"I'm just not sure" Rebecca stood with Madison in her bedroom the first night of December. Madison and Brandon were expected to be at the annual city gala where they would represent Telling Tales publishing. In the past years Rebecca and John would go but this was the first time that not only Madison went but Brandon too.

"You said it was a black and white gala" Madison tilted her head to the side and looked at the floor length sheer black dress with silver jeweled cuffed sleeves.  In her opinion this was a wonderful black dress. It hugged around her chest but around her stomach was flowing and soft. It was perfect in her opinion.

"Well yes it is' Rebecca agreed, "but, well it isn't actually a problem but its just".

"Rebecca what is it?" Madison turned towards her confused. What did she have against this dress?

"Usually the man will wear black and the woman will wear white," Rebecca said eyeing the black dress hanging in the closet.

"What kind of sexiest tradition is that?" Madison crossed her arms over her chest. Her dress was wrong because of the color? It was a black and white ball. Not the men in black and woman in white.

What was this? Because white is the color of virgins? Are we back in the 1900's? Or maybe it went even further back than that to the time that Victoria ruled England. When she made wearing white gowns popular.

She wasn't aware she was going to have dinner with the queen.

"It's been a tradition ever since it started. Men naturally wear black tuxes and since it's a black and white ball the woman just started to dress in white," Rebecca said. "Every few years we might have someone come in a black dress but it's so taboo that it wasn't always very welcomed".

"Well don't worry because I'll be in black and Brandon will be in white," Madison said going over to the mirror in the bathroom where her curling iron was heating up. She was thinking soft curls pulled over her shoulder with a silver pin holding it in place.

"Brandon is going to wear a white tux?" Rebecca stood with her eyes wide in surprise "you can't be serious. No man has ever worn a white tux to a function like this!"

Madison gave a small shrug "yeah but white tuxes have become very popular lately. A lot of men are wearing them now."

"None of the men I know have worn them before" Rebecca said.

Madison wanted to mention something about how its only because Rebecca knows older men that still do ancient traditions. But that would have been her defense over her dress so instead she held her tongue about that. "Yeah but Brandon has agreed and it'll be a nice change".

Rebecca eyed the dress but just shook her head. There wasn't anything she could do now. The gala was in an hour so there wasn't any time to buy a new dress and she didn't have anything that would fit the event well in her closet.

Madison just gave another shrug and pulled her hair back into place.

"Would you like the thick silver necklace?" Rebecca asked walking to the jewelry box.

"Actually I want the simple silver one. With just the small heart" Madison said clipping in her dangling earrings.

"Are you sure? The other might go better with you low neckline" Rebecca tried to argue.

Madison smiled softly and walked over to grab the necklace that she wanted "yes but Brandon got me this one and I love it" she got it in place. "Now I'm going to get changed" she grabbed onto the dress and headed to the bathroom. She slipped the silk fabric over her body and smoothed it out. As she looked down she was worried that maybe she had picked the wrong thing to wear. Would she stand out in the crowd? This was her first big event out and she didn't want to mess it up.

With a final look in the mirror she exited the bathroom.

Brandon sat at the edge of the bed clipping his cufflink on. He was dressed in his well fitting suit that hugged him in all the right places.

Madison watched him from behind for a moment and smiled. His hair was brushed back slick and his face was freshly shaven. She walked over the wooden floor with her heels clicking. "You look really handsome" Madison said softly with a faint blush. She couldn't remember the last time she complimented an attractive man.

Brandon looked up at her, his mouth forming a large O. Slowly he stood and rested his hands on her hips "you" he whispered pulling her against his body "look beautiful".

Madison blushed even more "oh hush" she answered. But she was flattered.

"Alright you two!" Rebecca called from downstairs "get a move on".

He laughed and hooked arms with his wife "lets go my lady" he said leading her down the stairs.

"Wait right there" Rebecca ordered taking her phone out. "You need some pictures". She then organized Brandon and Madison into what she deemed as the perfect position.

"Mom" Brandon groaned, "I'm not in high school, this isn't prom or something".

His mother just laughed and waved his comment off "let me have my fun. This is your first black and white gala. It's like you're going to prom".

Brandon rested his head on Madison's shoulder and laughed a little. "Well I suppose since we never went to prom together this will be like what we missed. Kind of like our wedding even".

"Yeah it is" Madison said softly. But she felt like she was lying to his face. It was kind of like what a wedding would be but not their wedding. They never got married... but maybe the vow renewal would be similar to what a wedding is really like. Maybe she'll get a chance to feel what it is like then.

Rebecca snapped the last picture and smiled "alright that's great. You two are free to go and have some fun. The kids and I will be perfectly fine. I'll have them in bed nice and early so don't you worry about a thing".

"Thanks again" Madison said with a warm smile.

"Thank you mom" Brandon said opening the door for Madison. He rested his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the car, helping her inside.

"Excited for tonight?" Brandon asked as the drive began.

Madison smiled softly and rubbed the slight baby bump "excited but nervous" she answered in a soft voice. She had picked a dress that didn't showcase her growing belly but there was still a chance somebody might notice something starting some rumors.

Brandon leaned over and gently kissed her on the cheek "come now sweetie, there is nothing for you to worry about. This night is going to go as smooth as butter. We are going to eat a little dinner and then dance. There wont be much to worry about".

"But clients and talking to people" Madison said nibbling on her perfectly painted nails.

"You're a natural at it" Brandon said reassuringly. "You've already met several of the wives at the tea you hosted. So you don't need to worry about that. Once you've become friends with them its kind of one of those things that you have for life".

Madison laughed humorlessly "yeah expect for those wicked mothers of those girls from the twins school" she answered.

Brandon smiled softly "those woman are the exceptions".

She nodded slowly and glanced out the window. She was more nervous than she let on. This was her first large appearance that required her to have one on one interaction. Sure she attended the tea party but in that situation she had Rebecca there to act as a middle woman. The announcing of the share a book organization was in front of a large amount of people and she never had to talk one on one with anyone.

This was going to be something that she had never experienced before. And it was certainly going to take her out of her comfort zone. But she supposed that she needed to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

"We are here," Brandon said stepping out of the car and going around to open Madison's door for her. "Here we go my queen".

Madison smiled softly and climbed out. She linked her arm with his and allowed him to lead her up the steps to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. It was elegant, classic really. And a place that Madison ever expected to visit one day. But yet here she was. Dressed as if she was a queen ready to kill heading straight into a lion's den.

The couple was lead back to the hotels most glorious and elegant room. It was dimmed lighting with chandlers hanging overhead. There were white lace tablecloths with vintage looking chairs. Candles were on each table and servers walked around offering champagne.

Brandon was immediately welcomed by several young men - dressed in suits - as they walked over and gave his hand a shake. Sadly Madison didn't recognize a single one of them and found the entire encounter more intimidating and increased her nerves.

She stood with Brandon smiling and saying everything once in a while to be polite as he discussed business with the others. She felt like a fish out of water. She was completely out of her element and had no idea what she should say or do.

Finally she spotted a single person she recognized. He walked over with a smile "hi there Haywood's" Matt said giving Brandon a small bro hug. This was the ending of the discussion Brandon was having much to Madison's relief. Matt then shifted over to give her a warm and welcoming hug.

"Its great to see you" Madison said softly as she pulled away from her husband's friend.

"Its great seeing you two here" Matt said "I was hoping you guys would make it. It's always dull without at least one cool person here' he said with a wink to Madison.

"Oh so does that mean that I'm not cool?" a female voice giggled as somebody walked up behind Matt.

Matt smiled and turned to the voice "ah I wanted you two to meet Jessica Lawrence" he said wrapping his arm around the young honey blonde woman.

"You can call me Jess or Jesse," the young woman answered.

Madison felt immediately a moment of comfort by being in this woman's company. She gave her a look up and down. She was quick to notice that the white dress the other woman wore was simply off the rack from a local Sears. Not to mention the woman was wearing silver shoes, which means she was dressed a little differently too.

"This is my first Gala" Jess said softly to Madison "so I'm a little nervous about it".

"I am too," Madison said being completely honest with her.

"I guess it's a good thing we all get to sit together," Matt said as he led them all towards a table near the center of the room.

Madison smiled at Jessica; at least she might have one person at the table she could talk to without having to get involved in a business discussion.

It seemed as though things were looking up for Madison but as soon as it started it all came crashing back down.

"I was not expecting to see you here" Samantha Stevens called as she walked over to their table.

No, no, no, Madison thought to herself. There was no way this was happening. But yet it was. The other woman came over and without a moment of hesitation she wrapped her arms tightly around Brandon. "It is so good to see you Brandy, it is such as pleasant surprise".

Brandon chuckled a little at his childhood nickname as he hugged her back "it's great seeing you too" he said kindly then stepped away from the hug "I know it was unexpected. Usually mom and dad would handle these kinds of things".

Samantha smiled warmly "but yet here you are" she glanced over at Madison "and you brought your little wife too".

Brandon smiled and took hold of Madison's hand "I wouldn't dream of coming without my other half" he said proudly.

"I wouldn't either" Samantha agreed. "Oh here he comes now," she said pointing to someone coming up from behind. "Brandon, I want you to meet my new boyfriend Alexander Morgan".

And there he was in all his glory walking up behind Madison. Her ex fiancé and her blackmailer were coming right to them. But it couldn't be him. It had to be a different Alexander. Anyone but him. Please lord doesn't let it be he.

But it was he. He was walking right to them. He stepped around Madison only to hug Samantha close to his side. "It's great to finally meet you Brandon. Sammy has told me so much about you"

Brandon nodded and shook Alexander's hand "it's nice to meet you too, I regret to say I haven't heard anything about you".

Samantha giggled and playfully leaned in against Alex "well this is a fairly new relationship, and I haven't really gotten a chance to see Brandon in a long time".

Alexander smiled "well we will have to make up for that tonight". He pointed to the table "we will all be sitting together after all".

Madison let out a small gasp, but it was loud enough to have everyone turn towards her and look. She blushed bright red "I um" but she had no excuse.

"Madison, it's so nice to see you again," Alexander said with a wicked smile.

Brandon frowned and looked between the two of them "you know each other?"

She opened her mouth to answer but Alex beat her to it "we are old friends from high school, very good friends" he said with a smile.

"Oh" Brandon said warmly "it'll be nice for the two of you to catch up with each other".

Madison took a deep breath and the only thing she could really do was force a small nod.

"Well" said Jess trying to relieve the tension "it seems they are about ready to serve dinner. Maybe we should all take our seats".

Brandon pulled a chair out for his wife and then took the seat next to her. It looked as though Jess would have taken the seat next to Maddie but instead Matt sat on the other side of Brandon, forcing Maddie's only ally to sit across from her. As a result Samantha sat herself down right next to Madison and smiled warmly.

The table erupted with conversation. They talked about nearly everything under the sun. They mentioned live theater coming to Toronto, they talked about the Maple Leafs hockey game from the night before and they even discussed the new construction sites across the city. Usually Madison would try to find a way to get involved with the discussion but this time she sat there looking back and forth between Brandon and Alexander. It was as if she was watching a tennis match. And she was certainly on edge. She was constantly waiting for Alex to drop the bomb. For something to be said that would indicate that Alex was her ex fiancé and shared children with her. She wouldn't relax, not even in the slightest.

"That's a very interesting dress choice," Samantha said after a bite of her food "I guess you didn't get the memo that usually we wore white".

"Actually I did" Madison answered "but I decided that I didn't live in the Stone Age."

"I guess you must be right. White is the sign of virgins after all" Sam smiled "which we both know you aren't".

"Yes, I wont deny it' Madison laughed a little. This woman thought she could get under her sick by pointing out she had shared a bed with a man? She had three children that she was proud of. This was not the way to get under her skin. "I do have three wonderful children after all".

"How are the children doing?" Samantha asked leaning in towards Madison so only she could hear.

Madison glanced at her and nodded a little "they are good, thank you for asking".

"Too bad their daddy wouldn't know" Samantha whispered.

"W-what?" Madison's head snapped up.

"Oh you heard me" Samantha smirked "I know all about it. Alex told me everything". She reached for her wine glass and slowly took a wicked sip from it.

"What do you want?" Madison said low, she was watching the other woman's every move. The way she drank, how she shifted her seated position and how she tilted her head to the side to view Madison as if she was a child.

"Me? Well I only want Alex to be happy" she said sweetly "and we will see just how that goes". Samantha turned to her date "I think it's time for us to dance".

"Of course" Alexander stood and held a hand out for her to take "may I have this dance?"

"Certainly" Sam stood and walked to the dance floor with Alex.

"Are you okay babe?" Brandon asked leaning in to Madison "you look a little pale".

Madison looked at him and smiled weakly "yeah I'm okay. I think it's just a little morning sickness".

Brandon leaned forward and kissed her cheek softly "I guess dancing might not be the best for you then".

"Actually" Madison said, "dancing might be a nice distraction".

He smiled softly "alright we will take it slow". He took her hand and led her away to the dance floor.

The song was slow and elegant. Brandon pulled her into his chest and swayed slowly with her. He didn't try to do anything exciting like a spin or a dip. Instead he kept it controlled and steady. His hand rested warmly on her lower back. "You should have told me you felt sick before we came baby".

Madison rested her head on his shoulder "I was fine before we got here. I'm not sure. Maybe it's the heat with so many bodies or maybe the food upset my stomach". She rubbed her hand across his chest "but I am happy to be here with you".

The song came to and end and before the music could shift Samantha appeared at their side. "Think I can have a dance for old time's sake?" she asked Brandon.

Brandon glanced at his wife. But the look of her face he was ready to turn Sam down but Alex was quick to join the conversation.

"That sounds like a great idea" Alex said taking Madison's hand "just like old times". And just like that she was being forced to dance with a man she wanted nothing to do with. "Just like prom don't you think?"

"Except during prom you kept leaving me to either dance with another girl or get drunk in the bathroom" Madison fired back.

"Well now aren't we testy" Alex said with a chuckle.

"How about we just cut to the chase" Madison said not once missing a step "what do you want Alex? We already paid you the money you so badly needed. That was the end of the deal".

"Well maybe the deal is going to change" Alex whispered.

"What do you want?" Madison repeated herself.

Alex smirked and held her tightly in his arms "I want what belongs to me".

"I am not your property" Madison hissed at him. "You do not own me". She rested her hands on his chest and gave him a big shove. She needed to get free. She was going to be sick.

He tired to hold her close but she kept trying to wiggle free. "Unless you want me to vomit all over this suit of yours then I suggest you let me go," she hissed.

"Gross" Alex cursed under his breath and let her go.

She dashed off to the bathroom holding her hand over her mouth. She pushed the door open and then dropped to her knees for her dinner to make reappearance.

But what she didn't see when she ran off was Brandon following right after her. He knew he should have taken her home when he could. He shouldn't have allowed her to dance. He knocked on the bathroom door but when no one answers he decided just to enter.

"Babe" he gasped when he found her on her knees. "Oh my sweet baby" he kneeled next to her and gently rubbed her back. "This evening has been too much". He continued to soothe her until she was finished and was able to lean back.

"I'm alright" Madison tried to insist, but she was barely able to get the words out because of how out of breath she was.

"I'm taking you home honey," Brandon said lifting her into his arms "you need a little rest and relaxation".

"Yeah okay" Madison leaned against him. There was no denying it. She needed to go home and rest. She was far to stress out after today and that couldn't have been good for her baby.