Infatuation Of Darkness

Alexis and Juliette were walking through the gardens. The weather had been pleasant and they were leisurely making their way through.

"Are we going to talk about the weather?" Juliette asked Alexis as the continued walking. "Because we have been walking past fifteen minutes after our conversation in your bedroom and haven't talked since." Taking a deep breath she glanced in Alexis's direction warily. "Did I offend you?"

Alexis noticed the immediate fear in Juliette's eyes. That was a given after what she had seen Juliette go through, Alexis understood her fear.

"No," she answered immediately with a shake of her head. "I was just thinking about what you said to me."

Juliette released a sigh of relief one could say. She then nodded, "many people do not raise their hands on children and daughters any more even the in-laws too but I believe Julia and my father-in-law of old beliefs. Especially when it comes to drilling something and months mind they believe that it has to be physically done."

Alexis scoffed, "who was the one to grab your throat?" Making Juliette stiffen immediately.

"Julia did, why?"

Alexis shrugged in return, "I can tell why she did it. I didn't think that you are supposed to talk and ramble everything to me, are you?" Juliette shook her head negative. "see? That's probably what Julia didn't like and was out for your blood. Also, because you behave like a robot."

"But that doesn't mean that she would strangle me! She does not have that right!" She cried in pain. 

"I believe no one does." Alexis countered. "But why tell me about it? For all you know I could go and babble to your grandmother all about it." Alexis looked for a reaction but all she received from Juliette was a look of patience and determination.

"You could but I hope you don't. Like the previous Donna Isabelle. They reformed us but didn't change the core values that we possess. Family above all and an image showing that we value everyone in the family, women, children and men.' Juliette smiled, "I hope you would put your foot down against violence towards us too. Whenever the previous Donna and current Donna on the same page it makes it easier for us to survive." Her glistened over again as she revealed, "Julia thinks that I should be thankful and be happy but what is there to be happy about when all I go through is abuse and torture, mentally and physically." She shook her head sniffing, "my mother-in-law was abused for first two years of her marriage but after Donna Isabelle top notice of it and put her foot down she has had an easy way to it. At least physically she can't be harmed and Therapy helps too." She whispered, "That's a secret between the ladies. The ones with mental abuse often take therapy which is free of cost."

Alexis nodded at her words taking every piece of information in. She understood where Juliette was coming from and what she was trying to say. Something came to her mind and she turned to ask bout it, "What your human trafficking?"

"What about it?" Juliette shrugged, "I cannot say that we carry if out but the Don is involved."

"Involved?!" Alexis shrieked, betrayed. "But he said that he had no part in it."

"He doesn't." She confirmed. "But it is more like, the president can decide on doing something but eventually it depends on the people to take it forward or not so, technically even the president is bound. Similarly, it is with the don, he is bound by certain rules and practices of the society which cannot be just...stopped. because at the end of the day it would show that he is weak and that is something that he cannot afford."

Alexis sighed and completed the sentence, "because the traitors do not only reside outside the family but also within."

Juliette nodded, "Yes and I believe that my father in law is looking for that opportunity." She sighed, "I am sorry if this conversation has not gone the way that you wanted to go talking about but this was important on our behalf. My mother in law asks me daily about it." She then grinned, "she is so excited to meet you. She loves the fact that you worked outside, in the world and she loved wedding dresses, both of them."

Her cheeks felt hot and Alexis smiled a bit, "Thank you. I would love to meet her again." They came to the table where two maids waited, "Tea?"

Taking their seats, they were served tea with macaroons, scones and pastries. Juliette's eyes closed as she practically inhaled of all of them in her. She looked genuinely happy while eating. Making Alexis feel happy too.

"Do you want me to walk you back?" Alexis asked as they stood up after having their tea.

Juliette shook her head negatively. "No that's alright. It would result in papa and grandmother asking me more questions than necessary." She informed further, "I am usually just in my room whereas they are plotting and planning. I don't concern myself with them and I am usually just discarded in a corner until unless they needed."

Alexis felt pity for Juliette. the girl was somewhere where she did not belong. what Marcus wanted his daughter-in-law to be was a leader but Juliette was anything but one. she was more of a follower like her mother-in-law who had followed Isabelle's lead.

She frowned a bit when she realised what Juliet had said first. "What planning and plotting are you talking about?"

"Oh nothing," she waved her hand off, "it's just that they think they know everything and it's one of the most insane and absurd information that I heard. And to be honest Donna, I have no idea what it consists of because I am just given a role in it all. They don't even tell me and my mother the whole conversation or plan."

Alexis sighed. They were just walking to the gardens once again. It was a pleasant feeling especially when she had to talk about a topic so unpleasant that she'd rather keep mum.

Alexis started to talk. "Juliette, what does your husband do in all of this?" Alexis is was important to know what Matteo was up to as well. As his father and grandmother were as involved as this seem to be then he must be just as involved.

"He uh.." she has hesitated and gave out a nervous laugh. Somehow that made Alexis take an impression that their relationship is not even close to what somewhat Alexis and Angela had. "We don't talk.."

"Talk?" Alexis stopped walking and looked at her. "I know that it was an arranged marriage between the two of you. But you don't even talk?"

Juliette smiled as tears shined in her eyes making Alexis feel bad for the girl. "That's just how it is." She sniffed. "I was his parent's choice, his grandmother's choice but not his." She looked away and wiped the slipping tear. "Come on, let's continue a walk."

Alexis nodded.. They continued to walk but this time silently.