especially for this occasion gave off the only light in the church. It was all so romantic that Laura could hardly contain her joy. Why had she resisted this man for so long? He was so beautiful he took her breath away. They both wore white, Laura had insisted. She wanted their union to represent a new beginning, pure like the love in her heart for him. Laura smiled at her soon to be husband with tears of joy shimmering in her eyes. Stefan looked at his beautiful bride and could hardly breathe in fear she would vanish from before him. Laura squeezed his hands in assurance almost as if she could read his thoughts. When the minister announced he could kiss the bride Stefan released a pent up sigh of relief and clasped Laura to his heart. His hands trembled from reaction and he feared he would not be able to let her go.
“Stefan. I need to kiss you.” Laura whispered to him. He released her and gently palming her face with both hands breathed a whisper of a kiss on his wife’s lip. “You are mine.” Stefan rasped. “And you are mine.” Laura answered.
They had informed no one of their matrimony, both secretly fearing intrusions. They both decided to present their union as a fait accompli on their return to Port Charles.
Damaged
Chapter 15
Laura awoke to find Stefan lying in bed staring at her.
Laura: “Good morning husband.”
Stefan: “ Good morning Mrs. Cassadine.” Stefan caught a tendril of her hair with his finger and started playing with it. “You’re beautiful.”
Laura: “ Tell me sweet lies.”
Stefan stiffened at her words and Laura looked at him with apprehension in her eyes. Stefan immediately relaxed and reached for the telephone extension to call Mrs. Lansbury to bring their breakfast.
While having their breakfast in bed Stefan questioned Laura. “Are you ready to tell Leslie, Lucky, and Nicholas?”
Laura: “Yes. It’s my life to live as I please and I’ll no longer live in fear of who may not approve. I am proud to have you for my husband Stefan and all who don’t approve be damned. At the end of the day you are whom I need. When everyone goes off to their respective lives, where does that leave me?”
Stefan tipped her chin up and leaned in to kiss her. “Spoken like my wife. Well let’s get it over with early. I also want to meet with the builders of our new home and I want you with me. This will be your home too after all.”
Her meeting with Leslie did not go well to say the least but Laura made it clear to her that she loved Stefan and she and Lulu would be moving to Wyndemere to live with Stefan.
Leslie: “Laura please rethink this. What would Luke say?”
Laura: “I am sick and tired of your tireless defense of Luke. He is no longer my husband, what the hell can he say? How many times has he contacted his daughter since he left town? Look I am not denying Luke his daughter. He can have access to her whenever he pleases. Lulu loves him and I won’t seek to undermine that but as far as Luke being a factor in my life personally? It’s over. Make Luke out to be the hero all you want but he is no longer mine. I grew up.”
Leslie: “But Stefan Laura? He has caused nothing but misery and pain to this family. How you can blatantly disregard that is beyond me?”
Laura: “I was wrong mother to burden Stefan with all the ills of our family. As far as my marriage, the blame rests on Luke and I. The rest we can attribute to Helena. Stefan has always been an easy scapegoat for me and it was always a lie. I intend to do away with the lies mother. They destroyed a great deal of my life and I will have no part of it anymore. Blame me for all of it if you want but I will no longer stand by and listen to you defame and blame my husband anymore.” Laura went up to Leslie and hugged her. “I love you. Please be happy for me or at least believe me when I say I am.” Laura caressed her mother’s face and kissed her on the cheek. “I have to go. Stefan, Lulu and I are going to see how our new house is progressing. I will speak to you later.” Laura then left with Leslie Lu.
Leslie stood staring at the door worriedly after Laura and Lulu had left. She came to a decision and went to make a phone call.
Leslie: “Hello Luke. You need to come home.”
Luke: “What is it Leslie? Is it Lucky?”
Leslie: “No. Lucky is fine. He said he spoke to you yesterday. I had hoped you would have called to speak to Lulu.”
Luke: “Yeah, well I was busy. Is that all you called me for? I told Laura I would call when I got the chance.”
Leslie: “That was weeks ago Luke. Besides that’s not the reason I’m calling. Laura got married to Stefan. Luke, are you there?”
Luke: “Yeah, I’m here. Tell her congratulations.”
Leslie: “Don’t you care that Laura has thrown herself into the powers of this man again, or that Lulu will be living with them at Wyndemere? Luke, you know Laura has only ever loved you. She only goes to him whenever she thinks all is lost with you.”
Luke: “Maybe all is lost.”
Leslie: “ I never thought of you as a quitter Luke. If not for Laura, then come home for Lulu. Do you want that man to replace you in her life?” Leslie gently replaced the phone on the receiver and smiled. She knew Luke. He would not let that challenge to his ego go unanswered. No Cassadine was going to have control over anyone in her family. Not if she could help it.
Index