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Continued...

Ashley instantly gets a queasy feeling in her stomach. She takes her eye off Joe for one moment and realizes those around her are all focusing their attention on she and Joe. The pressure intensifies each moment as she begins to hear her heart pound ferociously.

"Joe..."

"Yes, Ash?"

"Please get up...people are staring," Ashley whispers to him.

"Not until you say yes. I love you with all my heart, Ash...I can't see myself without you and I want this child to grow up with two loving parents."

"Can we discuss this later?"

"Excuse me?" Joe is instantly taken back.

"Can we discuss this in private?" Ashley emphasizes her last word.

"Is something wrong, Ash?"

"Look, you're making me feel really uncomfortable right nowJoe, just please get up."

Joe's face drops to the floor as his heart sinks. Was there an actual possibility that Ashley is saying no? He rehearsed exactly what he would say a million times it seemed...was there not enough force and love in his voice? He mulled over these very questions for a moment before he got back into his seat. Those who dined around them slowly turned back their attention to others; tears start forming in Ashley eyes.

"I'm sorry Joe, I just don't know if I'm ready and I don't want our decision to be based on the fact that we're having a child." Ashley finally mutters after a few moments of silence.

Joe simply stares back in silence. He tries to find the right words to respond, but simply can't...he's never felt so kicked to the ground and rejected in his life. He clenches the ring with his fist and realizes the cold truth.

"I'm sorry, Joe...I just can't say yes right now." Ashley says softly. "You know how I feel about you though...My God, please say something...anything."

Joe nods his head and eventually locks eyes with her once again. "I never knew love could hurt quite this much...and I've seen a lot, Ash."

Ashley bites her lip and peers into his heart broken eyes.

"Waiter," Joe lifts up a hand as their server nears, "May I please have another glass of wine? It's turning out to be a long night..."


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Scene: Braden McCullough's Penthouse. One week later...  

Braden looks into the mirror and studies the wound that is slowly healing on his forehead. He can't believe that just one week ago he was being held captive by the psychotic 'Claudia Deauville' or whatever her true name was. He only regrets that he didn't see the truth earlier- how could he have been so blind to an obvious truth? He realizes that perhaps he was so focused on fooling others that he himself was being fooled the easiest.

"Damn you, Claudia...you ruined everything...and now I have this to show for it." He takes one hand and covers his forehead for a moment. "And the worst part? I can't even go to the authorities...I'm helpless in this whole charade of yours."

Suddenly his thoughts are broken by the loud ring of his phone. He quickly picks it up and sighs when he reads the name on the caller ID. It reads Emily Landon, AKA the business partner from hell. She was also the woman he was so intent on deceiving, even if it meant showing his loyalty to her by deceiving an innocent woman. The woman, of course, was Emily's one and true nemesis.

"Braden. Nice of you to finally answer. You're busy I hope..."

"And what would I be busy doing?" Braden inquires.

"Finding the perfect words to lure Diane Davison right into your arms. I was serious, Braden. I want her to fall head over heels for you- and you're just the perfect man to make her do it."

"I understood your request perfectly. I understand the task at hand and will do everything in my power to win her over." Braden assures her.

"Everything in your power might not be good enough," Emily barks. "She is a very smart woman, Braden. She can see through most people. You really have to be on your top game here."

"Does she see right through you, Ms. Landon?"

"Excuse me? What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Forget I said that. It was quite rude of me." Braden cracks a smile on the other line.

"Look Braden, I don't have time for your rude remarks. There's only one game you're playing right now- and I'm control. You got it?"

"I understand perfectly. I'll meet her tomorrow and I assure you that everything will go as planned..."

To be Continued...

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Now your thoughts...

• How will Braden win over the affections of Diane?
• What's next for Joe and Ashley?
• Who will Jason bring to the family dinner? Shane or Lucas?
  
  Please let us know your thoughts and any other feedback you have in the Pac Heights Forum!