The rain beat against them as they looked at each other.

I could not believe what I saw, there he was and oh how I longed to hold him. John pushed me towards him and hugged me close, as I stood there dumbfounded. He is here with me. Roxton: Marguerite...Oh God Marguerite...I found you! I finally did!

He hugged me once again and I guessed that he had been looking for me all this while even after reading my letter. That gave me such a relief. He loves me despite my past.

Me: Oh John. I'm so glad to see you!
Roxton: where have you been? How did you come out? Why didn't you come to me?
Me: But I'm here now! I never thought you would want to see me again after reading the letter!

Roxton: Of cause I wanted to see you again...I want you to read me that letter.

Me: What? You didn't read the letter?
Roxton: I wanted to read it with you!
Me: You don't know...you don't know... Roxton you have to go away from me.

I pushed him away and ran toward the stopped taxi with him trying to stop me.

Roxton: No, Marguerite listen to me!
Me: You won't understand!
Roxton: I want to read the letter with you!

He grabbed me and shook me hard.

Roxton: I did not look for you for months to loose you now. I don't care about the letter...

Me: You have to Roxton! Loving me is the greatest mistake you have ever done in your life...

Roxton: No! Not telling you that is the greatest mistake of my life!
Me: You will never understand...

I took out his ring, which I found in the cave and gave it to him.

Me: This does not belong to me...

With that, I let in the taxi leaving John in the rain.

By night, Roxton had returned to his house in Paris and told his mother of what had happened and he looked at his ring.

Roxton: She did not even want to wear it!
Lady: Oh Richard, I'm so sorry...
Roxton: Me too Ma...me too
Lady: What are you going to do now?
Roxton: I want to go back to England. I hate this place so much! I hate this place so much!

Roxton did leave for England with Melone but Lady Roxton stayed behind saying that she had to visit some relatives...or does she?

Back in England, Roxton lost his enthusiasm and sprit once again. He lived for his mother and if that was not there, he would not live at all. One afternoon, Summerlee came to see him and he converts the whole story to him.

Roxton: I don't know what to do Summerlee. After months I find her only to be rejected. I don't know whether she really loves me! I don't know whether that's a lie too! And how on earth did she make it back if only five souls can pass through? Is that a lie too?!

Summerlee: She did love you John and she still does. But Marguerite has been hurt too much for her to accept you. That's why you must fight! And only five souls were able to pass through but the thing was you and Marguerite shared one soul.

Roxton: what?
Summerlee: well they believe that when two people love each other, they come to share one soul and you two did. When the two of you were separated, your souls were divided and longed to be together. And that's what happened. Your love was so strong that it beat the greatest of odds. I knew it all along and that's why I let her stay. Like I told you, I can't fight your wars.

Summerlee: Both of you made it so far, why not this little bit? Fight for her John.

Roxton: But every time I try, she just becomes more cold and...
Summerlee: Love is all in fire, yet is ever freezing.
Love is much in winning yet more in leesing.
Love is ever sick and yet is never dying.
Love is ever true and yet is ever lying.
Love does doat in liking and is mad in loathing.
Love indeed is anything and yet is nothing.
(Thomas Middleton, Blurt, 1570-1627)

In Paris:

I was shocked by John's arrival that for the past week, I have been in a dream state. Suddenly, an automobile stopped beside me, and a Lady peered out.

She was well built and was dressed in fine clothes with a feathered hat holding her graying hair. Nevertheless, she had such an elegant air about her that I knew that this was Lady Roxton, probably here to ask me to stay away from her son.

Lady: Miss Krux?
Me: Yes.
Lady: Get in, we would have some tea together.
Me: I'm sorry but I would have to turn down you request...
Lady: It's not a request, its and order!

She opened the door and looked away. I got in and sat beside her and the automobile raced to the manner. We made our way to the garden where the tea was served.

Me: I know why you called me here.
Lady: Is that so?
Me: Yes to ask me to keep away from your son and I...
Lady: On the contrary Miss Krux, I came to ask you why you are avoiding him?
Me: Jo...Lord Roxton should not be with me.
Lady: And who are you to decide that?! My son has been lifeless without you. Everything in the world reminded him of you and he would go on and on for hours about how you would prepare the tea, go to the lake, sleep late, talk, walk smile...everything. He was like a zombie for months till he found you were back. He searched for you with such hope, telling me that one day you two would be together and he finally found you and this is what you do?!

Me: I did it for his own good!
Lady: What good is it Marguerite?! It would have been better for you to kill him with your own hands!

Me: Lady Roxton, you don't understand! I can never be with me because of what I have done! I'm an awful person and I would disgrace him.

Lady Roxton: what have you done so awful Marguerite?!

And I told her...every embarrassing detail of my past. I told her amid tears, which I could never hold back. Ending my story, I looked at her waiting for condemnation. Instead, she took me into her arms as a mother would to her child.

Lady: Oh you poor child! It's not your fault!
Me: Yes it is and now I bare its scar forever and I never be with John. I can never let him love me!

Lady: No, no Marguerite. The worst mistake you can do in your past is to not learn from its mistakes. And you have. And there's no point dwelling in it. You are miserable and he is miserable.

Me: He will never love me if he knew.
Lady: Love is patient and kind: it is not jealous or conceited or proud.
Love is not ill mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a records of wrongs.
Love is not happy with the evil but is happy with the truth.
Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.
Love is eternal.
These three remain; faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 4-8, 13)

Lady: I know my son Marguerite. Nothing in this world can change his love for you. Nothing! Now, wipe your tears. Tell me, do you play?

I wiped my tears and looked at her in confusion.

Me: the piano?
Lady: No cricket!
Me: Uh?!

Lady Roxton returned to London and without Roxton's knowledge had gone to see the other explorers.

Lady: I called to tell you all something very important. You know of John's and Marguerite's relationship and you and I both know of the incidents Marguerite had been involved in. People makes mistakes, some grave some not. Marguerite is unfortunate enough to do somethings beyond her control and she paid her price to God and that's all there is to it. All of you are very important to him and the way you react to Marguerite will matter to him. Now I expect it form you all and if you can't adhere to it, I suggest that you do not see John at all. That is all.

It happened in September at the ball held by Lady Roxton. Every one of the aristocrats were present including our band. The house was decorated beautifully with cream velvet and roses with soft music dancing through the air. The luxurious chandeliers clinked in the wind as the guests helped themselves to fine wine and food.

Roxton, not being in the mood, went towards the fireplace and took the letter out he reached out to throw it in. Just then, the doorman called out.

Doorman: Miss Marguerite Krux.

Roxton turned in surprise to find the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. There she was, coming down the flight of stairs. She looked like an angel in his eyes. Her beautiful tresses were held up by beautiful pins and wore a scarlet dress with the embroidered bodice shaping her body. Roxton positioned himself at the foot of the stairs as Marguerite approached. He took her hand and kissed it.

Lady: Marguerite! I'm delighted you would come.
Roxton: You invited her?!
Lady: Why yes! Do you mind?
Roxton: No, no... not at all.

Marguerite went around greeting everyone and could not hold the joy of seeing Summerlee and the others especially since they seemed to have forgiven her all except Veronica who avoided her as much as possible.

Me: Oh Melone! I missed you. Had no one to annoy me!
Melone: feeling is mutual!
Me: So have you been knocking yourself unconscious these days?
Melone: Only over Veronica.
Me: Oh...is it Glades?
Melone: No not her. Glades had married 3 months after I left!
Me: she's a fast one!
Melone: You're telling me. Anyway, it's about her parents that's bothering her. She feels guilty and takes it on me.

Me: I'm sorry Melone. On a happier note, I heard that you are a book.
Melone: Um yes, I thought if the plateau is not fact it can be fiction.

Me: Good idea.
Melone: How about you?
Me: I'm living.

Just then Challenger joined us.

Challenger: Ah I heard that Miss Krux will give an exclusive interview to Edward Melone tomorrow!

Melone: Oh yes! And I am honored that you'd choose me.
Me: The only reason I choose you because I can keep a gun on your head and threaten you!

Melone: ah the good old Marguerite!
Challenger: Marguerite will you excuse us, my friend, a publisher would like to meet you Melone.

The two went away leaving me alone that after a while, I ventured towards a quiet isolated balcony. It reminded me of the times I spent in the tree house. Me going to the balcony was always a sign for John to come and console me. I wonder if...

Roxton: Waiting for me?

I turned in surprise to see John at the balcony. He turned and closed the curtains so that we would be out of sight.

Me: I was just wondering of the times...
Roxton: when you would go to the balcony in the tree house to look at the starts. That's when I come in.

Me: As always.
Roxton: Marguerite we need to talk.
Me: Oh we do.
Roxton: first I need to read the letter.

My heart raced as he said this and he came and stood next to me. He took out the envelope, opened it and started to read.

John, That's what I always called you in my heart although I don't know why but when you read this, you will be so far away from me and you should be. No matter what John, impossibility comes between us. My past we always haunt me till the day I die and I do not want to make you live this nightmare with me. I know you are angry with me and despise me at this moment but you need to know. You deserve to know.
You know my parents abandoned me and I do not know how but I was brought up in a fine school where I was thought to specialize in languages, myths, and archeology. I do not know why until I was sixteen. Then only did I know I was a tool of the Germans. Like a machine, I was brought up to specialize in these to be used as their weapons. Being scared, I did work for them but when I was twenty, Andrea and I ran away to Paris. But they found us and the price was to work in clubs. I can't shake away those memories. Andrea was killed because of the complications that happened in a club. We were accused of stealing some jewels.
I was just twenty and my best friend, the only person in the world who loved me, died for me. I was poor, hungry, lonely and scared. And then he came and promised me the world. He forced me to bed.I was almost raped and I still remember how I cried that night. He made me believe that no one else would want me! We were married when I was 21. No gown, church or flowers. Just a signature and he was drunk when he took his vows. We moved to Shanghai and I thought I can look forward to a life that marriage promised but no. He had so many women and would flirt in front of my eyes. I was just an object for him to get pleasure. I was so depressed and sad and one day I took this bottle and drank all and sat down to die but I was saved by the maid. When I was 22, his drinking and womanizing got so bad that he got so violent. He would slap me and sometimes I will go crashing down. If I refused to give him money, he will drag me by my hair up the teak stairs to the room and I'm sure I don't have to spell out what happened next.
When I was 23, I started drinking and I would drink and drink and drink. It was partying, money and drinks for me, that was my world. Sometimes I did not eat. Just drink. I was rushed to the hospital one-day bleeding and it seemed that I was pregnant but the baby had died. It was just 4 weeks old. My drinking had killed it. A few days after that, he went bankrupt and pulled the trigger on himself. I was 24, broken, lonely, scared and an heiress. And then I started going around the world doing everything I can to drown myself with riches so that I will not need anyone. But in my quest, I was once again captured by the Germans and you do know the rest.
Now you know John and you will know that we should never be together. I will ruin your life and I do not want that to happen. When you go back to England, forget you ever knew me. But remember one thing, I will never forget you. I love you.

Marguerite

Roxton looked at me with tears in his eyes and longing forward, he held me close.

Roxton: Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you Marguerite...
Me: There's nothing you could do Roxton. But at least I'm free now. I gave my whole inheritance to the Germans as a price to get out. Now I have nothing.

Roxton: You have me.
Me: You can't ruin your life...
Roxton: Let me help you, let me protect you. I can give you the money...

I could not believe him! He is offering me money! I instantly went to a frenzy and argued with him.

Me: I do not want your money...you know what, this is a big mistake! Forget I ever gave you that letter!

I stormed out as the couples waltzed across as John followed me.

Roxton: Marguerite that's not what I ment!
Me: I do not want anything John. I asked for love and you offer me...

I ran up the stairs with the guests starring at this spectacle.

Roxton: Then marry me!

I froze at my steps as the room filled with gasps. (Melone went THUD) I turned and looked at John looking at me with such willful and loving eyes.

Roxton could not believe what he had just said. He never expected it, as it did not come from his mind but from his heart. But he remembered Melone's dream where Marguerite said no and knew the answer would be same.

Without a word, I flew down the stairs and pressed his lips against mine as the entire hall went up in cheers. I found my John...we are together again.

Conclusion
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