

LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS

As they arrived at the entrance of the Beverly Hilton Hotel where the Golden Globe Awards were being held, Chaise Adams was surprised at how many people were lining the streets behind the steel crowd barriers, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of their favourite celebrities. The roar of the awaiting crowd was deafening. From inside the safety and comfort of their limousine, she could sense the escalating commotion that was happening just a few feet away from where she sat, holding on tightly to her husband, Matt Stow's hand. Alongside the public, dozens of different media personnel were filming and photographing the stars as they arrived, begging them for exclusive interviews. It had taken over half an hour to move a few hundred metres down the road due to the very tight security restrictions and the backlog of many other limousines and private cars trying to get through. Chaise was relieved that they had finally arrived but she was also feeling extremely nervous. No matter how many times she did the red carpets at big events or press interviews, she could never get used to them. She felt so exposed, vulnerable and paranoid that she will say or do something stupid that will be captured on film for the entire world to witness.

Inhaling a deep breath and releasing it slowly, the butterflies somersaulting in her stomach started to intensify. She had only a few more seconds to prepare herself before the limousine's door would be opened and she would have to be in full blown 'movie-star mode' for the awaiting fans and media.

Looking over at Matt she pulled a dramatic, worried expression, seeking his reassurance that she would be fine. He winked at her cheekily, a huge grin spreading across his handsome face and squeezed her hand tightly.

His palms were very sweaty and Chaise noticed that he had a few small beads of sweat forming on his top lip and brow. It was a hot day in California and the poor guy was dressed in a three-piece suit, which he would never usually wear, but he had made the effort for her. The Golden Globes was not the place to sport his usual 'rock star that just rolled out of bed' style.

"It's crazy out there. Are you ready, gorgeous?" He asked, his brown eyes glazed from the joint of weed he had smoked before they left the house.

Chaise nodded softly and stared out of the darkly tinted window. A blur of people's faces and constant flashes of bright lights from the hundreds of cameras aimed towards their direction were all she could make out.

Here they were \- Chaise Adams and Matt Stow – Hollywood's most favourite 'it' couple, about to step out and send everybody into a mad frenzy. What made it all the more surreal and exciting for Chaise is that she was a nominee for the Best Actress Award. It was the highest honour she had ever had the privilege of receiving since she had started her acting career. She still could not believe that this was actually happening for her, after all her hard work. She kept expecting to wake up from this wonderful dream at any moment.

After years of being in corny romantic comedies that were never taken too seriously, she had finally landed a role that had changed everything and now she was nominated for an award that would earn her the respect of her industry peers which was something that she had craved for a very long time.

She swallowed the huge lump that had formed in the base of her throat as their driver, Leonard opened the passenger door and offered his hand for Chaise to take. She could see the dozens of photographers and reporters falling all over each other at the crowd barrier just a few feet away from her, competing for the best shot.

The flashes of light blinded her, leaving a red glow behind her eyelids. The noise of the crowd escalated as they saw Chaise and

Matt and shouted their names loudly, begging for their acknowledgement. Chaise stood up straight and her long, blood red, silk Roberto Cavalli dress fell to the floor, flowing all around her onto the carpet that was nearly the same colour. She took a step forward, exposing her gorgeous diamante Jimmy Choo stilettos that were increasingly uncomfortable and a tad too high, but so worth it.

The paparazzi went crazy over her, pushing and shoving each other so hard against the security men holding them back at the barriers that, for a split second, Chaise panicked that they would all break through and swarm around her.

She had had a few frightening incidents with the paps and they always made her feel uncomfortable when they were surrounding her in large groups.

However, the security men were doing their job well and keeping them all at bay as best as they possibly could. Chaise went through a variety of poses for them, spinning around so that they could get the best angles of the stunning dress that was hugging her famous body perfectly. Delicate silk straps ran up her shoulders, criss crossing into a stunning pattern down her exposed back and to the top of her bottom where the dress was strategically held in place with tape, thanks to her stylist.

After letting Chaise take shots on her own, Matt came to her side and put his arm softly around her waist, posing awkwardly. He looked handsome in the Dolce and Gabbana suit that she had picked out for him, with his black shoulder-length hair slicked back neatly, instead of the scruffy, never washed or brushed way that it usually was in. Chaise's hairdresser, makeup artist and good friend, Rebecca Anderson had quickly done it for him after she had finished styling Chaise's hair, much to his protest.

Rebecca had done wonders with Chaise's long, thick black hair (which was actually very expensive extensions), curling it softly so it fell around her face and shoulders in a romantic style. Chaise could feel the tension in Matt's stiff body. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable just standing there in front of everybody while they took their photos. She smiled up at him warmly, still much shorter than him despite the very high heels.

He despised the paparazzi with a passion and was not to thrilled about this part of the event, especially as he was looking like a 'fucking dickhead' as he had so elegantly put it on the way there.

Like Chaise, he was still very uncomfortable with the attention that came with being famous. It did not get easier with time for him, despite being married to a movie star for the past five years, and being hugely successful in his own right as the lead singer of his band, 'The Diffused'. In typical 'rock star' fashion he despised all things 'Hollywood'. It was one thing to deal with it at events like these, or movie premiers when they were 'fair game' and it was part of their job and the promotion of their projects, but it was an entirely different entity to deal with when it came to their day to day lives. Having strange men jump out of the bushes with a camera, clicking away while Chaise was on her morning jog, or hiding in trees next to their house for a photo of them by the pool was an unnerving experience and not one that either of them could ever get used to. It was an extremely invasive lifestyle being a celebrity.

When she had first become famous at the age of eighteen, Chaise had been so thrilled when she had begun to get recognized and when people on the street had started asking her for her autograph or for a photo with her. But now, nine years later it had become completely out of control.

She was constantly followed by the paps in her car and they would literally spend their day following her around from place to place to capture shots of her doing her normal, everyday things, hoping that they would catch her in the act doing something wrong or even a photo of her tripping, or the wind blowing her skirt up would make them a lot of money.

Given the hard partying history that Chaise and Matt had shared over the years, having many drug and alcohol fuelled nights out on the town, the pap's were always on high alert for the infamous shots of them off their heads.

In the early stages of their relationship, it was not uncommon at all for them both to be featured on the covers of the trashy weekly tabloids, snorting cocaine or falling out of nightclubs, wasted. Their drug use had been well documented.

Over the last couple of years though, Chaise had worked hard to clean up her image. She didn't go out clubbing as much anymore, only having big nights out at industry events and keeping her drug use to the privacy of her own home. Matt was trying to do the same, but he was struggling a lot more with his addiction then Chaise was.

Tonight though, at a prestigious and respected event like the Golden Globes, the paparazzi would all have to be on their very best behaviour and most of them were dressed up in nice suits.

The couple's publicist, Kiah Rhodes, who had been waiting patiently for them to arrive, was already talking to a few of the waiting reporters, finding out which were the credible and important ones that Chaise should be talking to. Press came from all around the world for tonight so there were many, many microphones thrust towards them, eagerly anticipating an interview.

Kiah motioned with her hand for Chaise to go over and have an interview with the crew from 'Hollywood News Nightly'.

Chaise smiled to herself as she watched Kiah in action. It was so rare that she ever got to see the publicist powerhouse in a dress.

She was usually dressed in high priced, tailored designer suits and, although she always carried the latest 'it' bags and wore towering red bottomed shoes, she wasn't really into the girly-girl side of fashion and had a very no-nonsense attitude about her. But today, to fit into the red carpet atmosphere of the Globes, super serious Miss Rhodes had on a plain, yet beautiful navy, floor-length gown with a sweetheart neckline. Her short, white blonde hair was freed from its usual tight, harsh pony tail and was bobbing around her

shoulders in beautiful yet understated waves.

"Let's do it," Matt whispered into Chaise's ear, leading her by her hand.

Chaise recognized Asha Healy and Kevin Capone from 'Hollywood News Nightly' standing with Kiah and she instantly felt more comfortable. Kevin had interviewed Chaise a few times before and he was a great guy.

She had also met Asha before at various social functions around town and she was a sweet young girl who appeared to really appreciate her recent big break on the show. 'HNN' was one of the more respectable 'entertainment shows' that would give celebrities the common decency to fact check their stories and give the person involved a phone call and a chance to comment, rather than just reporting the fluffy rumours that were constantly doing the rounds of Tinseltown. Many a times they had called Kiah enquiring about stories that were floating around about either Chaise or Matt and had reported on their side of the story (also known as the truth) rather than just going ahead with it. Chaise had a lot of time for them because of that.

They were never too intrusive and she always had a laugh with their team.

"Chaise Adams! Congratulations!" Kevin beamed, pulling her in for a quick hug and a kiss on both cheeks, "You must be so excited!"

"Hey, Kevin! Thank you so much, it is such a dream, I am just so happy to be nominated and to be here tonight," Chaise replied sweetly into the camera being held by the 'HNN' cameraman. She could feel the heat off the bright camera lights shining down on her, adding to the already intense heat of the sun.

"Oh, everybody says that, Chaise! Surely, deep down inside you are dying to win. You can tell us!" Kevin laughed.

Chaise smiled sweetly, "If that happens then it would be fantastic. I worked really hard on this role and to be acknowledged for that is so rewarding in itself, but more than anything, I am so proud that 'One Night In Delusion' has been nominated for the Best Motion Picture for a Drama as well as the Best Director for Nathan Le Noury," she gushed enthusiastically.

"Absolutely. We all loved the movie, Chaise and you did such a brilliant job - as did Nathan,"

"You certainly were fantastic as Dakota, Chaise," Asha interrupted, with her very best 'reporter' voice on, "But, more importantly, who are you wearing, Chaise? You look so beautiful. That dress is spectacular!"

"Thank you. It's Roberto Cavalli and these stunning shoes are Jimmy Choo."

Chaise lifted her dress a few inches to expose the heels that were now pinching her feet. It was protocol that you always gave the designers a shout out, especially if they were letting you borrow their clothing, like Cavalli had. Chaise never bought her gowns for events, even though she was a multi-millionaire, she couldn't justify spending thousands of dollars on a dress she would only wear once.

If she was photographed in it again she would be crucified by the press.

"These stones are breathtaking; did you borrow them from a jewellery house?" Asha asked, gently holding Chaise's wrist to admire the stunning yellow diamond bracelet that matched her tear drop earrings.

"Actually, these are mine. My lovely husband bought them for me for an anniversary gift," Chaise smiled proudly. The set was worth three hundred thousand dollars. Chaise had learnt this when she had had them insured.

"Wow, lucky you!" Asha gushed, thrusting the microphone under Matt's nose, "They are gorgeous! What about you, Matt? How does it feel to have your beautiful wife as a potential Golden Globe winner?"

"It's fantastic," he smiled proudly, "Chaise is definitely going to win. She deserves it so much and she is always a winner to me. The film was amazing and I witnessed her putting everything she physically had into it."

He kissed Chaise softly on the cheek.

The surrounding cameras went into overdrive for that shot.

"Aww, that is soooo sweet!" Asha gushed, "By the way, I am wearing Dolce and Gabbana," Matt told her cheekily.

"Great to know, you look fantastic" she giggled, "Well, good luck, Chaise, we hope you have a fantastic night and that you come away with the Best Actress Globe!"

"Thank you, guys. I appreciate that."

"Just one last thing, could you two look into the camera and say 'This is Chaise Adams and Matt Stow and you are watching the Golden Globes with 'Hollywood News Nightly' for us?"

"Of course," Chaise agreed.

Matt let Chaise say it for both of them and just stood next to her, smiling awkwardly into the camera.

They continued down the line that Kiah had planned for them, pretty much reciting the same interview over and over,

'Congratulations on the nomination...'

'Thank you so much...'`

'Who are you wearing?'

As well as promoting the movie, she was promoting herself as a serious actress, which Kiah had informed her of quite a lot lately.

God forbid if Chaise just walked past the entire crowd of media at The Golden Globes without posing for photographs or talking to any of them, it would be all over every television station, tabloid and newspaper the following day about how rude and obnoxious Chaise Adams is and how she had no respect for the media or her fellow peers. Chaise also had Kiah on hand now to make sure that she did everything that she was supposed to.

After a few more interviews and slowly but surely making their way into the venue, Chaise was beginning to feel a little light headed.

Probably to do with the fact that she had barely eaten for the last few days so that she could fit into and look amazing in this gorgeous, yet unforgiving creation.

The sun also wasn't helping matters either. She was definitely going to be gorging down on McDonald's after the show tonight. A Big Mac was what she had been craving very badly for the last few weeks. Chaise knew that the crash dieting was worth it though, as she looked in really good shape.

Losing the extra four pounds on her small frame had made a huge difference. She worked out with her personal trainer, Kane who was a no nonsense, no excuses former UFC champion four times a week and he pushed her to her absolute limit. They did everything from running Runyon Canyon together to hiking, cycling, boxing and weight training.

Chaise tried to stay on track with her eating as best as she possibly could and had tried every fad diet out there. She was pretty good ninety percent of the time but she was partial to a bit of junk food every now and then as well the occasional binges - much to Kane's disgust. Which is why she fasted before these big nights to look as svelte as possible.

There was only twenty minutes left until the ceremony started and all the last minute big stars had arrived. The red carpet was now jam packed with celebrities, their families, partners, directors, producers and many other behind the scenes people.

Chaise could see that Ashleigh Ramirez and Sarah-Jayne Kohl of the band, 'Angels From Below' had joined Matt and celebrity prankster, Adam Hylander. They were all laughing together, talking to a young reporter from 'Sonic' which was an infamous music magazine.

She went to politely steal Matt away so that they could go inside and sit down but he was talking about his new album, 'Black Heart' which was coming out in a few weeks so she let him carry on. Matt and the band had been working very hard on it around the clock and he was adamant that it was their best one yet.

This was album number five for 'The Diffused' and the hype surrounding it was massive. The first four albums had all gone platinum within weeks of being released so this one was sure to be a hit as well. The first single, Never Forget' had already reached number one on iTunes and the Billboard charts in the last couple of weeks and was getting a lot of airtime on the radio stations and music television channels.

Chaise smiled sarcastically at the excited young girl eagerly interviewing Matt. She was being a tad too flirty for Chaise's liking.

She was used to girls throwing themselves at her husband all the time and had learnt over the years to just shrug it off and to take it as a compliment that so many women found her husband attractive. She slipped her hand into Matt's and tugged it gently so

that he knew that she wanted to move on inside.

The young girl's face lit up even more at the prospect of an

interview with Chaise as well, "Chaise Adams - oh my God! How are you!? Congratulations on your nomination! Wow, you are so beautiful! 'One Night in Delusion' is one of my all time favourite movies, and you were so amazing! Do you think you will win tonight?!" She rambled, excitedly.

Chaise was done answering the same questions over and over and she wasn't keen to get into a conversation with this flirty, overly enthusiastic and annoying fan girl.

"I hope so," she smiled, almost sarcastically and very bluntly.

"Come on, let's go inside. I need to get a drink and sit down,"

Chaise told Matt, half dragging him away towards the steps leading into The Beverley Hilton.

Inside the grand ballroom the atmosphere and energy of the excited crowd was electrifying. Chaise felt a rush of adrenalin race through her body and she shivered in anticipation. This was not her first time at the Globes, she had presented last year but it was equally as exciting this time around. The décor of the exquisitely decorated room was so magical that it took her breath away for a moment. Large round tables were spread out all over the enormous room, adorned with dozens of tea light candles, gold trimmed plates and numerous crystal wine and champagne glasses, as well as stunning centre pieces highlighting the white orchids and diamonds which were the theme for the night. The chairs had crisp white covers with gold lace ribbons tied around them. The lighting was a soft, golden glow which complemented the soft flicker of the candle light beautifully.

The large stage looked very intimidating, bright lights lit up the podium and numerous television cameras were focused on it in every direction.

Everybody looked their absolute best and were dressed and styled to absolute perfection, even the service people were wearing tuxedos.

Hundreds of people were mingling in the crowds, talking, laughing and drinking. Chaise recognized most of them on sight as the majority of the faces were those of famous movie and television stars and she knew quite a lot through either work or other industry events. Colin Petrone and Beverly Jones-Thomas were a few feet away from Chaise and caught her eye. She had always thought that it was ironic how celebrities get star struck with other celebrities - herself included, but Chaise had always had a huge crush on Colin - since she had first seen 'La Viva Vegas' when she was a young teenager and, even though he was a good twenty years older than her, he still looked amazing. It had always been a dream of hers to one day work with him.

As for Beverly, Colin's long-time girlfriend, she was just as stunning in person as she was on the big screen. Chaise nudged Matt gently with her elbow and subtly motioned towards them so that he would see her. Matt had always had a big crush on Beverly.

"Wow..." he murmured, mesmerized at the sight of the woman he had spent many nights jacking off too in his younger years.

"We have to try and meet them... go and introduce yourself to them," she encouraged him, giving him a gentle shove in the back.

"No way, you do it,"

A waiter interrupted them, holding a silver tray with an assortment of drinks on it, "Miss Adams, Mr Stow... my name is Joshua and I will be serving you tonight. Can I offer you a glass of Moet?"

He was a very handsome man, he could have easily been a movie star himself. It was very likely that he was an inspiring actor since ninety percent of the wait staff in Los Angeles were all waiting for their 'big break'.

"Thank you," she took a glass of champagne from his tray and Matt helped himself to a bourbon on the rocks.

"May I escort you to your table?" Joshua turned to lead them to where they were seated.

"Oh... we were just going to..." Chaise turned around and realized that Colin and Beverly were gone. So much for that.

"Never mind, we will sit down. Thank you."

It took a little longer to get to their table then an increasingly irritated Joshua had intended as Chaise and Matt repeatedly

stopped to say hello to their friends and associates as they passed by each of their tables. Joshua politely warned them that they needed to be seated and that he had been notified on his headset that the ceremony was starting in a few minutes. He must have had other people to tend to and was looking agitated at running behind so Chaise and Matt obliged and followed him to their table which was allocated to the cast and crew of 'One Night In Delusion'. Joshua pulled their chairs out for them to be seated but, instead of sitting down, Chaise hurried around the table to greet everyone and share air-kisses and hugs with her friends.

Nathan Le Noury had bought his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Victoria's Secret angel, Clare Long as his date. She was busy e-mailing away on her blackberry but looked up quickly to acknowledge Chaise's presence.

"Chaise!!" Nathan jumped up to his feet and pulled her in for a quick hug, "Wow! You look so beautiful!"

"So do you, Nath, I love that suit!"

"Thanks. Matt, you look very handsome! I don't think I have ever seen you out of skin tight jeans before!" Nathan laughed, slapping Matt hard on the shoulder.

"Yeah, I feel like an idiot!" Matt laughed along with him.

"The things we do, hey?" Clare grumbled half-heartedly without looking up from her screen, as if she was obliged to be there but really didn't want to be.

Chaise's co-stars in the movie, Owen Wahl, Ann-Marie Close and Jacinta Long were eager to greet Chaise and Matt as well.

Jacinta tapped her watch, pretending to grill them about being late.

"I know, I know! The traffic was terrible trying to get here and I had to wait for Matt to get ready," Chaise joked, rolling her eyes.

Jacinta had bought her husband, Brendan Gold with her. He and Matt were good friends and they were both musicians. They greeted each other with a bear hug and slap on the back.

Chaise was surprised to see Ann-Marie and her television sitcom star boyfriend, Damien Coad acting all lovey-dovey together.

Damien hadn't visited Ann-Marie once on the set when they were filming. He had not shown up for the wrap party or the premiere either. Chaise had quietly presumed that they were having problems again. They had been in the tabloids a lot lately with stories that their relationship was in trouble and very close to ending. Ann-Marie and Chaise had become friends during the months of filming the movie but Chaise didn't feel that she had grown close enough to her to feel comfortable questioning her about it.

It could possibly be a publicity stunt to silence the media by stepping out to the Golden Globes together, but to Chaise, it looked as though they had obviously sorted their issues out because they were both grinning from ear to ear and Damien had his hand resting on her thigh.

Chaise noticed that Jacinta was wearing large, emerald drop earrings and a matching necklace. She had never seen stones that size before.

"Wow, Cint, these are huge!" Chaise exclaimed, picking up the huge rock on the necklace and holding it in the palm of her hand. It was the size of a small bird's egg, "Are these real!?"

"They sure are, they're worth one million dollars! On loan though, of course, they come with a security guard from Cartier. He is watching me like a hawk," she motioned off to the side of the room but Chaise couldn't tell which security guard was assigned to Jacinta and her valuable rocks, there were over a dozen of them there, presumably watching over other expensive baubles in the room.

"So, don't let me get too drunk and lose them!" She laughed.

"Woah, be careful," Chaise giggled.

She said a quick hi to Owen who was already deep in conversation with Matt. She also greeted the movie's producer, Michael Charge who was on the other side of the table next to his wife, Theresa.

She tried to catch up with them quickly but the lights suddenly dimmed and the screens on the stage all lit up. Music blared out of the speakers surrounding the room and a voice announced over the speakers that the Golden Globes were starting.

Everybody in the room quietened down.

"Do a snapchat with me?" Jacinta whispered to Chaise, holding her iPhone out to capture both of them in the shot.

Chaise stuck her tongue out and Jacinta laughed, tapping away at the screen to add her caption.

Taking a big swig of her champagne, Chaise could feel the nerves start to appear in her stomach again. She could feel the Moet going to her head since she hadn't eaten and had an empty stomach. She made a mental note to slow down on the alcohol and make an effort to eat some of the delicious looking canapés the waiters were starting to bring around – but not too many, she didn't want to look bloated in the unforgiving silk.

Chaise laughed at Matt as he grabbed handfuls of food off the trays every time it came around. The poor guy was so hungry and fancy pint-sized nibbles were not enough to satisfy him.

The introduction of the award ceremony dragged on for quite a while, Steve Carmine and Sinead Iglesias were hosting the night but even Steve's notorious quick wit and sense of humour weren't enough to liven up going through the award's history.

Chaise couldn't help but zone out as the first few awards were announced and handed out. She was starting to stress about the fact that she may very well win and be expected to go onto that huge stage in front of so many people - as well as the millions of people who would be watching at home - and give a speech.

She had been nominated for numerous awards over the years but had only ever won one before, at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for a movie she did years ago called 'Harry and Henry'. It was a very corny family comedy about talking dogs but had done very well at the box office and become a surprise hit. Thankfully, she hadn't been 'slimed' on stage which had caused her a lot of concern and anxiety that whole night. That awards ceremony was all about fun and having a laugh, not at all as serious as the Globes.

Matt was knocking back the bourbons as quickly as Joshua was bringing them to him. Chaise warned him a few times to slow down but he just shrugged her off. She was not in much of a position to pull him up on it though, as she was downing too much champagne in a bid to dull her nerves.

The night continued to drag out until they got to the last hour which was when they announced the major categories and awards and was by far the most exciting.

After what had seemed like forever, Chaise perked up when she realized that her category of Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama was coming up soon. To everybody at the table's surprise and utter disappointment,

'One Night in Delusion' had lost out on a Globe for Best Screenplay and, sadly Nathan had missed out on the Best Director award.

So, it was now all down to the Best Movie and Best Actress.

The excitement and pressure was really building up on their table.

Chaise wasn't even sure of how many glasses of champagne she had had as Joshua kept re-filling her glass before she had even finished it. The dinner, a herb-crusted mozzarella and grilled eggplant salad with braised beef and artichoke, sweet pepper ragout had been bought out half way through the ceremony and it still sat, barely touched on Chaise's plate in front of her due to her churning stomach and nerves. She had tried to force herself to eat it to balance out the effects of the Moet but had only managed a few mouthfuls, which was a shame because it tasted incredible.

Matt had polished off his sautéed sea bass with truffle endive fritto within minutes of it being placed at the table. He was now starting to pick at Chaise's dinner as well. The waiters eventually came and cleared their plates away.

They did not even acknowledge that she had barely touched hers.

Chaise had noticed that Clare had not let anything except white wine pass her lips all night. It certainly explained how she stayed so rail thin. With a room full of starving Hollywood actresses and models, she presumed that a lot of the meals were being sent back, half eaten or untouched. The desserts were now being handed out just before her category was to be announced.

This was a truly spectacular plate - a dark chocolate truffle filled with chocolate mousse and mandarin orange jelly. A chocolate that was moulded into the shape of an envelope that looked exactly like the envelopes the presenters had on stage was the highlight of the dish. It even had a letter-sized piece of chocolate protruding from it. She took a photo of the plate and uploaded it to her Instagram before she snapped off a corner of the envelope and nibbled on it delicately. Matt held her hand tightly, stroking it with his thumb as Steve and Sinead introduced Brent Johnson and Kelsey Silver to come on stage to announce the winner.

"Tonight's nominees for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama are...."

Kelsey announced, excitedly.

The room went silent. Chaise could hear her heart beating in her chest so loud that she started to feel sick and dizzy.

"... Kim Kingston for 'Waiting for Lisa',"

The room erupted into applause and the cameras closed in on Kim, projecting her onto the large screens all around which showed everybody what would be televised across the world. Her porcelain, doll-like face was displayed across all the screens. She smiled proudly as she watched the short scene from her film play on the stage screen.

"Cherie Franklin for 'Forgetting Sundays',"

Another huge round of applause as the clip played. 'Forgetting Sundays' was a heart wrenching drama about a woman widowed in the Second World War and Cherie was the firm favourite to win tonight. She was Chaise's fiercest competition.

Kelsey waited for the audience to quieten down then continued on,

"Jessica Sharon for 'There Are No More Tomorrows',"

Another great performance, although that movie hadn't been as well received as the others. Jessica, who was seated with her husband, John Debston, a multi billionaire property investor who was forty two years her senior, beamed from ear to ear.

More loud applause.

Then, Kelsey finally announced what Chaise had been anxiously waiting to hear, "Chaise Adams for 'One Night in Delusion',"

Chaise's cheeks burned bright red as her face was splashed all over the room in high definition. Matt kissed her on the cheek softly,

"Good luck, babe. I am so proud of you. You are so fucking amazing," he whispered into her ear.

Chaise felt so embarrassed as the room clapped for her and her fellow cast and crew at the table whistled and went wild. Kelsey was down to the last nominee, "Last but not least, Kate Stewart for 'Big Night Out',"

There was an applause for all the nominees and their reactions were all over the surrounding plasmas in a split screen. There was an agonizingly long wait while Brent purposely fumbled around with the envelope, pretending that he couldn't open it. A little bit of laughter from the audience but Chaise was just dying for him to hurry up and read it. Her competition was fierce, with only Kate and Chaise as first time nominees.

It really was impossible to know who it was going to be. Chaise knew that she had put her heart and soul into this role. She had played the character, Dakota Kyle who was a heroin addicted, pregnant mother, prostituting herself to get the money to feed her deadly habit. Dakota's children had been taken off her and the film was about the difficult journey that she had to take to face her demons, get clean and get her children back. It had been an extremely emotionally draining role that had taken a lot for Chaise to perform the way she had needed to. When Nathan had offered her the role, Chaise had been extremely hesitant to take it on. She had never done anything so dark and dramatic before. Her team had managed to convince Chaise that she could do it and she had finally accepted. She had looked utterly terrible in the role, it was not glamorous playing a junkie but Chaise had found shooting very challenging and rewarding. Not playing the typical 'gorgeous girl' roles she was usually offered had been a very freeing experience for her.

Taking the need to be the epitome of perfection out of the equation had allowed her to concentrate on her acting instead of how she looked. She could feel her palms were damp with sweat and her heart was pounding so hard that she swore it was going to burst right through her chest.

Everything around her in the room seemed to be going in slow motion and it almost seemed as though Chaise was dreaming.

She tried to force her brain to snap out of it and focus, but it was like her mind refused to cope with such high adrenalin. Matt was squeezing her hand so tightly that her fingers had gone numb.

"You've got this, babe," he whispered reassuringly in her ear.

"Go, Chaise!" Nathan squealed happily, drunkenly holding his hands up to show her that his fingers were crossed.

The rest of the table also offered up their encouragement.

Chaise closed her eyes and said a little prayer.

Please, God.... Please...

HAVING IT ALL

Chaise's heart was now pounding loudly in her ears and she was all too aware that a camera was focused directly on her to record her reaction whether it be win or lose which was adding to her nerves tremendously.

"And the winner is... CHAISE ADAMS!! For 'One Night in Delusion'!"

Everything around Chaise felt like it had stopped. She sat there dumbstruck and in shock. It took her a very long moment for it to sink in that she had just heard her name.

Suddenly, a huge round of applause erupted in the theatre and everybody around Chaise at her table jumped to their feet, screaming wildly and clapping like crazed seals at a theme park.

She was still not sure that she had heard correctly.

Surely there had to be a mistake!?

Matt grabbed her and swept her up into a huge hug, squeezing her tightly and kissing her hard on the lips as he pulled her up off her chair, onto her feet. Chaise's knees felt like they were made of jelly.

For a split second, she panicked that she was going to fall straight back down again. She held onto Matt tightly, trying to regain her composure.

"Chaise! You won! You won!" He kept saying over and over again.

It didn't feel as if it was really happening. The haze clouding around Chaise started to clear and she suddenly realized that the whole room was watching her and that she had to move, but her legs felt like they weighed a tonne.

"I love you so much, babe! You did it! You won!!" Matt's face was

beaming with pride and he was bouncing up and down excitedly.

He let her go to allow Nathan, Ann-Marie, Jacinta, Owen, Clare and Brendan to hug Chaise. They all grabbed her at the same time, in a big group hug. The crowd was still cheering loudly and tears started to stream uncontrollably down Chaise's face.

"Babe, you have to go up there," Matt gently pushed her towards the stage where she was expected to go.

She started to stagger carefully between the tables, trying to regain the control of her legs in a daze with people sat at surrounding tables congratulating her and patting her on the back as she passed them by.

She finally made her way up the stairs on the side of the stage. The bright lights shone down on her intensely as she slowly made her way across the stage to the podium in the centre where Brent and Kelsey were waiting for her, her legs shaking the whole way.

Kelsey was clutching the stunning gold statue, holding it out towards Chaise as Brent greeted her, kissing her on both cheeks,

"Congratulations, Chaise," he beamed at her, then moved aside to let Kelsey hand Chaise the statue and kiss her as well.

"Congratulations," she whispered to Chaise, placing the gorgeous statue, which was surprisingly heavy into her hands.

For a spilt second, Chaise thought she might drop it, her palms were so sweaty. Kelsey and Brent then both made their way off to the side of the stage, leaving Chaise standing alone in front of the microphone at the podium in front of the hundreds of celebrities and who's who of Hollywood. The hot lights that were focused on her blinded her from seeing the faces of the crowd and it was a blessing. Chaise knew that they were there but the fact that she couldn't see them put her at ease. She may be an actress but Chaise still got terrible stage fright from public speaking in front of large groups of people. They all waited quietly in anticipation for her acceptance speech. The silence was deafening. Chaise almost expected crickets to start chirping.

The camera crew in front of her were the only people that she could see and she was very aware that the cameras were rolling on her just standing there, dumbfounded. She hadn't prepared a speech, thinking that it would be a jinx if she had allowed herself to believe that she would win. She honestly hadn't thought that she

would. Now, she was kicking herself for being so unprepared. She must have looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Oh my God..." Chaise finally blurted out, "I can't believe it!"

She was now desperately trying to hold back the tears. They were still welling up in her eyes and her nose twitched but she refused to let them fall anymore. She would not be one of those blubbering actresses accepting an award in a flood of tears.

Chaise forced herself to start talking, desperately trying to fill the awkward silence by saying whatever first popped into her head.

"I know that everybody who wins always say this and it is so cliché, but I haven't prepared a speech because I truly was not expecting to win! I really wasn't!"

As the audience laughed, Chaise decided that honesty was going to be her best bet and that she should just talk from the heart.

She was also very aware that she had limited time before they cued the music to signal her to get off the stage. There were a few more uncertain chuckles in the crowd as she started to ramble nervously,

"I want to thank everybody who believed in me and who have helped me to get to this point, especially my amazing husband, Matt. You are my life, babe. You are the most inspiring man I have ever known and I am so grateful to have you by my side. You encouraged me throughout the whole dramatic process that I went through to give this role everything that I had. I don't know if I could have done this without your support so this award is for you."

The audience cheered and she could see on the monitor that the camera had focused in on Matt's face. He was beaming a huge smile and looked so proud that Chaise's heart swelled with love for him. He was so genuinely happy for her.

"Uhh... my agent, the amazing Jay Lowenstein," Chaise tried to continue, "who has been with me since day one and who has pushed me to take chances in my career. Jay, you took me from a clueless eighteen year old from a small country town to who I am today, I owe you so much. To the amazing cast and crew, you made going to work everyday such an incredible joy and you are all truly remarkable people. To my true friends, my amazing support system, I am so blessed to have you all in my life. You know who you all are. This is for you," she held up the Globe,

"Thank you so much. I love you all!"

The applause was deafening and, for a moment, Chaise just stood there, clutching the Globe and enjoying the moment. She was unsure if she should have mentioned her parents or not. It probably would have seemed strange to everybody that she hadn't mentioned them but Chaise had nothing to do with them at all.

They hadn't spoken in years and they strongly disapproved of Chaise's 'Hollywood lifestyle'. A stage hand came to escort her off stage to the press room.

Marilyn May from 'Hollywood Talks' was the first to greet her. For an older woman in her late fifties, she still looked gorgeous dressed in an amazing emerald green, figure hugging dress. Chaise had been interviewed by Marilyn many times before. They greeted each other warmly in a close embrace. Her 'Hollywood Talks' camera crew were standing all around her, ready to film the interview.

"Chaise, congratulations!" Marilyn subtly turned Chaise around towards the camera, "You won the Best Actress Golden Globe - how do you feel?!"

"Fantastic," Chaise replied breathlessly, still in awe of what had just happened.

The whole situation was so overwhelming. Adrenalin was pumping

through her veins at an incredible rate, "I am so grateful and just cannot believe it. I am still in shock!" Chaise gushed.

"What an amazing moment for you," Marilyn smiled sweetly.

"I know, I am so happy!"

"Well, you deserve it, you were pure genius in that role. You thanked your husband, the very talented Matt Stow and he seemed to be so proud of you. He is looking very handsome tonight as well, may I add. What does his support mean to you?"

"He has been telling me the whole time that I was going to win, but I refused to listen to him. He believed in me when I wouldn't believe in myself. Matt is the biggest support system to me and I love him more than the world."

"How sweet, it is so refreshing to see such a loving and beautiful marriage in this town. So, I take it that you will be celebrating tonight?" Marilyn asked, the softly focused lights making her grey eyes sparkle.

"Uh, yeah. We are going to the In Style after party. It is going to be an amazing night! I am looking forward to celebrating with my husband and friends."

Chaise flashed her best smile at Marilyn and the cameras, clutching the gold statue in her hands tightly, displaying it to the world. She could see on the monitor that the Best Actor had just been announced. Brad Lewis had won and was now on stage giving his acceptance speech. Marilyn thanked Chaise for her time and kissed her on both cheeks, congratulating her again as an usher came to escort her back to her seat.

As Chaise walked back into the ballroom, through the crowds and around all the tables, everybody congratulated her enthusiastically.

Back at her table, excitement was buzzing.

Matt threw his arms around Chaise and kissed her repeatedly all over her face, gushing to everyone at the table about how he knew that Chaise was going to win all along and how beautiful his wife looked up on the stage.

He was beaming with pride and Chaise felt it too.

"I love you, gorgeous. You won! You fucking did it! I knew that you would!" He murmured as he nuzzled his face into her neck and kissed her softly.

The celebrations were cut short quickly as they realized that the Best Motion Picture award was coming up next. This was a huge deal to everybody involved. Chaise took her seat and knocked back the half a glass of champagne that had been waiting for her. Steve and Sinead introduced Bernadette Friend and Chris O'Klein to the stage to announce the nominees. Bernadette was a veteran actress who had won multiple Oscars and countless Golden Globes over her impressive career. Chaise idolized her and was mesmerized by her presence on the stage as she took to the microphone after sharing a few jokes with Chris, who was a huge Broadway star.

"It is with great pleasure that I announce to you all tonight, the nominees for the Best Motion Picture."

She read each film title out one by one, waiting for the appropriate amount of applause for each one. Once they were all acknowledged and the short clips were played, she handed the envelope to Chris.

There was a long silence as Chris opened the envelope, had a quick peek and then sneakily showed Bernadette the winner.

Chaise was holding onto Matt's hand so tightly that he cried out in pain and pried her fingers off to allow the blood to flow back into his fingers.

Everybody around their table seemed to be holding their breath.

Together, in unison, Chris and Bernadette both announced,

"'One Night in Delusion'! Congratulations!"

The whole audience raised to their feet in a standing ovation around them. Nathan jumped out of his chair, screaming and hugging Clare so hard that Chaise thought he was going to knock her out of her chair. The men all jumped to their feet in unison, slapping each other on the backs.

"Oh my God!" Chaise cried out in shock, squeezing Matt, "Oh my God, oh my God!"

The music started playing, indicating for them to all make their way to the stage. Jacinta and Chaise held hands tightly and kissed their beaus one last time before they followed Nathan's lead up on to the stage. There was quite a crowd of them up there and they all stood around, giggling at each other, not sure of whom should talk at the microphone. Bernadette handed Nathan the prized golden statue as he made his way over to the podium.

The audience were still applauding wildly and were all still up on their feet. Nathan started talking but Chaise couldn't really make out what he was saying as everybody around her kept hugging and congratulating each other.

By the time he was finished with his acceptance speech they were all in a state of giddiness, following each other off the stage and patting each other on the backs, celebrating their victory.

Backstage they posed for group photos and took turns holding the statue and doing silly poses.

This was the most amazing night of Chaise's life - besides her wedding of course - and she was going to treasure every moment of it so that she could remember every detail for the rest of her life.

They popped open a bottle of Cristal in the press room and Nathan sprayed it all around them.

They then all took it in turns to swig it straight from the bottle as photographers captured the moment.

After they finished off the expensive champers and did a few interviews, they slowly made their way back to their table in time for the wrap up of the show. It was over and they had come out as winners. Now it was time for the celebrating to start at the after party.

Matt had been looking forward to this part of the night for weeks, as had Chaise. Everybody who was anybody was going to be there and this event was going to be huge. Matt escorted Chaise by the hand through the congratulating crowds out to the back entrance of the Beverley Hilton to where Leonard, along with dozens of other drivers was eagerly waiting for them.

"Congratulations," he smiled at her warmly, opening the door for them.

"Thank you, Leonard. Can you wait for Kiah please, she is coming with us to the party," Chaise smiled, waving the Globe around excitedly. She climbed in with Matt and they fell into each other's arms in the back seat.

"Babe, I am so proud of you. I can't believe it... well I can because I knew you were going to win the whole time. Oww! Fuck!" Matt pulled back quickly and Chaise realized that she had accidently poked him with the statue.

They both started laughing and he jokingly grabbed it off her.

"Oops sorry, honey. But you will have to get used to it because I am never letting this award go!"

"Oh, really? Well I guess I will have to hide it from you then, hey?"

He playfully put it behind his back and Chaise wrestled his arms, laughing wildly while trying to get it back as he played keep-away with it. She managed to pry his fingers off the statue and hugged it into her chest tightly.

"Was my speech O.K?" She asked him nervously, watching as he pulled out the small leather wallet which he kept his drugs in from inside his jacket pocket. He poured out some cocaine onto a CD case and began chopping it into big lines. If Leonard noticed, he didn't even bat an eyelid, it was not an uncommon occurrence. She was not sure if she had made a fool out of herself or not and was annoyed at herself for not taking the time to prepare a proper acceptance speech.

"Are you kidding?" Matt laughed as he snorted a line using a rolled up hundred dollar bill, "You were amazing! And you thanked me, which is all that matters!" He laughed.

"Oh, is that right? It's all about you," Chaise punched him in the arm playfully, nearly spilling the coke.

"Shit! Watch out, babe," Matt handed fixed the line and handed it to Chaise who inhaled it quickly.

"I put up with months of your psycho-ness while you made that movie. And I had to see you in all that gross makeup every night when you came home!" He laughed.

He was right about that. She had lost a lot of weight that she couldn't really afford to lose so that she looked gaunt and her bones jutted out.

The makeup department had made her look as unhealthy and unattractive as possible. She had looked scarily convincing as a junkie.

Chaise was more than happy to do it though, as those roles seemed to gain more respect for actresses, like Charlize Theron winning an Oscar for 'Monster' and Nicole Kidman in 'The Hours'. If you put on weight or lost heaps of weight for a role or made yourself uglier in any way, you were definitely respected for it in this superficial town.

The limousine door opened again and Kiah jumped in excitedly,

"Chaise! You did it!"

She pulled her in for a hug, accidentally falling onto Chaise's lap in the process, "I am so excited for you! This is so cool!"  
"Thank you, Ki. I am still in shock!"  
"And Best Movie as well! Holy shit, honey, this is incredible for your career - I have already spoken to Jay and this is going to mean big things for you."

Kiah scowled at the lines of coke and grabbed the champagne glasses from the limousine's cabinet. She tried her best to pour drinks from a bottle of Cristal as Leonard pulled out of the parking lot, weaving through the crowd of fans who had gathered outside.

She handed a glass to Matt and then one to Chaise. Matt took it begrudgingly as he had already poured himself a bourbon on the rocks. Kiah held hers into the air for a toast, "To Chaise Adams, BEST ACTRESS!!"

They all cheered and clinked the glasses together. Matt necked his in a couple of quick gulps so he could go back to his bourbon and light a joint as well.

"Hon, wind the window down, I don't wanna smell like weed," Chaise complained.

"And I don't want to get stoned in your little compression chamber," Ki twisted up her face in disgust and waved the smoke away from her.

Matt shrugged his shoulders and rolled down his window, blowing the smoke into the night's sky. Chaise was now starting to feel drunk from all the champagne and not eating very much. The coke hadn't sobered her up as much as she had thought that it would.

Turning up to a huge party like the Golden Globes after party already wasted was going to become a disaster as she would no doubt be drinking a lot throughout the night. It would not be a good look if she was stumbling around like a hot mess in front of the power players of Hollywood - not to mention all the pap's that would be dying to catch such a shameful moment. She climbed over to the phone that connected through to the Leonard in the front, "Can we please go through a McDonalds drive thru?" Chaise asked him sweetly.

Leonard paused for a moment, thinking that Chaise must be joking. After he realized that she wasn't, he obliged, "Yes, of course,"

Matt and Kiah both laughed at Chaise.

"McDonald's!? Are you serious!?" Kiah asked, surprised, "Chef LeVerve catered the Globes tonight, you were presented with a five star gourmet meal and you are going to Maccas?!"

"I couldn't eat much of it, even though it was amazing. I was too nervous. Besides, this dress isn't very forgiving. And I haven't eaten in days to fit into it," Chaise exclaimed, defensively.

"I ate my dinner and yours, but I could definitely smash down a Big Mac," Matt grinned. The weed was counteracting the coke and giving him an appetite.

"Ugh, Kane is going to kill me if he finds out - I wish I had your metabolism, you lucky bastard!" Chaise playfully hit him in the arm.

Leonard pulled up to the nearest McDonald's. They could see a group of teenagers that were hanging out in the car park, leaning on their cars and mucking around, all turn to stop and stare.

They pointed and laughed as Leonard attempted to navigate the long limousine through the tight drive thru slowly.

Chaise wandered to herself what their reaction would be if they knew that Chaise Adams and Matt Stow were inside. They probably presumed that it was kids going to a prom or maybe it was for a wedding. Chaise passed on their orders of burgers and fries to Leonard who relayed the order to the pimply faced teenager. He and the staff around him were straining their necks through the window, trying to see through the tinted windows

and see who was inside. Leonard handed the paper bags back to them and continued on course to the after party. Chaise devoured hers in record time, much to Matt and Kiah's amusement.

She even managed to get some sauce on her dress, but she didn't care. She was on top of the world and nothing could ruin this night.

Shortly after her binge, feeling very full and regretting downing it all so fast, they arrived at the Inside Style party. Limousines and expensive, chauffeured cars lined the block. There were hundreds of people lining the streets - most of them were press but a lot of the public had come out to see if they could catch a glimpse of their favourite stars.

Chaise and Matt exited the car, leaving Kiah to go and greet her colleagues outside. He escorted his wife by her arm towards the entrance of the party. Chaise was on cloud nine, with her handsome husband on one arm, her Golden Globe tucked under the other.

Matt had messed his hair up and shaken it loose into its usual, dishevelled style and he looked as amazing as ever. Chaise truly felt like she was the luckiest woman in the world to have him by her side.

The red carpet out the front of the club where the party was being held was packed. They waited patiently at the entrance of the step and repeat – where celebrities entering the party stopped and posed for photos for the paps in front of a backdrop with all the events sponsor's logos on it.

Norman Walker and Andrew Lyon from 'Apocolypse' were up there.

The show was Matt and Chaise's favourite and they spent many hours cuddled up in bed watching it in marathons. They had met the boys before and smiled and waved at them.

After a few more people, including supermodel Kristy Johnson and pro basketballer Rob Hand, it was their turn. Chaise took a few solo pictures, holding the Globe and thanking everyone for their congratulations. Matt then joined her for a few couple shots then they moved on inside. The atmosphere inside was pumping. There were celebrities, business associates, television and movie executives as well as other invited guests and their partners in the hundreds. The music hit them hard as soon as they entered. The Bare Assed Animals were performing on the stage and the beat was pumping from the huge speakers surrounding the room.

The bass vibrated through Chaise's body. The dance floor resembled a mosh pit, with everybody jumping around to the beat drunkenly with their hands in the air and in high spirits. A synchronized light show bounced laser lights all over the crowd and onto the walls and ceilings in beautiful shades of blues, greens, purples and pinks. Bars were set up around the dance floor and there was a seated area with booths and couches. Waiters dressed in burgundy tuxedos hustled around the room with huge trays full of delicate crystal champagne flutes and glasses of both red and white wines.

Chaise happily took another champagne, ready to finally let loose and celebrate her big win. Matt asked the waiter to bring them bottles of bourbon, vodka and tequila and then led her by the hand to a red velvet sofa near the dance floor that was unoccupied. They slumped down in it together and Matt put his arm around Chaise's waist, pulling her in close and squeezing her into him.

He kissed her softly on the forehead, "I am so proud of you, babe.

I know I keep saying it but I truly am," he whispered into her ear, his soft wet lips kissing her gently, "I love you more than the world."

Chaise beamed a huge smile at him and wrapped her fingers through his thick hair which was a bit crusty from all of the product that Rebecca had put in it, "I love you, honey. Thank you so much for all your support and faith in me. And for putting up with me."

She knew that they should start working the room, saying hello to everybody and catching up with their friends, but she was enjoying a few stolen moments alone with her man. It was so crowded with people anyway that they were just blending in, rather than standing out like they usually did. In here, they were just two of many, many celebrities. She kissed him firmly on the lips before slipping in her tongue for a passionate kiss. Their bliss was interrupted quickly though, as a loud, deliberate, sarcastic cough came from above them. They looked up in surprise to see actor and singer, Ryan Ashby and his wife, infamous model Natalie Moore standing over them. Ryan and Chaise had been in a small Indi movie together years ago. It had not been a very memorable movie and had gone straight to DVD but they had become good friends while shooting it and Ryan got along very well with Matt, as did Chaise with Natalie.

"Congrats, girl!" Ryan exclaimed.

Chaise could tell right away that he was very drunk. He bent down to kiss Chaise on the cheek before slapping Matt on his back playfully and then shaking his hand. He then wedged himself onto the sofa next to them and patted his knee, motioning for Natalie to sit on his lap. She just laughed at him and shook her head. She sat on the chair opposite them, on the other side of their table where the waiter was unloading the bottles that Matt had ordered as well as various glasses and an ice bucket.

"Congratulations, Chaise - we are both so happy for you!" She smiled.

"Thanks guys! I still can't believe it."

"You looked fantastic up there on stage, babe. We watched it at home before we came here. I love, love, love your dress!"

Natalie leant across and squeezed Chaise's leg playfully, "But come on, you prepared the old 'I don't have a speech' bit, didn't you!? You can tell us,"

"You got me!" Chaise jokingly punched the air.

They all laughed.

"Well, it wasn't very original, everybody pulls that crap!" Ryan argued with a big smile on his handsome, yet ageing face.

"Ryan!" Chaise cried out, pretending to be offended, "I genuinely didn't prepare anything! Who really thought that I was going to win!?"

"We did! That movie was bloody brilliant and you were so good!"

He knocked back a large shot of bourbon then handed one over to Matt, "What do you think, man? Was she faking it? Tell us,"

Matt grinned and squeezed Chaise's shoulders, "Nah, man, she really didn't believe that she was going to win. She doubted herself the whole time."

The four of them chatted for a while, catching up on what had been happening in their lives. Ryan was currently filming a new movie based on the autobiography of Red November lead singer, Anthony Lynx, which he admitted was a very challenging role.

He asked Chaise if she would meet up with him to discuss how she tackled playing the role of Dakota - a serious heroin addict - since Lynx had been an addict back in the early years as well.

Ryan was no stranger to drugs and was bordering on becoming a full blown alcoholic, but Chaise was happy to oblige him.

Natalie had just arrived back from shooting her latest swimsuit calendar in Mexico. She did one every year and they were huge sellers. Natalie had started out her career modelling for Sports Illustrated. Her gorgeous, flawless and curvy body had received a cult like following and her stardom had catapulted rapidly. She was only twenty-two and Ryan was approaching fifty but they had fallen madly in love and had married with a multi-million dollar, lavish wedding. They had recently been to Las Vegas to renew their wedding vows for their first anniversary. What peaked Chaise's interest was that they had gone to the same chapel where Chaise and Matt had married five years ago.

"It was sort of like your wedding! You guys should so renew your vows there as well!" Ryan declared, "It was a sick night! We did the whole tacky thing - with an Elvis and the lot."

Matt and Chaise looked at each other and pretended to look disgusted at the idea - screwing their faces up and grimacing,

"Marry him again!? You must be joking! Once was bad enough!" Chaise joked, light heartedly.

"No fucking way!" Matt laughed, kissing Chaise on the cheek,

"Besides, I don't think we could do the whole 'Elvis' thing."

Slowly, one by one, other people that they knew started to come over to join them and to congratulate Chaise and admire her Globe.

Jamie Frank came over for a quick drink and Chaise laughed with her about Jamie's trip on the stairs at the Oscars, with Chaise confessing that was her worst nightmare. Imants Leon and Lauren Kohl also came over to give Chaise their regards. Imants had written some music in the studio with Matt and they had been working together on some tracks for Imants' upcoming album. Hip Hop superstar, Aaron Reedus came over for a split second, surrounded by five gorgeous, scantily clad girls and his huge entourage. He slipped four bottles of his new vodka onto their table, told Chaise congratulations and to enjoy her night before moving onto the dance floor.

Before Chaise and Matt knew it, they were surrounded by well wishers and friends and were being bombarded with questions and conversations from all angles. Chaise's phone had not stopped going off either. She had it on silent but could still see it lighting up in her clutch every time it rang.

There were a few missed calls from her agent, Jay as well as colleagues and friends. She had secretly been hoping that her parents would call.

They could have possibly watched it on T.V. Even in their small country town of Wedgewood, it would have aired. Chaise knew that she was expecting too much from them, though. She hadn't seen or spoken to them in years. Still, the hope that they would care enough to watch their only child at the most amazing moment in her life played on her mind. She sighed softly, excused herself and went to the bathroom after having held on for as long as she possibly could. She stopped short suddenly as she opened the bathroom door.

Carrie Hart, the infamous pop star and party girl was with two of her trashy friends and they were snorting lines of coke off the marble top counter. Chaise shot her a dirty look and quickly hurried into the stall.

Chaise despised Carrie with a passion.

Last year, Matt had told her that Carrie had repeatedly come on to him at Kim Fontaine's birthday party in Vegas and had refused to take no for an answer. He had managed to fend her off but Carrie had told everybody that she had hooked up with Matt that night and it had made all the tabloid magazines and was splashed all over the covers for months. Chaise and Matt had spent months denying it and being hounded by the media and paparazzi about the accusations. Chaise had never doubted Matt's innocence, she trusted him one hundred percent. She did not trust Carrie, however. Chaise had never officially met her or confronted her over her lies and didn't really want to, either. Especially not tonight. Carrie was a strung out, pathetic drug addict that used to have a hot career. She was trash and a joke to the music industry that she used to dominate.

Chaise sat nervously in the stall as she heard Carrie and her friends whispering just a few feet away and willed herself to go to urinate as quickly as possible which was considerably hard, given the position that she was in. As soon as she finally went, she ran out of the stall, scurrying past the girls - not even stopping to wash her hands as that would mean having to go near Carrie and she wasn't prepared for that awkward encounter.

Chaise hurried back to Matt, "Carrie Hart is here," she whispered in his ear, pissed off.

His body stiffened up at the mention of Carrie's name. He looked around the room anxiously looking for her then just shrugged his shoulders, nonchalantly when he couldn't see her, "Don't worry about that lying, attention seeking whore, baby. Just enjoy your night."

Chaise knew that he was right - she was not going to let a low life slut like Carrie ruin her happiness.

The night went by surprisingly quickly – like all great nights tend to do.

They danced, drank a lot and caught up with their friends and the cast and crew of 'One Night In Delusion,'. Chaise was on top of the world. She had won a very prestigious award, her latest film was the 'best movie' of the year and she was already working on her next blockbuster, 'Park Avenue' in New York City.

Most importantly, she had a loving husband by her side, great friends, millions in the bank and a wonderful life. Chaise knew that she was very drunk from the vast quantities of champagne, tequila and vodka and it was now four am. She was now beyond tired and exhausted. As much of a great night as it had been, she was more than ready to leave and go home.

"Babe, I want to go," she slurred to Matt.

He was wide awake and as high as a kite from all the cocaine he had been sneakily snorting in the bathroom all night long, but he could see that Chaise was on a downward spiral - very drunk and very tired. They decided that sneaking out was their best option and to just tell everybody that they were going outside for a cigarette. It was the best way to avoid the protests from their friends to stay.

After excusing themselves to everybody at the table, they took off outside. The early morning air was crisp and chilly. Matt took off his jacket and wrapped it around Chaise's exposed shoulders.

There was still a group of exhausted, yet persistent paparazzi waiting to get shots of the celebrities as they left, most likely hoping to capture some drunken and stumbling moments. Or even better – catch two people leaving to go home together and breaking a 'new couple / hot hook up' story. They took photos of Chaise and Matt as they kissed and cuddled while waiting for the valets out the front to organize for a car service to take them home.

They whispered 'I love you's' in each other's ears over and over as Matt wrapped his strong arms around her and held her close to him. Chaise was giddy with happiness.

Her life was perfect.

MADLY IN LOVE

On the drive back to their sprawling mansion in Beverly Hills, Chaise snuggled up to Matt in the back seat, her head resting on his broad shoulder. She took a deep breath and enjoyed the smell of his aftershave wafting around her, tickling her nose. He squeezed the inside of her thigh and gave her a cheeky wink. Chaise knew instantly what he was thinking.

She giggled, burying her head into his hard, warm chest and listening to his heart beating loudly.

"I love you so much," he whispered, stroking her hair gently.

"I love you so much, thank you for everything that you do for me," she said softly.

He leant down and kissed her lovingly on her head. The car pulled into the long driveway of their large estate where they had lived together since they were married. They thanked the driver and then raced each other playfully to the front door.

After struggling with the key to get it unlocked, they raced again up to their bedroom. Matt ripped his tuxedo and underwear off in record time and stood in front of her, in all his naked glory.

He had such an amazing body and Chaise never got tired of admiring it.

He never worked out and ate shocking food, as well as drinking insane amounts of alcohol, yet he maintained a naturally svelte and toned body. It drove Chaise crazy that he could put no effort in whatsoever and look so good. The cocaine that he shoved up his nose on a daily basis definitely helped to keep his weight down.

They were ravenous for each other and, despite the early hour of the morning and the long night they had endured, Chaise was suddenly revived and full of energy. She was so eager to sleep with her husband, who she was still madly in lust with. He still turned her on so much. He pried the Globe that she had been holding all night from her hands and placed it on top of their antique dresser, where they could see it from their bed.

"We have to find the perfect spot for this later," he smiled at her and then jumped onto the bed, bouncing up and down on it like a little kid.

He patted his hand on the mattress next to him, "Come on, you sexy bitch, I want to fuck a Golden Globe winner."

Chaise laughed, staring at the award for a moment in amazement.

She could still hardly believe that it was actually hers and was now in her home. She slid the straps of her dress down her shoulders and let it fall to the floor around her feet, along with her Victoria's Secret underwear.

She went to kick her shoes off when Matt protested, "No, leave them on,"

"Ooooh, you kinky boy,"

She climbed onto the bed next to him and he moaned gently, lightly kissing her bare shoulders and neck. Chaise closed her eyes and enjoyed his soft lips on her skin.

A tingle ran down her spine like electricity as he slowly worked his way up her body to her mouth, one sweet kiss at a time. Chaise eagerly grabbed his face with both of her hands and pulled him towards her and kissed him hard, feeling herself getting swept up in the excitement of the moment. They had been together for years and had had crazy sex a thousand times but Chaise was still always as excited about being with him as she had been when they had first got together. She was so sexually turned on by him and so madly in love. The fact that he was so gorgeous also helped a lot.

With Matt being from an Italian background he had a naturally tanned complexion and dark, exotic features which drove her

wild.

They fell back into the soft sheets together and his hands ran up and down her body, stopping at her breasts to rub her nipples with his fingertips. They would have to be one of the only natural set of breasts left in Hollywood. Being genetically blessed with full, perky D cups, she hadn't had to succumb to getting fake ones.

She will save that for when they started to head South – or after she had children. Matt gently kissed them, swirling his tongue around and sucking them playfully before carefully climbing on top of her. He moaned into her ear as he ran his hands up and down her body, "I love these tits," he gently bit them, causing Chaise to jump in surprise.

She giggled and grabbed his smooth ass with both hands, clasping it tightly, "I love this ass! And I love you," she said softly as she slid her hands around to his front, cupping him gently into her hands and stroking him.

"I love you, babe," he sighed, lustfully.

After a wild, intense and passionate romp they both lay back into each other's arms, trying to catch their breath, exhausted.

Matt groaned and gently rolled off Chaise and gave her another quick kiss. Small droplets of sweat were glistening on his forehead and upper lip.

The sun was slowly starting to rise outside and it filtered through their bedroom curtains, lighting the room with a soft, golden glow.

The birds in the trees outside started to chirp which was going to be annoying when they were trying to fall asleep. Chaise glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table. Nearly seven am. She hadn't pulled an all-nighter in quite a while and she could already feel a hangover starting to creep up on her.

"God damn birds," Matt groaned as he wiped her hair away from his forehead.

He squeezed her ass cheek playfully then rolled over, the sheets only just covering his manhood, leaning towards his bedside table.

Chaise watched him dreamily as he pulled out a small silver tin from the drawer. It was full of marijuana joints that he had expertly rolled earlier. He placed one between his luscious lips and lit it with the gold lighter Chaise had bought for him as a gift when they had first started dating. He inhaled it deeply, blowing thick, potent smoke slowly into the room. After another long puff, he handed it over to Chaise. She took it from him and laid back on her pillow, staring at the ceiling as she took it in deeply, watching the smoke swirl mesmerizingly around her. Matt gently stroked her bare breasts, watching her drag on the joint.

"So, how does it feel?" He asked, dreamily.

"Huh?" She was confused for a second, "Uh, yeah. It's a good smoke," she answered taking another drag before handing it back to him.

He started laughing softly, "Not the weed! I meant winning tonight - it must have been a rush up there on that stage in front of all of those people."

"Babe! You are a rock star \- you are on stage all of the time!" Chaise laughed.

"Yeah, but you know what I mean. Being awarded a prestigious award and making a speech and all of that. When I'm on stage, I'm performing.

And when we won all our MTV awards, we just say thank you and Minch always does the speeches... I am too shy," he joked.

"Ha ha," Chaise rolled her eyes, "I'm not sure how I feel though - it still hasn't really sunk in yet. The whole night still seems so unreal."

"Well, it is real babe. I was so proud of you up there, you looked so beautiful. I have been thinking as well... you should command more money now, you know - now that you are a Golden Globe winner."

Chaise laughed and rolled over, rubbing her hand over his bare chest and taking another drag of the joint, "It doesn't quite work like that, babe," she told him.

She had already started thinking herself that maybe now she would start to get some more credible offers now that she had proved herself as a serious dramatic actress. She desperately wanted a few really good movie roles that she could really sink her teeth into.

A lot of the scripts that she had received lately had been pretty lacklustre.

She was thoroughly enjoying filming 'Park Avenue' but it was yet another romantic comedy and she needed another change of pace, like 'Delusion' had been.

"Yeah, it does," he argued, "You always hear stories about actors winning major awards and then demanding way more money."

Chaise took another drag of the pot, her mind was starting to fog over, "Maybe if it is an Oscar..."

"No way, you are an award-winning actress now, babe. You need to start acting like one!"

"Mmmm, maybe. We'll see. I will talk to Jay about it."

They finished the joint and snuggled up together, intertwining their legs tightly around each other's bodies. Chaise was now feeling exhausted and the weed had made her even more tired. She was well and truly ready to pass out now.

"Time for some sleep then, hey babe? I'm sure it will be a busy few days coming up for you, 'Mrs Best Actress'," Matt whispered into her ear and kissed her goodnight - or technically good morning - and rolled over. He started softly snoring within minutes.

Chaise closed her eyes as flashbacks of the night's events danced around in her head. She was so overwhelmed with pride and achievement. Her career was going to change for the better now.

She fell into a deep slumber with a smile on her face.

Chaise awoke from her stoned and drunken sleep to Matt standing over her next to the bed, holding a silver tray.

Adorned upon it was a plate piled high with waffles and dollops of cream.

A small, yellow rose from their garden was placed in a vase next to them, a cup of steaming hot coffee finished off the romantic gesture.

"Rise and shine, beautiful."

He was still naked. The thought of Matt cooking and pottering around in their kitchen and garden with no clothes on made Chaise giggle, "Matt! What about Maria!?" She laughed, thinking of their poor housekeeper copping an eyeful of him in the buff.

"She's not around," he smiled sheepishly and placed the tray down on Chaise's lap after she had sat up. He helped prop her up by placing pillows behind her back.

"Oh, wow. Thank you so much, babe, this is amazing! But where did you get these from?!" She asked, pointing to the waffles in surprise. Matt could barely make toast.

"They are the frozen ones," he confessed and pinched one off the top of the stack, wolfing it down, "Just had to whack them in the microwave. I have to go and meet the guys today, we are shooting the photos and choosing the artwork for the album. We also have to go over a few of the final details," he mumbled with his mouth full of waffle.

"Huh? What time is it?" Chaise asked half-dazed, forgetting that he had to work today.

She was surprised that after an all-nighter he was so perky and ready for work. She was so hungover; her head was pounding. She could easily stay in bed all day.

"It's two," he replied, pulling a pair of ripped jeans off the floor and yanking them on without putting any underwear on first.

Typical Matt.

"Two!? Ughhhh," Chaise pulled a face and took a big swig of coffee from the mug. There was no way she was getting out of bed yet - she had to recover.

"How are you so functional!?" Chaise moaned, watching him as she took a bite of the waffles, "I am so not moving all day!"

They were still a little cold in the middle but he got top marks for effort so she wasn't going to say anything.

"I had a little line of coke," he answered sheepishly and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek before shrugging on an old, faded Ramones t-shirt.

Chaise rolled her eyes at him, disapprovingly. They had both been heavily addicted to cocaine for years, when they had first got together as a couple.

It had caused a lot of dramas for them when the press and the world had found out about it. Matt had also been arrested twice for possession. They had managed to get control of their habits and tried to only have it sporadically these days - mainly at parties and special occasions - rather than all day, every day like they used to.

But, in the last couple of months Matt had been going full steam ahead with it again. Chaise put it down to the stress of recording the album and had let it slide but she was definitely keeping an eye on how much he was taking, especially since he was down playing how much that amount truly was.  
"It's all good, babe. Just a little pick me up," he sensed the disapproval in her voice, "I gotta go. Call you later, O.K?" He kissed her on the forehead goodbye.

"O.K, babe. I will see you later then."

With that, he left Chaise alone with her tray full of waffles. How could she be mad at him when he was such a sweetheart? She flicked on the widescreen TV, turned it over to a 'Sex and the City' marathon and stared at the mound of fat and sugar in front of her. After an internal debate with herself for a few moments, she decided that one wouldn't hurt. She would just have to work out a bit harder next time she was with Kane to make up for this, the McDonalds and the drinks. One waffle quickly turned into three due to her hung-over state.

Feeling sick and ashamed of herself, she went back to sleep with a full tummy - ignoring the twenty-eight voice mails that her phone was constantly reminding her of from the bedside table.

Chaise awoke again from her deep slumber at around six o'clock that evening and, after tossing and turning for a few minutes, she reluctantly dragged herself out of the bed.

Although she had slept all day, she was still so tired.

Maybe I'm getting old, she thought to herself. Chaise was only twenty seven years old but she had been partying hard since she was eighteen so it was likely that it was taking its toll on her body by now. She used to go out every night, partying until all hours of the early morning. But now, one big all-nighter and she was like an old woman. She threw on her cashmere robe and stumbled down the stairs to the kitchen, ravenous with hunger.

Chaise was pleased to see that their housekeeper, Maria had gone grocery shopping and had restocked their fridge and pantry. She gazed idly into the open fridge while her brain argued with her stomach over the right choice to make. She was craving something greasy to help her hangover but her strict diet and how many calories she had already consumed in the last twenty-four hours was playing heavily on her conscience.

Kane would really be on her case if he knew that she was binging.

He got so frustrated with her that he came around regularly and trained Chaise so hard - only to have her sabotage his good work with burgers, fries and ice cream every time she was hung-over, derailing all his hard work.

After umming and ahhing for ages, Chaise finally grabbed a homemade double chocolate muffin that Maria had baked for Matt - as he requested them - often and sat at the kitchen counter picking at it slowly. Ultimately, she felt way too seedy to care about the calories.

Once it was all gone, Chaise grabbed her gold iPhone and pressed the speed dial for Matt's cell. After ringing for quite a while, he finally answered just before she was ready to hang up,

"Hey, babes - you're up! How are you feeling?" He shouted into the phone.

Chaise could hear that his album was blaring at full volume in the background.

"Hey, honey! Yeah, I'm alright... a bit tired still. What time are you going to be home?"

He hesitated for a second then shouted back over the music,

"Dunno, babes. It's going to be a while. We are probably going to be a few hours yet."

"Alright," Chaise sighed.

She was disappointed. She really felt like snuggling up in bed with him, smoking joints and watching movies together all night.

It was just what she needed.

"I will see you when you get home, then."  
"O.K. Love ya, sexy!"  
"Love you too."

He hung up. Chaise sighed and dragged herself back up to her bedroom to face her many phone messages. There were five from her agent, Jay.

She laid back on the bed and dialled his cell number.

"Chaise!" He answered in his usual hyper, shrill tone, "I have been trying to get hold of you all day!"

"I know, Jay. I'm sorry, I had a late one last night..."  
"I bet you did!" He interrupted, "Congratulations girl! I am so happy for you, I knew all along that it was yours!"  
"Thanks, I..."

"You must be so happy! And thank you for thanking me in your speech - that was so sweet! I have to say, Chaise, I for one am so proud of you..."

"Thank you, Jay. I am..."

"This is so amazing, well done! You wouldn't believe all the offers that I have had for you today! This win has opened many, many new doors, my dear," he continued.

Jay never let Chaise finish a sentence. He was full-speed ahead, twenty-four seven. It was work, work, work all the time. He reminded Chaise a lot of Ari Gold from 'Entourage' \- but without being so blatantly rude. He was, however a ruthless agent that would step over whomever he had to for his client's needs. He had bought Chaise from obscurity to superstardom and she owed him big time for that – and the big chunk that he took out of her pay checks were a reflection of that.

"Yeah, like what!?" She sat up, excitedly.

This could be exactly what she was hoping for.

"Paramount just pitched us a deal for a lead part in the new David Wills action movie,"

"Ohhh... O.K," Chaise rolled her eyes.

She knew which one he was referring too. It was still unnamed but it was a 'Die Hard' type of film. Although it would be a guaranteed blockbuster it wasn't the type of movie that she was keen to do.

"I know, I know. But, it's a 'bad guy' role - or should I say a 'bad bitch' role – it could be interesting, and fun," he sensed her hesitance, "We also have a few other offers. A few leads in some smaller indie movies, supporting roles in some bigger studio movies and a couple of television series guest starring roles..."

He started to go through them all in detail. Nothing really jumped out at her but she was willing to do whatever it took to keep riding this career high that she was now on and milk it for all that it was worth. She had had more offers in the last twenty-four hours then she had had in the last couple of months. Shooting for 'Park Avenue' was due to wrap soon so the timing was perfect.

"Jay, I want some meaty roles. A leading part in something that is dramatic and intense and mind blowing, just like 'Delusion' was," she told him sharply.

"I know, I know. They will keep pouring in, you watch. It's early days and I will not rest until I find you something truly inspiring."

He droned on for a while and Chaise lay back on the bed, half listening to him and absent mindedly flipping through the cable channels. 'Hollywood News Nightly' was playing the footage of the interviews from the red carpet yesterday. Matt and Chaise flashed across the screen and she was happy to see that they both looked really good. She smiled to herself before the sound of Jay's voice interrupted her thoughts, "So, come into my office and we will go through it all."

"Uh huh, O.K. Well you let me know."

She hung up the phone and leaned over the bed to grab one of the joints out of Matt's tin and sat back to relax and watch the rest of the interviews while she smoked it. They had edited most of it. Just a few lines from her interview had made the final cut but she didn't mind - they couldn't possibly play every interview in full. Or even every interview for that matter - she was most likely included in their final selections because she had won.

Soon after, she drifted off back to sleep.

"Hey, babe are you awake?"

Chaise stirred, feeling Matt's hot breath on the back of her neck as he leaned over her. She groaned as she struggled to open her eyes and looked over at the alarm clock on the bedside table, "What the fuck? It's three am! Have you been shooting the album photos this whole time!?" She grumbled.

"Nah, we wrapped up about twelve. We got some really good shots too - it's like a desert theme. It looks sick,"

"So, where have you been then?" She demanded.

"We went to a club for a few celebration drinks. You aren't mad, are you?"

"No, I guess not," Chaise murmured, still half asleep and stoned,

"I'm happy for you, babe."

He kissed her softly on the forehead and crawled into the bed beside her, pushing his erection into her lower back until she finally gave in to him and rolled over to have sex.

The next morning, Chaise awoke to the familiar sound of the birds chirping outside again. She groaned and forced herself to get out of bed, still not feeling too well but determined that she wasn't going to spend another wasted day in bed. Matt was snoring away beside her. Chaise kissed him on the forehead and left him to sleep.

She had a quick shower then shrugged on a pair of Calvin Klein skinny leg jeans, a simple white singlet and a loose, grey scarf. She finished the look with a few long, layered silver necklaces and a pair of grey, Louboutin ankle boots. After stuffing her black Birkin bag with everything that she needed, she styled her hair into a loose side plait and applied a touch of makeup.

Once Chaise was satisfied that she was ready to face the world, she headed downstairs to their garage. It was a six car garage and was full of expensive vehicles. Matt had his red Porsche, a black Ferrari, and three Harley Davidson's as well as a very old and beat up Chevy that he wanted to one day fix up. Chaise had her beloved, brand new black customized Bentley and a white Hummer. The Hummer was the first major purchase she had when she had first made it big. Even though she barely drove it anymore, she could not part with it for sentimental reasons. She had been

so proud of it when she had first bought it. She grabbed the Bentley keys off their hook on the wall and jumped in, waiting patiently for the garage doors to open. She loved the expensive Bentley - it was the epitome of luxury in every way.

She loaded Matt's demo copy of 'The Diffused''s new album into the C.D player and turned it up loudly. She loved his band - they were very rock and roll with a bit of punk and heavy metal mixed in. She had loved his music even before she had met him in person. Chaise roared the engine to life and tore off down their long driveway as she sang along to her favourite track, 'My Girl' which Matt had written for her.

As she pulled out past their gate onto the road, a black jeep started following her. She recognized it immediately as a paparazzi car that often waited around her street for celebrities to leave and then pursue them.

Chaise and Matt lived in a neighbourhood that was filled with celebrities so the paparazzi hanging around their streets was a burden that they all had to bear.

Chaise drove straight to Jay's office, singing along to the album and enjoying the day. Life honestly could not get any better for her at the moment. She was confident that Jay could found her an amazing role that she could really sink her teeth into.

Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up to his office and parked her car on the street outside. The people passing by turned towards her, stopping in their tracks and staring - curious as to who was driving around in a two hundred thousand dollar vehicle. There were a few gasps of excitement and recognition when Chaise emerged. The paparazzi that had followed her in the black jeep from her house jumped out of their car, ran out in front of her and started taking hundreds of photos. One of them was also taping her with a video camera.

A group of teenage girls recognized Chaise from across the street and squealed excitedly. They ran over to her, giggling loudly,

"Oh my God \- Chaise Adams! We love you! Can we please have your autograph and a photo with you!?" They asked, nervously and in awe of the famous movie star in front of them.

"Of course," Chaise smiled at them and happily signed the notebooks they had retrieved from their bags. She also smiled and posed for photos with them as well.

"Congratulations on your Golden Globe. You looked so pretty, we all watched it," one of them said to her as she handed over her autograph.

"Why, thank you very much."

"We love 'The Diffused'! You are so lucky that you are married to Matt Stow - he is so hot! We love their new song - we so cannot wait for their new album to come out!" They gushed.

Chaise smiled at them. They could not have been much older than eighteen, "I have to tell you guys, it's amazing. Anyway, it was nice to meet you all, I have to go,"

They all screamed and went crazy, jumping up and down and hugging each other excitedly as she walked away.

"Thank you so much!" They cried.

The paps followed her all the way to Jay's building, only stopping as she entered and disappeared from her view.

Jay's offices on the fifty second floor were always a hive of activity – agents and assistants were always running around at a hundred miles per hour. His personal assistant, Coralie greeted Chaise as she entered the floor off the elevator. She was a young girl, barely out of college, but was amazing at what she did. Chaise had watched Jay go through numerous assistants over the years, a lot of them barely lasted a few weeks as they could not deal with his demanding ways but Coralie had been with him for close to a year now and she had definitely held her own with her demanding boss. Straight away, she was offering Chaise tea, coffee and everything else in between.

Chaise politely refused and went in to see Jay in his office. He was seated in his oversized leather chair, behind his large, egotistical mahogany desk. Jay sure was one with a penchant for flashy things.

He always wore chunky gold necklaces around his neck as well as rings on every finger and a very expensive gold Rolex watch on his wrist. He was wearing a bright blue suit with a purple tie and matching handkerchief in the pocket.

He looked so flashy and almost like what a stereotypical pimp would look in those corny eighty's movies. But, in his case, looks were deceiving and he was extremely good at his job.

Chaise was very excited to hear what Jay had for her. He looked up at her from his desk and his face lit up dramatically. Jumping out of his huge chair to greet her, he kissed her on both of her cheeks.

"Chaise! My beauty! How are you?! You must be on top of the world, have you seen the press this morning!?" He exclaimed happily, handing her a stack of papers off his desk.

Chaise flipped through, seeing various photos of herself on the red carpet as well as on the podium accepting her award and different articles that he had printed off the internet and a couple of newspapers. It seemed that she had made most of the best dressed lists as well. She hadn't had a chance to read many of the media stories about The Globes yet and made a mental note to browse through some of the online sites that afternoon.

"Thanks, Jay. Yeah, I still can't believe it. It looks like it's all good press,"

Chaise placed the stack back on his desk.

"Sit, sit," he gestured to the chair opposite his as he regained his position on his 'throne', "I had Coralie read through it all and it is all good - all very, very good."

He excitedly handed Chaise a small pale blue Tiffany and Co. box,

"I have something for you."  
"Oh, Jay! You shouldn't have..."

"Hey, don't be silly! My favourite client won a big award! Of course I did!" He chuckled, pleased with himself.

She pulled the white ribbon undone and opened the delicate box to reveal a delicate gold chain necklace with a miniature Golden Globe charm on it.

"I had it made specially," he beamed, proudly.

"But... this must have taken ages to make... I only won two days ago!"

Chaise couldn't understand how he had had it done so quickly.

"What can I say? I had a feeling that you would win and took the initiative," he grinned proudly, leaning back.

Chaise was stunned.

"It's so beautiful, Jay. Thank you so much, I don't know what to say..."

Chaise wasn't sure if she would ever wear it - wouldn't she seem a bit full of herself to wear a miniature award that she had won around her neck?

The paparazzi and tabloids would have a field day with that! Still, it was a really sweet gesture and a memorable keepsake. Chaise was very grateful.

"What if I hadn't won?!" She teased.

"Well, then I would have kept it aside until you did! Now, onto the business at hand," he continued, "I have been through a lot of the offers presented to you over the last couple of days and I really think that you need to do this one."

He handed Chaise a script with 'Deception and Dishonour,' as the title and she couldn't help but notice that Dean Torino was the director.

"It's a thriller and it is brilliant. It's been a while since I have read a script this well written. John Silver has already signed on as the lead and with Dean Torino as the director, it will be a masterpiece."

Chaise was instantly intrigued she had always wanted to work with Dean.

Jay went on to divulge the story line to her.

Terrorists are planning to attack the US embassy and Washington DC. John and Chaise would be playing FBI agents that happen to be having an affair with each other while married to other people.

They stumble across the terrorist's plans and are thrown into all the chaos as they try to stop the attack from happening as well as dealing with the aftermath of their affair becoming exposed to their spouses. They are captured by the terrorists and are held captured and relentlessly tortured while the government refuses to negotiate for their freedom. They have to escape or they will be left to rot. It sounded like a fantastic movie. With an amazing director like Dean it would be a blockbuster for sure.

"Dean called me late last night. He wants to meet with you in person. He is extremely interested in you for the role. He has been trying to find a perfect leading lady for this project for a while. He did have you as one of his top picks and I guess 'One Night in Delusion' really tipped it in your favour. He watched it for the first time yesterday after he saw that it had won Best Movie."

"Absolutely! I would love to meet with him!" Chaise exclaimed, excitedly.

"Great. He is in New York for the next couple of months

shooting a gangster movie. I know you are flying back there in two weeks to finish filming 'Park Avenue' but I am hoping that you won't mind flying out there to meet with him this weekend."

"Uh... I guess so. Why so soon? Can't it wait until I get there again? I only just got back from New York last week. It's only two weeks away."

Matt's album launch was on Saturday night and as much of an amazing opportunity as this was - she had to be there for her husband.

"He is wanting to sign his cast as soon as possible. He needs to meet with you right away to make one hundred percent sure that you are who he wants. And what can I say – Dean Torino says jump and you have to say how high?"

"I have something planned on Saturday with Matt. It's his new album's release party and it's extremely important. Is there any way I can fly out on Sunday?"  
"I don't see why not. Dean is shooting on Sunday so I will arrange for your flight that morning, then you can meet with him that afternoon on set."

"Yeah, that's fine," Chaise agreed.

That worked out well.

"I will make all of the arrangements. Take the script and read it and I will talk to Dean."

"I will, Jay. Thank you so much. What about the other offers?"

"Chaise, believe me. You can read the other scripts if you like but I can guarantee you that this is the right role and the next project for you."

"O.K, Jay. You are the expert, you know what you are doing and you have never been wrong, so far."

"No, I haven't. This is an incredible opportunity, Chaise. I know that once Dean meets you and sees what a wonderful woman you are the deal will be sealed."

"Thanks, Jay. Sounds great, I will call you later."

"My pleasure, my beautiful angel."

"Oh, I almost forgot to ask you. I don't know if this is out of line, but Matt seems to think that I could charge more money now that I have won the Best Actress Globe. Is this correct or is he dreaming?"

Jay leaned back on his chair and cracked his knuckles, chuckling,

"Smart man, that hubby of yours. Yes, that is a definite possibility.

I have already thought about that myself. Especially if Dean has to have you. You are currently on six million a film and I will be pushing for eight now. We can negotiate from there if you are offered the part."

Chaise felt like doing a dance for joy on the spot.

Eight million a film. That was huge.

She couldn't wait to tell Matt.

"That's fantastic, Jay! Thank you so much again for the necklace, I love it!"

"I knew you would," he was very smug and happy with himself.

Chaise gave him a quick hug, "Speak to you later."

"See ya kid, take care of yourself and give Matt my best for the new album. From what I have heard it will be huge."

"Thanks Jay, I appreciate that."

LIVING THE DREAM

Later that afternoon, Chaise called Rebecca and Natalia and asked them to meet her on Robertson Boulevard. Robertson was the best shopping strip in town. Designer stores lined the street as well as some of the nicest cafes and restaurants in Los Angeles. As Chaise stood outside Chanel waiting for the girls, she was swarmed by a hoard of paparazzi and fans.

The paps were always on Robertson so Chaise had known that they would show up and was prepared for them. She happily signed autographs and posed for photographs with her fans - most of them were tourists.

The paparazzi were firing dozens of questions at her, as usual. One guy was holding a video camera and Chaise recognized that he was from the tabloid television show, 'Star Spotting'.

"Chaise Adams! Looking as beautiful as always," he smiled at her, filming away as she posed with her fans.

She smiled back at him sweetly.

"Congratulations on the Globe," he continued.

"Thank you," she barely looked up from scrolling through her emails on her iPhone.

"'One Night in Delusion' was a really good film," he kept up the interview, even though he knew that Chaise was subtly trying to ignore him.

She just smiled again.

"Did you research your role well?" He asked cheekily, waiting for a

reaction from her.

Chaise glared at him in shock, "Do you mean 'Did I become a prostitute'!?" She snapped at him, knowing exactly what he was insinuating. He laughed, happy that he got what he wanted.

"No, I mean did you get on the gear? You know, yourself and Matt Stow shooting up the good stuff? Having a few wild nights? You did it so expertly in the movie, it seemed like you had lots of experience. I know Matt sure does."

Chaise walked up to him and shoved his camera away, "How dare you!"

She spat angrily at him, "Who the hell do you think you are! That's not funny!"

"Whoa - don't touch the camera! I will sue you for assault!"

She hated these pushy paps with a passion. They would do anything for a bad reaction out of the celebs that they hounded.

The video would sell for a hell of a lot more money if Chaise caused a big scene.

"Get away from me," she hissed at him, aware that a lot of people were watching her.

With that, she turned and entered Chanel - deciding that it was best to wait for the girls inside of the store away from the drama. The sales assistants greeted her immediately, "Miss Adams - welcome to Chanel. Can we get you a drink? We have sparkling water, cappuccinos, champagne or wine..."

"I will have a wine please. A dry white. I really need one!"

Chaise was agitated from the 'Star Spotting' pap outside.

Obviously, she was never going to be able to live down her druggie past.

She was so over it now. She had done her best to be good and stay out of trouble, but the press would never forget. The Chanel assistant came back with a crystal glass filled with wine. Chaise took a big swig to try and calm herself down.

The assistant smiled at her, "My name is Sophie. How can I help you, Miss Adams? Are you looking for anything in particular?"

"I need a hot outfit for my husband's album launch on Saturday night. My stylist is meeting me here soon to help me."

Sophie's bright blue eyes lit up, "'The Diffused''s new album - I know, I am a big fan. I love their new song, I am so looking forward to it."

"That's great, it's really good, I am so proud of them. I want something rock and roll-ish and sexy. Can you show me what you have?"

"Will do, Miss Adams," Sophie jumped straight to it and started pulling items off the racks for Chaise to try on.

Rebecca and Natalia strolled into the store, seemingly shocked at the amount of paps that had gathered outside, "Wow, Chaise! If we ever wanted to find you we would just have to follow the large crowd of paps and fans!" Rebecca laughed, taking off her huge Dior sunnies and placing them on top of her head.

"Ha ha, very funny," Chaise rolled her eyes, "how are you guys?"

She hugged both of them warmly, thrilled to see her closest friends.

"Fabulous! Our fave girl won the Best Actress Globe! We were so excited for you, babe, congratulations! Oh, and your dress was a huge hit! You made every best dressed list - even Joanne Riveria and the other girls on 'Talking Fashion' said you were their favourite.

You chose well," Natalia beamed, knowing full well that she had pretty much forced Chaise to choose that dress.

"Thanks to you guys - you did all of the hard work. I would be lost without you!" Chaise laughed, playing along.

Rebecca eyed the wine in Chaise's hand, "I need one of those,"

"So do I," Natalia agreed, motioning to the other sales girls to bring more over.

"So, how was the awards?" Rebecca asked eagerly, rifling through some of the clothes on the racks.

"Amazing! It was such a good night!"

"I bet it was! We watched it on T.V – like all of the other nobodies, ha ha. Everybody looked so good."

"What about the after party?" Natalia asked, "Any good gossip?"

"Nah, not really any good goss. I did see Carrie Hart and her slutty cronies in the bathroom snorting lines, though. That was very awkward,"

Their wines arrived just in time.

"What the fuck!? Did you talk to the stupid bitch?" Natalia asked, her cute little face screwed up in disgust.

"Are you kidding!? I don't trust myself not to punch in her in the face. I ignored the whorebag. Was hard to take a piss with her standing a few feet away, giggling with her druggie friends, though."

"We saw photos of her from that night, she looked like such a skank, her va-jay-jay was so close to hanging out of the bottom of her ridiculously short skirt that it made me vomit in my mouth," Rebecca commented.

Chaise rolled her eyes.

"Fuck Carrie Hart. She's such a nobody, don't worry about her, Chaise. So, what are we looking for today?" Natalia asked, changing the subject and eyeing up the selections that Sophie had picked out for Chaise.

"Something for Saturday. You guys are coming, right?"

"For sure!" They both cried in unison.

"We wouldn't miss it!" Natalia added, sipping her wine.

"Miss Adams," Sophie interrupted, "We are ready for you."

The girls helped Chaise pick out a few outfits to try on and talked some more about the Globes and other minor gossip about their mutual friends.

Two hours later, Chaise had found the right look for the night - as well as eighteen thousand dollars worth of clothes, shoes and handbags that she didn't need but had to have. The thigh high leather boots she had chosen were just to die for and were incredibly sexy – perfect for the occasion.

She even treated Rebecca and Natalia to a quilted Chanel clutch each.

Sophie's eyes lit up as she rang it all up on the computer. It would be a big commission for her. Chaise didn't even flinch as she handed over her black, no-limit American Express card.

"This is why they gave us so much wine - so it doesn't hurt so much when you have to pay!" She joked.

Rebecca and Natalia giggled, thrilled with their new bags. The girls had gone through three bottles of wine between them in the last two hours and were feeling extremely tipsy.

"Let's go and get something to eat at The Ivory," Chaise suggested,

"I need to soak up this wine with some food."

"Yeah!" Rebecca agreed.

The girls helped Chaise to carry all her purchases out of the store.

"Alright then, girls - let's do this."

They opened the doors and the impatient paparazzi who had been waiting outside of Chanel the whole time for them to come out jumped into action. The girls put their heads down and powered off down the road towards The Ivory. The paps were falling all over each other to catch up and take photos.

Luckily, The Ivory was within walking distance as Chaise would not be able to drive her car there after all those wines. She had left her Bentley outside of Chanel and had texted Leonard to ask him to retrieve it for her and then pick her up from lunch when she was ready. Leonard had spare keys to all their cars, as she had had to do this before. She loved having a personal driver at her beck and call, it was so handy.

The girls arrived at The Ivory to find even more paparazzi outside of the restaurant. They were always there as The Ivory was a very popular celebrity hang out. Chaise was in such a good mood from the week's events, shopping, hanging out with the girls and all the wine that she didn't even care that they were there. She happily posed for photos outside with Rebecca and Natalia before entering.

A waiter rushed over to her immediately, "Welcome, Miss Adams, we have a table available outside for you if you like?"

"Why not, it's a beautiful day."

Chaise and the girls followed him to a lovely table in the warm sun and took a seat.

"Two bottles of your finest white wine, please sir," Chaise giggled, trying to sound posh.

"Chaise! We have already had way too much!" Natalia scolded her friend, jokingly.

"Oh well, I'm celebrating! I won Best Actress and I may possibly have a fantastic new role!" Chaise shrugged.

"'Park Avenue?' " Rebecca asked, confused.

"No, that's nearly wrapped up. Only a couple of weeks left. It's another film, a thriller / action type. I don't know if I should count my eggs before they hatch... but who cares... I can tell you guys,"

She divulged them with the story of how she could possibly be the legendary Dean Torino's newest 'it' girl. They spent the rest of the

afternoon drinking, eating and posting selfies on Instagram and snapchat as the paparazzi snapped away.

Chaise arrived back home around seven o'clock that evening. Their day of shopping had turned into a very long, boozy lunch. By the time she had called Leonard to pick her up in her Bentley she was very drunk. She stumbled into the house and found Matt sitting on the couch in their front lounge room, playing one of his many guitars and singing away softly to himself. There was a bong on the coffee table next to a bowl of chopped up pot and half a dozen empty beer bottles. The house reeked of both cigarette and marijuana smoke.

"Hey gorgeous," he smiled dreamily at her.

Chaise noticed that he was only wearing a pair of tight boxer shorts.

"Hey, yourself," she slurred, flopping down onto the couch beside him.

He eyed the numerous Chanel shopping bags that Chaise had bought in with her that were now sitting next to the front door.

"You look a bit too drunk for 'just' shopping," he commented, winking at her cheekily.

"The girls and I ended up at The Ivy. We fully intended to go to some other stores but we got a bit too drunk in Chanel," Chaise laughed.

He eyed the numerous bags again, "Maybe it's a good thing that you didn't end up anywhere else. How much did you spend!?"

"I don't know... a bit," she replied, sheepishly.

He laughed and leant over to kiss her on the lips, "You're shocking!"

"Well, that was not the highlight of my day..." she hinted.

"Oh yeah?" He asked lazily, packing the bong and smoking it in one swift move.

"Yeah, I went to see Jay this morning. Dean Torino wants me in his next movie!"

Matt's face lit up, "Yeah!? That's great, babe. Dean Torino is an awesome director - I fucking love his movies!"

"I know you do, babe. This one sounds really good, too. Also – John Silver is signed up to star in it already. He would be my leading man," she took a hit from the bong as well.

Matt's face lit up at that snippet of news, "Holy shit! John Silver!"

"Yep, John Silver. I have to fly to New York on Sunday to meet Dean. If he likes me..."

"Which he will..." Matt chimed in.

"Which he will... then he will hopefully decide that I am perfect for the role."

She went on to tell Matt about the movie.

"Sounds so sick, babe. I will definitely be coming on set to watch you film that."

"And... I have to tell you something else - you were right about my fee going up. Jay is going to try and negotiate for eight million a movie."

"What!? You serious!?" His eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

"Serious!"

"Congratulations, babe, I am so proud of you!"

She cuddled into his warm body on the couch. The room around her was starting to spin slowly, "Ugh... I have drunk way too much!"

Matt laughed and squeezed her waist tightly.

"You wanna get a pizza and watch a DVD tonight?" He suggested lazily.

"Sounds good."

Chaise had had a calorie explosion the last few days so what was one more binge? She would be good again tomorrow. They spent the rest of the night snuggling on the couch, smoking weed, watching the Jason Bourne movies one after another and gorging on pizza, chocolate and popcorn.

"You reckon I could do something like that?" Chaise asked as they

watched a fight scene with a female kicking ass.

"Yeah, that would be so hot!" He scooped her up off the couch in one quick movement and carried her up the stairs to their bedroom. Chaise squealed playfully as he threw her onto the bed,

"Come here, Mrs Stow."

Saturday night came around quickly. Chaise was admiring herself while standing in front of the huge, full length antique mirror in her wardrobe \- or more like her ward- room. It was her pride and joy, with a large wall designated to displaying all her beautiful shoes and racks upon racks of gorgeous designer clothes that were hung in sections by colour and style.

An island counter stood in the middle, adorning all her accessories, jewellery and sunglasses in pull out drawers. Chaise had arranged for it all to be organized by a professional a few months ago and it was to die for - what she had always dreamed of. What every girl dreamed of. Handbags and clutches of every designer, shape, colour and season were also lined along shelves. Chaise often spent a lot of time in there, deciding which outfits to wear and admiring the spoils of her success.

Rebecca and Natalia had just finished working their magic on her hair and makeup after two long hours. They had gone with a full-on rock-star look for tonight, considering that Chaise was married to one of the world's greatest rock stars and that this was the launch of his new, hard rock album. Her make up was dark and dramatic.

Her dark brown eyes were buried under heavy black eyeliner and a lot of dark purple and black shadow as well as her long, false lashes.

Her skin was a flawless, porcelain look with bold red blush on her cheeks. Her lips were a dark, blood stained red. It was a lot of makeup but Chaise was very pleased with how it looked.

Her dark hair was styled into soft curls that fell beautifully around her shoulders. It was messed up a bit and teased on top to create a just-rolled-out-of-bed look. She had slipped on the outfit that she had bought in Chanel - a black leather mini skirt and a white button up, sheer blouse.

The look was completed by the thigh high boots. Chaise had to admit - she looked hot. A definite rock chick edge was in order for the night.

Natalia had piled on her a heap of silver chains and bracelets and picked out a black, metal-studded Dior bag. Rebecca was putting the finishing touches on Chaise's lips as she stared at her reflection in the mirror that was framed with bright make-up lights. Natalia emerged with a bottle of champagne and three crystal flutes,

"Look what I bought for us," she proudly held it up for them to see.

"Good thinking, Natty!" Rebecca smiled at her.

They were surrounded by piles of clothes and shoes and handbags everywhere. Chaise wasn't exactly the neatest person - that's why she had Maria. Rebecca and Chaise took a glass each and Natalia happily filled them up.

She raised hers into the air, "A toast! To 'The Diffused''s new album, to Chaise's Golden Globe and to her possible new role. To a good night!"

They all cheered and clinked their glasses together. Chaise was so glad that the girls were coming with her tonight. They had become such genuine and loyal friends of hers. Being a celebrity, it was hard for her to have real friendships with people. She often felt used by so-called friends and hanger-ons for her money or for her celebrity status.

A few associates in the past had sold Chaise out to the tabloids with stories that she had confided in them. It was very hard for her to surround herself with people that she could trust which is why Chaise and other celebrities often hung around each other and their employees for friendships.

Natalia and Rebecca had worked for Chaise for the past seven years and they had earned and gained her trust and respect in that time. Chaise had grown very close to them and considered them amongst her closest girlfriends. The girls had a laugh together, talking about their lives lately while they drank the bottle of champers in her wardrobe - sprawled on the floor.

"Can I hold the Globe again?" Natalia asked.

She had been playing with it all afternoon, making pretend speeches and watching herself in the mirror as if she was a Golden Globe winner. She had also posted pictures of herself posing with it on her Instagram and twitter pages.

"Of course, babe," Chaise laughed, the champagne going straight to her head.

Natalia excitedly jumped up and ran to get it, re-emerging with the golden statue cradled in her arms like a baby, "Oh, Chaise! I still can't believe it, it is so pretty."

"So, when is Matt's album actually released?" Rebecca asked, sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, studying different designer bags in detail.

"On Monday. Tonight is the first time that everybody is going to hear it all. They have been working so hard on it and it's so good."

"Oh my God, I love 'Never Forget'! They are playing it constantly on the radio," Natalia remarked, taking a big swig of her champagne.

"Yeah, it's really good. I have loved all their albums though," Rebecca agreed.

They sat there for a while, talking about which celebrities and other people they knew who were going to be at the launch party. After a while, Matt came up to see what they were doing.

He had been buzzing all day, a nervous high was surrounding the release of his pride and joy. 'Black Heart' was eagerly anticipated by the world.

They had worked with some amazing producers and he was confident that this was going to be their most successful album yet.

He looked Chaise up and down in admiration - obviously liking what he saw.

"Wow, babe - you look smoking hot!" He gushed and grabbed her by her waist, pulling her in for a passionate kiss.

He brushed his hands through her long dark curls that Rebecca had painstakingly spent hours doing and then took a step back to admire her again, "I'm liking this look on you - it's so sexy!" He was grinning and had that familiar, naughty glint in his eye that she knew all too well.

Chaise noticed that he looked really hot as well. He was dressed in tight, black jeans and a crisp, white collared long sleeved shirt. He had a thin, black tie draped loosely around his neck. He also had a few long, platinum and diamond necklaces draped around his neck.

"We almost match!" Chaise giggled.

He looked at what they were both wearing and laughed, "Ha ha, that's funny. I like it, though!"

"The press will love it too! You look so good, hon."

Admiring her husband in all his glory, Chaise had a flashback of when they had first met. It was at one of infamous party girl's, Brooke Richmond's infamous house parties. Matt and Chaise had always travelled in the same circles of friends but had never actually met before that night.

Of course, she knew who Matt was and she was a fan of 'The Diffused' and he knew who Chaise was but nothing had prepared them for falling madly in love with each other at first sight. That was pretty much what had happened. As corny as it sounded they had felt an immediate, deep connection.

Chaise had been doing shots of tequila with pop singers, Sarah Cooper and Dani Stark in Brooke's kitchen. A small group of people had gathered around to watch, cheering them on as they all licked salt off each other's bodies and sucked the lemon out of each other's mouths playfully. A few of the guys watching had attempted to join in but the girls were having too much fun mucking around with each other and teasing them.

That was until, drunkenly, after just downing another shot, Chaise looked up, ready to take the lemon wedge off Sarah when she saw Matt standing there, the slice of lemon waiting between his gorgeous lips. Chaise had giggled shyly, recognizing him immediately. She had wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down towards her and gently leaning in to take the lemon from him. Just as she was about to take it from his lips - at the last possible second - he opened his mouth and dropped the lemon to the floor. Chaise's lips fell onto Matt's and he squeezed her waist, bringing her in close to him and kissing her passionately.

The crowd that were gathered around them had cheered loudly.

Chaise had laughed when she pulled away and jokingly punched Matt on the arm.

"Sarah!" She had squealed, chasing her playfully around the kitchen, trying to slap her.

They were all laughing hysterically, "Sorry, Chaise! I couldn't resist!

He's just so damn fucking cute!"

Sarah had just started dating Minch Masters, the lead guitarist in Matt's band and was very into the whole 'rock / metal' scene - believing that Chaise should be into it as well. Matt had then approached Chaise, his famous, cheeky grin ever present.

"Hi," he mumbled in his velvet voice, a cigarette hanging from his bottom lip.

"Hi," Chaise had replied, feeling her face get warm as her cheeks turned bright red.

He held up a bottle of Cristal and two glasses and motioned towards the balcony, which was empty.

"Wanna drink?" He had purred sexily.

They had sat on that balcony for three hours straight, ignoring the rest of the party and sharing their life stories with each other. They had so much in common, even though they had completely different upbringings that it had shocked them both. They were both from typical, average middle class American families.

Chaise had grown up in a tiny town in the bible belt community called Wedgewood. Population five thousand. Chaise was an only child to her overbearing, controlling, super-strict Christian parents.

She had started acting in high school in her teenage years for a bit of fun but never intended for it to be anything serious. Alan and Angela Adams had an opinion about anything and everything that Chaise did and they did not approve of Chaise's hobby so she had done it mainly just to annoy them at first.

Chaise's mother was a very traditional stay-at-home housewife and her father owned the local bakery. They had focused every ounce of their lives into trying to rule her with an iron fist - insisting that she work in her father's bakery after finishing high school until she met her true and only love – who had to be a nice Christian boy - and married and had babies. God forbid if she ever dated or slept with anybody that she wasn't intending to marry – that would have been the end of their world. Their intention for her was to never leave the safety of the small town.

Going off to college was not an option as that would mean she had to live in a scary city full of sinners where she could be influenced. Both of Chaise's parents had grown up in Wedgewood and they had dated at sixteen and married at seventeen. It had taken nine long, heartbreaking years and three devastating miscarriages for them to conceive Chaise.

They had never succeeded in another full term pregnancy.

Chaise's best friend from High School, Sienna had told her that she was moving to Hollywood after graduation to become a famous actress. On a whim - and out of a rebellious protest against her parent's reign, Chaise had decided to go with her. Chaise's parents had been furious when she had told them her plans and refused to let her go \- calling Hollywood the seedy underbelly of America and an example of everything that is wrong with today's non-God believing, rebelling youth and that they would all be burning in the fiery depths of Hell.

So, Chaise had left home without even saying goodbye. She had just taken off one morning when they were at church - leaving just a short note behind. Chaise had only spoken to them a couple of times in the first year after arriving in L.A. They had not supported her decision and refused to have anything to do with her until she agreed to return to Wedgewood and settle down like they intended.

Sienna had never made it as an actress and she had been furious when Chaise's efforts had been successful where hers had not.

Chaise had gone to the same auditions as Sienna when they had arrived in Hollywood and she had scored the roles and her friend had not. Sienna had blamed Chaise for her own lack of success and was extremely annoyed that Chaise hadn't had the dream to be a famous actress like she had and that Chaise had just tagged along with her \- yet Chaise had 'made it' very quickly. They had had a big falling out and no longer saw each other. The last Chaise had heard, Sienna was a waitress, still trying to make it.

Chaise's big break had been a small, low budget cable series that had been cancelled after only screening four episodes called 'Jupiter High'. By pure luck, producer Luke Kleins had seen Chaise in it and had instantly wanted her in his new series, 'Wilshire Boulevard'. He had called Jay, who had just started representing Chaise after she had landed 'Jupiter High' and had demanded to have her. Chaise had not even had to audition for Luke, he had hired her on the spot.

The show had been a massive hit and was called a modern-day version of 'Melrose Place'. Controversially, Jay had advised Chaise to get out of 'Wilshire Boulevard' after the third season while it was still a hit show. She had hesitated with the seemingly dramatic decision to leave a number one show just as they were negotiating the renewal of her contract with big money attached to it, but she had trusted Jay's judgment and had wisely followed his advice. It didn't take long though before she was in high demand and getting multiple offers for both television and movies.

Before she knew it, Chaise was cast in film after film. However, they were mostly teen movies and Chaise felt as though she had been type cast. By the time, she had turned twenty-two, when she had first met Matt that fateful night, Chaise had already starred in three hit movies.

Matt had grown up in a small town in Ohio with two younger sisters and his loving, free spirited parents. His family had been completely normal and happy. Along with his high school friend's, Minch, Lee and Chop, Matt had started 'The Diffused' when they were just fifteen, playing in Minch's garage after school. They had just been an underground, unsigned band until a local radio station DJ had gotten a hold of a demo tape and started playing their songs late at night, when he had free reign of what he could play. The boys slowly started to get more and more airplay and a local following. By the time they were nineteen and had produced two albums by themselves, a well known producer had approached them and they were signed to their record label.

Two years after that - with a lot of national commercial airplay, they were the newest 'it' group. He still had a great relationship with his parents and his sisters who all supported his career a hundred and ten percent.

Meeting Matt had been a turning point in Chaise's life. She had never in her life imagined that she would fall so madly in love, with everything going on for her in her life and career at the time.

From the first night Matt and Chaise had met, they had been inseparable. They shared the same sense of humour and had spent most of that first night at Brooke's party making fun of all the celebrities and socialites at the party and commenting on how 'fake' Hollywood was.

They had both gone back to Matt's house that night and did not emerge back into the outside world for a whole week. They had literally stayed in bed having sex, ordering take out, watching trashy T.V and getting to know each other's life stories, shutting out the world.

When they did finally emerge, the paparazzi had cottoned on to them and they were Hollywood's favourite new 'it' couple. They were followed by the paps everywhere and were regularly on the front page of every tabloid magazine around.

But they hadn't cared - they were madly in love.

Matt and Chaise had gone to Las Vegas six months after first getting together for what was just supposed to be a casual holiday.

But, after a night of heavy drinking and rampant cocaine use they had ended up walking past the Little Wedding Chapel at four o'clock in the morning after getting tattoo's done in downtown Vegas.

To Chaise's surprise, Matt had bent down on one knee, declared his undying love and asked Chaise to be his wife. She had immediately said yes and cried with happiness. They had exchanged wedding vows at the chapel right then and there with their tattoo artists as their witnesses.

Of course, the press had found out about it and had printed some photos of their wedding - courtesy of some people who had seen them that night and captured the event on their camera phones.

Chaise had been wearing a short, white denim skirt and a baby blue tank top while Matt had worn his usual ripped jeans and a white tee. It had been the talk of the town for a long time and the tabloids had had a field day with it.

However, Chaise and Matt had shocked them all when they actually stayed together and made their marriage work. The media were expecting them to do a Britney Spears-esc move and annul it immediately - or end up divorcing within months - but they were definitely surprised when the two of them had returned to L.A and thrown a huge, extravagant Hollywood bash for their second wedding ceremony just three months later. It was a three hundred person, million-dollar extravaganza with all the trimmings which was the wedding of Chaise's dreams.

Marrying Matt had been the final nail in the coffin for Chaise's shaky relationship with her parents. They were horrified that she had done it in Vegas the way that she had. The fact that they didn't even know Matt and that he was a non-Christian and a rock star utterly devastated them. Chaise had reached out to them to attend the wedding in L.A and they had point-blank refused to come as they believed that his music was the work of the 'devil'. They deemed that Chaise's lifestyle sinful and that had been the last time that Chaise had spoken to them. Chaise had been twenty-two and Matt twenty-four when they had vowed to be together forever.

Although both Matt and Chaise had stumbled into the bright spotlight of stardom at early ages, they were both still very much down to Earth - unlike most of the people in 'La Land' - which had helped cement their love, marriage and friendship.

They always got along so well and they were truly best friends.

Seeing him tonight, excited and nervous about the album launch filled Chaise with overwhelming pride and love.

"Love you," he whispered gently and pulled Chaise in close to him, kissing her lovingly on the top of her head.

"Love you," Chaise beamed with happiness, squeezing her husband close to her.

Natalia and Rebecca smiled at each other, enjoying the obvious chemistry and love between Matt and Chaise. They quickly swept up all of their belongings into their bags, "We have to go home and get ourselves ready, Chaise. We will meet you over there a bit later," Natalia called out as they hurried out of the door giggling,

"Congratulations, Matt!"

"O.K, guys, see ya there!" Chaise called after them.

With that they were gone.

Chaise pulled Matt's neck down to her and kissed him hard. He held onto her tightly, kissing her back hungrily. They dropped to their knees on top of the pile of clothes on the floor and fell back onto them, laughing. Matt pulled Chaise's skirt up and shrugged his pants down, still kissing her frantically. He climbed on top of her and took her right there and then.

They had mad, ravenous sex in their wardrobe. Matt had a raging sex drive and needed to do it frequently as a release.

After they had finished they exhaustedly collapsed into each other's arms.

"Matt! You ruined my hair!" Chaise squealed half-heartedly and jokingly punched him in the arm.

He chuckled and staggered to his feet, helping her up as well.

"Sure! I reckon it looks even better."

Chaise looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had now officially achieved the 'just-rolled-out-of-bed' look - except it was now more of a 'just-rolled-out-of-the-wardrobe' style. They both giggled and pecked each other with light kisses lovingly as they pulled their clothes back on.

Matt had red lipstick smudged all over his mouth and chin - not much of it was left on Chaise's lips. She sighed happily and re-applied her lipstick carefully with the one that Rebecca had left behind for her for touch-ups and smoothed down her hair as best as she could, half wishing that the girls were still there to fix her up again. Chaise noticed that her cheeks were flushed bright red and her skin was glowing. She thought to herself that a touch of 'good loving' worked wonders for a girl's complexion. Matt got dressed and ready again in record time, wiping the lipstick off with a tissue.

Must be nice to be a man sometimes, Chaise smiled to herself.

"We have to go, babe," he reminded Chaise, "Leonard will be here with the limo any minute."

"O.K, - I'm nearly done,"

Chaise packed her Dior bag with her make up, phone and purse.

They then made their way down to the front porch just in time to see Leonard pulling the black stretch into the driveway.

MATT'S BIG NIGHT

On the way to Hype nightclub, where the party was being held, Chaise and Matt shared a bottle of champagne and cuddled up to each other on the back seat. Chaise was bursting at the seams with love and pride for her husband as she gazed upon his handsome face and was feeling overwhelmingly grateful to have him in her life. He caught her studying his face and was confused as to why she was staring at him so intensely.

"What?" He asked, flustered, his hand rubbing his jaw, thinking that he must have still had lipstick on his face.

"Nothing, I'm just admiring my wonderful hubby," Chaise lovingly squeezed his cheek, "I love your new album, babe. It's going to be huge!"

"I hope so," he went quiet and nervous energy filled the car, "We changed the sound a lot from our last album," he mumbled, insecurely.

"Yeah, and that album was different to the one before it. As was the one prior to that. They have all been different and the fans have loved all of them!" Chaise squeezed his leg reassuringly.

"I hope so," Matt sighed as if the weight of the world was on his

shoulders. He was always extremely nervous before every album release of what the public's reaction will be.

"Honey, it will be a hit!"

Chaise's iPhone buzzed in her bag. It was Kiah.

"Hello, Ki," she answered.

"Chaise, hey! I haven't caught you at a bad time, have I?"

"No, it's O.K. We are just on our way to Matt's album launch."

"That's great, tell him congrats from me."

"Will do, what's up?"

"I spoke to Jay today - about your trip to New York. I am coming

with you."

"Oh?" Chaise was surprised.

She had resigned herself to the fact that she was going alone.

There was no way Matt could leave town with his album launching, he had heaps of radio interviews and press to do. Jay couldn't accompany her as he was too busy and Chaise hadn't even considered the thought that Kiah would want to go.

"Yeah, I thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to take up some of the press offers that have been coming your way. I have booked you in to tape 'Sunday Night Live' with Kris Jones."

"Really? That sounds like fun."

'Sunday Night Live' was the highest rated talk show on television.

Chaise had been on a few times now and always had such a great time. The comedians that worked on the show's skits were always hilarious and Kris was such a great guy.

"Yeah, it always is. Also I have booked you to do 'The Vilma Show' as well on Tuesday night."

"Oh, I don't know Kiah... I was going to just come home on Monday. I wanted to get back to support Matt."

"Chaise, this is a fantastic opportunity - we can't miss it!"

Chaise looked over at Matt and covered the mouth piece so that

Kiah couldn't hear, "Babe, Kiah booked me in to do 'Sunday Night Live' and 'The Vilma Show' while I am in New York."

"That's great!"

"Yeah, but 'Vilma' is filming on Tuesday night. I wouldn't be back until Wednesday instead of Monday. I would miss all of your interviews and press releases."

Matt squeezed her leg, "Hon, it's fine. It's a fantastic opportunity.

Just do it - I will live."

"Are you sure?"

"I am sure!"

Chaise went back to Kiah, "O.K, I'm in. Set it up."

"Excellent. Jay gave me all of the details - I will see you at the airport tomorrow."

"See you there," Chaise hung up the phone, "Matt, I can come back early..." she started trying to justify her reason for going - worried that she had hurt him and he was just putting up a front to spare her feelings. They were always there for each other's big moments and the guilt of not being by his side for this started flooding through her.

He shushed her and put a finger on her lips, "Babe, this is my fifth album - not my first. It is fine, seriously!"

"Are you sure you can live without me for a few days?" She joked, nestling her head into his shoulder and feeling a little better.

"Awwww, I don't know... I might starve to death..."

"Maria will feed you!" Chaise laughed.

He laughed as well and kissed her softly, "Babe, I will be fine. I always am. I have managed to stay in one piece while you have been filming in New York, haven't I?"

"That's true," Chaise smiled.

She had been filming in New York for the past three months. Matt had flown over every chance that he had had, between recording the album and other commitments.

The limo pulled up to the front of Hype. Leonard got out and opened the door for them. The party was in full swing by the time that they had got there. They could hear the album's tracks blaring from the street.

Matt and Chaise approached the red carpet out the front of the club and posed together for the huge group of paparazzi and press.

"Chaise! Matt! Look here!" They all shouted, frantically.

The reporters were mainly from music channels like Surge and X as well as a few smaller cable shows. Reporters from newspapers and magazines including Chart Chat and Musik magazines were also there to report on the night's events and review the album. Chaise stood by patiently as Matt and the rest of the band - who had already arrived - did interviews, just like Matt had done for her at the Globes.

After the interviews were done, Chaise strolled over to greet the rest of the guys. She hugged Minch, Lee and Chop one by one and congratulated all of them. Chaise was very fond of Matt's band mates, who were also his best friends. They were all such great guys and so genuinely close and loyal to each other, which she really admired. They all greeted her with open arms in big bear hugs.

"We'll meet you inside," Matt told them, leading Chaise by the hand into the club.

His record company had gone all out for the bash and it looked truly amazing inside. Their album was blaring on the surround sound speakers around the room at full volume. Neon lights moved around the room, emblazing the floor, walls and crowds of people with the 'The Diffused''s logo. It looked really magical.

Beautiful, half naked models worked the room with trays of food and drinks, only wearing tiny, gold bikini bottoms. The top half of their bodies had the band's logo painted across their huge, perky chests with body paint. Their nipples were erect from the cold and it reminded Chaise of one of the many parties she had attended at the Playboy Mansion.

The moment Matt and Chaise walked in to the party a huge group of people surrounded them, congratulating them both.

One of the painted girls, a voluptuous young thing with long, wavy dark hair that dropped down to just above her ass went straight over to them holding a silver tray full of assorted drinks. Chaise took a champagne and Matt took a bourbon on the rocks.

The girl then stood there for an uncomfortably long time - staring at Matt, obviously star struck. Chaise shot her a stern look to warn her to walk away. The girl casually shrugged Chaise off with a dirty look of her own on her smug face, then, after defiantly standing her ground for a few minutes she continued doing the rounds of the party. Matt hadn't even noticed her infatuation - not that it bothered him, he was so used to it. He was constantly surrounded by female admirers wherever he went – especially when he was on tour. He knew that Chaise trusted him and she honestly, a thousand percent did. Chaise was secure enough that they were both ecstatically happy in their marriage and she had no fears of him ever being tempted to go elsewhere.

He was married to a gorgeous, rich movie star who was the fantasy of millions of men around the world. And they were having enough sex to keep him satisfied.

Chaise was not insecure at all. Matt led her by the hand through the sea of people, to the VIP section where the rest of the band and their girlfriends were waiting for them. His management and record executives were also seated behind the red velvet ropes on the oversized cream leather couches, surrounded by dozens of bottles of alcohol spread all over the tables.

Everyone greeted them warmly, buzzing about the album.

There were huge posters everywhere around the room with the album's new cover splashed across them. It was the four of them, shirtless, out in a desert, perched on a huge rock, with their instruments surrounding them, buried in the red sand. The guys looked so hot, it was truly a work of art.

The girlfriends and groupies that Matt's band mates had with them

encouraged Chaise to sit with them at the table. She smiled back at them and reluctantly agreed. Chaise did not always get along with the women that the boys constantly surrounded themselves with.

Although, she did love Jessica, Chop's girlfriend of a few years.

Jess had been a famous playboy model years ago and now designed workout clothes and swimwear. She was the only one who had lasted the distance with one of the band members, besides Chaise.

Lee and Minch had a new girl pretty much every week. It was frustrating because Jess and Chaise had to welcome their new flings wherever they bought them, talk to them and become 'friends' for Lee and Minch's sakes when they knew that it was a waste of time as the girls would be gone the next week.

But, still the charade had to continue.

Chaise saw Anetta, a sweet young girl of only nineteen who had met Lee when she had served him as a waitress at a restaurant. She had been around for about eight weeks now, which had to be a record for him.

Anetta was very shy and innocent and Chaise genuinely liked her - unlike a lot of the whores that the boys would often date. She hoped that Anetta would be around for a while and that Lee would finally settle down.

"Stowy!!" Minch leapt to his feet to greet Matt in a huge bear hug, lifting him off his feet, "Fuck yeah!" He boomed in his deep voice,

"We did it!"

Minch did a lot of weight training and was a huge, muscular, well-built man with long, shoulder length, dark brown hair and was covered in tattoos. He was very good looking and, next to Matt was a favourite of all the groupies and fans. Minch had recently been named one of the sexiest men alive in a popular magazine which the other guys had not stopped ribbing him about.

"Mrs Stowy!" He beamed that huge smile of his and grabbed Chaise, squeezing her so hard that she thought her ribs would be crushed.

He was very drunk.

"Hey, Mincho," Chaise gasped, all the air knocked out of her.

"You look so sexy, whoa!" He playfully slapped Chaise on her ass, then returned to his seat, squeezing the leg of the young girl next to him who Chaise had never seen before.

"This is Justine," he beamed, kissing his latest date on the cheek.

Justine barely acknowledged Chaise. Instead, she gloomily sucked on her cigarette and stared blankly into the drink in front of her.

She looked completely out of it. She was obviously high on something.

Chaise greeted everybody she knew at the table, the band's manager, publicist, roadies and the rest of their team. She then took a seat next to Matt who was deep in conversation with Minch. Lee leant over and kissed Chaise on the cheek, "Wowza, Chaise, you look hot as! Congratulations on the Globe by the way, gorgeous!"

"Thanks so much, Lee," Chaise smiled.

"Did you get the fruit basket we sent you?" Anetta asked, sweetly.

"I did, thank you so much, guys. I knew it would have been your idea, Netta! I couldn't imagine Lee thinking of doing something like that!" Chaise laughed.

"Hey!" Lee protested, pretending to look hurt, "Sending something

was my idea, but I wanted to send you a big basket of bourbon and scotch! She changed it to fucking fruit without telling me!"

Chop stumbled over, a drink in each hand and some sort of sauce smeared on his top lip. He was being held up and steadied along by a frustrated looking Jess, who was struggling to support his weight whilst balancing on her sky high heels.

"Chaaiise..." he slurred, nearly falling on top of Chaise, "How arre yoou?"

"Uh, I'm good, Chop. You are obviously having a good night."

"Try a good three nights and days in a row!" Jess grumbled, rolling her eyes as she helped him to sit down on the sofa opposite Chaise, next to Justine who looked horrified at the sight of a very drunken and sweaty Chop half passing out on her.

"Ooohhh, celebrating hey?" Chaise asked, laughing.

"Just a bit!" Jess said sarcastically, looking madder by the minute.

She gave up trying to help him out and came and sat down with Chaise, looking at her boyfriend with disgust, "I tell you what, I ain't putting up with this crap for much longer," she grumbled.

Poor Jess did have to deal with a lot dating Chop. He had been a massive heroin user when they had first met. For the first year that they were together she had stuck by him through three failed rehab attempts and subsequent relapses, multiple cheating scandals and his out of control drinking problem – which became worse as he tried to give up the heroin - all of which were played out in the bright glare of the media spotlight.

He was now thankfully off the smack but still drank way too much and took speed and cocaine regularly. For some reason, Jess had stood by him through it all.

Chaise couldn't understand why. Even if she was madly in love with him, there was only so much drama that one person can take. Jess sighed to herself and grabbed a bottle of champagne from the table and started knocking it back from the bottle, necking a good portion of it very quickly, "Oh well, I guess if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em hey?" She shrugged.

"Well, maybe not to the extreme that Chop does, though," Chaise advised, laughing along with her.

Jess chuckled, her gorgeous, dark blue eyes sparkling, "True dat, Chaise Adams, true dat!"

A few hours and quite a lot of drinking and celebrating later, Matt and the band took to the stage and played a set of their new songs.

The crowd went wild, loving every minute of it.

Chaise loved watching Matt do what he did best, under the bright lights of the stage, singing his heart out. His voice was that of a sultry, husky angel and he was a beast on the guitar and he looked as sexy as hell up there. She knew all their new songs and most of the words, after she had listened to them in the making for the last couple of months. She jumped around the dance floor like a crazy fan, feeling the many champagnes that she had knocked back.

Rebecca and Natalia had also just arrived and joined Chaise on the dance floor. They were having such a good time, dancing and drinking and acting like carefree teens as the beats pulsed through their veins and vibrated all around them. The crowd was reacting very positively to the new songs and Chaise knew for sure that the album was going to be another major success for them.

After they finished their set, Matt made his way through the screaming, adoring fans and came over to Chaise, grabbing her in a huge hug and lifting her up into the air. He was breathing heavily of exhaustion from playing and had beads of sweat glistening on his brow and upper lip.

He stayed and danced with Chaise, Rebecca and Natalia on the dance floor to famous DJ, Rug Childs' who had started mixing the latest hit tunes after 'The Diffused' had finished.

They continued to party the night away, dancing and doing shots of tequila and Jägermeister and having a fantastic time. By three am, Chaise was very drunk and very tired. She knew she had to go home and try to get some sleep before her trip to New York which was in a few hours.

She wandered over to Matt who was at the bar doing shots with action movie superstar, Jason Troy. Chaise leant over to shout into his ear to be heard over the music, "Babe, I have to go home. I have my flight to New York tomorrow morning. Or should I say this morning..."

"Awww, come on, Chaise - just stay a bit longer! The party is just getting started!" Matt drunkenly protested, swaying on the spot and spilling his drink.

"I can't, Matt, it's three o'clock!" She tried to explain, although he was barely listening to a word that she was saying.

He laughed at Chaise, "Three! That's early, babe. Don't go!"

He grabbed her by the waist and held her tightly, swaying his hips against her body to the music, trying to get her to dance.

"Here, Chaise, have a shot with us," Jason offered, holding out a shot of tequila for her.

"No, but thank you anyway, Jason." Chaise shrugged Matt's arm off her and pulled away from him, "Matt! This meeting is very important, I am going home!"

She knew that he had been doing cocaine all night and that he was wired enough to be up for days.

"Do I have to go?" He asked, his face dropping.

"No, of course not! This is your celebration, your night!"

The music seemed to be getting louder and louder and Chaise was starting to get a splitting headache from it.

"Are you sure?" He looked torn - like he wanted to stay, but felt obliged to go home with his wife.

"Of course! Just don't be out all night, O.K? I want to spend some time with you before I go to New York,"

"DEAL!" He shouted happily over the music and raised his shot glass to 'cheers' with Jason.

Chaise went around the club and said a few goodbyes to her friends, Jessica, Anetta, Natalia and Rebecca who were also very keen for her to stay and have an all nighter with them. They were still dancing away on the dance floor and, although they wanted Chaise to stay and party with them they eventually understood why she had to go.

After her friends wished her luck with her meeting, Matt walked Chaise outside to where Leonard was waiting.

"I should be going with you," he sulked, still unsure of what to do and feeling guilty.

"Babe, it's your night. You stay and enjoy yourself, please!"

"But I can't let you go home by yourself!"

"It's O.K, babe, Leonard will get me home safely and then I am going to go straight to bed," Chaise insisted, kissing him on the lips.

She was so happy that Matt was being so caring and thoughtful but she honestly didn't mind him staying and enjoying his night, "Just wake me up when you get home for some loving," Chaise winked at him, laughing.

"O.K, sexy, be safe. I will be home soon. I love you."

"I love you too, now go and enjoy yourself!"

They shared a lingering hug and a kiss then Chaise jumped into the limo and waved goodbye to Matt - watching him as they drove away.

The next morning, Chaise awoke to the sound of Maria vacuuming in the hallway outside of her bedroom. Her head was throbbing and she immediately felt the effects of another nasty hangover creeping over her.

The sun was shining brightly into the bedroom, hurting her eyes as she struggled to open them.

Chaise rolled over to see that Matt wasn't in bed with her. She glanced at the digital alarm clock on the bedside table.

Eight am.

Where was he?!

She panicked for a moment, thinking that something bad may have happened to him. But in reality, this was not the first time that Matt had had an all-night bender - especially when there were drugs involved. It was very unlikely that it would be his last, either.

Chaise staggered to her feet and slipped on her silk robe that was tossed on the floor next to the bed. She stumbled out of the bedroom, still feeling drunk.

Maria looked up at her from her vacuuming in shock. Chaise must have looked a horrid sight, with her hair a complete mess and last night's make up smeared all over her face. She had literally stripped off her clothes and just passed out into bed as soon as she had arrived home, underestimating how drunk and tired she had been.

"Miss Chaise!" Maria cried out in her strong Mexican accent, turning the vacuum cleaner off, "I so sorry - I not know you home!" Her English was very broken and hard to understand

sometimes but they made it work.

Chaise angrily noticed that she was wearing her maid's uniform.

She had told Maria a hundred times before that she didn't have to wear it but Maria had absolutely insisted on it every time.

"Hey, Maria. That's O.K," Chaise's mouth was so dry and the drunken, morning-after nausea was starting to kick in, "Uh, have you seen Matt?"

Maria shook her head, "No, Miss Chaise, I no see Mr Stow. I get you something?"

"Uh, yeah a glass of water please, Maria. And a bit of plain, buttered toast,"

Chaise stumbled back into her bedroom and crawled back under the covers, her head was pounding so badly.

Maria returned a few minutes later with the silver tray that Matt had brought Chaise waffles on. This time though, it had a glass of iced water, a glass of orange juice, a mug of steaming hot coffee, some buttered toast and two aspirin. Chaise smiled when she saw the little white tablets. Good old Maria, she always knew what they needed without them ever having to tell her.

"Thank you, Maria."

She placed the tray on the bed next to her, "Anything else, Miss Chaise?"

"Yeah, can you get me my cell phone from my bag?"

It was sprawled onto the floor, next to her bag, where she had dropped it last night. The chubby old housekeeper bent down, retrieved the cell and handed it to Chaise.

"Thanks, Maria. That's all."

She nodded, "I will leave vacuum to later."

Chaise laughed as Maria left the room, closing the door behind her. Lying back onto the pillows, Chaise went through the various messages and missed calls. There were a couple from Rebecca and Natalia that were from the early hours of the morning, they were sad that Chaise was not still at the party with them and were wishing her luck again for New York.

There was a text from Matt saying that he hoped that she got to bed O.K and that he loved her. That was half an hour after Chaise had left \- there was nothing from him after that. Chaise dialled his cell number. He finally answered after it had nearly rung out.

"Hey babe!" He shouted, still sounding drunk.

Music was blaring in the background and Chaise could hear people talking and laughing.

"Hey, where are you?" She asked loudly so that he could hear her.

"We're at Lee's \- when the party finished we came back here for drinks,"

He laughed at someone in the room with him.

"It's eight o'clock!" Chaise growled angrily.

"Huh? Oh shit, I didn't realize the time, babe. Sorry."

"I have to leave to go to New York in two hours!" Chaise grumbled, angrily.

"I will come home now. I am really, really sorry, time got away from me."

She hung up the phone, increasingly annoyed with him, but also trying her best not to throw up. She had to sleep off this hangover as much as she could before her flight. She knew that Matt would wake her up when he got home so she would just sleep a little while longer. Her big meeting with Dean Torino was this afternoon and she had to have a clear mind.

She drifted back into a deep sleep, the toast still dangling in her hand.

"Babe?" Matt was stood over Chaise, stinking of cigarettes and

bourbon.

She stirred, looking up at him, still half asleep, "Oh... hey!"

"I am so sorry! The boys and I were celebrating... everyone loves the album and I..." he started rambling incoherently and apologizing.

Chaise looked over at the clock.

It was ten am!

She had to leave for the airport!

"MATT!" She sat up, angrily.

"I know... time went by so quick, I tried to leave when you called, but the boys made me stay for one more drink. I didn't realize..."

She was beyond angry, she was fuming, "Are you kidding me!? I have to leave for New York now! I wanted to spend the morning with you, you selfish prick! Hanging out with your stupid mates is more important to you then being with your wife! I am not going to be home for three days - you will see them when I am away!"

She spat a furious tirade at him.

"Babe, I'm sorry! But fuck, it's just a few days, it's not like you are going for ages. What's your problem?!" He looked like crap and Chaise could tell that he was still drunk.

"Well, that's just great, Matt! Thanks so very much for giving a damn about me!"

Chaise jumped out of bed and stormed angrily to the wardrobe.

She pulled out her Louis Vuitton suitcase and threw some clothes into it, angrily. Matt followed her in there, repeatedly trying to wrap his arms around her and hug her but she pushed him away each time.

"Chaise, please... I am sorry. Please don't be like this..." he pleaded with her.

"Don't be like what, Matt!? You ruined the whole morning - time that you were supposed to spend with me!"  
"But, you were asleep anyway!" He protested, "You didn't even know that I was gone!"

"I was waiting for you to wake me up! We could have spent the morning in bed together!"

"Chaise... please! Stop being a bitch!" He was getting angry at her now - for being angry at him.

He stormed out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

"God damn it!"

Chaise stood there for a few minutes, breathing heavily, her heart racing wildly. She went into their bathroom and stepped into the shower, running the water so scorching hot that it almost burnt her skin. She didn't care though, the scolding pain was making her start to feel better and calm down a bit. As angry as she was, she didn't want to leave for three days while still fighting with Matt. Especially at such an important time for him.

Besides, if he was still drunk and had been drinking all night and day then there wasn't much point in it anyway. He probably wouldn't even remember it the next day.

Chaise emerged from the scorching shower feeling much calmer.

She wrapped a big, white fluffy bathrobe around her wet, naked body and walked back into the bedroom to find Matt sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the ground between his feet, angrily.

"Babe..." Chaise approached him, placing her hand on his shoulder, "I don't want to fight with you," she said softly.

He looked up at Chaise hopefully and pulled her down onto his lap, "I am so sorry, babe. Really, really sorry," he whispered into her ear.

Chaise kissed him gently on the forehead. He smiled at her, pulling her robe to the side and exposing her bare breasts. He began kissing them softly and moving his tongue around her nipple in small circles, "I... love... you... so... much," he moaned between kisses, "You are such a sexy bitch!"

She giggled and pulled his chin up to kiss him on his wet lips, "I love you too. I know it is only for a few days but I wanted to enjoy our last few hours together and celebrate how awesome your album is! Everybody loved it last night."

"I know, babe. I really wish that I could go with you to New York but there is too much still to do with the album for its release tomorrow."

"I know, I wish you could come too. We always have so much fun there. You will just have to come out when I film the last few scenes for 'Park Avenue.'"

He started kissing her breasts again and they fell back onto the bed together, kissing each other passionately and ravishing each other's bodies.

Matt threw her down onto the ground, pulling her robe off her and throwing it off to the side. He ran his hands up and down her body as she unbuttoned his pants. He shrugged them off and pulled her legs apart.

They had frantic, hard make up sex on the soft carpet.

After they had finished, they climbed up onto the bed and lay there in each other's arms, breathing heavily and kissing each other gently. They laid there for a little longer than they should have as Chaise was running late.

She finally forced herself to let go of Matt and get up and finish packing. Leonard was due to pick her up in ten minutes.

Matt helped her pack, following her around and cuddling her from behind and nuzzling her neck. He was happy that they had made up and that he was no longer in trouble with her. He carried her suitcases downstairs once Leonard arrived out the front and loaded them into the trunk for her. They cuddled each other, whispering 'I love you's' over and over again.

"Take care of yourself, babe – be safe in that crazy city," he warned her with a smile on his face.

"I will be fine, honey. I am missing you already," Chaise frowned.

Matt kissed the tip of her nose, "I always miss you, baby."

Matt opened the limousine door for her and helped her into the back seat.

"I love you."

"I love you, Chaise," he stood on the driveway, waving at her as she left wearing only his shorts.

Chaise watched him get smaller and smaller as she drove off until she could no longer see him.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Chaise arrived at the airstrip and saw the private plane that Jay's company had organized for her to take to New York. She hated flying commercial and was more than happy to enjoy this major perk of being a celebrity. Kiah had already e-mailed Chaise a confirmation of the two shows she was to do while there and she was very excited about doing them. Kiah was already there, waiting for Chaise with her iPhone attached to her ear like usual. She acknowledged that Chaise had arrived by nodding her head slightly in her direction, then went back to her phone call.

After a few minutes, she finally hung up, "Chaise, so glad to see you, honey," she smiled, embracing her into a big hug.

Kiah was always so immaculately dressed that Chaise felt guilty that she was just wearing her sweats, wanting to be comfortable while flying. One massive upside to flying private is she didn't have to deal with the people at the airport taking photos of her.

She could pull the car right up to the small aircraft on the runway and hop straight on.

Kiah, however was wearing a gorgeous pin striped designer suit and was clutching the new Hermes snake skin bag and a briefcase.

True to form - she was also wearing sky high, red souled heels.

"Thanks Ki, you look as fabulous as always!"

"Thank you, that's so sweet. I hope you had a fabulous night. I bet Matt's album was fantastic."

"Oh, it was, they got a very positive response to it,"

"That's great news. Now, we have a lot to discuss on the flight - I have not stopped receiving offers of interviews since your Globes win. I have been going through them all and believe we have some really fantastic opportunities that we need to look into."

"Great, sounds good, I have to read the rest of Dean's script as well, I have gone through most of it and Jay was right – the role is

exactly what I want to do. But, first of all I want to relax with a drink for a bit first, O.K?" Chaise was still feeling hung over and thought another drink was going to be her only cure.

Kiah frowned at her, hoping for a more excited response, but Chaise was just not in the mood right now. The stewards loaded up their luggage.

Anybody who didn't know who they were would most likely think that Kiah was the celebrity instead of Chaise. It was quite comical that Kiah had three huge designer suitcases, filled to the brim for a three day trip.

Chaise on the other hand only had two small ones. She bet that Kiah had one full of just shoes - that was Kiah to a tee. Chaise always believed that Kiah had the desire to be famous herself and that she surrounded herself with celebrities and their lifestyle through her work to compensate for her own lack of fame.

They boarded the small, but incredibly luxurious plane and Chaise relaxed into an oversized recliner, belting the seatbelt around her waist. A young, cute and overly camp steward bounced over to her excitedly, "Welcome aboard, Miss Adams. My name is James, may I get you a refreshment?" He gushed, not even acknowledging Kiah.

"Uh yeah, hi. Thanks James, I would love a champagne with orange juice and some fruit,"

Chaise flashed a smile at him as he bounced up and down on the spot happily. She could tell that he was dying to start gushing at Chaise but was doing his best to remain professional.

"Of course, Ma'am. I will be right back," he twirled around to go and get Chaise's drink when Kiah interrupted him, "Uh, hello!!??"

She called out, sarcastically.

He turned in surprise and his face instantly went bright red from

embarrassment, "Oh! I am so sorry, Ma'am! What can I get for you?"

"Ice cold water," she snapped at him, clearly annoyed.

"Yes, Ma'am," he hurried off.

Kiah had a stack of tabloid magazines in her briefcase that had certain pages marked with tiny yellow post it tabs.

She handed them over to Chaise, "Have a look," she insisted.

Chaise couldn't tell by Kiah's expression if it was good news or bad. Kiah had had so much Botox that she rarely showed any form of expression or emotion. Chaise started to flick threw the various magazines. There was a lot of Golden Globes pictures. Chaise wasn't sure what she was supposed to be looking at. There were a few catty comments from a few 'fashion critics' but the majority of them were good and she had made most of the best dressed lists.

Her fasting had paid off, she looked really slim in the pictures. She had most likely gained four pounds since then. She flicked through the various magazines and stopped abruptly at a story in 'Style and Stars'.

The headline screamed 'CHAISE ADAMS' MARRIAGE NIGHTMARE' in bright, bold writing. Chaise sighed angrily and swore to herself. The article showed photos of Matt leaving an infamous night club with two blonde, slutty looking girls. The girls were smiling sheepishly and Matt had his head down with his hand outstretched in front of him, trying to shield his face from the cameras. The girls were wearing tiny little dresses and were the typical, big-busted whores that usually stalked him at clubs and his concerts.

There was another photo - a close up of Matt. He looked completely out of it, his eyes were bloodshot and his hair was a mess. Chaise recognized from the clothes that he was wearing that it had been a night when he had been out with his bandmates, about a week ago.

Chaise scanned through the article, seething with anger. It made up a heap of crap about the fact that their marriage had been on the rocks for a long time and that they were barely keeping it together.

They claimed that 'sources' close to the couple had said that their marriage was a joke and that they were only still with each other for the advantage of being a 'celebrity couple' and getting more press for Matt's album and Chaise's movies.

The so called 'source' had also revealed that they were constantly fighting and that Chaise had driven Matt to cheat by being so obsessed with her career and putting him on the backburner. It went on to say that Matt was seeking comfort in the arms of random women like the skanks in the photographs. They also indicated that it wasn't the first time that he had played away. The story also alluded to his recurring drug problem as a cause of their many disputes.

Although their drug use had never been a secret in Hollywood, or the media - it was now widely believed by the public that Chaise had been sober from drugs for a long time and that Matt only dabbled from time to time. Now, they were saying that his habit had begun to spiral out of control again. Chaise held up the article to show Kiah, who was busy typing away on her laptop.

"What the hell is this!?" She demanded.

Kiah glanced up to look at which article she was referring to.

"Chaise, this is nothing new. You know that I have to show you what they are saying. As your publicist, I need to make sure that you are aware of what is being said. I know that you don't read the tabloids anymore and I wanted to warn you of what was out there before the paps question you about it on the streets. But, how many times do we have to go over this? You know that it's a load of bullshit. Everybody knows that. I just thought that you should be aware in case it is bought up. Especially since you are about to do these talk shows. Anyway, how many stories have they done about you and Matt over the years! I know it is frustrating but you need to be aware of it - address it if need be then move on and ignore it."

"I am so sick of this crap! They are not even showing the rest of the scene - the other guys that were there, their entourage who they were at the party with! Matt never ever goes out alone and I know he was with the other guys that night! They just picked out the most incriminating photo! Who cares if he is next to two women!?

It doesn't show them getting into a car or anything! It is just lies! Matt would never cheat on me! Why the hell do they make this crap up?!" Chaise's angry rant was interrupted by James approaching them with a tray adorned with her glass of champagne, a small fruit platter, a bowl of mixed nuts and Kiah's water.

He smiled at Chaise and glanced down at the open magazine,

"Nobody actually believes those lies," he smiled at her sweetly, placing the tray onto the table beside her. He had obviously heard her.

Chaise glared at him and shook her head, "You know, as much as I would love to believe that, we all know that's not true," she spat furiously through gritted teeth.

He shrugged helplessly and left with Kiah's eyes burning into the back of his head as she stared at him.

"Chaise, we have been through this a thousand times - there is nothing you can do about it. You cannot control what they write - this is America and they have free speech. In a lot of the other, more respectable magazines there are pictures of you and Matt very happy together on the red carpet at The Globes so, who cares!?"

"I do, Kiah! You are my publicist for God's sake! Release a statement saying that this is a load of bullshit and we will sue them if they don't retract it!"

"Chaise, it's one story in one magazine - and not even a reputable one! If we start going into damage control it will only fan the flames and turn into something much bigger. Just ignore it and they will be talking about somebody else next week. I have told you a hundred times that this is all just part of the fame game. They build you up to tear you down, then build you back up again. They do it to everybody - that is the way that Hollywood is," she turned back to her emails on her phone and Chaise angrily took a big swig of her champagne. She couldn't bring herself to go through the other magazines, for fear that her blood pressure would go through the roof if she found another false story. She understood why Kiah wanted to show her these stories, but the fact she was so blasé about them and didn't seem to care at all just made Chaise even crazier. This was her marriage that they were slating!

Chaise put her iPod ear phones in and stared out of the window.

She knew for a fact that those pictures meant nothing. She did not even feel the need to question Matt over it. Chaise herself had been photographed with men on numerous occasions and they had printed the same bullshit about her - that she was 'caught' cheating on Matt, with a 'mystery man'.

Yeah - the big mystery was that it was her trainer, Ryan - or a friend – or even sometimes she was just standing next to a complete stranger. The paparazzi would just take the photo then the magazines made up a story to go along with it. Both Matt and Chaise had talked about it enough times to know it was best to ignore it, as hard as it was.

The plane trip to New York was very slow. Chaise had a few drinks to pass the time and curb her hangover as best as she could while Kiah went over the media and publicity offers that Chaise had received. It seemed that everybody wanted a piece of her. Kiah had been right - there were a lot of good opportunities being presented to her. She had been offered an interview on ' US News' and a cover and interview with 'The Glass Window' magazine. At least that was a very distinguished magazine.

They didn't publish rubbish and lies. Chaise could tell the world through that article just how happy she and Matt really were and that their marriage was a solid one. There was also an offer for Chaise to be the new face of a new clothing company called 'Allure' that was about to be released. They were offering her a million dollars to be the face of the new line and shoot the advertising campaigns.

Chaise busied herself for the rest of the flight by reading as much of the script that Jay had given her as possible. She loved it. The writing was very well done and the character that Chaise was to play, Jasmine was a very strong, independent and intelligent FBI agent.

When they finally landed in New York it was freezing. Soft snow fell around them as they exited the plane and they rugged up as much as possible and rushed to the waiting car to go to the hotel.

They were staying at the luxurious Louvre Hotel, right in the heart of the bustling city in the sprawling penthouse suite and it was absolutely stunning. It was more like a two bedroom apartment then a hotel room and was exquisitely decorated with expensive furnishings. A wide balcony sat just outside of the floor to ceiling glass windows and was coated in a sheet of pure white snow.

Chaise watched the small flakes fall onto the outdoor setting, mesmerized by the beauty and innocence of it.

Central Park spread out before her and there was a magical aura that fell over it when the breathtaking, manmade wonder was covered with a delicate white blanket.

She chose the bedroom that overlooked the bright lights and hustle and bustle of the streets of New York, which lay below them and Kiah took the other, on the other side facing the park.

Chaise unpacked all her designer clothes from the luggage that the bellboys had carried up for her and hung the various dress options that she had bought for her television appearances in the wardrobe and then relaxed on an oversized recliner overlooking the snowy balcony with a champagne while Kiah worked away on her laptop until it was time to leave for her meeting with Dean.

She scowled at Chaise a couple of times for drinking so much, after all it was still only mid-afternoon and Kiah didn't want her too tipsy for her meeting. Chaise was feeling anything but tipsy, she was slowly starting to feel normal again.

An hour later, their car pulled up to the set of Dean Torino's latest movie that was being filmed on the back streets of Brooklyn, New York. Chaise felt the butterflies begin flipping around inside of her uneasy stomach as they arrived at the huge set. The production crew had closed down half of a main street and dozens of people scurried around, behind the scenes ensuring that the shoot ran smoothly.

There were also hundreds of members of the public watching them film from behind the crowd barricades, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the action and their favourite stars. Chaise was spotted almost immediately and a big crowd of fans swarmed around her, begging for autographs and photos.

Kiah and Chaise showed their identification to the security personnel and were then escorted through the chaos by a production assistant to where they were to wait for Dean to wrap the scene he was filming. They sat down in two spare directors' chairs amongst the awestruck extras that were ogling her and watched on the small television monitors as the star, Clynt Knight went through his lines and expertly shot the scene.

Kiah pointed out Dean Torino who was running around frantically with his headphones on, barking orders at everybody. Chaise watched in amusement at how the infamous director worked and ran his set. He was fanatical about getting every aspect of the scene perfect and the way that he shot his movies was with a very dark edge and it worked wonders on the big screen. His films were always genius and so well put together and watching the way that they were done fascinated Chaise immensely. She was very excited about the prospect of working with such a talented director.

Once the scene was shot to Dean's satisfaction, he yelled "Cut!" and went over to speak with Clynt.

After a few minutes, one of the assistants approached Dean to inform him that Chaise had arrived on the set for their meeting. He spun around and waved at Chaise and Kiah before calling for everybody to take a break. To her surprise, he welcomed Chaise with open arms, putting her at ease immediately. Any nervousness that Chaise had been feeling disappeared and she thoroughly enjoyed the fact that she was meeting a bonafide Hollywood legend of thirty plus years. He had a very kind face and reminded her of a cuddly teddy bear with his short, chubby physique and rosy round cheeks.

"Chaise Adams, finally we meet! I am a big fan of yours," he grinned happily and motioned for her to take a seat in a director's chair next to his,

"Please, have a seat with me, we have so much to discuss,"

"You're a fan?" Chaise was so surprised to hear that, "I am a huge fan of yours - you are a genius!"

Dean laughed, his sky blue eyes sparkling behind his light shades,

"Oh, you are too kind. I love my work and I guess that shines through on the screen. But yes, I have admired you for a long time.

I was not sure if you could ever be taken seriously as a dramatic actress as you were in real danger of being typecast - but you certainly proved me wrong with 'One Night in Delusion'.

Congratulations for your Golden Globe, you undoubtedly deserve it."

"Oh, thank you so much," she blushed a deep red hearing the compliments come from such a highly respected man.

Dean was not the type to mess around and waste valuable time with small talk. He was a very busy man and was eager to get straight to the point so that he could get back to his work.

"So, Chaise, I believe that you have read the script that I sent to Jay, is that correct?"

"Yes, absolutely, I have read most of it and I absolutely love it!"

He grinned happily, "I know, it's brilliant isn't it? I was so inspired when I first read it. My mind has been racing with ideas since I signed on to do it. You were one of my top choices for the role of Jasmine. What really sealed the deal for me though was, as I said, when I saw you in the role of Dakota. You should be very proud of yourself and of your performance."

Chaise felt her cheeks burn a bright red, "That is so kind of you, thank you."

"Of course," he continued, "I had to meet you in person to make sure that you were the right fit for me to work with and for this role. You would not believe how many pain in the ass diva's that I have worked with before. That is one trait that I will not put up with anymore. It is too much drama for me to deal with and I will no longer tolerate that behaviour on my sets."

Chaise racked her brain trying to remember all the actresses who had starred in Dean Torino movies. She knew exactly where he was coming from, having dealt with her share of diva's as her co-stars on various projects.

"Oh, I completely agree with you. I can guarantee you that I am far from a diva and do not have any attitude about me. I do not believe in that behaviour at all and I am always very professional. I pride myself on that."

"So I have heard. I have spoken to a number of people that have worked with you. I am pleased to hear that from you as well, though," Dean summoned one of his assistants to bring them over some coffees and sandwiches from the craft services truck.

Dean spent the next two hours getting to know Chaise and talking her through the movie in more detail and his concept and ideas for it. Hearing his brilliant ideas about how he wanted to develop it just inspired her even more, "Also, what I wanted to talk to you about is that we will be filming in Melbourne, Australia for three months," he told her proudly, "It is a lot easier on the budget to shoot there and make it look like the United States. Then we will be heading to Washington DC for the final three months of shooting.

I trust that this will not be too much of a problem for you."
"Wow, I have always wanted to visit Australia," she gushed enthusiastically.

The thought of working in Australia was very exciting for her, she just hoped that Matt would be on board and support her decision.

"You have never been before? Oh, you will love it, it's such a beautiful country with amazing people. I am looking forward to shooting there,"

"I bet!"

"Well, Chaise, after talking with you I am satisfied that we will be able to work together. If you are interested I would formally like to offer you the part of Jasmine," he smiled, his hand outstretched towards her.

"I would be more than happy to accept, Mr Torino. Thank you so very much for trusting me with this. I promise I won't let you down," she promised him, shaking his hand enthusiastically.

"Excellent. I will send a contract over to Jay and you will be able to go through it all with him and your lawyers back in L.A. I will also let you know when we will start shooting. It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Chaise."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr Torino. I am very excited about this

role and to work with you. Is anything else you want to discuss with

me?"

"No, we have covered everything that I wanted to go over. I apologize for bringing you all the way to New York for such a short meeting but that is just how I operate. I needed to meet you and this was the only way I could do it as I am so busy. Now, I am satisfied that we will get along fabulously and I am feeling very confident about working with you."

"Oh, O.K. Well, as long as you are happy."

"Is there anything else you want to talk about with me?"

Chaise shook her head, "Um, no, I don't think so."

"Well then, if you are satisfied with everything you will have to excuse me. I need to get back to work. Their break is over. I am all work and no play, as you will soon discover. So, back to the grind for me."

"It's no problem, I was more than happy to come and meet you. I love your vision for this project and I am very excited."

"I am glad we are on the same page. Thank you so very much for meeting with me, Chaise. You are a breath of fresh air in the crazy world of actresses."

They shook hands and he apologized once more before scurrying back off to work. Chaise was beyond elated - she was going to be working on a movie with this amazing, talented man.

Shooting for three months in Australia which was such a fantastic opportunity. It was also going to be around the same time that Matt would be touring the world with 'The Diffused' so it would work out really well if they could organize to get some time together in Australia. They could have a romantic holiday down under together.

Back at the hotel, Chaise collapsed onto her king-sized bed and ordered a grilled chicken salad and sparkling mineral water through room service.

While she waited for it she dialled Matt's cell phone number.

It rang out.

Chaise left a voice message for him, "Hey baby, it's me. Oh my God - it went so well - Dean offered me the part! He is so cool honey, you would love him. The best news, though is that it is shooting in Australia for three months! I know that it is a long time away from each other but we can make it work - and you will be touring then anyway. We can hook up in Oz! Can you believe it!? I am so excited \- give me a call when you get this."

Chaise was due to tape 'Sunday Night Live' that night and would have to leave for the studio soon. She wolfed down her salad and Kiah helped her choose which outfit Chaise could wear on the show.

They decided on a short, very tight, deep purple Gucci dress. Chaise shimmied her body into it, having to forcefully shove her breasts in because it was so tight and her cleavage spilled out of the top. She could barely breathe but it looked very sexy. Chaise then slipped on a pair of black Jimmy Choo pumps and a few accessories to finish off the look.

They would do her hair and makeup at the studio.

"Are you ready, Ki?" She called out.

Kiah was on her laptop, as usual. She held her hand up and motioned to Chaise to give her a minute. Chaise sat back down on the bed and dialled Matt's number again. It rang out again.

She sighed in disappointment and texted him.

'Babe... call me. X'

Chaise was desperate to talk to him about her meeting. Knowing Matt, he wasn't wasting the opportunity of having his wife away and was probably out partying with the boys. Chaise tried to rack her brain and think of what promos he had on today but she knew he would have most of them tomorrow.

Kiah came into the room, "OK, let's go. We have a car service waiting for us."

They exited the hotel to the waiting New York paparazzi who had received information of the fact that she was staying there.

"Chaise! Chaise!" They called out to her.

Chaise stopped and posed for a few photos for them. The New York paparazzi were nowhere near as full on as the Los Angeles paps were - they had a lot more respect.

"We have heard that you met with Dean Torino this morning on the set of his new movie. Have you made a deal to work with him?"

One of them asked her.

Chaise just smiled politely towards them and, without saying a word she ducked into the back seat of the black sedan that was waiting curb side for them.

When they arrived at the studio where 'Sunday Night Live' was filmed, it was chaotic. Employees were running around, headsets firmly on their heads and clipboards in hand. It was a flurry of activity and Chaise wandered around for a few moments, lost until an assistant assigned to greet them as they arrived ushered Chaise and Kiah down the maze of hallways into the makeup room.

"Miss Adams, so pleased to meet you. My name is Cherie, if there is anything I can get for you, please do not hesitate to ask me. Kris is very excited to see you, he is a big fan - as are we all," she gushed.

"Thank you. I love the show, it is a pleasure to be here," Chaise smiled.

"This is Shona, she will be doing your make up and this is Janelle, she will be your hairstylist," she introduced Chaise to the two women waiting for her, "I will leave you in their capable hands,"

"Thank you, Cherie," Chaise greeted the two women and took a seat in the make up chair in front of the brightly lit mirror.

Shona was a sweet looking lady. She smiled warmly at Chaise and got to work on her make up straight away as Janelle started brushing out Chaise's long locks.

"It is such an honour to meet you, Miss Adams. I admire your work very much," Shona told her sweetly in an English accent.

"Thank you, that is very kind," Chaise made small talk with Shona while checking her phone regularly and waiting for a call back from Matt.

Nothing.

Chaise decided to try and call the house phone line. Matt never, ever answered that phone but if Maria was there then she had to.

As Chaise had predicted, Maria answered after the third ring,

"Hello?" Maria asked wearily - knowing full well that it could be a fan stalking the house, the press or kids mucking around - as it usually was.

God knows how many times Chaise had had to change the number.

"Maria, It's Chaise."

"Oh, Miss Chaise! Hello. You in New York, yes?"

"Yes, I am. I'm about to tape 'Sunday Night Live'."

"Oohhh, Mr Kris Jones!" She shrieked excitedly, "He a funny man!"

"Yeah, he's great. Listen, Maria I don't have much time - is Matt around? He's not answering his cell phone."

"Oh, Mr Matt asleep all day."

Well, that made sense. After the all night bender he had pulled at the album launch party the previous night. Chaise was still desperate to talk to him, though, "Maria, go and wake him up and give him the phone. Tell him it's me."

"Oh, no, no, no..." she sounded horrified at the thought of waking him up.

"Maria!" Chaise told her sternly.

Shona hesitated in starting to apply the blush until Chaise had finished her call. She stepped back and waited patiently.

"Go and get Matt now."

Maria was silent for a long time before she finally responded with a sigh and a weak, "OK,"

Chaise waited as Maria walked upstairs and listened as she approached the bed, whispering Matt's name hesitantly. She could hear him groan in the background but not respond.

"So sorry, Mr Matt. Miss Chaise on phone, it important," she could hear Maria whisper softly to him.

She repeated it again and got no response.

"So sorry, Miss Chaise. He no wake up - he had big night," Maria told her quietly.

Chaise was thoroughly pissed at not being able to get a hold of him but if he had been comatose all day at least that explained why she hadn't heard from him.

"Maria, shake him awake and give him the phone," she instructed.

"Oh no, no, no!" Maria protested.

"Just do it," Chaise told her sternly.

Maria sighed and reluctantly agreed. Chaise heard her attempt to wake Matt again. He finally took the phone.

"Chaise?" He croaked, still sleepy.

"Matt! I have been trying to call you all day!"

"Huh? I've been asleep."

"I know, Maria said. I just wanted to talk to you! I miss you."

"You left this morning," he laughed.

"I know, but I do."

"How's New York?"

"Very cold. I am at the set of 'Sunday Night Live'. It will air around ten in L.A. Record it for me, O.K?"

"Will do, babe. How was your meeting?" He yawned loudly.

"Oh my God, Matt, he offered me the role!" She told him excitedly.

"That's great, babe. I knew you would get it!"

"Thanks, honey. I left you a voice mail but I guess you haven't checked it. The movie is shooting in Australia for three months, how cool is that?"

"Three months!?"

"Yeah, but it's O.K because it's when you are on tour so you would have been away anyway. I was thinking that we could meet up on your Australian leg of the tour and spend time together."

"Oh, that sounds great, babe. We will talk about it more when you get back and when we get a schedule. I am so happy for you, though."

Chaise could tell that he was still half asleep, "I will let you go back to sleep but call me later and watch the show, O.K?"

"Will do. I love you."

"I love you," Chaise hung up and let Shona complete her make up.

Just as they were finishing up, Kris Jones - the main man himself entered the makeup room to welcome Chaise. At age sixty, he was still a very attractive man. He had hosted the show for twenty years and had not aged much in that time, aside from a few grey hairs speckled throughout his thick mane.

"Chaise Adams, it's such a pleasure to have you here," he beamed, his hand held out towards her.

Chaise stood up from her make up chair and shook it firmly,

"Kris! So good to see you! Thank you so much for having me."

"Of course! You look stunning," he beamed, his bright eyes sparkling.

He was much more of an overwhelming presence in person then he was on TV. Chaise wasn't quite sure what it was but there was just something about him that made everyone like him instantly.

"Many congratulations on your Golden Globe, that is fantastic news for you!"

"Oh, thank you so much. It is such a huge thrill!"

"I have to say, I am very surprised that you are not still walking around with it clutched in your hands everywhere you go!"

"I don't think so," Chaise laughed.

He grinned cheekily at her, "You would be surprised at how many celebrities actually do that! They bring their award out onto stage with them for the interview, it's hilarious!"

Chaise laughed. He was such a happy, friendly guy that she felt at ease over the looming interview. She was never comfortable in this kind of 'talk show' setting. It wasn't that she had ever had any bad experiences \- it was just that she was totally out of her comfort zone and she had no control over them.

"Well, I will see you out there, O.K? Just relax, I won't bite, I promise!"

He kissed her on the cheek and headed off to his dressing room to get the finishing touches on his hair and makeup done as well.

Once Chaise's hair had been styled into a cute pony tail, Cherie came in and advised them that taping had started and that she had a five-minute countdown. Chaise was nervous but doing her best to stay calm, breathing deeply and slowly.

Kiah walked with her to the backstage area. From where they were standing, Chaise could peep out and see Kris on stage going through a comedy routine about the week's news headlines which he did at the start of every show. The crowd were all laughing hysterically. Kris Jones was naturally a very funny guy and seemed very much at ease.

A stage hand attached a small microphone onto the back of Chaise's dress. There was a lot of people in the audience but, thankfully, like at the Globes - the bright stage lights blocked out most of the view of their faces.

Chaise watched as Kris took a seat behind his desk. After watching a few You Tube videos and making hilarious jokes about them all, he started talking about Chaise and her recent Globes win as well as how much he had loved her 'One Night in Delusion'. He also confessed to having a huge crush on her and how much he wished he was Matt Stow.

Chaise could see on the monitors backstage that there was photographs of Chaise and Matt displayed on the screen behind his desk, on stage.

"So, please welcome... the stunningly beautiful and very talented, Chaise Adams!!"

The crowd burst into applause and cheered loudly. Chaise swallowed nervously and walked out onto the bright stage, waving happily at the crowd, pleading with herself not to trip over. There were a few loud wolf whistles and Chaise felt her cheeks burn a bright shade of crimson. She shook Kris' hand as he had stood up to greet her, then took a seat in the chair positioned next to his desk.

"Welcome, Chaise. We are so thrilled to have you here with us tonight," he beamed at her.

"Thank you, Kris. I am so happy to be here. I have always been a big fan of your show."

As soon as Chaise started talking and the words came out of her mouth clear and confident, she relaxed and began to enjoy herself,

"I have to admit, as you may have heard backstage, I am a massive fan of yours. And I may or may not be harbouring a few fantasies about you in my sordid mind."

"So, I'm in your wank bank then?" Chaise quipped, laughing.

The crowd erupted, cheering at the crude comment that seemed to take Kris by surprise, "Yes, you are. I like that, the 'Wank Bank'. I may have to use it from now on."

"You can have it," she winked, cheekily.

"Thank you. I can guarantee you that you are would be in millions of men's 'Wank Bank's'. You are must know that you are very gorgeous."

"Thank you," Chaise blushed.

"Isn't she beautiful, folks?" He asked the audience who all cheered loudly in response.

A photo of Chaise posing half naked for a shoot she did last year for a famous men's magazine flashed up onto the screen.

"KRIS!" Chaise giggled and pretended to bury her head in embarrassment.

"Wow. Just wow." Kris stared at the picture. It was a beautiful shot. Only a few strategically placed bubbles covered her modesty.

"I am also secretly obsessed with your husband - the amazingly talented Matt Stow!"

The crowd erupted again at the mention of Matt's name. Chaise saw the screen change to a photo of the two of them on their wedding day come up onto the plasma screen behind Kris. The wedding back in Los Angeles, not the trashy Vegas one. Chaise loved the photo that he had chosen, Matt was dipping Chaise down, kissing her passionately. Her fifteen thousand dollar Vera Wang dress flowed around the two of them, the tiny crystals glittering in the sunlight.

"He is pretty amazing," she agreed.

"Their latest album is slamming, they are one of my favourite bands right now, especially when I am at the gym. No better work out then when you're rocking out. Play it loud, people!" Kris gushed.

"Wow, I am sure that they are going to be thrilled!" Chaise knew Matt would get a kick out of that.

She almost wished that the show was live so that he could be watching her right now. Even though it was called 'Sunday Night Live' \- it wasn't. For the past few years they had started taping it a few hours earlier so they could edit it the way they wanted to. But it would air in L.A later that night and Matt could watch it then.

"And we can see by this lovely wedding photo that he scrubs up quite well - as he also did for the Globes. Very good looking guy."

Another photo of them at the Globes came over the screen.

"Yes, he was an amazing sport. He is a typical rock star who lives in ripped jeans and old tees so I was very grateful to him for putting in the effort."

"He looks very comfortable," Kris noted, rolling his eyes sarcastically as the audience laughed.

"Yeah, he wasn't loving it," Chaise laughed.

"What a good husband. Now, of course - I have to say congratulations to you! Best Actress and Best Movie - an incredible achievement, well done!"

"Well, I can't take credit for the movie. Nathan did an amazing job directing it and the writing of the script was just incredible. Playing the role of Dakota was such an interesting and unique experience and it was a pleasure for me to be involved in it, let alone win an award for my performance. That was a huge surprise and such an honour."

"I have to say, you played a pretty convincing junkie," Kris grinned cheekily at her.

The crowd responded, roaring with laughter.

"Um, why thank you... I guess," Chaise replied uncomfortably.

"No, no, seriously! I really believed that you were off your face during filming... what's your secret? Were you snorting a few lines on the set?"

"Something like that," Chaise laughed, jokingly and she was pleased as the audience joined in, "Ha ha, no it was just acting - I promise you all."

"So, who was your inspiration? I bet you could study a few people that Matt hangs out with."

Chaise knew that he was teasing but she was starting to feel really uneasy, but, knowing that this was a comedy show, she just had to smile and roll with the punches, "Oh, I'm sure some of them would be perfect to study for this role! But no, there was nobody that I used for inspiration - I just made it all up from the depths of my imagination."

"So, what is next in the pipeline for Chaise Adams?"

Chaise knew from experience that you should never discuss a new movie deal too early just in case it all fell through so she kept tight lipped about the Dean Torino project.

"I have nearly finished filming 'Park Avenue' in New York which is very exciting. As for what is after that, well, I have a few offers in the works. We will just have to see how it turns out."

"Ahhh, keeping tight lipped - I like it!"

They bantered on for a few more minutes about some of the celebrities at the Globes, the after parties and some small chit chat.

Before Chaise knew it, the interview was over.

"Everybody please thank the always amazing, Chaise Adams!"

The audience stood to their feet and applauded loudly. Chaise waved at them as she walked off the stage. Kiah caught up with her in the green room backstage, just as Chaise was stuffing a huge salad roll into her mouth that she had taken from the catering table.

"Chaise!" She laughed.

"I'm starving!" Chaise mumbled, her mouth full of chewed up food.

"You did really well, Chaise. You kept it light hearted and the audience responded really well to you."

"Thanks, Ki."

"I have bad news though, I just spoke to Marcia who does the bookings for 'Vilma' while you were on stage. Unfortunately, there has been some time scheduling clashes and they won't be able to film with you on Tuesday. They were hoping to change your slot to Wednesday night instead."

"No way, Ki! I am supposed to be heading home on Wednesday morning. I am not hanging around New York for any longer, I have to come back here soon anyway to finish filming on 'Park Avenue'. We can arrange to do it then instead. Cancel it."

"What!? Are you crazy, Chaise?" She looked horrified at the thought.

"Seriously, Kiah. I have had enough already. I flew in for the Dean Torino meeting, 'Sunday Night Live' was an added bonus. I will do a media blitz for you when I come back, I promise. But, right now I am exhausted and want to go home and spend time with Matt before he starts touring and to celebrate his new album launch."

"But, Chaise - we need to ride this Globe win and press while we can...."  
"Kiah."

"But, Matt doesn't go on tour until next month..."

"Kiah."

"Chaise, please you need..."

"KIAH! Stop it! I am going home tomorrow to support my husband!"

"Fine," Kiah sulked, her bottom lip pouting like a child.

They headed back to the hotel in silence with Kiah typing away angrily on her iPhone. Chaise decided not to tell Matt that she was going to go home tomorrow, instead of Wednesday. She smiled to herself at the thought of seeing the look on his face when she turned up at home and surprised him. Even though she hadn't been gone for long, she knew that Matt would appreciate her coming back to be with him earlier. They could spend the day together in bed, watching movies, making love and doing nothing but enjoy each other. They had both been so insanely busy lately that neither of them had had much time off. It was rare that they got to spend a whole day together, their schedules were jam packed.

Back at the hotel Chaise curled up in bed to watch the screening of 'Sunday Night Live'. Kiah knocked on her bedroom door gently,

"Chaise?"

She asked, cautiously.

"Yeah."

"I spoke to the pilot, we will be able to fly back until tomorrow night but with scheduling it won't be until late, we will arrive back in L.A two am Tuesday morning. Are you sure you don't just want to stay and do show?"

"No, that's fine. We can go and do some shopping tomorrow. I want to surprise Matt and have a day off together on Tuesday."

Kiah nodded, defeated and frustrated, but respectfully keeping her opinions to herself. They sat down on Chaise's bed together and watched the show. She looked fantastic and came across as really sweet, funny and likeable. It aired at the same time as it did in New York, even though she was a few hours ahead. Almost immediately as the show ended, she started to receive texts from Rebecca, Natalia, Jay and other friends telling her how great she had been on the show.

Matt called her right away, "Hey babe, well done, you looked stunning!"

"Thanks, honey," she beamed, happily.

"You did so well, I am so proud of you. You were funny, too."

"Thank you, it was a bit nerve racking. Kris was wonderful to me, though"

"He's a fan of mine which is pretty fucking cool!"

"I knew you would enjoy that," Chaise laughed.

"It's so lonely in bed without you," he sighed sadly.

"Aww baby, I know, I wish I was there with you, naked." He chuckled.

She was dying to tell him that she was coming home early but she forced herself to keep it quiet. She was so looking forward to surprising him, "I will call you tomorrow, O.K?" He murmured.

"O.K, sweetie, good luck for tomorrow. I know that the album is going to be a huge hit. I will be thinking of you when you do your radio and T.V interviews. I love you."

"I love you."

He hung up the phone and Chaise drifted off into a happy, fulfilled and peaceful sleep.

IN AN INSTANT

Leonard pulled up into Chaise's driveway around two forty five am, Tuesday morning. The house was completely dark and eerily quiet. Matt must be asleep - if he was even home. It had crossed Chaise's mind a few times on the plane and the car ride home that he could possibly be out with the band, celebrating. She had spoken to him on the phone just before leaving New York and he had told her that he was having a quiet night in after the long day of their album's promotions. She hoped that he had stuck to that plan and not changed his mind.

Chaise thanked Leonard after he had helped her unload her bags onto the front porch. She watched him drive away then turned to walk up the steps to their front door, fumbling in her quilted Chanel bag for the keys.

Why did Matt always forget to turn the outside light on?! She fumed to herself. Chaise had told him so many times to do it for security reasons. She could feel the effects of the many bourbons she had had on the plane as she struggled to get the key in the lock - but, to Chaise's surprise - the front door swung wide open.

It wasn't locked.

God – the privacy of their household just fell apart when she was away because of Matt's laziness and ignorance!

Any crazy fan or stalker could just come and walk right in.

That was a very scary thought - being so vulnerable in her own home.

Chaise wouldn't put it past them - she had heard too many stories of it happening before. People would wake up to find people standing over them in their bedroom, watching them sleep. The thought of it sent a shiver down her spine.

She put her bags down in the front room and made her way into the kitchen. She took a big gulp of milk straight from the carton before sneaking in a cheeky chocolate biscuit. She could hear faint music coming from their bedroom, upstairs.

Chaise doubted that Matt was still awake, he had probably fallen asleep with the TV or stereo still on. She glanced at a photograph stuck to the fridge of the two of them in Fiji on their honeymoon.

She loved that pic of them, they were on the beach at sunset and Matt was kissing her lovingly on the cheek.

Chaise's smile was huge - her eyes sparkling brightly and her skin was a golden brown from the tropical sun. She felt a huge rush of love for him come over her. She had missed him a lot while she had been in New York.

They had done the working apart thing for so long, with him going on tours and Chaise working on various locations for work. But, no matter how long they had done it for, Chaise had never gotten used to sleeping in bed by herself and missed having him around her all the time. She made her way up the staircase and was surprised to see a small sliver of low light coming from underneath their bedroom door. It wasn't the bright bedroom light though, it was soft and flickering, like candlelight.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He must have found out that she was coming home tonight! She thought excitedly to herself.

Had Kiah told Matt that she was coming home early? Or Leonard?

Her mind was racing.

Had he organized a romantic surprise for her to come home to?!

A huge smile spread across Chaise's face. She was the luckiest woman alive to have such a sweet, amazing husband! He had done that sort of thing for Chaise before when she had arrived home from trips.

She tiptoed quietly over to the huge mirror in the hallway and checked her makeup and hair. Chaise then untied the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress she was wearing and let it drop to the floor so that she was just standing there in the gorgeous black and gold trimmed bra and panties set that she had bought from Victoria's Secret in New York, as well as her sky-high black patent pumps.

One last fluff of her curled locks in the mirror and she was ready for a sexy romp with her man. Almost giggling to herself like a horny teenager, she approached the door quietly and pushed it, gently letting it swing open to surprise him in her sexy get-up...

There was a sudden rush of movement and rustling on the bed under the covers. It took Chaise a few seconds to register that Matt was not alone in the bed and that there was a naked brunette in there with him, scrambling desperately to hide herself under the white cotton sheets. Her long, dark hair was matted and messy, falling wildly around her shoulders and her huge bare breasts.

Chaise recognized her as the infatuated, star struck painted model who had served them drinks at Matt's album launch party.

Her young face was flushed and a bright red colour spread across her cheeks in embarrassment and shame.

She looked at Chaise in horror, her blue eyes were wide in shock and fear.

She pulled the sheets up to cover herself as much as she could then she looked over to Matt, seemingly to plead with him for help with a frightened look on her face.

Matt had jumped out of the bed at lightning speed - falling onto the floor because his legs were still wrapped up in the sheets. He frantically untangled himself and was attempting to put his pants on as quickly as possible, hopping up and down on one foot and stumbling around awkwardly.

"CHAISE! I... I..." he tried to splutter out an explanation, zipping up his pants as he stood there, half naked and vulnerable - pure horror etched across his pale face.

Chaise's heart was pounding so hard that she thought it would burst right through her chest.

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!!??" She screamed, hardly recognizing the horrifying shriek of her own voice.

She felt physically sick - the taste of vomit rising up against the back of her throat. However, as strong as the sickening feeling was, there was an even stronger urge bubbling up inside of her, a rush of anger and hatred rushed over her body in waves.

She was in shock.

What the hell was happening?!

Matt was cheating on her!?

"WHO ARE YOU - YOU WHORE?!" Chaise screamed at the terrified girl.

The girl looked at Chaise, her wide eyes filling with tears and her bottom lip trembling in fear as she struggled to find her voice.

Matt started to approach Chaise slowly, taking a few small, hesitant steps in her direction, "What are you doing here... you were supposed to be in New York!" He cried out, his voice cracking.

"I came back early to be with you \- you cheating bastard!" She hissed viciously at him.

Without thinking twice, Chaise instinctively ran towards him with her arms swinging wildly in front of her. She hit him over and over again as hard as she possibly could into his chest, "HOW COULD YOU!?" Chaise shouted as she laid into him with all her might.

He took the first couple of punches that she laid upon him, connecting with his face and chest, but then he attempted to hold her arms back to stop her from hitting him.

"CHAISE! CHAISE! Please... just... stop..." he pleaded with her desperately, struggling to hold back her flailing arms.

Chaise had so much adrenalin and hatred pumping through her that she was momentarily stronger than him and he struggled to hold her back for very long.

"MATT!?..." The girl in the bed cried out in horror.

Chaise turned her attention towards the slut who was naked in her bed.

Ferociously, she ran over to her, breathing heavily and grunting with rage.

The girl screamed a high pitched scream and tried to scramble across the bed to get away, but she was still all tangled up in the bed sheets and couldn't get her legs out.

Chaise jumped on top of her and started punching her in the face.

She had never physically hit anybody in her life but she was not going to stop wailing on this bitch that had shattered her whole world by fucking her husband - the one person whom she loved more than anybody in the whole world. The girl kept screaming an ear-piercing scream - her fingers clawing desperately at Chaise's arms, trying to get her to stop as she took blow after blow. She desperately pulled on a handful of Chaise's hair so hard that Chaise could feel it rip away painfully from her scalp. It hurt like crazy as the ripped flesh burned like it was on fire, but that didn't stop her from continuing to lash out at the bitch. Matt was trying his best to pull Chaise off the girl - shouting her name over and over again, begging and pleading for her to stop.

Breathless and exhausted, with her hands and knuckles throbbing from the blows, Chaise finally stopped and dropped her arms down in defeat, allowing Matt to drag her limp body off the bed. She sunk onto the floor, breathing heavily. Chaise surveyed the scene around her, trying to take in what was happening. Her long, dark locks and some of her extensions were scattered all over the bed and the floor. She also had deep scratches on her arms which were from the girl lashing out trying to defend herself.

Droplets of dark red blood trickled onto the cream carpet, leaving small puddles that were soaking into the wool.

The girl was crying hysterically on the bed with blood pouring heavily from her nose. It spread down her face and neck, onto her breasts and drops of it spread onto the white bed sheets that she had wrapped around her, forming dark red patches.

She had deep, jagged scratches etched down her face in long stripes that stretched from her forehead to her neck that had already started swelling.

As tears streamed down her battered face, her mascara created black streams down her cheeks.

Matt looked from the girl over to Chaise, and then back towards the girl again. He was obviously in shock at the violence that had just unfolded in front of him.

"Damn it, Chaise! What the fuck!?" He spat at her in anger.

As Chaise slowly got her breath back, she looked at him in shock and fury as he went over to the bed to comfort his whore.

What the hell was he doing!?

He was actually going to console her instead of Chaise – his wife!?

What the hell was wrong with him!?

Chaise could feel the rage building up inside of her again as she watched her husband attempt to calm down the girl instead of her.

She suddenly felt another burst of adrenaline and hatred overwhelm every fibre of her being. Chaise staggered back up to her feet. The girl looked at Chaise in horror over Matt's shoulder as he studied her wounds and held the bed sheet up to her nose, attempting to stop the bleeding. He turned to face Chaise and put his arm out towards her – warning her to stay back.

"What the hell is going on here - you lying asshole!" Chaise hissed angrily at him.

"I... I'm sorry... I don't know what I was thinking... I was really drunk at the party and..." he stopped himself, not sure of what to say and trying to tread carefully.

Chaise didn't want to hear the details - she just wanted to hurt them both as much as she possibly could - as much as she was hurting. The rage inside her was intensely bubbling up as she watched Matt try to help the girl. It was overwhelming her to try to process it.

She looked over to the bedside table and picked up the huge, wrought iron candleholder that was holding the flickering candles and threw it as hard as she could towards them both, with the wicks all still lit. Matt managed to duck quickly out of the way just in time. It missed the girl's head by just a few centimetres, smashing into the headboard behind her and taking a big chunk out of the wood. It fell heavily onto the bed beside them.

Matt quickly scrambled to put the small flames out, using his bare hands to pat them until they were extinguished. The girl quickly attempted to scramble out of the bed again. Chaise grabbed her by her ankle, pulling her naked, blood stained body towards her as the panicked whore kicked her long, bare legs out at Chaise, desperately struggling to get away and screaming repeatedly in fright.

"YOU BITCH!" Chaise shouted at her repeatedly as she pulled the girl to the floor, "You want to FUCK MY HUSBAND?! In MY BED!"

Chaise started kicking her legs as hard as she could into the girl's bare back. Her shoes had come off in the scramble and her bare feet ached as she kicked the girl over and over again but the rage was overwhelming her and she couldn't stop.

Matt came running at Chaise again and wrapped his arms around her waist tightly, throwing her back onto the bed, away from the girl.

"Chaise \- stop it," he begged her desperately, on the verge of tears.

The girl was crying hysterically on the floor. Her arms were wrapped around her legs and she was curled up in a bloody, naked ball, rocking back and forth. Chaise watched as Matt slowly helped the girl up to her feet and wrapped one of the bloodied bed sheets around her naked, battered body. Blue and black bruises were already starting to appear all over her exposed flesh. She stood there, in Matt's arms, shaking uncontrollably.

Watching Matt attempt to help her walk out of the room was the last straw for Chaise. She was so shocked at herself and her behaviour. The amount of violence that she was inflicting and couldn't control was so out of her character. She felt as if she was having some sort of out of body experience, like she was watching herself do it, not actively inflicting this rage. Chaise was physically exhausted, but the adrenaline and anger just kept surging through her.

It cut her up so badly that, not only was Matt screwing this girl - but now he was looking after her and seemed more concerned with her well bring then with Chaise.

Watching them, she wanted to hurt them both as much as she possibly could - trying to numb the immense pain that she was feeling in her heart. Chaise snapped. She looked around the room for something to hit them with. She noticed the candlestick holder on the bed that she had thrown.

Without even thinking it through, Chaise grabbed it.

Screaming in rage, she ran towards both of them with the candlestick raised high above her head and bought it smashing down on top of the girl's head as hard as she could. There was a sickening, crunching sound as it cracked open the girl's skull upon impact. Her eyes rolled up to the back of her head and thick, deep red blood started pouring out of the gaping hole in her cranium. A sliver of the thick bone jutted out from the deep wound and her grey brain matter was visible through the red ooze as it trickled out.

She made a strange, gurgling sound that came from deep down in her throat. Her slender body crumpled to the floor in a heavy heap, without her reacting in any way to prevent her fall. A puddle of dense blood that was so dark it was almost brown in colour, pooled around her head onto the cream carpet around her. Her thick hair clumped together in the wetness and stickiness of her blood and brain substance.

Then the room was deathly silent. Matt and Chaise both froze in shock.

Neither of them dared to even breathe. Chaise could not believe that she had just done that horrific act. She felt as though she was dreaming as she stood there - looking down at the girl's lifeless body on the floor at her feet.

After what seemed like an eternity, Chaise felt Matt pry the heavy candlestick from her fingers. She hadn't even realized that she was still holding onto it. He let it drop to the floor with a loud thud.

The thick, square base that had hit the girl's head was soaked with her blood and it splattered more drops as it hit the carpet.

"I... I..." Chaise tried to speak but her throat was completely dry.

No words would come out.

Her head was spinning and she struggled to see properly through the dizziness.

"Is she..." Chaise couldn't bring herself to utter the last word. Matt's face was as white as the bed sheets lying around them had once been and he had the most horrified look etched across his face.

In what seemed like slow motion, he bent down beside her and gently rolled the girl's lifeless body over. Her head flopped back, her blank eyes stared up at the ceiling. She was completely drained of all colour and her face was a haunting shade of grey and stained in blood. Her eyes were still open but the pupils and iris faced up to the ceiling, sunken into the sockets.

A wave of nausea overwhelmed Chaise and she dropped to her knees, throwing up onto the carpet in front of her. Matt backed away from Chaise a few steps - staring at the girl's battered head.

He was struggling to look away.

It was obvious that she was dead. The realization of what Chaise had just done crashed down upon her as she continued to throw up chunks of vomit all over herself.

Chaise had killed her.

Chaise.

Chaise Adams.

She had killed this young girl.

She was a murderer.

Chaise screamed loudly, over and over as she lay on the floor next to her stomach contents, tears streaming down her face.

She could hear Matt being sick as well behind her. He was in the corner of the bedroom, as far away from Chaise as he could possibly get. He was still staring at the girl's body, like he couldn't look away \- no matter how much he wanted to and how terrifying the sight was.

After a few minutes, he stumbled over to the bedside table and picked up the portable house phone. Chaise struggled to turn around to see what he was doing when she heard the buttons of the phone being pushed.

Her body felt like it weighed a tonne and each movement was a huge effort for her to make. When it dawned on her that Matt must be calling the police, Chaise felt a wave of panic rush through her,

"Matt... wait..." Chaise attempted to get up, but her legs were like jelly and refused to cooperate.

Declining to even look over at Chaise, Matt started mumbling into the phone with his back to her. She couldn't make out what he was saying.

After a few minutes, he placed the phone back onto the table and sunk down onto the bed - rocking his head in his hands.

His body shook with each deep sob that escaped him. Neither of them spoke a word to each other. The only noise was from their heavy breathing and Matt's soft crying. Chaise was desperately trying to get the energy together to get up off the floor but she still couldn't move and her body refused to cooperate.

She couldn't speak.

She kept expecting to wake up from this nightmare at any moment - she was willing herself desperately to wake up but it wasn't happening.

A few minutes later – well, what Chaise presumed was a few minutes, she had lost all concept of time in her hazy state – there were the sounds of multiple police sirens coming from the street outside. They were getting closer and closer to their house.

There was loud thumping on the front door. Chaise figured that they must be knocking it down.

She could hear voices shouting, "POLICE! POLICE!!" Getting louder and louder as the officers made their way up the stairs towards them.

IT ALL COMES CRASHING DOWN

There they were.

The police.

At Chaise's bedroom door.

There were four officers standing in the doorway with their guns drawn, ready for whatever they may encounter. They stopped suddenly, focused on the horrific sight of the girl's lifeless, naked body lying in a crumpled heap on the blood soaked carpet. They all looked over at Chaise - then at Matt.

Three of them entered the room cautiously and one of them stayed out in the hallway, reporting to the station on his radio.

"Matt Stow?! Chaise Adams!?" One officer asked in genuine surprise.

He must have been shocked that he had just walked in on two huge celebrities in this incriminating situation. He slowly approached

Matt, his eyes glued to the infamous rock star who was half naked and sobbing uncontrollably in front of him.

"Do you have any weapons on you, Sir?" He asked sternly.

Matt was staring at the girl's pale body at his feet with a blank expression etched on his face. He just shook his head weakly.

Another police officer leaned over the girl, holding two fingers to her throat to check her pulse and see if she was dead or alive.

He sighed sadly and shook his head softly to another officer that had approached Chaise.

"Ma'am," the approaching policeman said gently.

Chaise ignored him. She was in a hazy fog and the room around her was swirling and blurring the lines of reality and a dream world.

He bent down towards her and attempted to lift Chaise up from the floor by holding her tightly under her armpits.

Chaise put no effort in to helping him lift her up. He groaned as he managed to lift her dead weight up onto the bed, where she slumped down and buried her head in her hands, her body shaking uncontrollably.

All Chaise could think was,

What have I done?

What have I done!?

Everything seemed like it was happening in a slow-motion blur and Chaise had to shake her head a few times to try and get her eyes and brain to focus on what was going on around her. The policeman who had lifted Chaise up off the floor was a short, overweight, balding man with a thick black moustache. He walked over to a chair in the corner of the room where one of Chaise's silk robes was strewn across it. He then approached Chaise and, after hesitating for a few seconds he gently draped it around her shoulders. Chaise had completely forgotten that she was only wearing her see through lace underwear. She didn't care though.

She felt like she wasn't even in her own body, that she was floating away above it - just watching the scene around her in a zombie-like state. The policeman stood over her and cleared his throat, "Excuse me, ma'am. My name is Officer Burns and I am with the Los Angeles Police Department. Can you please confirm to me that you are Chaise Adams?"

Chaise barely listened to a word he said. She was watching the other officer who was talking to Matt and trying to work out what

they were saying, but she couldn't hear anything.

What was Matt telling him?!

Officer Burns repeated his question.

Chaise nodded her head slowly in response. He had soft, kind brown eyes that were squashed behind his chubby cheeks. They almost put Chaise at ease for a split second.

Almost.

"Miss Adams, can you tell me what happened here?"

Chaise looked over to Matt again and caught him sneaking a look over at her as well, as he was talking quietly with the other officer in the corner of the room. He looked from Chaise over to the girl's lifeless body on the floor with a look of horror on his face. He was nervously rambling and running his hands through his hair, like he always did when he was stressed out, as the policeman wrote down everything that he was saying.

"I... I..." Chaise tried to speak but her brain would not cooperate.

What had happened here!? She didn't know what to say, how to explain the madness that occurred in the sanctity of her bedroom.

She glanced over at the girl's beaten and naked body again and felt another wave of nausea overcome her.

"She was having sex with Matt..." Chaise let out a strange whimpering noise. She wasn't even aware that she was doing it but she could hear it escaping her throat.

"Ma'am, can I take you downstairs?" Officer Burns asked, sensing that the girl's body was too much of a distraction to get any information out of her.

He grabbed Chaise firmly and lifted her to her feet. Obviously, it was not a request as he forcibly marched Chaise towards the door.

Her legs felt so heavy that all she could do was slowly shuffle her feet along as he half dragged Chaise down the hallway to the top of the staircase.

As they descended down to the first floor of the house, Chaise could see a large group of people coming in and out of her front door. There were uniformed police men and women, men in sharp suits whom Chaise presumed were detectives and, more frighteningly, there were numerous people scurrying around wearing what looked like hazard suits from head to toe and rubber masks on their faces, carrying a lot of equipment.

Chaise realized that they must be the crime scene technicians. It

looked like an episode of CSI was being filmed in Chaise's front room. Except there were no actors, cameras, producers or directors. There was nobody to yell 'cut' and break the seriousness of the situation with the cast and crew by joking around between takes.

It was for real.

Everybody in the house stopped what they were doing and stared at Chaise - obviously stunned that they were at Chaise Adams' house - the world famous movie star.

Officer Burns led Chaise past all the prying eyes, down the stairs and into the kitchen. He let go of her arm and she slumped down into a chair at her dining table, wrapping the flimsy silk robe tightly around herself as a sort of subconscious protection safety barrier from all the glaring and curious strangers who were whispering excitedly amongst themselves. Her mind started racing a mile an hour as she watched Officer Burns talking to two of the detectives.

The shock must have been wearing off.

Chaise could start taking in what was actually happening around her and for the first time she could see clearly as the fog seemed to lift from her mind.

This wasn't a dream. Or a nightmare. This was the real deal. This was happening. To her. She had killed somebody. What was going to happen to her!?

Chaise watched the people hurrying around her house in a hive of activity as she replayed what had happened repeatedly in her head, trying to make sense of it. The look on the girl's and Matt's faces when Chaise had first walked into the room and caught them red handed in the act. How she had felt when her heart exploded into her stomach at the realization that the man whom she loved more than anybody in the world, the man that was literally her life had been sleeping with somebody else in their bed.

The moment it hit her that she didn't know if Matt had been cheating on her for their whole relationship or not. She still didn't know whether or not it had been the first time he had done it.

The sound the girl's skull had made when Chaise had cracked it open still rang in her ears, repeating itself over and over along with the image that was now burned into her brain. Along with the sight of her lifeless, naked body and her blank, dead eyes staring up. All the blood - all over the sheets, walls, floor.

Everywhere.

After leaving Chaise to sit at the dining table alone to wallow in the misery that was in her mind for what seemed like an eternity, the two detectives Officer Burns had been briefing came and sat down in the chairs beside her. One of them was actually quite handsome.

He had dark, thick curly hair and bright blue eyes and he was very well built and tanned.

Not at all what Chaise expected a typical detective to look like.

Although, Chaise didn't know what detectives were supposed to look like - she had never had to encounter one before.

"Miss Adams? My name is Detective Green and this is Detective

Harlow," he gestured to his partner who was a grumpy looking, much older man with thinning grey hair and a wild, unkempt moustache. Harlow was writing down notes on a pad and barely looked up to acknowledge Chaise.

"Can you please tell me what happened here tonight?" He prodded her, encouragingly.

Chaise wasn't sure what to say but she knew that she needed a lawyer.

She had seen enough episodes of 'Law and Order' that she knew that was the best and probably only option that she had right now.

"I need to call my lawyer," Chaise murmured quietly.

Detective Green nodded slightly, "Miss Adams..."

"Chaise," she interrupted.

She didn't know why, but having the detective address her so formally was freaking her out even more.

"Uh, Chaise. We need you to come to the station with us and make a statement. Your lawyer can meet us there."

Chaise's mind started racing, Was she really going to the police station in the middle of the night to be questioned about murdering another human being!!??

She looked over to the staircase and saw Matt being escorted downstairs by the policeman who had been interviewing him towards the front door.

He was still only dressed in just his jeans with no shirt. She guessed that he must be heading to the police station as well. He glanced over quickly at Chaise. His face was a shocking shade of grey and he had dark, red circles under his eyes. He looked terrible and Chaise could tell that he had been crying the whole time.

When he saw that she was watching him, he quickly looked away and dashed outside the front door with the officer. Chaise's mouth was as dry as sandpaper and she tried to swallow, "Can I get dressed?" She whispered hoarsely to Detective Green.

He looked down at her silk robe and nodded.

"Of course. We need to bag the, uh... clothes that you are wearing as they will be taken into evidence. You won't be able to enter your bedroom either, but an officer can get you something to wear,"

He gestured to a young, female police woman who couldn't have been much older than Chaise. She hurried over, her eyes wide in amazement as she stared at the famous actress in front of her.

"Officer Parker, can you please take a crime scene technician with you to Miss Adams' bedroom and find her something to wear to the police station? Then take her into another room to change, the forensic team will need to photograph and bag her garments."

The young officer nodded and turned to go upstairs. Chaise sat there quietly, roughly shaking her head back and forth, refusing to let the night's terrifying events settle into her memories. She just could not believe that it was true. That this was really happening.

She didn't mean to kill her!

She couldn't deliberately kill anybody!

As if to prove to her brain that it was, in fact all reality, two men with the word CORONER emblazed across the back of their black jackets in bold, yellow lettering carried a stretcher down her staircase with a big, black plastic body bag strapped firmly to it.

One of them looked over at Chaise, expressionless.

As they passed, all the officers, detectives and CSI agents went silent and bowed their heads out of respect for the deceased woman.

Her body was in that bag.

They were followed down by some CSI agents who were carrying

large photographer's cameras around their necks and multiple plastic bags labelled 'evidence' in their hands. They must have taken enough photographs of the girl's body and the crime scene to satisfy their needs for the investigation before it was taken away.

It suddenly dawned on Chaise just how many people were in her house at that moment. There were easily forty or more people.

Where had they all come from?!

How long had she been sat here?

Officer Parker returned with one of Chaise's black sweat suits, a bra and some underwear.

Chaise shot her a dirty look as if to say to her, 'How dare you go through my drawers and touch my things!'

She knew that it was silly considering the situation that she was in, but she felt utterly violated. These people were traipsing through her house like Chaise wasn't even there - talking to each other about the 'crime scene'. She wanted to scream at them all to get out, to leave her alone - that she didn't mean for this to happen.

It was an accident – please just go away!

Instead, Chaise followed Officer Parker, who had seriously invaded her privacy by going through her intimates to one of the downstairs bathrooms. She felt sincerely humiliated as the smug young officer watched her get undressed. The CSI agent took numerous photographs of her standing in just her underwear and of the scratch marks and bruises that covered her body. Once he was satisfied that he had enough photos, he allowed Chaise to get changed. She had to peel the bra and underwear off her body slowly as they were caked in dry blood and had stuck to her skin.

She hadn't even realized that she was covered in so much of the girl's blood. The crime scene detective took photos of Chaise's naked body and the underwear as she took them off and laid them on the floor. They then allowed her to wash herself as best as she could under the sink, but they refused to let her have a shower.

Chaise slipped the tracksuit and underwear on as her anger began to boil up. Officer Parker just stood there, watching her and she was so very tempted to yell at this stupid woman and take all her frustration out on her.

But, instead the lump in her throat grew larger and the tears welled up in her eyes.

Finally, it all became too much for her to deal with and it all came bubbling up, escaping from deep down inside of her. All the built-up emotions she had held so tightly onto could no longer be contained.

Chaise dropped to the floor in a heavy heap, crying hysterically and bursting into a flood of uncontrollable tears. She curled up into the foetal position, hugging her legs close to her chest and burying her face into her knees. Officer Parker knelt beside Chaise and tried to help her up, but she was frozen to the ground.

"Miss Adams, can you stand for me please?" She asked, softly.

Why are they hassling me!?

Why won't they all go away!

It was an accident!!!

Chaise screamed to herself, loudly in her mind.

"Miss Adams?" Parker tried to coax her off the ground but, after Chaise continued to ignore her, she left and returned moments later with two male officers to help lift her up off the floor.

Chaise reluctantly allowed them to escort her back into the dining room where the detectives were waiting for her.

"It's time to go, Miss Adams," Detective Harlow told her sternly, showing no compassion towards her as Chaise stood there with tears streaming down her face.

But, why would he?!

Chaise was just a murderer to them.

"You can call your lawyer from the station," Officer Burns and Officer Parker held onto her on either side, holding her arms tightly behind her back.

Detective Green looked at them and nodded his head. Before Chaise even realised what was happening, Officer Burns pulled some heavy silver handcuffs off the utility belt around his waist and slapped them quickly around both of her wrists. The cold, hard metal dug into her soft skin.

Chaise was about to protest about why she needed to be restrained but, before she could get a word out, Detective Green started to read her rights, "Chaise Adams, you are being arrested for the murder of Natasha Hendrix..."

Natasha Hendrix... how did they know her name!?

They must have found her handbag...

Or Matt had told them?

Hearing her name sent a shiver racing down Chaise's spine.

"You have the right to remain silent, however anything that you do say may be held against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney..."

It was just like in the movies - the exact same speech.

"Do you understand what has been told to you?"

Chaise nodded, tears welling in her eyes. She still could not get her head around the fact that she was being arrested for murder.

Chaise was then led towards the front door by the two officers. As soon as they stepped outside, she was blinded by dozens of flashing lights. They were so bright that she couldn't see anything except red spots in her eyes.

She wasn't quite sure what was going on, until she heard all the loud yelling,

"Chaise! Chaise! Did you really kill somebody!??"

"Chaise! Was she having an affair with Matt?"

"Chaise! What happened!?"

"Are you really under arrest for murder?!"

It took a few seconds for Chaise to realize that the shouting and questions were coming from the paparazzi and reporters and that they were literally everywhere around her. As Chaise's eyes started to adjust - after being momentarily blinded - she could see that they were on her driveway, just outside of her front gates being kept back by dozens of police officers who were struggling to keep them at bay. They were also climbed up high in the trees surrounding her property, balancing on the large, iron gates, with their legs wrapped through the grates to hold on, one was even up a street light. There were hundreds of people everywhere, surrounding them.

Chaise could not understand how such a large crowd had gathered

around so quickly. Television reporters from every news station imaginable were there with their accompanying cameramen, lighting, and sound guys right alongside the pack of paparazzi. The television news vans lined the street from outside of Chaise's property all the way down the road, alongside the police vehicles.

Dozens of people from the public - the majority was probably the neighbours - had come out to see what was causing all the commotion and trying to figure out what was going on.

To Chaise's surprise, she heard the loud hum of helicopters flying down low, just above them. She looked up to see at least three of them circling the skies above her house with their bright spotlights beaming down onto her house and front yard, sweeping over the chaos on Chaise's property.

The noise coming off their blades and engines was scary and deafening.

As the two officers escorting Chaise approached the waiting police wagon, the television crews and paparazzi made a sudden move towards her, all at once in a big group and pushed past the officers who were struggling to hold them all back. They ran towards Chaise with their microphones outstretched.

"CHAISE! CHAISE!"

"How the hell did so many of them get here so fast!?" Officer Parker said in shock to Officer Burns, who just shrugged his shoulders, nonchalantly.

"No idea, this is a bloody circus," he muttered under his breath as they edged Chaise closer and closer to the wagon that would take her to the station. Chaise was too stunned to say anything.

The shock of the waiting crowds and media was overwhelming.

This had to be a dream!

This wasn't really happening to her!

Another officer, who was waiting next to the wagon, opened the back doors up wide as they approached. Officer Burns put his hand on Chaise's head and gently pushed her into the back of the prisoner transport vehicle.

The officers climbed in after her and then the doors slammed shut behind them. It was a steel, cage-like area with rock hard benches to sit on each side. Chaise sat down on one of the cold benches and Parker and Burns sat across from her on the other side as the paparazzi continued to take photos of her, handcuffed in the back of a police car through the tiny, windows that had steel bars across them.

Both officers were silent. They just stared out of the windows, watching the reporter's frantically taking pictures. The van slowly started to pull away, negotiating its way carefully through the huge crowd as the police outside tried desperately to clear a path for them. The paparazzi and news cameramen surrounded the vehicle, their cameras were hitting the windows as they continued to take photographs and video footage of Chaise inside the wagon, making loud, bangs as their cameras connected with the glass.

"I guess we will be on the news," Burns chuckled before looking at Chaise and quickly wiping the sly smile off his smug face.

"Burns, we are going to be on every T.V station, newspaper and magazine in the world!" Parker grinned back at him.

She laughed, not caring at all about the fact that Chaise was listening.

Chaise didn't say a word. She was so humiliated that the darkest and most horrifying moments of her life were being captured on film for the whole world to analyse and gossip about. It was a great story for them to all talk about, but this was her life and her reality and she was terrified about the possibility of being charged and convicted of murder and going to prison.

Dozens of different scenarios and scenes of what could happen to her flashed through her mind, each more ghastly and disturbing then the last.

The helicopters, news vans and paparazzo's cars all followed them closely through the suburban streets. Every time the police wagon stopped at the traffic lights and stop signs, a crowd of paparazzi would jump out of their cars and run up to the wagon and take more photos of Chaise through the windows.

The police officer who was driving finally had enough. He radioed for the other police cars behind them to get in front and on either side of them to create a motorcade, then he turned on the police lights and sirens and started speeding down the streets. He went straight through the rest of the red lights and stop signs without stopping or even slowing down.

It took a very long time to get to the station, a lot longer than it normally would of thanks to the interfering media presence.

When they finally pulled into the police station's parking lot they could see that a large crowd had already gathered around the entrance to film Chaise being escorted into the building. Chaise was so tired, drained and emotionally exhausted that, when the wagon's doors opened and vulnerably exposed her to the waiting, curious eyes she just kept her head down and let the officers lead her outside, defeated.

The paparazzi and news cameramen were pushing each other out of the way violently, arguing and clambering over each other to get the best photos of Chaise in handcuffs. A few fights broke out between them, pushing the police officers to their limit, trying to control the situation.

She knew that she must have looked terrible. Her hair was a crazy mess from the fight, she could feel it sticking out everywhere in knotted clumps, especially around the area where it had been ripped from her head. She had black mascara staining around her eyes and down her face from crying and vomiting. Luckily, the track suit covered most of the deep scratches up her arms, but there were still some clearly visible ones on her neck and face. Chaise also still had blood on her that she hadn't been able to get off when she had attempted to clean herself up under the bathroom sink.

It was the girl's blood.

Natasha.

The officers had said that was her name.

As Chaise walked across the car park to the station, surrounded by a group of police officers the news reporters shouted questions at her, "Chaise, do you have any comments?"

"Chaise, what happened?"

"Chaise! Chaise!"

She ignored them and kept her head down as the officers rushed her through the door that was being held open by a waiting officer inside the station. Inside, the police station was a buzz of activity.

Officers were running around frantically, trying to deal with the chaos that was happening outside.

Parker helped Chaise to slide down into a plastic chair in the private room that they had bundled her into, away from the glare of the waiting media. As the police talked amongst themselves, Chaise was left alone in the room and she began to replay the images of the night's events repeatedly in her head, trying to make sense of the situation.

How had it gotten so out of control so quickly!?

How had it led to her being killed!?

Chaise hadn't hit her that hard - had she?

She had never hit anybody in her life before, she did not have a violent bone in her body, it was so out of character for her to react that way. It had happened because she had felt as if her heart had literally exploded inside of her. Her whole world had come crashing down around her in that moment and Chaise had not been able to handle it.

Matt was the only person in the whole world that she would have died for in a second and he had been sleeping with another woman as soon as she was out of the town.

The adrenalin and rage had taken over her so much that she had snapped.

The graphic image of the thick, red blood gushing out of the girl's head, exposing her brain and skull flashed into Chaise's mind.

Before she could help herself, she leaned over in her chair and vomited onto the floor beside her feet. She had thrown up so much that there was nothing left in her stomach. Dense, mucus green stomach bile burnt her throat as she retched and struggled to get anything up.

A thousand thoughts started racing through her head all at once, as if she was flipping through channels on television at a fast rate.

Natasha had parents.

She had friends and family.

She had had a life.

Chaise had robbed somebody of their daughter. Her brain was finally coming out of the state of shock it had been in since the incident had happened and started lifting the cloudy fog, letting her focus on the reality of her situation. Nausea reared up in her throat again and Chaise threw up so violently that she lost balance and fell off the chair, with her hands still handcuffed behind her back. She landed with a hard thud onto her shoulder.

She started to cry hysterically again, the stench of her stomach bile piercing her nostrils.

A few minutes later, Detectives Green and Harlow entered the interview room, discussing something amongst themselves, quietly.

They stopped suddenly in their tracks and looked at Chaise with both curiosity and disgust. From the look on their faces it was as if they could hardly believe that a world-famous movie star was at their feet, in their police station, lying on the floor in handcuffs next to her own vomit, sobbing uncontrollably because she had just committed a murder.

Green bent down beside her and slowly helped lift Chaise back to her feet and took the handcuffs off her red, swollen wrists. She staggered back a few steps, unsteady on her feet, before he held her up under her arm and helped her sit back in the seat. Harlow handed her a little plastic cup of water to drink. They both watched her intensely as she sipped on the cold liquid slowly. Her throat burned from the vomiting.

"Miss Adams, we have to process you before we can conduct a formal interview. Can you confirm to us that your lawyer is Jed Robbins? He called the station after seeing the news reports claiming to be your attorney. He informed us that he is on his way in to the station."

Chaise nodded weakly, "Yes. Jed is my attorney."

She suddenly had a thought,

How many people knew about this now?!

If it was already on the news, then the story would be spreading like wild fire around the world, no matter how late at night it was.

All of Chaise's friends, her colleagues, her family...

God - she hadn't seen her parents in years!

What would they think!?

Her heart sank even more into her stomach. The detectives and Officer Burns took Chaise to another room and went through the whole booking process gently. They fingerprinted her with a black ink that stained her fingers and took photos of Chaise holding up a sign with her name and booking number on it.

Her mug shot.

There was no doubt that this picture would be all over the tabloids and newspapers very soon. Chaise hadn't even bothered to ask to clean her face, it would have been a terrible photo but Chaise just did not care anymore.

What was the point?

Nothing mattered anymore.

Her life was over.

They photographed the multiple deep scratches that were all over Chaise's body, where Natasha had dug her nails into her flesh in defence.

After they had also taken dozens of photos with a small ruler alongside them to determine how long they were a medic swabbed them with alcohol and bandaged her up.

After all the paperwork had been filled out, they led Chaise back to the interview room. She noticed that they had cleaned her vomit up. It was just like interview rooms were like in the movies, a small brick room with a metal table bolted down to the floor with four plastic chairs around it. A huge, two-way mirror was mounted on one of the walls. Sitting on one of those plastic chairs was her attorney, Jed Robbins. He looked up from the mountain of paperwork he had on the desk as she entered the room with the detectives. Jumping up to his feet quickly, he hurried over to Chaise.

His face resembled how she felt - sick with worry.

"Chaise, are you O.K? You haven't said anything, have you? Have you been treated fairly?" He rambled, anxiously.

Chaise struggled to find her voice, her throat was still sore and

swollen, "I haven't said anything," she sighed sadly.

"Good. Are you being looked after?" His bald head was dotted with small beads of sweat, even though it was cold in the small room.

He wiped it nervously with a navy-blue hanky that he had in his pocket.

Chaise just nodded softly and followed him to sit back down on the chairs. Jed helped her into her seat and moved his briefcase and

paperwork along the table, out of her way. Jed had been Chaise and Matt's lawyer for years, but the most he had ever done for them before was to negotiate their various contracts for her films and business deals as well as Matt's record deals. Chaise and Matt had never even been sued before which was a rarity in Hollywood these days.

Would he be able to defend her on a murder case?

Chaise knew that he used to be a top criminal lawyer before he started working with celebrities and the very rich of Los Angeles.

"Jed, can you help me?" She asked him quietly, terrified to know his answer.

"Of course, Chaise," he smiled, weakly at her.

She wasn't convinced that he was feeling very confident. Detective Harlow went through all the formalities of the upcoming interview with both Chaise and Jed. After they had explained everything in detail, the detectives left her alone with Jed in the room to discuss her options.

He started to shuffle around some of the papers on the desk in front of them. Chaise noticed that he was desperately avoiding eye contact with her. He seemed confused and unsure of how to start.

Chaise was doubting to herself whether Jed would be able to help her. His shiny head was sweating profusely now and he kept tugging at the collar of his shirt, as if he was struggling to breathe and swallow.

After an uncomfortably long silence, with just the two of them sitting there, avoiding the elephant in the room, Chaise finally spoke.

"Are you able to defend me in this kind of a case?" She asked him softly.

He seemed almost relieved that Chaise had broached the subject first and looked directly into her eyes for the first time since he had arrived, "Chaise, I need to be completely honest with you - I have not been involved in a criminal case for a very long time.

As you know, I now negotiate contracts and read over paperwork for business deals. I would be honoured to represent you on this case and advise you as much as I can. I have been thinking about it since I first heard what happened and I have decided that the best option for you would be to bring in top criminal lawyers to work as a team with me. I have already called the very best in town, Lou Rodgers. He has agreed that he and his colleagues will work alongside me on your case. I can guarantee you that they are the best but they are also very expensive, Chaise..."

"The money doesn't matter," Chaise muttered.

What good was it to have millions in the bank if she was locked away for most of her life in a tiny, concrete prison cell?

"O.K. From what I gathered from the detectives and the District

Attorney, they are planning to charge you with Manslaughter. You need to get them down to Involuntary Manslaughter or Accidental Homicide. Lou has told me to advise you to make a deal with the D.A and avoid going to trial."

Chaise looked at him stunned, her mouth dropped wide open,

"Manslaughter?! I am not a murderer! It was an accident - I didn't even know this girl! I didn't even know her name! I found her in bed with Matt - with Matt, Jed! It was a fight gone wrong in a situation where I was beyond my normal control. I literally snapped in anger, I have never even had a fight before in my life! I cannot plea to anything, I need to go home! Can't you explain to them that it was just a tragic accident!" Chaise's voice started to rise as she got more and more frightened.

Jed looked to the floor again, saddened for his distraught friend and client, "Chaise, you need to tell me everything that happened in

detail."

Chaise sighed and nodded her head in agreement. She told Jed the whole, horrifying story. His face froze with horror as she described to him in as much detail as she could everything that had happened.

When she had finished the gruesome tale he just sat there in silence, stunned by what he had just heard.

"There is no way that they are going to let you just walk away from this. They are responsible to the state and to the victim's family to prosecute any wrongful death. We can't apply for bail either when you are being charged for taking a life. You will have to be remanded in jail until this is all sorted. If you don't take a deal and you do choose to go to trial then you could be in prison waiting for months, even years for your day in court."

"JAIL!? Oh my God..." Chaise's heart dropped.

This was the real deal.

Chaise was going to jail.

And there was nothing on Earth that she could do to prevent it.

She started to panic, each breath was a struggle for her to take and she felt that none of the air was going into her lungs. Each breath she tried to take longer and deeper but they came out short and shallow, as if they were not even working and she was going to pass out.

"What kind of deal are they offering?" She asked, trying her best to keep it together.

"I don't know yet. The District Attorney for your case, Harry Robbins needs to talk to us. You will have to tell the D.A everything that happened tonight before they can decide on what deal to offer you."

Her head started swimming and Chaise struggled to listen to what Jed was saying as the room spun around her. He looked up at her and could see the terrified expression that was plastered on her face. She was so exhausted and she was over it all and just wanted to go home.

Jed gathered the paperwork and piled them back into his briefcase.

He stood up and signalled to the officer waiting by the door that he was ready to leave, "I will inform the detectives that you are not to be interviewed until Lou and his team arrive. I will call them immediately and set everything up."

Chaise ignored him. Her head was resting in her arms on the table and she just stared absent mindedly at a tiny black spider that was walking across the table next to her. He hesitated near the door for a few moments, then suddenly strode over and threw his huge arms and tubby body around Chaise into a tight bear hug, "It's going to be O.K, Chaise. I promise you. I will work twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on this until you are out, I swear to God."

Then he was gone.

PRISON

A few minutes after Jed left, the door opened again. Chaise looked up to see two policemen that she hadn't seen before enter the room with Officer Burns, "Miss Adams, you need to come with us now.

You have to be remanded in custody until your next interview."

Chaise glared at them in a mixture of fright and resentment. As they approached her, she suddenly sprung up off her chair and quickly backed up to the wall behind her. She leaned the full weight of her body into the solid bricks as hard as she could, desperately preying to herself that the wall would give way and crumble behind her so that she could escape from this nightmare.

"What!? I have to go to jail!? Now!?" She cried with a panic-stricken voice, salty tears streaming down her face for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

"Please... please don't take me to jail, please!" She pleaded anxiously with the officers as they firmly grabbed her by the wrists and pulled her away from the wall, "NO! NO! Please! Please, noooooo!"

"Ma'am, please calm down. You are not going into a county jail cell tonight \- just to a holding cell within the prison where you will be interviewed first thing in the morning."

"A holding cell?" Chaise was confused as to what the difference was. She couldn't see any.

"Yes, a holding cell," Burns confirmed without explaining anything

further to Chaise.

They clasped the handcuffs back onto her sore, swollen wrists that were now forming painful blisters.

"Ouch!" Chaise yelped in pain, "Do you have to put them back on? I am cooperating!"

"Yes," Burns told her sternly, again without an explanation.

Obviously, an officer did not have to explain himself to the

prisoner.

Leaving the police station was even more chaotic then Chaise's arrival had been. The crowd had grown to huge numbers since she had first arrived.

Word must be spreading very quickly and it seemed like quite a lot of people were very curious by the sick spectacle. The roar of loud noise from the shouting reporters and public was terrifying as Burns led her past the excited crowd. Chaise kept her head down and ignored all the questions that they were shouting in her direction. The flashing lights of their cameras made it difficult for Chaise to see where she was going so she let the officers lead her to the waiting police wagon and bundled her quickly into the back.

"This is insane," Burns muttered under his breath to one of the younger officers who had joined them in the back of the wagon.

"I knew it would be bad - but this is crazy! I have never seen anything like this before." The young officer mused as he watched the paparazzi pursue the vehicle as they pulled out of the police station's car park and sped off down the street - lights and sirens blazing, surrounded by a police car motorcade.

"Are we going to Lynford?" Chaise asked softly.

Lynford Correctional was the women's prison in Los Angeles.

"Sure are," Burns confirmed.

Chaise watched the streets out of the barred-up windows as they sped along, wandering how long it would be until she was outside of the prison's walls again. She shook her head, trying not to let herself start thinking like that. She had to have confidence that, once she explained to this District Attorney guy what had happened, that it had been an accident and that she had not meant to kill Natasha, that he would let her go. You can't send somebody to prison for murder if it was an accident - surely not.

They arrived outside of the huge, intimidating gates that stood out the front of Lynford Correctional Facility a little while later.

The notorious women's prison was a very frightening and overwhelming building and the sight of the rolls of barbed wire and multiple, very high fences sent a shudder down Chaise's spine.

Chaise stared out of the wagon's window at the numerous paparazzi and news vans that were all pulling up alongside the road next to them. A thousand thoughts raced through Chaise's mind all at once. Yesterday, she had been a movie star, loved and admired by the world.

She had been rich, famous, beautiful and at the top of her career.

She had been the toast of Hollywood as they had named her the Best Actress at the prestigious Golden Globe awards. She had a gorgeous, successful husband who had loved her and friends who she adored. Her world had been perfect - well, as far as she had known anyway.

Now, she was an accused murderer who was about to be admitted to jail.

She had killed another human being and now Chaise could possibly be going to a tiny cell for a very long time.

There would be no more luxuries, no parties, no being with her husband, no hanging out with her friends, no travelling on exotic holidays, no working, no shopping, no leisurely boozy lunches, no movie nights with Matt...

No nothing.

She would be robbed of the one thing that allowed her to do whatever her heart desired - her freedom. Chaise had not even really appreciated that she had been truly free her whole life until she was now forced to face the prospect of a life without it. She couldn't even imagine what jail would be like - locked up with real life

murderers and very evil, scary women who had done horrific things to end up in a cage, like animals. The thought of who she would encounter behind those walls made Chaise's stomach churn and she could feel the familiar surge rising in her throat again.

They started moving slowly forward as a prison guard opened the huge

gates in front of them. As they entered the prison's grounds, Chaise could start to see the notorious building itself.

The sun was just starting to come up over the horizon and shed a little dawn light over the huge brick walls. There were three more wired fences and gates to pass through. They would drive through one and wait while the guards would lock the gate they had just come through behind them, before opening the next gate. When they had repeated the process and made it through to where a very high building was situated by itself, facing the prison. Chaise could see that it was the guard's building. At the top were multiple bright spotlights that swept along the fences and grounds while a couple of guards sat with rifles at the ready. The site of those guns sent a shiver down her spine. She was truly trapped here.

One of the prison guards approached the vehicle and opened the door.

Officer Burns got out and talked with the guard briefly. Chaise could not hear what they were saying but she could see the guard staring at her in amusement as Burns talked to him.

When they finished, Burns motioned to the young officer who was seated next to Chaise to exit the wagon. As Chaise stepped out

onto the grounds of the prison she felt her knees become weak and buckle from underneath her weight. The cold morning air hit her face hard, like a chilly slap forcing her to wake up.

"Woah, easy there," The guard grabbed her by her arm and helped her to steady herself, "You O.K?"

"Uh... yeah," she groaned uneasily.

"I am Guard Collins. You are going to come with me now," he informed her.

She watched as Burns and the police officers all bundled back into the wagon and drove back out of the numerous gates.

The media were all stuck out the front of the prison but their helicopters were still flying overhead, filming Chaise under their bright spotlights as she was being led into the jail in handcuffs.

By this time, Chaise was over caring about what footage they were getting of her. They had their money shot. They had hundreds.

Chaise could just imagine that, by now all the photos of her would be all over the internet, tabloids, newspapers and news channels the world over. She could even predict that the video footage of her arrest would be all over You Tube by now as well.

As the rising sun shed its light over them it signalled that a new day was now dawning. America and the world would be waking up to the shocking headlines of,

"Chaise Adams Commits Murder!"

Her heart sank deeper into the pit of her stomach. Her career was over.

Her life was over.

What on Earth was going to happen to her now?!

Chaise let Guard Collins and his colleagues escort her into the jail.

She was so emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted that she just didn't care anymore. She had no fight left in her. Chaise just wanted to go to sleep - anywhere.

A cot in jail?

So, what?

It didn't bother her in the slightest anymore. She just needed to sleep so very badly.

As they entered the front building of the prison, Chaise was approached by a burly, heavily obese African American woman wearing a prison guard's uniform that was stretched to its maximum capacity and struggling to stay together at the buttons across her huge breasts.

The guards spoke to her for a few moments then left Chaise standing there, vulnerable and scared. The female guard looked her up and down curiously then asked Chaise to follow her into another room. Chaise agreed without a fight, although she had no idea what was about to come.

Inside the little cell-like room the guard looked at Chaise with a half sympathetic, half do-what-I-say look on her pudgy face.

"My name is Guard Thompson. You can call me by that or by Ma'am. You need to do everything that I say and do not protest.

Now, I need you to remove all articles of your clothing, including your underwear."

Chaise looked at her in shock.

She wasn't seriously going to search her everywhere!?

Was she?!

The horror of the invasion overwhelmed Chaise and, like she had done all night long, she felt the tears welling up in her eyes again.

She was surprised that she had any left to cry.

"Please..." Chaise begged Guard Thompson softly, "I don't have anything on me... you don't have to search me... I swear..."

Chaise could tell that the guard was used to people resisting and that she was determined to treat Chaise by the book - like she did everybody else that came across her in the prison.

"I am sorry, Miss Adams. Just do as you are told and there will not be any trouble," she instructed softly but sternly.

Chaise could tell by the tone in her voice and the look in her sharp eyes that she was genuinely sorry that she had to do this to her. It wasn't every day that Thompson would have had a movie star in her presence that she had to search intimately. Chaise stood there reluctantly in defiance for a few minutes, trying to regain her composure. She knew that she had to resign herself to the fact that the sooner she got this out of the way, then the sooner they would take her to a bed and then she would be able to finally get some sleep.

She slowly took off the sweat top and pants, revealing the

underwear that the annoying policewoman, Parker had gone through her private drawers to find. Chaise then reluctantly removed her bra, exposing her bare breasts to a law official for the second time that night. Thompson pretended not to look directly at her but Chaise could see that she was secretly sneaking peaks as she made some notes on a file that she was clutching Chaise then slowly started to peel off her underwear, humiliation consuming her as she stood completely naked in front of a strange woman for what seemed like a very, very long time.

In what had to be the most mortifying experience Chaise had ever experienced – besides the night's events - she stood there, vulnerable while Thompson quietly slipped on a pair of white latex gloves.

"Please have a shower, Ma'am and return to me once you are dry,"

Thompson told her firmly.

Chaise was still covered in quite a lot of dry blood. She had been needing a shower all night, it felt so disgusting to have somebody else's blood caked on you for such a long period of time.

Thompson motioned to a shower head that stood in the corner. It was just two adjoining concrete walls over a drain in the floor.

There was no screen, no side walls, no curtain - nothing to shield Chaise from the guard's watchful eyes.

Hesitantly, she climbed in and turned on the only tap. There was no hot water - just the ice-cold option which sent her body into a spasm of cold shivers as she stepped into it. Chaise hunched over, clutching her arms tightly around her waist, quivering and crying as Thompson watched her carefully.

Chaise gently rubbed the dried blood with her hands until it gave way from her skin and became liquid again, mixing with the water.

It became a slimy consistency under as it ran through her fingers and down her arm. It fell with the water down to the floor of the concrete shower, surrounding Chaise's bare feet with a transparent red puddle. She watched, mesmerized for a moment by it as it swirled down the drain. The deep scratches on her arms and neck were stinging painfully under the water.

After a few minutes, Thompson turned off the water and handed Chaise a disgusting, prison-issue towel. She took the horrid material that was definitely not the Egyptian cotton that she was used to and dried herself off, careful to only dab her wounds.

Once she was dry, Thompson motioned for Chaise to stand in front of her against one of the cinder block walls.

"Miss Adams, I need you to lift your arms above your head."

Chaise did as she was told, her body shaking uncontrollably from the cold. Thompson gently lifted each of Chaise's breasts up, seeing if she had hidden anything underneath them.

"Turn around please, Ma'am," she ordered.

Chaise shot her a dirty look but didn't object and did as she was told. She knew she had no choice. She turned around to face the disgusting, dirty, painted wall behind her. There she was, completely naked, getting felt up by a middle-aged prison guard.

Thompson slowly brushed her hands down to Chaise's behind.

"Is this really necessary!?" She demanded, abruptly and angrily.

"I am afraid so, Ma'am. We cannot allow any weapons, drugs or paraphernalia of any kind into the prison."

With that comment, Thompson used her hands to gently pry apart Chaise's legs. The tears welled up and stung her eyes again.

Thompson placed a finger inside of Chaise's rectum and felt around for what felt like way too long. It was extremely uncomfortable and Chaise squeezed her eyes as tightly as possible while she endured it. After Thompson had finished she instructed Chaise to turn around. Chaise sobbed as she slowly did so.

Thompson proceeded to place her fingers inside Chaise's vagina. She swirled them around and went deep inside, fishing around for anything that Chaise may have been trying to smuggle in. Chaise cried the whole time.

After Thompson had finished violating Chaise, she turned her around, ignoring the tears sliding down Chaise's cheeks. She took the rubber gloves off and threw them into a small trash can and then put a fresh pair on.

"Please, open your mouth."

Chaise obliged and Thompson shone a tiny torch in there.

"Thank you, please lift up your tongue."

Chaise did as she asked again. Thompson then checked between each of Chaise's toes and fingers, as well as behind her ears. She then ran her fingers through Chaise's thick hair.

"These extensions will need to come out, you cannot have them while you are in custody."

She finally turned and walked away a few steps, jotting down notes on her notepad.

"You can get dressed in these now," she told Chaise as she handed her the standard prison issue uniform and underwear.

Chaise stared at the ugly, orange tracksuit for a long while. The thought of putting that disgusting, cheap material on her body was the last straw for an already broken down Chaise - she hadn't expected any of this at all.

Chaise would look like a convicted felon wearing that uniform!

It had 'COUNTY JAIL' printed across the back in big, black bold letters.

"Ma'am," Thompson insisted, holding the tracksuit out towards her.

Chaise sighed in defeat and - out of pure exhaustion – she proceeded to put on the uniform. She also slipped on the white socks and sneakers that they had provided.

"Take a seat."

Chaise sat down on the small plastic chair. Thompson took a small butterfly hair clip and bundled half of Chaise's hair onto the top of her head. She then proceeded to slowly pull out Chaise's hair extensions by hand. It hurt as she tugged on them and Chaise yelped as each one was torn out with vigour. This was obviously not the correct way to remove the bindings, but the burly guard could not care less.

One by one, Thompson placed them onto the table in front of Chaise. It had taken six hours and four thousand dollars to put all of them in and only fifteen minutes to forcefully take them all out.

Chaise's scalp felt strange once they were all finally out. She had been wearing extensions for years. Her hair was still reasonably long, but there was not so much of it now.

Thompson handed Chaise a hair tie and instructed her to put it into a loose pony tail. After all the official booking procedures were taken care of, another prison guard - a much younger male - joined them and escorted Thompson and Chaise to what was a holding cell and not the actual jail. As they approached the twenty foot

squared concrete and metal cell Chaise realized that there were five other women already occupying it.

They all looked up and stared at Chaise in shock as the young guard unlocked the cell door for her. They all immediately started whispering excitedly amongst themselves and pointing towards her.

Thompson led her into the cell. Chaise turned around, frightened out of her mind and watched as the cell door slammed shut behind her.

The women all looked at Chaise full - excitement and admiration etched all over their faces.

"Oh, my God! You're Chaise Adams!" One of them, a young girl of about twenty with a shaved head and tattoos covering every part of visible flesh glared at Chaise with a mouth of missing teeth.

Chaise didn't answer her. She just stood near the cell door, her arms wrapped tightly around herself in a vain attempt at protection.

The women slowly got up off the concrete block seats that they were sitting on and gathered around Chaise in an intimidating circle. A huge, Hispanic woman who was at least five feet eleven and three hundred pounds or more grinned menacingly as she stared down at Chaise.

"Well, well - what do we have here?"

She smirked, "A famous movie star in the down town lock up?

What the fuck are you doing here?"

Chaise wasn't sure how to react or if these women were going to lay into her violently or not. Chaise decided that her best bet was to play it cool and she willed herself desperately to mentally toughen up. It suddenly occurred to her that they had no idea why she was in there – there was no way that they could have seen any news footage while they were in lock up. Chaise felt elated as she realized that they wouldn't have to explain herself to them. She sat up straight and took a deep breath.

Clearing her throat, she replied, "It's just a big misunderstanding.

It should be sorted out soon enough," she tried to sound confident but her voice betrayed her and cracked under the pressure.

They all eyed Chaise up carefully, staring at her with a fierce intensity.

Then - suddenly all five began bombarding her with dozens of questions.

Which movie stars that Chaise knew, what they were like, which movies of hers they had liked and those that they hadn't. They asked Chaise about Matt. One of the women was a die-hard Diffused fan and seemed to know more about his music and the band then Chaise did. Chaise started to relax a little bit - confident that they were not going to harm her.

She answered their questions as bluntly and without going into detail as much as she possibly could.

An hour later, the novelty of having a celebrity in the cell with them finally wore off. They slowly started retreating to their seats, one by one. A couple of them attempted to fall asleep, sitting up on the concrete pillars.

It was still very early in the morning. Chaise had no idea what time it was but she was so exhausted and drained that she had to drift off to sleep.

Her body could not fight it anymore. Lying down on the cold, concrete seats was very hard and uncomfortable but she was too tired to care.

Before she knew it, Chaise had drifted off into an agitated, restless sleep. Her brain re-played the previous night's events over and over in a horrible nightmare that Chaise could not escape from. The vision of the girl - Natasha's head cracking open. The sickening crunching sound her skull had made as Chaise had cracked it open.

The blood spurting out like fountains all over the walls, furniture and floor.

Matt's face.

The look of terror plastered over his expression broke Chaise's heart - even in her state of sleep.

The police turning up.

The paparazzi onslaught.

Even in a nightmare, it was nowhere near as frightening as the reality had been.

LAW AND ORDER

Chaise woke up struggling to breathe, clammy and covered in sweat. It took her a minute to remember where she was as she rolled over on the hard, concrete slab. She had no idea how long she had been asleep for but there was now full daylight streaming throughout the prison. There was no window in their holding cell but the light spilled down the hallway. The concrete room seemed dirtier and more confined in the harsh light of day then it had when Chaise had first arrived a few hours earlier.

Only two women were in the cell with Chaise now, the big Hispanic lady and a junkie woman who was very pale and sickly looking. The others must have been released while Chaise was asleep. The two women both stared at Chaise intensely with morbid curiosity.

She ignored them and kept her head faced to the ground. She desperately needed to go to the toilet and realized, to her disgust that - as much as she had been putting it off - she would have to go to the repulsive metal toilet in the cell, in front of the women.

There was a concrete wall surrounding the small, dirty bowl but it was only head high when you were seated and had no door. They would be able to see everything.

Chaise contemplated for a few minutes what her options were but she was so exhausted and emotionally drained that she was beyond the point of caring enough to uncomfortably hold onto it. She had already lost all the dignity she had during the previous night.

Chaise walked over towards the toilet - aware of the fact that the women were staring at her with amusement. She pulled down her bright orange prison pants and squatted over the metal bowl - not wanting to sit down on the disgusting, soiled seat. She tried her best to ignore the prying eyes watching her as she urinated - feeling utter humiliated the entire time. She could hear the junkie girl giggling hysterically.

After Chaise had finished she pulled up her pants and washed her hands under the small sink - rubbing the soap within an inch of its life. She felt so dirty and like she would never get clean again. When her hands started getting sore and bright red, she dried them off and approached the bars of their cell. She could see the young guard who had escorted her there earlier in the morning sitting at a desk in the hallway just meters away from the cell, working on a computer.

"Excuse me!?" Chaise called out as politely as possible.

He looked up from the computer screen and Chaise could see a glimmer of excitement flash across his eyes as he realized that it was Chaise Adams calling out for him. He smiled at her and cleared his throat - standing up to approach his celebrity inmate, his eyes wide with admiration. He had to be in his early twenties at the most and Chaise could not believe that they would let somebody so young and vulnerable work in a prison.

"Can I help you, Miss?" He asked, trying to sound casual and mask his enthusiasm.

"Can I call my lawyer?" Chaise asked, not sure of what was happening with Jed since she had seen him at the police station.

"We can call your lawyer for you, Miss," he replied.

Chaise gave him Jed's details and he wandered off to make the call.

Forty-five minutes later - Chaise had watched a little plastic clock on the wall outside of the cell intently - he came back over to the cell, "Miss Adams, Mr Robbins said to let you know that he is on his way in."

"Thank you,"

She then resumed her seat on the uncomfortable concrete block,

wandering how long she will have to be in this cell for.

To her relief, Jed didn't waste too much time. He arrived not long after, looking flustered and very tired. Chaise could tell that he had been up all night - working away like he had solemnly promised. He was still in the suit he had been wearing when he had visited her earlier in the morning and had huge, dark circles under his beady, bloodshot eyes.

He was accompanied by three other men that Chaise did not know. They were all dressed impeccably in what looked like very expensive designer suits, watches and briefcases. They looked like no-nonsense men and had very stern looks on their sombre faces. The young officer unlocked the sliding cell door and escorted Chaise out. The junkie woman called out to Chaise as she left, "I will see you when you get back, Chaise!" As if they were friends.

Chaise ignored her and followed the group of men to an interview room down the hall for privacy. Jed hugged Chaise tightly as soon as the guard closed the door behind them,

"Are you O.K?" He asked, anxiously - his face was etched with worry for her wellbeing.

"JED! I am in prison for fuck's sake - of course I am not O.K!"

Chaise hissed through gritted teeth, trying to control her anger over the situation.

His face dropped. She had hurt him. Poor Jed looked like he had aged ten years since the night before.

"Get me out of here!" She demanded abruptly.

"Chaise, I have been doing everything I can. I spoke to the District Attorney, Harry Johnson who will be prosecuting..."  
"Jed..." One of the men interrupted him and approached Chaise, his hand outstretched in front of him, "Miss Adams, Jed has informed us of everything that has happened, my name is Lou Rodgers,"

He turned to introduce the other two men, "This is Lucas Young and Sean Klumb. We are the top partners in the Rodgers, Young & Klumb Law firm. We are - even if we do say so ourselves - the top criminal attorneys in the state. We are more than qualified and prepared to represent in your case if you will allow us to do so."

Chaise took his hand weakly and clasped it - all too aware that her hands were sweaty and clammy. Lou was a much older gentleman, balding on top with bushy, white hair framing his ears and the back of his head. He wore thick black glasses and he was very distinguished looking. She then shook hands with Lucas and Sean as well.

"Thank you. Can you get me out of here?"

Lou smiled sweetly at her and motioned to the table and chairs in the room, "Please, sit down."

Chaise sat next to Jed on one side of the table while Lou, Lucas and Sean sat opposite them. She studied the expression on Jed's face - trying to read what he was thinking about the situation. He

just looked tired and deflated.

Lou cleared his throat and looked over his notes, "As Jed began to tell you, we have been talking to the District Attorney handling your case, Harry Johnson. He is on his way over here now with the detectives working on the case. You need to be prepared because they will interview you intensely and in detail. You need to tell them exactly what happened. We will guide you through the interview as much as we can."

Chaise nodded glumly that she understood.  
"Jed," Chaise grabbed his forearm and forced him to look at her,

"Have you spoken to Matt!?" She asked anxiously, her heart beating wildly as she mentioned his name.

She didn't know how to feel about the situation with Matt - she still hadn't processed everything yet. But Chaise knew that she had to talk to him. They had to sort everything out.

How was he feeling towards her?

Did he still love her?

Chaise didn't even really care that much anymore that he had been cheating on her - that point was now moot. He had witnessed her do the unthinkable - commit murder.

Was he going to leave her?!

The thought made Chaise feel sicker than the murder charge did.

She still loved him terribly and could not imagine her life without him. Jed refused to answer. He just stared at the floor in his usual, frustrating way.

"JED!?" Chaise demanded - needing to know an answer.

He looked at her weakly, "No Chaise, I have not spoken to him. I am so sorry."

Chaise's heart sank into the pit of her stomach. The trio of overpriced lawyers droned on for a long time about Chaise's rights and what she was to expect from the interview that was about to take place. She was barely listening to them - they were talking in legal jargon that she could not understand and her head was spinning from the gravity of the situation she was facing.

"Miss Adams?" Lou looked at her with concern, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," Chaise sighed in frustration.

"O.K. Jed has explained to us that it was an accident. We need to know everything that happened so we know how to guide you through the interview. Please do not leave anything out."

Chaise buried her head into her hands and took a few deep breaths, steadying herself to talk about what had happened.

"I was in New York for a meeting. I was supposed to be staying for another media appearance that I was booked to do, but it got cancelled so I came back early. I wanted to surprise Matt..." her voice trailed off as a lump formed in the back of her throat.

"You arrived home approximately two forty-five am?" Lou asked very matter-of-factly, ignoring the emotions overwhelming Chaise in front of him.

Chaise nodded and continued to tell them the whole tragic story.

The group of lawyers listened intently - not reacting to any of what Chaise was saying. They just wrote down dozens of notes and asked her for specific facts.

"So, when you hit Miss Hendrix with the candelabra, you did it hard enough to crack her skull open and kill her instantly?" Lou asked.

Chaise shuddered as the image of blood and brains filled her mind again, "Yes,"

"That must have been extremely hard," Lou looked up at her from his notes.

Chaise shrugged her shoulders.

"I didn't think it was... I don't know. I have never hit anybody before."

"Harry will need to determine if you hit her hard enough to kill her or to just hurt her. If he concludes that you hit her hard enough to kill her purposely then you could be tried for Murder instead of Involuntary Manslaughter which is what we are going for. You need to make it very clear to him that you did not intend to hit her as hard as you did."

Chaise nodded as they were interrupted by a knock on the interview room door. They all looked up to see Detective's Green and Harlow enter the room. They were with another man who was introduced to Chaise as Harry Johnson, the District Attorney who would possibly be prosecuting her if they went to trial.

Harry was a very intimidating looking man. He was over six foot two and was very well built for an older gentleman. He was obviously in very good shape. He had thinning grey hair that was slicked back neatly with a lot of hair product. He wore round, rimless glasses that were perched on the tip of his broad nose.

Lucas, Sean and Jed all got up and stood at the corner of the room, allowing Harry and the detectives to sit down. A police officer came into the room with a video camera and a tripod. He set it up next to the table to record the interview. Once all the formalities were out of the way, the dreaded interview was ready to begin.

"Miss Adams," Harlow started, "Your legal name is Mrs Chaise Marie Stow, is that correct?"

Chaise nodded, "Yes. Adams is my maiden name. I go by that name because of my career."

"Would you prefer if we called you by Stow or Adams?"

"I would prefer that you call me Chaise, actually."

"I'm sorry but we would like to keep this formal. Mrs Stow would be preferable as that is your legal name. Are you aware of the fact that you are being recorded during this interview?"

"Yes,"

"O.K, I just need to go through and establish some details,"

He read through Chaise's date of birth, her address and other information that Chaise had to confirm were all correct.

"Mrs Stow, can you please tell us about the events leading to the death of Natasha Hendrix on the night of February first, two thousand and fourteen?"

Chaise cleared her throat, trying her best not to burst into tears again, "I was in New York for work with my publicist, Kiah Rhodes. We met with a director and taped 'Sunday Night Live'. I was booked to appear on another show a few days later but it was cancelled, so I made the decision to come back to Los Angeles early. I did not tell Matt that I was coming home so that I could surprise him. His album had been released that day and I thought that it would be nice for him if I was there..."

They interrupted her, verifying facts and asking her to go into more detail about everything. Her voice trailed off in frustration, yet the detectives encouraged her to continue,

"I arrived home about two forty-five am. I went into the house and up to the bedroom. I could see candle light in the bedroom and I presumed that Matt had found out that I was coming home early and had set up a romantic home coming for me."

"Had he done that before?" Green asked.

Chaise nodded, "Yes, we often did something romantic for each other when the other arrived home after being away."

"Did you have reason to suspect that Matt had somehow found out that you were coming home?"

Chaise shrugged, "I presumed he may have found out from Kiah - or Leonard..."

"Leonard?"

"Our driver, he picked me up from the airport and bought me home,"

"Did Leonard enter the house?"

"No. He unloaded my bags and then left."

"So, what happened when you saw candlelight underneath the bedroom door?"

"I slipped off my dress and entered the room in my underwear.

There was a scuffle in the bed and that was when I realized that Matt was not alone."

"Miss Hendrix was with Mr Stow in the bed?"

Harlow confirmed.

Chaise nodded, tears welling up in her eyes at the memory.

"Yes."

"What did you do?" Green asked.

"I screamed at them - demanding to know what was going on. I don't know exactly what I said - it is all a blur... I was so angry. I have never felt that kind of rage and hurt before. It was overwhelming for me. I was acting completely out of character."

"How did Miss Hendrix and Mr Stow react?"

"Surprised," Chaise sighed, "Matt jumped out of the bed as quick as he possibly could and pulled his pants on..."

"And Miss Hendrix?"

"She was caught in the sheets, she was struggling to get out. I shouted at them angrily. Then I started lashing out at them."

"Physically?"

"Yeah. That's when I started hitting them."

"Who did you hit first?"

"Matt, I think. I can't really remember. I was blinded with rage. I just snapped, you know? I was not in control over what I was doing."

"You were not in control?" Harry's interest was piqued at this sentence.

He looked over at Lou, "Oh, Rodgers - please do not tell me that you are going for Momentary Insanity or something like that, are you?"

Lou shook his head, "Of course not, Harry. Let her continue."

"Very well," he motioned to Chaise to carry on.

She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves. This was a truly frightening experience and she was barely holding herself together, "I wasn't... insane. I have just never been that furious or hurt before. I reacted in a way that I never have before in my life. It is not like me at all - it is not my nature to be a violent person. I have never hit anybody before... ever."

"So, you lashed out at your cheating husband and his mistress - that is understandable to a lot of people. What we are interested in is how it resulted in Miss Hendrix's death," Harry told her, making dozens of notes as he listened to her intently.

"We fought..."  
"Yourself and Miss Hendrix?"

"Yes. And Matt. I had hit him a few times as well."

"Did either of them fight back?" Green asked.

"Matt tried to hold me back but he didn't hit me - he would never, ever do that. Natasha..." It choked Chaise up to say the girl's name.

It was still so raw and she could not believe she had killed this poor girl, "She fought back..."

"And that's how you received these scratch marks?" Harlow placed five photos onto the table in front of Chaise which were of the wounds on her arms and neck.

She nodded.

"So, you hit Miss Hendrix first and she defended herself?"

Chaise nodded again, "Yes. I punched her a few times. She clawed at my arms trying to stop me."

"How many times did you hit her?"

"I really don't know. It all happened so quickly. It is mostly a blur.

We fought for a few minutes."

"When did you decide to hit her with this?" Green held up a photo of the wrought iron candle holder lying on her cream bedroom carpet, covered in blood.

Tears welled up in Chaise's eyes as she recalled the sight of it smashing the girl's skull open. The sickening crunching sound rang in her ears again.

"I did not decide to hit her with it. It was not intentional as all. I threw it at them first. I was so furious that Matt was trying to help her and not trying to console me. It missed them and hit the headboard behind them. It was a few minutes later, after we had fought a little bit more... Matt was trying to help her leave. I just wanted to hurt her one more time. To punish her for sleeping with my husband when she knew that he was married to me. I didn't think it through at all - I just saw that it was lying on the bed next to me and I picked it up and hit her with it,"

Chaise finally lost control and burst into tears again, sobbing wildly into her hands.

"How hard did you hit her?" Harry asked, not moved at all by Chaise's tears.

"I don't know, it all happened in a split second - it just happened. I didn't mean to hit her as hard as I did... it was an accident. I wanted to hurt her but I definitely did not want to kill her! I would never want to kill anybody! I have never even been in a fight before! I have never even hit anybody. The whole thing was an accident!"

The detectives nodded and made some more notes. Chaise felt that she had to really push the point home to them - that they were not really listening to what she was saying, "I really didn't mean to! I honest to God did not mean to kill her - I really, really didn't! I am so devastated that this has happened! I will have to live with this forever, live with what I have done..."

"So, do Natasha Hendrix's parent's - and her family and friends," Green interrupted her.

Chaise looked desperately at Harry. He would be the one charging her and prosecuting her - he would decide what deal to offer Chaise. He had to understand.

"Please... you have to believe me - I am not a murderer!"

"Mrs Stow, please continue with what happened," he didn't even bat an eyelid - he was one tough bastard.

"That was it," Chaise sobbed, "Once I hit her with the candle holder she fell to the floor. We knew straight away that she was dead. Matt called the police. I am so, so sorry about what happened..."

"Why didn't you call the police. Or an ambulance?" Harry asked her.

"Huh? Because I was vomiting on the floor! I was in shock - and Matt was already doing it."

The detectives stood up and left the room with Harry to talk outside.

Chaise turned to her team of lawyers, studying their faces and trying to work out what they were thinking about what had just happened.

"Well? Do you think that they will let me go?" She asked Lou, hopefully.

Lou shook his head, "I am sorry, Mrs Stow, they will not just let you walk away from this with no charge. Our best hope is that they offer you a deal of a lesser charge. Involuntary Manslaughter is what we are hoping for."

"Will I go to prison?" She asked fearfully, barely able to speak the words.

"It depends. Involuntary Manslaughter could lead to a suspended

sentence. You could most likely get community service. You would not be able to be charged with any other offence during your suspended sentence or you will have to serve the jail term. It's like violating parole. Or, they could send you to jail for up to two years."

"Two years!?" Chaise cried out, "I can't go to jail for two years!"

"Mrs Stow..."

"Chaise," she corrected them through gritted teeth.

"Chaise... if they choose a murder charge, you could go to jail for life. Do you understand that?"

Chaise burst into tears. Her head was spinning as her world came crashing down around her.

Jed put his arm on her shoulders and tried to console her, "Chaise, it was an accidental death. They will see that. It will all be O.K,"

The door opened and the detectives followed Harry into the room.

He sat in front of Chaise and looked at her with overwhelming seriousness etched all over his face.

"Mrs Stow, we are prepared to offer you a deal."

Chaise listened nervously, desperately hoping that it would be the suspended sentence thing that Lou had told her about.

"The offer is for you to plead guilty to Manslaughter. You will be required to serve a five year sentence in prison. You will be eligible for parole after a minimum of three years if you have good behaviour."

"What!? I have to go to jail!?" Chaise screamed, jumping up on to her feet and shaking uncontrollably.

Jed tried to calm her down, he held onto her tightly but she was

hysterical. She fell back into him and let her hold her up as her knees buckled from under her.

"Mrs Stow, the state is not going to allow you to walk away from this. You took the life of another human being and you have to face the consequences that goes with those actions. We will leave you to talk it over with your lawyers," Harry told her.

He then turned and left with the detectives.

"PLEASE! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!" She screamed wildly as they left.

Chaise turned to Lou and Jed, fear widening her eyes, "You said I could get that involuntary thing... it was an accident! Manslaughter is murdering someone!"

"Manslaughter is an action resulting in somebody's death. They have come to the decision that you did not commit this offence involuntarily. You are lucky they did not charge you with murder.

This is a very, very good deal, I would advise you to accept it," Lou sighed helplessly.

"What!?" Chaise looked over at Jed in horror, "Jed - come on! Do you agree with this - do you want me to go to prison!? I cannot go to prison! Help me!"

Jed looked at her helplessly. His eyes were welling and he looked as though he could cry at any moment, "I am so sorry, Chaise. Of course, I do not want you to go to prison but I do agree with what Lou is saying. You could be looking at spending most of your life behind bars instead of just a few years. I think you should take the deal."

"Are you kidding me!?" Chaise shouted out of frustration,

"JED!"

"Chaise..." Lou interrupted her, "Listen to Jed, we are all trying to help you. If you do not take the deal, then you will have to go to court. You will face a jury and they will decide your fate instead of Harry. You could go to jail for a very, very long time. Plus, not to mention the fact that a trial will be for public record. They will most likely televise it live around the world, given your celebrity status. The media scrutiny would be huge. You do not want that."

Chaise's head was spinning, she did not want to go to prison and would avoid it at any cost.

Could she trust a jury to set her free?

"What if the jury finds me not guilty?" She asked.

Jed and Lou exchanged frustrated glances.

Lou sighed, "Then you will be set free. But, Chaise - you have to understand that the chances of that verdict are extremely low."

"But, they will let me go..."

Jed knelt down next to Chaise, placing his hand on her knee,

"Chaise... you will have to be remanded in custody until the trial date. That means you will have to go to prison while you are waiting for your court date. That could take months - even years."

"I don't care, Jed! I want to go to trial. Once I can explain what happened to the jury - that it was an accident \- they will have to let me go! They won't charge me when they find out what really happened. It was a mistake!"

"Chaise, if they find you guilty..."

"They won't!" Chaise stood up defiantly and paced around the room - she could feel her anger boiling up inside of her again,

"They will not find me guilty - I know they won't. I want a trial. I want to explain what happened to the world. I will not take the deal."

Jed's face dropped.

He could not believe what he was hearing, "And you are prepared to wait months for a trial date!? You might as well just serve the sentence Harry offered you!"

"And plead guilty! You want me to confess to everybody that I am a murderer?! No way! Is there anything you can do to speed up the date of the trial?"

Jed looked over at Lou then dropped his head, "I don't know, Chaise. We can try, I guess. I cannot promise anything. If you choose to go to trial, we will need a few months to prepare our case..."

"I can do a few months," Chaise interrupted him, surprising herself with the words that were coming out of her month.

Chaise really did not want to even do one day in prison, but if she had to face serving a couple of months so that she could have her story heard by a jury, who would sympathize with her and let her off, then that is what she would have to do. What was the alternative?

Serve years?

There is no way she would survive that. She knew that Jed had to do whatever she told him to do and he knew that she was not going to listen to his advice.

"Chaise, you can think about this you know - you do not have to make the decision right now."

"Jed, I know what I want. I want to do this."

He gave up and nodded in defeat. He whispered with Lou for a moment then reluctantly left the room to inform Harry of her decision.

Lou gathered up his briefcase and notes off the table, "Chaise, we will do everything we can to help you be found not guilty. I can guarantee you that my team and I will be working around the clock nonstop on your case. We will fight this for you as best as we can."

Chaise nodded and shook his hand, "Thank you, Lou."

Jed returned a few minutes later.

"Chaise, I told Harry that you were not taking the deal. He refuses to offer you any deal that does not involve jail time so we are going to court to fight it. Unfortunately, you will be sent as a prisoner into Lynford to await your trial. I will keep you updated on how the case is going as much as I can. You can call me whenever you need to O.K, I will make sure the prison has all my numbers. I will do everything I can to get you to court as soon as possible," he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her gently,

"You stay safe in there, O.K?"

Chaise trembled and tried to swallow the nervous lump forming in her throat, "I will try," she responded weakly, her knees shaking under her weight and threatening to drop her to the floor.

Chaise also thanked Sean and Lucas - who had barely said two words the whole interview - they had just taken notes and watched everything.

Collins, the guard who had first escorted Chaise into Lynford came into the room to take her into the jail, "Adams, you will now be going to the general population of the prison," he informed her.

Chaise reluctantly left her legal team behind to devise their strategies as she allowed Collins to take her away to her to the deepest depths of her very worst nightmares.

Jail.

It was quite a distance from the holding cells where Chaise had been earlier, when she had first arrived, to the general prison.

They passed through hallways that led into other hallways, like a concrete maze of thick steel gates and heavily armoured doors.

Collins unlocked each solid door by scanning his identification card and using various keys that were attached to his utility belt and locked them again after they had passed through. He held onto Chaise's arm tightly as he led her down a cell block.

"This is cell block 'A'," he informed her, "This is where your cell is located."

Cell block 'A' was a narrow, concrete hallway framed with cells on both sides – one after another, after another. The steel bars were painted off white but a lot of it had flaked off and all that was left was the exposed steel underneath. In fact, everything was painted in the same, depressing colour – the extremely high ceilings, all the walls, the concrete pillars. As they walked past each of the numbered cells, Chaise could see that the prisoners were staring out at her from their tiny, metal 'cages'.

There were a few flickers of recognition spreading across some of their faces when they saw her. They obviously recognized who Chaise was – but most of them just stared at her blankly, watching the new meat that had arrived on their block. She could see that there were some very fierce faces in a lot of those cells. There were a lot of huge, mean, butch looking women covered in tattoos with tough expressions on their ugly, hardened faces.

But, there was also quite a mixed bag of offenders from what Chaise could tell. From homely mother and grandmother looking types who could have easily been any Jane Bloggs at a local child's soccer game or school – to junkies, gothics and even some very pretty women in full make up.

The common thread amongst these different women was that the majority of them looked very sad – like all of the spark of life had been dimmed from their eyes and their souls. Chaise guessed that she must have looked that way too – just sad to be there.

BEATEN

Collins stopped Chaise in her tracks outside of what was to be her cell. She could see that it was cell number 6738. This would be her new home for the next few months. She was prisoner number GY67536 of cell number 6738 in block 'A'.

Collins proceeded to unlock the sliding cell door with one of the silver keys hanging off another huge steel ring that was on his belt.

The door made a loud clunking sound as it unlocked and slid open, revealing to Chaise her new home. Two single mattresses with fitted, dark green sheets adorned a steel framed bunk bed that was bolted down to the floor. A single, thin blanket and pillow were neatly placed on top of the bottom mattress. The only other furniture in the tiny cell was a small, steel desk and matching chair that were in one of the corners. Two cupboards were screwed in to the wall above the desk. There were a few old, yellowed, dog eared romance novels resting on top of it that looked like they had been read hundreds of times over. A small window with thick, sturdy metal bars in front of it let only a tiny amount of natural sunlight into the tiny cell.

The walls, floor and ceiling were all concrete and were painted the same awful colour as the rest of the cell block, but they were stained with a disgusting, yellow shade. There was writing and graffiti scratched into a few patches of the wall. A metal toilet was in the other corner of the room, opposite the bunks. It had no wall or door around it for privacy - just out in the open for all to see.

Next to the silver bowl was a small sink and, above that sat a rusted mirror. There was no dignity in jail, as Chaise had discovered quickly.

She noticed a young woman around her age, maybe even a bit younger, sitting upright on the top bunk. She was wearing the prison's orange tracksuit. She had gorgeous, thick, dark wavy hair that flowed down past her full, perky breasts and hung loosely around her tiny waist. She had a very pretty, yet haunted face.

Big brown eyes stared down at Chaise, yet her solemn expression did not change. Chaise's new cell mate just stared at her blankly, her eyes framed by dark circles. She looked like she had been crying.

"Adams, meet your cell mate, Roberts," Collins informed Chaise as he undid her handcuffs and gave her a small shove into the cell before just simply walking away and leaving her alone with Roberts.

Chaise stepped in hesitantly and watched as he slammed the cell door shut behind her.

"Hi," Chaise said awkwardly to the girl standing just inches away from her. She was very thin and very pale, almost ghostlike. She didn't say anything for a very long time. She just stared at Chaise with wide, frightened eyes.

After a few increasingly uncomfortable minutes, she finally opened her mouth.

"Hello," she almost whispered in a soft, angelic voice.

Chaise felt a wave of relief sweep over her that she was sharing her cell with this frail, harmless looking young girl instead of one of those mean looking women that were in the other cells.

"I'm Chaise," she told her, not sure whether she should sit down or not. After debating it in her mind for a few seconds, she decided to sit down on the small, steel chair next to the desk.

"The movie star," the girl acknowledged quietly, not even looking over at Chaise, just staring at the floor.

"Yeah. The movie star," Chaise confirmed quietly, "What's your name?"

"Nicole," she answered, staring at her feet and avoiding all eye contact.

Chaise wasn't sure if she was being deliberately rude or if she was just shy. She decided that the best option would be to leave it up to the girl to start a conversation when she was ready. Chaise did not want to annoy her new cell mate.

She had a closer look around the cell and at the books on the desk that Nicole was reading. They were very trashy Mills and Boon romance novels. Chaise also noticed some old photos that had obviously been handled a thousand times. They were crumpled and creased and were blu-tacked to the wall beside Nicole's bed. In one photo a much healthier, happier looking version of Nicole was smiling from ear to ear - her arm was around an older woman who was smiling and nestling her head-on Nicole's shoulder. They had very similar facial features and Chaise presumed that it was Nicole's mother. Another photo was a group shot of five girls with Nicole nestled in the middle.

All were dressed to the nines for a night out on the town - their arms all-embracing each other, lovingly. They looked like they were all laughing hysterically. There was another of a small, white fluffy dog, a Pomeranian looking breed. The last one was strange. It was of Nicole and a much older man. He looked very rough and had both arms sleeved in various tattoos and a thick, black moustache.

He was wearing dark sunglasses and had a shaved head. Even though Nicole was smiling happily, the man had a menacing look on his face. He looked mean.

Really mean.

What was so strange about the picture was that it had been ripped down the middle - between Nicole and the man - and then sticky taped back together.

There must be a story behind that... Chaise thought to herself.

After what seemed like an eternity of a heavy, awkward silence Chaise couldn't take it any longer. She crawled onto the bottom bunk and lay down, staring up at the underneath of Nicole's mattress. She didn't know if she should talk to Nicole or not but it had to be better than sitting there in silence.

"So, why are you in here, Nicole?" Chaise asked, cautiously.

Nicole didn't answer.

Chaise waited a few more minutes than leaned over the side to look up and see what Nicole was doing.

She hadn't moved.

"Nicole?"

Nicole looked down at Chaise, a very annoyed expression plastered on her pretty face, "Look, there are some things you should know," she snapped angrily, "Nobody told me anything about prison life when I first got here and I had to learn the hard way so consider this as a favour. Never ask anyone why they are in here."

"Oh, O.K, I am so sorry... I didn't know," Chaise was shocked and taken aback at the sudden anger from this sweet and innocent looking girl. But then again - there were no innocent and sweet girls in prison.

"Don't talk to anybody you don't know unless they talk to you first. Don't stare or even look at anybody. Don't sit or stand in anyone's spot. Don't touch anyone's stuff. Don't try and make friends with the wrong people who do not want to know you," she was spouting off this list of 'don'ts' to Chaise, very coldly and bluntly.

"Uh..., thanks for telling me all of the 'rules' and stuff, but I am not going to really need them. I won't be staying here very long. My lawyers are going to sort this out and get me out of here as soon as possible."  
"Did you cut a deal?" Nicole asked, curiously.

"No way! What they offered was a load of crap. I am going to court."

A small chuckle escaped Nicole's lips before she caught hold of herself and went silent again.

"What!?" Chaise demanded to know what was so funny.

"Nothing. It's just that it takes a very long time to go to court. You are going to be sitting here for a very long time before you get your day. You would probably be better off doing whatever the deal is."

A thousand thoughts rushed through Chaise's head in a panic,

Was this girl right!?

Would Chaise have to sit in jail for months - even years before she would get the chance to defend herself like Jed had warned her of repeatedly?

Had she made a huge mistake?

"You probably should have taken a deal when you are up for a murder charge," Nicole told her.

"Manslaughter actually," Chaise corrected her, "And how do you know I am in here for that? I thought nobody was supposed to know why people are in here!? You just told me that," Chaise demanded.

"Because, since this morning all that has been over every one of our limited T.V channels has been all about you and what you did."

"Oh," Chaise hadn't even thought of that.

"Caught the hubby cheating, huh?" Nicole asked.

Pain ripped through Chaise's chest and she felt the tears well up inside of her again. She was surprised that she had any tears left to cry. When Chaise didn't answer her, Nicole lay back on her bed and picked up the book that she was reading again, "They're all bastards," she said quietly.

Thoughts swirled around and around inside of Chaise's head as she bit her bottom lip, trying desperately to stop herself from crying.

How did I, Chaise Adams - the world famous and loved movie star go from winning a Golden Globe and being adored by the world - to sitting in a quiet, cold and damp jail cell - facing the possibility of spending a huge chunk of my life in jail!? How did I end up being a murderer?! How was I responsible for taking away someone else's life! How had my whole world turned upside down and inside out?!

She had gone from a huge mansion in Beverly Hills to a tiny, cold

concrete and steel cage. From custom made, very expensive designer clothes to a disgusting, polyester prison issue tracksuit.

From a maid and private chef to sloppy joes in the cafeteria. From two hundred dollar a bottle skin lotion to cheap, nasty soap in a shower that Chaise was going to have to share with many other women. From being chauffeur-driven and privately jetted around the world to not being allowed outside of the huge barbed wire fences surrounding her.

What the hell had happened?!

Chaise's whole life had changed.

In an instant.

One spilt second and it was all over. Her thoughts turned to Matt.

She needed him so desperately - now more than ever before.

Despite the fact that he had done the unthinkable and cheated on her, she loved him so very much and so badly wanted to talk to him. For him to hold her tightly in his strong arms. She wanted so badly to apologise for what she had done - to let him apologise for what he had done.

For the two of them to forgive each other and go back to being where they were before this horrific nightmare.

Madly in love.

Chaise wanted him to hold her forever, to kiss her, to tell her that everything was going to be alright. That their marriage was going to be alright.

She was so lost without him.

After Chaise spent the next couple of hours of doing nothing but staring at the walls around her in silence and contemplating her life and why this had happened to her, there was a loud siren echoing down the hallway. All the cell doors along their block suddenly unlocked automatically in a chain reaction of loud, clanging noises that echoed down the halls. Chaise jumped, frightened out of her mind and confused as to what was going on.

Nicole just casually rolled off her bed and slipped on the prison issue flip flops that were on the floor near the door.

"What's going on!?" Chaise cried out in shock.

"It's dinner and free time," Nicole informed her casually, without even looking in her new cell mate's direction.

Chaise was starving. She had not eaten at all today - she hadn't even realized until now, as she had been too stressed out. The thought of eating now suddenly made her stomach grumble and saliva well up in her mouth.

Nicole started to walk out of their cell into the open corridor without waiting for Chaise. She was about to disappear into the large crowd of prisoners who were all starting to stream out of their cells and were shuffling along in a sea of orange, laughing and talking to each other.

"Nicole, wait!" Chaise cried out, hurriedly jumping down off her bed and slipping her shoes on.

She tried to catch up to Nicole, who had completely ignored her and was now disappearing amongst the crowd of inmates.

Chaise started panicking. She tried to see if she could spot Nicole but she was also trying her best not to get in anybody's way or bump into anyone as they marched past her.

"Hey, it's the celebrity! She's on our block," Chaise heard a deep, gruff voice say behind her.

Chaise spun around to see a woman glaring viciously at her. She was in her late forties and had cheap looking tattoos covering both of her arms all the way from her hands to her shoulders. She had a buzz-cut, army-style shaved head with speckles of grey through what was left of it. Deep wrinkles lined her mouth and her forehead and they deepened as she frowned menacingly at Chaise. She looked like one very mean woman.

"Uh... hi," Chaise muttered quietly, her heart beating wildly in her chest.

"Well, well, well. Chaise Adams. The famous movie star. You know what? I saw 'Waking Charlotte'," she snarled at Chaise coldly, staring right through her with her emotionless, grey eyes.

She was referring to a teen thriller movie that Chaise had done years ago.

It had not been her best work and the movie had been a huge flop.

"Uh, thanks," Chaise replied, not sure of what she was supposed to say.

"It was the worst shit I have ever seen. A fucking waste of my ten bucks,"

The woman stood with her arms folded over her huge sagging, bra-less breasts that were resting on her large, protruding stomach.

She was a very big, solid build and very intimidating. Three other women were also standing behind her. All of them were as similarly frightening-looking as this large woman was. They all stared at Chaise intensely and one of them had a slight smirk on her face.

"Yeah, I saw it too. Fucking hated it," one of the other women told Chaise as well.

She had straight, limp black hair that hung rattily around her gaunt, pale face. Along her chin was a deep, red scar that stretched down to her neck.

"Seems like you owe all of us our ten bucks back," the first, large woman told her, not moving away as the last of the other prisoners in the cell block hurried past the group towards the food hall.

A few of them shot Chaise a concerned look but most of them avoided looking in her direction. They just shuffled past the small group as quickly as they could with their heads facing the ground.

After a few minutes, the hallway was completely empty apart from the four women and Chaise. It was suddenly eerily silent as they were surrounded by empty cells and hallways.

"I... uh... sorry?" Chaise didn't quite understand what they meant.

"Hey Rich Bitch, you owe each of us ten bucks for wasting our money. We want it back for having to sit through such a shit movie with a fucking whore starring in it."

As she spoke to Chaise, she leaned in so close that her face was only an inch away from Chaise's. Her breath smelt horrible and a putrid stink of cigarettes pierced Chaise's nose.

"I.. I, I'm sorry. I know the movie sucked... I..." Chaise could hear her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

She was panicking and not sure of what she should do.

Should she run?

Call for help?

Stay and try to talk to them?

Were they going to hurt her?

Was this a trick?

She was so scared and confused. She had only been in jail for a couple of hours and she was already being confronted by inmates in a terrifying experience and she had no idea how she was supposed to handle it.

"Oh, Movie Star. You think you are such a fucking big shot, don't you? You think that your shit don't stink? Just 'cause you are rich and good looking, you think you are better than everybody in here, don't ya, bitch?"

"We can change the 'good looking' part, Jenkins," another of the woman piped up. She was very overweight and very short with wild, unkempt bright orange hair and a face full of freckles.

"We sure can," Jenkins smirked.

"I don't think I'm better than anybody..." Chaise started to try and defend herself but - before she could finish what she was trying to say - the butch woman, Jenkins punched her extremely hard, square in the face.

The blow caught Chaise completely off guard and was so powerful that she went flying backwards, landing with a thud onto the hard, concrete floor. Her head flew backwards as she fell and smashed onto the ground with a sickening thud. Warm blood immediately started pouring out of her nose and down her chin and neck.

Chaise screamed in terror as waves of pain radiated through her entire body. Her nose felt like it was on fire - it had to be broken.

Dazed and in shock, Chaise tried to stagger back up to her feet, cupping her nose and trying to stem the bleeding but the sticky red liquid streamed through her fingers and down her arm. The other three women who were standing beside Jenkins were all laughing hysterically and high-fiving her.

"You got the bitch good, Jenkins!"

"Gonna have to run along to your plastic surgeon there, Movie Star! Looks broken to me," the red head taunted her.

"Not so pretty and perfect with her nose smashed into her face, is she!?"

Jenkins chuckled, sinisterly.

Chaise stumbled awkwardly to her feet and tried to stagger away from them backwards. Her nose was pulsating and throbbing and it hurt like hell.

"Where do you think you're going, Movie Star!?" Jenkins kicked Chaise's legs hard - sending her sprawling backwards onto the hard floor again – her legs flying into the air from under her. The evil women all laughed and then descended upon her like a pack of wild dogs. She felt one of them kick her hard in the ribs. Chaise screamed a blood-curdling scream.

Another powerful boot to her back.

Another.

And another.

Then some powerful punches. All four of them were now laying into Chaise, kicks and punches were coming from every direction, landing on every part of her exposed body. One of them stomped down with their boot, hard onto Chaise's face - the blow landing onto her broken nose.

Chaise screamed again at the intense pain as it rippled through her in excruciating waves.

She tried frantically to protect her head and face with her arms but, blow after blow still came pounding down upon her. She was utterly defenceless to their onslaught. Chaise's ears were ringing as multiple feet repeatedly stomped on her head and body. Every inch of Chaise was exploding in pain and it increased with every hit that impacted on her beaten, bruised and bloodied body. The seconds felt like minutes. The minutes felt like hours. She endured a beating that felt like it would never stop. She thought that the hits would just keep coming and coming until they finally beat her to death.

Chaise was screaming hysterically as loud as she possibly could, but nobody was coming to help her. She was all alone and helpless with these raging animals. She couldn't see anything - she was blinded by the blood that was pouring into her eyes. A veil of red was all that was visible every time she managed to pry her swollen eyelids open.

The women continued to stomp on Chaise's legs - she felt her kneecaps getting slammed into the wrong direction. Her breasts were also kicked hard, over and over again, relentlessly.

Jenkins laughed and jumped on top of Chaise, her heavy weight crushing down onto her fragile ribs. Her knee landed on Chaise's right arm and, as she jumped off her chest, Chaise heard the bone in her forearm snap in a sickening, horrifying moment. Screaming in intense pain, Chaise tried to lift her injured arm up off the ground to try and protect it but she could not move it.

She knew instantly that it was broken. Her whole body was beaten so severely and she was in such an insane amount of agony that she was at the point where she was convinced that she was going to die.

Nobody was going to save her.

Nobody gave a shit.

They were going to beat her to death right here on the cold, concrete floor of the prison.

This was how her life was going to end.

Chaise could feel the warm thick, sticky blood start to pool around her head in a large puddle on the floor. Her prison tracksuit was soaked through. A sudden, strange, numbing feeling came over her and the women started to fade away from her sight.

Everything around her started to turn from blood red to a fuzzy black.

The sounds of the women's laughter started to grow fainter and further away. Each kick and punch started to feel less painful.

Chaise's battered and beaten body didn't hurt as much anymore.

She started to feel as if her body was floating away into a deep darkness, escaping the brutality of what was happening to her.

'I must be dying,' she thought to herself in a dream like haze. She was so relieved - what a sweet escape death would be.

To be able to die.

To escape this nightmare.

To end it all.

Just take me God, she prayed, Take me away from this hell...

She closed her heavy eyelids and allowed herself to drift off into the peaceful tranquillity of death.

LIVING IN A NIGHTMARE

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The sounds of multiple machines beeping around her were the first faint sounds that Chaise could hear. She struggled to try and make out where the beeps were coming from.

After a few confusing minutes, she finally managed to open her eyes. A sliver of very bright light shone into her sensitive pupils.

Was she in heaven?

Chaise was so relieved.

God had accepted her, despite what she had done to Natasha. She would not have to burn in hell after all.

"Heaven," Chaise murmured, peacefully.

A face peered over her – it was an older lady wearing a nurse's hat with a surgical mask over her mouth. She said something to Chaise but the sound was muffled and Chaise could not work out what it was that she was saying. The nurse started checking her eyes with a small torch.

Who was she?

What was she doing?

Disorientated, it took a while for the room around Chaise to become less of a blur and clearer, into focus. She could hear the beeping of the machines that had roused her and the hustle and bustle of people working around them. Chaise realized that she wasn't in heaven. She was in a hospital.

She was alive.

She hadn't died.

Chaise wasn't sure if she was happy about this fact or not. The relief and escape of death had seemed like a much more peaceful option to her. It was an easier way out then slowly rotting away in a jail cell. If she was alive then she was still very much in Hell.

Her body felt like it weighed four hundred pounds and her head was unbelievably groggy. She felt so completely out of it. As Chaise tried to sit up, she realized that she couldn't even lift her head.

"Don't try to move, Adams," the nurse told her strictly, "You are in the prison's hospital. You were involved in an incident and you have sustained serious injuries. We have sedated you for the pain with medication and you are strapped down to the bed."

Chaise groaned miserably and closed her eyes - the numbness of her body from the drugs was a very weird, heavy feeling. Chaise could hear the nurses and doctors talking about her amongst themselves. She was also aware that one of the guards, Collins was in the room as well. Chaise was struggling to make out what they were saying.
"The press is all over this. I don't know how it leaked out so quickly but there are a lot of them outside - demanding to know what's going on," Collins was saying.

"Are we supposed talk to them?" Asked a nurse.

"The prison governor will do it, he is preparing a statement now. I explained what I could about what happened. It's just a shame that we have no idea who did this to her - it won't sound good saying that we haven't reprimanded the inmates responsible yet."

"Are you going to ask Adams who it was?"

"She has been in jail for one day, I doubt she even knows who the offenders are. I will question her when she is properly awake and see if we can get descriptions of some sort - see if she even remembers what happened. God knows how long she was lying on that floor, unconscious for."

Chaise remembered alright. It all came back to her in flashbacks of the attack. She doubted that she will ever forget being beaten within an inch of her life by four disgusting women. She was still in shock at what had happened to her as it all came flooding back to her memory. The punches and boots to her body, head, breasts, face - everywhere. Even though she couldn't feel the pain now, Chaise knew that once the drugs they had given her wore off that she was going to be in a world of trouble. Her body had been very badly battered.

God only knows what her face looked like. Chaise struggled to stay awake and listen to what the doctors and guards were saying but the medication they had given her were too strong and she drifted back into a groggy, restless sleep.

When she awoke again in the small, cell-like hospital, she was all too aware of the intense pain radiating through every inch of her swollen and tender body. Everything hurt.

Everything.

What made it even worse was that every time Chaise tried to take a breath, she felt sharp, stabbing pains in her ribs - it made breathing extreme agony. Her face was swollen so much that she felt like she had been blown up like a balloon. Her right arm was in a heavy cast that went from her wrist up to her elbow. Chaise tried to move but it was too much.

She screamed out in pain, alerting the nurses to the fact that she was awake again.

"Adams, try not to move. You have quite a few serious injuries," one of the nurses told her bluntly, "You have two broken ribs, a fractured forearm and a deep laceration above your top lip which required eight stitches. You have severe bruising all over your body and your nose is broken."

Chaise felt numb and this time it wasn't from the drugs.

"You will spend the next two days in here so that we can monitor your progress then, when the doctor gives you the all clear you will be returned to your cell."

Chaise burst into tears. Each salty drop that streamed down her face stung hard, like a bee sting. Chaise's whole face hurt so badly that she was half crying from the pain and half crying from the knowledge of what had happened to her. Every movement she made was utter torture. The nurses all left the room and just Collins and Chaise were left alone.

"You O.K, Adams?" He asked as he approached her bedside.

"I need... more drugs," Chaise moaned, wincing in pain from trying to talk - aware of the deep cut that had split her lip open. It felt like it could tear wide open if she moved her mouth too much.

"Sorry, but you have had enough. It's prison policy. I can't give you

anymore. You are going to have to just take the pain."

"What!? But I am not a drug addict abusing your precious system! I am in an intense amount of pain!" Chaise spat angrily at him, despite her swollen and cut lip.

"Sorry, but no can do."

They sat there in silence for a few moments as Chaise glared furiously at him. He turned and looked the other way, blatantly ignoring her.

How dare they treat her like this!

Like one of the other prisoners!

She was a very rich and powerful celebrity. It had been a tragic accident that had sent her here - she wasn't a criminal! Chaise couldn't believe that all of this was happening to her. It still felt like an insane nightmare.

After a few minutes, Collins strolled back over to Chaise and sat down on a metal stool next to her gurney. Chaise's hands and feet were handcuffed to the bed. She felt so helpless and vulnerable - as well as utterly violated.

"Do you know who did this to you?" Collins asked her, softly.

"No. It was some butch, fat bitch and her dyke friends," Chaise scowled.

"Can you describe them to me?"

Chaise opened her mouth to begin to tell him all about the women when she suddenly realized what she was doing and the consequences that went along with that and stopped herself before she said a word.

If she dobbed them in would they come after her again?

Maybe this beating was the only one Chaise would get - maybe they would leave her alone now. It could have been that they were showing Chaise who was boss and she could just avoid them and stay out of their way until her trial. Chaise had seen enough prison movies to know that you shouldn't rat people out - it was like putting a target on your back. She was not a hardened woman by any means but this time she would have to step up and be brave and, for the first time in a very long time she was going to have to look after herself.

"I don't know. I can't remember," Chaise lied to him, praying that she was making the best decision.

Hopefully, by not snitching on them they would respect her and leave her alone. Collins nodded his head, knowing exactly what Chaise was doing.

He had seen it all before - inmates refusing to tell authority figures who had done what. They preferred to sort incidents out themselves. It was very rare that anybody would ever dob others in. Collins was just surprised that Chaise was prepared to do it too.

"Your attorney has been notified. He will come and visit you here later this afternoon."

This afternoon?

Was it the next day already?

Before the beating Chaise had been heading for dinner...

How long had she been out for!?

What day was it now!?

Collins left the room and the nurses returned to watch over her.

They seemed very uncomfortable being around her and barely said two words, avoiding eye contact as much as they could.

Time ticked by excruciatingly slowly. Chaise knew this because she could see a clock on the wall from her gurney all too clearly.

She sat impatiently, watching the second hand slowly tick along - waiting for Jed to walk through the door and rescue her.

Surely, he was going to get Chaise out of here now that he knew what had happened to her?! Chaise felt hopeful - and stupid at the same time.

Finally, at five thirty Jed strolled through the door. His face turned to a look of horror as he laid eyes upon Chaise's beaten face and body. He gasped and dropped his briefcase to the floor - running over to her bedside,

"Chaise! Oh, my God - what happened! Are you O.K!? Oh my God!"

Tears welled in his eyes as he scanned her injuries, trying to take it all in.

"I got beaten up," Chaise told him very bluntly, "By four butch women."

"What!? The prison only told me that you had been involved in an incident! Who are they!? Have you reported them? Do you know who it was!?" He rambled anxiously.

"Jed, don't be stupid - I am not reporting them! It will happen again if I do! I don't want to be known as a rat. Are you going to get me out of here now!?" She demanded.

"Chaise, I am doing my best. We all are. We can't get you out just because of this... I really, really wish that I could, though. Are you alright?"

Concern was plastered all over his wrinkly face, his grey eyes squinted at Chaise, studying her face. Chaise still hadn't seen what she looked like and she didn't really want to. She could imagine by how swollen her face felt that it would look hideous.

"No, I am not alright! I have a broken arm, ribs and nose! I cannot stay here! Obviously! Get me the fuck out of here! How much longer until I can go to trial!?"

"I don't know, Chaise. Hopefully only a couple of months," he sighed.

"A COUPLE OF MONTHS! Jed, are you kidding me!"

"Chaise, there is nothing that I can do. Trust me, we have a whole team of people working on your case. I warned you about it taking that long to go to trial when Harry offered you the deal!"  
"I am not going to take a deal of five years – or two if I'm lucky!"

She mimed air quotes at the last part, "A jury will let me off - I know they will. Just get a trial date as quickly as possible \- do everything that you possibly can!"

She grimaced in pain, her ribs throbbing as she hyperventilated in anger.

After a few minutes of trying to calm herself down and control her breathing to dull the pain down, she looked over at Jed.

"Have you spoken to Matt?!"

He went quiet and stared down at his shoes. Chaise was so frustrated with him that she just wanted to grab his shoulders and shake his bald head back and forth - but unfortunately, she was strapped to the bed like an animal.

"JED!"

"I have tried, Chaise. He won't return any of my calls - I have honestly tried repeatedly. The media is hounding him relentlessly. I stopped by your house to try and talk to him in person and there were paparazzi and news vans lining up and down the street. I then went to Minch's house, thinking that Matt might be there and it's the same story over there. Matt hasn't spoken out to the press yet so they are all competing for the first interview with him. He wouldn't answer the door but Minch's neighbours told me that Matt is staying there and he hasn't left there since it all happened."

Chaise felt so guilty. It was like a punch to her stomach, but this one hurt more than the real-life ones that she had taken.

This was all her fault.

She wanted it to be his fault for having an affair in the first place, but this insane drama consuming both of their lives now was all her doing.

Jed continued on with even more bad news, "Unfortunately, your parents are also in the same boat. The press have descended upon Wedgewood with a vengeance, trying to get an interview out of them and anybody that knew you when you were younger. They have not spoken publicly, but their church made a statement on their behalf, saying that they were devastated and disappointed and would not be commenting about it."

Chaise's heart sank. The small, quiet town of Wedgewood would be despising all the media attention that had invaded their lives.

"So... with this... beating, what happened?" Jed asked.

"I am not pressing charges or anything so just forget about it,"

Chaise grumbled.

"No, no - of course not. I completely understand. I am asking you as your friend. I am very worried about you, Chaise."

"Well, so you should be! It is a zoo in here, Jed - I am living with animals! Four fat, fugly-looking bitches bashed, kicked, punched and beat me repeatedly within an inch of my life until I finally blacked out. I have been in prison for one day and this has already happened so I guess this is a taste of what is to come. They hate me because I am a celebrity and they think that I think that I am better than them. I guess they wanted to teach me otherwise. End of story. "

"Chaise, I am so sorry. This whole situation is beyond horrific."

"End of story, Jed." Chaise repeated angrily, "I don't want to talk about it."

She was fuming. She would have to spend months in this hell hole before she even had the opportunity to tell her side of the story and get out of there. Matt wasn't responding to her reaching out to him through Jed - the press was having a field day and Chaise's estranged parents had been proven 'right' about the sins of living in Hollywood - in their eyes, anyway.

This whole situation was a nightmare.

"The Hendrix's have made a statement," Jed said quietly.

Hendrix.

Her parents.

"They went on about how wonderful, loving and kind Natasha was and how she didn't deserve any of this. They want the justice department to lock you up and throw away the key. They are understandably very angry and upset by what happened to their daughter. They are hurting deeply, as you can imagine. She is dead because of you."

Chaise had nothing to say to that. What could she say? They had lost their daughter. They had every right to be furious with Chaise and to want her to rot in jail.

"Chaise, I have to go. They only agreed to let me see you for twenty minutes. Would you like me to prepare a statement for the media circus that is camped outside?"

Chaise shook her head - the pain ripping through her skull as she did so, "No. Nothing."

"I would really advise you to do so. Even if it is just to say that you are O.K. The media know that something dramatic has happened in here and word is slipping out about it through other inmates, guards and whoever else might know. Saying nothing would probably make it worse."

Chaise winced with pain, "Fine. Just say that there was an incident but I am fine. Do not go into any details about my injuries or that it was a fight with other prisoners or anything - I don't want everybody to know about this, do you understand?"

"Yes, of course I do, Chaise. I will sort it all out. I will be back in a few days with an update on how we are progressing with your case.

Hang in there and please stay away from trouble. Do what you have to do to stay safe."

Chaise glared at him.

With that, he smiled weakly at her and left.

NICOLE'S STORY

The time Chaise spent in the prison hospital was driving her crazy.

Being strapped down and just lying there all day in extreme agony was pushing her to the edge - but at the same time it was also a blessing. As frustrating as it was, Chaise felt much safer in there - where the other prisoners could not get to her. She was terrified of returning to the prison's general population and having to face her attackers and the other prisoners again.

It made her feel sick every time she thought about it.

So, the day when the doctors gave her the all clear and Collins and another guard named Smith came to take Chaise back to her cell, she begged and pleaded with them not to take her back there - to let her stay.

As much as she hated it in the hospital, she hated the general population prison even more.

When Collins came to return Chaise he coldly informed her that because she refused to give them any information about the attack, they could not put her into protective custody.

They ignored Chaise's protests and escorted her through to the prison grounds and back to her cell. The prisoners stared at Chaise in shock as she passed by them. Some even smirked evilly at her.

Chaise still hadn't seen what her face looked like - she had avoided mirrors like the plague while recovering in the hospital.

Nicole looked at Chaise in complete horror as Collins and Smith pushed her back into their cell. Her wide, scared eyes studied Chaise's face then dropped down to the heavy cast around her arm. Chaise ignored her and walked straight over to the rusted old mirror bolted to the wall near the small sink above the basin.

She had to see what damage had been done - what was terrifying everybody that she came into contact with. It was the first time that Chaise would see the full extent of it. She gasped in alarm as she saw the hideous, startling sight.

Both of her eyes were multiple shades of black mixed with deep purples and yellows - that spanned all the way from her eyebrows down to her cheeks. Her nose was clearly off to the left side now, instead of perfectly straight like it had been before the beatings.

Even with the butterfly bandages over it she knew it was going to stay that way. She would definitely need a nose job when she got out of there. The cut above her top lip was a dried, bloody and very deep laceration with small, black stitches sticking out of the wound like tiny spider's legs.

Chaise knew it was going to leave a deep scar. She doubted that there was much that even the best plastic surgeons could do about that. It was so tender and raw that every time she moved her mouth to talk, eat or drink it was excruciating, like the new skin that was forming was tearing open repeatedly.

God forbid if she had to cough or sneeze - that would be torture for her mouth and her ribs. Without even caring that Nicole was right behind her, Chaise took off her orange prison tracksuit and let it fall to the floor around her feet. She stood in front of the tiny mirror in just her bra and underwear and studied her battered body.

Dark black, purple, green and yellow bruises covered almost every visible part of Chaise's body - her breasts resembled an artist's used paint palette. She heard Nicole gasp in shock behind her as she saw the extent of what Chaise's body looked like.

Where Chaise's ribs had broken was the deepest purple, coloured patches. She could almost make out the boot imprints indented into the bruises.

Chaise had been mentally preparing herself to see this as best as she could - but it still hadn't been enough.

It was horrendous.

She was still in so much intense pain. Every inch of her body hurt so much that it was excruciating to even make the smallest movements. Her breasts were tender and swollen, her torso, legs, arms, neck, back and face were a bruised and battered mess.

"I am so sorry," Nicole said softly behind Chaise as she got dressed.

Chaise ignored her and slowly and steadily - taking her time and wincing through the pain, pulled her jumpsuit back on and carefully climbed on to her bunk and lay down gently, closing her swollen eyes.

"I had no idea that they would do that to you," Nicole whispered in shame.

Chaise's ears pricked up at that statement, a shiver running down her spine.

"What do you mean!?" She demanded through gritted teeth, trying not to move her mouth too much as she spoke.

"Nothing - I am just sorry that's all."

"What are you talking about!?" Chaise persisted, frustrated with this annoying woman who she was forced to live in close quarters with.

Nicole started sobbing hard into her pillow. Through her muffled tears she said, "I knew they were going to get you. They had been talking about it since they first heard that you were coming here on the news. They thought it would be funny to beat the crap out of a celebrity. 'A spoilt rich bitch', they said. I just had no idea that they would be so... so brutal."

"You knew!?" Chaise shouted at her in fury, ignoring the pain that roared through her face and ribcage, "You knew and you didn't warn me!?"

"I am so, so sorry, Chaise! But if I had told you then they would have gotten me too - you don't understand how it works in here!

It's every woman for herself! It has to be."

"You spineless bitch! That's why you ran off to dinner and left me - how the fuck could you do that to me!?"

"I am so sorry, Chaise. I really, really am. I just wanted to stay out of it. I had no idea that you were going to be my cell mate. When you arrived here I just panicked - I didn't know what to do. Of course, I did not want you to get hurt, but I can't get involved! I have tried so hard to stay out of Jenkins' way - to just be invisible. I just want to get through my time and get out of here in one piece... I didn't want any of this drama. You didn't tell the guards that it was her, did you!?"

"No," Chaise muttered angrily under her breath. She was fuming at the betrayal from her cell mate.

"That's very smart. If you had, then they would have got you again - probably even worse."

"I presumed that," she was so livid at Nicole, Chaise wanted to hit her not talk to her and listen to her feeble apologies.

"She pretty much runs this place, you know. Her and her gang of goons are all lifers with no possibility of parole. They don't care what happens to them in here - they are never going to be released.

Jenkins is here because she stabbed her husband and her own sister literally hundreds of times then sliced their throats open with a kitchen knife after finding them in bed together... sort of like you, you know?"

"Excuse me!? That is nothing like me!" Chaise spat furiously at her.

"Well, the revenge for the husband cheating thing..."  
"My incident was an accident. I didn't deliberately stab anybody and I did not slit anybody's throat."

This girl was really pissing Chaise off. A trickle of blood escaped from Chaise's cut lip, streaming into her mouth and leaving a warm, salty taste.

Chaise had to try and remind herself to calm down and talk softer or she would rip all the stitches out.

"Well, yeah, Jenkins was a lot more brutal and psycho. She stayed at home with the two bodies in her house for over a week before neighbours reported the smell and the police investigated. She was still wearing the blood-soaked clothes she had been wearing when she had killed them. For over a week! Really sick and twisted stuff!

God knows what she had been doing in that time."

Chaise suddenly remembered when that had happened - it had been all over the news and had been a huge story. There had been talk around town about making a movie out of what had happened.

That had been years ago.

"Anyway, she tells anyone and everyone about it that will listen to her. She is really proud of it which is so disgusting. When she heard about you, she told everybody that you were a weak bitch because you did not kill your husband as well - that you needed to be taught a lesson."

Chaise felt sick again. She wished that Nicole would just stop talking.

They didn't say anything for a very long time until Chaise finally broke the silence, "So, since you know everything about me I think that it is only fair that I know why you are in here. Since we are going to be sharing this shit hole together. I don't give a crap about the stupid rules. Besides - you owe me for letting me get beaten."

Nicole didn't answer straight away. She sat quietly for a very long time - then she lifted her hand up next to her. She was clutching the torn then taped back together photo of herself and the older man who looked really menacing, "You know, I reckon eighty percent of the women in here are here because of a man," she said softly. Chaise could just see the photo in her trembling hands. She studied it again. He really was a mean looking bastard.

Nicole took a deep, shaky breath and proceeded to tell Chaise her grisly tale, "His name is Todd and he was the love of my life.

We met when I was sixteen and he was thirty, when he sold my friend and I some pot at a party and we got talking. He was really sweet and he complimented me a lot. He told me everything that a young teenage girl wanted to hear and completely swept me off my feet. I had just moved to Los Angeles from New Jersey with my parents and I didn't have many friends. I had never had a serious boyfriend before and I was smitten with him instantly. I don't know if it was the cliché of the older, bad boy - but he literally became my life. I became obsessed with him and he was with me as well.

He would pick me up from school every single day on his motorbike and I felt like I was hot shit in front of my classmates.

He would take me out to expensive restaurants, take me shopping to the mall every day after school and buy me whatever I wanted.

He spoilt me rotten and always had a lot of money on him. For a sixteen year old \- that's pretty impressive.

After a year of dating and falling madly in love, and - against my parent's protests, I quit school and moved in with him to a house that he shared with his friend, Chuck. We had parties nearly every night. It was a crazy lifestyle. By this time I had learned that he was a big time drug dealer, selling mainly heroin and speed. There was always mounds of it on the coffee table at the parties and they would often turn into a free-for-all of drugs and orgies. I don't know why I didn't care that he was a drug dealer.

Looking back on it now, I put it down to the fact that I was a naïve teenager who was in love and didn't have a clue how the real world worked. I didn't really get involved with his friends and the partying at first. I was just a shy teenager. I would have a couple of beers with them every now and then but I mainly hid in our bedroom and read books or watched T.V when they were all out of control. I tried to avoid Todd when he was on a drug bender as well. He would stay up for days at a time doing drugs and drinking. After a couple of months of living together his drug use became out of control - he was doing it around the clock and he started to become violent towards me when he was in that state and had beaten me pretty badly a few times for stupid reasons. I was so under his spell though, that I didn't even consider leaving him.

One night, Todd and his friends pressured me into trying heroin. I gave in because I was desperate for their approval and for Todd to be kinder towards me. I thought that if we shared a common interest by doing drugs together then it would bring us closer – how fucking stupid is that!? I let him shoot it into my arm with a dodgy, used needle. They all laughed at me as I got instantly high - slapping me on the back and telling me to enjoy it and that I was 'one of them now.' It made me really, really sick and I threw up everywhere - much to their amusement. The next night, when

everyone was over at our house doing it again - I wanted to try it once more, even though it had made me sick. I had really enjoyed the freedom that I felt with the incredible high. I asked Todd if I could have more. He was really proud of me and said, 'That's my girl'."

Nicole stopped talking and sobbed into her pillow for a few minutes, she seemed very overwhelmed at re-hatching her tragic story.

After taking a moment to compose herself, she carried on.

"As I said, Todd had started doing heroin very hard in the months after I had moved in. Before, he had only dabbled in it but it had quickly turned into him having smack and speed, all day every day.

This was about the time that he had wanted me to start doing it too, so we could 'enjoy it together'. Anyway, needless to say - it didn't take long for me to become a full-blown junkie as well. Since I wasn't working or contributing financially for the drugs in any way whatsoever, we would often have big arguments about how much of his stash I was using. It was ironic because he was the one who refused to let me get a job. He was so possessive of me and he was the one who had gotten me hooked on the smack in the first place.

The arguments had started turning more and more violent. It would be anything from a slap across the face to the point where he was beating me senseless for the stupidest reasons, like if I left the milk out of the fridge or something. Because I had lost all contact with my friends and family and shunned myself away from the world, I relied on him for absolutely everything - but most importantly - I needed him for the smack."

Nicole took a few deep breaths and threw the crumpled photo onto the floor. This was obviously very hard for her to talk about.

"I had become a heroin addict, living in a nightmare and staying there for the drugs. One night, during one of the usual get togethers, I had way too much smack. I went to our bedroom to pass out, away from everybody. Not long after, Chuck our housemate snuck into my room. He was forever being dirty and seedy towards me and always making disgusting comments to me like he 'wanted to fuck my brains out'. He continuously tried to walk in on me in the shower and seedy stuff like that. I had managed to ignore him most of the time, and was never really alone with him in the house, as Todd would never let me out of his sight," she took a deep breath, "Anyway, he came into the room that night and snuck over to the bed. He pulled the blankets off me and started rubbing his hands all over my body. I was so completely out of it - but I was aware of what he was doing to me. I told him to get out but he just laughed at me. He tried to pull my sweat pants down and I kicked out at him. He got mad as I tried to fight him off and he hit me really hard in the face. I screamed and tried to get away from him, but he just kept laughing at me and saying disgusting things that he wanted to do to me. He climbed on top of me and held my hands together tightly above my head..." She stopped again, trying to calm herself down by taking very deep breaths, "The bastard brutally raped me," she said through a flood of tears.

Chaise struggled to sit up and look at Nicole, horrified at the story she was telling her and wanting to comfort her - but the pain shooting through her ribs forced her to lay back down again.

"What made the rape so much worse was that during it - in one of the rare few seconds that I dared to open my eyes - I saw Todd standing in the doorway to the bedroom, watching Chuck rape me.

He was drinking a beer and laughing to himself, encouraging Chuck on. I couldn't believe it. He was supposed to protect me - to love me. He was my boyfriend that I adored and there he was, encouraging the most awful thing that could ever happen to me...."

Nicole exhaled deeply and blew her nose on a tissue, "After Chuck had... finished... he just got up, strolled over to Todd and high-fived him. The two of them then re-joined the party, leaving me crying hysterically in the room. When Todd finally came back in the room like an hour later, he punched me in the nose and called me a 'dirty slut.' I was so confused, upset and devastated - I had no idea what was going on. When he came to bed later, after he had enough of the party, he forced me to have sex with him - even though he knew that I had been raped only hours earlier. I cried the whole time as he yelled at me to shut the fuck up. For the next few days, I didn't leave the bedroom at all, terrified of seeing Chuck. It was such torment to be living under the same roof as somebody who had raped me, but I was too scared to leave Todd and I really had nowhere else to go. I stole some heroin out of Todd's stash and shot up constantly, just to numb the pain. I just lay in bed getting high and crying. A few nights later - to my absolute horror \- Chuck and Todd both strolled into my room again. Chuck handed Todd a handful of money and thanked him. Todd counted the money and then just left me alone in the room with Chuck. It was then that I realized that Todd was pimping me out as Chuck raped me again.

This time, I lay there staring at the ceiling - not reacting at all, waiting for it to be over. In the weeks after that had happened, Todd just carried on as if nothing had happened and Chuck continued to rape me nearly every night. Every time I did try to leave, they would track me down, bring me back and beat me senseless.

After a while, Todd extended the offer to more of his friends, and before I knew it he was forcing me to have sex with up to three of them a night. He told me that I was paying for my heroin habit - which had worsened tenfold after the rapes had started, as I used it to escape from the reality of what was happening. I would get so smacked out that, half the time that they were having their way with me, I would be passed out,"

Chaise honestly could not believe what she was hearing.

This poor girl.

It was horrifying what had happened to Nicole. Chaise had never heard such a horrid story in all her life.

"Then it got to the point where Todd would take me out to the streets of The Valley and make me prostitute myself to random men. They would pick me up in their cars, drive to seedy motels and screw me. I would then have to report back to Todd afterwards with the money that I had made.

If I didn't make enough that day, he would beat me - or worse - he would keep the heroin away from me. The withdrawals were a hundred times more painful than the beatings and rapes were. I was so scared of not being able to have my fix that I made sure I made enough money for the day."

Nicole took another break - obviously emotionally exhausted from the terrifying memories.

"Anyway, I got caught numerous times by undercover cops. I quickly racked up a record of multiple prostitution arrests, as well as possession charges. I even took the blame for Todd on several occasions - saying his drugs were mine when we were pulled over.

One day, the judge decided he had had enough of my repetitive behaviour and sentenced me to two years in jail. I have been in here for a year and if I keep up my good behaviour, hopefully I will be out of here in the next six months."

Chaise sat there, stunned at what she had just heard.

"Oh my God, Nicole. I am so sorry! That is so messed up. I don't even know what to say to that."

"You don't have to say anything, Chaise. I have said it all to myself a hundred times. Coming to jail was the best thing that could have happened to me, though. I got away from Todd, I got off the smack and I can finally get my life back on track when I get out of here. I am no longer under his control. We were together for five years and they were much harder times than being in here is."

"Then, why do you still have his photo?" Chaise asked curiously.

"When I first came in, I had it with me because I was still madly in love and dependent on him - can you imagine!? Drugs really do screw with your mind. I thought that I would do my time then go straight back to him.

After a couple of months in here, when he didn't visit me or accept any of my phone calls I started to get a clear head and look at the whole situation from a different view. I realized what a fucking scumbag he really was and I ripped it up - keeping it at the bottom of my drawer. After a while, when I had started to pull myself together and I had managed to put things into perspective, I asked Collins to tape it back together for me and I put it on the wall as a constant reminder every day of my stupidity. I will never, ever let myself get into that situation ever again and I will never, ever let a man control me like that again."

"Wow. I am so, so sorry."

Nicole shrugged her frail shoulders, "It's life. I am only twenty-two now and I intend to start over again when I leave here - live my life the way I want to. Be who I want to be. I would really like to help other young girls who are in the same situation as me - and believe me - there are a lot of them out there."

"I hope you can achieve that, Nicole. That would be amazing."

"Thank you, Chaise."

They went quiet for a while, letting Nicole's story linger in the air like a bad smell. Chaise felt so emotionally overwhelmed by her cell mates story.

She could not imagine the horror of having to live through something like that. She was amazed that Nicole had shared the painful story with Chaise - who she had only known for a few days and had not really spoken to until now. Chaise presumed that it was because they were going to be spending a lot of time together in here and because she felt bad about not warning Chaise about Jenkins' attack. Chaise started to contemplate the fact that her own life would never, ever be the same again.

There was no way that the public were ever going to accept her back again after this. If Chaise wasn't an actress she had no idea what she would do with her life.

But, despite the devastating thought of her career being over for good - she was praying even harder that her marriage wasn't over as well. In the past few days that Chaise had spent lying in the hospital bed, she had thought about nothing else. She had completely forgiven Matt for his indiscretion. The punishment that was bestowed upon both of them was more than enough to suffice.

It was too much.

Chaise desperately wanted Matt in her life. She needed him.

Nicole interrupted her thoughts, "So, are you going to tell me

your story now? Seems only fair that I hear the truth - all I have heard is the media and news reports."

Chaise sighed to herself and reluctantly told Nicole the whole, sorry story.

She listened intently with eyes wide in shock. When Chaise had finally finished, Nicole looked at her in amazement, "Wow, that is so scary how that could happen to somebody just like that. One stupid mistake and your whole life can change so dramatically,"

Nicole said softly, "How you can go from living the life that most people dream of, to having it all taken away because of one wrong move."

"In an instant," Chaise agreed, sighing sadly.

"So, what are you going to do? Do you know yet?"

"No. My lawyers say that it will take a while to go to court. I am going to have to get my head around the fact that I am going to be here for a while."

Nicole nodded thoughtfully, "That's always a very hard process to go through. I can't believe that they haven't put you in a segregated area - away from general population, being a famous celebrity and all."

"Yeah, well I was hoping that they would but since it is a manslaughter charge, apparently, I have no choice."

The lights down the hallway turned off, signalling that it was bed time.

Chaise had no idea how she was going to sleep. Every slight movement she made was utter agony. She felt like she had been hit by a truck.

"Goodnight, Chaise," Nicole whispered softly.

"Goodnight, Nicole," Chaise replied.

She felt so much closer to her cell mate now, after they had both exchanged their horrendous stories. Maybe things weren't going to be that bad now that she had a friend by her side.

PRISON LIFE

The next day, when Chaise woke up after a very restless, painful sleep she quickly realized that it was going to be the first time that she was going to see the other prisoners since she had been attacked. It was also the first time that she would see the whole prison since she had been attacked, not long after arriving.

The siren rang signalling that it was time to go for breakfast. Chaise still hadn't even been to the mess hall yet, having had all her meals in the hospital the last few days. Nicole was very hesitant about walking with Chaise to the food area - it was etched all over her worried face. She had promised Chaise that she would though, as well as sit next to Chaise while they ate. She had also said that she would introduce her to some of the friends she had made in prison.

Nicole told Chaise that she would feel safer if she was in a group, rather than by herself.

Nicole could not guarantee that Jenkins and her crew would not attack Chaise again, but she was willing to help her find her feet with prison life.

Chaise was so grateful to Nicole for doing this for her - she knew that Nicole was terrified of befriending Lynwood's resident celebrity because of what Jenkins and her friends could potentially do to her.

Nicole took Chaise to the cafeteria and they walked through the double doors together, to the food service area and Nicole pointed out the proper protocol for getting their meal.

They then headed to the line where they were to receive their breakfast.

Chaise could feel hundreds of eyes burning into her as she nervously waited in the line. She wasn't sure if they were staring at her because of the fact that she was famous, or if it was because of what she looked like - black and blue and beaten within an inch of her life \- but either way, it made her extremely nervous. Chaise scanned the room of unfamiliar faces anxiously but - to her relief she couldn't see Jenkins anywhere.

However, her butch friends who had also beaten Chaise were sitting at a table in the far back corner. The three of them stared at Chaise coldly across the busy room but Jenkins herself was nowhere to be seen. Chaise looked away and avoided their stares.

She took a food tray and followed Nicole as she talked her through the do's and don'ts of the cafeteria etiquette. The food looked absolutely revolting. Chaise was starving but she did not know if she would be able to stomach the horrid food choices that were available. There were burnt, cold pieces of toast which looked borderline stale that came with a choice of either plain butter or peanut butter as a spread. There was a powdered egg product which was supposed to be like scrambled eggs but they just looked like scrunched up plastic. There were also a couple of browned apples and bananas and finally, a sludgy oatmeal which did not look appetizing. Chaise reluctantly chose two pieces of burnt toast with plain butter on them, an apple and an orange juice. The food looked so foul that Chaise screwed her face up in disgust and disbelief as Nicole loaded her plate with the mess that they were trying to pass off as eggs.

Nicole shrugged and laughed when she saw the look of repulsion on Chaise's face, "You learn to like it when you have no other choice."

Chaise struggled to balance her tray with her broken arm in the cast \- it hurt under the strain of the weight. Nicole took her over to the table that she usually sat at, where three of her friends were already sitting and eating their breakfast.

Their mouths dropped wide open as they saw Chaise coming over to sit at their table with them.

"Oh my God \- Chaise Adams! I have been dying to see you! I love

you!" A very skinny girl with a short, blonde pixie cut hairstyle gushed as Chaise sat down in an empty seat opposite her.

"Thanks," Chaise smiled awkwardly and as friendly as she possible could.

She needed all the friends that she could get in this hell hole.

"I'm Meagan," the gushing girl held out her tiny hand for Chaise to shake.

"Hi, I'm Chaise."

"Oh my God, we know who you are," a cute brunette with gorgeous, colourful tattoos down both arms rolled her eyes sarcastically, "You are a movie star! We are all huge fans."

"Chaise - this is Emily, Kim and - of course, Meagan," Nicole introduced them as they she sat down at the table.

Kim was a plain looking, young red head who couldn't have been much older than Nicole. She had a very innocent look about her and was quite short and petite. Emily was the girl with the tattoos.

She looked a few years older than the other three girls and she seemed a lot more hardened as well. Chaise said her hellos to all of them. They seemed nice enough.

"Wow. I can't believe Chaise Adams is in here with us! It's so crazy. I have seen all your movies - you are so beautiful! Well, maybe not so much at the moment..." Meagan giggled excitedly.

"I have loved you for ages! Oh my God - we just watched the Golden Globes awards a couple of weeks ago. This is so spun out!

Who would have ever thought that you would be sitting here with us!"

"Yeah," Chaise mumbled, not too sure what to say as she tried to chew on her dry toast without causing too much pain to her swollen, cut lip.

"Jenkins got you pretty good, huh?" Kim asked, studying Chaise's beaten face.

Chaise cringed at the mention of that name. Kim noticed Chaise's reaction, "Oh, you don't have to worry about her for a few days.

She was sent to solitary confinement as a punishment."

"What did she do this time?" Meagan asked, rolling her eyes.

"She threw a cup of her piss at Guard Slater," Kim laughed.

"Why?" Meagan asked curiously.

"Dunno. Some dispute about how many personal items she had in her cell."

Chaise was so relieved to hear that she would not have to face Jenkins for a few days. Although, the presence of her friends staring and laughing at Chaise was just as frightening and intimidating.

"So, which celebrities do you hang out with?" Emily asked, curiously as she stuffed spoonful's of oatmeal into her mouth.

"Huh?" Chaise was caught off guard at the question.

"You know, who are your friends that are famous? That we would know."

"Em..." Nicole tried to stop her.

"Well, how many famous people do we ever get to meet!?" Emily argued.

"It's O.K," Chaise reassured Nicole.

She was used to people's curiosity with the celebrity lifestyle - why would it be any different in here?

"Uh, well... most of the people I have worked with I am still in touch with... I have become friends with quite a few people and musicians..."

"My cell mate served time with Lindsay Lohan," Kim interrupted,

"Do you know her?"

Chaise shook her head, "No, I haven't met her. I don't hang out with a lot of the party crowd in my day to day life - I just mainly see them out at parties and events."

They grilled Chaise for twenty minutes about her celebrity friends until Nicole suggested that they changed the subject. Chaise knew that Nicole could tell that she was uncomfortable talking about the life she may never get back. The table turned quiet and awkward for a while until Meagan piped up, "So, what happened with Jenkins and her gang of lesbians?"

Chaise froze, stiffening up in her seat and not saying anything.

Nicole stepped in defensively for her again, "Meagan... leave it."

Meagan shrugged and shoved nearly a whole piece of toast into her mouth at once. The time allocated for breakfast flew by fairly quickly.

Chaise made polite conversation with her new friends as she wasn't about to be rude to her only allies in here.

Neither of them dared to mention Matt's name – much to Chaise's relief. Maybe Nicole had warned them not to. Chaise was so grateful that Nicole was being so sensitive to her needs and was protecting her as much as she was.

After they had finished eating, they all put their trays away and went outside into the recreation yard for free time. This was the first time that Chaise really got to see the prison as she hadn't had a chance to see much of it yet. She was surprised by how large the grounds were and by how many women were incarcerated in there.

This place housed thousands of inmates and was well over their maximum capacity.

To see them all in one area was quite intimidating. In the far corner of the rec yard there was a weight and gym area, but it did not have a lot of equipment. What they did have was very old and rusting, as well as bolted down to the floor. It was nothing like the gym Chaise had at home in her mansion where her trainer, Kane often pushed her to her physical limits.

There was also a clay basketball area in front of the gym. A group of prisoners were playing what looked like a heated game. There was a lot of shouting and shoving going on.

The guards that were roaming around were watching them very closely.

Chaise noticed that the majority of the women were segregated into various groups \- mainly by their race or their gangs. The different groups were all sitting around their designated tables on metal benches that were also bolted to the ground.

Chaise followed her new group of friends to an empty bench which was obviously their area. She listened intently as they filled her in on the rules of the rec yard. Not the prison's rules – the prisoner's rules. There were rules for absolutely everywhere and everything - Chaise was trying her best to remember all of them.

One wrong move could see her bashed again. Every group had their own territories and their own belonging's. You were to never, ever interfere with another group's space or stuff. Chaise was so grateful that Nicole had agreed to take her under her wing. She would have been lost without her valuable advice and would have inevitably stepped on a lot of toes by now.

She could have easily been in a lot more trouble with the other groups, as well as Jenkins' and her goons.

Chaise noticed that Jenkins' friends were sitting at a bench that was the furthest away from where Nicole's friends sat. They were all chain smoking and watching Chaise intensely, whispering amongst themselves.

In fact, the majority of the prisoners in the rec yard were staring at

Chaise, just like they had been at breakfast.

"When is visiting times and when do we get to make personal phone calls?" Chaise asked, ignoring the eyes burning into her.

"You mean visiting time \- not times. We only get one day a week, every Saturday. For visits and phone calls," Nicole answered sadly.

Chaise was upset to learn that it was only one day a week but was also relieved to hear that it was Saturdays because today was Friday.

That meant Chaise could possibly see Matt tomorrow. She was so desperate to speak to him - to see if he was O.K.

Chaise needed to know how he was doing with all of this. If he didn't come to visit, then she would try her best to get hold of him on the phone. She had to know what he was thinking about their situation. She loved him so much. The morning went by very

slowly.

Chaise had to go to the prison doctor and get her injuries checked and her nose bandages changed. After she had finished getting checked over, she walked through the prison to join Nicole and her friends. Chaise was frightened out of her mind every time that she was alone. The walk back from the doctor was very terrifying - having all the inmates gawking at her as she passed them by. Every sound made her jump out of her skin. She was so relieved when she caught up to the girls. They showed Chaise around the prison some more, which didn't take very long as there wasn't a lot of areas that they were allowed to enter. There was a recreation room that had a small television sitting in a steel cage, which was bolted to the

wall.

Prisoners had to submit requests for what they wanted to watch out of their approved shows and the most votes won.

There were a couple of board games that the prisoners could hire as well.

Chaise was also surprised to see they had various tabloid magazines in the rec room. They still had last week's issues and Chaise could see that they were all ones that she had already seen - they were the issues about the Globes. Her picture was on the cover of one of them \- holding her Globe proudly on the stage.

Oh, how drastically the covers could change from week to week.

Chaise would bet her bottom dollar that her mug shot was on every cover of this week's selections. Meagan held up the magazine with Chaise on it and waved it around, "How funny is this, Chaise!"

"Yeah, hilarious." Chaise grumbled angrily.

The girls hung around in the rec room for an hour and played various card games. They then showed Chaise where the prison 'shop' was. They explained to Chaise that all the prisoners had bank accounts set up for them that their friends and family could put money into for them to use in jail. Prisoners could buy extra luxuries with the money, from chocolates and snacks to make up, magazines and books. Inmates could not have more than fifteen dollars in their accounts at any one time. They got paid five dollars a week from the prison upon completion of their jobs which they were required to do. The other ten dollars would come from the outside, which explained why Jenkins and her gang had demanded ten dollars each. When Chaise told her about the demands, Nicole explained that they would be expecting Chaise to put it into their prison accounts.

"I strongly recommend that you do it Chaise, you have to just do what they say - as much as it sucks, you have no choice. You do not want to mess with them," she warned.

Chaise made a mental note that she had to get some of her money put into her account so that she could buy a few small luxuries. She would also have to organize to get ten dollars put into each of the accounts of the names Nicole gave her. Lorraine Jenkins, Peta Smith, Tia Judd and Laura Burns.

Nicole then took Chaise back to their cell to get their personal

toiletries before they had to go to the shower room. She had not shown Chaise where all her prison issue belongings were kept yet.

She opened the bottom drawer of the desk and showed Chaise that it was hers. The top one was Nicole's.

"Alright Chaise, here is your personal toothbrush, tube of toothpaste, hairbrush and tampons," she pointed out the cheap, generic plastic items that were inside the drawer, "You get new supplies every two months."

Chaise saw that there were some white sweats in there as well - two pairs of bottoms and two jumpers. There were also two white t-shirts. She had seen most of the other prisoners wearing them and she was grateful that she would not have to wear the orange tracksuits all the time. Nicole also showed her three pairs of underwear and two sports bras. They were a stretchy, cheap fabric that came in small, medium or large.

"So, this is it. All your worldly possessions while you are in here.

Until you get some luxuries from the shop, of course," Nicole smiled.

So - it was now time for what Chaise had been dreading the most - public, communal shower time. That was a very horrifying and vulnerable situation for Chaise to be in. She had been washed in the hospital by the nurses for the last few days and had not yet had to be subjected to the embarrassment of showering with a large group of women. She reluctantly followed Nicole to the shower areas, clutching a change of clothes and underwear tightly in front of her as a false sense of protection.

The wet room area was very open and exposed. Multiple shower heads protruded from the tiles along two of the walls. There were no dividing walls or cubicles in between them for privacy, it was just a room full of naked bodies of all shapes and sizes, showering next to each other. Steam poured out into the room and the women all talked to each other loudly over the noise of the running water. They were just lathering their bodies with soap and casually standing around, not even attempting to hide their bodies from each other's wandering eyes. They all simultaneously went

quiet as Chaise entered the wet area. They all turned to stare at her as the buzz of activity died down. All that could be heard now was the water running. Chaise instantly felt the heat in her cheeks as they turned bright red and she really didn't want to participate in the public display of nudity, where she was going to be the star attraction - especially since three of the male guards were standing at the doorway with a smug look on each of their faces, watching her hover anxiously near the doorway. Nicole sensed Chaise's reluctance and gently nudged her forward and encouraged her.

"You have to have a shower, Chaise. You will get in trouble if you don't. It's not that big a deal - you will be O.K, I promise."

Chaise hadn't had a proper shower since she had arrived in prison.

Being hand bathed by the nurses just wasn't the same. She knew that she must smell badly but she was prepared to put up with it if it meant not having to participate in the public, group shower. Chaise didn't quite think that Nicole was correct that it wasn't a big deal considering the whole room had their eyes on Chaise from the moment she had first appeared. She presumed that the chance to see a celebrity completely naked didn't come around for them every day. Chaise was extremely embarrassed. She had a fabulous, toned body so she had nothing to be ashamed about - especially since there were naked women just a few feet away from her who were massively overweight and they had no shame about being naked. It was just the thought of them all watching her that was horrifying.

After a few minutes, she took a deep breath and reluctantly peeled off her prison uniform. She kept her head to the ground and ignored the not so subtle giggling that surrounded her as she let the uniform fall to the floor around her and bravely stepped into the scolding hot shower. Nicole undressed next to Chaise as quick as a flash, without any hesitation. Chaise was surprised to see how

beautiful Nicole's petite body was. She really was a stunning girl - slender with big, perky breasts. Nicole grinned at Chaise and hopped in under the water next to her, "I know it's weird at first,"

Nicole told her, "But after a few days you will just be another bare bum in the shower. Don't worry, the novelty of you being famous in here will wear off too - they will get sick of staring at you soon."

"I hope so," Chaise sighed, being careful to keep her arm cast held out of the stream of water to prevent it from getting wet.

It was extremely difficult to try and wash yourself with only one arm. She lathered the tiny bar of soap she had bought from her cell and enjoyed the hot water hitting her soft skin like tiny needles.

Even though it hurt as the soapy water mixed with her cuts and sensitive bruises, she embraced the pain. It was a release of stress for her to feel the discomfort. She did a once over of her body and then jumped out of the shower. Nicole laughed at her and stood there a bit longer, enjoying the hot water on her skin and relaxing.

Chaise stood there, naked and shivering until Nicole pointed to a pile of towels on a rack that she could use.

She took one and attempted to dry herself as best as she could with her disabled arm. The guards were checking out every inch of Chaise's naked body and were not even attempting to hide their perversion or the big grins that were plastered on their smug faces.

She refused to look at them and just did her best to ignore the seedy men. Her poor hair was now in shocking condition.

It had not had a proper wash in over a week and was starting to go oily and grimy. She was not able to wash it with her arm in her cast and there was no way she was letting anybody else do it.

She would rather let it be dirty. Chaise was used to her very expensive hairdresser giving it regular deep conditioning treatments with the very best shampoos and conditioners that cost hundreds of dollars. There would be no top hairdressers and stylists for a while. Her nails were in horrid condition as well - they were all split and broken. Not wearing any make up was also a very weird feeling for Chaise considering she usually wore a lot of it every day - especially on movie sets where they really caked it on heavily. She really was stripped back to the bare essentials.

After the humiliating shower experience it was time for lunch.

Chaise followed Nicole back to the cafeteria. The other girls were already there in their usual table, waiting for them. The food that was offered for lunch was not much better than the breakfast selections had been. There were a couple of soggy sandwiches made up of stale bread with spam and butter in them. It was either that or some dodgy looking meat dish with vegetables and burnt potatoes. Chaise sighed as she picked up a sandwich and watched in disgust as Nicole piled her plate with the horrid looking meat.

Nicole laughed at her reaction, "No fancy meals for you in here Chaise Adams, you better start eating up or you will waste away."

Chaise screwed her face up and sat down at the table.

"Chaise! How are you?" The girls greeted her warmly when she sat down.

"Hey, guys," Chaise mumbled, picking tiny pieces off the sandwich and placing it in her mouth reluctantly.

"We have to go to work this afternoon, Chaise," Meagan informed her casually as they ate, "I wonder what duty they will assign to you."

"Work? What do you mean work?" Chaise asked, completely confused.

She had an image suddenly pop into her head of a line of inmates stamping license plates on an assembly line like she had seen in movies.

"The guards haven't told you yet?" Nicole asked curiously.

Chaise shook her head, "No, if anything they seem to be going out of their way to ignore me,"

"That would be right," Meagan scoffed, "They would be avoiding you like the plague at the moment. There is too much liability for them to be involved with you while you are here. They would most likely be flying under the radar with their celebrity inmate, not wanting to be involved with you. They should have explained prison procedure to you, though."

"I guess they presumed that I would explain everything to her," Nicole mused as she took another bite of her lunch.

Chaise was struggling to chew the disgusting food and swallow it.

Each bite was harder than the last to get down.

"We all have a 'job' that we have to do for four hours a day, four days a week. They are jobs that help the prisons maintenance.

Like, Nicole works in the kitchen cleaning all the pots, pans, dishes and so on," Kim explained.

"Which sucks!" Nicole chimed in.

Meagan laughed, "Yeah, but it's better than some of the other jobs that you could get. Poor Emily here cleans all of the showers and bathrooms - ugh!"

Emily nodded, looking disgusted.

"Me and Kim work in the kitchen, doing all the prep work for the dinners and making the next day's lunches."

Chaise held up her awful, soggy sandwich, "So I have you to thank for this!?" She questioned, smiling cheekily.

"Ha ha, so sorry! We do what we can with what we have."

"So, what will I be doing?" Chaise asked, nervously.

"It's hard to tell, it could be anything. There are so many different jobs available,"

"Can I ask to be in the kitchen with you guys?" Chaise asked, hopefully.

She would feel a lot safer if she was around her friends. They all laughed.

"Sorry, Movie Star. But you do not get to choose what job you do," Emily told her.

"You get what you're given." Nicole reluctantly informed her.

After lunch, Guard Collins came to collect Chaise from her cell just after Nicole had left for the kitchen.

"Adams, you are on laundry duty," he casually informed her, "Follow me,"

Chaise was upset that she wasn't working with any of her friends but she was relieved to hear that she was working in the laundry. It didn't sound very hard. She had not done laundry since she was a young teenager. All her clothes were dry cleaned for her, but she couldn't imagine that it would be too hard.

Chaise followed Collins as he escorted her through the halls down to the laundry room. She very quickly changed her mind about being happy with laundry duty when she arrived at the laundry room. Standing next to one of the huge, industrial, heavy duty washing machines was one of Jenkins's friends that had been involved with the beating on Chaise.

It was Peta Smith. She was the skinny woman with the arm-sleeve tattoos and short blonde hair. She grinned menacingly at Chaise as she walked in, her face lit up like she was overjoyed at the chance to torture Chaise some more. Chaise stopped dead in her tracks, frightened out of her mind. This girl had beaten her - she did not want to go anywhere near this woman.

Collins was standing behind Chaise at the doorway. He impatiently pushed her into the laundry, right into the path of the intimidating woman, "Smith, this is Adams - although I am sure that you recognize her. She is, after all our celebrity inmate," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"She is working in here with you now since Jonty has been released.

Show her what to do - and play nice," he instructed Smith firmly.

He then turned to Chaise with a stern look on his hard face, "You are required to work to the very best of your ability for the entire four hours. Smith will tell me if you do not comply with the rules and if you don't, you will be punished accordingly."

With that strict warning, he left them alone amongst the prison's dirty laundry. Smith was still grinning at Chaise with an evil smirk on her ugly face, "Hello, Movie Star!"

Chaise just stood there, frozen to the spot - too scared to move.

Her heart was pounding out of her chest so hard and her mouth felt as dry as sand.

Was this woman going to attack her again?!

Chaise wandered for a spilt second if she could possibly fight back - or at least defend herself if it was just one on one. She was, however still very badly injured - with her broken ribs, nose and fractured arm. She would not be able to protect herself very well.

Smith would also have any opportunity she wanted with Jenkins and her friends to beat Chaise as a group again.

"Do you have our refunds yet?" She snarled at Chaise sinisterly.

Chaise didn't reply - she was terrified.

Why the hell was she being left alone in here with this woman!?

Why wasn't there a guard in here watching them!?

"Nice look, Movie Star. Your face looks very colourful! I'm not sure that you would land too many movie roles looking like that, though," she was still grinning - almost insanely, admiring her and her friend's handy work that they had left on Chaise's face.

She wasn't sure how to respond to this crazed woman - or what she should do. Smith studied Chaise's reactions for a few minutes and then shrugged her shoulders, smiling at her as if Chaise was so pathetic, "Make sure you get the cash to us before Jenkins gets out of solitary - she doesn't like to be kept waiting. The longer you take to get it to us, the more interest you will get charged,"

Smith gloated for a while, basking in her power over Chaise then pointed to a huge mound of prison bed sheets and towels, "Those are clean. Fold all of those neatly and then put them into piles like those over there," she then sat down on a bench, crossed her legs and lit a cigarette with an evil grin plastered on her face. There was no smoking allowed inside of the prison, only in the designated outside areas. It didn't look like Smith gave a damn, though. Like Nicole had said, they were lifers.

There was not a lot that the prison system could do to them that they were worried about. Smith exhaled little smoke rings into the air and put her feet up on some of the sheets.

"I would hurry up if I was you - there is a shit load to do, Movie Star."

Chaise obligingly walked over to the huge mound of clean laundry, pulled out a sheet and started to fold it as best as she possibly could. It took a few minutes for Chaise to fold the single bed sheet on her own. It had taken longer than it should because she had to fold the sheet with one of her arms in a cast, which was extremely difficult.

Two long, hard hours later, Chaise finally had a nice sized pile of folded sheets done. She hadn't said a word to Smith the entire time that she had worked. Smith herself had thrown a few snide and nasty comments in Chaise's direction - as well as ordering her to unload and fold each dryer's load as it finished. Despite the fact that she had had to do the whole workload herself, Chaise was actually proud of how much she had managed to do - especially since she only had one good arm.

Smith stood up from where she had been sitting the entire time, watching and walked over to Chaise's pile.

"You did it wrong," she informed Chaise casually with a snide smirk on her ugly face.

She kicked the neat pile of folded sheets as hard as she could and watched with satisfaction as they fell to the ground, sprawling messily everywhere, "You have to fold them smaller. Do it again."

Chaise glared at Smith furiously - but she knew her place. She did not dare to cross this psychotic bitch. She was too frightened that Jenkins and the gang would beat her again. She just had to do what she could to stay under their radar and out of their way until she could get out of there.

Instead of losing her cool, Chaise dropped to her knees and slowly started to refold the pile smaller.

Those four hours dragged by, taking an excruciatingly long time.

Smith continued to taunt her and call her every name under the sun and threaten her. The worst were the cruel jibes about Matt.

They cut through Chaise's heart like a knife. Smith lay back and amused herself with the relentless taunting, "Your man is out there right now \- fucking other women, you know that, don't you?"

As well as, "You must be a shit fuck if your man went elsewhere. I wonder how many other women he has been banging behind your back? A fucking sexy looking guy like that - I bet its hundreds! Bet those women satisfied him."

Finally, when Chaise was dangerously close to her breaking point and shouting back at Smith, the siren sounded loudly throughout the prison signalling the end of the brutal shift.

"Dinner time," Smith smirked and stood up from the bench.

She started to leave the laundry room but stopped suddenly at the doorway and turned back to face Chaise, "We are going to have some fun together, Movie Star - just you wait," she winked, "Lots of fun..."

Then she was gone.

Chaise finally lost control of the emotions that had been simmering like boiling water inside of her. With the absence of Smith, she could finally break down and let the flood of tears flow. She fell into a big pile of still unfolded sheets and sobbed uncontrollably into the linen. After she had lay there, crying for a very long time, Collin's came to the laundry to see why Chaise had not left and gone to the cafeteria for dinner.

"Why are you still in here, Adams?" He asked her sternly, no sympathy at all in his voice for the fact that she was crying.

He didn't even ask her what was wrong. Chaise staggered up to her feet, wiping the tears off her face, "I'm sorry,"

Collins looked over at the pile of sheets that Chaise had managed to refold, "Is that all that you got done? That is not good enough at all! You have to get all of them finished so that they can be distributed around the prison. Did Smith not explain that to you? You better improve on Monday or you will be punished."

Chaise nodded weakly, defeated and exhausted. She desperately wanted to scream at him that Smith had not helped her at all and that she had sabotaged what Chaise had managed to get done.

Instead, she held her breath and tried to calm herself down as she followed him to the cafeteria. Nicole and her friends were laughing and talking at their table when Chaise arrived. They saw the angry look on her face as Chaise sat down and they all shut up abruptly.

"Chaise?" Nicole whispered, a concerned look plastered on her face, "What's happened? Where have you been?"

"Smith... the one who... who..." Chaise pointed to her face, to her black eyes and her stitched up lip, "she... she..."

Chaise buried her face in her hands, "Smith is working in the laundry room and I have to work with her in there!"

They all listened intently as Chaise told them about her encounter.

"Chaise, you know that if they have demanded money from you that you have to give it to them. They are not joking around," Kim told Chaise seriously.

"When I first arrived, I had a, uh - similar experience that you had - only not as bad as the beating that you took. I didn't know anybody or any of the rules in here and I accidently sat down at their table in the lunch room.

Anyway, after teaching me a 'lesson' by Jenkins punching me in the face repeatedly, they charged me five dollars for each of them as a 'fine' for sitting at their table uninvited for two minutes. I thought that they were just messing with me and I ignored them - only to have them demand it again the next week - but by then they had upped it to ten dollars each. As I didn't have it, they all took it in turns to hit me again. I got the point after that and I got my parents to put the money into their accounts and I paid up. I strongly suggest that you do the same."

"It's ten dollars each," Chaise sighed angrily, "It's nothing! They can't seriously hound me over that!"

"It doesn't matter how much it is - it's about making you pay up - about their power and control over you. And ten dollars is the maximum that can be put into their prison accounts, anyway."

After dinner time had finished - Chaise had been too upset over the laundry incident to eat - they had an hour of free time before they had to return to their cells. The girls headed to the recreation room to watch some restricted T.V. There were five women that Chaise didn't recognize watching the nightly news. They all looked at her in surprise when she entered the room and whispered excitedly to each other.

Chaise took a seat on one of the plastic chairs towards the back of the room with Nicole and the girls. They talked amongst each other quietly until Kim suddenly grabbed Chaise's arm and pointed to the small television screen - horrified at what she saw.

The other women had all turned to stare at Chaise - studying her reaction.

The anchor-woman, Marilyn Fall was talking about Chaise's case. Her mug shot was in the corner of the screen with the words 'Superstar to Cellmate' emblazoned across it. The mug shot was even more horrifying then Chaise had imagined. But, she looked a Hell of a lot worse now. She wandered to herself how much a photo of her beaten up face would go for - it would be a hell of a lot. Thank God there were no cameras in prison.

"So, as we were reporting earlier, the funeral for Chaise Adam's innocent victim, Natasha Hendrix was held this afternoon at Beverly Hills Mortuary. Hundreds of mourners turned up to show their support for her family and friends and to say goodbye to this much-loved young woman. She was laid to rest in a white coffin adorned with yellow roses - Natasha's favourites. Her grieving parents, Karen and Ron Hendrix made a statement shortly after leaving the service,"

The screen showed footage of two older people dressed from head to toe in black. They both had red rimmed eyes from crying and their faces were very drained and upset. The mother, Karen was too upset to talk as she sobbed into a handkerchief so her husband, Ron made the statement for the dozens of cameras that were present, "Natasha's family and friends would like to thank all the people who have turned up today to honour our daughter's memory. Your support to all of us during this extremely hard time has been so precious and we are all eternally grateful. Our beloved Natasha was a beautiful, loving, kind young woman who cared about everybody that she came across and she did everything that she could to help those who were in need,"

A photo of Natasha at her high school graduation flashed across the screen. She looked so young and full of life and potential.

Chaise shuddered. Nicole put her arm around her and squeezed her close.

The last time that Chaise had seen that promising young face, blood was pouring out of her skull and she looked a hell of a lot different to how she did in the photo.

"We would like everybody to remember Natasha for the amazing young lady that she was. She was studying law and she was very passionate about saving the planet. She dreamt of becoming an environmental lawyer so that she could help. The world truly would have been a better place if Natasha had been allowed to grow older and reach her potential. Please do not remember Natasha for the horrific way that she died - we beg of you to remember her how she was in life. We have felt your prayers and believe that God has taken our Natasha into his arms as a beautiful angel," He paused and held his wife who was crying hysterically by his side. After taking a deep breath he continued, "We look forward to the state's prosecutors avenging the death of our beloved Tashy in the name of the law which has protected this country and its citizens for hundreds of years. Please - we beg of them not to let Natasha's death be in vain.

We believe in our hearts that Chaise Adams must pay for this crime the same way that any other citizen would have to pay. Her money, connections and celebrity status should not exempt her from receiving an adequate punishment."

Chaise watched the small screen in horror as she listened to what Ron Hendrix was saying to the world. He was practically demanding that they throw the book at Chaise.

She was just about to loudly protest what she was hearing when the image turned to footage of Matt leaving the church. He was wearing a black suit and black sunglasses. He had his head down and he hurried quickly past the reporters as they all shouted dozens of questions at him about what his relationship with Natasha was, had he seen Chaise in prison and what happened that fateful night.

Chaise felt nauseous at the site of her beloved husband. Her heart stung as she watched him. She still loved him so much and was so desperate to talk to him and work things out.

The anchor-woman, Marilyn came back on the screen, "As you can see, Matt Stow attended the funeral of Natasha Hendrix today. He refused to make a comment to the large crowds of media that were present and has not yet talked to the press. We do not know the current relationship status of Matt Stow and his wife, Chaise Adams who is currently incarcerated as both are yet to make a statement.

We have been informed by Lynford Correctional Centre, the prison where Chaise Adams is being held that she is now back in the general population of the prison after an alleged beating that took place days ago, which we reported on. Prison sources have refused to confirm what happened in the incident but at Channel Nine, we have reports from families and friends of current inmates that Adams was beaten quite severely by other prisoners..."

Chaise had heard enough. She jumped up from her chair and stormed off back down the corridors towards her cell as fast as she could, with Nicole tailing closely behind her.

"Chaise! Chaise, wait!" Nicole finally caught up with her as Chaise entered their cell.

"Chaise, are you O.K? Was it seeing Matt?"

Chaise nodded her head and sat down on Nicole's bottom bunk, tears welling up in her eyes, "I don't want to talk about it, Nicole," she said sadly.

Nicole nodded understandingly and watched Chaise as she struggled to climb into her bed, wincing in pain.

"It will be alright, Chaise. It will all work out," she tried to

sound reassuring but it didn't come out as convincing as she wanted it to.

Chaise faced the wall and watched a small, black beetle scurry across the flaky white paint as her mind raced about the visiting hours tomorrow. It would be the first time that Chaise would get to see somebody other than

Jed that she knew from the outside since she had arrived at the prison. She was so nervous she had butterflies fluttering wildly inside her stomach, making her feel nauseous.

All she could think about was, Was Matt going to come and see her!?

Chaise couldn't stop thinking about him. She missed him terribly and was desperate to talk to him about everything that had happened. She needed to know what he was thinking and how he felt about her.

A single tear fell down her cheek and she held her breath as she tried to stop herself from crying. She had cried more in the past few days then she had in her entire lifetime.

VISITORS

Chaise awoke the next day to Nicole standing next to the bunk beds, staring intensely at her. She was watching Chaise sleep with a small smile on her plump lips.

"What are you doing!?" Chaise murmured, uncomfortably.

"Sorry Chaise, I was just going to wake you up. It's morning," she smiled sweetly, "You are really beautiful, you know that?"

Chaise was disorientated and still half asleep. She had had a terrible night, she had kept waking up in constant pain from her ribs every time that she moved.

"Huh?" She wasn't sure that she had heard correctly.

"You know, even with the bruises and cuts and everything, your beauty still shines through. I guess that's how you got to be a movie star, hey? A natural beauty."

"Nicole..."

Nicole sensed Chaise was a bit disturbed that she had been watching her sleep, "Your swelling has gone down quite a bit," she tried to encourage Chaise and be positive.

What time is it?"

"Seven."

"Visiting hours are at nine, right?"  
"That's right! Are you excited? Matt might come in!"

"God, I really hope so," Chaise climbed down off the bunk slowly and went to the toilet.

She was no longer embarrassed about going in front of Nicole - or whoever walked past their cell. Chaise officially had no dignity left now.

She washed her hands and checked out her reflection in the mirror. The swelling around her eyes and lip had gone down a lot but they were still a mixture of deep shades of black and purple. Her lip was starting to heal and it was now a lot less painful to talk. Nicole was wrong about Chaise looking better though, she still looked frightening. She had been avoiding her reflection for the last few days but, if Matt was going to come and see her for the first time today then she wanted to look as good as she possibly could for him.

It wouldn't distract in any way from what Chaise had done. Or that she was in here, in a prison uniform, all messed up. Chaise just wanted him to be able to still see her as the woman that he knew, as the wife that he loved. She could feel Nicole watching her.

"Chaise, I have a bit of make up if you want," she offered.

"Huh?"

This was the first time that Chaise was hearing this as Nicole never wore any makeup of any kind at all. She didn't have to; her skin was flawless and her eyelashes were so dark and thick that she didn't need any at all.

Chaise had noticed a few of the other prisoners wearing make up but she hadn't really given it a second thought, she didn't need to impress anybody in here.

"Some luxuries I bought at the shop," Nicole explained, "One of the first things that I bought when I first got here. Then, after a while I realized that there was no point in wearing it in here. I used to get all dolled up, waiting for that pig of an ex of mine to come and see me. When I finally got the point that he wasn't coming, I stopped using it and I just stored it in my bottom drawer."

Nicole went over to her personal drawers and pulled out a small cosmetic kit. She tipped the contents out onto the desk top.

There was a small bottle of concealer which was at least two shades too dark for Chaise, a small mascara wand and a blush. They were generic brands, nothing fancy just cheap and basic.

Nicole held the concealer up, "Do you want me to try and touch you up a bit?" She asked.

Chaise couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Yeah, that would be great, Nic. Anything would be better than black and blue, hey?"

Nicole looked at Chaise, confused at her sudden outburst of laughter, "What's so funny?"

Chaise had the giggles. She tried to contain herself but she couldn't,

"Nothing, nothing..." she shook her head.

It just suddenly seemed so ironic to her. For years she had been so used to having Natalia and Rebecca come over to her mansion and spend hours doing her make up professionally, using very expensive designer products.

Now, Chaise was in true budget basement mode. For some reason, she could not help but laugh at this turn of events.

Nicole suddenly clicked at what was so amusing, "Oh, you're used to the best makeup artists in the world, with all the best stuff - being a movie star and all," she realized.

Tears streamed down Chaise's face as she couldn't stop laughing.

She was almost hysterical.

Madness must be setting in.

"Yeah, I just hope my friend who did my make up doesn't come in to see me, she would be horrified!"

Chaise had been secretly hoping that Rebecca and Natalia would come in and see her too. She needed them now more than ever.

She was praying that everybody that she loved and cared so much about would come and see her. She was desperate to see friendly faces. A frightening thought dawned over her and she abruptly stopped laughing,

What if no one came?

What if not a single person came in to see her?

The thought of Matt not coming in scared Chaise to death, but the

thought of not a single person caring enough to come and see her was even more terrifying. That's the sad fact about being a celebrity, a lot of your friends are on your pay roll and you can never be certain that they are true friends who will love you for who you are - or if they are just using you for the connections, lifestyle, money or celebrity status.

She had always trusted that Rebecca and Natalia were her true friends but they had never really been tested. The fact that Chaise was now in jail and all the perks of her celebrity were now gone would be the ultimate test of their friendship.

Chaise shook her head and forced herself not to worry too much.

She had faith in them. She had to. She sat down on the small metal stool and Nicole excitedly got to work. The lighting in the cell was bad but they couldn't help that.

"Oh my God," Nicole laughed, "I am actually doing Chaise Adam's make up! How surreal!"

"Not exactly the ideal setting for it though, hey?" Chaise smiled as the cheap, thick concealer was spread generously around her blackened eyes.

Nicole giggled, "This is fun though, I never thought that this would ever happen! I always wanted to be a makeup artist when I was younger."

They laughed and gossiped as Nicole went to work with her minimal tools. It was almost like two girlfriends just getting ready for a night out on the town. Chaise closed her eyes and she almost felt like she was doing just that and was not sitting in a prison cell. Nicole asked Chaise more questions about celebrities, about events that she had gone too and about what life as a Hollywood star was really like. Chaise had been grilled endlessly by Nicole and her friends on these topics over the last few days but she could understand their curiosity and she found herself opening up more and more to them. She was really starting to genuinely like Nicole - she was becoming a true friend to Chaise.

She truly felt that at this point, she could tell her almost anything.

So far, they had managed to avoid talking about Matt too much as Nicole knew that it was a very touchy subject for Chaise. It had upset Chaise every time Nicole had tried to talk about him but now - at the thought of seeing him soon, she was bursting at the seams to talk about him. Chaise told Nicole about how they met, about when they were dating and about both of their wedding ceremonies. Nicole had read about the two weddings in magazines, but was intrigued to know all the inside details. It stung Chaise deeply to talk about the day that they were married. She remembered the vows that they had taken and how Matt had promised that he would love Chaise forever and that he would stay faithful to her always. Chaise even told Nicole about her parents, how they had cut her off from their lives and how Chaise strongly doubted that they would be in contact with her to support her through this tough time.

"But... if they are strict Christians aren't they supposed to forgive, to stand by their family, no matter what? I thought that was what religious people believed in more than anything."  
"You would think so, but no. The town where I come from believe in turning their backs on those who have done wrong in their eyes.

Although, they would never admit it - it's exactly what they do. If you are not perfect and follow the law of God to a tee you are ostracized from the community. I remember when a young girl fell pregnant at sixteen and she was sent away to live with their family's friends in another state. Her parents never, ever mentioned her again and she never came back to the town - it was like she had never existed."

"Wow, that's unbelievable," Nicole shook her head sadly,

"Surely being a famous movie star would have made them proud of you, though?"

"You would think so, wouldn't you? But they despise all things Hollywood. They don't even own a television, " Chaise agreed, glumly.

She never would have thought that a time would come when she was desperate for her parents to be there for her. She had convinced herself years ago, that she could go through the rest of her life perfectly fine without them. Obviously, Chaise hadn't considered the fact that her life would take such a drastic turn and that she would really need them.

Nicole finished putting the last touches on Chaise's make up and stood back, admiring her work.

"Wow, there you go. You nearly can't see the bruises anymore. I have to say - I did a good job. Even if I do say so myself."

Chaise turned to check out her reflection in the small mirror bolted to the wall. As comical as it was, having the concealer quite a significant shade darker than Chaise's natural skin tone, Nicole was right - she had managed to hide the bruises quite well. They were still visible but nowhere near as ghastly as they had been before.

Chaise would much rather have too- dark make up caked onto her face then have deep, black and blue bruises. Nicole had tried to compensate for the almost-orange make up by packing the mascara and eyeliner on heavily. There was so much blush that it was almost clown-like. Chaise had to admit though, it was the best that she had looked since she had entered these walls - even if she did look like an oompa loompa hooker...

"You did a good job Nicole, thanks heaps. I really do appreciate it.

It doesn't look as bad as it did before."

Nicole grinned with a giddy look on her face. She was pleased that Chaise was happy with the job that she had done.

"Are you coming to the visiting rooms?" Chaise asked as she made a vague effort to get her hair looking half way decent by tying it up in a loose pony tail. The cheap, plastic, prison issue hairbrush tore roughly at her hair, but it had to do. It still felt weird to her to have no hair extensions in since she had been wearing them for years.

Nicole's face dropped and she had a sad look in her eyes.

"I haven't been to the visiting rooms in five months," she admitted quietly, sinking back onto her bed.

"What about your friends and family? Don't you want to see them?"

Chaise asked, confused.

Nicole stared at the floor miserably. She took a deep breath and looked up into Chaise's eyes, "Chaise..." she paused, searching for a way to put into words exactly what she was thinking, "You have to understand, after a while in here... people stop coming. When they have to travel miles to come, when they start to move on with their lives, when they get busy, they figure that they will just catch up with you when you get out..." her voice trailed off, "They eventually stop coming. Even those who you think will always care... Those who you believe will always be thinking of you.

They start to not come in so often - then after a while, not at all."

Tears glistened in her deep, chocolate eyes.

"Nicole... I am so sorry."  
"Don't be. I have accepted it. I just want you to know... if you do end up... staying here a long time - that it could happen. Famous movie star or not - it could be a reality for you too."  
"Nicole, I am not going to be... here for a long time."

"I know, I know. But..." Her voice trailed off again, "Nothing... just go... I hope the ones that you want the most are there for you.

That's all."

The visitors room was jam packed with families, friends, partners and children. All the inmates in the room seemed to be surrounded by the ones that they loved from the outside.

Having them around seemed to reboost the prisoner's spirits so that they could get through another week of hell behind bars.

Chaise had not seen such big smiles on the incarcerated women's faces since she had been there. It was like they had suddenly come back to life - the renewed spark in their eyes was fascinating to see.

As she watched her fellow prisoners affectionately embrace their children and hold them tightly - and the love that was written all over their faces for their kin - Chaise felt a heavy pang of pain weighing down on her heart.

Chaise had never seriously thought about having kids before but the sudden realization that if she does end up in prison for a long time that she might never have any children of her own...

Or any with Matt.

The thought was just too painful to think about.

Even though Matt and Chaise had never talked about having children before she always just presumed that they would have little ones when the timing was right. When their careers had calmed down and they were in the position to devote themselves a hundred percent to them.

Watching how much the women around her, so madly in love with their children made Chaise suddenly realize just how much she did want babies of her own.

Desperately.

An older guard that Chaise didn't know showed her to an empty table where she was to sit and wait. She sat down eagerly and stared at the doorway - anxiously willing for Matt's face to appear. It seemed that the whole room was now staring at Chaise. Not only all the other prisoners, but all their family and friends as well. She could see them all whispering excitedly to each other,

Is that Chaise Adams?

She's really here?!

Do you know her?

Have you met her?

What happened to her!?

Chaise would obviously be a popular topic of conversation for this particular visiting time. She tried her best to ignore the unwanted attention. Minutes ticked by slowly.

Chaise waited impatiently... staring, staring, staring at the door.

Her heart was beating quickly and very hard in her chest. Her mouth was dry and she felt sick with nerves. Just when she thought that she could not take the suspense anymore, a familiar face appeared. Then two. Two faces that Chaise greatly appreciated seeing in these circumstances, Rebecca and Natalia - but not the one she desperately wanted to see...

Matt...

"Hi!" Chaise embraced them both with warm hugs - all too aware that they were staring at her face in horror.

The vainly attempted cover up wasn't as convincing as Chaise had hoped it would be.

"Chaise, hey..." they looked her up and down, trying to be discreet but not being too subtle, before sitting down with her in the cheap, plastic chairs. Chaise looked away, hoping that they would get the hint to stop gawking at her.

"Chaise... are you O.K?! We heard what happened on the news but they didn't go into too much detail - they just said there had been an alleged incident and that it may have been a beating and that you were injured... we tried to contact the prison but they wouldn't tell us anything! There is so much press sniffing around that they refuse to say anything to anybody.

But we were not expecting this, though!" Rebecca rambled, her eyes wide in shock.

"I'm fine, Bec..." Chaise tried to brush them off. She didn't really want to rehash the whole, sorry story.

"Chaise..." Natalia started.

"Guys, I'm fine."

"But your face! Your arm... you look like you have been hit by a truck! Your nose – oh my God, is it broken?!"

Chaise sighed, she obviously could not avoid the subject, "Yeah my nose and arm are broken. I also fractured a couple of ribs. I will be fine, though."

"And your lip..."

"It's a few stitches - it will be O.K."

"What happened!?" Natalia insisted.

"I got beaten up by some other inmates. I really, really do not want to talk about it."

"Chaise, please we have been so worried about you," Rebecca placed her hand on Chaise's and squeezed it tight.

"I know, but just trust me - I am fine. Can we just leave it?

Please?"

They got the hint by Chaise's monotone explanation that she was serious about not discussing it. They reluctantly backed off.

"Uh, Chaise - how are things going in here?" Rebecca tried in vain to perk up her voice to a happier tone but she still sounded mortified.

"What do you think guys think!? I am in jail! Have you spoken to Matt!?"

They both looked away, uncomfortably. Neither of them seemed to want to answer her, but Chaise was determined to get one out of them.

"Guys, have you spoken to Matt? Is he coming today?!"

She persisted.

"No, Chaise we haven't spoken to him. We have tried several times to get a hold of him but he won't answer or return our calls. He is staying at Minch's house and the paparazzi are stalking him relentlessly."

It went awkwardly silent as the three of them sat around the table and stared at each other. There they both were - made up within an inch of their lives while Chaise looked like shit. Their makeup was expertly done, their hair was styled perfectly and they were wearing beautiful designer clothes and six inch stilettos. Not exactly prison wear.

Chaise suspected that they were probably going somewhere special for lunch after their visit with her. Chaise Adams, their employer and friend was sat there in a disgusting prison uniform, her hair was greasy and unkempt, her face was bruised, swollen and cut with cheap make up so thick that she looked like a hooker. She could only imagine what they were thinking.

"So, are you being looked after?" Natalia asked nervously, trying not to stare at Chaise's face.

Chaise shrugged, nonchalantly.

What was she supposed to say?

She didn't want to get into the details of prison life with them - she just wanted to know what was going on outside.

"I'm doing the best that I can under the circumstances. I have made a couple of friends. But, I don't want to talk about prison - I just need to get out of here as soon as possible! How is the media about all this? What are they saying?" Chaise asked warily, knowing that it wouldn't be good.

Rebecca and Natalia looked at each other and went quiet.

"Well?" Chaise pushed.

"Chaise, you can imagine how it is. They are having a field day. It is all over every entertainment, news and chat show around. It's all they talk about. Natasha's parents have been doing a few interviews, talking about how they want you punished to the full extent of the law. Your mug shot photo is everywhere, they are interviewing everybody that you know - it is just a circus at the moment," Bec admitted.

It was exactly what Chaise expected.

"They are interviewing lawyers, cops, district attorneys, everybody who could possibly have an opinion on when your trial will be. They are talking about whether or not you will be convicted. That sort of thing. It is pretty crazy. They are even camped outside the prison now - waiting to see who will visit you.

They are especially curious to see if Matt will come. It was a nightmare getting in here to see you. Apparently, a few reporters have posed as your friends to get in and score an interview. We had to get Jed to approve us to the guards before they would let us in.

They are concerned that these reporters might also try to pose as other prisoner's visitors and pay their families to allow them to do that."

Chaise nodded her head slowly, trying to take it all in and stared at the floor - her mind racing about why Matt hadn't come to see her today.

"I really am so grateful that you guys came," Chaise told them, smiling weakly.

"It will all be O.K - it really will. Jed thinks that he is really going to have a good shot at your case and that it is very likely that you stand a good chance of getting off." Natalia smiled weakly.

Chaise knew that Natalia was just blowing smoke up her ass but it was still comforting to hear. Tears welled in Chaise's eyes and before she could stop herself, she burst into tears.

Everybody in the room stopped talking and turned to stare at her.

Both girls immediately grabbed her in their arms and hugged her.

Chaise squeezed herself into them as tightly as she could - despite the intense pain throbbing from her ribs. She was overwhelmed

with the emotion and enormity of it all. She just needed the warmth of human comfort.

"Besides, orange doesn't suit you." Bec laughed, wiping tears out of her own eyes.

Chaise laughed with her, ever so grateful that they were true friends and were there for her.

"Is there anything we can do for you Chaise? You know - out

there."

Chaise nodded her head, "I need you to put some money into my prison account. You can only do ten dollars at a time so you need to find out how to do it through the prison administration. Also, I need you to put ten dollars into the accounts of Lorraine Jenkins, Peta Smith, Tia Judd and Laura Burns,"

Natalia nodded, "No problem, we can remember that. Are they your friends?"

Chaise shuddered, "No," she snapped.

"Then why...."

"Just do it," she cut Natalia off, "And please, please, please try to talk to Matt for me - I am begging you guys - you have to speak to him. You have to convince him to come in and see me, I am desperate to see him!"

They both nodded in agreement with concerned expressions etched on their faces.

"We will, Chaise. We will do whatever it takes to reach him," Rebecca looked to the ground and asked shyly, "So, Chaise... about the elephant in the room... what happened?"

"Huh?"

"With Natasha..." Rebecca was still avoiding eye contact with her,

"We were hoping to hear your side of what happened. All we have heard is what has been said in the media,"

Chaise sighed. She knew that she would have to explain herself to her friends. It was only fair that they knew the truth and Chaise appreciated the fact that they had not asked her about it the moment they had sat down, which must have been very tough for them. They must be desperate to know.

She told them everything from start to finish – the whole, horrific story of what had happened, being careful to keep her voice down so that no other curious ears in the room would overhear her.

Once she was finished, she studied their faces for their reactions.

They looked shocked at the details, but not too surprised.

"Yeah, we knew that it would have been an accident. We never doubted that for a moment. We just wanted to know the facts."

"I know. I understand," Chaise sighed, miserably.

"We are so, so sorry that this happened to you, Chaise. It is truly devastating. We still can't believe it. It's like a nightmare. And to see you in here... It's just so... so..." Natalia burst into tears.

The older guard who was watching over the visiting room approached the table, "Sorry to interrupt you ladies, but you will have to cut your visit short, there are other visitors here for Miss Adams as well."

Chaise's heart beat faster at that news and she suddenly got very excited, "Is it Matt Stow?!" She asked him hopefully.

The guard shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry, Adams - I don't know who it is I just got instructions over the radio to move these two on so that you have time to see the next visitor."

Natalia and Rebecca smiled at Chaise enthusiastically, "You never know, babe - it might be!" Rebecca stood up and grabbed her into another huge hug and kissed her on the cheek, "Please hang in there, Chaise. We will come back next week and, if it's not Matt here now, then we will do everything that we can to get him here."

"Thank you so much for coming in to see me, guys," Chaise said softly as she and hugged and kissed Natalia as well.

"Love you! Stay safe!" They called out as they left the visitor's room, waving.

Watching them leave, talking quietly to each other and looking around at the other prisoners anxiously - frightened looks plastered all over their faces, Chaise wished desperately that she could be leaving with them. Her hopes that it might be Matt coming in to see her were quickly dashed when Kiah and Jay entered the visitor's room together.

Their faces when they saw Chaise were just as shocked as Rebecca and Natalia had been. Although, they were not as subtle and sensitive as the girls had been,

"Chaise! What the hell has happened to you!?" Jay demanded, not even trying to hide his horror at the sight of her face.

"Jay, it's O.K...."

"Holy shit!" He grabbed the cast on Chaise's arm, staring at it as if it wasn't real.

"Ow... Jay..." Chaise could see the rage in his face as he studied her injuries.

Nicole obviously hadn't done as good a job at hiding her injuries as Chaise had hoped. Not that she could hide the bandages on her nose, the stitches on her lip or the cast on her arm.

"What happened?! I heard that you were injured - but this is beaten to a fucking pulp! Who did this to you!?" He persisted, infuriated.

Kiah just stood there in shock - not sure how to react.

"Jay, it's over. Please... please don't make a fuss," Chaise was all too aware that the other prisoners and their visitors had stopped their conversations and were now watching them, curiously.

"Are you fucking with me, Chaise! Look at you! You are supposed to be getting looked after in here... what the hell!?"

He started to rant furiously.

Kiah realized that the commotion was getting too loud and too public.

"Jay!" She grabbed him by his suit sleeve and yanked on it to pull him down onto the plastic chairs.

"Chaise, we have to know if you are alright," she said seriously.

"I am surviving, Kiah. That's all I can really tell you. I don't want to cause trouble in here - if I make waves it will be a lot worse. I just really need to get out of here as soon as possible."

Kiah nodded and pursed her lips tight. Even though she was frowning, her face barely moved from all the Botox injections she had done.

"We are doing everything that we possibly can to make that happen, Chaise. I have been on the phone every day with Jed and Lou - believe me, they are working twenty-four seven on this, they will get you out. Just, please try and stay safe - stay out of trouble,"

Chaise nodded, "I am trying my best..."

"This is pretty horrific, Chaise. You are obviously being targeted because of who you are, we need to get you into protective custody or something..."

"I can't Kiah. To do that I have to tell the prison who did it and believe me - that would make it a lot worse. You just can't do that in here."

Kiah nodded. She understood.

"We don't have much time with you, Chaise so I need to get straight to the point. You need to release a statement. My office is being hounded constantly by the media day and night. A short, to the point statement advising them that you will not be talking publicly about this and that you are O.K will keep them at bay for a while," Kiah told her straight.

Chaise knew that this would be coming.

"What should I say?" She asked wearily.

Kiah pulled out a notepad with some ideas she had already scrawled on it,"I have put together a statement with Jed that we think will suffice for now - I just wanted you to read it and approve it before I released it. You can add what you need to as well."

Chaise took the notepad from her hands and began reading it aloud quietly,"Chaise Adams was involved in an extremely unfortunate incident which has resulted in the unfortunate loss of life of Natasha Hendrix. Chaise Adams deeply regrets the actions that caused this incident with all of her being \- as would anybody in her situation. What took place was a tragic accident. Chaise Adams is unable to talk about the details of what unfolded that fateful night as she is currently preparing for her trial and has been advised by her council that she is to not speak publicly until the trial is over. Chaise Adams is deeply, truly sorry for the immense pain that she has caused to the loved ones of Miss Hendrix and understands that nothing she can say or do will ever make up for their pain and loss. Chaise Adams hopes that the public will refrain from judging her through the public media's perception and that she will be treated fairly in the court of law that represents all American citizens. As for the incident in the prison - Chaise Adams has no comment. Adams will not be publicly commenting again on her case until this is over - whatever the result may be."

Chaise took a deep breath, letting it all sink in.

"Yeah, that's fine. There isn't anything more that I want to add to that - you did well, Kiah, release it."

"What about your... altercation in here. The speculation that the press is coming up with is all over the place."

"I do not want to comment on that - just like you have said. Just add that I am fine in here and that I am receiving the same, fair treatment as every other prisoner being detained. I do not want to piss off the prison or the guards."

Jay was still sitting in his chair silently - glaring at them both furiously as he wasn't getting the answer to his question of what had happened to Chaise to cause her horrific injuries.

Kiah and Chaise both ignored him as they talked over some of the details of how to try and simmer the bubbling pot of the press.

After a while and tired of being ignored, Jay finally calmed down.

"Chaise, it's only because I am so worried about you," he suddenly interrupted them - it was his way of apologizing for his outbursts.

"I know, Jay, believe me - I appreciate it very much but I need to do what I can to survive in here until I can get out. You have to understand and respect that,"

"I do," Jay sighed, helplessly.

"We are really positive that you will be released, Chaise," Kiah smiled.

She tried to sound convincing but it came across very weakly as her voice cracked and betrayed her. Chaise nodded, tapping her fingers on the table.

"Jay... what do you think the chances of me still having a career are after all of this?"

Chaise asked, nervously. She wasn't sure that she wanted to hear the answer. He paused for a moment, mentally choosing his words carefully in his head before he spoke, "To be honest, Chaise \- I really don't know. It is too early to tell. You have the most press coverage you have ever had in your life at the moment but obviously, it is the worst, most devastatingly negative press.

Unfortunately - as expected, the Torino deal has been reneged.

Your career does largely depend on the verdict - if you are found not guilty then we can possibly salvage something, but it is going to take a long time for us to do it. Nobody can take your fame and identity away from you."

Kiah piped up as well, "We have already started receiving offers from various chat shows to have sit down interviews with you.

They have been talking a lot of money as well - upwards of five million dollars per interview. I can only imagine that they will expand their offers as time goes by."

"I am not interested in doing any interviews," Chaise told her, bluntly.

"Chaise, you will have to when you get out. You have to tell your side of the story, defend yourself."

"We'll see," Chaise mumbled.

Kiah went quiet.

She and Jay both exchanged awkward looks.

"What?!" Chaise demanded to know what was causing the obvious tension.

"Well, we understand if you don't want to tell us, but we don't know exactly what has happened. All we know is the statement that the police released which didn't go into much detail. The rest is media speculation. Jed refused to tell us because of attorney, client privileges."

"Are you asking me if I meant to kill her?" Chaise asked, shocked.

"No, of course not - we believe that it was an accident..."

Chaise sighed in frustration and reluctantly gave them the short version of what happened, not getting into too much detail or facts.

Their faces were horrified as they listened to the events that had unfolded first hand.

Kiah had tears in her eyes when Chaise had finally finished,

"Chaise, I am so sorry that this has happened to you... I still cannot believe it. And we are both truly saddened about Matt's affair and what has happened between the two of you. It's heartbreaking."

"Thank you, Kiah. I appreciate that,"

"Have you spoken to Matt? What's going to happen to you guys?"

She asked curiously.

Chaise bit her lip to prevent the tears falling again. She was so sick of crying all the time – it was exhausting. She shook her head sadly, "No. I get to make a phone call this afternoon – I will try and get a hold of him.

From what Jed has told me, he has gone into hiding to avoid the media onslaught."

Kiah held Chaise's hand tightly, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Chaise."

"Thank you,"

The guard indicated to everybody that visiting times were now over. The room became a buzz of activity as everybody stood up and embraced each other lovingly, saying their teary goodbyes.

Kiah and Jay did the same, taking it in turns to hug Chaise.

"Hang in there, kid. We will do whatever we can for you to help you out," Jay kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks Jay. There is not much you can do until I get out of this hell hole. Just be prepared to fight for my career when I am released."

"Of course!" He smiled weakly at her. Chaise was not convinced.

"I will continue to handle the media and do as much damage control as possible. This press release will simmer the fires a little.

Just don't worry about what the media are saying too much – concentrate on saying safe, O.K?" Kiah said as she eyed Chaise's swollen and bruised face.

"I will,"

With that, they left the prison as well.

Once again, Chaise felt all alone.

TIME TICKS BY...

Three Weeks Later

The days in the weeks that followed passed by painfully slowly.

Chaise worked her obligatory days in the laundry, ignoring Smith's constant taunts and threats as much as she possibly could and still not taking the bait by arguing back. It was getting easier and easier with every day to tune her cruel jibes out.

Chaise still had to do all the work for both of them but she just sucked it up and got on with it. She figured that she would be better off to just do it all without complaint then to make waves and she was becoming an expert at folding the sheets in record time. Chaise was still clinging onto the hope that she would be leaving this place soon so she just had to get through her time in prison without any more incidents.

She had managed to avoid Jenkins and her gang of goons most of the time. It was made easier by the fact that they spent quite a lot of time in solitary confinement on and off for different offences.

There had been one incident when Chaise had been alone in her cell and Jenkins had casually just walked in. Chaise had been terrified and had braced herself for another beating, but Jenkins had just taunted her for a few minutes with verbal abuse about how Matt had not come to see Chaise and that he didn't want to be with her anymore and then she had left.

Chaise had heard from the other inmates that Jenkins was trying to

behave and not get caught causing trouble since she had had enough of going to solitary confinement. The gang still threw constant insults at Chaise but had so far avoided any physical altercations - much to her relief.

Rumours on the grapevine had it that Collins had suspected Jenkins and her friends of the beating against Chaise and had warned her that there would be severe consequences if Chaise was hurt again. It would not look good for the Lynford if their celebrity inmate was beaten again. As long as she wasn't anywhere alone then Chaise could avoid another ass whooping from them.

Rebecca and Natalia had put the money Chaise 'owed' them into their prison accounts and that had kept them quiet about that subject.

Smith hadn't mentioned the money again since Chaise paid it.

However, she was still determined to make Chaise as frightened and uncomfortable as possible in the laundry room. Smith kept promising that the time would come again when they would get to her alone. She knew that Chaise was powerless to say anything to anyone or do anything about it.

Chaise had just stuck to Nicole and the other girls like glue.

She had become so close to all of them over the past few weeks and had refused to go anywhere without them. They had spent most of their days when they weren't working talking, playing board games and watching the limited television that they were allowed to view. They had watched several nightly news reports on Chaise's case. It was mainly just speculation about what would

happen at Chaise's trial.

There was still no public comment from Matt. He had not been seen in public at all, hiding out at Minch's house and refusing to leave. Rebecca and Natalia had come to see Chaise every single Saturday for visiting hours - as had Kiah and Jay.

Chaise had refused to let anybody else be on her approved visitors list apart from Matt and her parents if they ever decided to come and see her. She was too paranoid that the media would get in.

Sadly, Chaise had still not been able to get a hold of Matt. She had tried repeatedly to call him on the days when she was allowed to use the phone but she had no idea where he was and had no luck reaching him. She had tried his cell, the house phone, Minch's house phone and his cell. She had even tried his manager as well as his band mates and friends, Lee and Chop. Every single one of them had refused to accept the call from the prison.

Rebecca, Natalia, Jay and Kiah had all promised Chaise every week that they had been repeatedly trying to contact him but they couldn't get a hold of him either and he refused to return any of their calls.

Chaise's despair had grown dramatically with every week that passed by with no contact from him and she was starting to dread that he was never going to contact her or come and see her. She thought about him constantly and missed him so much it caused her to feel physically sick.

Chunks of her hair had started falling out and she had lost quite a lot of weight in the past few weeks - weight that she couldn't really afford to lose on her small frame. As well as being too upset to eat - the food on offer was so disgusting that she had barely been eating it at all, surviving on only a few nibbles of each meal. Her ribs and collar bones were jutting out, as was her spine and hip bones.

Her face had taken on a sickly grey shade and her cheekbones were more pronounced, causing her to look gaunt. She looked sick, frail and skeletal.

Chaise's energy levels had also dropped significantly as a result of the weight loss and stress. She spent the majority of her 'free' time when she wasn't with the girls in the recreation room in her cell, sleeping.

Her ribs had healed significantly which was a huge relief - sleeping on them had been intolerably painful. The bruises and swelling on her face had gone down a lot and her arm was healing nicely, she would be able to get the cast taken off in the next week or so. The stitches on her lip had been removed and there was only a deep, dark red scar left. It was very ugly and Chaise hated it so much.

The bandages on her broken nose had been removed and was left to heal on its own. It had healed to one side and was going to stay that way until she could see a plastic surgeon.

Chaise looked a hell of a lot different to what she had looked like before – when she had been a 'movie star' instead of a 'prisoner'.

As strange as it seemed to Chaise, she was adjusting to life on the 'inside'.

Every day seemed to get a little easier and a little less scary. She had a routine down pat which helped a lot and she just tried to let the days go by as quickly as possible - praying every single day that Jed would get her a trial date as soon as possible so she would be released. She was getting used to the hard, thin mattress that she had to sleep on, the constant cold air in the prison, the routines and schedules set by the prison and all the protocols. But, Chaise knew for sure that just because she was making it bearable now, and surviving - she was still only making it through one day at a time.

She was a hundred percent positive that she would not be able to stay in prison for a very long period of time. The one and only thing getting her through was the hope that once she went to trial she would be found not guilty and she would be allowed to leave.

One afternoon - which was the same as every other afternoon - Chaise was in her usual position of lying in her bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking about Matt as she listened to Nicole humming along to herself while she read one of her trashy books when the cell door suddenly opened up and Collins' poked his head in,

"Adams, your lawyer is here to see you."

Finally!

Chaise had been waiting for weeks to hear from him! Nicole looked down at Chaise excitedly - she knew how desperate Chaise had been to hear any news from Jed.

"That's awesome, Chaise! Yay!"

"Thank God!" Chaise jumped down off the bunk, overjoyed.

"Good luck!" Nicole called as Chaise half-skipped excitedly behind Collins down the hallway.

She was praying that Jed was finally going to have some good news for her - a court date that was very soon. Chaise could not believe that she had already been in prison for a month - surely he had made some progress by now!?

Collin's led her through to the private rooms where prisoners could meet with their lawyers. Jed and Lou were sitting at the desk with dozens of papers scattered out in front of them.

"Jed!" Chaise cried out happily, so happy to see his pudgy face.

He beamed a huge smile at her.

"Well, Chaise, you certainly look a lot better than you did last time I saw you!" He embraced her into a big hug, "But you are way too skinny! Are they not feeding you in here?" He laughed, obviously over the moon to see her.

"Ha ha," Chaise laughed along with him, rolling her eyes and holding him tightly.

"Hello, Chaise," Lou held his hand out to her.

"Hi Lou!" Chaise sang, ignoring his outstretched hand and grabbing him into a hug as well.

He fell back a few steps, taken aback by her overwhelming enthusiasm.

"Uh, take a seat," Lou motioned to the empty chair.

Chaise sat down, almost bouncing up and down in her seat as the anticipation was too much to bear.

"Well!?" She persisted, not being able to wait a second longer.

Jed smiled at her, "I do have good news for you, Chaise."

Good news?

The only possible good news would be that she could get out of this hell hole...

"I can get out!?" She squealed as happiness overwhelmed her.

She burst into a flood of joyful tears, "Oh my God!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Chaise - let's not get ahead of ourselves now..." Jed put his hands out in front of him in protest.

Her heart sank to her stomach, "I'm not getting out!?" She asked, weakly.

"Not quite yet..."

"Then what's the good news!?" She demanded, upset and angry at herself for getting excited and being so stupid.

Lou took over for Jed, "Chaise the good news that we wanted to tell you is that we have a court date set."

"Huh?"

"We have a confirmed date set for your trial to begin. Normally, the waiting period for manslaughter and murder charges is around a year - even more. We managed to get you in for the start of June."

"June!?" Chaise sat there, stunned, "But that's three months away!"

"Chaise..." Jed said, trying to be patient with her, "Do you not understand? Most people have to wait over a year to go to court - that could have easily happened to you. For the last couple of weeks we have been busting our butts and pulling every string that we could possibly pull to get you in front of a judge and a jury earlier. This is a very, very good result."

Chaise nodded her head slowly, processing what they were telling her. She understood what they were saying but the thought of another three months in prison was extremely hard to swallow.

She wouldn't even allow herself to think about the possibility that she would be found guilty and have to stay there for years.

Her mental state was too fragile.

"Our case is looking very good. We are positive that we can get the point across to the jury that it was an accident and have you be found not guilty."

"Thank God," Chaise sighed with relief.

Jed and Lou looked at each other with concern etched over their faces.

Jed then took her hand and squeezed it tightly,

"Chaise, you do need to prepare yourself for the fact that you may be found guilty, though. As confident as we are we do not want to get your hopes up and then have the verdict go against us. You need to be in the right frame of mind to deal with that, if it happens."

Chaise's heart sank down to her stomach. She knew that they were right but she refused to let the thought of being in prison for a long time sink in.

"Chaise, you are as pale as a ghost," Jed's voice was full of concern,

"You are as thin as a rake - you have to look after yourself. We need for you to be as healthy as possible!"

Chaise glared at him angrily, "Do you know how much stress I am under in here!?" She growled, "Not to mention that even if I did have an appetite - the food in here is fucking disgusting!"

"Look, just be grateful that we have managed to get you into court as early as we have. We will do everything possible to get you out of here. You are very, very lucky to get into the court system so quickly. I don't think you are quite grasping that fact. We think that it is because of the amount of media and public scrutiny surrounding your case. The courts and police have been under a huge amount of pressure from the press and we believe that they just want to get your case out of the way as soon as possible."

Chaise nodded. She knew that she should be grateful that she will not have to linger in prison for a long time before she can go to court, but she still couldn't feel great about having three months longer.

Lou interrupted Jed, getting down to business, "Now, we need to go over every detail of that night over and over again with you until we have everything that we need to make a solid case."

Chaise sighed and buried her head into her hands with exasperation. She was so sick of going over what happened again and again, but she knew that this was important. This was her case and these were the men that were going to fight it for her.

They needed every detail and Chaise had to give it to them.

They spent the next two hours going over what happened and Chaise's case again and again and again. Jed and Lou asked her hundreds of different questions - most of which they had already asked her in the first interviews - writing down page after page of notes.

They informed her that they would not be putting her on the stand as she would be cross examined by the Harry and the prosecution and they did not want to have her exposed to that.

They went through all the details about how the trial would be run and what Chaise would have to sit through. By the time they had finally finished - hours later, Chaise was exhausted and emotionally drained but also feeling confident.

She hugged both of them when it was all over and thanked them for all that they were doing for her, "I appreciate it so much, guys. I know how hard you are all working on helping me out."

"You're so welcome, Chaise. We are working so hard on this. We have a good case," Jed smiled warmly.

Chaise tried not to think about how much money this defence team was going to end up costing her but ultimately - she didn't care. She would happily hand over every single penny that she had if it meant getting out of prison. Having millions in the bank didn't matter at all if she was locked up for a long time. It was worth it to pay for her freedom.

The next morning was Saturday, which meant that it was visiting day again. It had become the only highlight of Chaise's weeks.

She thoroughly enjoyed talking with her friends about the most mundane, ordinary, irrelevant things. She asked them about their days and what they had been doing. It felt nice to live through them. She rarely talked about prison life with them - she preferred to zone out for the hour and gossip as if they were out to lunch and not in Lynford Correctional's visiting rooms. She happily walked down to the familiar room, expecting to see Rebecca and Natalia waiting in their usual seats, like they were every week without fail.

Chaise had no idea that she was in for a major shock today.

Sitting hunched over uncomfortably at the furthest table in the corner of the visitor's room, tapping his fingers nervously on the table and staring at the ground was Matt. Chaise's heart stopped momentarily and then started beating wildly.

Matt!

He was here!

As much as she hadn't wanted to, Chaise had become used to the fact that he was not going to come to the jail to visit her.

She had told herself numerous times as she lay in bed thinking about him that it was probably due to all the paparazzi and media camping outside of the prison every Saturday that he was reluctant to come.

And the fact that he hadn't answered any of her constant calls was because he just needed some time. She had convinced herself that she would be able to talk to him when she was released, after being found not guilty at the trial.

Chaise burst into tears at the beautiful sight of her beloved husband. She was so overcome with emotions and was unbelievably happy to see his face.

"MATT!" She cried, running towards him, weaving through the tables full of people with her arms outstretched in front of her.

She didn't even care that the whole room was watching her.

His face wore a blank expression as she approached him. His dark eyes were taking in the sight of Chaise - looking dishevelled and in her prison tracksuit. She had stopped bothering to wear make up as she presumed that he would not be coming in. Now, she desperately wished she had made an effort with her appearance today.

He stood up off his chair and weakly took her into his arms as she threw herself onto him. She clung to his warm body as tightly as she possibly could, burying her head into his chest, sobbing hard.

He gently stroked her hair, shushing gently into her ear and letting her cry into his woollen sweater. A month of built up emotions came spilling out of her and she released it into the safest place she had ever known - the arms of her husband who she loved more than anything.

After a few minutes, Chaise leant back from him just enough so

that she could look up at his face, but she wasn't prepared to totally let go of him just yet. Her arms held on tightly. His face was pale and gaunt - he had lost a lot of weight too.

He had dark bags under his auburn eyes and looked like he hadn't been sleeping much at all. His hair was greasy and Chaise could tell that he hadn't been looking after himself very well.

She was so overjoyed to see him in the flesh - she couldn't believe that he was finally here.  
"Matt..." she cried, reaching up to kiss his soft lips.

She had been waiting to do that for so long.

To her horror, he pulled his head away from her. Chaise stood there, confused and feeling rejected.

"Matt!?" She whispered, frightened at his reaction towards her.

"Sit down, Chaise," he sighed quietly, sounding emotionally exhausted.

"Matt... please.." she begged, desperate for his love.

He sat back down in his chair and patiently waited until she did the same. Chaise reluctantly sat beside him, trying in vain to hold his hand. He pulled it back and crossed his arms defensively in front of his chest.

"Are you O.K?" He asked her bluntly, with no real emotion in his voice.

"Huh?" She was so confused.

What was going on with him?!

"Are you O.K? I heard about... you know."

"Oh," Chaise suddenly realized that he meant the beating she had taken weeks ago.

She could feel his eyes studying the cast on her arm, "Yeah, I am alright."

He nodded his head slowly, looking slightly relieved.

"Are you?" She asked, shocked at how much older he looked.

It seemed as if he had aged years in just a month.

"No," he said bluntly and very matter-of-factly.

"Matt, I know you have probably been through hell and back..."

"Do you, Chaise!? Do you?" He spat angrily at her with a sudden outburst of disdain in his voice which took her by surprise.

He had never spoken to her in that tone before.

"Honey, I'm so sorry... I can only imagine what you have been through, but - believe me, I have been going through a Hell of a lot worse! I am in prison!"

"You deserve to be," he stared furiously at Chaise.

Her mouth dropped wide open in shock - she could not believe that he had just said that to her.

"MATT!"

"You killed her, Chaise - don't you get that?! You are a murderer," his face was full of hatred.

Chaise was caught off guard by his reaction towards her - she had not been expecting this from him at all.

"It was an accident!" Chaise cried out defensively.

"You hit her in the head with a heavy candle holder thing - you cracked her skull open! I was there! I saw the whole thing - how is that a fucking accident!?"

"Because I was caught up in a goddamn fight! I had just caught my husband fucking another woman! You were cheating on me!" Chaise argued back, all too aware that they had an audience as the room watched on in amazement.

"You think that that justifies murdering her!? His eyes were wild with rage.

"I didn't mean to! I didn't want to! I was so hurt and I was so... shocked – so... angry! I was in a furious rage - I would never intentionally want to kill somebody! Are you kidding me!? You know me, Matt. You have known me for a long time, you know that I would never, ever want that!"

She cried, deeply upset at his accusations.

"I don't know you. Not anymore," he said coldly.

Chaise could not believe what she was hearing. She felt stupid for

ever believing that he was going to support her.

To be on her side.

"Matt, please... it was an accident you know that! You were there - you saw that it was a split-second thing!"

"Yeah, I was there."

"How could you think that I would deliberately murder someone!?" She asked him desperately.

Matt stared at the ground uncomfortably, he was obviously embarrassed by all the attention that they were receiving.

"I don't know, Chaise. I don't have a clue why you did it," he paused and looked away, "Natasha's parents and the District Attorney have asked me to testify against you in court," he said quietly, refusing to look at her.

Was she dreaming?!

Was he saying this to her!?

"But, you're my husband!" Chaise cried out in disbelief.

He wouldn't do that - would he!?

"About that..." he pulled a folded up, yellow envelope out of his back pocket and placed it onto the table in front of her.

Chaise's hands were shaking uncontrollably as she picked up the papers.

"What is this?" She asked, too frightened to open it and reveal its contents.

He just stared right through her, defiantly. She tore one side of it open and pulled the paperwork out.

Divorce papers.

Her hands shook so hard that she dropped them back onto the table.

Divorce!?

She burst into a flood of tears. Matt just sat there quietly, shifting in his seat awkwardly. The people in the room were glued to them as if they were watching a car crash and could not look away.

"Come on, Chaise. You had to see this coming," he said softly.

She looked at him through her tears in disbelief. Her head was swimming.

"I... I..." she didn't know what to say.

How should she respond to her husband wanting a divorce?!

"I think that it's for the best, Chaise. I am so sorry that this has all happened. I really am."

"Divorce! You're divorcing me!?" She shouted at him loudly - not giving a damn about the witnesses around them.

"Chaise, quiet down..." he looked around, utterly embarrassed.

"You can't divorce me, Matt! I am going to be acquitted! I am going to be out of here soon - we can work this out, we can go to a therapist, I will do whatever it takes! I am so sorry... I..."

"Chaise..." he reached across the table and held her hand as he tried to calm her down, "I can't do this anymore. Our marriage is over. There is nothing left to work out."

Chaise looked into his eyes, "Don't you love me anymore?"

Tears welled up in his eyes as well. He took a deep breath and tried to stop himself from crying, "I will always love you."

"Then why!? We can work it out, Matt - I swear to God we can work it out!"

"No, we can't \- too much has happened now."

"But, you still love me - that's all that matters. I love you so much!

We can work this out... I forgive you for cheating on me - why can't you forgive me for this!? I made a mistake but it wasn't my fault. Please, Matt..."

He shook his head sadly and wiped a tear away from his eye, "I am so sorry, Chaise..."

"Matt, please! Please don't just give up on us! We haven't even talked about everything that has happened yet! How can you just want to leave me!?

Please... I will do anything! Please, please, please don't do this," she pleaded with him through her sobs.

He shook his head and pulled his hand away, "There is nothing that can save us now, Chaise. It's over."

"We can talk about this, babe \- please. Just talk to me. Ask me anything that you want to. Say anything that you want to! I am begging you..."

He sighed and buried his face into his hands, "Please don't make this harder than it has to be, Chaise. I have done a lot of thinking since... it happened. This is what I want. I am so sorry," he said sadly.

"So, that's it. Just like that. It's over!?" She snapped.

"Yes, Chaise. It's over."

She snatched the dreaded papers off the table and stood up angrily.

"Get Jed to look over them," he advised softly and stood up as well, "We don't need to proceed with the divorce until your trial is over - I know that you have a lot to deal with for that."

Chaise glared at him in disbelief.

He was leaving her.

It was all over.

He leaned over and bought her in close to him for a hug.

She just stood there, stunned as he squeezed her tightly and kissed her softly on the top of her head, "Please be safe in here. I mean it, Chaise. Please,"

She watched in silence as he turned and walked away out of the room without looking back. Chaise couldn't move. She couldn't think straight.

She felt like the room around her was spinning like a whirlwind.

She knew that she was going to break down completely and she was desperate to get back to her cell before that could happen.

Chaise staggered towards the visiting room guard whose name was Klein.

He had witnessed what had happened and he generously helped her out of the visiting room and back down the hallway to her cell, holding her up as her knees went weak and buckled from underneath her.

As soon as Chaise made it back to her cell she collapsed onto the floor in uncontrollably, hysterical crying. Nicole gasped in shock when she saw the state of Chaise and jumped up from the desk where she had been sitting and raced over to her side. She tried to help Chaise up off the floor but she was crying so hysterically that she couldn't stand up. So instead, Nicole dropped down to her knees on the floor with Chaise and held her tightly in her arms, rocking her back and forth like a small child.

An hour later - after they had just laid down on the hard concrete floor together without saying a single word and with Nicole just letting Chaise cry her eyes out - Nicole finally managed to help Chaise up onto the bottom bunk. Chaise curled her body up into a ball on the mattress.

She had cried all the tears that she had left so nothing but wheezing breaths came out of her throat. She had a splitting headache and felt nauseous.

"What happened!?" Nicole asked, gently.

Chaise was still clutching the divorce papers tightly in her hand - she hadn't dared to let go of them. She held them out to Nicole who quietly took them and read them over.

"Oh," she said quietly once she had realized what they were and what had happened, "Chaise, I am so sorry. This is devastating."

She stroked Chaise's hair gently and they sat there in silence, embracing each other for comfort until they fell asleep in each other's arms. Nicole and Chaise awoke in the middle of the night, still holding each other tightly.

They had missed dinner but Chaise didn't care - she was way too upset to eat. It was so nice for her to feel the warmth of a human body next to hers. Holding Nicole felt so calming. It had been so long since Chaise had felt that human connection.

Nicole sat up and rested her head onto her elbow as she stroked some hair away from Chaise's eyes, "I truly am so sorry that this has happened to you. You are so beautiful - you don't deserve this unhappiness. I was so hoping that you guys would be able to work it out," Nicole whispered into her ear, softly.  
Chaise smiled weakly at her. She was so emotionally exhausted that she had no energy left. She really did not want to talk about what had happened - the pain was just too much to bear. She would have preferred to of taken the beating that she had endured over and over again rather than having to experience the pain of Matt leaving her.

They just lay there in the dark in silence, staring at each other.

Before Chaise realized what was happening, Nicole leant down and kissed her softly on the forehead, her lips wet on Chaise's cold skin.

She was confused as to what Nicole was doing, but at the same time a rush of excitement raced through Chaise's entire body like electricity. She was shocked at the kiss but she didn't do anything to pull away from Nicole.

Breathing heavily, Nicole looked deep into Chaise's eyes - studying her reaction. When Chaise did not reject her in any way, she gently kissed the tip of Chaise's nose. Chaise suddenly felt giddy as her head started to spin and a sharp shiver sped down her spine like a current.

Softly and hesitantly, Nicole kissed Chaise on her lips - just a gentle, warm, wet peck. Chaise hadn't realized that she had been holding her breath. She slowly exhaled and closed her eyes.

Nicole paused, still breathing heavily, then she nervously kissed Chaise on the mouth again. This time, she parted her lips and gave Chaise a wet open mouthed kiss, gently sucking on her bottom lip. Nicole then slowly pulled her head back and hovered a few centimetres above Chaise's face.

After a few seconds she kissed Chaise full on and very passionately.

Chaise found herself getting caught up in the passion of it and kissed Nicole back, hard. She was so warm and tasted so sweet.

Nicole's tongue darted in and out of Chaise's mouth, circling gently. It was the softest, most sensual kiss that Chaise had ever experienced. She had never, ever kissed a woman before.

She knew that a lot of girls - including friends of hers who would get drunk and kiss each other at parties and nightclubs for a laugh and to stir up whatever men were around, but Chaise had never felt the need to do it before.

It felt so sensual. Nicole was so soft and delicate.

So different to kissing a man.

Chaise raised her hand up and wrapped her fingers through Nicole's long hair, pulling her head closer and kissing her more intensely.

It felt so right.

Chaise needed it.

She needed the closeness, the passion, the intimacy, the warmth.

Chaise had been starved of human contact for longer than she had ever been before in her life and allowed herself to get caught up in the heat of the moment. Nicole ran her fingers gently down Chaise's cheek and swept them under her chin. The kiss became harder and more intense. They were ravishing each other, hungrily, desperately.

It felt amazing.

Nicole brushed her hand over Chaise's chest and slipped it under her shirt - cupping Chaise's breast over her bra. Chaise's heart was racing so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

Her body shivered in response to Nicole's touch.

Nicole pulled Chaise's bra over to one side, exposing her bare breast.

Slowly, she bent her head down and licked Chaise's nipple. Chaise was so swept up in what was happening and yet she was so confused. Her mind was cloudy and racing at full speed.

It felt so good, and at the same time it felt so wrong.

She wasn't gay!

She loved men!

She loved Matt!

Chaise pushed Nicole off her abruptly. Nicole looked up at Chaise, her glassy eyes wide in shock.

"Stop," Chaise told her, quietly but sternly.

Nicole looked hurt and stood up, taking a few steps backwards.

Chaise sat up, pulling her bra and shirt back on. Nicole stood there, stunned as Chaise lay back onto her bed and turned to face the wall without saying a word.

"Chaise..."

"Please, Nicole \- just don't," Chaise curled up under her thin blanket, embarrassed.

She didn't know why that had happened - but it shouldn't have.

But, she knew that now that it had happened - things were going to be so awkward between them now.

Chaise was mad at Nicole for starting it and she was extremely mad at herself for going along with it. Nicole took the hint and left Chaise alone.

After tossing and turning all night - barely getting any sleep, the lights all turned on at seven am - like they did every single day without fail. In the harsh light of the morning, Chaise felt stupid over what had happened during the night. Nicole attempted to talk to her as they got dressed for breakfast but Chaise didn't say a word back to her. Nicole also tried to apologize a few times but Chaise refused to respond to her efforts at all.

She eventually gave up and headed off to the cafeteria for breakfast in a huff.

Chaise waited behind in the cell until Nicole had left. She waited a few more minutes then headed off to breakfast as well. In the busy cafeteria, Chaise stood in the food line, a glum look etched all over her gaunt face.

Her mind was spinning over the previous night's events and she could not make any sense of it. She took one piece of dry toast and then went to sit at an empty table, by herself.

Nicole was sitting with her friends at their usual table, just a few yards away. Chaise could see that the other girls were all confused as to why she wasn't sitting with them - and why Nicole and Chaise both looked so miserable. They kept looking over at Chaise then back at Nicole, whispering to her, trying to grill her for answers about what was going on.

Chaise could see that Nicole wasn't saying anything to them. She was just shovelling her soggy oats around in her bowl with a plastic spoon - her head rested on her hand with her elbow on the table.

Chaise ignored their curious stares for the entire allocated eating time and as soon as breakfast was over, she raced off to the laundry to do her job.

Smith tried to taunt Chaise with her usual, daily insults and threats.

She had heard about the altercation between Chaise and Matt in the visiting room and was having a ball re-enacting the tragic events.

But, as usual Chaise just kept her head down and ignored her.

She was so desperate to get out of this Hell.

The thought of three more months in this hole, dealing with these awful, dangerous and psychotic women was almost too much for Chaise to bare.

That wasn't even considering the fact that Chaise could possibly be

convicted for the death of Natasha and have to stay in prison for a very, very long time.

She still refused to let herself go there. After the seemingly long shift was over, Chaise reluctantly returned to her cell that she shared with Nicole - prepared for the inevitable awkwardness that would occur. Nicole was already there, reading one of her trashy books and lying down on her bunk.

She ignored Chaise completely, not even acknowledging the fact that Chaise had come back to their cell. Chaise had the feeling that Nicole was just pretending to read. She was so exhausted after getting barely any sleep the night before.

She jumped onto her bed and forced herself to have a nap so that she could escape the awkwardness and tension in the small room.

The next few days went by painfully slowly. The tension between Nicole and Chaise was unbearable and Chaise was starting to really miss their friendship, despite what had happened between them. She was extremely lonely without Nicole.

Ignoring each other took more of an effort for them to do then it would have been to just confront the huge, awkward elephant in the room. They had to live together in such a small space that pretending that the other one wasn't there was so inconvenient and unpractical.

Also, not hanging out with Nicole also meant not hanging out with the other girls and Chaise was terrified to be on her own.

She had barely survived the last few days by staying in her cell as much as possible, but she was so scared and vulnerable that she desperately wanted the security of her friends back. She was also sick of eating all her meals by herself, sitting all alone in the cafeteria and in the recreation room.

One afternoon, Chaise finally snapped - not being able to take it any longer. She had had enough of this petty, childish behaviour that the both of them were displaying. She finally broke the silence while they were both relaxing in their cell.

Nicole was reading one of her books as usual and Chaise was so sick of the heavy silence that she had to end the tension before it would send her into madness. She had enough to deal with without this crap as well.

"Nicole, we need to talk," she just blurted out.

The sound of Chaise's voice startled Nicole, who had gotten used to the silence.

"Huh?" She sat up, puzzled.

"We need to talk. This ignoring each other crap is driving me crazy!"

Nicole looked up at her, confused and unsure of what she should say.

Chaise climbed down off the top bunk and sat on the metal stool.

"Okay..." Nicole seemed very wary of Chaise's sudden interest in talking to her again.

"Look, what happened the other night... I am so sorry..." Chaise started to apologize, struggling to find the appropriate words.  
Nicole looked like a wave of relief had swept over her, "Oh my God, Chaise - I am so sorry!"

Chaise shook her head, "You have nothing to apologize for, Nic... I shouldn't have encouraged you. I was extremely upset about Matt asking for a divorce and I just sort of got swept up in the moment. I was just craving human comfort, you know? But I am so, so, sorry that I didn't stop you straight away - it wasn't fair to you. But, it's just that I'm not gay, I..."

Nicole burst into laughter, "And you think that I am!?"

"Huh?" Chaise was confused.

"You think I'm gay!?" Nicole giggled.

"Well, aren't you!?" Chaise couldn't understand what was so funny.

"NO! Oh, Chaise, I have never even kissed a woman before!"

"You haven't?" Chaise asked as her brain did back flips, trying to process what she was saying.

"NO! Are you kidding me!?" Nicole was now laughing so uncontrollably that tears streamed down her cheeks.

"But, why... did you..."

"Look, I have been in here for too long..." Nicole was still laughing and was struggling to control herself, "I guess it's cabin fever or something, I dunno. Probably the same reason as you - just yearning for human touch. You just looked so vulnerable and hurt and I just wanted to comfort you... I don't know, I can't explain it. I just got caught up in the moment, that's all. Then you freaked out and I felt so guilty and didn't know what to do."

Chaise was so relieved to hear all of this, "Oh, Nicole - I am so glad to hear that. I shouldn't have reacted like I did, I was just so shocked at myself!"

"So was I, believe me!"

Both of them started laughing hysterically.

"So, you're not gay?" Chaise asked.

"Not gay," Nicole confirmed, "My God, Chaise - I love dick way too much!"

They both started giggling uncontrollably, so glad to be friends again.

COURT

That afternoon, Chaise was in for another surprise. Jed had come to see her.

"Chaise," he grabbed her around her waist and squeezed her hard when she arrived in the interview room to see him, "Good news!

We managed to move your court date up. I guess they are sick of the media attention that they are getting. It has been so crazy out there! It's all anybody can talk about so they just want to get it over and done with."

"Really!?" Chaise asked excitedly, she couldn't believe her luck – her prayers had finally been answered, "When!?"

"Next month," he told her with a wide smile on his face.

Chaise was so stunned to hear this, "Next month?! Is that enough time for you guys?"

"Chaise, I am so surprised to hear you say that - you have been begging for me to get the trial started as soon as possible," Jed laughed.

"I just mean, is it enough time for you and Lou to prepare? To get everything ready..."

"Chaise, we have been ready to go for weeks. We will prep you for how to act in court and what to expect."

Chaise was stumped.

She could not believe it!

She was finally going to be going to court.

She will be able to explain that it was all an accident and she will finally get out of prison.  
"You are a very lucky girl, Chaise - you could have been waiting a very long time, you know."

"I know, I know, you have told me a hundred times. I guess being a celebrity does help," she laughed, overjoyed at the good news.

"Well, I guess in this case it does. I have jury selections to attend but I will be back in a few days to brief you on everything that will be happening but, other than that we are ready to go!"

"Oh my God \- finally! This is so fantastic!"

Jed was beaming a huge smile that stretched from ear to ear, "I am so glad to see you so happy, Chaise! I am so confident that we are going to see you walk out of these gates. I cannot wait for that day."

"Thank you so, so much, Jed. I appreciate everything that you have done for me, I really, really do," Chaise kissed him on the cheek.

She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she skipped back to her cell to tell Nicole the good news.

The weeks leading up to the court date flew by surprisingly fast.

Chaise had gotten so used to the days dragging along painfully slowly, but the anticipation of finally getting out of there gave her a skip in her step and she was able to get through the days a lot easier.

Time seemed to speed up now that she knew that her days incarcerated were numbered. Even Smith's taunts in the laundry room didn't bother her anymore - once she was out of this hell hole she would never, ever have to see her or Jenkins or any of the other inmates ever again.

Except Nicole.

Chaise had a genuine soft spot for her and she truly wanted to continue their friendship on the outside. She owed Nicole big time for taking Chaise under her wing and helping to guide her through surviving life inside of the prison's walls.

Chaise had been thinking about it a lot lately and was seriously considering hiring Nicole as her personal assistant since Chaise's had quit months earlier and she had not gotten around to replacing her. She also wanted to help Nicole set up a foundation to help women get out of abusive relationships - which was Nicole's dream.

Chaise had spent countless hours with Jed, Lou and their legal team over the past days as they briefed Chaise on every single aspect of what she could expect from the trial proceedings and the judge and jury. It was very overwhelming for her to hear about what she would be subjected to at the trial.

What made it even more horrifying was the fact that Jed had advised her that the trial would be televised live and would be screened on most of the major networks, daily. The thought of having every embarrassing, sickening and personal detail being screened for the whole world to see was almost too much for Chaise to handle.

The media circus would be out in full force.

Chaise had sobbed when she heard this news - like she wasn't being humiliated enough - it would all be played out like a soap opera for the whole world to watch. It would be O.J Simpson all over again.

When Jed and Lou were finally satisfied that Chaise knew exactly what she was in for and how to behave in court, Jed promised her that he would bring in some of her clothes with the help of Natalia for her to wear.

Chaise could not believe that she was finally going to court.

The weeks flew by as she excitedly counted down the hours until the trial would start. She told anybody and everybody that would listen about how she was going to court to was able to finally tell her side of the story and get out of prison at last. A lot of the other inmates were sceptical that she was going to be released and found not guilty but Chaise refused to listen to their reasoning. She had every faith that the jury would sympathize with her situation.

Wednesday morning was the magical day and she practically jumped out of her bed as the sirens rang out down the hallway. She had not slept a wink that night - but she had not had a full night's sleep since Jed had told her the good news, anyway.

After wolfing down her breakfast and receiving well wishes from Nicole and her friends, she hurried off with Guard Collins to the waiting room of the prison where she was to get ready for her first day of court.

She was now nervously waiting for Jed and Lou to come and collect her.

They were both going to escort her to the court house. She was dressed immaculately in her black Dolce and Gabbana pencil skirt that went down to just below her knees and a baby blue Ralph Lauren button up, collared shirt. She had lost so much weight, the skirt now hung loosely on her. She cinched it tighter with a black belt. It was one of numerous outfits that Natalia had helped Jed to choose from Chaise's own wardrobe. Natalia had even matched shoes and accessories to go with each outfit, which Jed would have struggled to do on his own.

Chaise was feeling so overjoyed that she was finally wearing normal clothes again. She was just so grateful to be out of the prison's uniform.

Natalia had also thought ahead and packed some of Chaise's expensive make up for her to apply as well. As she put the finishes to her face and slipped on her Manolo Blahnik pumps, she almost felt normal again.

She anxiously perfected her overall appearance in the tiny mirror that the prison had supplied to her. Her hair was pulled back into a tight, high pony tail and she had expertly done her make up in a very minimalistic way that looked both professional and smart. She kept unbuttoning and then rebuttoning the top button of her shirt - unable to decide on how many to do up.

She wanted to be taken seriously. She was so worried about the trial that it was driving her crazy. The waiting around for Jed and Lou to arrive was adding to her anxiety.

She could only imagine how many press and media people were going to be outside - ready to capture the infamous moment on film for all the world to see. Jed had warned her repeatedly that it was going to be a circus.

Finally, after she was edging dangerously close to the point of madness from waiting for so long, Jed and Lou arrived at Lynford to escort her to the court house.

"Chaise, you look perfect!" Jed smiled at her, admiring at how smart she looked.

After seeing her in only a prison tracksuit for a long time, it was strange for them to see Chaise in normal clothes again.

"Thanks, I don't know about the top button, though... should I do it up or leave it open?"

Jed chuckled at her, "Leave it, you look fine. You look incredible in fact, like the old Chaise that we all know and love. I am so glad to see that they took your cast off your arm as well, that was perfect timing."

Chaise rubbed her healed arm where the heavy cast had been up until two days ago. She had strangely gotten used to having it on there but now she was so relieved that it was gone. She almost looked normal again. Her nose was completely healed, it was a little off to one side and not perfect like it had been but it was no longer swollen and bandaged or causing her pain. Her arm was fine, the ribs had healed nicely and all her bruises had finally faded. The only real sign of the beating that remained, apart from her lopsided nose was the deep red scar above her top lip.

"Now, do you remember everything that we went over in briefing?" Lou asked her, seriously.

Chaise nodded, nervously shifting her weight from foot to foot.

She was eager to get going.

"Do you have any questions?" Jed asked.

He was wearing a very fancy suit and his balding hair was slicked back neatly. He looked ready for business. Ready to fight for her freedom.

Chaise shook her head, "Jed, I have been preparing for this all day, every day since I have been in here! I am so, so unbelievably ready."

"O.K, then let's do it," Lou led the way down the halls of the prison as Collins unlocked the main gates for them.

This was going to be the first time that Chaise had left Lynford Prison's towering walls - the first time that she was able to go out into the outside world again. It was a weird, bitter-sweet emotion for Chaise, knowing that she wasn't yet officially free and that she would have to come back again that night. But it was still a nice feeling, however brief it would be.

"Take a deep breath," Jed whispered into her ear.

Chaise did as he said, doing her best to mentally prepare for what she was about to go through.

As they walked out of the main gate of the prison, Chaise could see the huge crowd of people had gathered outside. Dozens of police officers were dressed in full, head to toe riot gear and were holding up large, perspex shields. They had set up hundreds of strong, metal crowd barriers to try and keep a path clear for Chaise and the police to walk through. The police men and women were standing defiantly in front of these barriers, attempting to keep the mass of fanatical people at bay.

There were three news helicopters flying quite low in the sky above them. The roar of their engines was very loud but did nothing to drown out the noise of the excited crowd. News vans with their large satellites on top and paparazzi cars lined the streets as far as the eye could see.

Reporters were holding their microphones close and talking into their designated cameras - they were streaming live on television and explaining in detail the chaotic scene that surrounded them.

The paparazzi were there in full force - their high tech, long lensed photographer's cameras poised and ready to capture the highly in demand images of Chaise leaving the prison and heading to court.

There were literally hundreds of people from the public and press waiting impatiently for a glimpse of Lynford's most infamous prisoner, Chaise Adams. Chaise was both shocked and pleasantly surprised to see that a lot of the public were her fans who had come out to support her and were cheering loudly for her. They were holding large cardboard signs that had different slogans painted onto them including,

'WE LOVE CHAISE ADAMS!',

'FREE CHAISE ADAMS!'

'CHAISE ADAMS \- NOT GUILTY!'

A lot of the signs had pictures of Chaise's face on them as well.

She felt overwhelmed with gratitude towards her fans that had come to support her and lift her spirits in her time of need. It was so uplifting for her to see that she still had many supporters.

Unfortunately, on the flip side there were also a lot of protestors and haters in the crowd. They were booing Chaise loudly as they saw her emerge from the prison's walls. The signs that they were holding up were not as supportive as her fans were - in fact they were quite the opposite.

Theirs had slogans such as

'MURDERERS MUST ROT IN JAIL!'

'CHAISE ADAMS HAS BLOOD ON HER HANDS!'

'CHAISE ADAMS IS A MURDERER!'

They had photos of Chaise on their signs as well but they had drawn red devil horns on her head. Some even had blood splatters on her face.

Jed leant over and shouted loudly into her ear so that she could hear him over the noise of the crowd and helicopters, "ARE YOU READY?"

Chaise swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head - she was so frightened. She had known that there would be a lot of people waiting to see her, but she had not been prepared to witness the hatred first hand that a lot of people now had for her.
Jed, Lou, ten burly police officers and half a dozen of the prison's guards all flanked in a group around Chaise protectively as they began the intimidating and demeaning walk past the rowdy crowd.

They were heading towards the waiting prison van just outside the main entrance gates that was going to transport Chaise to the court house.

The van was just a few yards away, but it seemed like it may as well be miles. This was already a walk of shame for Chaise as it was, let alone the fact that she had to deal with the humiliation of the whole event being televised live, as well as the public coming out to watch the whole dramatic saga unfold.

Chaise was so relieved that she didn't have to wear handcuffs - the guards and police had been very kind to her with that. As their large group hurried past the unruly crowd, down the path that the police had cleared for them, Chaise held her head down and did her best to ignore all the microphones and cameras that were being shoved in her direction. With hundreds of people shouting different questions at her - as well as the cheers and boos from both the supporters and haters, the noise was deafening and frightening.

Suddenly, without warning, a small red object came flying past Chaise's nose at full speed and landed with a thud to the path just a few feet in front of her. It splattered upon impact into a gooey red mess on the pavement. Chaise realized in horror that it was a tomato. Then, another one came whizzing past her ear.

And then another.

They were throwing tomatoes at her!?

Chaise screamed in a panic as the police officers attempting to keep the crowd back did their best to try and calm the people down and apprehend the tomato throwers. The protestor's hatred towards Chaise was so intense that she could feel it burning into her like lasers. She burst into a flood of terrified tears.

The prison guards and officers kept ushering her along - almost pushing her until they finally reached the waiting prison transport vehicle. The guards bundled her quickly into the back of the van with Jed and Lou and then three police officers jumped in beside them. There was loud thud after thud hitting the side of the van as they tried to pull away and leave.

They were still throwing tomatoes at the van as it navigated its way past all the news vans and paparazzi vehicles, slowly. Chaise could still hear the deafening roar of the crowd who were now chanting,

'MUR-DE-RER!'

'MUR-DE-RER!'

"Oh no..." Chaise sobbed through her hysterical tears as she struggled to catch her breath. She was terrified beyond belief.

"It's O.K, Chaise..." Jed attempted vainly to reassure her but his voice betrayed him, cracking under the strain and Chaise did not buy it.

"It's not O.K!" She snapped at him furiously, "Everybody fucking

hates me! Hates me!"

"It's just a few protestors - it's not the whole world! It will be alright..."

"There were fucking hundreds of them! Oh my God - the whole fucking world hates me! My career is over forever, isn't it!?" She buried her head in her hands and bawled her eyes out.

"Chaise, did you not see all of your fans who had come out to support you!?" He reminded her.

"Yes," Chaise sobbed through her tears.

They could hear the helicopters in the air following them down the winding streets. Out of the small window, Chaise could see that half a dozen police cars were escorting the van with their lights and sirens blaring. There were dozens of news vans and paparazzi cars in hot pursuit of their vehicle.

"Chaise, let's worry about getting you out of prison first. That's more important than your career right now. You can worry about all of that later, when you are a free woman," Jed told her sternly,

"You cannot let yourself get rattled by them - that is what they want. You need to be on your best game today, don't forget that."

Chaise nodded weakly and tried to pull herself together mentally by taking a few deep breaths but the protestors had really gotten to her. She had not been expecting that kind of reaction.

When they arrived at the court house a short time later, Chaise was shocked to see that the crowd there was even larger than the one outside of the prison had been.

"Are you kidding me!? Look at how many people are here!" She cried out in fright.

This was a nightmare.

"It's O.K..." the police officer driving the van turned around to speak to Chaise, "We are driving around the back to where the public is not allowed to go. We can avoid everybody back there."

Chaise looked miserably out of the window as they slowly drove past the enormous sea of people. As well as the reporters and paparazzi - once again there was a mixture of both fans that were supporting her and cheering for her and protestors that were booing her. She could see that a few of the anti-Chaise people were holding signs with Natasha's face on them with the words 'JUSTICE FOR NATASHA' sprawled across them in bold, black lettering. They were also wearing badges with the same image on them.

Chaise sighed, desperately trying to hold back her tears. She needed to be strong today. She had to be. The van pulled around to the back entrance of the court house. Like the officer had informed her, nobody could see them back there - to her overwhelming relief. He parked the van and the police officers opened the door and escorted Chaise out.

She then made her way with Jed and Lou into the court house as quickly as possible - surrounded by six police officers.

"Right, this is it," Lou puffed as they arrived inside of the building, trying to catch his breath after all the drama they had just been subjected to.

Chaise tried to collect herself as well, taking deep breaths through her nose and out through her mouth.

"Have you got any last minute questions, Chaise?" Jed asked anxiously as sweat formed on his brow and top lip, "Are you one hundred percent ready for this?"

She shook her head and frowned at him, "I don't think I will ever be ready to go to trial for manslaughter."

He shrugged his shoulders and smiled weakly, "Well - you have no choice. This is it."

A courthouse attendant escorted them to the court room that had been assigned to Chaise and her case. He opened the huge, wooden double doors, leading into the large room. She felt mortified and utterly disgraced as she followed Jed and Lou down the aisle in the centre of the room that was between the rows of seats that were filled to capacity with members of the public who had come to watch the trial.

She kept her head down as they walked up to the desks at the front that were designated to the defence team. All the people that were seated in the room were staring at her intensely and whispering to each other and pointing as she passed by them.

Chaise tried her best to ignore the burning stares from the hundreds of curious strangers and quietly took her seat on the chair assigned to the defendant – her \- which was between Jed and Lou at their desk.

The podium where the judge was to be seated was just a few feet in front of them and stood higher up on a platform and looked very intimidating.

A huge American flag was hanging directly behind it. A television camera crew that had been selected to film the trial had set up all their equipment just over to the left side of the room, near the defendant's area where Chaise was seated.

They already had a large video camera focused firmly on Chaise, ready to go. She was still very angry that the trial was going to be televised live to the world. She knew that it would be a complete public circus that would divide public opinion - just like the O.J Simpson trial had been.

She nervously glanced over at the people who had been selected out of hundreds of potential candidates to make up the jury. They were all staring at her curiously. Jed had informed Chaise during briefing that it had been impossible to find jurors that hadn't heard about the case in the press. The media coverage had been way too widespread. He informed her that they could have moved the case to another Los Angeles county but since her story had been all over every news station and newspaper in America - it wouldn't have made much of a difference.

Chaise studied the faces of the people that had made the final selections for the jury. The twelve strangers who would decide her fate. It would be up to them whether or not Chaise got to live her life as a free woman.

That was a very scary thought, to have your life in somebody else's hands that you didn't even know. There were six men and six women. Two of the women were in their early twenties, they were very pretty and dressed immaculately in the latest trends. They looked very excited to be there and Chaise presumed that they would be into the 'celebrity culture'. That could definitely work in her favour.

Another woman who had to be at least three hundred and fifty pounds, was much older and wearing a floral housecoat. She glared angrily at Chaise. The other three women were looking extremely uncomfortable at having to be there - in the glare of a media spotlight. They were easily in their late forties and they kept looking at each other nervously for support.

The men varied as well. A couple of them were in their mid to late forties, but three of them looked to be closer to their sixties. They would not be fans of Chaise's - if they even knew who Chaise Adams was before all of this.

Out of the entire jury, Chaise presumed that maybe three or four of them would actually be fans of hers. That didn't help her much at all. She looked over at the prosecutors table, which was on the other side of the aisle opposite their table.

The District Attorney, Harry was sitting there with a young and very attractive blonde woman.

"Who's the blonde?" Chaise whispered to Jed curiously.

He leaned back and looked over at the woman then whispered back to Chaise, "That's Holly Anderson. She is Harry's Assistant District Attorney."

Chaise watched curiously as Harry and Holly talked quietly and made numerous notes on their pads, glancing over at Chaise every now and then. Seated directly behind the prosecutor's table were an older couple who were dressed very smartly, in what would be best described as their Sunday best church clothes.

They both had extremely sad expressions on their faces and looked as if they had been crying. They were wearing the same 'Justice for Natasha' badges that the protestors outside were wearing.

Chaise recognized them instantly from their television interview.

They were Natasha's parents. They were both clutching each other's hands so tightly that their knuckles had turned white.

Leaning forward and whispering to Harry and Holly, they looked terrified when they saw Chaise looking over at them. When her eyes met with the woman's, she burst into tears. Her husband gave her a hanky out of his top pocket and held her closely in his arms. He whispered something into her ear and glared furiously in Chaise's direction.

"That's Mr and Mrs Hendrix, Natasha's parents," Jed whispered to Chaise when he noticed her looking over at them.

"I know," she said sadly, "I saw them on the news being interviewed at the funeral,"

Chaise was taken aback. She hadn't prepared herself for seeing them in person and for them to look so devastated and vulnerable.

Chaise felt sick to her stomach as she looked at them and the pain and sorrow in their eyes. She had robbed them of her daughter. She was a monster.

For a split second, Chaise had a horrid thought pop into her head, Maybe I should go to jail for a long time - to pay for what I done.

But she quickly shook her head and forced herself to snap out of it, It was an accident, It was an accident,

She was trying to convince herself of that fact - but she was not sure that she was entirely buying it anymore.

She was so confused.

She shook her head to free herself of those thoughts and forced herself to tear her eyes away from Mr and Mrs Hendrix. She scanned the room again, looking for any familiar faces. Chaise didn't know them – she wandered who all these people were and what they were doing here.

Was it just pure, morbid fascination and curiosity?

As she continued to look around, Chaise was suddenly so shocked to see two particular people seated a few rows behind her, that she nearly fell off her chair. They were two faces that she hadn't seen in a very, very long time. Two faces that had aged a lot since Chaise had last laid eyes on them.

Her parents.

They were actually here!

Chaise didn't know what to do or how to react. She was so stunned that they had actually come to Los Angeles to support her.

They had never left Wedgewood in their entire lives. She was truly gob-smacked.

They avoided eye contact with Chaise when they saw her looking at them - instead they stared directly to the front of the room.

Chaise's mother, Angela was tightly clutching a small gold crucifix that had hung around her neck every day of her adult life, her small fist was white from her iron grip on it. Her father, Alan was holding a small, red leather bible and his lips were moving like he was saying a silent prayer to God.

Chaise wanted to run over to them - to hug them tightly, to kiss them. To tell them that she was so sorry for everything. To beg their forgiveness for her leaving all those years ago. To tell them that she loved them.

Despite everything that had happened between them - she desperately wanted her parent's love and support more than anything. She felt the tears welling in her eyes as she stared at them in disbelief. They looked so distraught and emotionally drained. Even though they looked much older and had put on a lot of weight, they still looked like the mother and father that Chaise had loved and remembered.

The huge wooden doors of the court room opened up again and Rebecca and Natalia came scurrying in, dressed head to toe in black and in very high stilettos which made clacking sounds on the wooden floors as they hurriedly found some spare seats. They looked over and gave her a small wave. Natalia held her hands up to show Chaise that she had her fingers crossed.

Chaise realized that where the girls had sat down, there was a small group of her friends and supporters already sitting there, who she hadn't noticed in the sea of people. Kiah was there.

Next to her was Jay, who smiled at Chaise nervously.

Chaise didn't dare to smile back – she had to look as sullen as possible the whole time. She was very aware that the cameras were focused in on her – televising her every move and facial expression.

She had to show that she was truly sorry or she would be publicly crucified. Maria was there as well. She waved at Chaise which nearly caused her to break down at the site of her housekeeper's sweet face. She was still wearing her maids outfit which almost made Chaise crack a smile.

She couldn't see Matt anywhere. Jed had told her that since Matt was a witness to the prosecution, he would only come in to the court room when he was called to the stand and that he couldn't watch the trial before that time. She wasn't sure how she was going to react to having her husband testify against her. She felt physically sick at the thought of it.

Suddenly, the whole room went deathly quiet as the court bailiff stood up. A small door near the judge's bench opened and a tall, broad man wearing a long black robe and a traditional judge's wig entered the room.

"All rise for the Honourable Judge Holmes," the bailiff announced.

Everybody obediently stood to their feet as the judge entered the podium and took a seat at his bench.

It was time to start.

THE TRIAL BEGINS

Judge Holmes was a very intimidating looking man. He was in his late sixties and had curly grey hair poking out from under his judge's wig. He had small gold rimmed reading glasses perched on the very tip of his large nose, which he kept looking over with his beady eyes that were hidden under bushy, grey eyebrows, to address the court.

He went through all the formalities of the trial and what the people and the jury can expect from it. He then asked Chaise to stand up so that the court could see who the 'defendant' was, which was even more mortifying for her. Having the camera crew so intently focused on her, recording every facial expression that she made was even worse. Harry, the district attorney went through the details of the case with Judge Holmes and what Chaise would be charged with.

Manslaughter.

Jed whispered to Chaise that the prosecutors were going to present their case first.

After two long hours of Judge Holmes and Harry briefing the jury about the case and the legal procedures, the trial was finally ready to begin.

Harry stood up and cleared his throat as he approached the juror's bench, "Ladies and gentlemen, the state of Los Angeles thanks you so very much for giving up your valuable time to be here with us and to help us to uphold the laws of our country by agreeing to become a member of our jury. Our justice system would not be able to function if it was not for members of our public, like yourselves. We understand that this case in particular is more unusual then a typical case that is often heard in this court room - as it involves a famous celebrity - which brings with it the intense glare of the media spotlight, so your involvement is even more greatly appreciated by the state,"

Harry spun around and gestured towards Chaise, "As you are very well aware, Chaise Adams - who is legally named Mrs Chaise Stow - is a very public figure who is recognized around the world. She is a very wealthy, popular movie star who has lived every aspect of her life from a young age in the public eye.

Unfortunately, due to the fame of Chaise Adams, the press has requested that we stream live footage of these proceedings to the public, which is why you see a camera crew filming the trial," he paused and looked back over to the members of the jury, "Now, this case of Manslaughter bought against Chaise Adams is different to a typical manslaughter or murder case because the defence team and our prosecuting team are not here to prove to you whether or not Chaise Adams committed this crime. The fact is that she did cause the death of Natasha Hendrix. This is undisputed and Chaise Adams has admitted that she did indeed inflict the fatal blow that killed Ms Hendrix,"

Natasha's mother started weeping. She tried to cover her mouth with her handkerchief but it was still clearly audible for the courtroom.

Harry paused for a moment - almost as if it was deliberate so the jury could witness a mother's intense pain - then continued to address the jury, "The reason that we are here is to determine whether or not Chaise Adams should be prosecuted and imprisoned for causing Natasha Hendrix's death. You will hear both sides of this case - the prosecution and the defence and it will be up to you to unanimously give a verdict. We ask that you listen to all the witnesses and observe all the evidence presented to you thoroughly \- as we want you to be a hundred percent sure that you are confident with every detail of this case when passing your

judgment. There is no doubt that Chaise Adams caused Natasha Hendrix's death - yet it is up to you, the members of the jury - to decide if Chaise Adams will be convicted and imprisoned for it. We are fighting for the fact that we believe that she should be forced to spend time in jail for this heinous act that she committed. The fact that it happened in the heat of the moment is irrelevant, when you cause another human being's untimely demise, and rob their friends and family of their loved ones, then you need to face the consequences that the laws of our country have bestowed upon us. Laws which our people have abided by for hundreds of years," he spun around and glared at Chaise dramatically before returning his attention to the jury, "We would like to start the proceedings by calling forth the arresting Los Angeles Police Officer who was first on the scene that fateful night as our first witness. Ladies and gentleman of the jury, Judge Holmes, I call Officer Christopher Burns to the stand."

All eyes in the room turned and watched the big double doors open as Burns entered the court room. The court bailiff escorted him down to the centre aisle to the witness box. He was dressed in a cheap, polyester blue suit that was a tad too tight for his body and the buttons were straining against his protruding stomach. After he had been sworn in by the court bailiff he nervously took his seat.

Harry approached him, "Officer Burns, you have been a respected police officer of the Los Angeles Police Department for thirteen years - is that correct?"

"That is correct," Burns confirmed, pulling at his collar anxiously.

"Do you understand why you are here, before the court today?

That this is the case of the people versus Chaise Adams for the charge of the manslaughter of Miss Natasha Hendrix?"

"Yes, sir. I do," Burns answered.

"Officer Burns, can you please tell us what happened on the night in question, what led to the defendant, Chaise Adams' arrest."

"Of course," Burns cleared his throat and looked over at Judge Holmes, "That night, my partner, Officer Jones and I received a dispatch that a 911 call had been made from the defendant's husband requesting our attendance."

"That would be Mr Matthew Stow?"

"Yes, that's right,"

"What time was this?" Harry asked, pacing back and forth in front of the witness box.

"Around three am."

"It is reported as three sixteen am - is that correct? That is what your records state,"

"Yeah, that's correct. Three sixteen."

"Please continue," Harry encouraged him.

"The caller, Matthew Stow informed our dispatcher that his wife had been involved in a fight with his friend and that he thought that his friend was dead. He requested an ambulance to come as soon as possible."

Harry nodded and approached a tape deck that was sat on the evidence desk, "Your honour, I would like to present evidence number 25A. It is a tape of Matthew Stow's 911 emergency call on the night of the incident."

Judge Holmes nodded and Harry pressed play on the recorder.

Matt's panic stricken voice filled the silent court room. Chaise shuddered when she heard the familiar voice - shivers racing down her spine violently.

"911, what is your emergency?" The female dispatcher asked calmly.

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Matt cried out, sounding terrified, "Please send an ambulance to 2786 Beverly Gardens Drive – my friend is very badly hurt - I think she's... dead!"

"An ambulance and police are on their way. Sir, can you please tell me what has happened? Is your friend breathing?" The dispatcher remained calm.

"No, she's not breathing! My wife... my wife hit her in the head with a heavy candleholder thing! There is blood everywhere! She has a huge gash in her head... Oh God... Oh God..." Matt was crying uncontrollably, he was clearly in shock.

"Can you get a pulse, Sir?"

"No... She's dead - I know she is! Oh God... Oh God..."

"Please remain calm, Sir, the police are nearly there..."

The line went dead. Harry turned the tape off. Chaise heard a sob in the court room and turned to see that Natasha's mother was crying into her husband's shoulder. Natasha's father had his arm around her tightly, tears were welling in his sad eyes as well. Chaise felt sick to her stomach watching them. All eyes in the court were now burning through Chaise.

Everybody was judging her reaction.

Harry turned his attention back to Burns, "Please, Officer Burns.

Continue."

Burns cleared his throat, "Uh, we arrived at the residence of Chaise Adams and Matthew Stow approximately eight minutes after the dispatch call was made. Two other Officers, Clarke and Mangan arrived on the scene at the same time we did. We jumped the over the entrance gate and approached the front door. It was locked so we busted it open with a sledge hammer," he paused for a moment before continuing on, "We raced inside and headed to the upstairs bedroom where we could hear the defendant and her husband crying. Upon arriving at the scene in the bedroom we saw Mrs Stow - or Adams..." he was unsure of how to address Chaise.

"We will refer to the defendant as Adams as that is the name she is known by, that's fine," Harry helped him out.

"Uh, Adams was curled up in the floor in her underwear, covered in the victim's blood. She had scratches on her body and her neck and her hair had been ripped out of a patch on her head - the hair was all over the bedroom."

Chaise sobbed into a handkerchief that Jed had handed to her, having the scene described to her by a witness was just terrifying to relive. Flashbacks of the horrific images flooded her mind.

Officer Burns continued on, "The victim, Natasha Hendrix's body was lying on the floor just a few feet away from Adams. She was naked and in a large pool of blood. I could see right away that she had been beaten severely, bruises and scratches covered her naked body. It was also very clear that she had sustained a serious blow to the head. Her skull was exposed, as well as her brain matter."

Harry walked over to an easel that it had been set up and turned around a large piece of cardboard. On the other side was a crime scene photograph of Natasha - it was a close up of her bashed in head. Her fatal injury that Chaise had caused. The jury and the courtroom gasped at the horrific sight. Her mother's blood curdling cries filled the court room.

"Mrs Hendrix..." Judge Holmes interrupted, "We understand that this is going to be hard for you, but please - you must be quiet or leave the court room until you can compose yourself."

Mrs Hendrix nodded sadly and buried her face into her hands - trying to calm down and breathing heavily.

"Please continue, Officer Burns," Judge Holmes instructed.

Officer Burns glanced hesitantly at Mrs Hendrix with an apologetic look in his eyes, "We could tell straight away that she was dead. My partner, Officer Jones went to attend to the body and to Mr Stow and I attended to Adams."

He went on to tell the events of what happened. Chaise listened

intently.

It had seemed like it had all been a dream for so long, now that she was hearing everybody talk about it in detail, it bought it all back to her in a wave of reality.

After Harry finished asking Burns all the questions that he had wanted to ask, it was Jed's turn to cross-examine him.

He stood up and approached the officer at the bench, "Officer Burns, can you please tell the court how the media and paparazzi found out about what had happened at Miss Adam's residence so quickly?"

Burns shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "Uhh... I don't know."

"Is it true that the first media people arrived on the scene within twenty minutes of yourself and your fellow officers arriving on the scene?"

Chaise was surprised at the questions Jed was asking him. He had not mentioned any of this at all to Chaise. She watched Burns' reaction curiously. She had been wanting to know the answer to these questions herself.

How had they known so fast?!

"Uhhh... I really don't know. I have no idea," Officer Burns pulled on his shirt collar, nervously. He wiped his brow with his sleeve and looked around the room helplessly. Jed, however was a cool as a cucumber. He retrieved a piece of paper from Lou at the desk.

"Your honour, I refer to the defence's evidence number 58B. It is a sworn statement from the paparazzi agency, Hound Dog in which they confirm that they received a phone call from Officer Christopher Burns at three twenty-two am on the night in question - informing them that Chaise Adam's had been involved in a murder. He demanded five thousand dollars cash for the information, which they promptly paid to him the following day.

Also, evidence number 59B is a similar statement from Channel Nine News who also paid Mr Burns for the information."

Jed held up two photocopies of the statements and cheques for everybody to see. The courtroom gasped. Burns' face instantly went a deep shade of bright red and the sweat on his brow started to drip down his nose. He wiped it away with his suit sleeve.  
"I, uh... I ... I don't know what to say..."  
"Isn't it true, Officer Burns that you sold the information to the media and by doing so you compromised the safety of Miss Adams, the integrity of the case and the dignity of Miss Hendrix's family by having the removal of Natasha's body from the house and Miss Adams' arrest filmed and televised for the whole world to see."

Burns was cornered and utterly speechless. Chaise was so shocked to learn that a policeman had contacted the paparazzi and informed them of what had happened that night. It was his fault that the whole humiliating experience had been filmed for the whole world to see. At the same time, she was also elated that Burn's credibility had been diminished. Jed and Lou really did know what they were doing. Chaise was starting to feel a lot more confident.

"So, taking bribes in return for information on arrests and open cases, Officer Burns. This is not official police procedure, is it? I am sure that your superiors would be very interested of this fact." Jed raised his voice as he drilled his point across.

"That's enough, Mr Robbins," Judge Holmes interrupted, "This is going to have to be investigated by the internal affairs department.

Officer Burns, you are excused."

Burns looked petrified. He quickly jumped up off his seat and left the witness box.

"Oh, and Officer Burns," Judge Holmes stopped him as he headed to the door. Burns slowly turned around.

"You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. I am sure that the Los Angeles Police Department will be," Judge Holmes told him, sternly.

Burns left the court room with his head hung in shame. Harry glared at Jed angrily. Jed just shrugged his shoulders and grinned back at him.

When he came and sat back down next to Chaise, she leaned over and whispered to him, "Oh my God! You didn't tell me about that!

It was him that informed all the media?!"

Jed grinned at Chaise, "I told you that we were very, very prepared, Chaise. We are going to do everything that we can to get you off this. I have not told you a lot of what we are going to be doing, it is better for you that we don't. I hope you have more faith in us now."

Chaise nodded and smiled happily to herself, she suddenly felt a lot more secure. Judge Holmes went through some more formalities with the jury and then the court was adjourned for the day.

Chaise immediately turned to where her parents had been sitting.

She was hoping that she would get a chance to talk to them before she had to head back to the prison. She desperately needed to work things out with them, she needed the love and support of her parents now more than ever.

Her hopes were dashed, however when she saw that their seats were empty. She had presumed that they would come over and talk to her, considering that they had not seen her for years and they had flown all the way to Los Angeles to be there.

But no, they were gone. Just like that. Without a word. Chaise smiled weakly at her friends as they all left the courtroom. They were all huddled closely, talking amongst each other quietly.

Jed and Lou ushered Chaise out to the back of the court house the same way that they had gone in.

"I am really pleased with how things went today, Chaise. It's a very good start. Destroying Burns' credibility was a bit of a bonus for you," Jed smiled cheekily.

"Thank you so much, I appreciate everything that you guys been doing for me. I know you have been working very hard on this," she hugged both Jed and Lou tightly.

"You are welcome, Chaise," Lou smiled warmly at her.

He looked very pleased with himself.

"Yes, Chaise. It is our pleasure," Jed agreed.

"Oh and the fact that I am paying you guys a fortune doesn't help?" Chaise laughed.

She was on a high after a very positive start to her trial. They both laughed along with her - they were in good spirits as well.

"Yeah, it doesn't hurt. Anyway, Chaise we have to go back to the office and work on the case. Are you alright to go back to the prison by yourself?" Jed asked.

Chaise sighed, "I don't have a choice, do I? Whether I like it or not I am being marched straight back there," she said as the police officers and prison guards that had bought her to court approached her to take her back to her cage.

The ride back to the prison in the inmate transport van was just as chaotic as the way there had been. The crowd of media and public descended on them as soon as the van pulled out of the parking lot.

They shouted questions at Chaise through the windows about Burn's testimony.

Of course, they had seen everything screened live on television.

They asked if Chaise had any comments about what happened.

She did her best to ignore them and kept her head down. It was just as bad as the morning had been. She could not believe that she was relieved to be back at the prison when they arrived at the familiar, daunting gates after being pursued by the media the entire way. At least inside of those walls she was protected from the glare of the protestors and public scrutiny and that was exactly what Chaise was craving. She couldn't wait to tell Nicole everything that had happened in court.

She had arrived back at the prison just in time for dinner. After begrudgingly changing back into her prison uniform and handing over her beautiful, expensive clothes, she hurried over to the cafeteria. Nicole and her friends all turned to Chaise in eager anticipation as she headed over to their table after selecting her dinner - a dodgy looking shepherd's pie.

"Well?!" Meagan demanded as soon as Chaise sat down.

Chaise was dying to tell them every little detail about what had happened.

She told them all about the crowds outside of the courthouse and prison, about the trial proceedings and about how Mark had called out Officer Burns for selling the information to the media. The girls all looked on in amazement and asked her a tonne of questions about the jury, the judge and the trial. Of the group, Emily was the only one who had gone to a trial for her crime.

She had caused a serious accident while drink driving and, as a result, one of her passengers, who had been her best friend's brother had become a paraplegic. The rest of them had all made plea deals right after they were arrested. It was cheaper for the government to make deals rather than have to go through the expenses of a trial, which was tax payer funded for every single person. Emily had had a relatively quick and simple trial compared to what Chaise's would be. Meagan and Michelle were both serving time for multiple drug offences and it was easier for them to plead guilty and get their time over with quickly.

"So, when is Matt going to be called to testify?" Nicole asked,

cautiously trying not to upset Chaise with the mention of his name.

Chaise sighed, shovelling the horrid looking meat around her plate,

"Jed said it would be tomorrow. Since he was the only witness they will get him up there as early as possible."

"How do you feel about that?" Michelle asked curiously,

"Must be a weird feeling having your own husband testify against you."

Chaise shrugged glumly, "If he had refused to take the stand then they would have subpoenaed him anyway. If he still did not talk he would have been held in contempt anyway so he really has no choice."

"Well, he is really only saying what happened that night. He is not deliberately doing it against you or lying or anything," Nicole said as she chewed on her food.

"I know, I know," Chaise mumbled, miserable at the thought of having to watch and listen to Matt up there on that dreaded stand.

"It sounds like your lawyer really knows what he is doing, Chaise.

You are lucky that you can afford the best attorneys. Hopefully, it all works out well for you, we have all been praying for you," Emily rubbed Chaise's shoulder comfortingly.

After dinner, the girls went into the recreation room to watch the television news reports about day one of Chaise's trial. It was on every single channel. The footage of Chaise being escorted from the prison and heading for the transit van, where she was surrounded by the massive crowd who were both cheering and booing stunned the girls - especially when the tomatoes started flying towards a frightened Chaise.

"Oh my God! That is so fucking crazy!" Meagan gasped in shock,

"Fucking heartless bastards!"

Chaise nodded, hardly believing that it was her on the screen, surrounded by the huge sea of people.

"Chaise! You poor thing,"

They were all sat there, stunned. Including Chaise herself.

Chaise nodded in agreement with them, "I told you so."

She was so disheartened as they showed highlights of the footage of the trial. It was shocking and confronting to watch it all from another perspective. Chaise had thought that she had looked really put together but seeing herself, she realized she looked so stressed out and exhausted.

The camera continually focused in on Natasha's parents crying and praying in the court room which angered Chaise. They were definitely playing up the sadness of the family to pull on the public's heart strings and make Chaise look like a monster. She had had more than enough for one day.

"I'm going to bed. I've got to get an early night so I am fresh for tomorrow. I can't watch this crap any longer."

"O.K, do you want me to walk you back to the cell?" Nicole asked.

Chaise shook her head, "No, it's alright. I will be fine. You stay here with the girls."

"O.K, I will see you later,"

They all said their goodbyes to Chaise and then turned their attention back to the television. They were obviously glued to the story.

Chaise headed down the familiar hallway back to her cell, the day's events re-playing over and over again in her head. She was analysing every single moment of what had happened in that court room, trying to make sense of it all. She was around the corner from her cell when she stopped dead in her tracks, fear ripping through her.

Jenkins was leaning against a wall, talking to Smith just a few feet in front of her and right in Chaise's path. She wasn't sure if they had seen her or not and she slowly started to turn around, to go back the way that she had come. Jenkins looked up, her face twisting into a menacing expression when saw Chaise, standing upright as she did.

"Hey!" She shouted out.

Chaise spun around and started walking quickly back towards the recreation room.

"Hey! Movie Star!" Jenkins yelled out behind her.

She and Smith started following Chaise down the hallway. She could hear their footsteps approaching behind her. She started to jog, desperate to get back to the girls before Jenkins and Smith caught up with her. But it was too late. They started running and Smith reached out and shoved Chaise hard in her back, sending her sprawling hard onto the concrete ground.

There was a group of prisoners standing together in a group not far down the hallway who were watching them closely. Not one of them said a word to stop her as Jenkins grabbed Chaise roughly by her shirt collar and pulled her up to her feet in one swift movement.

"Do you really think that you can avoid us forever, Movie Star?"

She sneered.

"Uh... uh..." Chaise mumbled in a panic, not sure of how to react or what to say.

Should she scream for help?!

"We watched your trial today - it was fucking entertaining T.V," she leaned in close to Chaise's face - her breath smelled putrid,

"And you know what? You are going to be found guilty. You are going to be sentenced to a very, very long time in this shit hole - and you know what else? When you do - we are going to beat the living shit out of you as often as we possibly can. We are going to fuck you up in so many ways. We are going to torture you. You are going to wish that you were dead every single day. Because we are going to have a lot of years together, Movie Star."

Chaise shuddered in fright and tried to back away from her but Jenkins had a very tight grip on Chaise's shirt. "We are really looking forward to it, Movie Star. You are going to be our bitch; do you understand that?" She glared at Chaise, threateningly.

Chaise's body was frozen in fear.

"Do... you... understand?" Jenkins repeated again slowly.

Chaise didn't answer. She had no idea what to say. Jenkins smiled at Smith then pulled one arm back and threw it with immense force into the side of Chaise's face.

Stumbling backwards in shock, it took a few seconds for her brain to register the immense pain, but when she did - Chaise screamed a bloodcurdling scream. It ripped through her face like fire, landing directly in the cheek bone and it hurt like hell.

Jenkins let go of the grip that she still had on Chaise with her other hand.

Chaise dropped to the floor in a heavy heap, her hands covering her throbbing face, defensively. Blood welled in her mouth and she could taste the familiar saltiness of it. She spat it out onto the floor beside her.

Jenkins kneeled down in front of Chaise as she sobbed uncontrollably, "Now do you understand, bitch?"

Chaise reluctantly nodded her head in submission.

"Every. Single. Day," Jenkins stood up and swiftly kicked Chaise hard in the stomach before she casually walked off with Smith.

The other prisoners who were standing around watching and who had witnessed the whole assault laughed at Chaise as she lay on the floor, curled up in the foetal position, crying her eyes out.

Day two of the trial and Chaise had barely slept at all that night.

Jenkins' words ran through her head repeatedly. She was going to be beaten repeatedly if she had to stay in prison. She was going to be brutally tortured and there was nothing that she could do about it.

When Nicole had returned to their cell and found Chaise sobbing on her bed with blood all over her pillow and her face swollen, she had begged Chaise to apply for protective custody.

Intrigued and terrified, Chaise had asked Nicole what it would be like if she did go there. Nicole had gone very quiet and had hesitantly explained what protective custody was like. It did not sound like something that Chaise would prefer.

Protective custody was a separate wing of the prison which housed police officers, prosecutors and high profile people that had been jailed and would be in extreme physical danger if they were amongst the general population prisoners.

Also housed in that wing were 'rats' which were people who had 'snitched' or testified against other prisoners. Protective custody inmates were kept in their single person cell for twenty-two hours a day for their own safety. They were watched around the clock on security cameras that were placed in their cells in case they were tempted to commit suicide so they had no privacy whatsoever. The protected inmates were only allowed outside for one hour every day while the rest of the prison was on lock down. The prisoners were not allowed to associate with each other - out of fear that people on the outside could pay one inmate to kill the other.

Nicole admitted that it was a miserable existence but Chaise would be safe and away from Jenkins.

Chaise knew immediately that she could not handle living that way.

Being in prison and being beaten regularly was one thing, but living an isolated, mundane, boring existence by herself twenty-four seven for years upon years was even more terrifying.

Nicole had promised her that, if the worst did happen and Chaise was found guilty, then they would all figure out a way to handle Jenkins and her goons. This made Chaise feel a little better but, in her heart of hearts, Chaise knew that she was going to be found not guilty. It was a tragic accident and there was no way that she was going to be prosecuted for it.

Getting out of bed that morning, Chaise was very disheartened to see that, once again she was sporting a huge black eye and swollen face. She sighed miserably as she looked at her reflection. The side of her face was still incredibly painful.

Chaise was grateful, however that Jenkins had not hit her on the nose. It had only just healed and would have shattered again on impact so that was a small blessing. She would have to go to court all bruised and beaten, which was going to be humiliating and would cause a storm in the media.

The press would have a field day with those pictures.

Once again, after she had finished breakfast - doing her best the whole time she was in the cafeteria to ignore the stares from the other prisoners and Jenkins and her gang - Collins came to collect Chaise to escort her to the waiting room where she could get ready for court again.

He studied her bruised face curiously, "You going to report that,

Adams?"

Chaise shook her head, "No, nothing to report, Sir. I fell over and hit my face on the desk. That's all."

"Oh, really," Collins chuckled to himself, amused.

In the privacy of the holding room, Chaise changed out of her prison clothes and slipped on the knee length, long sleeved Marchesa dress that had been left out for her. She had used to love this dress. Now, it was tainted forever as it was going to be all over the news and the tabloids as a 'court outfit'. She would burn all these clothes when she was released - they were bed omens. She slipped on a pair of black panty hose and the same black pumps she had worn the day before. She took her make up kit and did her best to cover up the dark bruising around her eye and cheek with her MAC make up. Funnily enough, Nicole's very cheap, too-dark concealer had done a much better job at covering her older injuries then Chaise's very costly, top of the line designer make up was doing. She could not do much to hide this shiner.

Jed's face dropped when he arrived and saw her face, "Oh, no! Chaise..." he dropped his brief case to the floor and raced over to her side in a panic, "Are you O.K?!"

"I am fine," Chaise brushed him off,

"But... your face!"

"I am not getting into it, Jed. Just leave it alone," Chaise told him sternly.

He sighed helplessly and picked up his briefcase, "Fine. You look nice. Apart from the, you know..."

"Leave it..." She warned.

"O.K, O.K. Lou is going to meet us at the court house. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, let's do it," Chaise nodded.

She took a deep breath and followed Jed and Collins through the prison, ready to face whatever would be waiting for her outside of those huge gates. She placed her large Chanel sunglasses on her face - hoping that if she kept her head down they would help to cover her blackened eye from the awaiting photographers.

Not surprisingly, the crowds were out in huge numbers again. The police were a lot more prepared for it this time then they had been the day before and Chaise was escorted as quickly as possible – to the point where she was almost running - down the pathway and then bundled into the back of the transport van. The reporters were shouting multiple questions at her but she could barely hear any of them over the roar of the crowd.

The journey to the court house was just as chaotic as the previous trip had been, but at least Chaise was ready for it today.

When they arrived, Chaise hopped out of the back of the van and raced through the back entrance with Jed into the familiar court house again.

She was rushed through to the same court room that she had been in the previous day. Once again, it was full to the brim with curious members of the public. Chaise wandered idly to herself how the court chose which people would be allowed in the courtroom. She hurried down to her seat at the defendant's desk where Lou was already seated.

The surrounding crowd gasped when Chaise sat down and removed her sunglasses. Her cheek was purple and swollen and her eye was a deep shade of black. The makeup had not done much to hide it.

"What happened!?" Lou demanded as he stared at her face.

"Leave it, Lou," Jed instructed him as he sat down on the other side of Chaise.

"What!? I will not... what the fuck happened to you, Chaise?"

He persisted.

"I fell," Chaise said, nonchalantly.

"Oh, bullshit, Chaise. Should we be moving you into protective custody for your own safety!?"

Jed held his hand up, "Lou, trust me, just leave it."

"I will not go into protective custody. It was an accident," Chaise said sternly.

"Accident my fat ass!" He hissed under his breath.

Chaise glared angrily at the cameraman in front of her as he focused in on her face. The same formalities of the court that were done the previous day were done again and - once again, everybody rose as Judge Holmes was introduced.

What had really increased Chaise's nerves today - and they were already rattled beyond belief - was that the District Attorney, Harry had just announced that Matthew Stow was to be the first witness called to the stand today. The people in the stands started whispering excitedly amongst each other. This is obviously what they had been waiting for.

Chaise's heart was beating so hard and fast it was making her feel nauseous and she had extremely sweaty palms. She also felt very light headed and was grateful that she was sitting down, for fear of falling over.

She had not seen Matt since he had come to the prison to cruelly deliver the divorce papers to her. The same papers that were still sat in her cell, unsigned. She was still holding out hope that she would be found not guilty and released. They could deal with everything then. She still loved him so much and had very mixed feelings towards him that were confusing for her to try and process with the trial going on. As much as Chaise loved Matt she was so angry at him at the same time for ending their marriage in such a hurtful way and not even trying to fight to save it.

After all - if she could forgive him for cheating on her, then he should forgive her for all of this.

Harry stood up and announced for Matthew Stow to be called to the stand. The whole courtroom went deadly silent - every pair of eyes were focused on the large double doors as they opened and they all watched Matt as he slowly shuffled into the court room and towards the front. He approached the witness stand with his head down, facing the floor and not making eye contact with anybody.

Matt didn't look up until he had sat down and was being sworn in by the bailiff.

Chaise's heart ached when she saw him up there on the stand looking vulnerable, exhausted and stressed. His hair was matted and obviously, it hadn't been brushed or washed in God knows how long. His eyes were red rimmed like he hadn't slept in days and he had quite a significant amount of stubble growing on his face. He looked so depressed. He had tried to make an effort by wearing a suit to court. Chaise knew how much he would have resented having to wear it.

Looking at him, Chaise could tell right away that he had been hitting the drugs hard. She prayed desperately that he hadn't been using heroin and that he was alright, but in the depths of her heart she knew that he was hurting.

Once all the formalities were out of the way and Matt had been sworn in, he looked around the court nervously as Harry approached him at the bench. He refused to look in Chaise's direction and her heart shattered into a thousand pieces at the resentment she could feel radiating from him towards her.

Chaise was still so madly in love with him. Seeing him in the flesh only a dozen feet away from her - she couldn't imagine that that would change any time soon. She had been madly in love with Matt for so long that she couldn't just turn off her feelings for him - even though she desperately wanted to. It would make everything she was going through a lot easier if she wasn't so crazy about him.

The fact that he was now in a court of law, testifying against her should have sealed the deal - the end of the marriage - but it didn't.

It was her fault that they were here in this situation.

She had nobody to blame but herself.

Harry approached Matt, "So, Mr Stow you are the defendant, Chaise Adams' husband. Is that correct?"

Matt nodded slowly, barely looking up at Harry as he spoke to him.

"Sorry, Mr Stow but you do need to speak up for the sake of the jury and the court," Harry corrected him.

"Yes, I am Chaise's husband," Matt coughed out awkwardly.

"You have filed for divorce since Miss Adams' arrest, is that correct?"

Matt looked really upset - like he might actually be on the verge of tears.

Chaise felt a small glimmer of hope that he did still care about her.

Maybe all wasn't lost after all.

"Yes. That is correct," he confirmed, bluntly.

"May we ask why you felt the need to end the marriage?" Harry

asked.

"OBJECTION!" Lou jumped up to his feet.

Chaise looked at Harry in shock,

Why would he ask that in front of all these people and the entire world?!

Judge Holmes nodded for Lou to speak.

"Your Honour, the demise of their marriage is their own personal decision and is in no way relevant to the case."

Harry stepped forward, "It is if Mr Stow is leaving his wife because he knows that she is a murderer - then I believe that the jury should hear that."

"Objection! Your Honour, please!"

Judge Holmes mulled over it for a moment then nodded at Lou,

"Sustained. Move on, councillor."

Harry glared at Lou angrily then approached Matt at the witness stand again.

"Mr Stow, can you please tell us, in your own words, what you said in your police statement. What happened on the night in question?"

Chaise leant forward in her seat, listening intently to the love of her life as he spoke about the unquestionable horror that they had experienced that fateful night. She had not yet heard Matt's side of everything. She hadn't been able to discuss any of it with him so she was very curious to hear about what he had to say.

Matt cleared his throat and shifted in his seat uncomfortably,

"Chaise had gone to New York for a few days for work. She was meeting with Dean Torino, a director about a new movie they were going to do together and she was going to film a few chat shows.

She was not supposed to be back until the Wednesday," he paused for a moment before continuing on, "I had just finished a gruelling day of promoting my band's latest album at various radio stations and music television channels. When I got home that evening, I called Natasha and invited her to my house to hang out with me and watch a movie."

"Natasha Hendrix?" Harry confirmed.

Matt nodded, "Yeah. We had met at my band's album release party. She was working as a promotions girl and waitress that night.

Chaise had been at the event with me that night but she had to go home early, as she was leaving for New York the next day. Natasha and I had started talking later in the night and we exchanged numbers."

Chaise felt sick to her stomach being forced to hear about how her husband had betrayed her. It was unbearably painful to hear about how his cheating had started and was a cruel punishment for her to have to bear. In a small way though, she was relieved that they had not been having an ongoing affair and that it had just been a one night stand. Not that it mattered much anymore, but it was still a small relief for her to know that he hadn't been in love with this girl.

Although - she didn't know if there were other women that Matt had cheated on her with. She preferred not to know.

Matt continued on with his sorry story, staring at the bench in front of him and not glancing up at all. He was obviously humiliated to be subjected to this. To have to speak about his indiscretions and his private life to a room full of complete strangers, "Natasha came around about seven o'clock. We had a few drinks and watched a movie."

Chaise studied his face intensely. She could tell that he was extremely uncomfortable and was very aware of the television camera crew streaming everything that he was confessing live on national television.

Most likely internationally as well.

"We really hit it off and we decided to go up to the bedroom..."

A sharp pang of pain hit Chaise's chest with a huge jolt - this was going to be so hard for her to hear.

"We spent the next few hours in bed..." he was trying to choose his words carefully - for Natasha's parents' sake as well as for the camera crew and for Chaise, "...we made love."

"Please continue, Mr Stow," Harry prodded, sensing Matt's hesitation.

Matt looked around the room, then went on with his horrid tale, "I didn't know that Chaise was coming home early and I didn't hear her come in.

She was supposed to still be in New York. But, suddenly - there she was, standing at the bedroom doorway."

Chaise buried her head in her hands as he went through his version of the violent fight. It was so strange hearing his account of what had happened.

Chaise had been caught up in the whole thing and it felt like it had only lasted a few seconds but Matt described an entirely different scene in the way that only a bystander could.

"Chaise came in and saw Natasha and I... on the bed. The look in her eyes - it was awful. The hurt, the pain, the anger. It was so bad.

She just snapped, I guess. I have never, ever seen Chaise that angry before, she was just so full of rage. She hit Natasha. Natasha fought back," his voice cracked with emotion. He stopped and tried to compose himself, taking a couple of deep breaths, "The fight was awful. Truly horrifying."

He stopped again. The whole room seemed to be holding their breath, listening to him intently.

"I just kept trying to break it up - but Chaise had so much... power.

Her strength and fury were way too strong for her to stop."

"So, Mr Stow, you were saying that Natasha fought back - did she provoke the attack from Chaise Adams in any way? Besides being in bed with the defendant's husband," Harry asked. Matt shook his head, "No, she was just defending herself - she fought back enough to get Chaise off her. But, she was very scared. Chaise beat her up pretty badly."

Natasha's mother sobbed.

"So... you could not stop a hundred pound woman?!" Harry asked curiously.

"I tried... Chaise was just in another head space. She was so furious and so full of adrenalin - she had an abnormal amount of strength. It was really scary. The fight became vicious and brutal. After a few minutes... Chaise threw the candle holder at us."

Harry walked over to the evidence bench and picked up a large photo of the wrought iron candle holder that had once stood on Chaise's bed side table. It had been part of a pair - the other had been on Matt's table. They were very expensive and had been a gift to Chaise from a director on one of her films when they had wrapped the movie. It still had blood on it in the photo.

"This candelabra?" Harry asked.

Matt shuddered when he looked at it, "Yeah, that one. They were really heavy."

"Your Honour, this is evidence number 6B. A wrought iron candelabra taken from the crime scene. This is the object that was used to deal the fatal blow that killed Natasha Hendrix. Please continue, Mr Stow. Was this time when Chaise Adams threw the candelabra at you when it struck Miss Hendrix's skull?"

Matt shook his head, "No, it just missed us. It flew past and hit the headboard of the bed behind us."

"So, then what happened?" Harry prompted.

Matt sighed sadly, "I tried to help Natasha to leave - to get away from Chaise. As we were trying to walk out of the room, Chaise picked up the candelabra again and..." tears welled up in his eyes and he buried his face into his hands.

"Take your time, Mr Stow."

The court bailiff handed Matt a tissue and he wiped his eyes,

"Chaise hit Natasha on the head with it. Hard. Blood started spurting out everywhere.

She just dropped straight to the floor. I knew instantly that she was dead. I... I..." he couldn't hold it back any longer.

He burst into tears on the witness stand, trying to hide his face from the hundreds of eyes and the camera that were focused on him.

"We need to have a recess," Harry told Judge Holmes.

The Judge nodded in agreement, "Fifteen minute break, people."

Harry and Holly helped Matt out of the stand and took him back through the doors where he had come from. The noise in the court room escalated as he left with everybody talking to each other frantically and reporters left the court room on their cells - reporting what had just happened.

Chaise buried her head into her arms on the table and started crying. She felt so sorry for him. She wanted to hold him, to tell him that everything will be alright.

"Are you O.K, Chaise?" Lou rubbed her back, looking at Jed with concern plastered on his face.

Chaise shook her head, "No," she mumbled.

Jed hugged Chaise and whispered in her ear, "It will be over soon, Chaise. I am so sorry that you have to listen to all of this."

Fifteen minutes later, Matt re-entered the room with Harry and Holly and reluctantly took the stand again. He seemed to have composed himself.

He looked over at Chaise for the first time since he had arrived at court as he sat back down at the stand. His expression turned to shock as he saw her bruised face for the first time. Sympathy for her welled in his eyes.

"Matt..." Chaise whispered softly to him, "I love you,"

He read her lips and nodded slightly in acknowledgement. His expression said it all - he was still in love with her too. Chaise knew it to the core of her soul.

"Are you O.K to continue, Mr Stow?" Judge Holmes asked him.

"Yes, Sir," Matt grumbled.

Harry resumed his position in front of his prosecutor's desk and whispered with Holly for a few moments. He then motioned to Matt, "Please continue Mr Stow. You were saying that you knew that Miss Hendrix was deceased. How did you know that?"

Matt took a deep breath, "Yes, I could tell. Her skull was cracked open... there was so much blood... I could see her brain..."

The crowd gasped in shock.

"She was dead. Her eyes were rolled back and she turned a strange white, grey colour."

"How did the defendant, Chaise Adams react?"

Matt looked over at Chaise again, helplessly before quickly turning away.

"She freaked out - we both did. Chaise honestly didn't mean to kill her, though. It was an accident," he accentuated that last statement.

Chaise was so pleased that he was attempting to help her. And even more so that he was acknowledging that it was an accident - that was so different to what he had said to her in the visiting room of the prison.

"How did the defendant accidently hit the victim over the head with a heavy candelabra with enough force that it cracked open Natasha's skull and killed her?"

Harry questioned, with a sarcastic undertone.

"Chaise did hit Natasha on purpose - but she didn't mean to kill

her,"

Matt sighed, "It was my fault that Chaise was so angry and did what she did,"

Harry nodded thoughtfully, "So, what was Chaise's intention, then?"

"OBJECTION!" Lou jumped to his feet, "He cannot answer what Miss Adams' intentions were for her!"

Judge Holmes nodded in agreement, "Sustained. Harry, be careful," he warned.

"It was an accident," Matt continued again, quietly, "It was my fault that Chaise did what she did. I should not have been cheating on her. She was an amazing wife and a beautiful person and I had no reason to cheat on her. It's my fault that Natasha's dead... if I hadn't invited her over then none of this would have happened. I should have left her alone. I put her in that position. I should have been there for my wife..." he burst into tears again.

Chaise's heart shattered into a thousand pieces as she watched her

husband.

It wasn't his fault!

How could he blame himself!?

"Matt..." she said under her breath, "No..."

Tears welled in her eyes as well. She desperately wanted to run over to him and throw her arms around him and hold him tightly and never let go.

She was so thankful that Matt was defending her and exaggerating the point that it was an accident and that he had explained it for exactly what it was, a fight that was taken one step too far.

But he could not blame himself - that was crazy. It was not his fault at all.

Yes, he should not have been cheating, but he did not ask for any of this nightmare.

Neither of them did.

After being questioned for a gruelling ninety minutes on the stand by Harry and grilled about every single detail of what had happened that night, it was Lou's turn to cross-examine Matt.

Matt watched Lou nervously as he approached the bench, "So... Mr Stow, you said that you and the victim, Natasha Hendrix had been drinking together in the afternoon."

Matt nodded in agreement.

"When you were bought into the police station that night your blood was tested, is that correct?"

Matt nodded again.

"Please answer the questions verbally, Mr Stow," Judge Holmes warned him.

Matt shifted uncomfortably in his seat and coughed, clearing his throat, "Yes, that's correct."

"Your blood alcohol level was point one eight - that is very high. Is it fair to assume that you were very inebriated?"

Matt reluctantly answered the question, "Yes. I had been drinking steadily all day. At the interviews the band and I had been to we were offered drinks so I was pretty drunk when I arrived home.

Natasha started drinking when she got to my house later on."

Lou started to read out the results of the toxicology report, "This is exhibit number 36B, the toxicology results of Natasha Hendrix. She had a reading of one point one," he looked at Matt straight in the eyes, "That's fairly high for only a few hours of drinking, Mr Stow."

"We did a lot of shots. We both drank pretty heavily."

"That is not all that you did together was it Mr Stow? Both yourself and Miss Hendrix had very high readings of cocaine in your systems."

Matt went bright red and shuffled uncomfortably in his seat.

Lou continued, "Also, you both had quite a high reading of ecstasy and THC - which is marijuana - in your systems as well."

"Yeah, that's true. We had been using drugs together," Matt admitted, sheepishly and deeply embarrassed.

"So, it is fair to say that Natasha was very inebriated. As were you," Lou stated.

"Yes, but - I don't see what that has to do with anything that

happened."

"Well, Mr Stow I just think that it is appropriate for the jury and for the people to know that you and Natasha were not exactly in your best frame of minds when the so-called attack happened. In fact, you were both highly intoxicated on drugs and alcohol."

"Objection, your honour," Harry jumped up to his feet, "This is completely irrelevant."

The Judge agreed, "Move on, councillor. You have made your point."

Chaise felt deeply sorry for Matt as Lou continued to grill him,

"Do you care to explain to the court why you had this woman in your bed on this night of question? Why you were cheating on your wife?"

"Objection!" Harry called out again, angrily.

Judge Holmes nodded, "Sustained. That is not relevant to the case.

I do not want to have to warn you again."

Lou paced back and forth in front of Matt, "O.K... so you made a point of telling Mr Johnson that Chaise didn't mean to kill Miss Hendrix. Can you give us more details about that, please?"

Matt looked over at Chaise and sighed sadly, "Well, Chaise would never, ever want to kill somebody. I have known her and loved her for a very long time. She doesn't have an evil bone in her body. She was just so upset by what she saw - that I was..." he looked over at Chaise, tears welling in his eyes again, "...cheating on her. She flew into a rage and made a stupid, split second mistake. It all happened in an instant..." he buried his head into his hands again, sobbing quietly.

It was all getting too much for him.

"So, you can honestly say that Chaise Adams did not intentionally kill Natasha Hendrix? That it was an accident?"

Matt nodded enthusiastically, "Yes - I can honestly, a hundred percent swear on my life that Chaise would never, ever deliberately kill Natasha. I know it was an accident. I was the only person that was there and I know for a fact that it was," he looked from the jury over to Chaise, "I am so, so sorry, Chaise. I know that it was an accident..." he started to apologize to her, tears glistening in his eyes.

"Mr Stow! You are not to address the defendant!" Judge Holmes snapped furiously.

Lou grinned smugly at Chaise and excused Matt from the stand.

Chaise watched in sadness as Matt left the court room, wiping away tears from his eye.

Chaise's heart skipped a beat,

He still loved her! She knew it!

They could work this out after the trial was out of the way.

Their marriage was not over after all!

He was just angry and upset at her when he had asked for a divorce - he had obviously come to his senses. Chaise was beaming on the inside, careful not to look smug in front of the cameras.

Lou re-joined her at the defendant's desk and whispered to Jed before patting Chaise on the back, "That went really, really well.

The only witness of the incident swearing that it was an accident is a very good thing."

By the end of the day everybody was emotionally and mentally exhausted.

Chaise didn't know how she was going to do this everyday. The trial could take weeks - even months. She was going to be an emotional wreck by the time that it was over.

THE END OF THE TRIAL

Eight Weeks Later...

Chaise woke up from a restless sleep to the usual sirens at the usual time. What was different about today, however was that she was sure that it was going to be the last time that she would have to wake up to those loud sirens and the last night she would be sleeping on that thin, ratty old mattress in the small, cage like prison cell.

Today was the last day of her trial after eight long, torturous weeks and she was truly exhausted in every aspect of the word. Being able to leave the prison every day to attend the trial and avoid Jenkins and her gang had been a God send, but sitting in the court room for hour after hour, day after day was beginning to take its toll on her.

The court had heard from Medical Examiners about the toxicology results of Matt, Natasha and Chaise. The Coroner had read the autopsy results and what had caused Natasha's death - a blunt force trauma to the skull. They had heard from the Crime Scene Investigators about their findings and the evidence that they had collected from the body and the crime scene. A forensic psychologist speculated about what frame of mind Chaise would have been in during the attack. The prosecution had even bought in a friend of Natasha's as a character witness to testify about what a lovely girl she had been. The prosecution had blown up the crime scene photos very large and paraded them for the court room and jury to see at every chance they got.

They were - of course, horrific. Natasha's lifeless body lying naked on Chaise's bedroom floor surrounded by a pool of blood. The scene in the bedroom of the bed sheets messed up - the walls and furniture covered in blood splatters and hair thrown around everywhere. They showed the photos of Chaise's body that were taken before she was booked. Harry had pointed out all the deep scratches, bruises and blows to both Chaise and Natasha's body as an indicator of how violent their fight truly had been.

They had even called poor old Maria to the stand and questioned her about Chaise and Matt's relationship and if Chaise was a violent person and if she had seen anything the night of the incident. Maria had had no idea that another woman had arrived at the house as soon as she had left that day. They had heard from a total of twenty-seven witnesses.

Chaise had not been required to take the stand and Jed had advised her strongly against it. He and Lou would speak for her so there was no reason to put her up there and have her vulnerable to Harry's intense questioning.

"If I put you up there the prosecutors will have a chance to cross-examine you and they will be brutal - I do not think it is a good idea at all," he had told her repeatedly.

"But - I need to say that it was an accident, that I am so sorry," Chaise had begged him a couple of weeks into the trial after hearing all the damning evidence the prosecution were using against her.

"I promise - I will make that point very, very strongly, Chaise."

Lou and Jed had done an incredible job in rebutting the prosecution and cross-examining every witness that had come across the stand. Every punch the prosecution threw, they hit back even harder.

But, Harry had done a very good job as well and Chaise was very concerned at how it was all going. It was very difficult to read what the jury were thinking. Chaise had watched the highlights from each day in court on the evening news every night at the prison and could not get a clear judgment on which way it was going to go.

Nobody could tell and the media were speculating wildly.

Travelling back and forth between the prison and the court house five days a week had been so excruciating for Chaise.

But, now - after what was a relatively quick trial when compared to other cases that were similar - it was now nearing to an end. Jed had told Chaise that the public were divided in their thoughts of whether she should be found guilty or not. She knew this already from the various polls that the news stations had done asking if people thought Chaise should be imprisoned.

The angry mobs outside the court house and the prison had decreased in numbers a little each day and more and more of her supporters had come out to cheer Chaise along.

Kiah had informed her during her last visit that huge 'after-the-trial' interview offers were pouring in from pretty much every major newspaper, magazine and television network imaginable. The offers were now in the tens of millions and Kiah was adamant about which ones she thought Chaise should do. She was leaving it in Kiah's capable hands to decide. Between her and Jay, they would be able to navigate her career back in to the right direction.

One major thing that had really upset Chaise was that Matt had not come in to visit her in prison since his day in court. He had not answered any of her phone calls either. He had, however, asked Jay to inform Chaise that he would talk to her about their relationship after the trial was over. He could not handle all the intense pressure of the media watching his every move. Chaise would just have to accept that she would have to wait, but she held out immense hope that they were going to be fine. That their marriage was going to be alright, after all.

Natasha's parents had been at the trial every single day. It didn't get any easier as each week passed by for Chaise to look at them and she had avoided eye contact with them as much as possible.

Chaise's own parents had not shown up again since their surprise

appearance at the first day of court. She had been extremely disappointed every single day when she had looked around for them in naïve anticipation. She eventually stopped scanning the faces and presumed that it had been too much for them to handle.

She had tried to call them repeatedly with the only number that she had for them but it just continued to ring out.

Natalia and Rebecca had been a huge comfort to Chaise. Although they were unable to make court every single day, they had continued to visit her every visiting day at the prison and had tried their best to cheer Chaise up.

She was so grateful to them for being there for them. She owed her sanity to their friendships and they had proved beyond a doubt that they were genuine, true friends. Chaise appreciated having them in her life so very much - they were there for her in her time in need and had not let her down.

On their last visit, they had informed Chaise that Matt's tour with The Diffused had been cancelled due to Matt and Chaise's situation and all the media attention on Chaise's trial that had taken the focus off their music and made it all about the circus surrounding her.

Chaise knew that Matt would have pulled the plug on it. There is no way that he would be in the right frame of mind to tour.

From what they had told Chaise and from what she had been reading in the limited tabloids that they received in the prison was that Matt and Minch had taken off to Mexico a couple of weeks into the trial and had not returned since. Chaise understood that Matt desperately needed to get away until the trial was over. He was living his life under a microscope and it had proven too much for him to handle.

Now, finally - the last day of the trial were upon them. It was time for the closing statements by both the prosecution and the defence.

Chaise jumped of her bunk for what she desperately hoped was the last time. Nicole rolled over in her bed and opened her eyes slowly,

"Hey..." she groaned sleepily.

"OH MY GOD!!" Chaise jumped up next to her and bounced up and down excitedly.

"Woah... Chaise..." Nicole grumbled before she suddenly realized why Chaise was so happy. She sat upright in bed quickly and threw her arms around Chaise, "Oh, damn it! I forgot - oh my God!

Today could be your last day! Holy fucking crap I cannot believe it!"

"I KNOW!!" Chaise jumped up and danced around the small cell happily, "I might finally get to leave here! Finally!"

"Oh, Chaise I am so happy for you."

Chaise stopped dancing and looked over at Nicole, "Oh, Nic, I am sorry - I don't mean to rub it in..."

Nicole laughed and crawled out of her bed, "Chaise! Don't be stupid - I am getting out of here in a couple of months. It will fly by, believe me!"

Chaise took Nicole's hands in hers and looked her in the eye, "Nic, you have been such an amazing friend to me in here,"

"Chaise..."

"No, let me say this. You really have been an amazing support system to me in here and I would have never, ever gotten through any of this without you. I want you to know that I appreciate having you as my friend so, so much."

Nicole had tears welling in her eyes, "Oh, Chaise..."

"I want you to come and live with me - and hopefully Matt - when you are released in a few months. I want to help you to get on your feet and achieve the lifestyle that you deserve,"

"What!? Are you serious!?"

"Absolutely. And... that's not all. I want you to be my personal assistant - if I have a career to go back to..."

"Oh, Chaise! I would love to!" Nicole was sobbing happily and tears streamed down her cheeks.

Chaise beamed with pride as she saw the look of happiness on Nicole's face, "You deserve to be happy, Nic. You are such an amazing person and I want to help you achieve all your goals - including starting a foundation to help women in abusive relationships get out of them and get back on their feet. I want to call it the Nicole Roberts Foundation and - I will be personally contributing one hundred thousand dollars to get you started."

"AAHHHH!!!" Nicole screamed with happiness and threw her arms around Chaise and squeezed her tightly, "Chaise! That is amazing! How can I ever thank you!?"

Chaise shook her head, "Nic, I am doing it because I can never thank you enough for everything that you have done for me. I owe my life to you,"

Nicole laughed, she was so overjoyed, "Don't be so dramatic, Chaise!"

Chaise shrugged, "Hey, I am an actress - it's what I do."

They laughed and thanked each other as they headed down to the cafeteria for what could be Chaise's last ever breakfast in Lynford Correctional Facility.

The girls were eagerly waiting for them. They all jumped up and hugged Chaise in a big group hug.

"I am going to really miss you guys," Chaise smiled at them happily.

"Well, you better keep in touch with us! No pretending you don't know who we are when you are back in movie star mode!" Meagan laughed as they sat down for breakfast.

"Do you guys think I am being stupid by presuming that I am getting out today?" Chaise asked them quietly.

She could feel tension around them and Nicole, like they were forcing themselves to act happy for her and believe that she is getting out, but she could tell in their eyes that they were worried that she was setting herself up for a massive fall and that they were wrong to be encouraging her. The girls all looked at each other hesitantly and not one of them said a word.

"Guys?"

"Of course not," Emily said a little too quickly as she avoided looking directly at Chaise.

"Nicole?" Chaise was hoping that she would get a straight answer out of her.

Nicole shifted in her seat uncomfortably, "We all believe that you are getting out today just as much as you do. We have all been following your case very closely on the news every night and it looks like you are going to be found not guilty because it was an unintentional accident. Don't start doubting yourself now," She sounded as if she was trying to convince herself as well.

Chaise sighed, "I know, I am just so nervous."

Emily slapped her on the back, "Chaise, this is your last day in this

fucking hell hole, trust us."

After they had all said their goodbyes and wished her the best of luck, Chaise headed to the familiar holding room where she had been nearly every morning for the past eight weeks with Collins.

Poor Natalia had had her work cut out for her and had done a fantastic job of constantly supplying Jed with various outfits suitable for court for Chaise to wear. It was dozens of options later and Chaise had saved her favourite for today. She had specifically requested Natalia to bring her the knee length, plum purple Hermes dress as it was her 'good luck' outfit. It was the dress that she had worn on her first official date with Matt and she was hoping that it would bring her luck today - on the most important day of her life.

The day when her fate was to be decided.

The rest of her life.

She brushed her hair out and let it flow naturally around her shoulders - every day of the trial she had tied it up in either a bun or ponytail but today she wanted to look extra special. She applied a dark lipstick that was a similar colour to her dress and applied more eye makeup then she had in a very long time.

When Jed arrived, he looked her up and down, curiously, "We're going for a glam look today, are we?" He asked as he hugged her.

"I am feeling very lucky today and this is my luckiest dress," she smiled confidently.

He grinned back at her, "So am I, Chaise. I have a very good feeling about today. Are you ready to go?"

She nodded, nervously.

"I have to warn you - the crowd outside is bigger than it has ever been. It is complete chaos out there. This is the day that everybody has been waiting for,"

"Well, I was expecting that. I knew the press would be in overdrive today. I bet the whole world is holding its breath," she rolled her eyes cheekily,

"Let's do it."

Collins led them through the prison and stopped her just before they left the building at the main entrance, "Adams - I just want to say good luck to you," he smiled warmly at her.

Chaise was taken aback - she had not been expecting this from him and this was the nicest he had been to her the whole time she had been incarcerated, "Oh, thank you, Collins. I don't know what to say..."

"Don't say anything - I hope I never see you again - don't come back," he said cheekily, winking at her.

"I don't intend to!" She laughed.

They stepped outside to the waiting crowd that had been outside the court house since early in the morning. Jed was right - it was the largest gathering yet. Chaise took a deep breath and followed Jed, the prison guards and the police officers down the usual path they took every day.

Every other morning Chaise had ignored the reporters at Jed's advice but she couldn't ignore them this morning as they all called out questions about what she thinks her verdict will be.

"Chaise - do you think you will be set free!?" She heard a young male reporter call out to her.

She recognized that he was from 'Entertainment Weekly'. She stopped suddenly, surprising both the reporter and the entourage she had around her. A policeman nearly ran straight into the back of her.

"Chaise..." Jed warned her.

She ignored him and approached the excited man, "I am hoping and praying with every fibre of my being that the jury will see this unfortunate incident for what it really is - an accident. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha Hendrix's family and I am deeply regretful and sorry for happened.

However, I do not think that I should be convicted for manslaughter because of it. I will have to live with what I have done for the rest of my life and I live in my own internal hell every waking second. I never, ever intended for this to happen and I think that the time in prison that I have already served should be a significant enough punishment."

The surrounding reporters went into overdrive - shocked that Chaise had finally broken her silence. Dozens of microphones were thrust in her direction as they bombarded her with more questions.

Chaise smiled politely and put her hand up to signify that she was done and let Jed lead her away to the waiting van.

"Did you have to!?" He demanded once they were in the safety of the vehicle and heading down their usual route with their usual police escorts.

Chaise shrugged, "One final plea for my freedom can't hurt."

"Chaise, leave that up to me and my closing statement thank you very much,"

At the court house it took twice as long for the police to hold the huge crowd back enough for Chaise's transfer van to get around the building to the back entrance. It was a truly chaotic scene as the crowd were bordering on going into full blown riot mode against the struggling police.

Chaise was terrified as she watched outside the window, "Shit," she whispered under her breath.

"It's a big day for the news today," Jed said softly as he watched the crowd, wide eyed at the chaos.

They hurried inside to their usual court room that had been the constant backdrop in the unfolding saga of the Chaise Adams trial.

Inside, it was buzzing with activity as the people already seated inside talked amongst themselves excitedly.

Chaise was pleased to see that all her friends were there to support her.

She had not been more nervous through this whole trial as she was this morning. Her fate was going to be decided today and that was a very unbalancing thought for her to try and comprehend. She waved at Natalia, Rebecca, Kiah, Jay and Maria as Jed ushered her to her usual defendant's seat. She was disappointed when she could not see her parents anywhere in the crowd.

Why would they come for the first day but not attend any other days?

Especially the most important day - the last day?

Chaise could not get her head around it. They were so frustrating.

She would have preferred if they had not come at all rather than only come once and torture her over it. She understood that the pressure they would have received from the press and paparazzi would have been intense and that they would not have wanted to hang around LA for a long period of time, but surely, they should have been here for the verdict – the most important day of their only daughter's life.

After the usual proceedings of the court were out of the way and Judge Homes had taken his seat it was time for the closing argument from the prosecution. Harry whispered with Holly for a few moments then got up and approached the jury who all looked like they were well and truly over the trial by now. He leant on their bench, getting up close and personal with them. He looked at them intensely and they watched him, curiously.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have patiently sat through eight long weeks of listening to this incredible story. It is a story straight out of the glitz and glam of Hollywood that could easily have been the plot from a movie. It is the story of a beautiful, talented, rich and famous movie star - a stunning woman who is loved and adored by millions of people all over the world. A woman who was at the height of her career – winning a highly respected Best Actress Golden Globe award with numerous film offers pouring in. A star who demands millions of dollars for every film that she makes. A woman who is also living most women's fantasy by marrying a famous, successful and handsome rock star.

However, this is not a movie. This is real life and - in real life there are consequences for one's actions. Unlike in the movies, when somebody is 'killed' and it is not real - in real life once your life is over, it's over.

When you die in reality, you leave behind everybody that knew and loved you to mourn the loss and miss their loved one desperately for the rest of their lives. In real life this movie star is - under all the makeup, designer clothes and the bright lights and smoke and mirrors of Hollywood - a human being, just like all the rest of us.

And... human beings make mistakes every single day. Human beings can be violent. They can be jealous and angry and seek revenge. They have the power and strength to hurt one another. To kill one another. That is exactly what this woman, this human being, Chaise Adams - from the small town of Wedgewood did. Miss Adams - like many, many other human beings made a mistake, which is a point that I am sure that Jed Robbins is going to try and hammer home to you. That it was a mistake. An accident.

Something that Miss Adams never, ever meant to happen. But, you know what? Natasha Hendrix was a human being as well. She was also very beautiful and talented. She may not have been a 'movie star', but she was just as important as any 'celebrity' is. She was a daughter," he paused for effect, motioning towards Natasha's distraught parents, "she was a friend. A niece. A granddaughter. She meant the world to the many people who were lucky enough to of known her and who loved her so very, very much. And, like many young, innocent girls - she was star struck when she met a famous rock star. A handsome rock star. The lead singer of a very popular band – who's music Natasha loved. And, when she met the wonderful and charismatic Matthew Stow – her idol, her dream guy, her fantasy, all her dreams came true when he took a liking to her too. When he flirted with her and later asked her to hang out with him, did she know that he was married? Yes, of course she did.

The whole world knows that Chaise Adams and Matthew Stow are married. Did she care? Only Natasha knows that. But, how many young, starry eyed women out there would honestly - from the bottom of their hearts - turn down the opportunity to be with a man that they idolized!? A man that they had dreamt of being with for so long - just because he was married? Not many, I can tell you that much. Hell, if Farrah Fawcett had offered herself to me on a silver platter when I was a young man, I would have jumped at the opportunity without a second thought!"

This last statement caused a few giggles and smirk from the jury.

He continued on, "So, yes young Natasha did something that many of us would find unthinkable in the 'real world', but not necessarily in the 'Hollywood world', she went to sleep with a married man. It may not be the best judgment, but this was a huge, amazing once in a lifetime experience for a young star struck woman like Natasha. Now, is it fair to Chaise Adams that her husband had sex with somebody else behind her back? Cheated on her? Of course not! Nobody denies that that adultery is a truly horrific thing to happen to anybody - especially when Chaise had no idea about her husband's betrayal and was unfortunate enough to catch them in the act itself! Anybody who gave half a damn about their husband or wife and their marriage would be enraged with anger, hurt and betrayal.

Of course she would be furious! Some people would even agree that it was her every right to lash out at them - to hurt them as much as she was hurting. To get revenge. But, I ask you ladies and gentlemen of the jury - do you really believe that Natasha deserved to die in such a horrifying, degrading way? To have her skull and brain bashed in?! To die naked - in a pool of blood at such a young age and in such a humiliating, degrading way!? To have her whole life and untimely her death played out in the press and media like a soap opera? Is it fair for her parents to have to bury her because of it? To have to endure the attention of the world while they grieve for their daughter? If Chaise was so angry - which she had every right to be - should she not of taken it out on Matt Stow? Her husband was the one in that room who had made the promise to love only her, to stay faithful to her? Was it fair to Natasha that she would be humiliated and beaten in the way that she was for one innocent mistake!? Of course not. Chaise Adams had no right to rob this beautiful young girl of her future. A future that was full of such promise and hope. She had already beaten this girl - fought with her, viciously and violently. Her point had been proven. She had gotten her revenge - yet she continued the assault.

She used a weapon. A very heavy weapon which most people would realize would cause a lot of damage to such a fragile surface like somebody's skull. How could Chaise Adams not have realized that by striking this heavy force down onto Natasha's head that it would do some serious damage - let alone kill her. Yet, she did it anyway.

She could have walked away. She could have demanded that Natasha leave. She could have had it out with Matt - yet she chose the actions that she did and she whole heartedly chose wrong. She caused an innocent young woman to die way too early and she cannot walk away from those actions scot free.

Unfortunately, in these times of celebrity obsession, Hollywood tends to let their celebrities get away with their crimes with just a slap on the wrist.

We have seen it happen time and time again. To let Chaise Adams, walk away from this and continue on with her glamorous lifestyle as if nothing ever happened would be a huge injustice to Natasha and to her family and friends. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have heard all the facts and the evidence and testimonies. You have sat here patiently, day after day, week after week and now the time has come for you to decide on your verdict. I plead with you - Natasha's parents plead to you - her friends and family plead with you to please, please find Chaise Adams guilty. Have her punished for the horrific crime that she has committed. Show the public, the media - the world that you will not let another famous, rich celebrity walk away from their crime.

Chaise Adams murdered this young woman and she must pay the price.

The world needs to know that celebrities need to pay for their actions just like any other Jane Bloggs off the street would have to.

Please, please, think of Natasha and how wrong this is to have happened to her. Please make Chaise Adams pay for what she has done," he pointed to a blown up photo of Natasha at her high school graduation, wearing her cap and gown and looking so bright and full of life, to push his point home, then went and sat back down.

Chaise buried her head in her hands - it was over. She was going to be found guilty, she just knew it.

Listening to Harry's closing argument, Chaise was certain that he had won the jurors over. She had not been expecting that and her confidence was now shattered into a thousand pieces.

Jed noticed her despair and leant over, whispering in her ear, "It's not over yet, Chaise."

Chaise had just had to sit through the prosecution pleading with the jury to find her guilty and to send her to prison. It had taken every ounce of strength she had to not jump up and scream and shout at all of them.

Plead with them not to make her stay in that hell hole of a prison.

To plead with them to believe that it was an accident and that she had never, ever meant for it to happen.

Listening to that closing statement had been the most difficult part of the whole trial for Chaise. Now, she had all her hopes pinned on Lou's closing statement.

He approached the jury, who all watched him curiously as he paced back and forth in front of them, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Johnson here certainly makes some very valid points, doesn't he?

He certainly isn't wrong with a lot of what he said at all."

Chaise looked at him in horror,

He can't agree with the prosecution!

What was he doing!?

"Chaise Adams is a famous movie star. She is beautiful, rich, talented and famous with the whole world at her feet. And... she is a human being. And human beings do make mistakes. This is all correct. Unfortunately, Chaise found herself in a horrific situation that was her worst nightmare - that is every wife in the world's worst nightmare. She came home early from a trip to be with and support the husband who she loved more than anything else in the world. She found her husband in bed with another woman. Can you imagine how that would feel? To see the person that you loved, that you had devoted your entire life to - that you had promised to love forever, that you trusted with every fibre of your being. And to then see him naked - in your marital bed in your house with another woman!? That is horrifying! Can you even possibly imagine how that would feel?!" Lou looked at the women jurors in the eye, one by one, hammering his point home to them, "To have your whole life destroyed, right before your very eyes?! Chaise acted on her human instincts. She lashed out due to the overwhelming anger and pain that she was feeling. She had never, ever hit anybody in her life before \- ever. She had never even been in a fight, had never even slapped somebody. She was in such a rage that she wasn't even thinking in the right frame of mind. Chaise lashed out at her husband and she lashed out at the woman who was having sex with her husband. They were Hollywood royalty. Everybody does know that Matt Stow and Chaise Adams were married.

Natasha knew that – and not only did she know that, she had seen the two of them together the night that she had met Matt Stow, she had served them both that night and yet - there she was - in Chaise's home, in Chaise's bed with Chaise's husband. And she could not have cared less. She did not think of what the repercussions could be.

She did not think about what would happen to her if Chaise had caught them. Chaise reacted in anger and she did something that she would never, ever have done under any normal circumstances.

She was in a rage and, unfortunately, she became violent. She wanted to hurt both Matt and Natasha the way that she was hurting. In a spilt second, without thinking rationally about what she was doing, she picked up the closest object to her, which unfortunately was a very heavy object and hit Natasha. She didn't stop and think about what she was doing. She didn't stop to think of the consequences of what could happen - that she could actually kill this girl! If she had known that she would kill her, Chaise would have never, ever done what she did. She made a mistake. A huge mistake. She took a life. But, does that mean that she needs to be prosecuted like a murderer? Like somebody who deliberately set out to kill somebody? Does she deserve to spend more time in prison!? Absolutely not! Her career is over. The public is against her. Her husband is divorcing her. She is not going to just walk away all this back to the cushy life that she had before, like Harry has suggested. She has been punished by her peers and the public. The whole world has cast judgment upon her. That life is over."

Chaise cringed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if Chaise Adams could take back what happened she would do everything possible to make that happen.

She would give up every worldly possession that she has in a second if it could reverse this tragedy. Chaise is so, so deeply sorry that this happened. She would never set out to destroy Natasha's family. She made a horrible, tragic mistake and unfortunately, Natasha was an innocent victim. Chaise doesn't deny what she did. She never has, not for a moment. She never will. She takes full responsibility for her actions. Her life is destroyed now, too. But sending her to jail is not going to undo what had happened. It is not going to bring back Natasha. It is not going to fix anything.

Please, please don't make her pay any longer for a tragic mistake, a horrific accident. It's just not fair. She has been in prison for months. She has been brutally beaten by fellow inmates that left her with broken bones and a lifetime of nightmares. This whole saga has been a terrible tragedy but the punishment that the prosecution wants doesn't fit the crime. It is just going to ruin another young life in the process. Let Chaise go. Let her try to make it right. Let her try to fix what she can. Don't let this terrible, tragic accident be the cause of any more destruction. Please. We beg you to look into your hearts and find what is the right thing to do," he came and sat back down with Chaise.

She started to feel slightly hopeful again. She could be set free thanks to Lou's impassioned plea. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer.

Please God.... Please!

Judge Holmes turned to address the jurors, "Ladies and gentleman, thank you so much for your patience over the last eight weeks. We have now reached the end of the trial and it is time for the twelve of you to go away and deliberate on this case. Please consider every single witness statement, testimony and piece of evidence that has been presented to you over these last eight weeks. I beg of you to please ignore everything that you have seen on the T.V reports as well as everything that you may have read in the papers and magazines,"

They all listened to the Judge intently on what he was saying. He then dismissed them from the court room, "Good luck to you all with your decision and may God be with you."

The twelve people who were going to determine the outcome of Chaise's future all got up from their seats and left the court room, one after another. A few of them glanced at Chaise but most of them avoided looking at her,

"Well, Chaise. This is it," Lou said to her, quietly.

"There is nothing more that we can do now, Chaise. It is out of

our hands," Jed sighed.

Chaise just sat there, feeling numb. The court room all moved and talked amongst themselves around her as they started to leave.

"Chaise!"

She heard her name being called out from behind her. She turned to see Rebecca, Natalia, Kiah and Jay all standing together, "Good Luck!"

"We're praying for you!"

They called out to her before they were ushered out by the court bailiff.

Chaise smiled at them, weakly.

"So, what happens now, Jed?" She sighed, emotionally exhausted and feeling sick to her stomach.

"Well, the jury is now going to go and deliberate together and come up with their verdict. They all need to agree one hundred percent before they can present it to the judge."

"How long does that take?"

Jed shrugged, "It really depends on if they agree or not. It could take a few hours or it could take days."

"What!?" Chaise was not expecting that, "I thought I was going to get a verdict today! I thought it was going to finally be over today."

"Don't worry, Chaise - it will be O.K, we are very, very confident. Now, the longer it takes to come up with verdict means that they are having trouble deciding. That could either be a good thing or it could be a bad thing. When they have reached a verdict we will be called back into the court to hear it."

"So, do I have to go back to prison until they have the verdict?"

She asked – feeling stupid that she had said good bye to everybody if she was supposed to go back.

Lou shook his head as he packed up all his paperwork, "You will not be going back to Lynwood. They will keep you detained in the holding cells here at the court house until we are called back."

Chaise nodded glumly and said her goodbyes to Jed and Lou who both hugged her and wished her the best of luck. She then followed the court bailiffs and police officers who were going to escort her to the court's holding cell where she would have to wait until her verdict was decided.

It was an awful, strange and extremely unnerving feeling for Chaise to know that twelve strangers were now going to go and sit in a room together and talk about her and if she should spend a very long time in jail or if she should be allowed to be set free.

The waiting around was going to be torture.

THE VERDICT

Three days of moping around the holding cell completely on her own and isolated from the world took its toll on what had been left of Chaise's sanity. She had thought that the day of the closing arguments would be her verdict day. Sitting here drawing it out for longer was just pure torture.

The only thing she could do in that small room in the silence was think.

She almost wished that she had been sent back to Lynwood until her verdict was reached. At least then she would have had Nicole and the girls to distract her from the waiting around. Being trapped inside of her own head was killing her.

She could not believe that there would be a time when she would prefer to be in that hell hole, but those three days were the true definition of what that meant.

Her own private hell.

A thousand thoughts raced through her mind as she lay on the single bed for twenty-four hours a day. It was sending her to the brink of madness.

Every possible outcome was running around in her exhausted mind. If she was found guilty and had to stay in prison for years, she was one hundred percent sure that she would have a mental breakdown. She couldn't even wrap her head around how she was going to deal with that.

There was no way that she would ever be strong enough to survive in there. It would be her worst nightmare come true. The past couple of months in prison had been the worst time of her entire life. The most horrific, awful things that had happened in Chaise's life – besides Natasha's death - had happened to her inside those walls.

She would not cope. She knew that for a fact. The more she thought about that possibility - the sicker and stressed out she felt.

Her hair was falling out in clumps and she had barely touched any of the food the court bailiffs had been bringing her.

She knew she looked a wreck but she could not bring herself to put her health first. She would rather wither away and die than face a jail term.

The other thoughts that kept her stressed out was what would happen if she was found innocent and she returned to the outside world? In some ways that was an even scarier prospect. She would be judged by the people that she knew and by millions that she didn't. Everywhere she would go, people would point and whisper amongst themselves. And this time it would not be because she was a celebrity - it would be because she killed somebody and got away with it. The public backlash would be unbearable.

Her prized career that she loved so much was now in tatters. It would be very unlikely that she would ever work again and Chaise was unsure of what she would do with her life. Sure, she had millions of dollars in the bank but she was the type of woman who needed a purpose in life. She was so used to working hard and being busy all the time that the thought of just sitting around doing nothing for the rest of her life was not a tempting option.

All that really, truly mattered to her, however was working things out with Matt. After seeing him at his testimony during the trial, Chaise regained her hope that maybe they could work it out. It was obvious that he still loved her and perhaps he was prepared to work on their relationship after all. Chaise desperately needed for that to be the case. Maybe they could take off to a secluded part of the world for a while. Somewhere where nobody knew who they were.

Where they could be anonymous for the first time in a very long time. They could escape the glare of the media spotlight and just concentrate on working on themselves.

Finally, that afternoon Jed and Lou came and met Chaise at the holding cell, offering an end to her self-inflicted torture. Jed stood there, staring at her and not saying a word.

"Well!?" Chaise demanded - not even bothering to say hello to them.

"Tomorrow morning," he said slowly, letting it sink in.

Chaise sighed with relief, "Oh, thank God - I have been going crazy in here!"

"Well, either way this whole thing will be over tomorrow. The jury have reached a unanimous verdict and will announce it at the court tomorrow."

Lou placed his hand on Chaise's shoulder, "You have to prepare yourself for whichever way it will go tomorrow, Chaise. Whether it is guilty or not you will have a very long road ahead of you," he said seriously.

"Believe me, I know. It is all I have thought about in here."

"We will see you first thing tomorrow, Chaise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you," Jed held her close, "God bless you, Chaise Adams."

They left Chaise alone again to nervously ponder what her fate was going to be. Somewhere out there, twelve people knew exactly what it was going to be and she did not have a clue.

It was extremely frustrating.

After not sleeping at all - which Chaise was starting to get used to, even if she was in a constant zombie-like state - she pulled herself out of the bed and prepared herself for the second time for her sentencing.

She got dressed in a Chanel black pencil skirt and a silk red blouse that Jed had sent over for her and sat around eagerly waiting for Jed and Lou to come and take her to the court room.

They looked stressed and flustered when they finally arrived,

"Wow, the crowd outside the court house today is the biggest one yet!"

He exclaimed as Chaise was let out of the cell by the court guard.

"Well, today is the verdict day," Lou reminded him as they greeted Chaise, "The whole world is waiting anxiously to see what is going to happen to the infamous Chaise Adams."

"You will be pleased to know that your supporters outnumber the protestors. They are all cheering and shouting words of encouragement for you," Jed added.

"Really?" Chaise was pleasantly surprised.

"Yeah. They have even set up huge portable screens to watch the verdict from the parking lot and streets," Jed told her, as if he could not believe it.

They walked in silence the rest of the way to the usual court room.

Jed stopped her just before they entered the double doors. He didn't say a word, but then again, he didn't have to.

Chaise knew what he was thinking. She smiled at him nervously and hugged him tightly, "Thank you," she whispered.

He nodded and opened the doors. Inside the familiar room was jam packed with anxious people - desperate to hear what the verdict was going to be. As Chaise went to take her defendant's chair for the last time she was grateful to see Kiah, Rebecca, Natalia, Jay and Maria were all sat together. They all smiled at Chaise as she passed them and mouthed the words, 'Good Luck'.

Poor Maria looked like she had been crying. But there were more surprises in store for Chaise.

Her parents were there.

They stared at the front of the room with blank, teary eyes. Their faces were etched with worry and concern. Chaise could not believe that they had come back to Los Angeles to be there for her. She was so desperate to just run over to them and throw her arms around them and never let go but they were still avoiding all eye contact with their daughter and she had to restrain herself. She told herself that she would talk to them afterwards.

But an even bigger, more meaningful surprise was there.

Matt.

He was sat near the front row, just behind Chaise's friends with Minch by his side. He didn't look at Chaise - just stared directly at the ground in front of him but Chaise didn't care - she was just so happy that he was there.

Minch saw Chaise looking over at them and gave her a thumbs up and his trademark cheeky grin. He whispered something to Matt, who nodded but continued to keep his eyes down. Chaise could tell that he was very upset.

She took her seat at the defendant's desk and waited patiently as everybody assembled themselves around them.

Natasha's parents and friends were all there, comforting each other as usual. They were all wearing the badges with Natasha's face on them that they had worn every single day without fail.

What was different about today however, was that Judge Holmes was already sat up in his chair and the jury were absent.

Chaise watched curiously as the court bailiff stood up, "Ladies and gentlemen, Judge Holmes, I call on the jury."

Chaise turned and watched as the twelve jury members entered the room, scanning their faces desperately trying to see if she could tell what they had decided. Not one of them looked over at her. As they took their seats, it was obvious by their expressions that they were tired, stressed and worried.

Once everybody had been seated and ordered to be quiet, Judge Holmes addressed the court, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today for the verdict of the defendant Chaise Adams who has been trialled for the manslaughter of Natasha Hendrix. Jurors, I want to thank you all for your patience in the process of this very public trial. Jury foreman, have yourself and your peers unanimously reached your verdict with great deliberation and thorough understanding and thought? Are you all in agreement with the verdict that you have all reached and comfortable with the outcome that will result from that verdict?"

The jury foreman, one of the older men stood up nervously holding a small piece of paper. His hands were shaking as he answered Judge Holmes, "Yes, we have your Honour."

"Very well, please show me your verdict."

He nervously handed the piece of paper to the court bailiff who then walked over and handed it to Judge Holmes. He slowly unfolded the paper and read it to himself over his small glasses, before looking over at Chaise with piercing eyes.

"You have all individually and as a group reached this verdict unanimously, beyond any reasonable doubt?"

"Yes, we have your Honour," the jury foreman answered awkwardly.

The court room was deathly silent. It was almost as if the whole room was holding their breath in anticipation. Chaise's heart was pounding so hard in her ears that she almost couldn't hear what was going on around her. She felt as if she was going to throw up. She too held her breath to prevent the nausea rising through her throat. Her fingers and toes were crossed so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

This was it. This was her life decided for her. She closed her eyes and desperately prayed over and over again, "Please God, Please God..."

The Judge cleared his throat, "I will say, ladies and gentleman of the jury that I whole heartedly agree with your verdict. Can you please read out what you have decided, Mr Foreman."

The bailiff took the small piece of paper that was to seal Chaise's fate from the Judge back to the Juror, whose hands were shaking now so hard that he almost dropped it. His face was as white as paper. He looked around the room nervously, avoiding Chaise and the news camera that was zoomed in on him.

Chaise felt like she was going to pass out. It felt like she was in one of those television game shows where they took forever to confirm whether or not a contestant was correct or not on the million dollar question they had just answered. She was light headed and her palms were clammy and sweaty.

The jury foreman cleared his throat and pulled himself together,

"We, the jury have deliberated on the case of Chaise Adams - legally Chaise Stow \- in the charge bought upon her by the courts of the manslaughter of Natasha Liane Hendrix..." his voice was cracking under the pressure,

Please... Please... Please...

Chaise was on the brink of tears.

"We have unanimously found Miss Adams..."

Please... Please... Please...

"Guilty."

A loud cheer of excitement rose up from Natasha's family and friends from the public seated area. They all jumped up off their seats and hugged and high fived each other - their faces were elated and overjoyed with happiness. Chaise was in shock. She wasn't sure that she had heard correctly. She just sat there, stunned and she couldn't move. The blood drained from her face and she stopped breathing - she couldn't draw a single breath and she started to see black spots in front of her eyes. She was deathly still as the courtroom erupted into chaos behind her.

"Chaise?" Jed asked softly, tears falling down his cheek.

Chaise just stared blankly in front of her... she was frozen in fear.

It was like the whole world had stopped.

"Chaise?!" Jed prodded, his face etched with worry and concern.

His voice just sounded like a distant mumbling.

Suddenly, without even realising that she was doing it - Chaise

erupted, "NO! NO! NO!" She started screaming at an ear pitching tone, "NO! NO! NO!"

"Chaise..." Jed tried to comfort her and hug her but she pushed him off her.

"NO! NO! NO!" She was shouting so loudly that a lot of the people in the court room had gone quiet and were staring at her in shock.

She burst into tears and fell off her chair onto the hard floor, "NOOOO!!"

"Chaise, please..." Jed desperately tried to help her up, aware that the cameras were capturing every horrific moment of her meltdown.

"NOOOO!!!! NO! NO! NO!"

The camera crew zoomed in on her, amazed at her reaction.

"ORDER! Order in the court room!" Judge Holmes shouted, standing up in his dock.

He motioned to the courtroom guard, "Take her into a holding cell and calm her down until sentencing."

The guard approached Chaise and tried to lift her up off the floor with Jed and Lou's help.

"GET OFF ME!!! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!! IT WAS AN

ACCIDENT!!"

She swung a punch at the guard and growled at him like a wild animal.

Another officer came over and the two of them forced Chaise up to her feet. The crowd gasped in shock as the men had to literally drag Chaise out of the court room as she screamed hysterically with her legs kicking wildly out in front of her.

SENTENCING

Chaise lay curled up, shaking uncontrollably in a ball on the bed in her holding cell. She had not stopped crying since she had heard the word 'Guilty'.

Jed and Lou had stayed with her for a while, attempting to comfort her as best as they could, but she had eventually asked them to leave. She needed to be alone.

A court guard was sat in a plastic chair directly outside of her cell, watching her very closely in case she tried to physically harm or kill herself. Her head was spinning a thousand miles an hour. She couldn't believe that she had been found guilty. She knew that it had always been a possibility but, deep down inside herself she had managed to naively convince herself that she would be found innocent. She couldn't breathe properly and was desperately gasping for air, struggling to breathe in some oxygen, but she was hyperventilating too quickly and her lungs just refused to absorb any of it. The guard posted outside of her cell barely flinched, he just sat there watching her as she struggled to get any air. Horrid thoughts raced continuously through her mind,

My life is over.

I have to go back to prison.

I have to stay there for a very, very long time...

How long...

Oh my God...

I want to die...

She was a nervous wreck by the time Jed and the two guards who had dragged her out of the court room came to collect her, four long, panic stricken hours later.

"Chaise... it's time for your sentencing..." Jed told her, gently.

"LEAVE ME ALONE! I HATE YOU!" She screamed at him, viciously.

Jed looked wounded but didn't say a word. The guards ignored her protests and grabbed her off the bench. Chaise kicked out at them wildly and struggled to break free of their tight grip. One of them pulled a pair of handcuffs out and slapped them onto her wrists.

She was still kicking and lashing out as they forcefully escorted her back to the court room followed by a visibly distraught Jed.

By the time they got to the court room, Chaise was physically and mentally exhausted. As they dragged her in to the court room, handcuffed and humiliated she stopped fighting them and weakly let them take her to her seat.

She hung her head in shame and refused to look at anybody.

Judge Holmes looked at her over his glasses and sighed, "Chaise Adams, you have been found guilty of the manslaughter of Natasha Hendrix by a jury of your peers. You are hereby sentenced to a prison term of fourteen years at Lynwood Women's Correctional Centre. Ten consecutive years of good behaviour are to be served before you will be eligible for parole."

Natasha's supporters and family cheered and hugged each other happily.

The room around Chaise begun to spin out of control.

Fourteen years...

Her eyes went black and hundreds of small stars danced around in front of her. Her brain felt numb and she was more than just a little light headed. Her whole body felt like it weighed a tonne.

Chaise blacked out and collapsed off her chair onto the floor in a heap as the world around her faded into a black hole.

"CHAISE?! CHAISE!?"

She slowly awoke to Jed, Lou and the court's officers all standing around her \- worry etched on their concerned faces.

Chaise groaned, confused as to what was going on, "Huh?" She tried to get up but her hands were still handcuffed behind her.

She stumbled and fell back to the floor and hit her head. Hard.

"Get those off!" Jed snapped at the court officer who obliged and quickly removed them.

Jed helped Chaise to slowly sit back up on her chair.

"Are you O.K?" He asked, anxiously - studying her face.

Chaise suddenly realized that she had fainted in the court room and all eyes were glued on her.

"How long was I out?" She mumbled, weakly.

"Just a few seconds," He told her softly and nodded to the Judge that she was alright.

"What happened?" She groaned, dazed and confused.

"You passed out when you heard your sentence," Jed said sadly.

It all came flooding back to her in a tidal wave.

Fourteen years.

Fourteen very, very long years.

Nausea overwhelmed her and before she had a chance to control it, she threw up on the desk in front of her - the news cameras catching the whole, gruesome thing. The court room gasped in horror.

"Come on, Chaise. I will come back with you to the prison. A medic can check you out there," Jed urged, trying to help her up to her feet and ignoring the stares of the curious crowd.

"No..." Chaise tried to protest but she felt so weak.

"Chaise, we have to," he tried to plead with her desperately.

"NO! I am not going back there!" She snapped back at him angrily, gripping onto her chair stubbornly.

The court officers came over to her and forced her up to her feet and dragged her out of the court room against her will for the second time as she pathetically protested to the Judge and cried a flood of tears.

The crowd waiting outside of the court house went crazy - stirred up by the live television reading of her guilty verdict, her subsequent sentencing and the horrific way that Chaise had reacted.

She ignored all the media and reporters that were desperately trying to surround her and interview her.

They defiantly pushed past the police officers that were struggling to hold them back. They didn't care - an exclusive comment from

Chaise Adams was worth way more than a small infringement.

There was a mixture of both cheers and boos from the crowd, but Chaise was too devastated to even comprehend what was going on around her. Her whole world had crashed down around her.

All she could think was,

Fourteen Years. Fourteen Years. Fourteen Years.

It swirled around in her head repeatedly. Her body felt so weak.

Her legs were refusing to cooperate with her. She slumped over and let the police officers guide her to the dreaded prison van and load her into the back seat.

Jed repeatedly tried to comfort her but she shoved him away from her each time. She refused to say a single word as the police officer driving followed the police escort motorcade back towards that horrid hell hole of a prison. The streets were all blocked off to try and contain the escalating situation outside as it spiralled out of control.

Jed rubbed Chaise's back again, vainly trying to comfort her despite her many hurtful rejections.

She slapped his hand away, "Don't touch me," she snapped viciously at him.

"Chaise..." he protested.

"I am going to prison for fourteen years, Jed! FOURTEEN years!"

"I am so, so sorry, Chaise. You have no idea how devastated I am for you. We did everything that we possibly could, I promise you.

We honestly did."

"Don't talk to me," Chaise shrugged him off as they arrived at the prison's front gates, "Leave me alone. I don't want to ever see you again."

He watched her exit the van and return to the prison with the guards with a wounded expression on his tired face.

Chaise didn't even look back.

THE AFTERMATH

It had been three days since Chaise was sentenced to a minimum jail term of ten years and a maximum of fourteen.

She had fallen into a very deep depression in the days following the sentencing.

After refusing to leave her bed for the three days, Guard Collins had informed her that if she did not report to her job in the laundry the following day then she would be sent to solitary confinement as punishment. Nicole had begged Chaise to accept her fate and her sentencing and to start finding a way to adjust to her life in prison.

She warned Chaise that she had to return to her job before she would be punished and as a result, taken away from the support system of her friends which she desperately needed. Chaise had ignored her. She had refused to say a word to anybody - not even Nicole since arriving back at the prison from the court.

She had also rejected numerous requests from Jed to see her and refused to see anybody and everybody that had tried to come and visit.

On that fourth night in prison, Chaise finally snapped. With the threat of solitary confinement looming over her head and not being able to accept her fate - she took drastic action.

Whilst Nicole was at dinner - Chaise had not eaten a single morsel of food since she had arrived back let alone leave her cell – she spent an hour rubbing the end of her plastic toothbrush along the rough bricks next to her bunk until she had shaped a sharp, pointed edge along one side.

Chaise had made a horrifying decision. She had not been able to think of anything else while in her deep depression.

She had decided to end her life. She could not do ten to fourteen years in jail. She could not do ten to fourteen more hours. Her life was over.

Everything was over.

She had to do it.

Chaise sat up in her bunk and, after saying a silent prayer to God for forgiveness - she started digging the plastic edge into her wrist along the small blue vein. The toothbrush wasn't as sharp as she had hoped that it would be and she had to painfully scratch herself repeatedly to even break through the soft skin.

After a few minutes of desperately digging, she saw a small drop of blood escape her wrist and drip down her hand. She got a rush of excitement that she was getting somewhere when she saw the release of the red liquid.

Hazily, she dug deeper and deeper into the wound, trying to open up the vein and ignoring the stinging pain. Thick blood started pouring down her arm and dripping onto the bed. As she hacked at it more, she became successful and the blood flow started streaming out more steadily.

Elated, Chaise tried to start on her other wrist - but her hand was too weak from the injury she had just created to hold the toothbrush properly. Instead, she lay back on the bunk, closed her eyes and let the flowing blood from her one deeply cut wrist soak into the bed sheets around her.

One wrist should be enough. It would be slower, but it would do.

As she lay back, waiting to slowly bleed to death, she thought about Matt.

She remembered all the good times that they had had together. She pictured his face as he smiled and told her he loved her. She also thought about her parents - not about the bad, estranged times that had kept them apart for years - but of when she was a child.

Despite their crazy, forceful Christian ways, they had given Chaise a very happy childhood and she was eternally grateful to them for that.

It was her fault that their relationship had withered and died. She was the one who had ran away at a young age without even saying good bye. She was the one who had greatly disappointed them and she had been the one who had never returned home to apologize and tell them that she loved them.

It was all her fault.

She thought about her friends. Her dear, dear friends who had been there for her in the good times and in the darkness at the end.

She hoped that they knew how much she appreciated them. She also reminisced about her life. How she had turned it all around to go from a lost teenager from a small town to conquering the notoriously tough world of acting and had risen quickly to super stardom. And how it had all gone wrong with one

mistake.

One split second.

In an instant.

The prison walls started to feel like they were fading away from around her as the warm blood started to grow cold, soaked into the mattress underneath her. She was feeling weak now. And strangely, she felt at peace. There was no pain, no anguish, she was not frightened of what was to come.

Because it was freedom.

She was finally going to escape this nightmare.

Chaise allowed herself to drift off into a deep, dark sleep - waiting to pass away and end this nightmare once and for all.

Nicole arrived back from dinner just in time to see Chaise passed out, surrounded by a pool of blood and raised the alarm.

Chaise awoke once again in the prison hospital. As she struggled to open her eyelids she was devastated to realize that she was still alive and still incarcerated.

"Nooooo..." she groaned as the familiar machines beeped around her.

The nurse who had helped her the last time that she had been there approached her bedside, "Adams, you are back with us, so nice to see you awake again. You have not lost enough blood for your self-inflicted injuries to be fateful," she casually informed Chaise as if she saw attempted suicides all the time.

She probably did.

"The prison has ruled that you are to go into protective custody so that you can be watched around the clock."

"Please... just let me die," Chaise whispered.

Two weeks into protective custody and Chaise hated it with an absolute passion. She was in a tiny cell all by herself - it was significantly smaller than her cell that she had shared with Nicole had been. The four solid walls were all padded with a very thick cushioning plastic. She was given no personal items whatsoever - she only received what she needed, when she needed it and then it was taken off her again.

She was in the cell for twenty-two lonely hours a day. She had all her meals in there, alone under constant supervision from numerous guards who sat outside of her cell and watched her.

Chaise was going out of her mind with loneliness and boredom.

Even when she was allowed out of her cell, it was only to walk around a small, steel cage outside which was separated from the other prisoners that were in protective custody. She had nobody to talk to and it was driving her stir crazy. She found herself wanting to return to the prison's general population.

Chaise never thought that she would miss being in the prison but Nicole had been right - it was much better there than being holed up in protective custody.

She felt that her depression had been lifting since she had had this time on her own, though. She would never be able to accept her sentence but she no longer wanted to die, either. She was very grateful that Nicole had found her when she had and saved her life.

Chaise had applied three times to return to general population and had done her best to prove that she was no longer a threat to herself and that she was no longer suicidal. After intense

psychotherapy evaluations and interviews, she was finally given the clearance to go back to the prison.

Apparently, quite a few inmates attempted suicide when they were first given lengthy sentences and the prison was prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt now that she had had some time to calm down and evaluate her position.

Chaise was now on her way back to her cell that she shared with Nicole.

She still hadn't completely come to terms with the fact that she would be spending ten years - or more - in jail and doubted that she ever would.

She had to start making an effort to settling into prison life. She had no choice - if she didn't she would be back in that awful padded cell and that was not an option for her sanity.

Nicole was beyond elated to see Chaise when she returned. As soon as she entered the cell, Nicole ran over and grabbed Chaise in a huge bear hug, "Oh my God! Chaise! Are you O.K?!" She cried at the sight of her friend.

Chaise hugged her back - so grateful to see her again, "Yeah, I'm alright," she replied, glumly.

"I was so scared for you! Holy shit - the last time I saw you..." she went quiet, not wanting to say what she was thinking.

But Chaise knew. She had been in a pool of her own blood, unconscious.

"I know, Nic. I'm sorry," Chaise sighed.

Nicole took Chaise by the arm, "I am so glad you are back! And just in time for dinner. Come on, the girls are dying to see you! We have all been so worried about you," she escorted Chaise down the hallways towards the cafeteria.

Chaise was surprised at herself that she started to feel happier again as she was by Nicole's side. There was something about her care free attitude that always managed to lift Chaise's spirits.

Nicole turned to her, her face completely serious - just before they went in for dinner, "Chaise, are you alright?" She asked.

Chaise sighed, "I don't know, Nic. I don't think I will ever be alright again. But, I no longer want to die if that is what you are asking."

Nicole hugged her again, "You have to hang in there, Chaise. Get tough and fight."

Chaise nodded and let Nicole take her to their table where the girls were all waiting in anticipation. Their faces dropped in shock when they saw her. Not only were they surprised to see that she was back - they were shocked at what she looked like. Chaise was scarily thin now - skeletal. Her bones stuck out in a sickening, grotesque sight and she looked deathly sick. Her skin was a strange shade of grey and her eye sockets were sunken in. She was the thinnest she had ever been.

They all looked deeply concerned about her but - despite that, Meagan, Kim and Emily all greeted her warmly, so relieved to see her back.

"Chaise!" They cried as they all took turns to hug her.

"Hey guys," Chaise tried to muster up a smile and sat down with them at the table.

"Are you going to eat something?" Nicole asked immediately.

Chaise shook her head, "I'm not hungry,"

"Chaise! You are skin and bone - look at you! You have to eat, you are going to make yourself sick," Emily protested.

"I don't care," Chaise mumbled, burying her head into her arms on the table. Her energy levels were at an all time low and even the simple task of sitting up straight took its toll.

"Chaise, do you want to talk about it?" Nicole asked gently.

Chaise grumbled, "No."

The girls exchanged worried looks with each other but they let Chaise be.

Their stunned silence was broken when Chaise heard them suddenly gasp in fright. She mustered the energy to lift her head and looked up to see Jenkins and Smith approaching their table - an evil smirk plastered on their ugly face.

"Movie star, you're back," Jenkins chuckled, leaning on their table over them as Smith stood behind her with her arms crossed.

Everybody froze \- not sure of what to do or say. Chaise's heart sank into her stomach. She could not believe it. She had just come back to general population and straight away there they were - in her face, threatening her again. There would be no escaping these evil bitches.

"Heard you tried to kill yourself. Didn't do a very good job of it, did you," she sneered.

Chaise stared up at her, frozen in fright.

"We are going to have some fun, you and I - just you wait,"

Jenkins winked slyly before she walked off.

"Oh, no," Chaise sobbed, burying her head into her arms again.

Meagan swore under her breath.

"Chaise, you need to report her - you cannot let her keep torturing you like this," Emily said to her, softly.

Chaise shook her head, "I can't! If I do she will just keep doing it even more and they will send me back to protective custody. I am not going - back there – I hated it! It is so bad! You have no idea,"

"Chaise..." Nicole tried to reason with her, "NO!" She snapped furiously at them, tears welling in her eyes, "I can't!"

"Well, you have to do something," Emily said very matter-of-factly.

"What can she do!?" Meagan asked her, sharply.

Emily shrugged, "I don't know, but she has to do something. We have to do something, Chaise cannot be victimized like this repeatedly - we have to fight back or something."

Kim nearly choked on her bread roll, "Are you serious!?" She cried through a mouth full.

Emily nodded, "Of course I am, why not?"

The girls all looked at her, horrified.

"Em, come on!" Nicole laughed, "That's not funny."

"I am deadly serious," Em stated.

The girls all looked at each other, not sure of what to say.

"We can't take on Jenkins and her bitches! You must be fucking crazy. Have you hit your head or something?!" Meagan protested.

"We don't have to take on all of them. Just Jenkins and Smith,"

Emily said casually, spooning some lasagne into her mouth as if she was just talking about the weather.

Meagan shook her head wildly in protest, "You've lost the plot, Em! There is no way!"

Emily shrugged her shoulders, "Anybody else got a suggestion?"

"This is so fucking stupid. We are not talking about this anymore, we just have to make sure that Chaise is never alone," Nicole said, quietly.

"What about when we all get out? Chaise is in here for a while, Jenkins and Smith are lifers. We all have under a year left – hell, Nicole you only have a few months. What's Chaise going to do then!?" Emily argued.

Chaise cried into her folded arms, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on her. The girls all went silent. They had no argument to that.

"What are you suggesting? If we fight Jenkins and Smith - which none of us even want to do - she is just going to retaliate. They will come after all of us, over and over," Nicole pointed out.

"We just have to put the point across that we are not scared of Jenkins and that Chaise is not going to put up with her crap anymore. We don't have to 'beat' them up - we just need to stand up to her, tell her that she is going to have to leave Chaise alone, or we will fight back. We can probably get quite a few of the other girls in on it as well. I know dozens of women in here who have had enough of Jenkins' shit. If we got the numbers together then that should stop them,"

The girls could not believe what they were hearing.

"This is crazy," Nicole muttered, leaning back on her chair.

"Just think about it," Emily said calmly before getting up and putting her tray away.

She left the mess hall without even looking back at them.

"She's lost it," Meagan sighed.

"Sure has, she is frigging crazy!" Kim agreed.

"What do you think, Chaise?" Nicole asked her curiously.

Chaise thought about it for a few minutes before answering, "I don't know," she sighed, defeated.

She did not want to drag the other girls into this crap but she didn't want to deal with it by herself anymore, either.

"We cannot take on Jenkins - you know that, don't you?"

Nicole asked her.

"Yeah, I know," Chaise agreed, "I am going to bed. I'm exhausted."

The girls watched sadly as Chaise left the table.

"Wait, Chaise! I will walk back with you," Nicole hurried along behind her.

They walked back to their cell in silence. The hallways were empty as everybody was still having their dinner and free time.

"It will be O.K, Chaise. I promise you - we will come up with a way to protect you," Nicole told her.

They arrived back at their cell and stopped short at the door.

Jenkins and Smith were in Chaise and Nicole's cell. They were rifling through their personal belongings, laughing at Nicole's photos. They looked up at them smugly when they saw that Nicole and Chaise were standing there.

"Movie star! And Movie Star's little bitch," Jenkins sneered, dropping Nicole's prized photos onto the floor.

"Two for the price of one," Smith chuckled.

"One each," Jenkins winked at her.

After the two of them stood in the doorway of the cell in shock for what seemed like forever, Nicole spoke up,

"Get out of here!" She tried to sound brave but her voice cracked with fear.

"Make us," Jenkins stepped forward in a threating manner, sizing up against Nicole.

She was easily twice as big as tiny Nicole.

"Jenkins, just get out," Nicole tried again.

Jenkins grabbed Nicole by her sweater and threw her into the cell.

Smith punched Nicole hard in the side of her head as she came flying past her.

Chaise screamed and turned back into the hallway. She tried to run - to go and get a guard and get some help from the other inmates but her legs betrayed her - they were like jelly underneath her.

Before she could get away, Jenkins grabbed Chaise and swung her around into the wall, slamming her against it as hard as she could.

Her back rippled with pain as she connected with the concrete wall. Chaise then watched in horror as Smith threw Nicole down on to the floor in front of her. A terrified Nicole was screaming a blood-curdling scream as Smith began kicking her hard, over and over again into her back. She was laughing cruelly as she delivered each swift kick.

"Get her!" Jenkins chuckled and egged her accomplice on.

She then turned her attention back to Chaise, "Now, Movie Star – it's your fucking turn!"

She punched Chaise extremely hard in her stomach. Chaise immediately dropped to the floor in a world of pain. As she lay on the floor, curled up in the foetal position, taking yet another beating from this evil woman, one thought raced through her mind,

She had had enough.

Emily's words were ringing in her head repeatedly as she lay on the floor,

Have to fight back...

Have to fight back...

Hearing Nicole screaming and crying out in pain as she was kicked relentlessly was the last straw for Chaise - she was not going to be tortured any longer. She was going to take a stand - not only for herself but for Nicole as well. She reached over and bit Jenkins as hard as she could on her ankle. Jenkins cried out in pain and tried to shake Chaise off her, swinging her leg wildly back and forth but Chaise grabbed her leg with both hands and bit down harder and harder, sinking her teeth in and not letting go. Through the thin material of Jenkin's sweatpants, Chaise could taste salty blood seeping from the wound.

Jenkins stumbled around wildly, trying to keep her balance and kick Chaise off her. She fell backwards onto the floor and landed in a huge thud between Chaise and Nicole. Smith looked over at them in surprise.

Nicole was still crying hysterically, she was covered in blood. Her face was cut, beaten and swollen where Smith had kicked her. Deep red blood was pouring out of her nose and mouth.

Chaise's anger and adrenalin raced through her again - it seemed eerily familiar to the way that she had felt when she had walked in on Matt and Natasha. She stumbled up to her feet and ran towards Smith and shoved her with all her strength. Smith went flying backwards onto the metal toilet bowl - shock written all over her face. Jenkins was swearing profusely on the floor, grabbing her ankle which was stained with blood,

"You bitch! You are dead – do you hear me?! You are fucking dead!"

Chaise steadily pulled a sobbing Nicole up off the floor and put her arm around her as she tried to help her out of the cell so that they could get away but Smith came charging back towards them.

Chaise let go of Nicole and, summoning all her strength and inner bravery she punched Smith as hard as she could square in the nose.

She hit her face so hard that Chaise's hand hurt like hell as it connected and she yelped in pain.

Smith cried out furiously as blood started pouring from it immediately. She stumbled backwards, gripping her nose as blood streamed down her arms. Jenkins rose to her feet and charged

forwards at Chaise with her fists flying furiously.

Chaise tried to duck out of the way but she wasn't fast enough.

Jenkins landed punch after punch into Chaise's back with extreme force. Chaise cried out and fell to the floor next to a battered Nicole. She was in really bad shape, groaning softly as bubbles of blood formed on her nose when she breathed out.

Each breath made a strange whistling sound. Her face was a bloody, unrecognizable mess. Smith was screaming and cursing at them from behind Jenkins. Jenkins had a look of fury raging in her eyes.

This was it – fight or fail.

There was no going back now. The hallways were still empty and Chaise was desperate for some of the other inmates to start returning from dinner, but she knew that most of them went off to the recreation room to enjoy their free time around this time.

There was no way that Chaise would be able to carry Nicole to safety without Jenkins and Smith stopping her. She stumbled to her feet and, leaning over she ran at and rammed her whole body as hard as she could into Jenkins' chest. A gush of air escaped Jenkins' throat as she doubled over in pain. As quick as lightening, Chaise followed the blow with an uppercut into her chin as hard as she could then followed that punch up quickly with another hard hit to her face. Jenkins stumbled back and tripped over Smith, landing in a hard thud on top of her. Smith cried out as the huge weight of Jenkins' plummeted into her.

Chaise hurried over to Nicole and tried to help her up again - determined to make a run for it while they were both down on the ground. Nicole was too weak and injured to stand so Chaise started dragging her out of the cell and down the hallway. A trail of blood smeared on the floor behind Nicole.

"I'm going to get you out of here, Nicole - just hang in there,

please!"

Chaise begged her friend as tears streamed down her face.

Nicole made an unsettling gurgling sound and coughed up more blood.

"Shit..." Chaise cursed under her breath.

She knew that Nicole was in a very bad place. Chaise looked up in horror to see Jenkins charging at her down the hallway like a raging bull at a rodeo. She was holding something shiny out in front of her.

It was a knife.

Oh my God – she has a knife!

Chaise could not believe it,

How the hell does she have a knife!?

"You're dead, bitches!" Jenkins shouted at her furiously.

Chaise dropped Nicole to the floor and froze on the spot in fear.

They would kill her!

But Chaise couldn't fight someone with a knife!  
Jenkins caught up with Chaise and thrust the knife towards her body. It was only small but it could definitely do some serious damage.

"Come on, Movie Star! You want to die, don't you!? You tried to do it yourself, didn't you!? But you failed! I am just making it easier for you!"

Jenkins snarled viciously at her, swiping the knife around in the air.

Chaise started to back up a few steps. Her head was swimming as the adrenalin pulsated through her veins.

Nicole groaned behind Chaise and tried to get to her feet.

"RUN, NICOLE! RUN!" Chaise shouted at her.

Jenkins watched them with a sly smirk on her evil face. She was enjoying seeing them so frightened and vulnerable at her hands.

Nicole managed to get on her feet and, after swaying on the spot unsteadily for a few seconds, she managed to gain her balance and stay upright. She looked very bad, Chaise knew that she must be in a lot of pain and very weak.

"RUN, NICOLE!" Chaise screamed at her, urgently,"PLEASE RUN!"

Jenkins laughed and came at Chaise again, swinging the knife back and forth in front of her wildly, "I am going to mess both of you bitches up!"

Chaise looked around desperately, praying for somebody to turn up and help them. Smith stumbled out of the cell and staggered towards them, blood pouring out of her purple nose.

"You bitch! You broke my nose! Get 'em, Jenkins!" She screamed at them, wildly.

Nicole was still standing on the same spot, hesitantly and swaying back and forth. She not wanting to leave Chaise alone. Her eyes were wide in fright, staring at the knife in Jenkins hands with horror.

Chaise begged her, "Please, Nicole – just GO!"

Nicole shook her head, weakly, "I can't leave you..." she whispered.

"GO! RUN! GET HELP!" Chaise cried, tears streaming down her face in terror.

Jenkins laughed and lunged towards Chaise again, bringing the knife down into Chaise's shoulder before she had the chance to duck out of the way.

Chaise didn't realize that she had been stabbed until Jenkins yanked the knife out of her - blood dripping off its sharp blade.

After a few numb seconds, the pain suddenly shot through her arm. It burned like fire. Chaise screamed and grasped her shoulder as blood spurted out of the wound. The floor and walls in the hallway around them had blood splatters and smears everywhere - it looked like a scene from a horror movie.

Smith had caught up to them and had her eyes focused firmly on Nicole. She had revenge burning furiously in her cold eyes. Chaise staggered backwards, placing herself in front of Nicole to try and shield her from Smith and Jenkins. Smith was undeterred and came at both of them.

Chaise shoved Nicole, "Please, Nicole I beg you, please go! Please!"

"No!" Nicole whispered, "I am not leaving you!"

Smith shoved Chaise hard in the chest and she flew back into Nicole. She managed to regain her balance and catch Nicole before she fell to the ground.

The siren rang throughout the prison, telling the prisoners that it was time to head back to their cells. Relief waved over Chaise, it would only be a few minutes until the other inmates started to filter back down the hallways to their cells. Jenkins and Smith realized this too.

They were running out of time. They were going to be caught red handed. Jenkins panicked and ran at Chaise - the knife raised high above her head, screaming in rage.

Chaise watched in terror - and as if it was all happening in slow motion – as Jenkins bought the knife down, straight towards Chaise's chest. She held her breath and waited for the knife to hit her and braced herself for the imminent pain that was about to rip through her - and most likely kill her.

She was ready to die - she could not live like this anymore. It was going to be an awful way to die - bleeding to death on the cold, hard floor of a prison - but at least the nightmare would finally be over.

More importantly - she would save Nicole's life by giving her the chance to get away.

To Chaise's horror - at the very last possible second - Nicole jumped in front of Chaise between her and the knife.

Before Chaise could react, Jenkins bought the knife plunging into Nicole's chest. She made a strange sound - a wheezing noise as air escaped out of her mouth and she fell to the floor at Chaise's feet.

"Let's go!" Smith screamed at Jenkins - who was watching Nicole in confusion.

She just stood there in shock.

Smith grabbed her by her arm, "Let's go! Move!" She insisted.

Jenkins snapped out of her trance and followed Smith, racing up the hallway.

Chaise dropped down to her knees beside Nicole and rolled her over. Blood was pouring out of her mouth and she had a huge pool of it on the ground around her. Chaise could see that the knife wound was in her heart - a small, deep hole that was pumping blood from it at an alarming rate.

Her dark, glassy eyes looked up at Chaise - then they went blank and expressionless and she stopped making the wheezing noise.

She went still and flopped backwards into Chaise's arms as the life escaped from her body.

"NICOLE!!" Chaise screamed - her voice echoing down the hallway.

Inmates had started to stream in, back to their cells. They all stopped in their tracks when they saw Chaise and Nicole lying on the floor, blood everywhere around them.

Chaise buried her head into Nicole's chest, crying hard, "NO!!! NO!!!"

A crowd started to gather around them, watching the scene in shock.

"CHAISE! NICOLE!" Meagan, Kim and Emily came running up to them - fear etched across their faces.

They all dropped to their knees and pulled Chaise off Nicole.

"NIC! NIC!" Meagan shook her frantically, trying to get a reaction out of her.

Nicole's head just bobbed back and forth, lifelessly.

"SHE'S DEAD! SHE'S DEAD!" Kim screamed in terror.

"What's going on!?" Guard Collins came running towards them with three other guards following behind him.

He shoved the girls out of the way, "What the hell happened!?" Collins demanded.

"We don't know! We just got here!" Meagan stammered in a panic.

"Everybody get to your cells now!" Collins yelled at the crowd of inmates who were standing around, watching.

None of them moved.

"NOW!" Collins screamed again as the other guards started ushering them away,

"Get a medic!"

A loud hum of activity filled the hallway as they all started talking with each other about what was going on.

"You too!" Collins growled at Kim, Emily and Meagan.

They stood there reluctantly, staring in horror at Nicole's lifeless, battered and bloody body with tears streaming down their devastated faces.

"GO!" He yelled at them - ignoring their tears.

Three medics came running down the hallway, carrying a stretcher.

"You need to go with them," Collins pointed to Chaise's shoulder that was still streaming a steady flow of blood, "I will meet you in there, you are going to tell me what happened this time."

LOST

In the weeks following Nicole's death Chaise well and truly hit rock bottom. She had thought that after her suicide attempt and her time in protective custody that she was at an all time low then.

She was wrong.

Losing Nicole - who had given her life to save Chaise's - crushed what was left of her fragile spirit. She had - without any hesitation - testified against Jenkins and Smith, who had admitted to what they had done immediately. They had been instantly transferred to a maximum security section of the prison where they would rarely see the light of the day and would not come into contact with the other prisoners.

Chaise was barely functioning. She was a mere shell of her former self. She had rejected all her visitors one after another every single Saturday.

They had come in droves after hearing what had happened to Nicole - the whole incident had been all over the news. She had refused to see her friends who were desperate to see if Chaise was O.K.

She had even refused to see her parents who had surprised Chaise by requesting a visit a few days after the incident had happened. If they had not cared enough to see her at any other time then she was certainly not going to see them now.

She had even rejected Matt who had tried on three separate occasions to see her. She didn't want to see anybody - not even her friends or her beloved Matt.

Chaise had barely eaten a single thing since Nicole died and she was now so frail and skeletal that the Medical team in the prison had been checking on her regularly and force feeding her nutritious shakes through a tube that they inserted into her throat.

They were basically force feeding her to keep her alive. Her blood pressure was dangerously low and when they had weighed her, she had been shocked to learn that she was now only eighty-seven pounds.

She had barely left her cell at all.

The prison had not given her another cell mate since Nicole had died and Chaise did not want one. Chaise hated it in there - the scene of everything that had happened - but she also found it strangely comforting. It was where she had known Nicole, where they had spent all their time together.

She had just laid in bed, sleeping and staring emotionlessly at the wall. She hadn't been outside at all. She was literally just going through the motions in a hazy, dazed state.

She was still forced to go to her job in the laundry room where a new inmate was working with her. She did as she was ordered but put the least amount of effort into it as possible. The new girl had tried to make friends with her infamous work mate but Chaise had ignored her \- just like did everybody else.

She didn't speak to Kim, Emily or Meagan either.

She blamed herself for Nicole's death.

If she hadn't of fought back with them then it never would have escalated the way it did and Nicole would not have died.

Every single day she wished that the knife would have killed her instead.

The concerned medical staff at the prison had diagnosed her with severe depression and had her taking drugs that made her feel even more out of it. She was just numb.

Collins had told Chaise quietly that the prison was considering putting her back into protective custody, fearing that she was going to try and commit suicide again so Chaise had tried her best to function in the way that she was expected to and meet their standards.

She didn't want to see or talk to anybody but she definitely did not want to sit in a padded cell for twenty-two hours a day.

She was surviving day by day.

Hour by hour.

Chaise's parents never tried to visit her again after her rejection of them. Her divorce from Matt went through, uncontested. When Jed had bought the papers back in to her she had barely acknowledged that he was there and had not said a word to him.

Chaise gave Matt pretty much everything material that she had owned, the house, the cars - all their worldly possessions. She didn't need any of it in jail. They had kept their own monetary earnings, though.

Chaise had twenty million sitting in a bank account that was accumulating interest - although Natasha's family had just filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her and God knows how much Chaise would end up having to give them.

She intended to use whatever money she had left when she was released to open a battered woman's shelter in Nicole's name and honour. She was determined that Nicole's dreams would be fulfilled and Chaise was planning on dedicating her life to saving every soul that she could.

She had rejected all the offers that she had received from numerous news stations to do an interview from behind bars. She did not want to do anything like that at this time.

Everything was still too fresh.

Maybe, much further down the track she would change her mind \- get her story out there.

After all, time was now one thing that Chaise had plenty of.

As she sat alone in her cell, staring blankly at the wall - like she had done for hours at a time - a thousand times before, she accepted that this was going to be her life. She was going to be spending the next ten to fourteen years of her miserable life as a caged animal.

But, even worse than that - she was a prisoner in her own, haunted mind.

And that was going to last forever.
