Moments and Dreams
by Shirley
He knew the one thing in his life that would never change, and would be with him until he drew his last breath, was his love for this woman who could make him soar with joy to the highest point in heaven as he drew in his breath,and could plummet him to the very depths of hell as he exhaled.
Why did he love her so much that no other woman interested him? Why did he have to fall in love with a woman who didn't love him? He had tried to tell himself that he loved her because she was Nikolas' mother,but he couldn't convince himself of that either,he knew that she was the only woman he ever wanted,would ever want,and nothing she would ever say, or do would make him stop loving her. She had hurt him in every possible way, yet he couldn't stop the love in his heart, the dreams he still had of them one day being husband and wife, a family. Dreams were all it would ever be,but he couldn't give them up. He had mistresses over the years, substituting sex with women whose faces he couldn't recall,and had no desire to do so, for those moments he craved to have again with her. No one could ever take her place, he had resigned himself to his fate in that respect. It wasn't meant to be, but he refused to give up his dream of one day having the family he longed for with all his heart, his Laura, his Nikolas, even though he knew it was a futile dream, it was all he had. He had no intention of giving up the only thing that had sustained him through all the long years of battling Helena to keep Nikolas safe, and out from under her control. He knew that he was growing battle weary, he had hoped for some assistance from Laura, but she had turned her back on him as soon as it looked as if Luke would allow her to come back into his life. He shook his head in dismay, he would never understand that mesmerizing hold that Luke had over her.
There was something about this evening that was different, a glimmer of hope? No! He dare not think of it, but the nagging thoughts wouldn't leave him. Something....He knew it was Laura as soon as the door opened,before she entered, he knew. Why was that? He answered his own question, he always knew, and he felt sure she knew as well, his presence. They had a silent connection that no one could break, it had happened from their very first meeting in the Wild Garden, a chance meeting, Laura fleeing from her jailers, and straight into his arms. Time stood still, and for those few fleeting seconds, they were the only two people on earth. Now it seemed she was ashamed of the time they spent together, a time he treasured above all others, and at this moment he almost wished they were back on the island.
Why couldn't he have been stronger for her sake, fought Helena,and removed Laura and Nikolas off that island,away from Helena,and all those things he had grown to hate about his family. They were evil,would stop at nothing to gain what they wanted, not even murder. He was not like them, and it pained him to know that everyone thought he was the same as Helena, even Laura, and she, of all people, should know him better. She chooses to believe because she can't face the truth, he hoped that were true, it was what he chose to believe,what he wanted to believe, for to think otherwise would certainly negate his dream, and he wasn't ready to give it up, at least not yet. He knew he brought a lot of pain to himself because he wouldn't give up the hope of one day showing the world his family, his wife, his son, his Laura, his Nikolas!
She greeted him, and he was enraptured with her beauty, she was the most ravishing woman he had ever seen in his life. He let his eyes take in all of her. She smiled, was she....no, it was just his imagination, he wanted to see in her eyes , the love, the way it was the night she first told him that she loved him, the first time they had made love free of everything that had stood in their path all these years. Short lived as it was, he would always treasure those few months they had together.
Why didn't he just tell her he had incapacitated Helena? She had asked many times why he hadn't done something about Helena,and when he did, she was angry with him. Maybe if he had told her the truth....but it was too late now to know that he should have told her, he was so afraid of losing her,and he should have known that truth, or no, she would abandon him again, no matter how much she professed her love for him Why didn't he just tell her he found Lucky? He knew he did it to protect her from further pain if something should go wrong. Why couldn't she see that his love for her couldn't tolerate seeing her in agony like that again. He never wanted her to suffer in any way. He would always protect her from whomever and whatever he could, even now. Why keep going over this? He couldn't go back and repair the damage, he would do anything in the world to correct all the mistakes he made, as usual, he wasn't allowed to do that. What had he done that others hadn't done, or worse? They were forgiven, but because his name was Cassadine, he was to be purged from society like some contagious disease.
What he would give to be able to put her out of his mind forever, she didn't love him, hadn't she proved it time and again? Why does she always come back to seek him out when she can no longer bear her life alone? She always comes back! The thought kept whirling around in his head, he couldn't stop thinking about it, or the thing that transpired earlier in that brief moment. He longed for the next time she needed him, to be soon, very soon. He laughed to himself at how pathetic he must look to her, satisfied with any thing she would offer him until Luke would let her back in his life.
He couldn't believe that Scott Baldwin would be so gracious as he, to accept her at any price. Maybe he had misjudged Baldwin. He certainly didn't seem the forgiving type, but he did seem elated that he was back with Laura, he could understand the way he felt, for he knew how it was to be with the one woman you love above everything else. Poor Baldwin, he was in for a rude awakening, Laura would return to Luke in the end, as she always does, Baldwin will be left standing with his heart in his hands, as he was those many years ago. On the other hand, from what he knew about Scott Baldwin, he may not go so quietly into that good night. He wouldn't take kindly to being used by Laura to win back Luke. He felt a small modicum of sympathy for the man, for he knew full well the consequences of falling in love with Laura.
He would never understand Laura's obsession with Luke. The man raped her, and she loves him? He was appalled at the suggestion that she could think of that as love. Laura too, was appalled at the idea of a victim thinking her rapist violated her body in the name of love, but somehow she thought she and Luke were different. "How could that be," he thought? He didn't intend to dwell on this subject, even if it would always be there, how he hated Luke Spencer for forcing himself on Laura. He knew his brother Stavros had treated Laura like a slave, with Helena's encouragement , but Stavros had adored her, and would never allow any physical harm to come to her, and yet... when Laura left the island to find Luke, and Stavros followed, according to Luke and Laura, he had overpowered Luke and tied him up to watch while he tried to rape Laura at knife point. He shook his head in disbelief, wondering how different the relationship between he and his brother might have been, if not for Helena's influence over Stavros. He couldn't imagine his brother being that cruel to Laura. He knew it to be true, but wanted so much for it not to have happened, for no matter what else he was, Stavros was a Cassadine, and a prince. Damn Helena, and damn Stavros for not being stronger. He could understand why people hated Helena and Stavros, but couldn't they see he was not like them? He was proud of his name, in spite of his family.
His lineage had always been a source of pride for him, no matter that his own Father had gone insane and did unspeakable things. Stefan remembered a different man before he had lost all reasoning, a man he was proud to call Father,but who, like Helena had shown him little affection, but there were times of laughter and joy, he had always, as a young boy looked forward to the holidays and special occassions when the Cassadine family members merged on the island. He had made a silent promise to Nikolas the first moment he held him in his arms after his birth, that he would never know what it was to be unloved. His son would thrive in a loving environment, even though he would never know that he was his father.
Even though he knew that Nikolas was his son, and not the heir apparent, he knew he was the one Cassadine to rule the Empire with compassion, and would do good things with the vast fortune that was at his disposal,
....but that was another for another day. Right now at this moment he had other things to think about.
How he loved her and wanted her with him, to be able to show her all of his heart and soul as he had done on the island, so long ago. God it seemed like an eternity since they were in love and tossing caution to the wind, longing to be together, wrapped in each others arms, to the oblivion of anything else around them. He thought at the time it would never end, that even in eternity they would be together. They were in love, and nothing could come between them, not Stavros, not Luke or Helena, nothing! When she told him she was pregnant, his heart had been filled with so much happiness, he thought it would burst from pure joy. The thought that the two of them had created a child from their love, was overwhelming to him. He immediately began to plan for their future. Carefully, methodically, plans to ensure their safety and happiness for all time to come, free of any harm from anyone, to be together, he, Laura,and their child. He had thought at the time that they would have more children as time passed, and their family would be the happiest on earth. Youth! What dreams innocent youth could invision! He smiled to himself as he thought how young and foolish were those dreams. He had been very naive then, but soon learned that dreams were to be his only solace and comfort to sustain him through all those years after Laura left the island.
It was a life time ago,and now there was this new dream beginning to form in his mind...Damn! He must love having his heart ripped from his chest at Laura's whim. How long before he gave in to his feelings and let her back in to his life? He knew it was inevitable, he loved her too much to not take advantage of any opportunity to be with her. He hated himself for being so vulnerable to her.
He wanted desperately to sleep, but it was not forthcoming, the thoughts of what might have been, his dreams of family with Laura and Nikolas,and perhaps another child to round out their happiness, would not leave him. He stared into the flames, the only thing he saw was her face, that smile, those eyes. He closed his own eyes, and there were only visions of that face. He wished he knew for certain if what he thought he saw, really happened,or only his imagination. He wanted so much to know, should he proceed to try and win her back on that brief instant, or should he just sit back and wait for her to come to him, as she always did, he wondered how many years it would take this time. She always came to him when she needed someone, No! she needed him,not just anyone, she always came to him because she needed him. He longed for sleep to over take him. He would see Laura first thing in the morning, she would hear him out, he had to know,and he would know as soon as he saw her eyes, she couldn't hide anything from him. He knew her too well.
Laura thought the evening would never end, she so wanted to get away to think on the events that happened earlier in the evening, when she came dashing in the door late for her own party. She knew he was there as soon as she opened the door, quickly searching for him, she saw him, and it took all her effort to keep from racing to him and throwing herself at him. She couldn't take her eyes off him, and she hoped he hadn't thought her foolish by gushing and grinning at him like some silly school girl, but she couldn't help herself. Did he notice? Probably not. Why should he? She had said she didn't love him or trust him, he surely wouldn't give her a thought now, still.... there was something different from the last few meetings they had had. No anger, no denying the love they felt for one another, why couldn't they just admit they loved each other and stop all the pain? What were they doing to each other? She remembered how they always knew the truth from each other. It was like a silent connection. She knew that no one on earth could ever take that from them. Why had she been so cruel to him? Blaming him for Lucky's kidnapping when she knew in her heart that he would never harm a child,least of all one of hers. She knew that about him,and yet she had accused him! God! If she could only take it all back! She would never forget the pain in his eyes as she stood there accusing him and....she had struck him across the face! Why? What was wrong with her? She loved him,how could she accuse and hurt him so? She couldn't hold back the tears,recalling that moment when she had crushed the man she loved out of spite for not telling her he had seen Lucky. She wouldn't let him explain what hat happened. She had done as she always did, acted on impulse,instead of reason. He would never forgive her!
He was cordial and polite as he always was, ever the gentleman, he was never one to let his emotions show in public, he always kept things to himself, and would never let her, or anyone see how he was reacting on the inside. Only when they were alone together would he let his guard down long enough to let all his pent up emotions escape.
She loved being his confidante, his friend, his lover, she loved him with all her heart, this was the way love was supposed to be. She was overjoyed that fate had brought them together, for how else would she have ever known this much joy and happiness was there for her? She knew him so well, as he did her, a thought that had scared her at times, to think she had let him know her in that way, like no other ever did, or would in her lifetime. They were....they were soul mates! On the island when she first discovered she was pregnant, she was overjoyed, she wanted to rush to tell him because she knew at that moment that they would share their lives,and the life of their child together, forever. Opon regaining her composure she felt somewhat reluctant to tell Stefan she was pregnant, for she knew they would be in much danger from Stavros and Helena, if it were discovered she was carrying his child before they could leave the island. She worried for Stefan's safety, she knew he would not let this child be born without acknowledging he was the father,and the only way to do that would be to escape from the island, out of Helena's reach, they would be together for all time to come, free of the Cassadines, and free to nurture their love and their child, she smiled to herself as the thought crossed her mind, there would be more children as proof of their undying love for one another.Two souls touching across time and space forever. She felt they were one body, one soul, one heart! He breathed life into her, and she him. He was the only person she ever really wanted, or needed.
When they met face to face earlier in the evening, she knew he was taking in all of her with his eyes, or was it what she hoped ? Why would he look at her that way? He had no use for her, he couldn't love or care about her, she was just Nikolas' Mother as far as he was concerned. God how she had hurt him time and again, how could he possibly love her now? Tears almost sprang to her eyes, but she controlled them, she didn't want him to see the agony of not being able to hold him in her arms, or to have him hold her in the safety of his, or to know how much she loved him, it was too painful to see the rejection in his eyes, but....no that was admiration she saw, she wouldn't let herself believe otherwise and yet... she was worried that it was just her imagination, her dream, she wanted him to love her again.
The the thoughts were racing through her mind, she couldn't seem to stop them no matter how hard she tried. She wanted to clear her mind,but sleep evaded her,and the thoughts continued.
Did he see the love in her eyes, the joy she felt down to her toes at seeing him there? No! All he would see was how much pain she had caused him, and turn away. Why did she always have such a hard time telling him she loved him? It wasn't because she didn't love him with all her heart, it was, she knew, that she had felt so much guilt over leaving him with Nikolas,and staying with.. what a huge mistake? She had loved him so much that the thought of his thinking she had deliberately left him with their son to raise,was at times more than she could bear, as the years passed, she wondered if he had found another woman to love,to share his life,his bed,and their son. Of course he had, why wouldn't he? He was a passionate man with needs like everyone else. How she envied that woman. She had cried herself to sleep many a night thinking of Stefan making love to another woman. She wanted to scream out that he was hers to love, and no one had the right to be in his arms but her. She never knew the right words to tell him how she felt, she was so afraid of his rejection. Why couldn't he see she loved him?
She was overjoyed to know that the one time he did marry was not for love,but to make her jealous,and she was, he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, but then being an honorable man, he would have stayed married to her, if she hadn't betrayed him for her brother. She closed her eyes and begged God's forgiveness for being so happy when they divorced.
She had to know what had transpired between them this evening, if it was her imagination, or was there really a chance for them to be together? How she longed to be safe in his arms at this very moment! Sleep was out of the question, so she made up her mind what she had to do. She would leave her Mother a note, she would deal with Lesley later,this was her life,and not her Mother's.
It was after four in the morning when Laura rang the doorbell at Wyndemere.
She wasn't sure if he would be alone,but she hoped with all her heart he was, the thought of another woman touching him made her...please God don't let there be a woman with him!
Mrs. Lansbury opened the door and smiled when she saw her standing there. She loved her too, and wanted nothing more for her employer,who was also her friend, to have the woman he loves, to share his life. Laura said she was there on business to see Stefan, and enquired if he were there,she knew the early hour would not be a thing Mrs. Lansbury would think odd,she was used to Stefan entertaining business men from Europe who would be enjoying breakfast at this early hour in their own country. He always wanted his guests, no matter who they were, to feel comfortable at Wyndemere. Mrs. Lansbury assured her he was alone in his study. Laura brushed past her and headed for the stairway. She knew instinctively that Laura wouldn't wait to be announced, she smiled to herself at how well she knew Mrs. Spencer she should, hadn't she kept their secret on the island so many years ago? "Goodness" she thought, she must remember that Mrs. Spen...Webber had taken her maiden name after she divorced that awful man. She hoped the lie Ms. Webber told her had been to cover the real reason she was here, that it would be a reconciliation between the two lovers, that would ensure they would share their dreams and their lives together, as it should have always been. She hurriedly set about to make sure their favorite breakfast foods were ready, but knew if all went as she had hoped, it would be well into the evening before the lovers would satisfy their hunger. Never the less, when ever they came down, everything would be perfect for them, she would make sure of it.
Laura slowly opened the door to the study and saw Stefan sleeping on the sofa in front of the fireplace, he was still fully clothed other than his jacket, which had been carelessly tossed at a chair, landing on the floor, his shirt was unbuttoned to his waist as if he had just been too tired to care, and had given up trying to undress, and let sleep enfold him. She wondered why he hadn't gone to his bedroom to rest, but then again, she had on occassion found him fast asleep on this very sofa after an exhausting day of dealing with the Cassadine business, and mostly with Helena. Helena always managed to drain the life from him everytime she had the chance. Those were the moments she wanted to cradle him in her arms, let him know just how much she loved him, that she would always be there for him. They would conquer Helena together. She would be by his side, he would never have to be alone again.
She silently crossed the room and sat down softly next to him. She thought her heart would burst with the love she felt. Watching him sleep, he looked so young for his years, he was so handsome and sophisticated. Everything about him was nothing short of perfection, she never tired of looking at him. How could he have ever loved her? He deserved someone better than she, she had never felt worthy of his love. She was always in awe of him, he was everything any woman would ever want in a man, and yet she had rejected him because she was afraid he would come to see that she was not perfect, flawed, and not deserving of his love. Still she thanked God for the time she was allowed to be in his life, and prayed she could be again. She wanted to make up for all the wasted years they could have shared, if only he was willing.
She would always have those memories of their first meeting and the love they shared those many years ago. How could she forget any of them, it gave them Nikolas, they were family, she had thrown it all away, and if there was any chance at all of their being together now, she was determined to pull out all the stops to make it happen.
She stroked his hair gently as she thought of the pain she had caused him, and wished with all her heart she could take back the words she so foolheartedly had lashed upon him. Her guilt had made him her victim, in her attempt to keep him from the truth, she had devasted the only man she ever truly loved!
Why couldn't she just tell him how she felt, and let him hear the truth?
She resolved to tell him everything as soon as he was awake, if he didn't have her thrown out of Wyndemere, before she could open her mouth. That thought was alarming for her, not from fear of being harmed in anyway, but that he wouldn't listen to her, that she would hear those dreaded words from his own lips, that she was no longer a part of his life, she wasn't welcome in his home, or his heart, ever again. She knew she had to stop thinking those thoughts and concentrate on her desire to make him understand, if she were to ever have a chance at a life with him. A life she wanted more than anything in the world.
He fought the sleep trying to escape his body, he didn't want to wake just yet to face another day of reality, that would come all too soon. Something
summoned him from his slumber. The scent of her overwhelmed him, part of the dream that he knew would be with him when asleep or awake. He stirred slightly, not yet ready to let the sleep evaporate from his body. Laura watched him with tears shining in those big blue eyes that he loved, he had never seen such expressive eyes on anyone.
She could control herself no longer and leaned toward his face and kissed him on the cheek. Letting her lips slowly caress his face until she found his,and lightly brushed them with her own. He reached for her and pulled her lips to his in a deep, and passionate kiss that left them both breathless, startled, he came fully awake! He was shocked to see her face above his,and Laura mistakenly believed that he was angry at finding her there.
"Stefan! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you..I..uh..I..I'm sorry." He was at a loss for words as the reality of the situation hit him. She wished he would say something, but she was determined that he would have to tell her himself.
If he wanted her to leave, he would have to say the words,and she prayed he wouldn't. She stiffened, almost rising from the sofa fearing those words that now she was sure would come from his mouth. He smiled at her and her heart began beating rapidly with the thought that there was a chance for them after all. He looked at her face, her eyes, drinking it all in, he reached his hand behind her head, and pulled her down on top of him, he sought her willing lips with his own, if this was to be for this moment, then he intended it to be one that he would remember for the rest of his life. He would not let this moment go, he meant to take full advantage of the situation. He wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life making love to her, keeping her safe, loving her with all his heart, but if this was all he was to have of her, then he would not let the opportunity pass him by, he would zeize the moment to store away with all the other memories. He still was shocked that she was actually there in his arms, but dream or reality, this moment was theirs to share.
She wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life in his arms, feeling safe in his love, loving him with all her heart. She wanted him to know the peace and joy of her undying love and devotion. She would make this a moment he would never forget, he would know her love was real.
Dawn had broken hours ago, but the lovers were unaware of anything but each other, exhausted from hours of love making, neither was willing to let the moment pass away. It was as it always had been between them, their love soaring to heights of joy and ecstacsy that few have ever experienced. The two lovers drifted off into a peaceful sleep that kept them there until well into the evening.
Stefan awakened and smiled that the woman he loved was wrapped in his arms with her head resting in the crook of his neck and shoulder. He wondered how much longer the moment would last, until she awakened and made her excuses about coming there, tell him she doesn't love him,and this will never happen again. He smiled to himself,thinking, oh but yes my love, it will happen time and again until the day we are no longer on this earth,and then I suspect you will search until you find me there. If I learned nothing else from our encounter tonight, nothing will ever be finished between us, never!
Laura awakened and smiled knowing she was in the arms of the man she loves more than life itself, and she too wondered how much longer the moment would last before Stefan told her she must go. She had to speak to him now, she wouldn't let him send her away without hearing her out. She hadn't realized Stefan had awakened, his eyes were closed, and he was caught by surprise when she said his name, that he must wake up and listen to her,and said he would hear her out, that he wasn't to speak, he smiled to himself that she was ordering him to be silent. She said she was determined to have her say, and if he wanted her to leave afterwards, she would go, but he would hear her out. She wanted to speak ever so slowly to delay the words that would come from his mouth to tell her to leave Wyndemere and his life.
He listened as she told him of her love, her guilt at having abandoned he and Nikolas. She said she wanted to be with him forever, no matter what happened, no matter what hurdles they would have to clear to be together, it was time they took their happiness, and the rest be damned! She didn't want to live her life without him, but would understand if after all the pain she had caused him, he didn't want her anymore. She wanted desperately for him to say that he loved her, that nothing mattered but the two of them. Stefan obliged her by kissing her. He looked at her and said ,"I love you Laura with all my heart and soul, don't you know by now that you are the only thing in this world I have ever wanted? I love you and I know now that you love me, all that remains is for you to say you will be my wife, so we might begin making up for all those years we have wasted. There are so many years left to us, lets not waste one moment." Laura was so overjoyed she could only nod her head in answer. Stefan allowed he would accept that as a yes,and the smile on her face told him everything he wanted to know.
"Know this Laura," he began to speak softly and slowly, "that our road to happiness will not be easy, we must work together to make it happen. You can't run away at the first sign of trouble. We must be able to trust in our love to see us through whatever life has in store for us. You must be able to accept that I am not perfect Laura, I have faults as does everyone, but if you can't love me unconditionally, there is no hope for us. Our happiness depends on it, and you know that I love you more than anything on earth, but if this is not acceptable to you, then we can live our lives the way we always have. I am at your beck and call Laura, God help me for being so weak, but denying myself a chance to be with you whenever you need me, no matter the pain when you leave, has long since ceased to be a source of pride for me, it is my own weakness, that won't let me put you out of my life, a chance to be with you for only a moment, if that be the case, is something I refuse to deny myself. If this is all the joy I am to experience in this life, then I gladly accept my fate."
Tears streaming down her face, Laura couldn't get the words out quickly enough to tell him how she loved him more than life. "I will never abandon you again Stefan! I know I have told you this time and again, one moment spent with you, means more to me than you will ever know. I love you more than I can ever say, I don't know how to convey it, words won't do it justice now. I know the road will be bumpy for us, but I have every faith that our love will help us deal with anything that life tosses our way. I know we have to have trust,and although I didn't show it, I always trusted you Stefan. Forgive me for being so foolish in the past. I know I have caused you so much pain, and sometimes I think it was deliberate to cover my own short comings, my guilt for leaving you and Nikolas, I can't make that go away, but I will promise you that from this moment forward, I will never leave you again! We will work through our problems together, and lets begin by telling everyone that we are in love, we are going to be husband and wife, and for all those who don't approve, that will be their problem, not ours. I want to shout it from the roof tops of the tallest building that I am in love with Stefan Cassadine, and he is my husband! Lets not wait one moment Stefan, lets leave today for Santo Domingo and be married, we can do the church ceremony later, I don't want to waste any time not being Mrs. Stefan Cassadine." I want us to begin our lives as husband and wife now. We have postponed this far too long as it is.
Stefan couldn't hide his pleasure at hearing this, he smiled at her with more love than she could ever imagine,and said "your wish is, as always, my command." His dreams of a family, and life with the woman he loved, was at last coming into fruition. They laughed until tears came, the pure and unbridled joy, realizing that all these years of longing and dreaming were about to become reality, was almost beyond comprehension for both.
Stefan reached for the phone and ordered his personal jet ready for the trip. He knew his pilot could be relied upon to relay flight plans to the control tower at the airport.
They showered together, and were still caught up in the moment, when suddenly Laura burst into tears, and caught Stefan unawares, for one brief flashing moment the thought crossed his mind, but he knew that was not the problem any longer. He wanted to take her in his arms and assure her everything would be alright, but hesitated to do so. He stepped out of the shower and began to dry himself.
Laura looked at Stefan and saw he was deep in thought, and knew he what he must be thinking. She rushed to him, took his face in both her hands, she looked him in the eyes, as tears sprang to hers, seeing the pain in his. "Stefan, I love you! Please believe me, I love you! I will never leave you, its just that we must be honest now, no more secrets, and this last secret is one I have kept from you for over twenty years. I fear that you may hate me after you hear what I have to tell you. I'm afraid Stefan. This is something you may never be able to forgive. I know that our marriage must begin with nothing but honesty between us, and I don't know how to tell you this without losing you forever.
Stefan drew in his breath as if he had just been kicked in the stomach by a horse. What now? What could she ever do that would make him hate her? Nothing! He loved her unconditionally. He should have known that this was only a dream for the moment. Laura saw his pain and told him her last truth, that Lucky was his son, and not Luke's. She had been afraid to tell Luke she was pregnant when she came back to Port Charles. She hadn't really known for sure she was pregnant again, it was only a few weeks,and not enough time had passed for her to be sure,although she had missed her period. She knew this child was Stefan's beyond any doubt, Stavros had not touched her since Nikolas' birth. When Helena forbid her to come back to the island,she was terrified to say anything to Luke about Nikolas, let alone about being pregnant once again with another man's child, and more so a Cassadine child at that. She knew he would abandon her,and she didn't know what else to do. When enough time had passed, she knew for certain she was pregnant,and when there was no word from Stefan, acknowledging her letters or phone calls, she had thought he had turned on her too.
Stefan still reeling with the news he was Lucky's father, was greatful she t she had tried to contact him, but it was all too clear that Helena had intercepted the letters, and had directed the servants not to forward calls from Laura, nor relay any letters or messages from her.
He was trying to digest all she was saying to him, he had seen the resemblence between he and Lucky, he resembled Stefan at the same stages of his childhood and teen years, but Stefan had dismissed it, said nothing, thinking he was being foolish. Luke had been blonde too, and Lucky had more of his Mother's features than Luke's, and now it came to him that this was not true either, Lucky had more of his features than Laura's,which when he had assumed that Lucky was Spencer's child, would follow that he had inheirited his mother's features. He had known before the words were out of her mouth that Lucky was his son. It was all too clear now.
How had he been so blind as to not see it? His body became taut with fear when he surmised that if he had seen the resemblence, so had Helena ! She wasn't seeking revenge against the Spencer's, they were only pawns to detract from the real prey...himself! How had he been so careless to overlook the obvious? He was the target, and Helena had used both his sons against him.
Her ultimate revenge against a son she despised, because the son she loved was dead. She knew Nikolas was his son all along,and Lucky too. What better way to rid herself of the one person that stood between her and her insatiable desire for power. The Cassadine Empire would afford her all the power she could ever want. The only deterrent was Stefan. She had to control Nikolas to reap her rewards, and Lucky was just a tiny blimp on the horizon. His part in her plans were mostly to separate Nikolas from the crude child, for he had become too fond of that peasant girls other bastard son. Nikolas should have been Staros's son, he deserved that much from this silly child he chose to be his wife. She would have hoped that Stavros, her beloved son, would have made a better choice than this insipid woman child, Laura Spencer, but she could refuse him nothing, so therefore relented when he insisted she was the one he must have.
Helena was on her way at this moment to reveal to Luke this one last devasting blow about Lucky ,her last revenge for his murdering her husband and son,and the greatest triumph of all, Laura and Stefan would be separated forever now. Stefan would never forgive Laura for her deception about Lucky, both his sons would hate him now. Luke would probably kill both Laura and Stefan once he knows..She had won! She would have the Cassadine fortune along with her revenge. She had convinced them that Nikolas was Stavros' son. The fools never guessed that Lucky was the grandson she needed for her revenge. He was the heir apparent after Stefan's death. She had thrown back her head and laughed out loud at the stupidity of them all. She had everything ! She was elated at the prospect of ruling the Cassadine Empire.
Laura could only stand there and wait for Stefan to lash out at her about her deceitfulness in keeping the truth from him,and after all the times she had accused him of being dishonest, she was now to know his wrath, as he had hers. Stefan saw the look of fear in her eyes, and it was more than he could bear, he took her in his arms and reassured her he could never find it in his heart to hate her, he had tried when she abandoned Nikolas,but he couldn't do it,he loved her too much. That was the past and they would never think on it again, from this day forward he wanted them to look to the future. He said he understood why she kept the truth about Lucky from him, although he would have loved to have known his other son the way he knew Nikolas. Laura was happy that Stefan thought of Nikolas as his son. Stefan seeing the thought in her eyes told her he knew that Helena had tried to make everyone believe that Nikolas wasn't his son,but Staros',and asked if she thought he would be so careless as to leave Nikolas' paternity to chance? Laura couldn't contain her surprise, asking what he meant, to which he replied, "surely you know me better than that Laura, I would not take for granted that blood drawn from me by my Mother's nurse,and tested by her own physician was truth. I had Nikolas and myself tested over and over again on every trip we ever took out of Helena's domain. Believe it or not, not everyone in the world has been corrupted by Helena, there are still a few honest people out there. Laura, Nikolas IS my son! I have always known he was,and with Helena's last attempt to prove otherwise, I was devasted to think that once again I would have to keep the secret from Nikolas to keep him safe. He hates me for it. He doesn't want anything to do with me now. I hope someday he will find it in his heart to forgive me."
"I know when I kidnapped Ms. Morgan it was wrong, but she had pertinent information I thought I needed, and quickly realized how ridiculous this deed was, but it was done,and all I could do was hope that everyone would understand once I had discovered how Helena had brainwashed Lucky, and returned him to you, thus clearing my name with anything to do with his kidnapping, or the mind control. I couldn't live my life knowing you thought I would harm a child, let alone a child of yours. I knew also that Ms. Morgan was in danger from Helena, and I didn't want an innocent young woman harmed by her. I regret stooping to Helena's level by kidnapping Ms. Morgan, and when I knew she needed medical help, I made sure she got back to the hospital, and her physican. I would never have forgiven myself if Ms. Morgan had lost her sight because of my stupidity. I hope you can forgive me too." Laura said there was nothing to forgive, if it hadn't been for her stubborness, they would have still been together, and maybe Helena would not now be a threat to their family. Stefan replied,"Now I know that Lucky is my son too, there is even more reason for me to stop Helena. Maybe we should postpone the marriage for now,and concentrate on keeping our children out of harm's way."
"No! No!" Laura was adamant,"we can't put it off any longer,we must be married as quickly as possible. Don't you see we must be a family? I'm so afraid something will happen before we can marry, and it will never take place. Please Stefan, I'm begging you, lets get married as we planned,and be that family that both our childern deserve. I can't let you go now,we have come too far. We can still fly down to Santo Domingo and be married today,and back by morning as husband and wife. Please! We must do this now for all our sakes. Together we can do what ever is neccessary to bring down Helena,and remove her from our lives and the lives of our children forever. Stefan, I feel that the two of us together can accomplish anything we set our minds too."
Stefan agreed. He made calls to double his operatives around the clock, for the safety of both his sons. He made it perfectly clear that he would know every second of their sleeping and waking hours, and if any suspicious persons came near either of them, they were to be eliminated, specifically Helena's operatives, or if need be, Helena herself. He would not tolerate anything less than total dedication and loyalty to the job assigned. He would see that all were amply rewarded if they performed as they should, and keep his sons safe. As he gave the orders, Stefan was aware that Laura had not taken her eyes off him, he dared to glance at her and was pleasantly surprised to see the approving smile on her face. She trusted him to do the right thing. At long last, he thought that his dream would actually come true. He would store the moments away as he had done for so many years since their first meeting, to bring them to mind at his leisure. Laura thought if she were dreaming, she hoped she would never awaken. This was too wonderful to just be a dream, never the less she would store every moment away to memory. She didn't want to forget one second of them. She had never felt this happy before, not since the first time she and Stefan had met those many years ago on the island.
Stefan and Laura were married in a quiet ceremony in Santo Domingo. They pledged their love and their lives to one another, and vowed that nothing would separate them again. Their happiness didn't escape the priest who presided over the ceremony. He thought how wonderful it is to be so in love, and wished all those he had seen before them, and all those to come, would share the same love and happiness as Mr. and Mrs. Cassadine.
When they arrived at Wyndemere later that morning, Stefan swept Laura off her feet into his arms,and just at the precise moment that Mrs. Landsbury opened the door, he whisked his bride across the threshhold, much to the delight of Mrs. Landsbury and the rest of the staff, and to Laura's squeals of joy. They all applauded, and welcomed Mrs. Cassadine, congratulated the couple,wishing them long, happy, successful lives together. Laura was moved to tears,and thanked them all for the welcome and for their good wishes,as did Stefan.
Mrs. Landsbury had been entrusted to plan the reception for that evening, calling the interested parties to attend, she couldn't hide her happiness at those self righteous gasps from those who always thought they were so much better than Mr. Cassadine, and who relished in trying to humiliate him in public, when they had the chance. This was sweet poetic justice to her to be able to invite the elite who set them selves up as judge and jury over everyone, but who were in fact the worst of the lot of all of them. Why Mr. Cassadine would permit them in his home was beyond her comprehension, if left up to her,they would be bowing at his feet for the opportunity to shake his hand, he was a prince, and was better than all of them put together. She must never think that way again, she couldn't take a chance that her carelessness would put Mr. Cassadine in further jeapordy from Helena Cassadine, if she ever suspected that Mrs. Landsbury knew her secret, she would have her killed for sure, and maybe other members of her family too. No,she must never have this thought about Mr. Cassadine again, at least not as long as Helena Cassadine was alive.
To say that the residents of Port Charles were in shock at the announcement of the marriage of Laura Webber to Stefan Cassadine, was an understatement. Among those in disbelief were Nikolas and Lucky. Nikolas was outraged that this had happened, and was dead sure that Stefan had coerced his Mother into marrying him. He was going to give him a piece of his mind, and get his Mother away from the Cassadines. Lucky on the other hand was surprised, but not unhappy about the marriage. He had known for several years that his Mother loved Stefan,and his own Father had treated her with so much disrepect, his only surprise was that she had stayed so long in this abusive marriage, for all those years. No, he had never seen his Dad physically abuse his Mom, but there were other ways to abuse someone, and his Dad knew them all. He was not the ideal father, but he was the only one he had, unfortunately. As much as he tried to make himself dislike Stefan Cassadine, more for Luke's sake than anything else, he could never quite get the hang of it. He rather admired Stefan in many ways, and thought Nikolas had been very fortunate to have someone devote his life to him the way Stefan had. Nikolas didn't appreciate that about Stefan, and for the life of him, Lucky couldn't understand why. His own father never devoted his time to anyone, or anything, unless it was something that would benefit himself.
Kids were okay to Luke, but he didn't want to be saddled with them. He was a free spirit afterall ,and needed his space. Laura used to know that, but she didn't care anymore, oh well, he had other to fish to fry, and Laura would realize her mistake and come running back to him again, once she was finished with trying to make him jealous over Scotty Baldwin. What a laugh that is. She can't make me jealous over some lovesick fool who thinks he is the better man. He may fool her this time, and not let her back in his life so quickly. Man! He was still trying to regurgitate that Nikolas from his system, how could she let a Cassadine touch her? He would never see how she would let that happen. She must have been on drugs to let Stefan Cassadine near her, that could be the only explaination. I wonder if he has my Ice Princess? Maybe I need to pay Count Vlad a visit in that mausoleum he calls home. Nah! He isn't that smart. The Duchess has it, and I will get it back.
Lucky was anxious to see his Mother, he wanted her to be happy,and as far fetched as it seemed to others, he thought Stefan was the man that could do just that for her. He did love Laura, Lucky never doubted that for one moment. He made a mental note to try and get to know more about Stefan Cassadine. Maybe he might learn something from him too. He rather liked the idea of being Stefan's stepson. He wouldn't try to infringe on Nikolas' place with Stefan, not that his brother seemed at all anxious to resume a relationship with him, but he honestly wanted to know more about the man, and the more he thought about it, the more he knew he liked this man, despite what everyone would have him believe about him. Everyone always attempted to lump Stefan in the same category as Helena, but he didn't see that Stefan was anything like Helena, just the opposite, if you asked him.
Laura was so happy! She couldn't remember when she had ever been this happy before,well, except for meeting Stefan the very first time. She fell to her knees and thanked God for giving her Stefan to love, and asked his help to keep her strong so that Stefan would always know that she loved him, and nothing would ever keep them apart again. Nothing!
Stefan couldn't wipe the grin off his face, he was so happy. He pinched himself to see if he were awake,and to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He gave himself a good pinch, he hadn't meant it to be that painful, and he let out a yelp. Laura came rushing through the door to see what was wrong, and when he explained, they burst into laughter while Laura kissed the pinched area on his arm to make the pain go away.
Stefan took her in his arms and kissed her hard on the lips. He couldn't get enough of her. He stepped back to look at her, and saw what he had wanted to see more than anything in the world, love looking back at him! She really loved him, he couldn't believe it. Laura assured him it was true, and if there were any doubts, it was too late now, he would not rid himself of her so easily. He had his work cut out for him if he ever tried.
"Shall we go downstairs and greet our guests Mrs. Cassadine?" Laura loved hearing it, say it again she urged, and he repeated "Mrs. Cassadine,"loving the look on her face as he spoke the name. "You bet I'm ready Mr. Cassadine. Look out world! Here comes Stefan and Laura Cassadine! "
Stefan saw Lucky's face as soon as they descended the stairs,and was relieved that the look of disapproval that he fully expected, was not there. In fact Lucky looked like he was pleased to see them together. Stefan wasn't going to turn down anything positive he thought he saw there on his youngest son's face. He was anxious to tell him that he was his Father, maybe they would bond in some way, he sure hoped so, because the minute he knew he was his son, Stefan knew he loved him, but he knew now was not the time to approach him about it, there were too many other pressing things that needed tending too first, such as eliminating Helena. There would be repercussions for all concerned when the news was revealed to Lucky, and Stefan knew it would be a tense time for them, and his heart ached for the emotional upheaveal his youngest son would have to bear.
The thought of killing his own Mother was repugnent to Stefan, and he had hoped that someone else would have saved him the trouble by now. Luke would be his first choice to do the deed, ridding he and Laura of the two people that had caused them so much misery, but even Luke didn't deserve to spend his life in prison for doing the world a favor by ridding it of Helena, she had caused Luke much sorrow in his life too.
Stefan had been in contact with his operatives, every hour on the hour since he left with Laura for Santo Domingo,and even now. He had a step by step written report of the activities of all involved,his operatives had not disappointed him,and he would see to it that they were handsomely rewarded as promised. He had chosen his them well.
The usual well wishers were there,the Quartermaines, Amanda Barrington, about whom Stefan had made a mental note to bring her down a notch or two since she had treated Laura so badly.What was the name of that company she owned? Maybe he would just hand it over to Jasper Jacks.
He thought it might relieve some of the guilt he felt about sending him off on a wild goose chase to find Brenda, but he had jumped at the chance and left Ms. Morgan alone in a foreign country, knowing that Helena had already tried to harm her. He was sorry for that deception, but maybe it was for the best, at least Ms. Morgan would know he wasn't worthy of her. She was a very nice young woman, he wished he could take back everything he had done in that situation. Too late for regrets? He hoped not. Maybe someday he could do something nice for her to make amends. Laura would be furious, if she knew he was thinking about getting even with Amanda Barrington,or would she? He would tell her his plans later, much later but definitely before the fact. He would ask her opinion on all things from now on,business or otherwise. He was not going to risk losing her again.
Everyone in Port Charles had been invited to the reception it seemed. He actually saw none of them,only Laura,and it was the same for her.
Nikolas came charging into the room and was making his way straight toward where Stefan,Laura and Lucky were in conversation. Laura saw him first ,and saw the expression on his face,she knew there would be a scene if she didn't stop him, she excused herself and left Stefan and Lucky to continue their opinions about paintings and artists. She had no intention of anyone,least of all her son, spoiling the evening for them. She met him half way across the room,taking him by the arm she told him not to open his mouth,until they were out of ear shot of others. Nikolas never being one to heed advice,asked her what Stefan had done to force her into this marriage. Laura glared at her son,and continued toward the door with Nikolas in tow. When they had exited the house and Laura knew they were out of hearing of the others, she took Nikolas' face in both her hands,and said "young man,you are my son and I love you,but I will not tolerate the way you are treating Stefan any longer." He began to shout at her that he knew Stefan had forced her into this marriage,and before he could say more,Laura slapped him full across the mouth so hard it brought tears to his eyes,he was shocked! Laura said she was sorry she struck him,but he was going to listen to her,and she meant it when she said she wouldn't tolerate his outbursts toward Stefan, he was wrong to do so,and it was going to stop, he had hurt him too much already. Laura reiterated again how Stefan had raised him to be this magnificent young man she loved so very much,and without her help,and that whatever Stefan had done,he did it out of love,albeit sometimes it was wrong,but he did it for the right reasons. She said he loved Nikolas more than anything on earth,and Nikolas had no right to be angry with him. "Let me assure you Nikolas that I have loved Stefan since the first time I laid eyes on him on the island. Do you remember when you asked why we took such a chance on the island to be together if we feared discovery,and possibly loss of life?" Nikolas shook his head that he did." I told you then that we were in love,and that I was glad at last to be able to say that to you. Nikolas, she continued, "I meant it then,and I mean it now when I say to you that Stefan Cassadine is the only man I have ever really loved. Circumstances kept us apart for far too many years,and now I refuse to let you or anyone else ruin this day for us. We were married because we love each other,and if you can't accept that,I'm sorry, but I love Stefan, and God willing,nothing on this earth will ever keep us apart. Not if I have anything to say about it."
She said she owed him an apology for letting him think she hated Stefan,and for siding with him when he attacked Stefan verbally on various occassions,but rest assured she went on, "that Stefan and I are married, because we truly love each other and its what we both wanted.
Stefan wanted to wait,but it was my idea to get married right away. I was so afraid if we waited something would happen that would keep us from it,and I wasn't willing to take that chance. "
"I love you Nikolas,and so does Stefan,but if you can't show him the respect that he deserves,now that this is my home too, I must ask you to stay away,for I won't allow you or anyone to maim Stefan verbally or otherwise,and especially not in our home. This was your home for many years,and when you can respect it ,and the man who raised you in it,then you will be welcome here again." Nikolas was flabbergasted that Laura would speak to him this way, and turned on his heel and walked away,he stopped, turned to look at her,and said he would never again darken the doors of Wyndemere. Laura called to him that it was his loss,but if that was the way he really felt, then he should stay away. "You may come to regret that decision one day Nikolas. In fact I know you will,I hope you don't wait too long."
Laura felt Stefan's arms slowly encirle her body,he hugged her tightly to him,and said if he ever had any doubt of her love, it had been dashed away with what he had heard of her conversation with Nikolas." I never meant for you to lose your son because of me Laura. That was the last thing in the world I ever wanted. I had hoped that Nikolas could somehow find it in his heart to forgive me." Laura kissed him gently on the lips,and said she knew this was not of his making,but if Nikolas was determined to be this stubborn,at which they burst into laughter again, knowing Nikolas inheirited the stubborness they both possessed,They knew that sooner of later,their son would relent and want to make amends,and when the time came,they would welcome him with open arms.
They were going to enjoy this evening,and tomorrow they would begin their plans to bring down Helena once and for all. They would make plans to tell Lucky in due time, about his true parentage. They knew the days and weeks ahead would be trying ones at best,but with both of them working together,they knew that nothing could stop them.
They were surprised that Lesley was happy for them, but accepted it graciously. Lesley had come to realize that Laura loved Stefan Cassadine,and she admitted he wasn't all bad. He really wasn't the evil person she had portrayed him to be to Laura,when she thought he was trying to break up her marriage to Luke,she had to admit that Laura stayed with Luke because its what everyone told her she should do. Even she thought so,until she found out it was Luke who had raped her daughter. She hated herself for ever urging Laura to stay with him. If only Laura had told her all those years ago. No matter now,her daughter was married to the man she really loved,and she was honestly happy for them both. Lulu was ecstatic that she would be living at Wyndemere. She loved the beautiful flower gardens,and the horses. She wished Nikolas would come and ride with her sometime. Lulu loved Stefan,he had always been there when she needed a daddy,she thought maybe Stefan could adopt her and she could be a Cassadine too. She knew Stefan would take her riding on the horses too.
Laura and Stefan were happy to see the rest of their guests leaving for the evening. They were anxious to get upstairs to their bedroom where they could be alone. They looked in on Lulu, who was fast asleep and dreaming of riding her horse all by herself. Laura and Stefan raced to their own room giggleing with every step. They were anxious to begin their lives as Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Cassadine.They would prove a powerful husband and wife team to reckon with.
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