[Completed] Forced to Marry (R) Epilogue Updated: 8/29/12

[Kekamarie]

Disclaimer: Smallville, the characters, and all affiliated copyrighted materials are owned by the WB.
This story will involve some violence and other mature themes. Please leave comments if you like it, this story is almost fully written out on my computer so if you want more I can update quickly. I hope you enjoy!!!

Chapter One

Gabe looked out the window of his small house. From the outside the house looked old and as though it could fall apart at any moment. The wood that surrounded the house had been eaten away slowly by termites. The windows were moldy, and the door was also crawling with mold. Gabe had tried to prevent the damage that the outside of his house was facing, but he just didn’t have the resources for it. The inside looked a lot nicer, all of the floors were hard wood and Gabe worked on them every day to make them shine. The room was decorated nicely because he had let his wife decorate their home, he missed her dearly, and he wished that she was here now more than ever. This was because in the district that they were living in, women were to be married before they reached the age of seventeen. No one knew why they had chosen this age but it was the law that all girls were to be married by their seventh birthday. If they were not wed by then they would be sentenced to death. Gabe had seen it happen to his neighbor’s daughter who had refused to marry.

His daughter was also refusing to marry, and even though he understood why she didn’t want to get married, he didn’t want to watch her die. The final say in who a daughter would marry rested solely on her father, and so even though he didn’t want to he would force her to marry before her birthday which was just five days away. He already had an offer from a man who lived near them. He wasn’t as poor as they were but he was well off. Gabe knew however how the man treated women because of the way he saw him treat his other wives. In this district you were allowed to have as many wives as long as you could afford them all, most of the men who lived in the same town that Gabe did usually only had one wife though. They lived in the poor part of town, and were consistently brutalized by the higher class who drove through their streets just to laugh at how they had to live.

Chloe was in the backyard of her house feeding the few animals that they had. These animals provided them with the means to trade for food with other members of the town. Although Chloe was streaked with dirt from cleaning up after the animals, it was clear that she was beautiful. Her green eyes were always shining even when she was in a bad mood. Her blonde hair flowed behind her as she walked towards the gate to leave the animals to eat.

Once she was outside the gate and had locked it shut she saw the man whom she hated the most in town. His name was Gregory and he had brown hair that had touches of gray in it. He had a scruffy beard and his face always looked dirty even after he had washed it in the lake. “Chloe my dear girl.” He greeted as he walked over and leaned against the gate just inches from her.

Chloe crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not yours.”

“Not yet, but you will be.” He gave her a toothy smile.

Shivers ran up Chloe’s spine she hated this man more than anything, and she hoped that her father would not make her marry him. She had heard the stories of how he beat his wives, of how he didn’t let them do anything. The law allowed him to do this; because once a woman was married the person who was in charge of her was her husband. Her husband was allowed to treat her as he pleased, and he was the one who told his wife what to do on a daily basis. The law also said that once a woman was married she was no longer allowed to be educated, which meant she couldn’t read, write, or attend school. Chloe had watched the smartest women in town turn into housewives. All they did was cook, clean, bear children, and take care of their husbands. This wasn’t the kind of life Chloe wanted, especially because she loved to read and she loved to write stories about the life she wanted for herself if these laws weren’t put in place. “Only in your dreams.” Chloe finally retorted to him and started to walk away from him.

He gripped her arm though before she could walk too far from him. He then pushed his face close to hers. “When I make you my wife, you won’t be allowed to talk to me like that. And if you chose to talk to me like that… well you will see what happens. You only have five days my dear to find someone else, or the only choice your father will have is me. You could make it easier on him, your house does need repairing before it falls down on him, and you know that I would give him enough money to fix the place up.”

Chloe ripped her arm away from Greg, her eyes glared at him. He was right that he would pay for her father’s house to get repaired; because it was customary to give the father of the woman you were going to marry a gift. “We’ll see what happens.” Chloe told him and then she walked to the back door of her house.

“You’ll see you will be mine.” Greg called after her and then he gave an evil laugh.

Chloe turned once she got to the back door to make sure that Gregory was leaving. Once he was gone she opened the back door, and slammed it shut. “Chloe please you know that door is hardly hanging on its hinges as it is.” Gabe rushed over and checked the door making sure she hadn’t pulled it from its hinges.

“If you make me marry that man, I swear I’ll run and talk crap about these damn laws and get myself killed.” Chloe knew that if she ran through the town yelling about how awful the laws that were set in place were she would be taken to the high official’s office and she would be sentenced to death.

Gabe looked at his daughter with sadness. “He is the only one who has offered Chloe. Everyone else was more than interested in marrying you but they already can’t afford the wives that they have.”

“That’s because everyone in this damn town has an uncanny ability to keep producing girls instead of boys. But if he is the only thing left, I don’t want him.” She then ran up the stairs and went into her room. She shut her door quietly and then plopped on her bed. Chloe put her head in her pillow and cried. She hated the law; she wanted it changed more than anything. She didn’t want to be married, because she felt as though she was still a child. But of course she knew that most of the women who married felt like children, because they were always told what to do, what to think, and what to feel. Men controlled everything, and Chloe hated that. She wanted to be independent, instead of being controlled.

Gabe stayed downstairs figuring that Chloe just needed time to herself. He knew her thoughts about the law and he did agree with her. But he needed to follow the law in order to prevent her death, and his own death. He wished that there was someone decent who would marry Chloe, at least then he would know that she could be somewhat happy.

Gabe went over to the window that looked out on the dirt road. He saw a carriage coming around the bend towards their house. He was sure that it was just another upper class man coming into their town to poke around and laugh at the way the underclass were living. Gabe was not expecting the carriage to pull in front of his house, nor did he think that the two rich men who had traveled inside it would come up and knock on his door.

He walked slowly to the door, not understanding what was happening. The men who lived in the rich part of town never came up to any of their houses; instead they would point and laugh. Gabe opened the door and let the two men inside. “Good morning.” He greeted them.

“Good morning sir.” The older man told Gabe removing the top hat that he was wearing, and then he shook Gabe’s hand. “I’m sure you are wondering why we have come here today.”

“I was curious about that yes.” Gabe said as he examined the man who was talking to him. He had sandy brown hair, brown eyes, and a beard. He was wearing a tailored suit, and carried an expensive cane. Then Gabe’s eyes went to the other man in the room. He was also wearing a suit, and from his features Gabe could tell that he was the son of the man who was talking. However the man was completely bald, and had blue-gray eyes.

The older man looked closely around the house and then he looked back at Gabe. “I heard that you had a daughter that needs to be married. We don’t usually come to this part of town to look for a wife, but I heard that your daughter was quite beautiful, and so we thought that we would check her out.”

“And is she for you sir?” Gabe looked at the older man curiously knowing that Chloe wouldn’t like to marry this man either.

He let out a laugh and shook his head at Gabe. “Oh no she is for my son, Lex.” The man glanced over at his son. “So may we see her?”

“Yes of course, just let me go get her.” Gabe smiled at both of the men and then he climbed up the stairs. He walked to his daughter’s door and knocked gently on it.

Chloe brushed the tears from her eyes and got up from her bed and opened her door. “What have you come to tell me that you want me to marry Gregory?” Her voice rose with anger.

“No, there is a man downstairs who wants to see you. This may be the only other option you have for a husband, so please go wash your face and brush your hair.”

Chloe grumbled at him but she went past him and went to their small bathroom where a bucket of water sat. They couldn’t afford running water so she always had to go get water from the town’s well. Chloe put her hands into the bucket and washed her face over the sink. She then looked at herself in the broken mirror, she sure looked better than she had just moments before. Then she grabbed the old hair brush from the side of the sink and brushed her hair. Chloe then went back to her father and followed behind him down the stairs.

Once they were down the stairs the two men placed their eyes on Chloe. She felt naked in front of their eyes even though she was wearing a simple blue dress that went down to her ankles and covered her chest completely. Both of their eyes were darting up and down her body, and Chloe felt violated. This had been the way that Gregory had looked at her when she turned sixteen, knowing that she was of age to be married. “Would you mind turning?” The older man asked her.

Chloe felt like refusing but she sensed that her father wanted her to obey, and so she turned around for them, glad that she didn’t have to see their eyes boring into her. “You can turn back around now.” The younger of the two men told her. So Chloe turned around and was glad to see that the younger man’s eyes had diverted from her and had gone to her father. “Do you mind if I take your daughter for a little walk?” The younger man looked at Gabe hopefully.

“I don’t mind at all.” Gabe smiled at the young man and then he glanced towards his daughter, giving her the look he always gave when he wanted her to behave.

Chloe shook her head a little at her father, showing him that she would behave as long as the man did. She then walked to the back door and went out into the small back yard of her house. The young man followed behind her, and then he shut the back door. They walked about a foot away from the house when he turned towards Chloe, making her stop in her tracks. “I’m Lex by the way.” He held out his hand towards her.

“Chloe.” She told him taking his hand, this was something new to her most men didn’t shake hands with women.

“When do you turn seventeen?” He was looking at her curiously, the obsessed look over her body that he had had when he first saw her was gone.

She dropped her hand from his and then looked into his eyes. “In five days. How old are you?” He didn’t look that old but she wanted to know how old he was for sure.

“I’m twenty two.”

“And you haven’t married yet?” Chloe looked at him curiously now, usually the rich married when they were seventeen because they wanted heirs to their fortune.

Lex shook his head at her. “I never found the right girl. My father brought in all these pretty rich girls from all over the place, but they always seemed too snobby for my liking.”

Chloe let out a laugh at this remark. She couldn’t believe that he thought girls were snobby, because when he married them he would have a say over what they acted like. “You could have just forced them to act nicer.”

“I don’t want to force anyone to be something they are not.” He looked at her, and then he glanced over at the animals in her backyard. “It must be hard to live like this.”

“It’s not that horrible at least I’m not some snobby rich girl.” Chloe moved in front of Lex so that she could look at him again. “Would you really defy the law by not forcing a woman to do what you wanted?”

Lex let out a laugh at her first remark and then he pondered her question a second before answering her. “Is it really defying the law when a husband tells his wife that she can act as she usually would, that she can do the things she usually would, and that she can think for herself? All the law says is that a husband has the right to command his wife and children to do whatever he asks of them, so if I ask my wife to just be herself how am I defying the law?” He raised his eyebrows at her, knowing that he had already won her.

Chloe looked at Lex in wonder she had never heard a man talk like this before. “You would let your wife do whatever she wanted, even if she didn’t want to have children?”

“Of course I would let her do whatever she wanted, but there is a law about having children, and I’m not sure that I would be willing to let my wife be sentenced to death.”

“True however the law does say that if it is proven that a woman can’t have children then she won’t be sentenced to death.”

“And of course with the amount of money I have I could easily provide fake proof of that. But can I ask you why you don’t want children?” He glanced into her green eyes, and he couldn’t help picturing a small child with the same eyes.

She looked away from him, and looked at her house. “Because if I have a girl I don’t want her to have to be forced to marry by the time she is seventeen. I want her to have a choice in who she marries, and when she wants to marry. Plus not all men are like you, and I wouldn’t want her controlled by a man. I wouldn’t want her to have to live like Gregory’s wives live, since they live in constant fear of what he is going to do to them next. My father may be willing to subject me to that kind of life, but I would rather let my child die before I let her go to someone like that. But I guess I should ask you how awful it would be if you were to never have an heir.” Her eyes went back to his wondering if he would say that he would just get another wife to give him children, or if he wouldn’t even consider marrying her at all.

“I wouldn’t want to subject my daughter to that kind of treatment either, and so having children has never been an option for me either. You see where I live men treat women even worse than they do here, and I could never give my daughter to any of those horrible men.”

“You have a knack for saying the right things.” Chloe admitted to him, since her heart was already melting for him. But a part of her was wondering if this was all an act to get her to marry him.

Lex lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss on it. “I’m just telling you the truth Chloe. And so for the first time ever I am going to ask a woman if she would marry me?” He glanced into her eyes making sure not to blink.

Chloe couldn’t believe that he was actually asking her to marry him. Usually if you wanted to marry a girl you went straight to her father and told him that you wanted to marry her. Then the father would tell his daughter who she would marry. Chloe thought about Gregory and how this had been his move when she had turned sixteen, she thought about how much she didn’t want to be Gregory’s wife, and that she might have a chance at some sort of freedom with the man who was standing in front of her. “Yes.” She whispered because she didn’t want to be married, but if she had to be she wanted to marry this man.

“I guess I better make the offer to your father now.” Lex hadn’t let go of her hand since he had taken it, and so he held it loosely in his as they made their way to the back door. Lex then pushed the door open and Chloe followed after him their hands still entwined.
Once Gabe saw their hands locked together he smiled. He was glad that he could marry his daughter off to someone other than Gregory. Lex’s father was also smiling at his son, glad that he had finally found a girl that would give him a child so that their fortune and power could be passed on. “Have you made your decision son?”

Lex shook his head at his father and then he glanced towards Gabe. “I would like to ask you for your daughter’s hand in marriage. In exchange I will give you a lifetime supply of food and riches.”

Gabe looked at Chloe closely and he could tell from the small smile on her face that she was ok with this. “You may marry my daughter.” He held his hand out to Lex and they shook to complete the deal.

“A carriage will be brought to pick her up at eight tomorrow morning. We must get her married before she turns seventeen.” The older man said and then he looked at his son. “Come along Lex we have a lot of preparations to get done.”

Lex walked towards his father and then he looked at Chloe one last time before he went out the door with his father. Chloe then went to the window and watched as they got into their carriage and left. It was then that Chloe was finally hit with the fact that this was going to be her last night at her house and this was the last day that she would see her father. Once a woman married a man from a different part in town, then she wasn’t allowed to come back to her part of town, and so that meant that she would leave her family behind for good. This was something that Chloe hadn’t thought of when she had agreed to marry Lex.

She turned towards her father and ran into his arms. Tears were flowing down her cheeks again at the thought of never seeing him again. “I forgot.” She cried into his shoulder.

Gabe ran his hand over her back. “It’s going to be alright Chloe.”

“How can it when I won’t be able to see you again?” Chloe lifted her head up to look at him.

“Because you will be placed in the upper class so you won’t have to scrape for food and you won’t have to wear old clothing. He seemed nice enough so I’m sure you will be treated respectfully, you did seem to like him.”

“But I completely forgot that I wouldn’t be able to see you again.” Chloe looked at her father sadly.

Gabe touched Chloe’s face and brushed away her tears. “But you will be able to live, and maybe you will grow to love him. Your mother and I barely knew each other when we married and neither of us thought that we could fall in love with each other, until we had you.”

Chloe remembered her mother vaguely she had died when she was young. But she did remembered that her mother had gotten married to her father on her sixteenth birthday, he had been seventeen, and then when her mother was seventeen she had had her. “I don’t know if I will ever love him dad, but I do know that I love you, and I don’t want to leave you.” Chloe hugged him tightly not wanting to let him go.

“Come on Chloe let’s talk and spend some time together before tomorrow.”

“Are you going to tell Gregory about what has happened?” Chloe could only imagine the look that would be on his face when her father would tell him the news that he had married her off.

“Yes, I will. Now let’s sit and enjoy each other’s company.” He walked over to their small kitchen table, and then Chloe sat down in the chair next to him.

They talked for a long time about memories, and about Chloe’s future. Before Chloe knew it, it was already ten o’clock at night, and her father made her go to her room to get a good night’s sleep. Chloe sulked up to her room, changed into her nightgown, and then she sat down on her bed. She couldn’t believe that this was the last night that she was going to sleep in a bed alone, the last night that she was going to have freedom to write her thoughts down in her journal.

I can’t believe that I’m going to let a man take complete control of me even if he says that he isn’t going to. I’m giving into them, the people who created the law, and the people who enforce the law. Putting up a fight showing them that I have a mind and that I don’t want to be controlled, so that I could die fighting is what I always said I was going to do. Why did I give in so easily?

Chloe wrote all of this in her journal that she had pulled out from under her pillow, and then she pressed her head on her pillow and closed her eyes. Her dreams were filled with her escaping to an island with her father, where they would live out their lives free from the law.

[ladyfayerie]

Oh wow! I would love to see this story in full bloom! What a start! Lovely! Please do continue this. Thank you!

[Kekamarie]

I'm glad you like it so far I will post more when I get another reply. Thank you for reading.

[karila]

The beginning is really interesting and original. It must be really frustrating to be a woman with all these horrible laws :(
I hope to read more soon.

[lexie]

Welcome back, Keka! It's nice to see you on the forums and with a new story to boot!

This is an interesting premise and the state-of-affairs is one I can see both Chloe and Lex rebelling against. How dreadful to be sold like a piece of meat!

Looking forward to the follow-up.

[MASCH]

This story seems really interesting and original; I wonder what the origin of that law stems from and how it came to be...

[Kekamarie]

Thank you to everyone has read this story so far. I appreciate the comments. Here is the second chapter.

Chapter Two

When she woke up in the morning she thought that she would wake up on that island, but instead she woke in her small bedroom. It was then that Chloe remembered that today was her wedding day. She wondered whether the upper class weddings were the same as the ones that happened in the poor part of town. She guessed that she would find out today, and so she rolled out of her bed. She pulled out a black dress from her small closet, she wore it for the funerals that happened in town, and she figured that it would be nice to wear it today. She was mourning her loss of independency after all. Then Chloe went into the bathroom and washed her face and hands. She brushed her hair and then tied it into a bun. Then she went downstairs, and found her father who had breakfast ready for them. She sat down at the kitchen table with him and then they ate their breakfast in silence. It was hard for Chloe to even look at her father because she knew that she wouldn’t be seeing him ever again. She also knew that it wouldn’t be him that would walk her down the aisle to her husband. Somehow having him walk her down the aisle had always been something that she thought that she could count on, on her wedding day.

“It’s almost time.” Her father said solemnly looking at the clock that hung in the kitchen.

“I don’t want to go.” Her eyes fell on his begging him to let her stay.

Gabe heard the clapping of horse’s hoofs along the dirt road. “You must go.” He got up from where he was sitting and took his daughter’s hand. He helped her up from her chair and then wrapped her in a hug. “Even though we may never see each other again, I will always love you, and I will always think about you.”

“I love you too.” She whispered hoarsely. Then she left his arms and headed to the front door. Gabe followed behind her, and went out the front door with her. Chloe walked close to the carriage sensing her dad was behind her. The man who was driving the carriage jumped down from where he was sitting to help her inside.

Once Chloe was in the carriage Gabe placed his head inside it and pressed a kiss on Chloe’s forehead. “Goodbye Chloe.”

“Goodbye dad.” She tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.

“I love you.” He said again and then tears fell from his eyes. He touched her face one last time, after Chloe had said that she loved him too, and then his face disappeared from the inside of the carriage.

Chloe felt the carriage jerk around to head to her new home. She felt awful because she couldn’t even look back at her father or the house she had grown up in, because the curtains covered the windows and Chloe couldn’t find the energy within herself to move the curtain away so she could get one last look.

When she arrived in the upper class part of town, she was led out of the carriage by the man who had driven her there. She was led inside a huge mansion that was built from stone, and looked like a castle. Once they entered Chloe was amazed by the high ceilings, and the unique paintings that hung all over the walls. After she finished looking she noticed that Lex’s father was standing inches away from her. “Chloe.” He said with a smile. “I can take it from here Avery.” He told the man who had led her in. The man gave a slight bow to Lex’s father and then he left. “Now we should get you upstairs so you can be cleaned up.” He offered her his arm, and Chloe took it. She knew that now was not the time to be defiant, because she was out of her father’s care and not yet married any man could do whatever they wanted to her. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that my son is finally going to get married. I thought I was forever going to be left without grandchildren.” He told her as they walked up a large flight of stairs. If only he knew that she and Lex had already decided that they weren’t going to have any. “Now I don’t want any funny business, or there will be consequences my dear. As long as you obey every order you are given today nothing will happen to you, or to your father.” They were standing outside a large wooden door now, and Chloe knew that this is where she was going to get cleaned up. “By the way my name is Lionel I don’t think you have been informed of that information.” He smiled at her and then he turned to leave.

“Excuse me Lionel, but may I ask a question?” Chloe hoped that this wasn’t pushing the limits; she wasn’t sure what exactly the rules were here for asking questions.

Lionel turned and walked over to her. “I guess that would depend what your question was.”

Chloe felt as though he was giving her permission to ask as long as it wasn’t a question that she knew she would pay dearly for. “I was just wondering what my last name would be.”

“Ah well now that is a good question my dear.” Lionel smiled at her, and Chloe felt relief fill her glad that this wasn’t a question she was going to get punished for. “Luthor.” He said simply and then he strode off away from her.

Luthor, she had heard that name before but she couldn’t place where she had heard it from. She didn’t have time to figure it out either because the large door that she was standing in front of opened. The man that had opened it was wearing a suit, and had greasy black hair. “Chloe come inside.” He reached out for her, and Chloe took his hand. He led her into the room and then he shut the door. Chloe glanced around the room and found it covered with fabric of all different colors. The room also held about a dozen girls who appeared to be younger than she was. “Now I am the one who has designed your wedding gown, and I will make you look presentable to the crowd today. As you very well know the law prevents me for taking complete control of this type of situation and so you will find that my girls will be taking care of you for most of the morning. You are not to talk to them, and you are to let them do the work that I have assigned them to do. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Chloe told him as she looked at him up and down. His black suit fitted his body nicely and he was wearing a purple tie.

“Good.” He then turned towards the girls who were in the room. They all were wearing worn dresses and they looked as though they hadn’t had a good cleaning themselves in months. “Remember I have eyes everywhere my dears. Savannah come here.” He pointed to the girl who looked as though she was the oldest. The girl walked over to him and put her head down so that she was looking at the floor. “Remember who I hold the most responsible if things do not go as planned.” He put his hand under her chin and forced her to look at him. “You don’t want what happened last time to happen again do you?” He spat at her, and Chloe could tell that some of his spit had hit the girls face.

“No sir.” She told him slowly, and once her head was released she looked back down to the floor.

“Good get back in line.” He then turned back towards Chloe. “My name is James and I will be seeing you again in a few hours, my girls do good work, and I expect them to be even greater today. They all know how much a Luthor wedding means, and they will do well to make sure that it meets my high expectations.” He smiled at Chloe and then he glared at the girls that were in the room one last time before he headed out of the room.

Once he was gone the girl whom James had called Savannah came up to her. She took Chloe’s hand and led her into the bathroom. The girls followed behind them. Once in the bathroom Savannah turned on the bathtub and the other girls started to help Chloe undress. Chloe didn’t have to do anything for herself, they were doing everything, and so she watched Savannah as she put different soaps into the tub. By the time it was ready for Chloe the water had turned a deep shade of purple, and Chloe wasn’t sure if she wanted to get into the tub. But the girls were all gesturing for her to get in, and so she did. She didn’t want any of them to get into trouble. It was then that Chloe was scrubbed from head to two by four different girls. Another girl was washing her hair with a white liquid that she had gotten from a strange black bottle. Chloe figured that the girls knew what they were doing and so she let them work.

Once they had finished cleaning her they took her out of the tub and wrapped her in a towel. The tub was then drained, and Chloe was left standing in the middle of the room. Chloe thought that she was going to be dressed after her bath but she was wrong, instead the girls led her back into the room with all the fabric and they made her sit down on a chair that was in the middle of the room. They then poured hot wax on her legs, and placed strips of what Chloe thought looked to be paper on top of the wax. After it had set for a few minutes they pulled the strips off. It took all of Chloe’s strength not to yell out in pain. They then did the same thing to her underarms, and then a lotion was placed over the parts of her that they had waxed. Chloe’s skin changed from a bright red to the normal shade her color had been, and the pain faded away. The girls then went to work on her face putting makeup on her, and when it didn’t look good enough they wiped it clean and tried again. Chloe hated that she couldn’t talk to them, that she couldn’t ask them if James was their father, or if they even had parents. She had heard that the servants that were put in place in the upper class homes were orphans. The upper class liked having orphans for servants because the law didn’t protect them, and so they could be treated in any way that the upper class saw fit.

Chloe tried not to think about that though and instead focused on what was going on around her. The girls seemed pleased with their work, and Savannah glanced at each of the girls making sure that they were all agreed that they were done. Once they had all shaken their heads reassuringly, Savannah left the room. Chloe could tell that she was shaking, and she felt sorry for the girl. Within minutes James was back with Savannah at his side. He walked over to Chloe who was still wrapped in a towel. He bent down and looked at her legs and then he looked in between her toes. He then touched her arms and looked at what the girls had done to her face. “Savannah.” He said sternly as the girl came over and faced towards him. Her chin was not pointed at the ground this time instead she was looking straight into his eyes. “Nice work.” He told her and then he brushed her cheek with his hand. “Now leave us girls.” He looked at the rest of the girls and they all left the room. Savannah however didn’t move and she was still looking at James. “Go sit.” James ordered her and she quickly moved to sit down in a chair that was in the room. Then James looked at Chloe. “Now let’s see what we can do with this hair.” He said as he moved behind her and grabbed her hair harshly in his hands. He ran his fingers through it and then he started making measurements in his mind. “Go and get my scissors.”

Chloe heard Savannah scamper off to the other side of the room and then she gave James the scissors. The only thing that Chloe heard after that was James clipping away at her long hair. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder how much he was taking off, she loved her long hair, and although she knew her hair was going to grow back she wanted it to be her choice of how much he could cut off. After he was done cutting he put her hair up in many different ways before he braided her hair elegantly. “Savannah go and get Chloe dressed into her gown.”

Savannah came over to Chloe and took her hand and then she led her into the bathroom again. She then opened the large cabinet that was in the room and Chloe saw the gorgeous dress that was hanging inside it. It was sparkling all around the collar that was shaped into a v. There was a romantic style design that was draped around the rest of the dress, and Chloe couldn’t believe that this was what she was going to wear. The only thing she had pictured wearing was her mom’s wedding dress, which had been given to her by her mother. The dress was old and worn and not nearly as beautiful as this gown.

Savannah took the gown off from the cabinet and then she walked over to Chloe. She gestured for Chloe to remove the towel that she was wearing, and then Savannah carefully placed the dress over Chloe’s head without messing up the work James had done. Savannah then went and fixed it carefully making sure that everything was perfect before she led Chloe out of the bathroom, and back to James. “I think that the Luthors will be pleased with the work we have done. You will get a wonderful treat tonight Savannah, as long as the Luthors enjoy our work.” He smiled at the girl and then he looked back at Chloe. “Lionel should be here any minute to collect you. You are a lucky girl to be married to an upper class man my dear.”

Chloe looked at James and then at Savannah, she seemed a bit happier than when Chloe had first laid eyes on her. So Chloe could only hope that Lionel would like what they did to her so that Savannah wouldn’t be punished.

The knock on the door signified Lionel’s presence, and James went over and opened the door. “She is done then?” Chloe could hear Lionel ask James.

“Yes I think you will be very pleased with the work that we have done Mr. Luthor.”

“The work you do James is the best that is why I hired you. Now let me see her.” Lionel walked past James and then went over to Chloe. “Does she have a vial?” Lionel asked as he walked around Chloe examining her body just as he had yesterday.

“Yes.” James said as he pulled the long vial from a chair and placed it on Chloe’s head.

Lionel shook his head as he went around Chloe one last time. “She is perfect, I wouldn’t think of her as lower class, seeing her like this.” Lionel put his hand under Chloe’s chin and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I would marry her myself; if I wasn’t in the position I’m in.” He removed his hand from her face. “How much time is there left?” Lionel asked James.

“Only about ten minutes Mr. Luthor.”

Lionel looked back at Chloe. “Then we must be on our way. Make sure Savannah sees me later she deserves a nice treat, and you of course will be paid well James.” Lionel looked at Savannah and then at James.

“I will be sure that she sees you Mr. Luthor. Thank you for the opportunity.” James bowed to him and Savannah curtsied.

Lionel then held out his arm again to Chloe, and Chloe took it. “Now we better get you down to get married.” Lionel led her out of the room and down the stairs in which they had come. He led her out of the mansion and outside to the huge grounds. There was a tent that was set up close to where the ceremony would be going on. “Such a beautiful day for a wedding, the sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in sight.” Lionel told her as he led her into the tent. “I do expect that you know about what goes on at weddings. One thing you may not know is that since your father is not going to lead you down the aisle that will be my job.” He smiled at her gently releasing her from his arm. “Weddings that happen here are very much like weddings that happen where you live; we just have larger feasts, and larger crowds. You are not to tell anyone where you come from, because it is frowned upon when we marry women who are beneath us. As far as the crowd is concerned you come from the wealthy from another town.” He looked at Chloe again with greedy eyes. “What I said was true you know I would have chosen to marry you had you really been from an upper class. But being in my position my colleagues would find out, and I couldn’t have that. By the time my son takes my place everything will be covered up, and so he won’t have to worry about being found out.” He touched Chloe’s face again feeling the smooth skin. “My son is a lucky man.” He said before trumpets started blaring. “Well that is our cue.” Lionel offered Chloe his arm again, and Chloe again took it. Even though she was disturbed by the way Lionel was talking to her and touching her.

[jml]

this story's interesting.i'm wondering about the law as well

[ladyfayerie]

Yey! Can't wait to see what happens next :) Lionel's sweeet. ^_^

[hfce]

Wow what an interesting story. I am intrigued on how this will work. I love it so far. :)

[Pufkinz]

A totally new take, very original and captivating story thus far.... great job :)

[Gaia]

Interesting idea

[cbrunberg]

interesting.cant wait for the next chapter and see what happens

[Lindsay S]

I can't wait until the next chapter, this story is getting interesting. I hope Chloe doesn't fall in love with Lionel.

[skatiefan]

I can't wait until the next update. This is very interesting so far. I particularly like the time period which is different than the other ones I've read so far. =D

[Kekamarie]

Thank you for all the kind reviews I hope you enjoy this next update.


Chapter Three

Lionel led her from the tent and took her up a long aisle of people that were standing and cheering. Chloe guessed that there had to have been thousands of people there. She couldn’t believe that everyone could gather so quickly for a wedding that hadn’t even been planned until yesterday. Her eyes went from side to side to watch their faces. The men were the ones who were staring at her while the women simply looked ahead. This was what it was like in her part of town as well, the women were not allowed to celebrate at a wedding, and they were only there to get food for their husbands. Chloe didn’t even see Lex until they had gotten past the cheering crowd. When she saw Lex she could tell that he was wearing a black suit, and was sporting a red tie. He was smiling at her, and Chloe gave him a small smile back. The man that was going to join them in marriage stood beside Lex.

Once Chloe and Lionel had reached the alter the crowd went silent. “Who has the permission to give this woman to this man?” The man asked loudly. He was old and had a long white beard, along with white hair that grew in patches on his balding head. His eyes were light blue and he was completely focused on Chloe.

“I do.” Lionel said as he removed his arm from Chloe and then he took her hand. Lex reached out his hand and Lionel put Chloe’s hand in his son’s. Lionel then stepped away from the alter and sat down in a chair that was closest to where his son was getting married.

Lex then brought Chloe up to where he was standing and then the man who was marrying them stepped up above them. “What a wonderful day for a wedding don’t you think?” He asked the crowd smiling at them, and then he looked at Chloe ready to get down to business. It was the woman who was going to be married who was talked to before the man; this was because she had to give up all of her rights before she was allowed to marry. “My dear Chloe.” He said as he talked only to her. “You have come here today to honor our law, and therefore we must run through what you will give up in order to be married to this man. So my dear, do you agree to let this man be your husband, do you agree to let him control what you do on a day to day basis, do you agree to let him tell you how to feel, and what you should think?”

“I do.” Chloe said even though she didn’t agree to any of these things.

“And do you agree to do everything that he says even though you may not want to do these things?”

This was the way of the law to leave things open ended so that men could figure out a way to do whatever they wanted to their wives. “I do.” She said again her voice was bold, knowing that it wasn’t just her life that was in danger if she refused but her father’s life as well.

“And do you agree to no longer be an educated woman. This includes never being able to read another book, never being able to write, and most importantly never being able to question anything, but instead accepting the orders that are given to you.”

“I do.” Chloe said again knowing that this was the last thing she would be asked.

The man then turned to Lex. “Do you accept this woman as your wife Alexander Luthor? And in being her husband do you accept that you have complete control over her.”

“I do.” Lex was looking at the man who was standing before them.

“Then place the ring on her finger, showing that you alone own her.” Lex took the ring from his pocket. The ring was only for a woman because this showed that she was owned by someone, a ring was never given to the man because he would never be owned by anyone. Lex then placed the ring on Chloe’s finger. “You may now seal this marriage with a kiss.” Chloe watched as Lex walked towards her and then she felt his lips on hers. The kiss was gentle and it didn’t last very long. Whenever Chloe had watched marriages the man always made sure that he kissed his wife long and hard before the crowd, and this had been what she was expecting. She was glad that he had only kissed her softly for a few seconds. “I now pronounce the two of you forever entwined to each other.” The man said and then the crowd cheered again. “Now if you could come sign your marriage papers.” The man whispered to Chloe, as he led her over to a small table that was near the alter.

It was bad enough that she had just told all of these people that she had given up her rights to Lex, but now she also had to sign her rights away as well. Lionel was again standing with them and he signed underneath Chloe’s name stating that he had witnessed her signing with her the hand that she wrote with. Lionel then went over and patted Lex on the back. “I’m glad you are finally married son.”

“I am too father.” Lex told him with a smile and then he went over to Chloe and grabbed her hand.

“The feast awaits.” The man who had married them yelled out over to the crowd, and the crowd moved from their chairs to go and rest under the tents were the food was lined up on tables. Chloe watched as the women made plates for their husbands.

“Come Chloe.” Lex told her as he led her down to the tent where they would eat. There were men seated at the table already, and Lex showed Chloe where she was to sit. Lex sat down beside her and Lionel took the other empty seat that was next to her. The young girls who were the servants came up to remove the lids from the plates of food that were sitting in front of them. Lex raised his glass of wine up in the air and all of the other men did the same. They offered their congratulations to Lex, and then they set their glasses back down. Lex then took a bite of his food, and after he had taken his first bite the rest of the men dug in. Chloe waited to eat beside until Lex told her that she could eat, she knew that this was a test that was used against women to make sure that they remembered that they were no longer in control.

Lex ignored Chloe and he waited until he had finished almost all of his food before he turned to her. “You may eat.” His voice sounded cold.

Chloe wondered again if he had been lying to her when he told her that he wouldn’t force her to do anything. She couldn’t ask him that here however, and so she acted as though he hadn’t hurt her. She picked up her fork and started to eat her food, knowing that the rest of the men at the table were done, and that they were all staring at her.

Once Chloe had finished eating Lionel glanced at Lex. “Desert will be waiting for you in your room son.” Lionel told him as he rose from his seat.

Lex then rose from his seat and smiled at his father. “Come along.” He said to Chloe, and then she rose from her chair. She felt like she was a puppy dog waiting for her master’s commands.

Lionel then took Chloe’s hand and moved it to his mouth and pressed a kiss on it. He then went and hugged Lex. “Don’t have too much fun my dear boy.” He whispered into his son’s ear.

“Don’t worry I won’t.” Lex told his father back loud enough for the whole table to hear it. “I thank you all for coming today; I hope you enjoy your dessert. Now my wife and I must be going to finish the celebration of our wedding.” Lex smiled at the rest of the men who sat at the table. They all appeared to be around Lionel’s age and they were all wearing expensive suits. Lex grabbed Chloe’s hand again and then he led her from the table. They walked past many tents that were filled with men eating while their wives sat and watched. They were not allowed to eat the food from the wedding; instead they had to wait until they returned home to eat. They were then back inside the mansion and Lex led her up a flight of stairs that led to the west wing of the mansion. “This side of the mansion is just for us.” Lex told Chloe as he stopped in front of double doors that were made out of oak. “This is our bedroom.” He said as he pressed one of the doors open and led her inside. He then shut the door and sighed. “Sorry but I have to keep up the act outside of this room. You see there are cameras all over the mansion to make sure that everyone is following the law.”

Chloe looked at him and then she looked around the room. There was only one window in the room and it was draped with red curtains with gold strands trailing down at the ends. The room walls were also painted in gold and they had a red design running over the walls. The chandler that hung from the ceiling was also gold. Chloe had never thought that she would be sleeping in such a magnificent room. She walked over to the bed and touched the comforter that was also red and gold. “Do you like it?” Lex asked her as he walked over to her and took her hands.

“Yes.” Chloe couldn’t lie that the room was beautiful. She was afraid of what he was going to do to her tonight though.

As if he could see her fear he let her hands go. “That dresser over there is yours you can change into whatever you would like. I’m going to get out of this thing.” Lex then went over to his own dresser and pulled out pajamas. He then walked to the adjoining bathroom, and closed the door.

Chloe opened the dresser and looked at the marvelous clothes that filled the drawers. She couldn’t believe that these clothes were hers now. The weight of her wedding gown was getting to her and so she pulled out a pair of silk pajamas to wear. She quickly pulled the dress off, which was difficult to do, but somehow she managed it. She let the dress fall to the ground and then she got dressed into the pajamas before Lex would come back into the room. Even though she was married to him she didn’t want him to see her naked, although she knew that he could force her to show him her body. She hoped that he wouldn’t, after all they barely knew each other.

Chloe heard Lex knock on the bathroom door. “Are you changed?” His voice called out.

“Yes.”

Lex then pushed the door open, his suit crumpled up in his hands. The pajamas he had pulled out were also made out of silk, but instead of being light purple like the ones Chloe was wearing his were a bright red, that matched the curtains in the room. “I’m sure you feel better having that off of you.” Lex said as he came over and took the wedding dress from the floor. “It was beautiful on you by the way.” He placed the wedding dress over his arm and then walked over to where there was a chute in the wall. He threw the dress down first and then he threw his suit down.

Chloe knew that usually men made their wives collect their own dirty laundry and their husbands’. This at least showed her that Lex hadn’t been lying to her. “You looked quite dashing in your suit.” Chloe said knowing that she should say something nice back to him.

Lex then came over to Chloe again and looked at her. “Do you mind if I take your hair out?”

Chloe had forgotten that her hair was still braided. “No I don’t mind.” Chloe then felt Lex move behind her and he undid her hair gently. He ran his fingers through it to make the knots go away.

“It’s a shame they cut it so much.” He said behind her still stroking her hair even though all the knots were gone from it.

“How much did he cut?” Chloe turned to look at Lex.

Lex looked at her with surprise. “They didn’t even show you what you looked like?”

Chloe shook her head at him. “No.”

“Your hair only goes to your shoulders now instead of to the middle of your back. I wish they had shown you how beautiful you looked in that dress, I’m sure everyone who attended today was jealous that they weren’t the ones who were marrying you.” Lex crossed over to the other side of the room, and touched the curtains on the window.

“Your father sure was jealous.” Chloe blurted out not thinking that this could be a wrong thing to say.

Lex turned from the window and looked at her. “He was?”

Chloe sighed now she knew that she had to tell him what Lionel had said to her. “Yes he said that if he wasn’t in the position he was in then he would be the one marrying me.”

Lex’s eyes went down to the floor. “That does sound like something he would say. My father is a man of power Chloe, and I would do whatever he says. You see even though I am married to you, he does have enough power to give you a death sentence.”

Chloe felt a shiver run up her spine she had thought that she had been lucky to be married to Lex. But now she wasn’t so sure. “What if he asks me…” Chloe paused she didn’t even want to think about it.

“Oh he won’t ask you to do anything of that sort Chloe. He still has to obey the rules, and the law says that the only person who is allowed to see a woman who is married naked is her husband.”

“And is that what you want tonight Lex?” Her voice quivered with fear, she knew that this was what happened on wedding nights, but she didn’t want to give up herself to a man she barely knew.

Lex moved over to her some. “Of course not Chloe, it is however what everyone else has in mind for us to do tonight. But I thought that we should talk, and learn about each other. As I told you yesterday I’m never going to force you to do anything you don’t want to.”
Chloe felt relief inside of her and then she moved over to the bed. Her feet were tired from having to stand in heels, and so she sat down on the bed. Lex went over to the other side and sat down as well. He leaned his upper body against the wall and put his feet up on the bed. “But outside of this room I have to do as you say?” Chloe pulled her feet up on the bed as well, and then she looked at Lex.

“Yes and I hate to have you obeying my every command, but like I said my father is a man of power, and he can do things to you if I don’t treat you as I’m expected to.” Chloe looked up at the high ceiling that was in the room, and she wished that she could be back at her house with her father. “I’m sorry that you were forced to marry Chloe.” Lex looked over at her sadly. “But I do have a wedding present for you.” Lex got off the bed and opened his dresser again. He then pulled out a gift that was wrapped in red paper. He got back on the bed and handed Chloe the gift.

This was something rare as well, usually gifts were only given to the husband, and never to the wife. When Chloe pulled the wrapping paper off she saw a black velvet journal with a pen placed in the spiral. “But Lex this is against the law.”

“Only if they find out Chloe and if you keep it in here they won’t find out.” Lex took the wrapping paper from her hand and then threw it into the trash bin that was across the room. The paper hit the edge of the trash can and then fell in.

“Thank you, but how did you know that I like to write?”

“Anyone who is as independent as you needs to write their thoughts down somewhere.” Lex smiled at her and then he moved down so that his head rested on his pillow.

Chloe looked at him, she felt at ease with him now, knowing that he wasn’t going to hurt her. “You are very different from other men.”

“Is that a good thing?” He turned on his side so that he could look at her.

“Of course it is. But why aren’t you like your father?”

Lex’s closed his eyes and sighed. “Because I watched the way my father treated my mother, and I hated him. I hated that he hit her even when she didn’t do what he asked her too. I hated that he forced her to do things she didn’t want to do, and I hated that he made her cry. I promised myself that I was never going to be like that. I was going to treat my wife with respect, even if the law said that I should treat her differently.”

“Is your mother still being treated badly?” Chloe looked at Lex curiously.

Lex shook his head. “My father had her sentenced to death after she killed my brother.”

“Oh Lex I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not. She deserved to not be hit, and I’m sure that she is in a better place now.”

Chloe looked at Lex curiously. “Why did she kill your brother? Was it because she wanted to die?”

“I think that was part of her reason for killing him, another part was that she knew my father would make us fight for his attention. She thought that she was protecting us both when she killed him.”

Chloe moved closer to Lex noticing that he was holding back tears at the memory of his mother. Chloe touched his cheek gently. “What was she like?”

“She was lovely, she had bright red hair, and green eyes like you have. She spent as much time as she could with me, she was the one who told me how awful the law was to women. She is the reason why I will defy the law at all costs, I won’t be the one to hurt a woman the way my father hurt my mother.” He turned towards Chloe’s touch letting the warmth of her hand fill him up.

Chloe could tell that he liked her touch and so she left her hand on his cheek. “I’m certain that you can’t deny the things you desire when you have a wife.”

Lex looked at her his eyes meeting hers. “My desire is to have a wife who wants to love me, who wants to spend their life with me. It is not to force my wife to do things she normally wouldn’t do. You have to believe me Chloe that I will not hurt you, anything that happens between us in this room will be your choice.”

Chloe took her hand from his face and placed it on top of her other hand. Her chest was filling with heat, she had never felt this way before, and she wasn’t sure if it was because that he was different from the other men that she had met that she was feeling this way. She looked into Lex’s eyes and she could see how much he meant what he had told her. Chloe then scooted closer to him and moved so that her head was on her pillow. She was just inches away from him their noses were close to touching. “I’ve never felt like this.” She whispered to him, wondering what he was feeling.

“I’m sure it’s just from what’s happened today Chloe.” He knew that Chloe couldn’t possibly love him, they still barely knew each other, and she had been forced to choose between him and the other man that lived in her part of town. “Why don’t you tell me about your parents?”

“Well I don’t really remember my mother she died when I was young, she had the flu and we couldn’t afford to pay for her medicine. My father watched her face a painful and long death, he talked about it every now and then. I don’t remember her dying, I only remember going to her funeral. My father stood behind me the entire time with his hands on my shoulders. He always makes me feel safe and loved. He didn’t want me to have to marry, but he also didn’t want me to die.” Chloe eyes were focused on Lex’s so that she could watch him take in everything that she had said.

“He seems like a good man.”

Chloe smiled at the thought of her father. “He is. It’s just a shame that I no longer get to see him.”

“That is just another way that the law has failed us.” Lex looked at Chloe he raised his hand to touch her but then he put his hand back down to his side.

“Its ok.” Chloe told him as she took the hand that he had placed back on the bed, and then placed it on her face. “I don’t want to control you either Lex.” Chloe removed her hand from his and placed it on her stomach.

Lex gently brushed her cheek with his hand. “What is it that we are doing Chloe?” He whispered unsure of what was happening. He had imagined her lying as far away from him as possible, when he pictured what would happen after their wedding.

“I’m not sure Lex.” Chloe closed her eyes as he rubbed circles on her cheek.

“I didn’t picture this happening.” He kept running his fingers over her cheek.

Chloe opened her eyes and looked at him. “I didn’t either.” She then scooted closer to him and she put her hand on his face. She stroked him gently her fingers tingling. “I thought I would hate you. I thought that you were lying when you talked to me yesterday.”

Lex backed away towards the edge of the bed, he was sure that Chloe couldn’t want this. “Is this really what you want, to try and love me?” He looked over at her having moved far enough away that neither of them were touching each other any longer.

“We are already married Lex, why not try and be happy?” She didn’t move closer to him this time.

Lex looked at her eyes closely and he couldn’t see any trace that she was unsure about what she had just said. He moved back over to her and touched her again. “What if we learn that we don’t love each other? What if all of this falls apart?” There’s no way to get a divorce once you married, we are married for life, no matter how much we might grow to hate each other.

“I’m not suggesting that we do anything more than we are right now.” Her hand went to his cheek again. “In fact I wouldn’t want anything else to happen tonight. We should just take it one day at a time.”

“As long as this is what you want, I’m fine with that.”

Chloe placed her hand that wasn’t on Lex’s cheek on his hand that rested on her cheek. She gave his hand a little squeeze and then she looked into his eyes. “This is what I want.” Lex smiled at her and then kept stroking her face.

They stayed like that for hours, and they talked about their lives. They talked about the things they liked and the things that they didn’t like. Then Chloe fell asleep against her pillow and the hand that was touching Lex’s face fell to her side. Lex then got up from where he was lying and he gently lifted Chloe’s legs so that he could get the blankets and pull them over her. He pulled the covers up to her chin and watched her sleep. He couldn’t help thinking that he was taking advantage of her; after all she was still sixteen. He didn’t understand how other men thought it was alright that they force such a young girl to commit to them. He had felt as though he was doing wrong all day, and then he had touched her face, but that hadn’t felt wrong. The thoughts that were running through his mind confused him, maybe he should tell her what he was going to be when his father died, maybe then she wouldn’t feel the same way about him. But did he want for Chloe to hate him? No he decided he didn’t want that, but he didn’t know what he wanted her to feel about him. After watching Chloe sleep for a few hours Lex climbed under the covers and stayed near the edge of his side of the bed. He closed his eyes and finally found sleep himself.

[MASCH]

Crazy law they got.
I seriously want to know how it came about...

[hfce]

Oh man that law is just crazy. I can't believe people live like that. GRRRR.... I am glad Lex is nothing like his dad. I hope he continues to be like that and not turn into his father. Great update. :)

[mcharrie]

Can't wait for more & seeing what they try to do to get around the law.

[tyrarose]

yay you updated. i love what you have written so far, can't wait for more. keep up the good work

[ladyfayerie]

Aww. That was sweet of Lex! I love how considerate he is to his young wife. Loving the story!

[cbrunberg]

loved the update.cant wait for next update.i loved that lex is completely different then all the other men and his reasoning for it.

[leeleeginevra]

I really enjoyed the update!

[eliora2006]

Enjoyed the beginning! So much potential with this plot. Please update!

[Historianic]

I'm intrigued by this fic for a number of reasons. The chlex (although that's kind of a given lol!) but also the class system, and most obviously, the complete mistreatment of and discrimination against women. I can't even call this sexism because while sexism regards men as better than women, it does recognise a woman's personhood and grants her some, though admittedly limited, rights.

But here, women have no rights whatsoever. They are not even regarded as human beings, as people, but as possessions or animals. In fact, I'm willing to bet that animals get treated better than women in this society. I'm curious to see how you are going to deal with these issues. And how is this going to effect Chloe and Lex? Will they continue to act within this system without actually being part of it? Or will they try to change it? Because I can't see how only being able to behave freely within the confines of their bedroom is going to work in the long run. Unless they never, ever leave that room. And I don't see either Chloe or Lex doing that. So much to play with here. Please continue! :)

[Kekamarie]

Thank you again to everyone for your kind reviews. I hope some of your questions are going to be answered with this new chapter. If you want something else explained I can find a way to incorporate it into the story. I have decided with the way that the rest of the chapters are going to change the rating of this story from PG-13 to R because of the next few chapters have violence and other more mature themes. I'm still working on the ending and once I am able to finish that then I will update more frequently.

Chapter Four


When Chloe woke up she found Lex sleeping on the edge of the bed. To her it looked as though he was almost going to fall off the bed, and she knew that he couldn’t have had a comfortable night’s sleep. She got out from under the covers and placed her feet on the floor. She stood up and walked over to her dresser. She picked out a simple baby blue dress to wear for the day, and then she silently crept over to the bathroom being careful not to wake Lex up. She then closed the bathroom door, and for the first time since she had arrived in her new home she got to look at herself in the mirror. The makeup that had been put on her yesterday had now turned a funny color, and her hair was sticking up everywhere, it was also unnaturally curly from being braided.

Chloe removed the pajamas from her body and then she turned on the shower, making sure it was as warm as possible. She always had to bathe in the small pond that was in her part of town and the water was always freezing, not to mention that it was filled with the bacteria that all of the townspeople carried. So it was nice to have clean hot water stream down over her body. Her eyes stayed closed for a long time just taking in the warmth of the water, and then she started to wash her face. Then she washed the rest of her body, and then she scrubbed her hair. Once she was done she stood under the warm water for awhile longer before she shut it off. She wrapped herself in a towel and then she started to dry her body. She then put on her clothes, and stood in front of the mirror to brush her hair. It was then that she finally saw just how much of her hair was gone.

Once she was done in the bathroom she opened the door and saw Lex with his back turned towards her. He was pulling on a pair of black pants, and his shirt was off. Chloe backed into the bathroom and shut the door quietly she didn’t want to watch him dress. So she waited a few more minutes before she went back out into the room. This time Lex had finished dressing and he was standing in front of a stand up mirror in order to make sure that he was tying his tie straight. He then saw Chloe in the mirror and so he turned to look at her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes did you?” She moved closer to him.

“Yes.” Lex lied to her.

Chloe shook her head. “You’re not telling the truth Lex. I saw you this morning sleeping on the edge of the bed that couldn’t have been comfortable.”

Lex shrugged his shoulders trying to ease his muscles that had been tense all night. “You’re right I didn’t sleep well.”

“Want a massage?”

“No.” He said quickly and then he looked at her hurt face. “It’s just that I have this meeting to get to after breakfast. There is no time maybe I’ll take you up on your offer later.”

“What am I supposed to do?”

Lex looked at her closely. “Well mine and my father’s office has to be cleaned while we are at this meeting; I have to order you to clean my side while his wife cleans his.”

“Of course.” Chloe sat down at the edge of the bed.

Lex moved over to her. “Just remember that the man I am outside of this room is not who I really am Chloe.”

“I know.” She mumbled, she didn’t know what she thought would happen today since she knew that they couldn’t stay in this room forever.

“Just so you know I may have to kiss you today, after all last night we were supposed to…”

“I know. Its fine Lex do whatever you have to do to act as though you control me.”

Lex held his hand out to her. “Let’s go get breakfast.”

Chloe took his hand and allowed him to lead her through the mansion to the dining room. Lionel was already there his wife was sitting next to him eating slowly. She looked as though she was in her mid twenties, her red hair curled close to her face. “Sit.” Lex ordered Chloe as he pointed to a chair. Chloe sat down and then she watched as Lex sat next to her.

“Lex, I hope you had a good night.” Lionel looked at his son placing a smile on his face.

“I didn’t have a good night dad.” Lionel then looked at Lex with surprise. “I had a great night.” Lex said with a laugh and then he glanced at Chloe and touched her face.

“I’m glad son. Maria what is taking so long?” Lionel shouted out.

A young girl quickly ran into the room her eyes darting around to all of them. “I’m sorry sir the cook he burnt the food, it will be…”

“Are you blaming this on a man Maria?” Lionel asked as he rose from his seat.

“No I’m just saying that it’s going to be a few more minutes.” The girl was stammering she didn’t look as though she could be any older than thirteen. She had short brown hair, and blue eyes. She was wearing a worn brown dress just as the other girls who had worked on Chloe had been wearing.

Lionel moved over to the girl he grabbed her face in both of his hands. “Who is in control Maria?”

“You are Mr. Luthor sir.” Her voice was shaking with fear.

“Good then you realize that this is completely your fault that my son’s breakfast is late, and that now we are both going to be late for our meeting.”

She shook her head. “Yes it’s my fault I’m sorry.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough.” He then slapped her hard across the face. Her head was thrown to the side and she immediately clasped her face with her hand. “Now get into that kitchen and do not come back out until you have my son’s breakfast.”

“Yes sir.” She said weakly and then she ran out of the room.

Lionel then came back to take his place at the table, and he acted as though nothing had ever happened. Chloe however couldn’t stop staring at Lionel; she couldn’t believe that he would strike a young child. “Is there a problem Chloe?”

“No sir.” She told him and then she looked down at her hands.

“Good because I’m sure my son would fix the problem if there was one.” Lionel fixed his eyes on Lex.

Lex shook his head at his father. “Of course I would father.” He glanced at Chloe coldly.

Chloe held her head down just as Lionel’s wife was doing. Lex and Lionel then talked about what was going to be discussed at their meeting. When suddenly the door opened back up and Maria came in with a plate of food. She placed the food in front of Lex. Lex looked displeased at what he saw before him. “Come here Maria.” Chloe suddenly felt afraid of what Lex would do to the girl, she hoped that she didn’t have to see him hit her too.

Maria walked over to Lex and stared down at the ground. “Yes sir.” She said to him.

“Was this what I ordered?” His voice was cold and was raised in anger.

Lionel was watching the scene with fascination. “No sir but the other food… I’m sorry sir.” She stammered to him.

“As you should be Maria, but as my father just said sorry isn’t good enough.” Lex stood up from his chair and grabbed the girl by her shoulder. He then forced her out of the room.

Chloe kept her head down but she could tell that Lionel was beaming with pride. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder what Lex was doing to the child, and she again wondered whether or not she had chosen the right person to marry. Lex returned a minute later his eyes locking with his father’s. “I think she won’t let this happen again.” Lex said as he sat down and started to eat his breakfast. Once he was done taking his portion of the plate he looked at Chloe. “Finish it.” He told her coldly and then he looked at the plate of food that was sitting in front of his father, there was only a tiny bit of food left on his.

“Finish mine Victoria.” Lionel ordered the girl sitting next to him. Victoria then took the plate that sat in front of Lionel and placed it in front of her. Chloe did the same and she waited for Victoria to take a bite of food before she also started to eat.

Once the plates were clear Lex got up and ordered Chloe to follow him. He led her to where she guessed was his father’s and his offices. “My office is on this side of the room; clean it up while I’m gone.” Lex stood in front of Chloe pointing to the side of the room that was his. Lionel had also ordered Victoria to clean his side of the room, and then he grabbed her chin and kissed her. Lex grabbed Chloe’s shoulders and looked at her sternly. “You are to stay on this side of the room, and I expect this side to be perfectly cleaned by the time I get back.” He then titled her chin up and pressed a kiss on her lips.

Lionel smiled at his son, and then they both left the room. Chloe looked at Victoria curiously. “What do we clean with?”

“There are supplies under his desk.” Victoria pointed at the desk that was on Chloe’s assigned part of the room.

Chloe went under the desk and grabbed the cleaning solution. She started to dust off Lex’s desk. “How long have you been married to Lionel?” Neither Lex nor Lionel had said that they couldn’t talk to each other.

“A year, I was married before him, but my first husband passed away. I was told by everyone that I wouldn’t be able to find another husband in the two months that I was given to find one. But I was determined and I found ways to travel to meet different men until Lionel offered to marry me.” Victoria was working on Lionel’s desk, and Chloe was sure that she had done this many times but she was missing spots.

Chloe had become good at cleaning things because she was always helping her father clean their house, and he liked for everything to be perfect. Chloe had learned how to clean fast, but well so that she didn’t miss anything. “Do you have any children?”

Victoria shook her head at Chloe. “I have a nine year old daughter she files Lionel’s paperwork in his main office.”

“This isn’t his main office?” Chloe continued picking things up and making them neat, she wasn’t sure exactly how Lex’s office was supposed to look.

“Oh no, we are moving back to the main house in a few days. Lex didn’t tell you?” Victoria looked at Chloe her eyes held surprise in them.

Chloe shook her head. “Last night there wasn’t much time for talking.” She lied to Victoria but she knew that someone must be watching and so she had to lie.

Victoria shook her head as if she understood completely. “I’m sure he will explain it all to you soon. You are very fast at cleaning.”

“You think it looks good?” Chloe hoped that Victoria would help tell her how the office was supposed to look.

“Yes it looks wonderful I only wish I could be done that fast.” Victoria was still dusting Lionel’s desk.

Chloe moved over towards her. “Here let me help you.” Victoria shook her head at Chloe but Chloe had already crossed and was helping her to straighten Lionel’s side. Once done Chloe looked at the sparkling office. “There looks perfect to me.” Chloe said as she went back on Lex’s side to wait for them to come back.

“This could be very bad.” Victoria said as she heard footsteps coming towards the room.

Chloe looked at her curiously but then her attention was focused on Lex and Lionel. Lex had come over to his side of the office to inspect Chloe’s work. He looked at his desk and then at the bookshelf that was built into the wall. “Looks good.” Lex said to her and then he watched as his father looked around at the work Vitoria had done.

“You didn’t do this alone did you?” Lionel glared at Vitoria his voice was filled with anger.

Victoria shook her head at him, and then Lex turned on Chloe. He grabbed her by her arm but his grip was light. “I told you to stay on your own side did I not?” He yelled at her his face close to hers.

“Yes you did.” Chloe said to him as she put her head down.

Lex looked at his father. “Sorry that we can’t have that conversation you wanted to have dad, but I have to go punish my wife.”

“You can punish her here son.” Lionel said as he looked at Lex.

“I might be nicer to her with people watching, so I think it’s better if we take this somewhere else.” He then dragged Chloe from the room pushing her in front of him as they reached the door to the office. Once they were out of sight from Lionel, Lex didn’t push her as much. Chloe knew that he still had to look mad for whoever was watching them on video. Then once they reached their room Lex opened the door and shoved Chloe into it. He slipped behind the door and shut it, and then clicked the lock on it. He turned towards Chloe looking at her sadly. “I didn’t hurt you did I?”

Chloe looked at him and then she looked at the arm he had grabbed. “No.”

Lex came over to her and inspected her arm just to make sure. “Please don’t make me do that Chloe.” He brushed his hand on her cheek.

“I’m sorry Lex it’s just that I thought I was helping.”

“I know but next time don’t.” Lex sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands.

“Is she going to get beat because of what I did?” Lex looked at Chloe his eyes told her the answer. “God I really need to think more.” Chloe said as she sat down on the bed next to Lex.

But then there was a knock on the door. Lex got up and looked at Chloe. “Get against the wall now, and take off your dress.” Lex shouted, at her but his eyes told her that he didn’t mean what he was saying.

Chloe ran to the other side of the room and she started to pull her dress up, when Lex opened the door. “Lex, I was wondering if you needed any help.”

Lex looked at his father and gave him a smile. “I don’t think I do dad.” Lex had taken his belt off from his pants and was holding it in his hand.

“Make sure you teach her a lesson you don’t want her turning into your mother do you?”

“No of course not.”

Lionel tried to press his head into the room. “I want to watch you punish her Lex.”

“I don’t think that would be wise father considering I just made her take off her clothes. You know the law doesn’t allow for you to see her naked.”

“Alright then son.” Lionel sounded disappointed, but Chloe could hear him walking away from the room.

Lex then shut the door and locked it again. He replaced his belt on his pants and then he looked at Chloe who was smoothing her dress down. “I never thought that this would be this hard.”

Chloe came and sat down next to him. “I’ll make it easier for you I promise.”

“He is going to want to see proof that I taught you a lesson.” Lex said his eyes looked sadly at Chloe.

“So you are going to beat me?”

“No of course not. I’ll figure out something.” He looked down at his hands.

Chloe touched his cheek with her hand. “I truly am sorry Lex.”

Lex looked at her. “I know you are. And I’m sure you are still curious about the events that happened this morning.”

With everything that had just happened Chloe had completely forgotten about the girl whom Lex had removed from the dining room earlier. “Yes.”

“I didn’t hurt her, but I had to throw her against the wall and yell at her. God I hate that there are cameras everywhere in this place.”

“Are there cameras at the other place too?”

Lex turned his head quickly to look at Chloe he hadn’t told her about that, so he knew that Victoria must have told her. “Yes there are. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about that, but last night was going so well and I didn’t want to ruin it.”

“Ruin it how exactly?”

Lex got up from the bed and started to pace the room. He didn’t want Chloe to hate him, in fact he had taken a liking to her touching his face. But he knew that he couldn’t keep hiding information from her. “I’m sure you have heard the name Luthor before.”

“I have but I couldn’t place where exactly I heard it.”

Lex shook his head at her. “You probably wanted to block it out. You see my father is in charge of the law.” He looked at Chloe wishing that he didn’t have to tell her this information.

Chloe suddenly remembered that they had learned about the Luthors at school. The first Luthor that came to their country had set the laws in place, and his son enforced the law after his father passed away. The line of Luthors was long and each of them was always in charge of the law. The Luthors were a family of control, and they had made it so that the law allowed them to control everyone. Men weren’t treated as unfairly as women were but if they weren’t Luthors then they also had to give up certain rights, like who to vote for, and what kinds of things they were allowed to say to the Luthor men. As far as Chloe knew these laws were still in place. “No.” She whispered as she looked at Lex, knowing that he was next to be in charge.

“Yes Chloe, are other home is at the law building, and if you think they watch you closely here they watch you even more at the law building.” He sat down next to Chloe again his eyes searching her face for anger, or for hatred towards him.

Chloe looked at him tears running down her cheeks. “Why did you come and find me? Why did you make me think that I could actually trust that you wouldn’t harm me?”

“I’m not going to hurt you Chloe, even when we move I won’t hurt you.” Lex looked at her hoping that she could understand.

“If you don’t then someone there will for sure.” She stood up and ran into the bathroom. She locked the door behind her and then she slid down it and cried. She couldn’t believe that she had felt so safe being with Lex. He wasn’t a safe person to be with, even if he didn’t hurt her the people at the law building would. All you had to do was make one mistake and they would attack you, she had heard the horror stories about the law building. She had heard of the rooms that they locked people in, the walls were filled with sharp glass and pointed rusty nails and there was only a tiny bit of room for a person to stand in, and even they made one wrong move they would be cut instantly. Chloe couldn’t believe that this was the man that she had married, and she couldn’t believe that she had forgotten why the name Luthor had sounded familiar.

“Chloe come on open the door please.” Lex called through the door. Chloe didn’t say anything back to him; instead she just sat on the floor wondering what her future held. “No one at the law building is allowed to touch you except for my father, our wives are forbidden to anyone else. If anyone touches you then they are killed instantly, and my father has bigger things to worry about then hurting you. I know this isn’t the greatest situation Chloe, but once my father dies things will change.”

Chloe didn’t believe his words, after all hadn’t his father just come in to ask him if he needed help in punishing her? She was sure that Lex’s father would find pleasure in beating her, just as he found pleasure in hitting his own wife and the servants. Chloe knew that it wasn’t Lex’s fault that he was born into the Luthor family, but she had wished that he had told her when he met her who he was. So she pushed herself up from the floor and unlocked the bathroom door. Then she pushed it open and saw Lex standing outside of it. Lex wrapped her in a hug holding her tightly. “I won’t let him hurt you.”

“I wish we could run away.”

“I wish we could too Chloe.” He stepped back and brushed the tears from her eyes. Chloe moved away from him and sat down on the bed. She wished that she had her father to talk to about everything that was going on. “Here.” Lex said as he gave her the journal that he had given her yesterday. “Write whatever you are feeling down, I’m going to go figure out a way to prove to my father that I hit you. Lock the door behind me and don’t answer it for anyone.”

Chloe shook her head at him and watched as he left the room. She wrote in the journal until he came back in with a man. “This is Marcus.” Lex told her as he shut the door behind them. “Why don’t you go change into a shirt and pants and I’ll explain what’s going on when you come out.” Chloe got up from the bed and grabbed a shirt and pants from her dresser, and then she realized that Marcus must have seen the journal that she had been writing in. She looked at Lex with worry. “Don’t worry Marcus won’t say anything about that.” Lex pointed to the journal on the bed. Chloe then went into the bathroom and changed. When she walked out Marcus had opened the suitcase that was in his hand. She saw all different types of makeup in the suitcase. “Marcus is a makeup artist, he is going to make it look as though I beat you.”

Chloe looked at Lex and then at Marcus. “What do you want me to do?”

“If you could lie down on your stomach I can start with your back.” Marcus told her, his voice was gentle.

Chloe shook her head and then went and lay down on the bed. Lex sat on the bed next to her. “Marcus doesn’t like the way women are treated either.” Lex explained to her.

“The way I see it we should be treating women with more respect they do go through so much to please their husbands, and then of course they go through all of that pain when giving birth. Men should be more appreciative of women.” He had brought his suitcase over to the bed and was opening different containers.

Chloe looked over at Lex. “Will you hold my shirt for him?” Lex nodded at her and then he pulled up the back of Chloe’s shirt. He held the shirt up as Marcus started to work. “Won’t they wonder what Marcus is doing in here?”

“No my father uses Marcus all the time to try and cover up the beatings.”

“Good thing he does use me then at least I can make this look as realistic as possible.” It took Marcus over an hour to finish Chloe’s back. “Wow it looks so real.” Lex told him seeing the lashes that he was supposed to have done to Chloe.

“It needs to dry for a bit before we work on her face.”

“Will this last until tomorrow?” Chloe asked Marcus hopefully.

“Yes just don’t take a shower and don’t sleep on your back tonight.”

Once the makeup had dried enough Lex replaced Chloe’s shirt and then Chloe sat up. Marcus then started to make a bruise on Chloe’s eye. “If this fades over night just dab it like this in the morning.” Marcus said as he showed Lex.

“And you are sure this will trick my father?”

“Yes just don’t let him touch her, and you should be fine.” Marcus smiled at Chloe and then at Lex.

“You’ll receive a hefty check Marcus, thank you.”

“You’re welcome Mr. Luthor.” Marcus then left the room.

Lex then turned and looked at Chloe. “He sure did a good job if I hadn’t watched him do that to you I would have been asking you who I had to kill for giving you those wounds.”

Chloe laughed at him. “As long as we convince your father.”

“I’m sure we will.” Lex sat down on the bed next to her.

“When do we leave for the law building?” Chloe looked at him curiously.

“The day of your birthday we are leaving.” Lex looked at Chloe glad that she didn’t hate him.

Chloe realized that her birthday was only two days away. She had felt like all that had happened had taken a lifetime.

[hfce]

Oh man I feel so bad for Chloe and Lex. I really loath Lionel. :mad:

[ladyfayerie]

Woah. That was...intense! I can't wait for them to escape!

[MASCH]

So the Luthors instated the law; how powerful must they have been to do so? And why did people agree to it?

[cbrunberg]

i am not suprised that the luthors instated the law.hate lionel.sad for chloe and lex.escape can't be soon enough.cant wait to see what happens next

[justicea]

Very interesting premise! I can't wait to see where this story is going. Please update soon

[chloedreamer]

I too can't wait to see where this story is going.

[Kekamarie]

So the Luthors instated the law; how powerful must they have been to do so? And why did people agree to it?

I hope that I have answered your questions in this new update. This chapter is really long since I haven't posted an update in awhile and I really wanted to explain more about the law. Thank you again for your comments and I hope you like this new chapter.

Chapter Five

On Chloe’s birthday she woke up alone, all of their clothes had been packed, and so suitcases filled the room. She wondered where Lex had gone without her, since he usually only left her alone when he had a meeting to go to. The makeup that Marcus had put on her had tricked Lionel into thinking that Lex had treated Chloe the way he had raised him to. Chloe had also behaved herself and hadn’t gotten into anymore trouble; Lionel had patted Lex on the back for Chloe’s new found behavior. She basically ignored everyone, and only did as she was told outside of their bedroom.

The night before Lex and Chloe had walked the grounds, and had talked about what the law building was going to be like. He said that the mansion they were in now was a lot more lenient on things that happened than the law building. Chloe was afraid of going to her new home, knowing that the treatment of the servants, and of the other women at the mansion was already horrible here, she couldn’t imagine the way the men at the law building would treat women. She decided that she was just going to make the best of it and try and obey everything that was said to her.

So Chloe got out of the bed and grabbed a dress for the day, then she went into the bathroom and took a shower. By the time she finished Lex was back in the room. “Where did you go?” Chloe asked him as soon as she saw him staring at the mirror at himself.

“I had to get your travel pass.” Lex raised his hand and Chloe saw the tiny cards that Lex held in his hands.

“Travel pass?” She walked over to him and examined the pass that he gave to her.

Lex shook his head. “You need one to travel to the law building, security is tight there.”

Chloe looked at the travel pass that had her name written in small letters while Lex’s name was written in huge letters before her name. “It looks more like this pass is for you then for me.”

“I know but I’m sure that it can’t surprise you that much.” He looked at her closely and then he looked at all the luggage that was in the room. “We will eat on the train; it’s only about a thirty minute ride to the law building from here.”

“And then do we ever come back here?” Chloe looked around the room; it already held so many memories.

Lex looked at her closely. “This is the Luthor mansion, the law building was just recently built for us to live in it, and so we use this place for vacations, and for weddings.”

“Who else lives in the law building Lex?” She could tell he didn’t like talking about the building much.

Lex sighed and took her hand. “All of my father’s officials and their wives. They are horrible men, Chloe. They treat their wives as though they are animals, and they treat their daughters with the same disrespect. I need you to hold in your anger, when you see them punished. I know it’s hard but you have to keep calm there, because there will be more men than just my father demanding proof that I have hurt you. They like to see the punishments men do to their wives, its sick.” He looked into Chloe’s eyes hoping that she could see why she needed to behave.

“I wish we could just stay here Lex.” She pressed her head into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

“I know its awful birthday present for you.” He paused and then he realized that he hadn’t told her happy birthday yet. “By the way happy birthday, I have a present waiting for you in our new bedroom.” He touched her hair gently and then he stepped back from her.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Chloe looked up at him wishing he would hold her longer.

“Of course I did Chloe, although I did have to sneak it in and say it was for me. Now I’m going to go get someone to help you with these bags.” He left the room and came back a minute later with a young girl.

Chloe grabbed some suitcases and the girl followed suit, Lex led them down to where the suitcases would be loaded on the train that ran beside the mansion. Chloe and the girl made at least five trips to the room before all of the suitcases were gone from the room. On the last trip Chloe stood next to Lex while a girl on the train loaded their suitcases into the holding area. “Come Chloe.” Lex told her as he walked toward the part of the train where they would board.

Lionel stood with his hand on Victoria’s back; this was the first time that Chloe had ever seen Lionel place an affectionate hand on his wife. “I’m sure your daughter misses you.” He was telling her while she looked down at the ground.

Lex stood next to his father and looked at the train with displeasure. “What’s taking them so long? We are five minutes behind.”

“I know son don’t worry we will be leaving soon.” Lionel’s eyes glanced at Lex and then to Chloe who was staring at them both. Chloe immediately put her head down knowing that Lionel didn’t like for women to stare at men. “You haven’t had any trouble with her have you Lex?”

“Oh no she has been quite obedient father. I think she learned her lesson.”

“They always slip up Lex, always be on guard.”

It was then that a girl finally opened the door to the train to let them on. A man stood next to her with a scanner. “I need your passes please.” The man told them as they walked on the train. Lex gave him his and Chloe’s passes, and Chloe watched as the man scanned them both to make sure they were authentic. Then Lionel gave the man his and Victoria’s passes, and they were led by the girl to a small table. Chloe could tell that the girl had been hit multiple times from the bruises on her face, and the red marks on her cheeks. Chloe waited for Lex to sit near the window, and for him to tell her to sit before she took her place beside him. Her eyes went down to her hands, and she secretly couldn’t wait until Lex and she arrived to their new bedroom so that she wouldn’t have to do this.

Once they were all settled the train started to move. A different girl then came out with breakfast. She had pretty curly red hair and bright blue eyes. Lex shifted in his seat when he saw the girl, and Chloe could sense that he knew her. Victoria also seemed to know her because she lifted her head some, but she immediately put it back down when Lionel tapped her shoulder. “Molly.” Lionel said to the girl with a smile.

The girl curtsied to him. “Mr. Luthor.”

“I’m glad that I requested you to serve us, you have done a fine job.”

“Thank you.” She said and then she looked at him to be dismissed.

Lionel however didn’t say anything more to the girl and he let her stand there looking at him while he ate. He ate all of his breakfast leaving nothing for Victoria; Chloe knew that this was a sign that Victoria was being punished. Lex however had only eaten half of his plate and then gave the rest to Chloe. She ate quickly knowing that the girl was probably tired of watching them eat. Once Chloe was done the girl looked at Lionel with anticipation. “Clean it up, and then come back.” Lionel ordered her. Chloe had never heard anyone ask for someone to come back after they took their dishes. But once Molly had taken the dishes away she quickly returned. “Your mother hasn’t been following orders lately Molly. You do understand what that means?” Lionel looked at the girl accusingly.

Victoria put her head down lower, and Chloe knew that the little girl was going to receive some type of punishment. After all Lex had told Chloe that Lionel had taken Victoria’s daughter as his own, and therefore he could do whatever he wanted to her. “Yes sir.”

“Your punishment for your mother’s misbehavior will be given to you when we get to our home, so I wish for you to follow us to our quarters when we arrive. You may go now.” The girl nodded her head and then left. Chloe could tell that she was shaking, and Chloe felt awful for her. Victoria was also shaking badly, and Chloe felt guilt rise up in her stomach she wished that she hadn’t helped Victoria that day maybe then her daughter wouldn’t have been punished. “Now Lex you know we are going to be very busy the next few days, what are you going to do with your wife?”

“My office is a terrible disaster I’m sure it will take at least two days for her to clean it up. You did say that I could have today off though father and I have guessed that our main meetings will only take the other two days.”

“Yes of course, after all I’m the one who is going to be far busier than you are. That’s why I have decided to put you in charge of Molly after you no longer have to be a part of business. Victoria here will be in the meetings with me serving the rest of the men.”

“You said that you were the only one to punish Molly dad.” Lex looked at him curiously.

Lionel glanced back at Lex. “I simply asked you to take charge of her, I will punish her when necessary son.”

Lex shook his head at his father, and to Chloe he seemed a bit relieved that he wouldn’t have to punish Molly himself. It was then that the train stopped and Lex told Chloe to get up and get their luggage. Chloe immediately got up and went back to the compartment where their luggage was. The girl who had helped Chloe take it from the room was next to her again helping her bring it up to their new room. Lex had gone into the building along with his father; Molly was at Lionel’s heels. They seemed to stop to talk to a man who carried a cane and who looked as though he could be about eighty at the door. Chloe walked behind them holding suitcases and waiting to pass.

“So this is your new wife? So sorry I couldn’t attend your wedding my dear boy but duty calls.” The man was looking at Chloe hungrily and Chloe could tell that this was one of Lionel’s officials.

“It’s quite alright Sam.” Lex told him as he looked at Chloe as well. “Well get a move on.” He shouted at her, and then Chloe took off away from them where another girl was gesturing for her to follow.

“Trained her well already I see.” Sam said with a laugh and then he patted Lex on the back.

Chloe didn’t hear any more of their conversation instead she followed the young girl up to her new room. The doors looked the same as the ones in the mansion and when the doors were opened Chloe was surprised to find that the room looked exactly like the one at the mansion as well. She wondered if all the bedrooms were decorated the same way. Chloe then put the suitcases down and went back to get more. The girl who was her helper followed behind her. When the two of them finally had all of their luggage put up in the room Chloe found Lex and stood next to him. They were still talking to Sam. “So when we will be expecting a new Luthor?” Sam was asking Lex.

“Soon I hope.” Lex told Sam with a smile.

“You better get on it soon my boy you never know what will happen tomorrow. Now I think I have kept you all here long enough. Get settled in and Lionel we will be expecting you soon, there was a riot again in the town next to us. We have to find a way to get the women there to settle down.”

“Oh I’m sure we will think of something.” Lionel told him with a smirk and then he looked down at Molly. He grabbed her arm, and then he looked at Victoria. “We might as well get this done so I can go enjoy my meeting. Come Victoria, maybe watching your daughter in pain will make you behave for once. Have a nice day off Lex.” Lionel called to his son as they walked away to a different part of the law building.

Lex glanced at Chloe knowing what was on her mind. “Come outside.” He told her. Chloe walked out the doors with him, finally seeing the law building for herself. She had been too busy carrying in suitcases to pay attention to what the building looked like. It looked a lot like their mansion except that the flag of the law was flying on each of the towers that surrounded the building. “Guards are positioned up there.” Lex pointed up to the towers. “They are told to kill whatever runs in or out of the gate surrounding the building, so don’t go poking around those areas by yourself.”

Chloe looked at Lex wanting to ask him a question but instead she kept it to herself knowing full well that there were sure to be cameras out here. She couldn’t help but wonder why he wanted to come out here, when they could talk freely in their own room. It wasn’t until she heard the screams coming from inside that she realized why Lex had wanted to come outside. She was sure the screams would have been a lot worse inside the building then where they were standing now. Lex walked farther away from the entrance and Chloe followed him, the screams fading the farther they walked. A man who was wearing a red and gold suit came over to Lex. “Lex it’s nice to see you back.” He said patting Lex’s shoulder.

“It’s good to see you as well Marvin. This is Chloe.” Lex put his hand on Chloe’s shoulder.

Marvin smiled at her. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I wouldn’t be saying that around here Marvin you know how it displeases the officials to hear their sons treat women with such respect.” Lex spoke in an authoritative voice.

“Oh right.” Marvin mumbled looking down at the ground kicking the dirt underneath his feet. “Did you have to leave the building as well?” He whispered to Lex.

Lex nodded his head slowly. “It appears that my father’s wife didn’t behave on our trip.”

“The arrangements are coming along though aren’t they Lex?” His eyes looked at Lex with hope.

“Oh yes but I’m afraid it will be a while before I will take any chance in placing them in motion. I have more to lose now.” Lex glanced over at Chloe, and Marvin nodded at him.

“You know I’m always of service, just tell me when you need me.” He smiled and then walked off.

Lex placed his arm around Chloe and they kept walking around the grounds, the guards in the tower waved to Lex as they passed. Lex waved to them in return, and then once they were at the back door of the law building Lex pressed his ear to the door. He then pushed it open and led Chloe through. The screams were no longer filling the room, and Chloe was glad that Lex had brought them outside so that they wouldn’t have to hear Molly. She couldn’t help but wonder what Lionel had done to the poor girl though. “Come let’s go to our room.” He walked before her up the stairs and to their new bedroom. Lex opened the door and walked in, and then Chloe shut the door behind them.

Lex had fallen on the bed and had buried his head into a pillow. Chloe walked over to the bed and kicked off her black dress shoes. Then she climbed up on the bed and moved next to him. She ran her hand down his back. “What were you talking about to Marvin?”

Lex turned towards her. “I’m planning a revolt to overthrow my father.”

Chloe looked at him with surprise. “You can do that?”

Lex then sat up and leaned his back against the head board of their bed. “Yes if I have enough support. It’s still rocky though. I’m sure that I can’t do it successfully for a while. But if I can stop the screams that echo through this place on a daily basis then I have done something right.” He reached up and touched Chloe’s face. “I just have to make sure that they don’t try to hurt you now.”

Chloe looked at Lex, she felt proud that she was his wife. And even though they had only been married a few days she felt as though she had known him a lot longer. “You are a good man.”

“I’d be a better man if I hadn’t been born into this.” Lex closed his eyes; he wished every day that he hadn’t been born a Luthor.

Chloe placed her face close to his and touched his cheek. “Just think if you weren’t born into this you might not be planning a way to change the law.” Chloe had heard Lex talk of what he would do if he was in his father’s position and she couldn’t wait for Lionel to die so that Lex could be in charge.

“He’s still my father Chloe. I may hate him with every fiber of my being, but I can’t kill him. That’s the flaw in this whole thing, it be easy to have someone kill him, have it look like an accident, but I can’t do it.” Lex shook his head and then he turned to look at Chloe. “I see the horrible things he does to Victoria and Molly, and yet I can’t have him killed. What a sorry excuse for a man I am.”

Chloe took his face in her hands. “You are not a sorry excuse for a man Lex. You are one of the few men who actually realize that the law is screwed up, and that is amazing since you have been born into the law. If he was my father I don’t think I would be able to kill him either. It doesn’t make you less of a man for not being able to have him killed Lex, it makes you human, more human than your father or the other people who live here ever will be.”

“You really think that?” Her touch made him feel warm.

“Of course I do.” She lowered her head and rubbed his nose with hers. She then let her head rest against him. “Can I ask you for something?”

“Anything it is your birthday after all.” Lex had his eyes closed he wanted to fight back the urge he had to hold her in his arms and never let her go.

Chloe raised her eyes to meet his. “Will you kiss me? And I mean really kiss me, not like the kisses you have had to pretend to have in front of your father or at our wedding.”

“Chloe.” He said looking at her.

“You said I could have anything.” Chloe pointed out to him looking at him hopefully.

Lex sighed as he sat up some. “Just one.” He told her, he hadn’t wanted her to feel that just because they were married she had to perform wifely duties. Lex placed his hands on her face and leaned over to her, and he pressed a soft kiss against her lips.

Chloe wrapped her hands behind his head, and deepened the kiss. If he was only going to let her have one she wanted it to be unforgettable, and last as long as they could both hold their breaths. When she finally decided that she had to breathe she pulled her hands away from him and then her lips. She stared at him panting some, and wanting to kiss him again. “Lex.” She finally managed to get out.

“Chloe.” Lex said back and then he got off the bed.

“Where are you going?” She looked at him sadly, hoping that he would want to kiss her again.
Lex looked at her, she was on her knees and her eyes were gleaming at him. He wanted to forget that the kiss had ever taken place, but he knew that he would never be able to. “I’m getting your present.”

“Can’t I just have the thing I asked for happen again instead of a gift?” She looked at him her body telling her that it needed to feel the heat that rose up to her chest again.

“I told you that you could have one, and that’s what I gave you.” Lex opened the drawer of his dresser, and then pulled out a present that was wrapped in blue paper. He brought it over to her, and placed it in her hand.

Chloe unwrapped the present, seeing a book resting in her hands. She had never seen the book before, and it didn’t have a title. “What’s this called?”

“You’ll have to read it to find out.” Lex teased.

Chloe opened the book, trying to find some indication of what the book was about. She finally gave up and decided that it would have to wait until she could read what the pages said. “Thank you, for breaking the law again.” She said with a laugh.

“You’re welcome.” He was still standing away from the bed his eyes looking at the floor.

“Are you afraid of me now?” Chloe got up off the bed and walked over to him.

Lex didn’t move from where he was standing, and he didn’t look up at her. “I don’t want you to think that just because you’re my wife you have to…”

“Lex I wanted to kiss you, you make me feel like I’ve never felt before.” She stood on her toes and raised his chin with her hand. “You are the most incredible man I have ever met, and even if we weren’t married I would have wanted you to kiss me.”

Lex looked at her again, her green eyes were still gleaming, and he could see the hope in them. “I can’t Chloe; I can’t keep kissing you like that.” He turned his eyes away from her.

“Why? Wasn’t it just as amazing for you as it was for me?”

Lex walked over to the window that was in the room and looked out of it. “Once we keep kissing each other Chloe, we will want more, and we don’t want children.”

Chloe walked over to him again, glad that he was staying in their room instead of leaving because then she couldn’t follow him without curious eyes wondering why she wasn’t obeying his orders. “We haven’t even gotten that far yet Lex, and when we do we’ll be careful.”
Lex shook his head at her. “You’re seventeen Chloe.”

“And what does that matter?”

“You’re too young to understand, you haven’t seen the horrible things I have seen. Once we go too far Chloe it’s going to be hard to be careful. I’m not about to risk our child to live like this, because I’m sure that we will be unlucky enough to have a daughter. The way I’m expected to treat her….” He shook his head at Chloe and left her again crossing over to the other side of the room.

Chloe stood in her spot tears streaming down her face. She hadn’t wanted to be married, she hadn’t wanted to feel this way about Lex but she did. “I can’t help the way I feel.” She said sadly not bothering to look at him. She went over to the bed and curled into a ball, she wished that neither of them had to live in such fear. She wished that they could live far away from here, and be happy.

Lex looked at her form on the bed, and he felt guilty he hadn’t wanted to make her cry. He got up on the bed and moved over to her. He placed his face over her body so that he could look at her. “I didn’t want to make you cry.” He brushed the tears from her eyes. He couldn’t help the way he felt about her either, he wanted to love her, his heart ached for her every time he touched her, but they had only know each other a few days.

Chloe turned her head and looked at him. She touched his face again, and then reached up and kissed him. Lex wanted to pull away to make her stop but he let his heart take over, and he kissed her back. He moved his body over her and kissed her deeper, his hands entwining with her hair. Then when he went to take a breath he moved to get off of her, Chloe put her hand on his arm. “Please.” She asked him looking into his eyes with so much love.

Lex couldn’t turn away from her and so he kissed her again. He then ran kisses down her neck, and went back to her lips. His hands came out of Chloe’s hair and then they were caressing her face. Chloe kept pushing her lips deeper into his and then when his mouth parted she placed her tongue inside him. Lex moaned into her mouth and then ran his tongue along the top part of her mouth, he had completely forgotten that he didn’t want this to happen. Chloe’s hands were running over his own face and they were both filled with heat. Lex finally stopped kissing her and then lay down on his back panting. Chloe came over to him and placed more kisses against his lips. She then placed kisses against his neck, and went back to his lips. Her hands started to run over his bald head, and then she stopped kissing him. She looked at his pink cheeks and his chest rising and falling rapidly. She laid her body on top of his pressing her face under his chin. “Chloe.” Lex whispered to her, but he didn’t say anything else, instead he wrapped his arms around her frame and held her. His mind was filled with the way she looked, her cheeks were pink, and she had also been breathing rapidly.

Chloe had fallen asleep against Lex, and he had let her sleep. His head was filled with a thousand thoughts of what was going to happen in the future. He knew that he could never let Chloe get pregnant until he had overthrown his father, he felt certain that their destiny would be to have a girl, and he couldn’t place his innocent daughter in this type of lifestyle. He knew that he had to figure out a way to get Chloe to go slower with their relationship, to stretch it out as long as possible. They would have to fight back their desires, in order to protect the child he pictured in his mind from the terrible world of men.

When Chloe woke up she felt Lex’s arms still wrapped around her. She smiled at the memory of his lips against hers. She then turned her head so that she could look at him. He was now breathing normally and the pink that had been in his cheeks was gone. Chloe reached out for his face, and then she placed a kiss against him. Lex then touched her cheek when their kiss had broken. “We have plenty of time for kissing.” He mumbled to her as he tried to sit up.

Chloe got off of him and sat across from him. “What’s wrong Lex?” She wanted him to feel as happy as she was feeling.

Lex shook his head at her. “Nothing.”

Chloe crossed her arms. “Don’t lie to me Lex. Tell me what’s wrong. Is this not what you want? Because if it’s not I’ll stop I’ll….”
Lex placed his face close to Chloe’s. “I want this Chloe, but I can’t let it go any farther than this. I refuse to get you pregnant.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her eye.

“I think I can deal with just kissing you.” Her face was lit up, glad that he didn’t want her to stop kissing him.

“Good.” He stroked her cheek, and then he realized how hard it was going to be to kiss her coldly in front of his father, and the other men.

“Can I ask you something?”

Lex looked at her curiously. “Go ahead.”

“What happened to your hair?” Chloe couldn’t believe that she hadn’t asked him about it before now.

Lex let out a laugh he hadn’t been expecting this question. “I was caught in a storm; it destroyed all of the hair on my head.”
“Only the hair on your head?”

“Yes only the hair on my head. I thought that was going to be one of the first questions you were going to ask me when you first met me.”

“It never really crossed my mind until now.” She smiled at him.

That night Chloe fell asleep in Lex’s arms, and she had the best night’s sleep since she had gotten married to him.

****

In the morning Chloe woke up before Lex, and so she kissed him awake. “I’m going to take a shower.” She said once he had become fully awake.

“Alright.” He said sleepily but he sat up and watched her collect her clothes.

After Chloe had picked out the dress she was going to wear she turned towards Lex. “What?” She asked since she had felt his eyes on her.
Lex swung his legs off the bed and then walked over to her. He ran his hand on her cheek and placed a kiss on her lips. “Nothing.” He told her giving her a smirk.

Chloe laughed at him and then went into the bathroom. She closed the door and then looked at herself in the mirror. She noticed that her lips were a bit puffer than they had been yesterday. She touched them and then she got undressed. Chloe took a quick shower and then threw her dress on, she wished that she could wear a shirt and pants for once but women were always supposed to be prim and proper. She brushed her hair and then she opened the bathroom door. Lex had already put on his suit, and he was waiting for her to go eat breakfast. Their lunch and dinner had been brought to their room so Chloe hadn’t met anyone else but the girl who had served them. “How awful is it going to be?”

“Well it’s mostly just official talk, but if one of their wives does something that they don’t like, it gets nasty. Just keep your head down and don’t look at anyone. Once breakfast is over you will be alone in my office, since my father and I have separate offices here. No one should bother you, and if they do just answer their questions. They can’t order you to do anything, but if they do order you to do something I would do it.” Lex looked at Chloe and then he touched her cheek. “You’ll be alright.”

“It’s scary being outside of this room.” Chloe would rather spend all of her time with Lex locked within the four walls of their room.

Lex placed his nose on hers. “Just be obedient and everything will be okay. When we come back here you can do whatever you want.”

Chloe looked at him. “Ok.”

“I’m sorry that it has to be this way Chloe.”

Chloe shook her head. “It could be a lot worse I could have been married to Gregory, and been one of his five wives. I’m sure that he wouldn’t have let me have any control at all.”

“Let’s go eat.” He took her hand and then opened the door to their room.

Once outside Lex let go of her and started to head down to the dining room. Chloe shut their bedroom door and then followed him. Once they reached the dining room Lex gave her a look that meant he was sorry for whatever was going to happen, and then Lex opened the door.
The table in the dining room was much longer than the one that had been at the mansion and it was filled with people. Chloe hadn’t gotten a good look though because she kept her head down, and waited for Lex to tell her to take a seat. Chloe sat in her chair in silence while the men chatted about the changes that needed to be made to the law. The things that Chloe heard coming from their mouths were awful, and she hoped that the new laws that they were talking about would never be put in place. Lex had given Chloe the rest of his breakfast after the men had been chatting for at least ten minutes and he told her to eat. Chloe ate slowly and she could tell without looking that most of the men were looking at her. Lex had given her less to eat then he had back at the mansion, it was then that she realized why Lex had told her to eat the entire plate of food for dinner last night. She had told him to eat something, but he had refused telling her that she needed to fill her stomach.

Once Chloe had finished eating a girl came and took her plate. Chloe was relieved that none of the wives had gotten in trouble, because she didn’t want to know what they did to women here. Lex told her to get up and follow him so that he could show her his office. He led her to another huge oak door and then he pushed it open. Chloe looked at the room; it was bigger than the office that Lex and his dad shared. There was a fire place and a leather couch along with Lex’s desk, and a large built in book shelf.

Lex walked over to her and placed a kiss on her lips, it wasn’t filled with passion like all of his other kisses in their room. Then he lingered by her ear. “Clean slowly make it last a few days.” His voice was barely audible and Chloe had to strain her ears to her him. “Clean I’ll be back to inspect your work.” He said once he backed away from her.

Chloe nodded at him and then Lex left the room. She found cleaning supplies underneath Lex’s desk and she started to get to work. Chloe was so focused cleaning that she didn’t even notice that anyone was close to Lex’s office until she heard voices.

“Marvin you aren’t taking a gander at Luthor’s new wife are you?”

“No sir of course not I was just walking by.”

“Well then you better be getting along then. And aren’t you supposed to be at the meeting anyway?”

“Oh yes I was supposed to be there wasn’t I, you know me always losing my head.”

Chloe kept cleaning although she heard footsteps coming close to the room. She didn’t stop what she was doing even when a man who looked to be around Lex’s dad’s age came into the room. She barely glanced at him. “Luthor’s trained you well I see.” He went over and sat down on the couch, putting his dirty shoes up on the table that sat in front of the couch. Chloe didn’t know what she should do, but she did know that Lex’s orders went above everyone else’s and so she kept tiding the area she was in. “Wish my wives were as good as you are.” He then got up from the couch and went over to Chloe and placed his hand under her chin. “No wonder Lionel wanted you for himself.” He dropped her chin, and then Chloe kept cleaning. “I wonder how many beatings you had to suffer to be so good.” He stood close to Chloe, and she fought every urge that she had to push him away. He then caught her chin again. “You wouldn’t tell Luthor about our little encounter would you?” He made her look at him.

“This does require an answer my dear.”

“No sir of course not.” She wasn’t sure whether to be afraid of him or not, but when she felt his hand start to run up her dress, she knew that she needed to be afraid.

“If he found out I could be in big trouble. But I find that I like to break the law. You would think with having six wives I wouldn’t have to do this, but touching other men’s wives makes me feel powerful.” Chloe wanted to make him stop but she knew that if she did, she would surely be hit, and the man would make up some lie that would make Lex have to pretend to punish her again. The man replaced his hand back to his side but his other hand was holding Chloe’s chin. “Hardly anyone ever looks at the cameras, when Lex and Lionel are in meetings.” He then brushed her lips with his. “I look forward to doing this again my dear.” He then slipped out of the room.

Chloe wanted to kill him; she hated men like him, who thought that they could be above everyone. But Chloe knew that she needed to clean the mud that the man had left on the table before Lex came back. So she quickly went over to the table and cleaned up all of the mud, and she was glad that she had because Lex and Lionel came in just seconds after she had cleaned it. “You don’t need to see me off dad. I’m a big boy now.”
Lionel laughed at his son. “I know that Lex, I just wanted to make sure that Chloe was meeting expectations.” Lionel then walked around the room. “There is still plenty to do.”

“She has done what I could expect for the time that we were gone.”

Lionel looked at Chloe who had her head down but she was still cleaning, since she hadn’t been told to stop. “She has been quite obedient since you beat her. Now I’m sure son that you can see why beatings are good for them. They make them listen, well except Victoria I have to find other ways to make her listen. I think she got the point yesterday though.”

“Beating Molly worked then?”

“Oh yes, I think I might just have to keep using the girl as needed if she doesn’t shape up. Well I should go collect her and see how she has done with my office. See you tomorrow son.” Lionel then left the room.

Lex walked over to Chloe. “You can stop now, put your things away and go up to our room. I’ll be there shortly.”

Chloe stopped cleaning and then she put the cleaning things back exactly where she had got them from. She kept her head down and left the room. Lex had always escorted her up to their room before, and so she wondered why he wasn’t now. But she couldn’t question him, and so she went up to their bedroom and then locked the door behind her. It was then that went into the bathroom and cleaned the spot where the man had touched her. She also wiped her lips, not wanting any trace of him to be on her. If only Lex had known about it she was sure the man would pay for his actions. Once she was done cleaning herself she went and got on the bed, and started to read the book that Lex had gotten her for her birthday. She had read about ten pages before the door handle started to twitch back and forth. Chloe hid her book in case whoever was coming in wasn’t Lex. But it was Lex who entered the room and Lex who slammed the door behind him. He looked furious, and Chloe couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong. “Lex.”

He turned his head towards her looking her up and down. “Did he hurt you?”

Chloe looked at Lex, and suddenly she knew that he must have been informed that the man had touched her. “No but he touched me, and kissed
me. I wasn’t sure what to do.”

“I saw it, what you did was remarkable. I would have hit the bastard in the face.” Lex started pacing back and forth.

“How did you know?”

“Well Marvin wasn’t outside the office to look at you.” Lex said stopping in his tracks and looking at her.

“I thought he had left.”

Lex shook his head. “I always knew that Henry was breaking the law, I saw the way he looked at other men’s wives. I wanted Marvin to watch you just in case he or one of the others tried anything. I’m glad I did old Henry will get his punishment that’s for sure.”

“He’ll think I told you.”

“Oh believe me Chloe he already knows you didn’t tell me. I went and reviewed the tapes, and brought the evidence to my father. My dad doesn’t like other men besides him breaking the law, so as soon as he saw the video of Henry touching Victoria he really went over the edge.”

“She won’t get in trouble will she? I mean if she does poor Molly will…”

“I’m sure she won’t get into trouble Chloe, after all my father told her to behave, and she was doing as she was told.”

Chloe could feel Lex’s anger, and she wanted to do something to make it go away. “What’s going to happen do you think?”

Lex turned towards Chloe. “Oh he’ll get thrown out for sure, and since he broke the law he will get sent to prison most likely for life. Men don’t usually get in trouble but when they do their punishment is worse than death.”

“What will happen to his wives?”

“I’m not sure what exactly will happen to them or to his children. Usually the women and children are banished from here. They might have to find new husbands, or they might be allowed to stay here as servants.”

“Is your father in charge of the servants?”

Lex looked at her. “Yes, but he puts other people in charge of them as well. He gives them permission to hit the girls, and most of the servants marry the man who has been given permission to control them. Their daughters then become servants as well. It’s an awful thing to be a servant, somehow the line is never allowed to be broken, their daughters are always destined to the same fate they were.”

Chloe found this awful, and she was glad that she wasn’t a servant. “And the servants are they mostly orphans?”

Lex looked at her curiously. “Why are you so interested in them?”

“Because their people Lex, and considering how many servants there are in this place they might help you in your revolt.” Lex looked at her and then he came over and kissed her passionately. “What was that for?”

“You’re a genius I never thought about using the servants in the revolt I was just trying to find as many men as possible who didn’t agree with the law. I never thought that the servants could be useful.”

“You would be amazed at the things women can come up with.” Chloe said sarcastically, knowing that Lex had never thought of the servants as people who would fight back because he had to constantly see them be beat.

“I guess that is why the law needs to allow them to speak for themselves. They have brilliant minds.” Lex touched her cheek his face was beaming at her.

Chloe laughed at him. “You didn’t answer my question though, are they mostly orphans?” Chloe wanted to know for sure, she had only heard rumors that they were.

“Mostly yes, some are outcasts though.” Lex watched as Chloe’s eyes rose curiously at him. “Some of the girls are thrown away by their father’s because they don’t find them pretty enough to marry off. Or some have families that are too large and so their father picks the ones who he thinks no one will pick to marry, and he sends them off to be servants. My father then chooses from the girls, whom he wants to use as servants, the other girls are put into the mills where they can’t be seen.”

“That’s awful.”

“This world is an awful place Chloe.” Lex touched her again wishing that she would stop asking him questions that only had bad answers.
Chloe looked at him sadly. “What happens to the girls at the mill when they reach the age to be married?”

Lex sighed; Chloe seemed to want him to keep telling her bad news. “None of the girls that get sent to the mill ever marry Chloe, so I guess you can figure out for yourself what happens to them.” She looked away from Lex and then went to sit down on the bed. Chloe felt her throat run dry. Lex got into the bed and moved over to her then he touched her back. “Maybe I should have lied to you about it all.”

Chloe shook her head at him. “No I’m glad you told me. I just... how come we don’t know about this?”

“Because it’s a shameful act to toss away your own children, men don’t like talking about it. You see they pretend that they don’t care, but they do. Maybe not for their wives, but they do care for their children. I’ve been there when a man has given his daughter away to my father. Even though he says that his child isn’t pretty enough to marry, only because he has been told this by his neighbors, he can barely sign away the rights to his child. I’ve seen a few men cry over their daughters when they have been forced to try and give them a life where they have enough food to eat. Think about it Chloe how many men have you seen hit their daughters?”

Chloe thought back to all of the fathers in her town, she remembered them yelling at their children, she had hardly ever seen the men strike their daughters. “A few times, not many, not what you would expect when we live with a law that says that a father is allowed to treat his daughters as he pleases.”

“Exactly, men care more about their own flesh and blood because they form a bond with them. The men here however are an exception, they seem to breed heartless men in this building Chloe. That is why I can’t afford to have a child with you, I would be expected to hit her, break her, do whatever needed to be done until she was no longer human. The daughters of the officials walk around like robots, it’s horrible to see. I don’t want that for our child.”

Chloe’s eyes met Lex’s. “You have seen so much, and I have seen so little.”

“Be glad that you haven’t seen as much as I have Chloe.” He pressed her head into his chest. “You are the only thing that has been good in my life. I know we have only spent a few days with each other, but I feel as if I have known you my whole life.”

“I feel the same way about you Lex.” She lifted her head to look at him. “Let’s stop talking about all of this depressing stuff and just be happy that we are together.” She kissed his lips touching his face, and understanding why she could feel so much tension underneath his skin. She took her lips off from his when he hadn’t kissed her back. She looked at him curiously.

“I want it to end.” He whispered to her.

Chloe caressed his cheek. “I know you do Lex.”

Lex looked at Chloe and he remembered how the first time he had looked at her he had pictured a small girl with her eyes, he knew it was the image of their daughter that they could never have. He wanted to have one though; he wanted that little girl to grow and be happy and live free. Lex was determined to change the way things were, he just wished that he could make the change happen faster than it was. Lex pushed the picture of the little girl from his mind, and then he touched Chloe’s cheek. He pressed a kiss against her lips. “I love you Chloe.” He said into her ear when he had finished kissing her.

The words seemed so foreign to Chloe, even though her father had told her that he loved her just days ago. But she hadn’t expected them to come from Lex, especially not so soon. She was confused now, not sure if she felt the same way about him that he did for her. She could tell by the look in his eyes that he was sincere, and she wondered if he would be hurt if he didn’t hear the words said back to him. “Lex I don’t know… I don’t know if…” Chloe stammered she had been completely unprepared for him to say that to her.

Lex touched her cheek. “Its fine Chloe, I just thought you should know.” He moved towards her again and kissed her.

Chloe kissed him back her lips deepening his kiss. She knew that she liked kissing him, and that she liked feeling his arms around her, but she just didn’t know if she loved him. She felt horrible not telling him it back, but she figured that she would rather be honest with him than lie. Chloe then put her hands against Lex’s chest and pushed him down gently so that his head rested on the pillow. She kept kissing him and their hands entwined. The heat that was rising in her chest told her the answer she had been looking for, she had just been afraid to admit it to him so soon. She stopped kissing him abruptly, which made Lex look at her curiously. “What is it?”

She smiled down at him and he gripped his hands tighter with hers. “It’s just that I realized I love you too. I guess I was afraid to admit it to you so soon, we haven’t been married that long, but picturing my life without you, without what you make me feel, makes my heart empty. My heart is always full when I’m with you.”

Lex grinned back at her. “You truly are amazing Chloe.” He removed one of his hands from hers to brush her hair from her face. “Please continue sweetheart.” He looked up at her his eyes begging for her lips to touch his again.

“Of course master.” Chloe giggled at him and then she kissed him again.

Chloe didn’t know how long they had kissed for or how long she had kept her body over Lex’s. But she remembered there being a knock on the door that their food was ready, and they had completely ignored it. Their stomachs were rumbling with hunger hours after that had happened though and Lex told her that he was going to go get them something to eat. They had both ate the food that Lex had brought back and then they had kissed each other again.

Now Lex was snoring silently beside Chloe while she watched him sleep, their hands were entwined together. She found it strange how she thought that she would hate him, and that she would never love him. But here she was completely in love with a man who she had married just days ago. She took one last look at Lex’s peaceful face and then she buried her head into his chest and closed her eyes. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder what Lionel Luthor would think if he could see inside their room, she was sure that they would both be punished for the rest of their lives if he could see them so in love with each other.

****

The next day Chloe and Lex went to breakfast and then she was sent to clean his office again. She had been in there for hours cleaning and she couldn’t help but wonder when Lex was going to come back to get her.

He finally appeared after three hours and said, “Stop cleaning. I want to show you something.”

Chloe followed him out of his office and down a flight of stairs. Then he led her down a long hallway and into a room. The door to the room was large and Chloe could tell that even with Lex’s strength he had a hard time opening it. When they were both in the room Lex closed the door, and then he went over to where a camera was hanging on the wall. She watched as he turned it off and then went over and turned off another smaller camera on the other side of the room that was barely even noticeable. Chloe then glanced around the room and stared at the pictures of men who looked like Lex and Lionel. They all looked cold and proud. The looks on all of their faces made Chloe shiver.

Lex walked over to stand next to her and they both looked at the picture that was on the wall. There was a black and white picture of a man who looked to be in his thirties. His eyes showed no emotion, but Chloe could tell that Lex was related to this man because they had some of the same features. She could also tell that if the man had been in color than he would have Lionel’s hair coloring, but he didn’t have Lionel’s beard. In fact the man was cleanly shaven which was very different from all of the other men in the room, since they all had beards. “This is the first Luthor who came to live in this place. He left Germany to make his own rules. He brought other men with him, and they had wives, and he of course had his own wife.” Chloe glanced around the room hoping that it was safe to talk to Lex, and that he hadn’t missed a camera. Lex must have guessed at what she was thinking because he said, “It’s alright I made sure all the cameras are off. Say whatever you want.”

“Why did the people he brought with him accept the law?” She stared at Lex wanting more answers about the Luthor line, and about why the law was put into place.

“Well Louis was a horrible man. From the history books that we have here, they say that even when he lived in Germany he always treated his wife badly. She had gotten pregnant many times but she would always lose her children. Louis would tell her that it was her fault and she would receive punishments for it. There were a lot of men in the village where Louis lived who wanted him to leave, because he not only treated his wife with cruelty but others as well. Some of the men in the village didn’t seem to mind the way Louis treated people or his wife, and so that was how Louis choose the men he took with him. He had heard of this place from his grandfather who had wanted to flee Germany as well. So once most of the village was ready to kick him out he left.”

Lex paused and moved towards a different picture that was in the room. Chloe moved to stand next to him and stared at a picture that was of twenty men and women. She could see Louis standing in the middle with his hand gripped possessively around a woman; Chloe assumed that she was his wife. “When they got here Louis demanded that he should be in charge. He started making rules about the women that they had brought with him because he knew that all of the men would agree with him. But Louis didn’t stop there. He wanted to be in complete control of everything, and everyone. So he made the men agree to let him do whatever it was that he wanted. Not only did the women lose their rights but the men did as well.”

“Why didn’t the men just revolt against him? I mean there were nineteen of them right I’m sure they could have done something.”

“One of them tried to, and Louis killed him without a second thought. The others then became afraid of him. But it wasn’t just the people that Louis brought with him that were afraid of him but the people who had lived here long before Louis arrived. Louis had convinced a few of the men he had brought with him to help him make sure that everyone would obey his laws. Since the men didn’t want to die they went along with it. Louis would travel to different parts of the town with the men and they would instill fear to the people who lived there. None of them spoke the language Louis and the others did so they didn’t understand what was going on. But Louis didn’t care that they couldn’t understand; he was determined to make them understand. So he would observe the different parts and find out what they appreciated most. Some of the towns worshiped, in a temple, others saw their wives and children as the most precious things in the world.” Lex paused and looked at Chloe, he felt horrible that this was a part of his linage. He wished that it wasn’t, that he hadn’t been born a Luthor, but he had and he knew that Chloe was curious about how everything had happened.

Chloe looked back at Lex with curiosity. “So he destroyed them?” She figured that this might be something that Louis would do especially since he had already killed one man, and hurt his own wife.

“Yes he did. For the people who loved to worship, he would burn down the temples. Then he would stay in town until the people understood that in order for their temples to be rebuilt they would have to agree to his laws. The people who lived here silently agreed because all of them wanted to keep the peace and since a man had come in and was trying to destroy it they were willing to do whatever it took. But they unfortunately they still didn’t understand exactly what the law meant, and many of them broke it. They were rounded up and were either punished or killed. Soon the people learned what kinds of things they were allowed to do and what kinds of things they weren’t allowed to do. They also started to pick up on Louis’ language, and so they were able to talk to him. Louis did the same thing in every place that he visited, he would either burn down temples, or he would take women and children from the men who loved them more than anything else in the world. Louis would give back the wives and children to the men when they agreed to the law. But by the time the wives were returned they had been badly beaten, and most of them had been raped. Louis showed no mercy in anything that he did, and he knew that the people who lived in this land wouldn’t revolt against him since they were determined to keep the peace.”

“He was an awful man.” Chloe glanced back up at the picture of Louis and the men that he had brought with him.

Lex couldn’t agree more with her about that. “He was he was able to get people to change their way of life. He was able to take control of all of them, and he was able to make them hate women. The only reason Louis allowed for women to stay around was because he needed a line, and he couldn’t reproduce without them. He only saw them good for that one thing, and if they couldn’t produce children then they were killed.”

“So did he kill his own wife?” She turned her head abruptly to look at Lex.

“He did, he made sure to do it publicly so that everyone could see that he was serious about this part of the law. Then he found himself a new wife.” Lex pointed to the picture that they were standing in front of. Chloe could tell that he was pointing to the woman who Louis had his arm around. “That women Rebecca became his new wife. She had come with the man who had thought that he was Louis’ best friend. But Louis cared about no one but himself, and he took the man’s wife as his own. The man pleaded with Louis to not take her, and Louis saw him as a law breaker. Louis was the one who was in control and he wasn’t going to let this man get in the way of what he wanted. So he punished the man, by torture. No one even likes to talk about what Louis did because it was just too horrible. Louis’ first male child started to ease up on the law on the men once his father died. His name was Lance, and he was much smarter than his father. He could see the people that lived here getting more upset over the law, and so in order to keep the peace he eased up on the way men were treated. The men appreciated this greatly and they were completely enthralled with Lance.”

“The women however weren’t so lucky. Because by the time Lance was in control, men were used to treating their women as if they were animals. The men liked the control that they had over the women and so they weren’t about to give it up.”

“So was Lance a little better than his father?”

“Well I wouldn’t say that he was much better no. Sure he let up on the law his father had put into place but it was only so that he could manipulate the people that he ruled. When Lance wanted something, he made sure he got it. Lance ran through numerous women, forcing them to have as many children as possible. Even to do this day it isn’t clear how many children Lance had. You see he didn’t even care if these women were his wives, he didn’t care if they were married. The only thing he cared about was if they were pretty enough to want, and if they were then he made sure that he could have them. He manipulated many men into giving up their wives to him, and he manipulated many fathers into giving up their young children to him. This was how the law of being married seventeen came into play. Lance was sick of running around in search of women to marry, and so he decided that if he made the law then most of the fathers would bring their daughters to him.”

Lex had moved to a different picture that was in the room, and Chloe glanced up at man that had a huge bushy beard and cold eyes. He looked as though he was looking at her, and she felt a shiver run up her spine. “So all of the Luthor men came to hate women?” Chloe turned back to Lex; she hoped that at least one of the men had wanted to change the law like Lex did.

“Yes they did, they were all raised by it. They all saw their mothers receive punishments or be killed, and to them it was natural. They liked the way things were and they didn’t want to change them, and there were other men who liked the law as well. That is how a council had started to form, to make sure that the law would always remain in place. But a Luthor was always in complete control, and they could overturn whatever law they wanted to. This never happened though, instead the law tended to get harsher and harsher. The way women were treated grew worse and worse and the men enjoyed themselves more. The loved to see women in pain, they loved the control they had over them, and so they were always searching for new ways to make life harder for women.”

Lex turned to face Chloe, and Chloe could see the pain that was in his eyes. She reached up and touched his cheek, knowing that he was hating that he was a Luthor, and that he had ancestors who had done horrible things. “You’re not like them Lex, and if you weren’t a Luthor then you wouldn’t be able to change the law when you are in charge.”

“I know that is the only reason I am grateful to be a Luthor. I’m going to make sure things are different because this can’t continue. It has been going on for more than three hundred years and it needs to stop.” He took her hand and squeezed it, glad that he at least had her to talk to about all of this.

Both Chloe and Lex jumped though when the door to the room opened a few seconds later. They turned towards the door, and when Chloe saw Lionel she immediately put her head down. “Lex, I was wondering why the cameras were off in here. Decided to have some fun in here with your wife did you?”

“Yes and I thought I should show her our wonderful ancestors and all that they have done for the law.” Lex moved closer to his father while Chloe remained where she was.

Lionel smirked at his son and then glanced around the room. “They surely were smart when they created the law. I can only hope that we are both going to do it justice. But considering that we have made sure that women know their place in our world I assume that they are happy with the results. Everyone except for maybe Louis, but if we had kept the law as he wanted it then I’m sure that the Luthor line would have been killed off.” Lionel paused and then he moved over to Chloe who was still looking down at the floor. “Women will always know their place in our law; they will always know that we hold all the control. That we have the power to do whatever we want to them.” Then Lionel placed his hand under Chloe’s chin and forced her to look at him. “Isn’t that right sweetheart?”

“Yes sir.” Chloe gritted out, she was uncomfortable, and she certainly didn’t want Lionel to touch her.

“Watch your tone with me.” Lionel removed his hand and then he turned towards Lex. “You better teach her another lesson Lex. Women need to know their places in our lives. I’ve started to make sure Victoria understands her place in mine again. She has become highly disobedient and hurting her daughter has sure made her improve somewhat in her ways. Molly has always been Victoria’s weakness and I have no problem hurting the girl to get what I want from Victoria.”

At his words anger rose in Chloe’s chest and before she could stop herself she blurted out, “You’re an asshole.” Then realizing that she had just said the words out loud she glanced at Lex, fear was reflected in her eyes.

Lionel didn’t even give Lex the chance to punish her he strode over and hit her hard on the cheek. The hit had made Chloe’s head go to the side and she had to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. She wasn’t about to show Lionel that she was weak. Then he grabbed her chin again. “So disrespectful your wife is Lex, you would think she would be more appreciative considering we gave her a better life.”

“I’ll take care of her, and make sure it never happens again.” Lex had moved over and gripped Chloe’s arm tightly.

“You do that Lex, and maybe you should remind her about the way she is supposed to behave more often. I told you they always slip up, and they do tend to need to be reminded quite often of their rule breaking.” Lionel glared at Chloe and then he dropped his hand from her chin. Then he left the room giving Lex one last look.

Lex pushed Chloe out of the room still holding onto her arm, and then he dragged her up to the bedroom. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Chloe told Lex as soon as the door was closed.

“I know you are. I was thinking the same thing about him. But Chloe you have to try and control your temper.” Lex walked over to her and
touched her cheek where his father had hit her. “You’re going to have a bruise from him. I’m sorry that he hit you.” He placed a light kiss on her cheek.

“It’s not your fault it’s mine.” Chloe moved away from him and sat down on the bed. She didn’t want to make Lex feel guilty she had been the one to make the mistake.

Lex sat down next to her and held her hand. “It is my fault he is my father after all.”

“But you can’t stop him. Right now your father can do whatever he wants. He can break any law he wants to.” Chloe looked at Lex again, fear reflected in her eyes. This was the first time that she realized that Lionel could do whatever he wanted to her even if she was married to Lex.

Lex stroked the cheek that Lionel hadn’t hit. “I know that is why we both have to be careful. If there is a next time Chloe then he’ll do something worse to you.”

“I’ll control my anger Lex. I’m so sorry.” She moved her face into his hand more so she could feel his warmth.

“It’s alright we all make mistakes.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips, and he knew that the next time his father even attempted to lay his hands on Chloe he was going to stop him. He should have stopped him tonight, but he had been shocked by Chloe’s outburst, and he hadn’t been anticipating that his father would hit her.

[ladyfayerie]

Wow. That was long! :D I love how sweet they are to each other now! Lionel. Whew. He's mean! :( I am looking forward to their romance.. Excited!!! :D

[cbrunberg]

loved that this chapter was long.can't wait to see the the romance between lex and chloe.also can't wait to see how lex takes care of his father

[Kekamarie]

Chapter Six

In the morning when Chloe woke up Lex was gone from the bed. Chloe panicked for a minute thinking that Lionel had come and taken Lex away from her, like what had happened in her dreams. But then she heard the shower running and she made herself take a deep breath. She then had to brace herself for what was going to happen today.

Lex came out of the bathroom already dressed in his suit. He smiled when he saw Chloe was awake. “Good morning.” He said and then he placed a kiss on her lips.

“Morning, did you sleep well?”

“Like a baby.” Lex touched her cheek and then he looked at the clock that was in the room. “You better hurry and get dressed or we will be late.”

Chloe grabbed her clothes and then went into the bathroom to change. She quickly returned and they immediately headed down for breakfast. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder why it was they always had to eat breakfast with everyone but not the rest of their meals. “Lex my dear boy.” Lionel said once they entered the dining room. “I heard you didn’t get your dinner until late last night. Having fun were you?” Lionel acted as though he had never slapped Chloe yesterday, which made her angry, but she didn’t lift her head to give him a harsh stare. She had promised herself that she wouldn’t mess up again.

Lex looked at his father and then at the other men around the room who were all staring at him. “Yes I was.” He told Chloe to sit and then he sat down next to her.

“No wonder why they were almost late then.” One of the men laughed.

“I guess after Henry touched your wife the other day you had to show her who should really be touching her.” A man nudged Lex in the side.

Chloe could feel Lex tensing up when the man said this. “Speaking of which what has happened to him?”

“I sent him away to the prison and made him sign away his rights to all of his children. The boys of course will continue with their education here, the girls are our new servants, and his wives are in the holding pen.”

Chloe could only imagine what the holding pen was. “Don’t you think you should show your wife what happens to people who break the law Lex?” The man who had nudged Lex said.

“Yeah Lex I have took my wives down there a few times, they never wanted to disobey me after the sights they saw.” The man let out an evil laugh, and a few others joined in.

“That doesn’t sound like such a bad idea Lex. You should show her tomorrow, when you don’t have to be in any meetings.” Lionel told Lex.

Chloe shuddered beside Lex knowing that he was the only one who would be able to tell that anything had changed in her demeanor. “Sounds good to me.”

The men let out a cheer, clearly glad that their idea had been accepted by him. “We are signing the new law today right Lionel?”

“Yes we are Tyler; I hope you all are just as proud of this new law as I am.”

“Of course we have wanted the marriage age to be lowered for quite some time. I have a few servants who I can’t wait to call mine.”

“As if you haven’t already kissed them all.” One man told the other sarcastically.

“Well now Edward we have all kissed a servant before.” Lionel said with a laugh.

Chloe wished she wasn’t hearing this conversation. “Are you not giving your wife any breakfast today Lex?” A man asked with surprise.

Lex looked down at his empty plate; he had completely forgotten to leave some for Chloe. He was so angry with what the men were talking about that he had just stuffed his mouth with food, hoping that he wouldn’t be asked his own opinion. “No, not this morning.” Lex said coldly.

“Was she not good enough last night son?”

“She could have been better.”

“I’m sure you will get a better performance from her tonight then.” Lionel said to Lex again, and Chloe hated how openly these men talked about what should be private information.

Lex looked over at Chloe his eyes were dark. “I’m sure I will indeed. Now what are you waiting for get up and get cleaning, you know the way to my office.”

Chloe hated the way Lex had to talk to her when they were outside of his room. But she got up as soon as he had stopped talking and left the room without looking at anyone. She then made her way into Lex’s office and started to clean where she had left off. She moved faster today knowing that Lionel would probably be with Lex again and he would expect perfection. She cleaned everything thoroughly and then went back over the whole room, making sure she didn’t miss anything. The hours went by quickly, which kept her mind away from her stomach which gurgled with hunger. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if Lex had eaten everything on his plate on purpose or if it had been an accident. She was sure that Lionel was proud of him though, and so she thought that it had just been another one of Lex’s plans.

Chloe heard footsteps coming into the room but she didn’t stop cleaning. Lex came into part of her vision, and Chloe was surprised to see that he was alone. He walked over to her and grabbed her arm. “Stop.” He said and then he kissed her harshly. “Put your supplies away and get up to our room now.” He snapped.

Chloe didn’t understand what was going on but she did as she was told. On the way up to her bedroom she suddenly realized why Lex had wanted her to leave so suddenly. There were girls screaming, and they were being dragged by men through the halls. “No I don’t want to.” One girl shouted at the top of her lungs as she was being dragged by a man. The man who was dragging her had stopped and slapped her hard across the face. Chloe had kept walking hurrying back up to her room not wanting to see anymore. She opened the bedroom door quickly and then she locked it shut.

Lex came in a few minutes after she had. “It’s complete madness out there. My god what do they think they are doing the bastards.” Lex then hit his hands against the wall. Chloe didn’t say anything to him instead she put her hands in her lap and looked down at them. Lex then went into the bathroom and Chloe heard the water running. She was afraid of what Lex was going to do, so she opened the bathroom door and peered in at him. For the first time she saw him crumpled on the floor crying. Chloe went over to him and wiped his tears away. “Why me?” He asked her even though he knew she didn’t have the answer. Chloe didn’t say anything she just sat down next to him and took his hand. Lex leaned his head on her shoulder; tears were still rolling down his cheeks. Once the tears had stopped falling from his eyes he got up and turned off the water that was still running. He then went over to Chloe and offered her his hand. Chloe took it and then he pulled her up from the floor. They then went and sat on the bed together. And Chloe’s stomach finally broke the silence. “Oh god I forgot you have got to be hungry, I was so angry this morning I forgot you didn’t have your own plate of food. What an idiot I am.”

“You’re not an idiot Lex.”

Lex ignored her though, because he wanted to think of himself as being an idiot. “I wonder if it’s still crazy out there. I guess there is only one way to find out. Lock the door behind me.” Lex walked out of the room and Chloe got up and locked the door behind him. She was at a complete loss for words, not knowing what she could say that would possibly make Lex feel better. When he walked back into the room he held a plate of food that was steaming. “Here, eat it all, after all I ate all of our breakfast, and I’m not hungry.” He set the plate on another larger plate so that it wasn’t hot on Chloe’s lap, and gave it to her. He then went over and grabbed pajamas from his dresser. Chloe watched him go silently into the bathroom and shut the door.

Chloe then ate some of the food that was on the plate, but she wasn’t that hungry either. She could only imagine what the girls were going through. When Lex came back out from the bathroom he got up on the bed and crawled under the covers. Chloe came over to him the food still in her hands. “Are you sure you don’t want any?”

“Positive.”

Chloe set the plate on the night stand that was next to her side of the bed. She then went back over to Lex. “Is there anything that I can do?”

Lex looked at her, and then he touched the dress she was wearing. “You can change and come under here with me if you want.”

Chloe shook her head at him and she quickly went over to her dresser and instead of pulling out a pajama shirt and bottoms she grabbed a nightgown. She then went into the bathroom and changed. “Do you want the light off?”

“Yes.” His voice was hoarse.

Chloe shut the light off and then she untied the curtain that had been tied near the window that was in the room so that the room was filled with darkness. Chloe then got under the covers and laid her head down on Lex’s outstretched arm. “Do you want anything else?”

“Just you is fine.” Lex said as he put his face on hers and kissed her cheek. “I just want to rest my mind for awhile.”

“I’ll stay quiet for you.” She turned on her side so that their faces were close together.

Lex touched her face, and then he closed his eyes. Chloe watched him for awhile, until he dozed off and then she turned and looked at the ceiling. There had to be something that they could do to make all of this stop.
When Lex woke up he could tell that Chloe was awake, because he could see her eyes gleaming. “Did you sleep?”

Chloe turned her head toward him in surprise. “No.”

Lex sat up and reached out for her face. He then kissed her. “Are you hungry?” Lex asked after he broken away from her.

“A little.” Chloe admitted to him. “But you need to eat more than I do. Your stomach kept growling while you slept.”

Lex got off the bed and turned on the light. “You didn’t have much to eat for lunch.” Lex said as he went over and grabbed the plate of food.

“I wasn’t very hungry.”

He then went over to the phone that was in their room. “Can I get someone to bring up my dinner?”

Once he was done with the phone conversation he went back over to the bed. “I just hope that this new law will bring about more riots, then maybe we can act.”

Chloe looked over at him. “Do you really think that people are going to get upset over this?”

“Mothers will and women in the various towns that the law rules over were already getting wild. They are getting sick of being treated like animals. Of course members of the law just go in and silence all those who are creating a disruption, and then things settle down for awhile until another woman makes a stand then other women follow.”

“I’ve never seen a riot in my part of town.”

Lex shook his head at her. “We have little problem with the underclass they seem to be more conservative with the amount of children they have. It’s the middle class, and upper class towns we have the most problems with. When there are more people there are more riots.”

“How does the law know who is starting a riot?”

“The law has eyes and ears everywhere Chloe. There is always someone in different parts of town how work for us, take Gregory for instance, he tells us everything that goes on in your part of town.”

“He works for the law?” ‘No wonder why he always was better off than everyone else and thought that he was above everyone’, Chloe thought.

Lex shook his head at Chloe. “I found out about you through him. He was constantly raving about a girl that he was sure to make his. I know the way Gregory treats his wives, and so I thought maybe I could save you from him. It took awhile to convince my father though, he told me if anyone ever found out that I’d married someone who was underclass he would lose his reputation.”

“So you wanted to save me?” Chloe looked at him curiously.

“Yes, I figured that you might have a better life here than with him. Although now I’m not so sure I made the right choice.”

“Of course you did Lex, if I had been married to him he would have forced me to bear his children, and be obedient. I can only imagine how many times I would have been beaten if I had been married to him.”

Lex ran his fingers through her hair, and then there was a knock at the door. Lex got up and took the old plate of food with him. He went and opened the door. “Dad.” Lex said in surprise.

“Shouldn’t your wife be taking care of that for you?” Lionel looked down at the plate in Lex’s hand.

“I suppose so; I guess I’m still getting used to having her to take care of things.”

“Why did you rush off so soon after our meeting?”

“Well I…” Lex stammered as he looked at his father.

Lionel smiled at Lex. “It must be because you want a child so badly that you keep staying with her all the time.”

“Yes of course. Did you need something?”

“I just wanted you to know that the marriages are happening now. You are expected to come down and watch. We are going to make them short and sweet since there are so many. If only the servants realized how lucky they are to be marrying such fine men. There wasn’t one that caught your eye was there son?”

“No one I can think of in particular.”

A girl then came pushing a cart that held dinner. “Well eat your dinner and then bring yourself and her down to the ballroom. You really should think about getting another wife my dear boy, especially with all the pretty servants we have running around.”

Lex just shook his head at his father, and then he placed the plate from lunch in the girl’s hand and took the dinner plate. When he went back into the room, he put the plate on the middle of the bed. “Well it looks as though there is still more to suffer from.” Lex said as he took his fork and started to eat.

Chloe looked at him sadly; she didn’t want to see these young girls get married. “What age did they lower the marriage age too?”

“Well they made it so that when girls are sixteen they now have to be married. Usually the servants here wait until their seventeenth birthdays because we like to use them for as long as possible.” Lex passed Chloe the fork he was using.

Chloe ate from the plate, and then gave Lex back the fork to finish. “Do we have to watch it happen?”

“I’m afraid so, and I’m afraid that tomorrow I’m going to have to take you to see the holding pen. My father and his officials keep talking about it, and they have already given us an escort to go down there. It’s a horrible place Chloe.”

Chloe shuddered she didn’t want to see any of this. “I guess I have to put on a mask just like you do.”

“Then you know you can come in here and vent all you want.” He touched her and then he took the empty plate and went back out of the room. He gave it to the girl who was waiting for him, and he returned to Chloe. “We better get changed do you want the bathroom or do you want to change in here?”

“I’ll go to the bathroom.” Chloe grabbed a dress and went into the bathroom to change and fix her hair.

She went back out to the room and found Lex. He opened the doors to their room and walked in front of her, leading her down to the ball room. There were a lot of people there, and Chloe could see the rows of women who had to watch their husbands take another wife. She knew that this was what was happening because the women were sitting in the first rows. Men liked watching their other wives faces when they married someone who was younger than them.

Lex sat by his father and then he told Chloe to sit. Chloe sat down next to him and stared straight ahead. “I thought you were going to marry Savannah father.” Lex said to him.

“I will Lex, I made this just for the officials.”

“Ah I see.”

Chloe remembered the girl who had been called Savannah. She had been the one who was in charge of taking care of her before her wedding. “She is working on making the other girls look their best and then she will join us.”

It was then that Chloe noticed that Molly was sitting next to her mother and there was an empty seat between Lionel and Victoria. Chloe hadn’t seen Molly since the girl had been beaten, and she could see that there were marks across her face, and her hands were bandaged. Chloe could only imagine what Lionel had done to her. “Did James have a fit?” Lex asked his father smirking at him.

“Oh he was quite upset over it, but I told him that Savannah was never going to be his. I’m quite glad that I don’t have to wait a few more months until she turns seventeen to marry her. Ever since I laid eyes on that girl I knew I was going to marry her. I was quite thrilled when her father offered her in exchange for him to keep his house.”

“Is he marrying anyone today?”

“No, he is much too busy getting the girls dresses and hair done.”

The trumpets sounded, letting the crowd know that it was time for the weddings to begin. As soon as they had started Savannah had rushed over and taken her seat next to Lionel. Lionel put his hand on the girl; his hand was gripping her hair. “I trust you did a good job then?”

“Yes sir.”

“Good girl.” Lionel took his hand away from Savannah’s hair and placed it on her leg.

It was then that the girls started to come down the aisle without anyone escorting them. They were all wearing beautiful gowns, but they all looked as though they didn’t want to be married. Chloe only glanced at them quickly though knowing that her eyes were only supposed to stay on what was going on in front of her. There were about a dozen men who Chloe recognized vaguely from sitting at the dining table when they ate their breakfast. The girls came up and stood near the men who they were to marry, a few men had two girls standing with him. Chloe wanted to stop looking. Even though she was just a year older than most of them, Chloe felt that they were too young to be married. Especially since all of the men were at least Lionel’s age. It was sickening and she felt the urge to lose her supper.

The man who married Lex and Chloe came over to each of the couples. He quickly read what the girls were supposed to give up. The girls had obeyed and said that they would give up their rights. Chloe thought that all of them were going to behave until the man walked over to the last child that was to be married. She looked scared and Chloe could tell that she didn’t want to marry. When the man asked if she would give up her rights, she shook her head, and said in a loud shaky voice “I will not”. The crowed suddenly started chatting to one another.

The man who was going to be her husband hit her. “Excuse me.”

The girl looked straight into the man’s eyes. “Take me to the holding pen if you please. I will not marry you.”

“Like hell you won’t.”

At that Lionel stood up and walked over to the man and child. “Unfortunately my dear girl you don’t have that right. I give up her rights for her.” Lionel said glaring at the girl.

The girl attempted to run from them, but she was grabbed immediately. Then there was a piercing scream that echoed through the room. Chloe had turned her head away not wanting to watch what was happening. When she looked again the man was holding the unconscious girl. Lionel looked at the man. “Take her to your quarters Isaac; I’ll make sure her rights are signed over to you.”

The man dragged the girl out of the room. The rest of the girls looked frightened and Chloe was sure that they were glad that they hadn’t protested as much as she had. After Isaac and the girl were gone the girls started signing pieces of papers and the crowd was talking to each other as though the incident had never happened.

Lionel had come back over to them, and he looked at Savannah. He held his hand out to the girl, and she took it. “There will be no feast tonight Lex.” Lionel’s hand gripped Savannah’s and then he glanced at Victoria. “Get up and go to bed.” Victoria got up and Molly had gotten up with her. “Excuse me young lady but I wasn’t talking to you. Sit.” Molly immediately sat down in her chair. Victoria walked away slowly from them, and once she was out of sight Lionel let go of Savannah’s hand and grabbed Molly forcing her up from her chair. “You and your mother have no respect.” He bent over and grabbed the girl’s face. “You better start paying better attention Molly or you’ll regret the day you were born. Now go to bed.” He hit her on the back of the head as she left the room. After she was gone Lionel took Savannah’s hand again. Chloe didn’t understand why he was being so affectionate towards the girl.

“You can get up.” Lex told Chloe who was still seated. She got up and looked down at the floor. “We’re going to bed.” Lex said as he turned and left the room, Chloe followed behind him. She walked with him until they reached their bedroom. Chloe shut the door and locked it as soon as they were inside and fell onto the bed. Lex sat down next to her.

“Can’t you take him down now?” Chloe asked Lex hopefully, she wanted the girls to have a chance at life instead of being forced to live their lives according to men.

“I wish I could Chloe. Let’s just get some sleep.” Lex grabbed the pajamas he had been wearing and he changed his clothes in the bathroom. Chloe changed into her nightgown and threw her dirty clothes into the chute. She crawled under the covers of the bed and laid her head down on her pillow. When Lex came out of the bathroom he threw his clothes down the chute and then shut off the light. He got into the bed next to her and moved over to Chloe. He wrapped his arms around her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She kissed him tenderly on the lips and put her head on his chest.

That night all Chloe could dream about were the girls screaming and the men hurting them. She wanted to live in a different world, one in which this sort of thing didn’t happen. Chloe tossed and turned most of the night. When she woke up in the morning Lex was staring at her. “Time to see what this new day brings.” Lex mumbled to her as he got out of the bed. “You should take a shower, and try and relax.”

Chloe shook her head, and grabbed her clothes. She took a warm shower and then she went and found Lex. They went back downstairs for breakfast. The table had seemed to grow in size over night. There were so many girls at the table now, and many of the men had at least three plates of food put in front of them to feed all their wives. Chloe sat when Lex told her too, and she put her hands in her lap as his breakfast was served to him. It was then that Chloe noticed that Molly was refilling their drinks, and Chloe knew something was wrong because this wasn’t Molly’s job. Once Molly had refilled everyone’s drinks she stood near Lionel who stared at her coldly.

“Lionel if you don’t mind what is going on?” One of the men asked him.

“Molly has been saying some terrible things about the law, when she thinks no one is watching.” Lionel stood from his chair and looked at the men. They were all staring in anticipation. “Come here Molly.” The girl walked over to him, and that was when Lionel grabbed her by her dress and lifted her to his face. “You are an ungrateful little brat, just like your mother. I take you both in from the kindness of my heart and what do you do but give me grief.” He spit in the girls face and dropped her. He started removing his belt from his pants, when Victoria flew from her seat and stood in front of Molly.

“No please I will take her punishment.”

Lionel shoved Victoria away from him, and he raised his arm ready to strike Molly. But the door to the dining room opened which distracted him. “Excuse me sir but I’m supposed to lead Mr. Luthor and his wife to the holding pen.”

“Yes well take them then, you can see that I’m busy.”

Lex told Chloe to get up and they both walked out of the door. Chloe walked behind Lex and the man that had been sent to lead them. There were cries coming out of the room, but the farther they walked away the more the sound faded away until Chloe heard nothing at all.
Chloe went down at least three flights of stairs, until she realized that they were going into the basement of the law building. The air had grown colder and Chloe felt goose bumps popping up on her skin. They were led through a door and that was when Chloe saw the cages that contained women. They were standing above the cages looking down at the women who were huddled together to stay warm. There was a large desk at the side where a man was calling out numbers. He would say what the women were in the holding pen for, and then he would give their sentencing.

“I’ll leave you to watch.” The man said and then he walked down another flight of stairs and Chloe saw him come and grab a woman who was weeping from her cell.

Chloe watched as the women were sentenced to death for breaking the law. There were many different ways that their deaths could occur though. Chloe blocked it all out pretending that she couldn’t hear the sentences. She didn’t know how long they stood there until she saw Lionel dragging Molly and Victoria down. He dragged them down the next flight of stairs and threw them into a cell. Once he had the two of them clung to each other. Molly and Victoria were both bleeding, and Chloe knew that Lionel had taken out all of his anger on the two of them. When Lionel came back up he stood next to Lex. “Women.” He said disturbed.

“Are you leaving them for good or scaring them?” Lex cocked his head at his father.

“Scaring them. I’ll let them sit down here for awhile; maybe when they come back they’ll realize how good they have it.” Lionel glanced over at Chloe; he could tell that she was displeased with what was going on. “I’m sure you’ll be sure to behave now that you have seen this won’t you?”

“Yes sir.” Chloe told him without looking at him.

“Good, oh and Lex we have given you a time limit.” Lionel told him with a smirk.

Lex looked at his father with surprise. “A time limit?”

“To have a child, we have decided that you and Chloe have a year and a half to get pregnant. If you don’t get her pregnant by then, well you know what happens.”

“And if she is proven not to be able to bear children?”

“Then you will have to get a new wife, and she will be released to me.”

“Her rights belong to me father.”

“That’s where you are wrong my dear boy. Your rights belong to me; therefore hers also belong to me. I told you that I wasn’t going to make your marriage easy, if you didn’t play by my rules Lex.” Lionel patted Lex’s back and then he smiled at Chloe. “You should get started soon, so you won’t have to worry about losing her.” Lionel left the room and Chloe was left with a nasty taste in her mouth.

She hated that Lionel was so powerful, and that he could decide their fate. Lex turned towards her. “Come.” He said his voice was solemn. Chloe followed Lex up at least six flights of stairs; then he led her into their bedroom and then sat on the bed. “Damn it!” Lex shouted.

Chloe sat down next to him. Her eyes ran over his knowing that he was trying to figure out a way to get out of this. “Why don’t we just do it then?” Chloe asked him.

“No.” Lex said as he stood up from the bed.

“Lex we don’t have a choice I don’t want to be Lionel’s.”

Lex looked at her. “Give me a few months alright? Let me figure out something.” Lex wasn’t sure what he could do to make his father change his mind but he was going to try. He didn’t want to have a child that would have to live through what he had to. Lex was sure that there was something that he could do; he just had to figure out a plan.

[hfce]

I hope Lex figures it out soon. That law is terrible.

[Historianic]

Gosh. This is just heartbreaking. I think Lex needs to start setting things in motion for a revolt. Way easier said than done, I know. Please continue! This is such a different take on Chlex and I really like that

[leeleeginevra]

I'm really interested to see where this is going!

[cbrunberg]

can't wait to see what happens.

[ladyfayerie]

Woah. I'll be keeping an eye on this one!!!! :O

[tatie87]

Lionel is evil in this story. I really enjoying the plot so far.

[Kekamarie]

Sorry I haven't posted an update in awhile I'm finishing up my last week of college classes so life has been kind of crazy. I hope that i can update this weekend. So sorry but be looking for an update soon and as always thank you for reading. :)

[Annie13]

i really like this story. look forward to the update.

[Kekamarie]

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated. School was driving me insane but now I'm almost done with this semester so I'll have more time. Thank you again for all of the kind reviews I hope you like the update. I'm sorry that it's small but I'm still working on the ending I should be able to finish it soon.

Chapter Seven

The few months however turned into a year. Lex hadn’t found any way to change the predicament that they were in, and Chloe knew that she was going to have to do something. The law building had been very quiet over the year though, the girls no longer tried putting up a fight, and instead they walked around like robots. Lex had hoped that his plan to revolt against his father would be set in motion by now but things had gone badly. A few men had been killed for their beliefs, and Lex had grieved for awhile for them. He knew it was his fault that they were dead.

Chloe was now on top of Lex kissing him passionately. She was wearing a pajama top and bottom, and she had decided that she had to get pregnant by him. She didn’t see any other way out of this mess that they were in. So she started to unbutton her shirt, and once Lex realized what she was doing he redid the buttons. Chloe however was much faster than him and she was able to get the top off. She looked at him. “Touch me.”

“No.” Lex tried to move away from her but Chloe’s hands were holding his.

Chloe knew that he was going to be difficult so she grabbed one of his hands and brought it to her chest. “Please.” She whispered as she went down and kissed him.

Lex pulled his hand away from her and then pulled his head away from hers. “I won’t do this.”

“Do you want me to be your father’s?” Chloe looked at him seriously.

Lex’s eyes met hers. “No.” He whispered.

“Then do this please, for me.” She looked down at him hopefully.

He gripped her face. “Is this what you want?”

“I want to be with you Lex, don’t make me go to him. And since we are going to have to do this we might as well enjoy it.”

Lex then slid his hands against her naked chest. “I’m sorry.”

She stroked his cheek. “I know.” Then she kissed him again.

Lex’s hands slid down and pulled her pants off throwing them over the bed. Chloe pulled up Lex’s shirt and threw it away. Then she went down and pulled down his pants off along with his boxers. She looked down at his naked body before she went up to his face and touched him. “You’re so handsome.”

“You’re beautiful.” He touched her cheek and then he looked at her underwear, the only thing left that stood in between what they were about to do. “He’s a bastard.”

“I know.” Chloe whispered and then she pulled her underwear from her body and threw them off the bed. She looked at Lex curiously. “How do you want to do this?”

“Whatever way you want.”

Chloe stroked his cheek, and he closed his eyes for a second. Then she kissed him passionately and sunk her body close to his.

In the morning Chloe woke up with Lex’s head rested on her chest. She touched his bald head and then she kissed it. “Good morning.” She whispered to him.

“Morning.” He said as he sat up on the bed. He looked at her and remembered everything that had happened last night.

Chloe got up out of the bed and walked into the bathroom. Lex followed after her. He turned her to him and kissed her. “Six months is all we have to do this.” He whispered not believing that the year and a half that he had to get her pregnant was disappearing.

“Then we must take every opportunity to do this.” Chloe turned on the shower and got in.

Lex got in the shower with her. “You’re amazing.” He said as he pressed her back against the wall of the shower and pressed kisses against her.

“I don’t want to lose you.”

Lex nodded and he pressed himself against her body. “Seems like we’re forced to do this too.”

“We are but the passion we have for each other isn’t forced.”

“I just hope we have a boy.” His fingers went into her hair, as he slid himself inside her.

Once they were done they got dressed and went down for breakfast. Lionel was looking at her more and more lately. Chloe knew that he wanted her to be his. Savannah sat beside him, her stomach had grown larger, and Lionel had ordered for her to have a full plate of food. His hand was pressed against the bulge in her stomach. “Don’t you want one Lex?”

“Of course I do father. I’m working on it.”

“You keep saying that Lex but your months are fading.” Lionel smirked at Lex and then he looked over at Victoria.

After breakfast Lex took Chloe back to their bedroom. He had been given more time off lately. He brushed his fingers against her face. “We’re going to be okay right?” Chloe asked him.

“I hope so.” He whispered.

The next month passed and Chloe had started to grow worried. She didn’t want to be Lionel’s and she didn’t want to lose Lex. She forced him to be with her every day even if it was just for a short time. She had to beg and plead most days; he knew that every time they were together they might be making a daughter who would suffer in this place. But Chloe had suddenly given up caring about her unborn child; all she was fighting for was to keep Lex. “Can you get a doctor? Have him check me out?” Chloe asked one night.

Lex was panting beside her. “Yeah I’ll get one in the morning. Go to sleep.” He turned away from her.

They had grown distant being forced to do this all the time. Chloe moved over to him though and laid her head down on his arm. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault.” He mumbled to her and then he turned and wrapped her body in his arms.

In the morning Chloe was examined by a doctor. He took her blood, and ran tests. He then used the ultra sound machine to see what was going on inside her. Chloe looked at the screen trying to find out what was going on. The doctor ran back and forth across her stomach, and then he paused.

“What is it?” Lex asked him worried.

“She is pregnant Mr. Luthor. Look.” The doctor pointed to a small blob on the screen.

Lex squinted at what the doctor had pointed at. “I don’t see anything.” He said after a few moments frustrated.

“Well come back in a few weeks we should be able to see it better then. I’ll run samples of her blood and make sure. But as far as I can tell she is pregnant.”

Over the next few weeks Chloe started to throw up constantly. She had been thrilled the first time running into Lex’s arms happy that she wasn’t going to have to leave him. Lex had told his father the news, and all plans for him to have her melted away. But Lionel had demanded proof of the baby before he patted Lex on the back.

A week later while they were lying in bed Lex felt something wet, and so he pulled his hand up to his face. What he saw was red sticky blood, and then suddenly he threw up the covers of the bed. The blood was underneath Chloe, and he knew that their hope of staying together was vanishing. “Chloe.” He shook her, but she didn’t move. Lex got up and threw open his bedroom door and shouted. “I need a doctor immediately.”

A doctor came running into the room a few minutes later. He stared at Chloe and asked for Lex’s permission to look at her. Lex agreed and stood by Chloe’s side, she had finally opened her eyes. “Lex what’s going on?” She whispered.

Lex just looked at her unable to say anything. The doctor looked at Lex. “I’m going to have to run some blood through her, but she should be fine.”

“It’s gone isn’t it?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Chloe suddenly realized what they were talking about and she started thrashing. “No, no.”
Lex pressed his hand on her. “It’s going to be alright.”

He helped the doctor put Chloe on a stretcher and then they went down to the doctor’s office and he ran blood back into Chloe. Lex sat beside Chloe his head in his hands. ‘Why is this happening to us?’

In the morning Lionel came into the room. He looked at Chloe’s sleeping frame and then he looked at Lex. “I’m sorry son.” Lex shook his head at his father. “The doctor has told me that Chloe will have a better chance of keeping your next child.”

“So what you are going to give us another timeline, can’t you be decent and let us grieve?” Lex shouted at him.

“Calm down Lex.”

“Like hell if I’m going to calm down. This is your fault.” Lex stood up from his chair anger ran through his veins.

“You can have another one Lex; this isn’t the end of the world.”

“And what we only have the other four months to try and get pregnant again?” Lex demanded not stepping away from his father.

Lionel walked away from Lex and looked at Chloe who was pretending to be asleep. “Yes.” He said as he touched Chloe’s face.

Lex went over and slapped his father’s hand. “Don’t you touch her.”

“My my Lex do you love this girl?”

“Get out.” Lex demanded.

Lionel looked at Chloe again. “How unfortunate it is that you lose a child on the day I gain one.” He said with a laugh.

Lex then shoved his father against the wall. “Get out, and leave us alone.”

Lionel looked shocked that Lex had shoved him. “I can make your time frame smaller Lex, so I suggest you remove yourself from me.” Lex backed away and glared at his father. “This is why we don’t let emotions get in the way of our marriages Lex. More than one person gets hurt.”

“You are a heartless bastard. I won’t let you have Chloe.”

“Then get her pregnant again Lex and I won’t take her from you.” Lionel then left the room and Lex slouched down in his chair.

Chloe looked at Lex; she didn’t dare talk to him not here where they were cameras.

Lex went over to her when he realized she was awake. “Its my turn to beg.” Lex told her.

Chloe looked at him sadly, but then she shook her head.

The doctor released them and Lex took Chloe back to their room. “I’ll give it a few days.” He told her and then he left the room barely able to look at her. He walked out of the room and didn’t come back until he knew Chloe would be asleep. Lex got in the bed in just his boxers and he went over to her and felt her pillow. He could feel that it was wet and he knew that she had cried. He gently moved her head onto him. “I’m so sorry Chloe.”

“I love you.” She told him.

“I love you too.” He touched her face and then he closed his eyes.

A few days later Chloe woke up Lex early and she went into the bathroom. She got in the shower and then Lex climbed in the shower after her. “Just do it.” Chloe said as she leaned against the wall.

Lex felt as though he was forcing her to do this, there was no more passion; there was just a need that they both knew had to be filled. When he had finished he felt empty and guilty. He got out of the shower and dressed not daring to look at her. Chloe however grabbed his arm. “Once we do this, then we can be happy again.”

“I feel like a real bastard.”

“Don’t alright this is what we need to do.” Chloe kissed him passionately, and she remembered how much she enjoyed just kissing him.

Lex kissed her back glad that they at least had this to keep their hearts in the right place. “Time to eat.” He told her pulling away.

Chloe put her clothes on and followed him down to the dining room table. The whole time no one said anything to Lex, and Chloe wondered if they had seen what he had done to Lionel. “You are working on this problem.” Lionel said as Lex was about to leave the table.

“Yes.” Lex hissed at his father.

Lionel was holding his new baby in his arms. Savannah had been unlucky enough to have a daughter. Lionel brought the child over to Chloe. “Look at it.” He demanded of her. Chloe glanced at the child, holding back her tears; she had to prove to him that she was stronger than he was. “Hold it.” He said placing the baby in Chloe’s arms. Lex sat next to her not saying anything knowing that he would just get less time to make another child with Chloe. “Beautiful isn’t she? You’ll surely have one of your own Chloe, whether it be with my son or with me.” He annunciated the last word and then he laughed at her taking the baby from her arms.

“Come Chloe.” Lex said coldly and they walked back to their bedroom. They said nothing to each other, when their lunch came they ate in silence. After they had eaten Lex took off his shirt and started to work on his pants. Chloe looked at him sadly. “Please.” He whispered as he came over to her. Chloe let her tears finally fall down. Lex brushed them away and then he unzipped the back of her dress and waited. She slowly removed it from her body, and she lay down on the middle of the bed and closed her eyes. “It’s not enjoyable anymore is it?”

“No.” She whispered to him.

Lex placed his head on hers. “I truly am sorry.”

“I know.”

They said this to each other a lot lately and Chloe hated it. She wanted to like being with him again. It had been fun the first few times that she hadn’t had to beg Lex to be with her, but then the task just seemed to be like a job instead of something that they wanted to do. Chloe cried as Lex placed himself over her. He was touching her face gently trying to place kisses on her lips that showed her how much he loved her, and how much he didn’t want to do this. His body was reluctant and Chloe could tell that every movement was an effort. She knew that he was doing this for her, to keep her protected. So she stopped crying and she put her hands on his chest. She pushed him down and got on top of him. “I’ll make it easier.” She whispered to him.

“Chloe you don’t have to.” He knew she was in no mood to do this.

Chloe looked at him her eyes looking into his. “Yes I do. I want to stay with you Lex and so I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you.”

He gripped her arms gently. “You’re so amazing Chloe.”

She smiled at him. “So I have been told.”

For the first time in a long time Chloe and Lex actually enjoyed the time they spent together. They were gentler towards each other, and
Chloe was begging him for more because she actually wanted more. Their love had to have been strong for them both to keep feeling this way about each other. “My god did we actually just enjoy ourselves?” Lex said when Chloe laid down next to him.

“I think we did.” She said smiling at him.

His fingers brushed through her hair. “I’m going to take him down Chloe I promise.”

“I know you will Lex.”

[Historianic]

Wow. This was so sad. My heart broke for both of them. I know it wasn't, but at some points this almost felt like rape. Or a kind of violation. And it was. Maybe not in a literal sense. Rather the violation or betrayal of an act that is supposed to be a physical demonstration of their love for each other. But it got all warped and twisted back on them.

[hfce]

That was so sad. I feel terrible for them. I really loath Lionel. UGH!!!

[ghaziak]

wow ... very interesting!! .. i love it... can't wait for more! :)

[ermelindis]

Wow, interesting start.

[chicablue]

interesting story so far.

[ladyfayerie]

Update please :D Thank you!

[TrinityR]

update, pretty please?:)

[Shane77]

Wow, really interesting story, very new^^ Love it! Keep up the good work!

[Kekamarie]

I'm sorry it has been so long. I was really busy with school and then I took a summer class which just ended. I hope that I will be able to update more now and have time to finish the ending. Thank you for all the kind reviews I appreciate them and I hope you are all still interesting in this story.


Chapter Eight

The next few weeks flew by, Chloe and Lex had agreed to only be with each other when they both felt like it. Chloe felt more connected to him than ever but she had to wonder if their spurt of the moment efforts were enough. She got her answer though when she jumped up from a deep sleep and ran to the bathroom. She emptied the contents of her stomach in the toilet, and she smiled. “Lex!” She shouted, and he ran into the bathroom his eyes were full of panic.

“What, what’s wrong.”

“I threw up.” Chloe said as she ran into his arms.

He lifted her up and spun her slowly. “I never thought I would be so happy about a person throwing up before.” He said with a laugh. “I’m going to take you to the doctors though, just to be sure.”

They got dressed quickly and they walked down to the doctor’s office. Chloe lay down on the table while the doctor took her blood and then he ran an ultra sound on her stomach. Chloe saw the baby and she pointed to it on the screen. The doctor shook his head at her and Chloe smiled happily. “I’ll run the tests just to be sure again. I want to monitor you more closely this time.”

“Of course doctor.” Lex said and then once the doctor was gone he kissed Chloe happily.

The months passed by without any problems. Chloe and Lex thought that they could finally stop worrying that they were going to be separated, and so they focused most of their attention on their unborn child. The gender of the child was never allowed to be revealed until the baby was born, and so Lex and Chloe sat wondering if the baby was a boy or girl. After Chloe had lost her first child she and Lex had been informed that their child would have been a boy. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if they would get lucky again, and have a boy.

Lex awoke from their bed feeling something wet, and he immediately remembered the night Chloe had miscarried. He flung the covers from them both and Chloe turned to look at him. “What?” She asked clearly not noticing that her pants were soaked.

“I think your water broke.” Lex said noticing that there wasn’t any blood on the bed.

Chloe looked over at Lex. “But I’m only at the beginning of my eighth month.”

“I’m sure it will all be ok Chloe.” Lex got up from the bed and went over to Chloe. “Come on I’ll help you down to the office.”

Chloe walked with Lex down to the doctor’s office. She could feel contractions running through her as they walked. There were times when she would have to pause because they were painful. By the time they reached the doctor’s office Chloe was in massive amounts of pain. She was laid on a bed while the doctor checked to see how far along she was. “You probably have a few hours before you give birth. Just lie in whatever position makes you feel more comfortable. I can give you some medication to ease the pain when you get closer to delivering.”

“Will the baby be alright?” Lex asked the doctor knowing that this was the question that was on Chloe’s mind.

The doctor had the monitor on the baby and he played the babies heartbeat. “The heart sounds strong, and the baby looks healthy. I’m sure that it will be fine.”

Lex and Chloe were then left alone for hours before Chloe felt the urge to start pushing. It didn’t take long for Chloe to push the baby out, and once all the pushing was over Chloe didn’t feel as though she was in too much pain. “What is it?” Lex asked the doctor who had taken the baby to clean it off.

The doctor brought the baby over to Lex. “It’s a girl.” Lex looked at the child all of his hope for a boy gone. He felt a tight pain in his chest. “Do you want her?” The doctor held the child to Lex, and Lex took her solemnly into his arms.

“Can we have a moment?” Lex asked the doctor.

“Of course, she is nice and healthy by the way. A little small only five pounds but her lungs are nice and strong.” He smiled at Lex and then he left the room.

Lex then gave the baby to Chloe. “I was hoping we were going to get lucky again.” He said as he sunk down into his chair that was next to the bed Chloe was lying in.

“I did too.” Chloe looked down at her baby and she felt instant love for her. She understood what life for her daughter was going to be like though and that made her feel sad. “She is perfect.” Chloe said touching the baby’s soft skin.

Lex could hardly look at the child, that he knew he was going to be forced to brain wash, and beat. At that moment Lionel walked into the room. He smiled at Lex and Chloe. “Finally a grandchild.” He moved over to Lex. “Aren’t you happy son?” Lex looked at his father solemnly. “No, well then I guess I should tell you some more news then.”

“What news?” Lex raised his eyebrows at his father; they had done what he had said to do. Lex wasn’t about to let him go back on his word.

“I have decided that you either get Chloe or your daughter.” Lionel stared at Chloe as she held the baby in her arms.

Lex went over to him. “How dare you we played by your rules dad you aren’t taking either of them from me.”

“Oh Lex you know that the officials will always stick behind me, and so you know that if you don’t corporate then Chloe will be a lot worse off than she is now.”

Lex’s anger rose in his chest. “Why are you doing this?”

“You’re weak Lex, this will make you stronger. I’m giving you a day to decide son, if you don’t make a decision Chloe will be brought to the holding pen, your daughter will be mine, and you will be left with nothing. So I think you better make a decision, and soon.” Lionel glared at them and then he left the room.

Tears were streaming down Chloe’s cheeks. “I’ll go with him you keep her.”

“No.” Lex said as he walked over to Chloe. “I thought something like this might happen.” He placed his hand on Chloe’s cheek. “I have a plan.”

Chloe looked at Lex curiously. “What is it?”

Lex looked around the room and found the camera that was in the room. He shut it off and then checked to make sure that there weren’t any more. He then called Marvin on his phone. After the phone call Lex went back to Chloe. “You are going to leave with Marvin, and you’re going to take the baby with you.”

“Lex, I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“Chloe I’ve set this plan in motion from the time my father told us what would happen if we didn’t have a child. I need to keep you safe, and I need to keep her safe. You know what life would be like for both of you if you stayed here.”

“I refuse to leave you behind.” Chloe gripped Lex’s hand, and then the door to the room opened again. Marvin walked in and stared at Lex.

Lex stared at Chloe, and then he looked at Marvin. “Is everything done?”

“Yes I expect we have about five minutes to get out of here.”

Lex then looked at Chloe. “I am ordering you to leave, do you understand?”

“Lex if I go what will happen to you?”

“Don’t you worry about that. Just go, if you won’t do it for me then do it for our daughter.” Lex peered at the girl who was wrapped in a white blanket.

Chloe looked at her too and she knew that Lex was probably planning some sort of revolt to get them all back together. “We’ll be together soon right?”

Lex pressed his head to hers. “Right now please just go, there isn’t much time.”

Chloe stood up from the bed, she was sore but she knew that she could run if she needed too. She threw on a pair of pants underneath the gown she was wearing and then she looked at Lex with tears in her eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go, please save her from this place.”

Marvin took Chloe’s arm and started to pull her from the room. As soon as Lex was out of sight they took off down the stairs that led to the basement. Marvin led Chloe through a tunnel that led them out to the outside of the guards view. Chloe then saw a boat that was waiting for them on the lake that was near the back of the property. They took off at a fast pace towards the boat. “Hurry up I think they are on to us.” Marvin told her as he made her run next to him. Chloe found this hard to do with the baby in her arms. She held her tightly to her chest as they ran towards the boat. Chloe heard gunshots being fired and she ran faster ignoring all of the pain she was feeling from child birth. They finally reached the boat and Marvin went to get it started. He hit a button and the boat flew at a high speed away from the shore. Chloe could see the guards who had just reached the shore shake their heads in disappointment. Once they were safe Chloe sat down and looked at the girl in her arms. She couldn’t help but think that she should have stayed with Lex, but she knew that their daughter would never be happy in the law building. Marvin walked over to her and sat down next to her. He held his phone out in his hands. “He is going to call when everything is clear. Lionel will think that I somehow wanted you for myself, and so I took you away from both Lex and him. Lex won’t get into any trouble, so don’t worry about him.”

“I can’t help but think that I shouldn’t have left.” Chloe shook her head as she looked down at the child in her arms.

Marvin looked up at the sky and watched as the sun was setting. He then looked at Chloe sadly knowing that she was in a lot of pain. “Lex wanted you both to stay safe, and I overheard his father plotting ways to get you both away from Lex. Its better this way, Lex will find a way to revolt and then you can go back to him, and live a happier life.” He looked down at the girl that was in Chloe’s arms she had bright green eyes. “Does she have a name?”

Chloe shook her head. “Lex and I didn’t talk about it.”

After Chloe said this the phone that was clutched in Marvin’s hand rang. “Hello?”

“Are they safe?”

“Yes, do you want to talk to her?”

“Yes.”

Marvin handed the phone to Chloe. “Lex.” Was all she could think to say there were so many emotions running through her.

“Thank you for going with Marvin. I know it’s going to be hard. But at least you can go to another place where men and women are treated as equals. When it’s clear here I will come and get you I promise.”

“What if something bad happens to you? What if Lionel figures out that you planned my escape?”

“Nothing like that is going to happen Chloe. I’ve set up a tape that is going to get replayed; my dad will think that you and Marvin have been planning this all along. Just trust me Chloe.” The baby in Chloe’s arms started to cry. Lex’s throat went dry hearing his child. “She needs a better life Chloe; you obviously realized that because you went with Marvin. We have to do this for her she deserves so much more in her life than to be treated like crap by men.”

“We didn’t even name her Lex.”

“Well pick out a name then I don’t care what we call her I just want you and her to be safe.”

“I want you to pick the name Lex; you are the one who is sacrificing so much to save us.”

Lex sighed knowing that Chloe was too stubborn to argue with. “Name her Lily then, after my mother, as long as you like that of course. You did go through all that pain having her.”

“Lily is fine Lex.” Chloe then could hear some static in the background.

“I have to go you must be getting too far away. I swear I’ll come and get you both as soon as I can. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Chloe said and then all she could hear was static, she wasn’t sure if Lex had even heard her. More tears streaked her cheeks as she closed the phone and gave it Marvin.

Marvin took the phone and then he went to the wheel on the boat making sure they were going in the right direction. Lily was still crying in Chloe’s arms and she tried to comfort her. When she wouldn’t stop crying she started to sing to her.


Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Marvin walked over to Chloe again. “That’s a pretty song.”

“I heard it on the radio I think.” Chloe told him as she looked down at Lily who had closed her eyes.

Marvin sat back down next to Chloe. “We will be to the plane soon that is going to take us to North America.”

Chloe turned her attention away from her daughter and looked at Marvin. “Did he ever say what would happen if he can’t revolt against Lionel?” The thought had come across Chloe’s mind multiple times during the small amount of time they had been on the boat.

“He told me that I just had to look after both of you. He said that he would come back no matter what though Chloe. So if he can’t plan a revolt he is going to attempt to escape.”

“And how hard will that be? I mean we got lucky tonight didn’t we?”

Marvin sighed and put his hands behind his head. “We did get lucky tonight Chloe, no one even thought about watching out for escapees tonight, especially since one of the escapees was a woman who had just had a child. It will be a lot harder for Lex to escape because the guards are no doubt making sure no one else can leave.”

“And what do you think Lionel is going to do to Lex now that I’m gone?”

“He might make him get a new wife. He wants Lex to have a child because even though Lionel has another child, she is not allowed to take charge of the law. Only first born male children are allowed to take charge of the law, unless the first born happens to die then it would go to the next male sibling. Lionel wants to make sure that the law stays secure with the Luthors.”

“And if Lex never has a boy, and say he dies what will happen?”

“Then there would be a meeting of all the men who help Lionel and they will cast a vote to decide who will be in charge. That has never happened before though Chloe and Lionel intends for it to never happen.” Chloe looked down at the child she held in her arms, she knew that they had to run to save themselves, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Lex marrying someone else and having another baby with them. “You did the right thing in leaving Chloe. Her life would have been very difficult if you had stayed. I’m sure Lex told you about what happens to children once they no longer need their mother’s milk.”

Chloe looked at Marvin’s face. “No he never told me about that.”

“I’m sure it was because he had this plan set in motion.” Marvin started to get up again but Chloe reached out and touched his arm.

“What happens?”

Marvin turned and looked at her knowing that he had brought this all on himself. “Well they get taken away from their mothers and their fathers take charge of them. For boys life is quite simple once they reach age five they go off to what the law calls school, and they are told the rules of the law. For girls it’s a horrible life, they grow up receiving discipline, and orders. If they make one mistake then they are beaten.”

Chloe took in the information glad that she was rid of the place, but not glad that she had to leave Lex behind. Then she remembered how Lex had told her one time that Marvin was the only boy out of twelve children. “You have a lot of sisters don’t you?”

“Yes that’s part of the reason I wanted to join Lex in the revolt. I saw the way my father treated them, I saw how they didn’t have a mind of their own, and I wanted better for them. Most boys who come from the law building see being cruel to woman as what they are supposed to do, that is why it is so hard for Lex to get people to help him with the revolt. The women are all afraid of what the men will do to them, and the men don’t see anything wrong with the way things are going. I’m glad to be rid of that place; I just wish I could have taken my sisters along with me, especially my youngest sister.”

“How old is she?”

“She’s nine.” Marvin looked at Chloe sadly and then he turned around again and went to the boat’s wheel.

Chloe and Marvin didn’t talk anymore after that. They reached the shore about a half an hour later, and then they found the jet that was waiting for them. When they entered Marvin handed the pilot a stack of bills and then they took their seats. The doors were closed and then they were on their way. Lily was still asleep in Chloe’s arms, and so Chloe looked out the window as they flew up. She watched as the woods below them turned into a blur and all she could see was the night sky. Chloe hadn’t realized that she had fallen asleep until the baby in her arms was crying.
Marvin who had been sitting next to her looked down at the baby. “I’m sure she is hungry. There is a small bathroom, where I’m sure you could feed her in private.”

Chloe shook her head at him and then made her way out of her seat and went into the bathroom to feed Lily. When she looked at herself in the mirror she saw how messy her hair had become from falling asleep against the window. She wondered how long they had been flying, and when they would be getting to a place called Smallville. Marvin said that they had a contact there that would house the three of them until they could get on their own feet. Lily’s cries drew Chloe away from her thoughts though, and she knew that she had to feed her. She sat down on the toilet and she had to move Lily in many different positions until Lily was finally able to eat. Chloe sighed, glad that she had figured it out quickly since they didn’t have any formula to give Lily in case she couldn’t breast feed. Once Lily was done Chloe readjusted herself and she tried to control the knots that were in her hair, she left the bathroom. She then went over and took her seat again next to Marvin.
“We’ll be there shortly.” Marvin said with a smile as he pointed to the land that was coming into view.

The sun was up and Chloe could see the fields and some of the roads of the town. “We will be safe here?” Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if this place was going to be like the country she had just left.

Marvin shook his head. “Of course everything is different here; men and women are treated as equals.” The plane lowered into an empty field and then they got off it. Chloe looked around and saw a car waiting near where the plane had landed. Marvin glanced back at the pilot. “Tell Lex that they’re safe.”

The pilot shook his head at Marvin. “Of course, and I’ll be sure to keep this quite.”

Marvin then turned and walked with Chloe again. They made their way to the car and once they had reached it the jet had started to take off again. The woman who had gotten out of the car once they had reached it looked at them. She had long red hair and her eyes looked at them kindly. “I’m Martha Kent.” She put her hand out and Marvin shook it. “You don’t have any luggage?”

“No we don’t, we left in a hurry.” Marvin told her.

“Alright well then get in; I’m sure I might be able to find something for everyone to wear.” She got into the car and then Marvin opened the passenger side door for Chloe. Then he got in the back seat, and they drove. “We are only a few minutes away from my farm, so then you can all get some rest.”

“We appreciate this very much.” Chloe told the woman.

“It’s no problem I would do anything to help the people who come from Luthorville.”

“Luthorville?” Chloe looked at Martha curiously.

Martha let out a small laugh. “Yes that is what we call it here, considering the country has never really been given a name.” Chloe looked at Marvin through the window. He gave her a small smile, and Chloe realized that he had never told this woman that she was a Luthor. “Well here we are.” Martha said as she pulled into the driveway and Chloe looked out the window and saw a small yellow house. Then she saw the pastures that were filled with cows and horses.

Once they had parked they all got out of the car and then they made their way into the house. “Do you live here by yourself?” Chloe asked as they walked in and there was no one else there to greet them.

“For now, my son lives here on occasion but he isn’t going to be back for a while. Come on I’ll show you to your room.” Martha glanced at Chloe and then Chloe followed her up the stairs. Martha took her to the first room that was on the left and opened the door. Chloe glanced into the single bed that was covered with old blankets. Then she noticed the crib that was near the window of the room. “I got you some diapers too, and there are some clothes in the drawer for her.”

“Thank you very much.”

“I have always wanted to go shopping for a baby, you see I adopted my son when he was older, and I never got the chance to buy baby things.”

Chloe looked at the woman that stood before her and she could tell that she had longed to have a child of her own. “Thanks again.” Chloe looked down at her baby who still only had a blanket around her. “I should get her into something now and get this blanket washed.” Chloe removed Lily from the soiled blanket and then she laid Lily down in the crib.

“Here I’ll take that while you get her cleaned up. There are wipes right near the diapers; you can give her a proper bath when you have rested up.” Martha took the blanket from Chloe and then left the room.

Chloe left Lily in the crib while she went over and grabbed some wipes and then she cleaned Lily the best she could. She put a diaper on her and then she opened the drawer, and found all different clothes in the drawer. Chloe pulled out a white onesie and then she pulled out a yellow shirt and some pants. She then dressed Lily and touched her face. “We’re safe now.” She whispered to her.

When Chloe turned around she saw Marvin standing in the doorway. “I’m in the room across from yours if you need anything.”

“Ok thank you.”

“Here are some clothes that Martha gave me for you to sleep in. Tomorrow we can go shopping for the things we need.” He held out the clothes for her.

Chloe took them and then gave Marvin a small smile. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s my pleasure. Now you should get some rest. Martha said she would take care of Lily while you slept.”

Chloe looked over at the baby who was kicking in her crib. She didn’t even know who Martha was, and she didn’t know if she could trust this woman with her child. “I’m sure it will be fine if she stays here.”

“She has done this before you know, taken in young mothers and their children. She is good at taking care of babies you can trust her.”

Chloe looked back over at her child. “You’re sure?”

“Of course I am Chloe. She isn’t going to hurt her.” He said reassuringly.

Chloe then went over to the crib and lifted Lily into her arms. She grabbed the bag of diapers and wipes and then she walked down the stairs and found Martha in the kitchen. Martha smiled at her as she walked into the kitchen. “I can take her for awhile so you can sleep.” Chloe set the bag of diapers and wipes on the table and then she looked at her daughter. “It’s alright you know. I have taken care of plenty of children as they make their way through here.”

“How many people have you have helped?”

“About twenty women and all of them had at least one child, some had more. They were very different than you though. All of them were afraid to talk, to ask questions. You seem quite comfortable talking.”

“I guess that’s because I was allowed to with my husband, and Marvin.”

Martha looked at her curiously. “So you didn’t come here to run away from your husband?”

“Oh no I came here to run away from my husband’s father.” Chloe admitted to Martha.

“That’s odd.”

Chloe looked at Martha. “My husband isn’t like the other men, he treats me with kindness, and that is why he planned our escape.” Chloe looked down at her child.

Martha smiled at her. “You are very lucky then, now why don’t you go and get some rest?”

“Alright, but if she is hungry wake me up.” Chloe held out Lily to Martha, and Martha took the baby into her arms.

“Of course I will. Now go on you have to be tired.”

Chloe glanced one more time at her bald headed baby, and then she walked up the stairs. When she reached her room she shut the door and then changed into the clothes Marvin had given her. She got into the bed and tried to fall asleep. The bed wasn’t as comfortable as the one that she and Lex shared, and Chloe couldn’t help but wonder what Lex was doing now.

[Kekamarie]

I'm sorry it has been so long. I was really busy with school and then I took a summer class which just ended. I hope that I will be able to update more now and have time to finish the ending. Thank you for all the kind reviews I appreciate them and I hope you are all still interesting in this story.


Chapter Eight

The next few weeks flew by, Chloe and Lex had agreed to only be with each other when they both felt like it. Chloe felt more connected to him than ever but she had to wonder if their spurt of the moment efforts were enough. She got her answer though when she jumped up from a deep sleep and ran to the bathroom. She emptied the contents of her stomach in the toilet, and she smiled. “Lex!” She shouted, and he ran into the bathroom his eyes were full of panic.

“What, what’s wrong.”

“I threw up.” Chloe said as she ran into his arms.

He lifted her up and spun her slowly. “I never thought I would be so happy about a person throwing up before.” He said with a laugh. “I’m going to take you to the doctors though, just to be sure.”

They got dressed quickly and they walked down to the doctor’s office. Chloe lay down on the table while the doctor took her blood and then he ran an ultra sound on her stomach. Chloe saw the baby and she pointed to it on the screen. The doctor shook his head at her and Chloe smiled happily. “I’ll run the tests just to be sure again. I want to monitor you more closely this time.”

“Of course doctor.” Lex said and then once the doctor was gone he kissed Chloe happily.

The months passed by without any problems. Chloe and Lex thought that they could finally stop worrying that they were going to be separated, and so they focused most of their attention on their unborn child. The gender of the child was never allowed to be revealed until the baby was born, and so Lex and Chloe sat wondering if the baby was a boy or girl. After Chloe had lost her first child she and Lex had been informed that their child would have been a boy. Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if they would get lucky again, and have a boy.

Lex awoke from their bed feeling something wet, and he immediately remembered the night Chloe had miscarried. He flung the covers from them both and Chloe turned to look at him. “What?” She asked clearly not noticing that her pants were soaked.

“I think your water broke.” Lex said noticing that there wasn’t any blood on the bed.

Chloe looked over at Lex. “But I’m only at the beginning of my eighth month.”

“I’m sure it will all be ok Chloe.” Lex got up from the bed and went over to Chloe. “Come on I’ll help you down to the office.”

Chloe walked with Lex down to the doctor’s office. She could feel contractions running through her as they walked. There were times when she would have to pause because they were painful. By the time they reached the doctor’s office Chloe was in massive amounts of pain. She was laid on a bed while the doctor checked to see how far along she was. “You probably have a few hours before you give birth. Just lie in whatever position makes you feel more comfortable. I can give you some medication to ease the pain when you get closer to delivering.”

“Will the baby be alright?” Lex asked the doctor knowing that this was the question that was on Chloe’s mind.

The doctor had the monitor on the baby and he played the babies heartbeat. “The heart sounds strong, and the baby looks healthy. I’m sure that it will be fine.”

Lex and Chloe were then left alone for hours before Chloe felt the urge to start pushing. It didn’t take long for Chloe to push the baby out, and once all the pushing was over Chloe didn’t feel as though she was in too much pain. “What is it?” Lex asked the doctor who had taken the baby to clean it off.

The doctor brought the baby over to Lex. “It’s a girl.” Lex looked at the child all of his hope for a boy gone. He felt a tight pain in his chest. “Do you want her?” The doctor held the child to Lex, and Lex took her solemnly into his arms.

“Can we have a moment?” Lex asked the doctor.

“Of course, she is nice and healthy by the way. A little small only five pounds but her lungs are nice and strong.” He smiled at Lex and then he left the room.

Lex then gave the baby to Chloe. “I was hoping we were going to get lucky again.” He said as he sunk down into his chair that was next to the bed Chloe was lying in.

“I did too.” Chloe looked down at her baby and she felt instant love for her. She understood what life for her daughter was going to be like though and that made her feel sad. “She is perfect.” Chloe said touching the baby’s soft skin.

Lex could hardly look at the child, that he knew he was going to be forced to brain wash, and beat. At that moment Lionel walked into the room. He smiled at Lex and Chloe. “Finally a grandchild.” He moved over to Lex. “Aren’t you happy son?” Lex looked at his father solemnly. “No, well then I guess I should tell you some more news then.”

“What news?” Lex raised his eyebrows at his father; they had done what he had said to do. Lex wasn’t about to let him go back on his word.

“I have decided that you either get Chloe or your daughter.” Lionel stared at Chloe as she held the baby in her arms.

Lex went over to him. “How dare you we played by your rules dad you aren’t taking either of them from me.”

“Oh Lex you know that the officials will always stick behind me, and so you know that if you don’t corporate then Chloe will be a lot worse off than she is now.”

Lex’s anger rose in his chest. “Why are you doing this?”

“You’re weak Lex, this will make you stronger. I’m giving you a day to decide son, if you don’t make a decision Chloe will be brought to the holding pen, your daughter will be mine, and you will be left with nothing. So I think you better make a decision, and soon.” Lionel glared at them and then he left the room.

Tears were streaming down Chloe’s cheeks. “I’ll go with him you keep her.”

“No.” Lex said as he walked over to Chloe. “I thought something like this might happen.” He placed his hand on Chloe’s cheek. “I have a plan.”

Chloe looked at Lex curiously. “What is it?”

Lex looked around the room and found the camera that was in the room. He shut it off and then checked to make sure that there weren’t any more. He then called Marvin on his phone. After the phone call Lex went back to Chloe. “You are going to leave with Marvin, and you’re going to take the baby with you.”

“Lex, I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“Chloe I’ve set this plan in motion from the time my father told us what would happen if we didn’t have a child. I need to keep you safe, and I need to keep her safe. You know what life would be like for both of you if you stayed here.”

“I refuse to leave you behind.” Chloe gripped Lex’s hand, and then the door to the room opened again. Marvin walked in and stared at Lex.

Lex stared at Chloe, and then he looked at Marvin. “Is everything done?”

“Yes I expect we have about five minutes to get out of here.”

Lex then looked at Chloe. “I am ordering you to leave, do you understand?”

“Lex if I go what will happen to you?”

“Don’t you worry about that. Just go, if you won’t do it for me then do it for our daughter.” Lex peered at the girl who was wrapped in a white blanket.

Chloe looked at her too and she knew that Lex was probably planning some sort of revolt to get them all back together. “We’ll be together soon right?”

Lex pressed his head to hers. “Right now please just go, there isn’t much time.”

Chloe stood up from the bed, she was sore but she knew that she could run if she needed too. She threw on a pair of pants underneath the gown she was wearing and then she looked at Lex with tears in her eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go, please save her from this place.”

Marvin took Chloe’s arm and started to pull her from the room. As soon as Lex was out of sight they took off down the stairs that led to the basement. Marvin led Chloe through a tunnel that led them out to the outside of the guards view. Chloe then saw a boat that was waiting for them on the lake that was near the back of the property. They took off at a fast pace towards the boat. “Hurry up I think they are on to us.” Marvin told her as he made her run next to him. Chloe found this hard to do with the baby in her arms. She held her tightly to her chest as they ran towards the boat. Chloe heard gunshots being fired and she ran faster ignoring all of the pain she was feeling from child birth. They finally reached the boat and Marvin went to get it started. He hit a button and the boat flew at a high speed away from the shore. Chloe could see the guards who had just reached the shore shake their heads in disappointment. Once they were safe Chloe sat down and looked at the girl in her arms. She couldn’t help but think that she should have stayed with Lex, but she knew that their daughter would never be happy in the law building. Marvin walked over to her and sat down next to her. He held his phone out in his hands. “He is going to call when everything is clear. Lionel will think that I somehow wanted you for myself, and so I took you away from both Lex and him. Lex won’t get into any trouble, so don’t worry about him.”

“I can’t help but think that I shouldn’t have left.” Chloe shook her head as she looked down at the child in her arms.

Marvin looked up at the sky and watched as the sun was setting. He then looked at Chloe sadly knowing that she was in a lot of pain. “Lex wanted you both to stay safe, and I overheard his father plotting ways to get you both away from Lex. Its better this way, Lex will find a way to revolt and then you can go back to him, and live a happier life.” He looked down at the girl that was in Chloe’s arms she had bright green eyes. “Does she have a name?”

Chloe shook her head. “Lex and I didn’t talk about it.”

After Chloe said this the phone that was clutched in Marvin’s hand rang. “Hello?”

“Are they safe?”

“Yes, do you want to talk to her?”

“Yes.”

Marvin handed the phone to Chloe. “Lex.” Was all she could think to say there were so many emotions running through her.

“Thank you for going with Marvin. I know it’s going to be hard. But at least you can go to another place where men and women are treated as equals. When it’s clear here I will come and get you I promise.”

“What if something bad happens to you? What if Lionel figures out that you planned my escape?”

“Nothing like that is going to happen Chloe. I’ve set up a tape that is going to get replayed; my dad will think that you and Marvin have been planning this all along. Just trust me Chloe.” The baby in Chloe’s arms started to cry. Lex’s throat went dry hearing his child. “She needs a better life Chloe; you obviously realized that because you went with Marvin. We have to do this for her she deserves so much more in her life than to be treated like crap by men.”

“We didn’t even name her Lex.”

“Well pick out a name then I don’t care what we call her I just want you and her to be safe.”

“I want you to pick the name Lex; you are the one who is sacrificing so much to save us.”

Lex sighed knowing that Chloe was too stubborn to argue with. “Name her Lily then, after my mother, as long as you like that of course. You did go through all that pain having her.”

“Lily is fine Lex.” Chloe then could hear some static in the background.

“I have to go you must be getting too far away. I swear I’ll come and get you both as soon as I can. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Chloe said and then all she could hear was static, she wasn’t sure if Lex had even heard her. More tears streaked her cheeks as she closed the phone and gave it Marvin.

Marvin took the phone and then he went to the wheel on the boat making sure they were going in the right direction. Lily was still crying in Chloe’s arms and she tried to comfort her. When she wouldn’t stop crying she started to sing to her.


Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Marvin walked over to Chloe again. “That’s a pretty song.”

“I heard it on the radio I think.” Chloe told him as she looked down at Lily who had closed her eyes.

Marvin sat back down next to Chloe. “We will be to the plane soon that is going to take us to North America.”

Chloe turned her attention away from her daughter and looked at Marvin. “Did he ever say what would happen if he can’t revolt against Lionel?” The thought had come across Chloe’s mind multiple times during the small amount of time they had been on the boat.

“He told me that I just had to look after both of you. He said that he would come back no matter what though Chloe. So if he can’t plan a revolt he is going to attempt to escape.”

“And how hard will that be? I mean we got lucky tonight didn’t we?”

Marvin sighed and put his hands behind his head. “We did get lucky tonight Chloe, no one even thought about watching out for escapees tonight, especially since one of the escapees was a woman who had just had a child. It will be a lot harder for Lex to escape because the guards are no doubt making sure no one else can leave.”

“And what do you think Lionel is going to do to Lex now that I’m gone?”

“He might make him get a new wife. He wants Lex to have a child because even though Lionel has another child, she is not allowed to take charge of the law. Only first born male children are allowed to take charge of the law, unless the first born happens to die then it would go to the next male sibling. Lionel wants to make sure that the law stays secure with the Luthors.”

“And if Lex never has a boy, and say he dies what will happen?”

“Then there would be a meeting of all the men who help Lionel and they will cast a vote to decide who will be in charge. That has never happened before though Chloe and Lionel intends for it to never happen.” Chloe looked down at the child she held in her arms, she knew that they had to run to save themselves, but she couldn’t bear the thought of Lex marrying someone else and having another baby with them. “You did the right thing in leaving Chloe. Her life would have been very difficult if you had stayed. I’m sure Lex told you about what happens to children once they no longer need their mother’s milk.”

Chloe looked at Marvin’s face. “No he never told me about that.”

“I’m sure it was because he had this plan set in motion.” Marvin started to get up again but Chloe reached out and touched his arm.

“What happens?”

Marvin turned and looked at her knowing that he had brought this all on himself. “Well they get taken away from their mothers and their fathers take charge of them. For boys life is quite simple once they reach age five they go off to what the law calls school, and they are told the rules of the law. For girls it’s a horrible life, they grow up receiving discipline, and orders. If they make one mistake then they are beaten.”

Chloe took in the information glad that she was rid of the place, but not glad that she had to leave Lex behind. Then she remembered how Lex had told her one time that Marvin was the only boy out of twelve children. “You have a lot of sisters don’t you?”

“Yes that’s part of the reason I wanted to join Lex in the revolt. I saw the way my father treated them, I saw how they didn’t have a mind of their own, and I wanted better for them. Most boys who come from the law building see being cruel to woman as what they are supposed to do, that is why it is so hard for Lex to get people to help him with the revolt. The women are all afraid of what the men will do to them, and the men don’t see anything wrong with the way things are going. I’m glad to be rid of that place; I just wish I could have taken my sisters along with me, especially my youngest sister.”

“How old is she?”

“She’s nine.” Marvin looked at Chloe sadly and then he turned around again and went to the boat’s wheel.

Chloe and Marvin didn’t talk anymore after that. They reached the shore about a half an hour later, and then they found the jet that was waiting for them. When they entered Marvin handed the pilot a stack of bills and then they took their seats. The doors were closed and then they were on their way. Lily was still asleep in Chloe’s arms, and so Chloe looked out the window as they flew up. She watched as the woods below them turned into a blur and all she could see was the night sky. Chloe hadn’t realized that she had fallen asleep until the baby in her arms was crying.
Marvin who had been sitting next to her looked down at the baby. “I’m sure she is hungry. There is a small bathroom, where I’m sure you could feed her in private.”

Chloe shook her head at him and then made her way out of her seat and went into the bathroom to feed Lily. When she looked at herself in the mirror she saw how messy her hair had become from falling asleep against the window. She wondered how long they had been flying, and when they would be getting to a place called Smallville. Marvin said that they had a contact there that would house the three of them until they could get on their own feet. Lily’s cries drew Chloe away from her thoughts though, and she knew that she had to feed her. She sat down on the toilet and she had to move Lily in many different positions until Lily was finally able to eat. Chloe sighed, glad that she had figured it out quickly since they didn’t have any formula to give Lily in case she couldn’t breast feed. Once Lily was done Chloe readjusted herself and she tried to control the knots that were in her hair, she left the bathroom. She then went over and took her seat again next to Marvin.
“We’ll be there shortly.” Marvin said with a smile as he pointed to the land that was coming into view.

The sun was up and Chloe could see the fields and some of the roads of the town. “We will be safe here?” Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if this place was going to be like the country she had just left.

Marvin shook his head. “Of course everything is different here; men and women are treated as equals.” The plane lowered into an empty field and then they got off it. Chloe looked around and saw a car waiting near where the plane had landed. Marvin glanced back at the pilot. “Tell Lex that they’re safe.”

The pilot shook his head at Marvin. “Of course, and I’ll be sure to keep this quite.”

Marvin then turned and walked with Chloe again. They made their way to the car and once they had reached it the jet had started to take off again. The woman who had gotten out of the car once they had reached it looked at them. She had long red hair and her eyes looked at them kindly. “I’m Martha Kent.” She put her hand out and Marvin shook it. “You don’t have any luggage?”

“No we don’t, we left in a hurry.” Marvin told her.

“Alright well then get in; I’m sure I might be able to find something for everyone to wear.” She got into the car and then Marvin opened the passenger side door for Chloe. Then he got in the back seat, and they drove. “We are only a few minutes away from my farm, so then you can all get some rest.”

“We appreciate this very much.” Chloe told the woman.

“It’s no problem I would do anything to help the people who come from Luthorville.”

“Luthorville?” Chloe looked at Martha curiously.

Martha let out a small laugh. “Yes that is what we call it here, considering the country has never really been given a name.” Chloe looked at Marvin through the window. He gave her a small smile, and Chloe realized that he had never told this woman that she was a Luthor. “Well here we are.” Martha said as she pulled into the driveway and Chloe looked out the window and saw a small yellow house. Then she saw the pastures that were filled with cows and horses.

Once they had parked they all got out of the car and then they made their way into the house. “Do you live here by yourself?” Chloe asked as they walked in and there was no one else there to greet them.

“For now, my son lives here on occasion but he isn’t going to be back for a while. Come on I’ll show you to your room.” Martha glanced at Chloe and then Chloe followed her up the stairs. Martha took her to the first room that was on the left and opened the door. Chloe glanced into the single bed that was covered with old blankets. Then she noticed the crib that was near the window of the room. “I got you some diapers too, and there are some clothes in the drawer for her.”

“Thank you very much.”

“I have always wanted to go shopping for a baby, you see I adopted my son when he was older, and I never got the chance to buy baby things.”

Chloe looked at the woman that stood before her and she could tell that she had longed to have a child of her own. “Thanks again.” Chloe looked down at her baby who still only had a blanket around her. “I should get her into something now and get this blanket washed.” Chloe removed Lily from the soiled blanket and then she laid Lily down in the crib.

“Here I’ll take that while you get her cleaned up. There are wipes right near the diapers; you can give her a proper bath when you have rested up.” Martha took the blanket from Chloe and then left the room.

Chloe left Lily in the crib while she went over and grabbed some wipes and then she cleaned Lily the best she could. She put a diaper on her and then she opened the drawer, and found all different clothes in the drawer. Chloe pulled out a white onesie and then she pulled out a yellow shirt and some pants. She then dressed Lily and touched her face. “We’re safe now.” She whispered to her.

When Chloe turned around she saw Marvin standing in the doorway. “I’m in the room across from yours if you need anything.”

“Ok thank you.”

“Here are some clothes that Martha gave me for you to sleep in. Tomorrow we can go shopping for the things we need.” He held out the clothes for her.

Chloe took them and then gave Marvin a small smile. “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s my pleasure. Now you should get some rest. Martha said she would take care of Lily while you slept.”

Chloe looked over at the baby who was kicking in her crib. She didn’t even know who Martha was, and she didn’t know if she could trust this woman with her child. “I’m sure it will be fine if she stays here.”

“She has done this before you know, taken in young mothers and their children. She is good at taking care of babies you can trust her.”

Chloe looked back over at her child. “You’re sure?”

“Of course I am Chloe. She isn’t going to hurt her.” He said reassuringly.

Chloe then went over to the crib and lifted Lily into her arms. She grabbed the bag of diapers and wipes and then she walked down the stairs and found Martha in the kitchen. Martha smiled at her as she walked into the kitchen. “I can take her for awhile so you can sleep.” Chloe set the bag of diapers and wipes on the table and then she looked at her daughter. “It’s alright you know. I have taken care of plenty of children as they make their way through here.”

“How many people have you have helped?”

“About twenty women and all of them had at least one child, some had more. They were very different than you though. All of them were afraid to talk, to ask questions. You seem quite comfortable talking.”

“I guess that’s because I was allowed to with my husband, and Marvin.”

Martha looked at her curiously. “So you didn’t come here to run away from your husband?”

“Oh no I came here to run away from my husband’s father.” Chloe admitted to Martha.

“That’s odd.”

Chloe looked at Martha. “My husband isn’t like the other men, he treats me with kindness, and that is why he planned our escape.” Chloe looked down at her child.

Martha smiled at her. “You are very lucky then, now why don’t you go and get some rest?”

“Alright, but if she is hungry wake me up.” Chloe held out Lily to Martha, and Martha took the baby into her arms.

“Of course I will. Now go on you have to be tired.”

Chloe glanced one more time at her bald headed baby, and then she walked up the stairs. When she reached her room she shut the door and then changed into the clothes Marvin had given her. She got into the bed and tried to fall asleep. The bed wasn’t as comfortable as the one that she and Lex shared, and Chloe couldn’t help but wonder what Lex was doing now.

[cbrunberg]

loved that you updated.sad that she lost her first child but glad she was able to give birth to a health baby.can't wait to see what happens and hope lex can leave soon and join chloe and lily

[hfce]

I am so glad she had the baby an escaped but sad Lex had to be left behind. Too bad he couldn't escape with them. He needs to be with his family. :(

[ladyfayerie]

Aww! That was sad!! Thank you for updating! I really hope for them to be united again. Will wait for your next update. Thank you and take care! :D

[Kekamarie]

I'm so sorry guys but my laptop cord died. So now I have no way of getting access to the document where I typed up this story. I have to wait until I can afford a new laptop cord since my laptop died before I even knew that the cord was bad. I'm really sorry about this. But as soon as it is working again I'll post an update.

[hfce]

I'm so sorry guys but my laptop cord died. So now I have no way of getting access to the document where I typed up this story. I have to wait until I can afford a new laptop cord since my laptop died before I even knew that the cord was bad. I'm really sorry about this. But as soon as it is working again I'll post an update.

NOOO!!! :( Oh well we have no choice but to wait.

[marrycherry]

I'm so sorry guys but my laptop cord died. So now I have no way of getting access to the document where I typed up this story. I have to wait until I can afford a new laptop cord since my laptop died before I even knew that the cord was bad. I'm really sorry about this. But as soon as it is working again I'll post an update.


ohh that sucks! but don't worry ... this story is so interesting that is worth waiting for the next update :)

[justicea]

Please please please update!

[Kekamarie]

Ok so I'm glad I have a step dad who knows how to fix lap top cords because now my laptop is working again. Here is the next update I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter nine


One year later

Chloe lifted her daughter from the crib. She now had small locks of strawberry blonde hair instead of having a bald head. Lily’s small hands rubbed her bright green eyes. “I know you still want to sleep but it’s time to wake up.” Chloe said as she hugged Lily to her chest. She had thought that Lex would have come and picked them up by now. He was missing so much of Lily’s life, and even though Chloe had documented everything, she knew that Lex would always be missing a part of Lily’s life. Chloe then set Lily down on the floor and sat on the bed. Lily looked at her curiously, and took a few wobbly steps over to her mother. Chloe smiled at Lily she had been taking steps for a few days now. “You have grown up so fast.” She touched Lily’s cheek. Then there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

Marvin opened the door and looked at Chloe. “Breakfast is ready.”

“We’ll be right down.” Marvin then left the door way and Chloe looked down at Lily. “Ready to eat?” Lily stuck up her arms and Chloe lifted her up. Then she walked down the stairs and placed Lily into her high chair. “So I’m guessing you haven’t…”

“No Chloe I haven’t heard from Lex.” Marvin said as he scooped up some bacon that was on a plate on the middle of the table.

Chloe shook her head sadly and then she gave Lily the oatmeal that Martha had made for her to eat. While Chloe fed Lily, Marvin made a plate for Chloe and put it in front of her. Chloe thanked him and then took a piece of bacon to eat while she fed Lily. “Where is Martha?” Chloe had yet to see the woman who had been so kind to them over the past year. She had learned all about why Chloe had run and although she was surprised that she was housing Luthors she said that she was glad to do it.

Marvin swallowed the eggs that he had in his mouth. “I think she is cleaning the barn. I told her I would help her once we ate but I guess she decided to start early.”

“Well I’ll help too and then I want to take Lily to the playground.” Chloe had finished feeding Lily and she was eating the food that was on her plate.

“Do you want me to go?”

Chloe shook her head. “No we’ll be alright I don’t plan on being gone for too long anyway.” She finished the rest of the food that was on her plate. Then she took her plate and Lily’s bowl to the sink that was already filled with soap and water and she washed their dishes. After that she helped Marvin take care of the food that was on the table. Chloe picked up Lily and took her upstairs to get dressed while Marvin took care of the rest of the dishes.

Once they were dressed Chloe went out to the barn pushing Lily in her stroller. Chloe put the brakes on the stroller as soon as they were in the barn and she gave Lily a toy to play with. Chloe started to do hay and water in each of the stalls, for the horses. This had been their routine for the last year; both she and Marvin didn’t feel comfortable not helping Martha out even though she had insisted that they didn’t have to help.

The barn chores were done within the hour, and then Chloe said goodbye to Marvin and Martha. She pushed Lily to the playground that was about a mile away but Chloe enjoyed the walk, it gave her time to think. Chloe was constantly thinking about Lex and wondering whether he was alright or not. She couldn’t help but think that Lex’s dad had found out that he had planned their escape, and that he had hurt Lex. These images of Lex being hurt haunted Chloe at night. She tried to pretend that she was ok but she knew that Martha and Marvin could see right through her.

When Chloe finally arrived at the playground she noticed that nobody else was there. So she took Lily out of the stroller and went over to the baby swing. Usually this was always taken by other mothers, so Chloe was glad that they were the only ones at the playground. Lily loved to swing and Chloe could see her disappointment when they had to leave the playground without her getting a chance to be in the swing. Chloe placed Lily into the swing and started to push her from behind. Then she walked in front of the swing and took out the camera that was in her pocket. She took a bunch of pictures of Lily giggling and smiling. Chloe couldn’t help but smile back at her daughter she was glad that she was happy and free.

“You sure take a lot of pictures.”

Chloe turned towards the sound of the voice and she saw a man with black hair and blue eyes. “How do you know?” Chloe’s stomach felt a tad uneasy maybe she should have brought Marvin along. This man looked like he had a ton of muscle, and she knew that she would be defenseless against him.

He gave her a grin. “Because you have been taking pictures for at least five minutes.”

“Oh have I?” Chloe hadn’t realized that she had been taking pictures for that long.

He laughed at her. “Yes but I guess that is what most mothers do.”

Lily started to let out her aggravated cry, and so Chloe turned to her. The swing had stopped moving and Chloe could tell that Lily wasn’t happy about it. So she went behind her and pushed her again. The man was still standing near them. “So do you live around here?” She asked trying to be friendly but she was still a bit unsure about him.

“Yes I live about a mile from here and where do you live?” He cocked his eyebrow at her curiously.

Chloe wasn’t sure if she should tell him where she lived since she didn’t know him. “Around here.”

“You don’t have to be afraid of me. You see I help people I don’t hurt them.”

“So why are you interested in where I live?”

“Well you were the one who asked first I just thought I’d ask you as well.” He retorted.

Chloe shook her head. “Well I guess I asked you that because you don’t look familiar so I wasn’t sure whether you were from around here.”

“Yes well I have been gone for awhile.”

Chloe then stepped away from the swing and looked at the man that stood in front of her. Now that she was more relaxed she realized that she had seen him before, in the picture albums that Martha had. “You’re Clark aren’t you?”

He smiled at her. “Yes I am, and how may I ask do you know that?”

“I’m living with your mom.”

Clark shook his head. “Ah so you are one of them.”

She looked at him with anger. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Clark shook his head at her. “I didn’t mean it like that I just meant… oh well never mind. Come on I’ll walk you back to the farm.”

Chloe turned and lifted Lily from the swing which she was protesting about. “Oh Lily we’ll come back.” She told her as she placed her in the stroller and strapped her in.

“You have a cute kid.” Clark said when the silence had grown too long for him.

“Thank you.” Chloe took the brakes off the stroller and started to push it towards the road.

“So is it only the two of you staying with my mom?” Clark was walking fast and it wasn’t until he turned to Chloe to ask her the question that he realized that she was at least ten paces behind him.

Chloe caught up to him. “No Marvin came too.”

“And who is Marvin?” Clark looked at her curiously.

“A friend.”

“I see and he isn’t like the other men that come from that place is he?”

“No.”

“That’s impressive I suppose he is one of the one percent of the decent men that Luthorville has then.”

Chloe looked at him with cold eyes. “There are more decent men who live there than you might think.”

He looked back at her his expression showed her that hadn’t meant to offend her. “I’m sure there are but with Lionel and Lex running that place most men treat woman like they’re dogs.”

Chloe winced when she heard Lex’s name she hated hearing other people talking about him, she wanted to be the only one who was thinking about him. She could also tell that Clark like his mother had very strong negative opinions about Lex. It had taken her and Marvin months to convince Martha that Lex had never hurt her. “You could be wrong about them; you don’t know them after all.”

“I’ve seen the pain that their laws have caused women. My mother has been taking in women from Luthorville since I was six. I have seen their pain, and I have seen their fear towards men. You can’t tell me that what they are doing is right. I’m sure you have had a few beatings from whoever’s sperm created that child.”

“I’ve never been beat. Not by my father and not by my husband.” Chloe stopped to look at Clark. “Lionel may be an ass but Lex isn’t like him.”

Clark then looked from Chloe to the child who was sitting in the stroller. He had seen pictures of Lex and he could see some of his features on the girl that was sitting in the stroller. He could see Lex’s nose, Lex’s cheeks, and Lex’s ears. “You’re a Luthor?”

“Yes.” She looked into Clark taking in his gaze at both her and Lily.

“God what has my mother done?” He whispered, and it was barely loud enough for Chloe to hear him.

“Should she not have taken us in?”

Clark looked coldly at Chloe. “No she shouldn’t have, even here the law doesn’t protect my mother or I from the punishment that is sure to come once they find out you have been living with us. The people of the law have the rights to punish not only what they claim to be theirs but the people who have stolen them as well. You have put my mother in serious danger.”

Chloe had never heard Martha talk about this before and she felt guilty that she was putting them in danger. “I didn’t realize that Clark. I’m sorry that I’m putting your mom and you in danger but I need to protect my daughter.”

“From her father no doubt.” Clark shouted at her. “I should have come back sooner if they had come….”

“Lily doesn’t need protection from Lex, she needs protection from Lionel.”

“You keep thinking that then.”

Chloe was too angry to think of another thing to say to him and so they stayed quiet for the rest of the walk to the Kent farm. When they walked through the door Clark went and found his mom. She had been in the living room folding laundry with Marvin. “Clark you’re home.” Martha got up from the couch and hugged him.

Clark gave her a half hearted hug and then he looked at her seriously. “How could you do it?”

“Do what?” She looked up at him curiously since he towered over her.

Clark then pointed his finger at Chloe who was standing next to the stroller that Lily was still in. “She’s a Luthor; you know what could happen to you if they find out she is here.” He told his mother with a snarl.

Martha took Clark’s hand. “Just think of what they would have done to them if they had stayed Clark.”

“They’re not worth risking your life for.”

Marvin had then gone over to Chloe. “If you want us out we’ll go, you have helped us so much already I’m sure we can manage to find a place to stay.”

But Martha walked away from Clark. “You don’t have to go anywhere.”

“But mom you can’t keep them here.”

“This is my house Clark Kent and I can do whatever I would like.” She raised her voice at him and Chloe watched as Clark took a step back from her.

“Has she told you how she doesn’t think that Lex is like his father?” The anger was still in his voice, but he had taken it down a level.

Martha shook her head at him. “Of course she has Clark, and I believe her.”

Clark sighed feeling defeated. “I guess you didn’t show her the tape then, or the newspapers?”

Chloe was suddenly curious again. “You have news about Lex?”

Martha looked at her son her eyes flashed at him with anger and then she turned towards Chloe. “Yes, but I’m sure that everything that has been
done is part of his plan. Or he is just trying to not get in trouble with his father.”

“Let me see them.”

Marvin placed his hands on Chloe’s shoulders. “Chloe you don’t want to see them.”

Chloe glanced at Marvin anger was now flashing in her eyes. “You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?”

“It was for your own good.” Marvin told her.

Chloe pushed him away from her. “How dare you keep this information from me he is my husband.”

“I knew it would just upset you more and that you would want to go back, and Lex told me to keep you here no matter what was happening over there.”

“Of course he would say that, she was obviously not giving him what he wanted and so he went and found it from someone else.”
Chloe turned towards Clark. “What are you talking about?”

“Your husband remarried and there have been rumors floating around that she is pregnant.”

Chloe’s heart dropped to the floor, and suddenly the room was spinning around her. This had to be a lie or a horrible joke from them. When the room stopped spinning she glanced at Marvin the only person who she remotely trusted at the moment. “It’s not true is it?”

“Chloe you have to understand…”

Chloe could tell by the look he was giving her that this wasn’t a lie. She grabbed Lily from the stroller and flew up the stairs slamming the door behind her.

“Now look what you have done.” Martha told her son.

“Seems she deserves it considering the extreme amount of danger she has put you in.”

“She didn’t know about the danger she was putting me in Clark.” Martha turned away from her son and then she marched off into the kitchen. She had thought that Clark returning home would be a happy moment but so far all it had brought was anger.

Clark glanced over at Marvin. “I assume that you did know the danger right? But you don’t care because women are allowed to be treated like dirt.”

“I think the real reason that you are so angry Clark is because you liked Chloe when you saw her but then you realized who she was and now you have to hate her. Isn’t that right?” Clark looked at Marvin curiously. “Even when you are angry you couldn’t hide the look that you found her attractive. I’ve seen that same look from other men when they are around her.”

“I’m sure you would recognize it considering you have probably given plenty of women the same look hoping to make them all your brides.”

“Actually Clark I don’t like women, if you get my drift.” Marvin gave Clark a huge grin and then he walked up the stairs. He then knocked on Chloe’s door.

“Go away.”

“I’m not going anywhere just let me come in and explain things.”

“No.”

Marvin put his hand on the doorknob and twisted it open. Once the door was all the way open Marvin saw the tears that were streaming down her cheeks, and he watched as Lily would wipe them away. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I should have.”

“Don’t I have a right here still? I told you not to come in.” Chloe looked at him angrily.

Marvin stepped into the room towards her. “I’m sorry.” He said again looking at her.

“I asked you everyday if you had heard anything about Lex, or heard from him, and you lied to me over and over again.”

“I did it to protect you.”

“Well I’m sick of people protecting me. I want to know what has been going on.”

Clark then entered at that moment. “Fine. Here you go.” He dropped the pile of newspapers onto the bed. “Look and see what your perfect husband has been doing.”

Chloe grabbed the first newspaper from the pile and she saw Lex’s face for the first time in a year. Lionel was standing next to Lex they were in a place that Chloe didn’t recognize. The headline said that a new law was put into place. Chloe read the article further, the article was all about how the few rights that the girls who worked in the mill were now revoked. There had been at least twenty deaths in the last two months because girls were no longer given protective gear and they were worked nineteen hours straight. Chloe tore her eyes from the paper and grabbed the newspaper that was at the bottom of the pile. On the front was another picture of Lex standing in his tux with a girl in a bridal gown standing next to him, the article said that she was sixteen, and Chloe recognized her as the girl that would push the tray to their room to give them their meals. The other newspapers were filled of other horrible new laws that had been passed. “This doesn’t prove anything everyone knows that Lionel is the one who passes all of these laws, and Lex could have just married this woman to protect us.”
Clark looked at Chloe harshly. “How can you love this man?”

“Because he is kind and decent and all of this...” Chloe pointed at the newspapers. “Is the work of his father, Lex would never do anything like this.”

“Well I don’t see him stopping his father.”

“That’s because he doesn’t have enough help, he doesn’t want to risk more lives if his revolt is never going to work.”

Marvin looked at Chloe who still had Lily on her lap. “I know that this is all just a part of Lex’s plan to protect you Chloe, that’s why I didn’t show them to you I didn’t want you to get all upset over what Lionel has done.”

“You two are really pathetic you know that? How can you believe Lex and stand by him?”

“Because he wants to change things.” Chloe snapped at Clark.

“A man who has been shown on video beating a woman wants to change the way things work?” Clark laughed at her. “He is just like his father, except maybe he is worse because he has manipulated the both of you to think that he is the greatest thing that has ever happened to Luthorville.”

“He was young when he did that Clark. Boys are brainwashed into thinking that the law is something that you obey, and they grow up seeing their father’s treat their wives with abuse. Lex saw his wrong doing, he first saw it when Lionel beat his own mother, and then he felt it when he committed the abuse himself. If you remember correctly Lex only hit the girl once and then the camera went to a different boy because Lex couldn’t do it anymore. He is not a bad man.”

“Well you have me convinced.” Clark said sarcastically and then he left the room.

Chloe looked at Marvin. “He really hit someone?”

“Yes he had his teacher shouting at him and his father looking on. There were so many voices in the room Chloe. I hit a woman as well; it was what we felt we had to do in order to not go to the holding pen ourselves. We realized that it was wrong and Lex and I found ways around hurting women. Sure it was hard but we did it, and we apologized to the women we had hurt. Lex gave the woman he had hurt freedom and sent her here. I would have done the same thing if I had had the means.”

“I just want to be with him again.” Chloe looked down at Lily.

“I know you do Chloe. But until he comes you have to stay here. I promised him I would keep you two safe.”

“What if he never comes? What if there is never enough help to start the revolt?”

“Well then I guess we’ll have to wait until Lionel dies.”

“You know that none of them are going to stand for what Lex wants, he will be dead in an instant just so one of them can take over.” Chloe looked at Lily sadly. “It’s not fair to you is it? You need your dad in your life.” She then pulled Lily tightly to her chest.

Clark popped his head back into the room. He looked at the three of them. “You really think Lex can end what’s going on?”

“Yes.” Both she and Marvin said without hesitation.

“I might be able to help, but I’m going to make sure that this is for real. I’m not about to go and trust a Luthor.”

“How can you help though what is it that you can do?”

“I have a team and we can do just about anything. I’ll round them up get them to help, but before we all risk our lives, I’m going to check out your lovely husband. If I feel the way you two feel then I’ll help him out.”

Chloe looked at him curiously. “Why would you help? I mean moments ago you wanted us out of your house.”

Clark shrugged. “What can I say I’m a sucker for people who are in dire need of help, and if you think that Lex can somehow change things then I’m not about to deny the women of Luthorville the help they so desperately deserve.”

Chloe got up from the bed leaving Lily with Marvin and she hugged Clark. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. I still need to talk to Lex before I do anything.”

Chloe stepped back from him. “Well thank you for at least making an attempt then.”

Clark looked at Chloe’s eyes and he could see the hope that was in them. “I hope Lex realizes how lucky he is to have you.” Clark then walked away from the door way.

“What does he mean by that?” Chloe asked Marvin curiously.

“You should have seen your eyes light up the minute he mentioned going to help Lex, even he can see the love and devotion you have for him.”

“But he doesn’t even know me so why is he helping me?”

“You have an effect on people Chloe. I mean just look at what happened to Lex, he’d do anything for you within the few minutes he met you as well.” Marvin glanced at Chloe and then he looked down at Lily who was still sitting on his lap.

Chloe looked at Lily too and then she looked at Marvin with a huge smile on her face. “Well then this means that if Clark decides to help Lex then we will see him soon right?”

“Yes I suppose that is what it means. We just have to hope that Clark sees Lex as a good person and not the one the person that he has imagined Lex to be inside his head.”

[hfce]

Clark really is a self righteous prick. But at least he is willing to help. I hope it works. Lex needs to be with his family. Please don't make that girl pregnant. I want him only to have kids with Chloe. ;)

Note: You might want to update the date. So that people know there is a new chapter.

[Kekamarie]

Note: You might want to update the date. So that people know there is a new chapter.

Thank you I just updated it I forgot to update on the first post and only did it for the update I did today. So thank you for telling me that. I'm glad you liked the update hopefully I will post the next one later in the week. :)

[cbrunberg]

glad you updated.clark i wanted to hit.but at least he is willing to help.lex needs to be with his family.

[Kekamarie]

Alright everyone this is the last chapter and then I am going to write an epilogue and then this story will be finished. Thank you for reading it and for all of your nice comments. I hope you have enjoyed this story.

Chapter Ten

Clark decided that if he was to go and see Lex for himself he might as well go now. So he used his super speed to get to Luthorville. He sped around the law building searching for Lex. He found Lex in a meeting so he waited outside pretending that he fit in this place. Clark had to wait an hour and half for the meeting to get done when Lex finally walked out. Once Lex was far enough behind the other men Clark grabbed him. He threw him back into the room that the men had just come out of. “Is this a safe place to talk?”

Lex looked at the man before him curiously. “Yes there are no cameras in this room. Who the hell are you?”

“Well right not that is not really your concern. I’m here to see if I can help you.”

Lex studied the man again and he saw how powerful the man looked. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

Clark stepped closer to Lex. “You want to take down your father right?”

“Yes I do.”

“Well then you need to prove to me that when I get people to help you defeat your father you aren’t going to turn into him.”

Lex smiled at the man before him. “Well I can prove that to you already. All of my plans are in my room. Just walk behind me and don’t say anything.” Lex said as he walked out of the room.

“That sure sounds like an order.” Clark said hesitant to follow this man who he didn’t trust.

“Please just walk behind me and don’t say anything.” Lex said again.

Clark shook his head. “Fine.”

They made their way out of the room. Then Lex led Clark up the stairs to his bedroom. He pushed open the door and he let Clark step into
the room. Lex went in behind him and then shut the door. When Clark was in the room he found Lex’s new wife sitting on the bed with her head down. Clark also saw the blankets that were on the floor of the room and a pillow sat on the floor as well. When Clark examined the girl further he could tell that she wasn’t pregnant and he knew that the rumors weren’t true. Lex had gone over to one of the nightstands and pulled out a stack of papers. “Here.” He handed the papers to Clark.

Clark took them and examined all of the new laws that Lex had thought of to put in place. “How long have you had these?” Clark asked Lex once he was done skimming the documents.

“I started writing them when I was fourteen and I keep writing new ones to revoke the new laws that my father puts in place. I’m not about to keep letting these women suffer.”

Clark could tell that most of the documents were older but he still couldn’t bring himself to trust Lex. “So you haven’t done anything to her?” He looked at the girl that was still sitting on the bed.

Lex looked at the girl as well. “No I haven’t touched her.”

“Then why isn’t she talking as easily as Chloe talks?”

At the mention of her name Lex snapped his head to look at Clark. “You’ve seen Chloe?”

Clark grimaced at his mistake in mentioning her name he had wanted to see what Lex was like without telling him that he had seen Chloe and Lily. “Yes they are living with my mother.”

“And are they both doing alright?” Lex didn’t let his gaze drift from Clark now. He hadn’t heard any mention of Chloe’s name since she had escaped.

“They are fine, but she misses you. That’s why I’m here to help you and get my mom safe again. But you still haven’t answered my original question of why she isn’t saying a word.” Clark glanced back at the girl that was sitting on the bed.

Lex looked at Clark and then he broke his stare at him and looked at the girl on the bed. “She can’t talk, when she was five she was punished and they damaged her vocal cords so badly that she can no longer speak.”

Clark looked at the girl sadly; she still had her head down. “Well then let me take her back so that she is out of this place.”

“I can’t that would look too suspicious, and I’d be dead before you could help me out. When all of this is over Annie can have her choice of where she wants to go.”

“Alright well I’ll get my team together and we’ll come up with a plan to help you. But if you turn your back on everything that you have said and you become your father. I will make sure that you never see Chloe or Lily ever again.” Clark then opened the door and started to leave the room.

Lex went after him walking out to the room where he knew there were cameras. “You still haven’t told me your name.”

Clark turned to look at him. “It’s unimportant at the moment.” Then Clark took off at a run, until he was out of sight from the people that lived in the building. It was then that he used his super speed to get back to Smallville. By the time he got back everyone was just finishing their lunch. And even though he could see the surprised look on both Marvin and Chloe’s faces, he just grinned at them. “Alright I’ll find a way to help your precious husband.” Then he took off up the stairs knowing that if he stayed he would have to answer a bunch of questions of how he had gotten there and back so fast.

Chloe glanced at Martha curiously not understanding how Clark could have traveled to see Lex so fast. “He has his ways of doing things. If I were you I wouldn’t ask him about it.” Martha then took their empty plates from the table and started to bring them to the sink.

“I can do that.” Marvin shot up from his seat and went to the sink to wash the dishes.

Martha sat down at the table again. “Would you mind watching Lily for a minute?” Chloe asked her.

“Like I said Chloe I wouldn’t talk to him about it.” Martha told her sternly.

Chloe shook her head. “I don’t want to talk to him about that.”

“Alright then go on. Marvin and I will clean her up.” She glanced at Lily who had splashes of sauce all over her face, hands, and clothes.

“Thank you.” Chloe touched Lily’s hand quickly and then she got up from her seat and rushed up the stairs. Once she was up there she knocked on the door that led to Clark’s room.

Clark opened the door and looked at her. “If you’re looking for an explanation you won’t get one.”

“I’m not I just want to know if Lex was hurt. I have to know that he is alright.” She knew that Clark would tell her the truth about Lex’s condition, and she could only hope that his father hadn’t found out about Lex helping her escape. She had been afraid that the pictures in the newspapers had been photo shopped.

Clark opened the door further letting Chloe walk in. She glanced around the dark room, with the plaid comforter that lay on his bed. His floor was already littered with dirty clothes, even though he hadn’t been home for that long. When the silence had lasted too long Chloe turned to look at Clark, hoping that he wasn’t trying to prepare her for bad news. “He’s fine Chloe.” Clark moved away from her and went over to the only window that was in the room. Chloe moved over to him.

“You don’t trust him do you?”

Clark’s eyes didn’t move from the grass they were focused on. “Not completely, no.”

“Then why are you helping him?”

At this Clark turned and looked into her eyes. “I haven’t known you very long Chloe but my heart beats faster every time I look at you.” Chloe looked at him with confusion all she had wanted was an answer to her question. Clark sighed heavily. “I’m helping him for you; I can see how much you care about him.” Clark then reached his hand out and touched Chloe’s cheek; his thumb ran over her cheek bone. “He doesn’t deserve you.”

Chloe stepped back away from Clark. “I love Lex.”

“I know you do.” He looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have touched you.”

Chloe moved towards the doorway, she thought about leaving but then she turned and looked at Clark. “You’re wrong Clark I’m the one who doesn’t deserve Lex.” After she said that she went downstairs and held a newly clean Lily in her arms.

Clark had followed her down the stairs and he went to the kitchen. “I’m going to round up my team. If all goes well I’ll come and get the three of you in a few days. Then you can go back to your lives. I just hope that you live a better life when you go back.” His eyes were on Chloe’s and he knew that his glance wasn’t going unnoticed by his mom or Marvin.

“Just be safe Clark.” Martha told him and she went over to him and gave him a hug.

“I will mom.” He kissed her cheek and then once they were unwrapped from their hug Clark left the house.

Within a few hours Clark had rounded up the justice league. They were all on their way over to Luthorville by their hovercraft. It had taken Clark awhile to convince the league that Lex wouldn’t be harmed during their invasion. In order to keep Lex safe he had to agree that each one of the justice league members would have a go at Lionel Luthor. Clark usually tried to avoid violence but he knew that this time they wouldn’t be able to avoid it.

“So we are taking over the law building first right?” Flash looked at Clark with excitement. He was still young and hadn’t had a real chance to do something good.

Clark smiled at Flash; he liked the newest member to the league. “Yes all the members of the law building are to be rounded up.”

“What are we going to do with them?” Wonder woman looked at him curiously.

“I heard there are holding pens for the women who disobey. If they exist we can throw them in there.” The Green Lantern suggested.

Clark shook his head. “That sounds good if they don’t exist we will have to figure out something else.”

“And you’re sure that we can trust Lex?” Batman turned his attention away from the map of the law building that was lying before him and looked at Clark.

Clark could tell that none of the members of his team trusted him about Lex. “I’m positive that we can trust him. He isn’t his father.”

“Well our plan better work because we are here, and I don’t think we have gone without notice.” The Flash looked out the window of the hovercraft and saw the men who were guarding the law building pointing their weapons at their hovercraft.

“I think it’s best if you go first. After all I hardly doubt they know your weakness, and I don’t think that they have kryptonite here.” Batman glanced over at Clark.

“Fine I’ll go. Then Flash you will need to round up all the people who are fighting us quickly. After that the rest of you can go to work.” Clark then hit a button and jumped out of the hovercraft. He landed with a thud on the ground and then he ran towards the guards who were trying to shoot the hovercraft down. He was wearing his superman outfit so that he didn’t give away his identity, since Clark knew that pictures that were taken in Luthorville ended up where he lived.

One of the guards started shooting at Clark, and Clark just walked towards him not caring about the bullets. Clark could see the surprise on the man’s face, and so it was easy for Clark to remove the man’s gun from his hands. Then Clark turned towards another guard who was firing his gun. He sped over to him and threw his gun away from him.

Then more men started to run at Clark. So Clark quickly took away their weapons, and then he saw the flash running around rounding the men up. All of the men looked confused, and scared. “Well now that we have your attention. It’s time for us to tell you why we are here. Things are going to change around here, and if any of you tries to stop us we will show you no mercy. Now get inside the building.” Clark glared at all of them wondering just how many wives each of the men had.

All of the men listened without hesitation, and they ran into the building. Clark and the Flash followed in after them. “Make sure they all stay in here.” Clark told Flash and then he took off up the stairs. He made his way up to Lex’s room, without running into anyone on the way. Clark assumed that the people who lived in the building had understood that they were under attack and so they were all trying to hide.

When Clark reached Lex’s room he knocked on the door. Lex opened it and Clark went into it. Clark noticed that Lex was wearing a black suit with a yellow tie. “Alright things are starting. You have your new laws already right?”

“Yes. What are you wearing?”

“Don’t worry about it. Just get downstairs.” Clark glanced over at the girl who was sitting on the bed, and he could tell that she was nervous. “No harm will come to those who behave themselves, and no harm will come to any of the woman who live here.”

Lex could tell that the man was saying this for the girl. “Come on.” He told her, and she got off the bed. She pushed her blue dress down and followed Lex down the stairs. Clark followed them down making sure that no harm came to Lex, because without Lex nothing would ever be allowed to change.

By the time Clark reached the large room downstairs where the guards had been rushed into, the room was filled with more men. “Is everyone down here?” Clark looked at Wonder woman curiously.

“Batman is still searching but most of them are down here, and we threw Lionel down in the holding pen and released all of the women down there. The other law members are also down in the holding pen. So if you want to start changing things change them now, while none of them have a say.”

“I would if I could but since my father isn’t dead he has to sign away the power that he has to me.”

“I told you this would be so much easier if we had just killed him.” Super woman told Clark.

Clark shook his head. “I’m sure Lionel will be more than willing to give up his power to Lex. Come on let’s go see your father.”

Lex and Clark walked down the flights of stairs that led to the holding pen. Lex saw his father right away, and he didn’t look happy. “Lex get me out of here.” He shouted as soon as he saw his son.

“I’m not going to let you out dad. The Luthors have destroyed this place ever since they set foot here. I’m going to change things.” Lex told him as he walked over to the cell his father was in.

Lionel pressed his face up to the bars of the cell. “You are a disgrace to the Luthor line. I always knew you were weak and falling in love with Chloe hasn’t helped you at all.”

“That’s where you are wrong dad, falling in love with Chloe has helped me a great deal. What the law is doing is wrong women should have rights.”

“Things have worked just fine Lex.” Lionel spat his son.

Lex wiped the spit from his cheek and then he looked at Clark. “I think that getting him to sign his rights to the law over to me is going to take some convincing.”

Clark opened Lionel’s cell and grabbed the man by his neck. He threw him up against a wall and started to squeeze. “Believe me Lionel I can find plenty of ways to torture a man like you. If you want this to be all I do to you sign your rights away to Lex.”

Lionel tried to push Clark away but all of his attempts ended in failure. He was slowly gasping for air and he knew that Clark meant what he had said. There could be a way to take the law back from Lex if he signed his rights over. “Fine I’ll sign.” He gasped.

Clark released Lionel and grabbed the paper that Lex was holding. He thrust the paper at Lionel and gave him a pen. Lionel signed the document and then Clark left the cell locking it behind him. “Here now get going on all of these new laws.”

Lex gripped the paper and smiled. “With all the council members being in holding pens there is no one that I have to run these new laws by. I’m glad that things are going to start changing around here.”

“Lex don’t do this. Things have worked well this way for hundreds of years.” Lionel shouted while Lex walked away.

Lex turned and stared at his father. “Maybe it has worked for you and all of the men in this place but it doesn’t work for the women. Things are going to change and there is nothing that you can do to stop me.” He turned back and walked up the stairs to where all of the news laws he had written were waiting for him.

“We’ll make sure everyone follows the new rules once they are put in place. As long as we have to stay here we will.”

“Thank you. I’ll get to work. There is not much left to do since I have already written laws that undue the laws that are already in place.”

“Good I’ll leave you to it then and go see how my team is doing.” Clark flew away from Lex and went and found Flash.

Flash was standing near the door way to the stairs of the holding pen. “What is the status on the other project I have had you working on?”

“They are almost here. Are you going to tell Lex?”

“No he doesn’t need to know yet. Just make sure that when they arrive they are kept out of sight.” Then Clark flew away to found out how everyone else was doing.



********************

Their arrival back to the law building had been fairly uneventful. Lily had been the only excitement that had been offered since she hadn’t stopped having a fit since they had left Smallville. Chloe had done everything she could to comfort her but nothing had worked. Usually Lily didn’t throw fits like this but they had never traveled for so long before except when she was an infant. By the time they had gotten to the law building Lily decided it was time to settle down.

Chloe was holding her tightly as she and Marvin were lead into a back entrance and into a room by a young man. “Someone will be here soon.” He told them and then he left closing the door behind him.

Lily started to tug at Chloe’s hair. “Lily stop please.” Her voice was firm as she took her daughters hand and made her release her hair.

“Here I’ll take her.” Marvin said reaching out for the child who willing leapt into his arms.

“Thank you.”

Marvin smiled at her. “You’ll see him soon.”

Chloe couldn’t help but smile back. “I know.” She couldn’t wait to see Lex. The whole ride here she had been anxious, and she was sure that her anxiety hadn’t helped Lily settle down.


*********************

Lex had finished with all of the news laws and they were all put in place. Superwomen had taken the new laws and was going to spread word to all of the towns of Luthorville that they were set in place. A few other members had gone with her as well to make sure that the laws were going to be obeyed. Clark was at Lex’s side. “So are you all set now?”

“No I need to find Annie.” His eyes scanned the room that was full of women who were talking to each other, and some were standing quietly still not sure if the law had really changed.

“I know where she is.” Before Lex had even blinked Clark was gone, and he was left standing alone with a room full of women who were confused. He walked in the center of the room. “This is not a joke. Things are going to change for all of you and for your daughters. I know it’s going to take time to get used to and I know that the men of this place may not want to obey the new rules. But your lives will be better with all of these new laws in place. I don’t want any of you to be afraid of men any longer.”

“What about my husband?” One woman asked him she looked afraid to do so.

“You can remain married to him or you can choose to leave him. It is up to you to decide that. But he will no longer be able to treat you as though you are a dog.”

This seemed to suffice her and she walked away from him. Other women asked him questions and he answered them. They seemed more relieved as he told them what was set in place. Then Clark came back with Annie. Lex smiled at the young girl. “Come here please.” Annie walked over to him and stared into his eyes. “You don’t want to be married to me do you? You can tell me the truth. No harm will come to you.” Annie shook her head no at him. “That’s what I thought you are much too young to be married. So I have these for you to sign.” He said handing her a stack of papers. “I’ve already signed them. It says that once you sign then are marriage is over and you are free to be with whoever you want.” Annie took the paper from him and he showed her where she needed to sign her name, even though she didn’t really know how to spell it. Lex took the ring from Annie’s finger and then she went over to talk to the other women in the room.

“Now that you are done with that I have something to show you.” Clark told Lex motioning for him to follow.

Lex followed Clark down to a room at the end of a long hallway. Clark entered the room first and Lex followed in after him closing the door behind him.

Chloe had been standing at a window staring at the landscape when she heard the door open. She immediately jerked her head towards the door but her heart sank when all she saw was Clark. But then she saw that Clark wasn’t alone. When she saw Lex her heart started to beat faster and she ran over to him. She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. “God I missed you.” Chloe said against his lips not wanting to pull away.

“I’ve missed you too.” Stroking her hair he looked over at Clark who was watching them. Lex didn’t miss the look that Clark was giving Chloe. “Is this still what you want?” Lex mumbled to her hoping that she would say yes but knowing that he had to be accepting if she said no.

“Of course it is. I love you.”

“You were forced to love me Chloe. You were forced to marry me, forced to have a child with me, and forced into this way of life. I would understand if you would want to leave it and start with someone else.”

“Lex I was never forced to love you. I may have been forced to do all those other things but never to love you. I want you for the rest of my life. Don’t you want the same?” She looked at him hopefully.

Lex put his forehead against hers. “Of course I do. I just needed to give you the option.” He touched her face and then he pulled away from her and glanced over at Marvin who was holding a sleeping Lily in his arms.

“Oh right I’m sorry I was so happy to see you that I forgot that you would want to see your daughter just as much as me.” Chloe went over to Marvin and took Lily from his arms without waking her. She brought her over to Lex.

Lex moved his hand slowly to her sleeping face. “She’s so beautiful.” His finger gently massaged her cheek so he wouldn’t wake her. “I’ve missed so much.” In his dreams he had always thought of Lily as being a baby the same baby that he had held for just only a minute before he had to let them go. He had never imagined her to look like this.

“But you won’t miss anymore and I’ve documented everything. I know it’s not the same as being there but it will all work out. She will love you as much as I do in a short time. Do you want to hold her? She’s a heavy sleeper so you won’t wake her.” Chloe held out Lily to Lex.

Lex took Lily in his arms shifting her until she fit perfectly in them. He stared down at his sleeping child knowing that he had made her life better by letting her go. But now he wouldn’t have to let her go ever again and he was glad. He looked up at Chloe and smiled. “Finally I have my family.”

“And we have you.” Chloe smiled back at Lex and then they both looked down at their sleeping daughter. Life to Chloe was as good as it possibly could get she had her husband and she had her daughter the only person who was missing was her father.

At that thought there was a knock on the door and Clark smiled at all of them. “Lex said you might like to see this person.” Clark opened the door to reveal Gabe Sullivan.

Chloe moved from Lex and Lily and wrapped her father in a tight hug. “Easy kiddo your dad isn’t as young as he used to be.”

Her arms eased and then she looked at him. “I can hardly believe that you are here.”

“I can hardly believe it either. I thought I would never see you again. But it seems as though you have found the right man to make things change.”

Chloe looked over at Lex and then she beamed at her father. “That I did and now we can all be together.” She gripped her father’s hand and brought him over to see Lex and Lily. The four of them stood together as Clark and Marvin watched. Finally things had changed and there was more joy than sadness that surrounded them. And Chloe was glad that she and Lex would no longer have to be cooped up in a room in order to hide from the law. Because now the law was what they had both always wanted and they wouldn’t have to be afraid of it ever again.

[hfce]

What a great story. I am so glad they are all back together including Gab. :)

[Dolly]

I enjoyed reading this story. The premise was unique. Thx

[cbrunberg]

loved the story.and everyone is together again as a family including chloe's father

[lilinny]

What a journey! Love it!

[ladyfayerie]

Aww. Nice update! I'm glad that they're at peace now. I'll be waiting for the epilogue. Thank you! :D

[skyblue78]

Just read this story from the beginning, can't wait for the epilogue. Great story!

[Kekamarie]

I made this short and sweet. Thanks again for everyone who read this story I hope you enjoyed it. I have another story that I have set up in my mind but I don't have enough written out to post any of it yet and since I just started school again I'm not sure when I'll have the chance to write it. Hopefully I can't post some of it soon but I really want to be more consistent with my updates for this new story than I was for this one. So just be on the lookout I guess and thanks again.

Epilogue

Lex stood at the window in the law building watching his daughter run. Her red hair was blowing in the wind. His son was chasing after her but then he would tumble and fall just to get up again and chase her. Chloe stood watching them and Lex smiled. This was the way things were supposed to be. Lily and Chloe should be able to be out in the open without the fear of having a man punish them for what they were thinking or wanting to do. His son shouldn’t have to grow up to learn how to beat a woman, and destroy them until they were nothing but a robot.
It had taken six years for everyone to come at peace in the small world in which he lived. But now that everything had simmered down Lex felt happier. His family could live in peace and happiness and he could give that happiness to everyone else who lived in Luthorville as well.

Clark’s team were still in place of course because men still wanted to have control, but they didn’t have to fight the men as much anymore. Lex kept writing new laws as new problems came up. He wanted to give women and men equal rights and finding that balance was still tricky. Sometimes he would unintentionally give power to one group more than the other. Mostly he favored the women who had been brutalized for centuries by the Luthors, and even though they deserved to have control they didn’t want it all. The women just wanted to be treated as equals to men, and so Lex had added women to the council in order to get an understanding for what they needed. He seemed to be doing a good enough job because the women and men on the council appreciated the new laws he had set in place.

His father was still in a holding pen since he refused to change his ways. Although it hurt Lex to leave his father caged up for the rest of his life, he knew it was what was best for the members of Luthorville. Sure his father would never love Lex the way he wanted him to but he had his family to make up for that lack of love.

Remembering his family, Lex left his office and headed off into the field where his children where playing. He came out quietly and stood next to
Chloe watching Lily and Conner play together. Lex didn’t even notice if Chloe had recognized his presence because she hadn’t turned her head to look at him, she was still gazing at their children. So he turned his head and watched Lily take Conner’s hands and spin him around. She was almost seven now and Conner was four. They were giggling at each other. Lily’s red hair spilled around her as she and Conner fell to the ground together in fits of laughter. Conner’s blonde hair was short and didn’t make any movement from the wind like his sister’s did.
Lily looked more like him than Chloe and Conner looked more like Chloe. Although their features resembled some of the features of their parents they both had their own appearances, and uniqueness. His heart was filled completely as he stood next to Chloe and watched his children. He couldn’t think of loving anyone more than he loved the three of them.

While Lex was gazing at the children he failed to notice that Chloe had realized he was standing next to her. She reached her hand out and held his. She thought that it was impressive that she had held onto his hand for at least a minute before he noticed.
Lex smiled warmly at here and gripped her hand tighter. “Are you happy Chloe?” He didn’t know why he was asking her, or what had even made him think of the question in the first place.

Chloe beamed up at him and took his face in her hands. “Of course I am. I have you and our children. That’s all I’ll ever need to make me happy.”

“You have your book as well. You should be proud to be the first woman to have a published a book within the boundaries of Luthorville.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” She returned her hand back to Lex’s and they continued to watch Lily and Conner who were coming closer to them.

Lex was about to open his mouth to say something in return but he was stopped suddenly when Lily flew into his arms. “Daddy are you done working for the day?”

He tousled the girl’s hair and smiled at her. “Yes I’m done for today.” Conner ran up to him and hugged his leg. Lex stared down at his son and ran his hand over his hair. “I thought I would come spend time with the three most important people in the world.”

“Us?” Conner asked after looking at his mother and his sister.

“Yes.”

“But I thought you were the most important person in the world daddy.” Lily looked up at him with curious and adoring eyes.
Lex laughed and touched her cheek. “I’m not that important sweetie.”

“Don’t let your daddy fool you Lily he has had a huge impact on the lives of the people of Luthorville.” Chloe told the little girl.

“One day when I’m bigger like you can I do what you do?” Lily’s eyes grew big as she stared up at him. She wanted to be important to the people in Luthorville as well.

“Of course you can if that is what you want to do.” Being able to say these words to her and having no doubt in his mind that she would be able to take place made his heart grow even more. Although he had needed help from multiple people he was glad that things had changed enough for him to say these words to his daughter.

“I want to be important and do good things like you do daddy. Mommy said you changed the whole world for the better.”
Lex knelt down and took Lily’s face in his hands. “I don’t know about the whole world sweetie. But I know that when you get older you are going to be very important since you already are now.”

“Me too?” Conner asked trying to get within Lex’s view.

Turning his head towards his son Lex shook his head. “Yes Conner you are important too and so is your mother.”

Chloe knelt down with Lex and smiled at him. “I think it’s time for a family hug and then we should all go get some dinner.”

The four of them hugged each other and then they walked back to the law building hand in hand. Lex was glad that neither of his children would have to worry about saying or doing what the old law thought they were expected to do. Finally this generation of children could live freely just as the rest of the world could. He and Chloe no longer had to keep their rule breaking in a bedroom, they were finally free to live their lives as they please, and as equals.

The End

[ladyfayerie]

What a beautiful ending! Thank you for sharing this story! :D

[Ami Rose]

That was awsome. Im glad you finish this. I loved it

[ghaziak]

cute story!

[hfce]

I can't believe I missed the end. Well I loved it and loved this story. :)

[malugargula]

Great fic :)

[Artemis09]

I finally had the time to read this story. its an amazing story. But it is also well written.
Kekamarie, you've done an incredible job writing this story. It has been a pleasure to read it.

[TrinityR]

I'm just officially letting know that this fanfic was recommended on very first Chlex Tumblr I created

[darkwhisper]

What a great ending to a beautiful story! Good job!