Author: Dayna

Rating: PG-13

Distribution: TPWFLD; Angel Of Mine; otherwise ask.

Disclaimer: Characters don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's note: One of three alternate universe stories that I decided to send out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

1870~

It was the perfect evening for the ball at the Chases'.  All of London society would be in attendance.  Little did any of them realize that this evening would be the beginning of a game of deceit and revenge.
 
 

Giles Langly, Earl of Trevinworth and his wife Joyce were busy discussing their plans with their daughter Buffy.

"Now my dear, tonight you and Xander will announce your engagement."

"But daddy, I still don't understand why I can't marry Angel.  I love him and he's rich and powerful.  He's also very handsome.  The perfect match for me."

"I told you why you can't marry him.  He's trying to destroy me.  I've tried turning the tables on him but it hasn't worked.  You must do your duty to this family and marry Xander."

Buffy looked to her mother for help.

"You have this silly notion about love, but what's important is money and power.  Xander is the best choice.  Will you marry him?"

"Yes, mother.  I will marry Xander, but I will always love Angel."
 
 

Meanwhile, Angel Cutler, Duke of Bryhaven was preparing to leave for the ball, where he planned to ask Buffy Langly to marry him.

"Angel, I wish you'd reconsider.  She's not the right girl for you."

"Mother, please.  Buffy and I love each other, and after she says she'll marry me, we'll announce our engagement at the ball."

"Have you forgotten that her father tried to ruin you?"

"That has nothing to do with her.  Now let's go.  I don't want to keep Buffy waiting."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

Angel led his mother outside and smilef.  {This is going to be the best night of  my life.  Soon, Buffy will be my duchess.}
 
 

The ball was in full swing when the Duke of Bryhaven and his mother arrived.  Angel scanned the room for his beloved Buffy.  He spotted her with her parents and Xander Harris, Duke of Tremly.  Before Angel could approach Buffy, her father called for attention.

"This is certainly a joyous occasion for me, since I have the honor of announcing my daughter Buffy's engagement to Xander Harris.  May they enjoy a long life together."

As the crowd applauded and congratulated the couple, Angel was shocked and devastated.

"Angel, I'm so sorry."

"There's some kind of mistake.  Buffy wouldn't do this to me.  I must speak to her."

Angel  left to find Buffy.  {This has to be some sick joke.}  Buffy wouldn't betray him this way.  He found her out on the terrace.

"Buffy, what is going on?  Tell me this is some horrible joke.  You can't possibly be thinking of marrying Harris."

"This is no joke.  We will be married in six months time."

"Why!?"

"He's handsome, rich, and has powerful contacts.  He's also the perfect gentleman.  My parents are very pleased with the match."

"I don't believe this.  We've been together over a year, now out of the blue you're going to marry someone else!"

"Angel, I....."

"Save it!  I see it perfectly now.  You were a part of your father's plan to ruin me.  You get me to fall in love with you, while your dear daddy tries to bankrupt me.  And when that didn't work, you go for public humiliation.  God, I trusted you!"

"Angel, it's not like that, I swear."

"Forget it.  I hope you get everything you deserve."

After Angel left, Buffy broke down crying.  Because of her father, she'd lost the only man she ever loved.  But, it was too late to change her mind.  Angel would never forgive her now.  Marrying Xander was the only thing to do.
 
 

Back at Bryhaven, Angel poured himself another drink.

"Don't you think you've had enough?"

"Mother, leave me alone."

"She's not worth this.  I know you're hurt but you'll find someone that deserves you.  But you need to put this behind you."

"Never!  That bitch betrayed me.  She went behind my back to help her father destroy me.  And fool that I am, I believed every word she said."

"Angel,......"

"No, I swear to you right here and now, that I will find a way to make them both pay.  I don't know when or how, but the Earl of Trevinworth and his spoiled daughter will regret the day they crossed me!"

Jenny Cutler watched her son storm out of the library.  The Langly girl's betrayal had cut Angel to his very soul.  God help anyone who got in his way.
 

1872~

"Good morning, mother.  It's a glorious day, isn't it?"
 

Jenny turned to look at her son.  She had not seen him in this kind of mood for two years.  Not since the betrayal that had changed him....filled him with hate.

"What has you in such a wonderful mood?"

"The time has come and my plans are finally in motion."

Dread filled Jenny.

"I thought you'd put this revenge business behind you."

"No, I haven't given up.  I was just biding my time.  Now, it's all falling into place."

"What have you done?"

"Giles Langly has run into a bit of financial trouble and his dear son-in-law is of absolutely no help since he has no money or power left."

"And did you have anything to do with this turn of events?" Jenny asked.

"No, but that's what makes it so much sweeter.  He had very little when he married Buffy, but he managed to hide that little piece of information."

"So, that's your revenge." Jenny said.

"Oh, no, it's just the beginning.  I plan is to offer Langly the money he needs." Angel replied.

Jenny looked at her son in shock.

"But he must give me something in return."

"What could he possibly have that you'd want?" Jenny asked.

"His daughter."

"Angel, Buffy is still married to Xander.  Besides, why would you still want her?"

"I'm not talking about Buffy.  In exchange for the money he needs to recover financially, he must give me his other daughter in marriage.  That will be my ultimate revenge against Langly and Lady Buffy Harris."

"You can't mean it.  My God, you would ruin an innocent girl just to get back at her family."

"Mother, growing up in that family she's anything but innocent.

Besides, I'm offering marriage, I don't plan to make her my mistress."

"I won't allow you to hurt Willow.  She is a precious girl who has nothing to do with what her family does."

"How do you know?"

"You know how the servants talk among themselves.  Willow was raised by a nanny in a separate wing of the house.  Giles was too busy with business and Joyce only cared about money and grooming Buffy.  They never bother with her.  She is a sweet loving girl who's always very kind and helpful to everyone.  She's nothing like Buffy or her parents.  Please, don't involve her in something she has nothing to do with."

"I'm sorry mother, but my solicitor is already on his way to Trevinworth with the proposition.  If the servants are right, then she will make an excellent wife.  I don't intend to harm her, if that's whats bothering you.  It's her family that will have to live with the knowledge that the man they tried so hard to destroy, is now the only one who can bail them out."

"You can do all that without involving Willow."

"Oh, no.  You see she plays a very important role in this game.  Buffy will see that everything she passed up will now belong to the sister she despises.  That will be my ultimate revenge against Buffy."

"What if the earl refuses your offer?"

"He won't.  His financial problems are too large for him to turn down my proposition.  Two years ago, he robbed me of Buffy, but now he will gladly offer his other daughter to me in order to save himself."

After Angel left the room, Jenny worried about what was going to happen. Deep down, Jenny knew that Buffy's betrayal was what was driving Angel's need for revenge, more so than her father's attempt to ruin him.  He had loved and trusted Buffy with all his heart and she threw it back in his face.  If he gave up the hate, he may be able to find love with Willow.
 
 

"Damn him!  How dare he try to manipulate me."

"Giles, are you going to accept Cutler's offer?"

Langly turned to look at his wife.  She was part of the problem. Between her spending and having to support Buffy and her worthless husband, he was bankrupt.

"Do I have a choice?  I need the money.  Besides, I could care less about Willow.  Cutler thinks he's getting even with me, but he's the one who's getting the short end."
 

"What are you going to tell Buffy?  After all, she was in love with him."

"I'm not going to tell her anything yet.  She and Xander are in Europe and by the time they get back, it'll be over.  Now, go get Willow."
 
 

As Willow headed to her father's office, she tried to figure out why he'd want to see her.  All her mother told her was that it was important.
 
 

"Willow, as of lately I've been experiencing financial problems.  Now a solution has been provided.  And although it shatters my pride, I have no option but to accept the money and the conditions."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"The man wants you for a wife in exchange for settling my debts.  I have sent him my agreement.  You will be married in one months time."

"To whom?"

"The Duke of Bryhaven."

Willow was speechless.

"Why?"

"I'm sure the only reason is for revenge.  He blames me for Buffy marrying Xander and it will please him immensly to be the one to bail me out."

"I still don't see what this has to do with me?"

"You silly fool.  Don't you understand yet?  Buffy dumped him for another man.  What better way to get back at her then by marrying her sister.  And he'll make you pay for her sins and mine."

Sitting alone in her room, Willow couldn't believe any of this.  Her fondest wish was coming true, but for all the wrong reasons.  Would she be able to make Angel forget his hate, and help him find love?
 
 

1 month later~

"Angel, please.  There's still time to call this off."

"Mother, you shock me.  You'd have me humiliate my bride the day of her wedding.  That's cruel."

"You know I don't want to hurt Willow.  But I don't want her hurt by you after the wedding.  She deserves better."

"I think you better explain yourself."Angel demanded.

"You already know how I feel about this.  There was never any reason to involve Willow. But now that you have, I expect you to treat her well, and make her happy."

Angel watched his mother leave.  He knew she was right, but could he be a good husband to a girl whose family had tried to ruin him?  The sister of the only woman he ever loved......only time would tell.
 
 

Willow had always dreamed of marrying Angel Cutler.  Ever since he first began courting Buffy, she had adored him from a distance.  Now she was getting ready to marry him.  But, how could she be truly happy when she knew he was only marrying her to get back at Buffy for marrying Xander.  Would he be cruel to her?

Willow was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the door open.

"Are you all right?"

At the sound of the voice, Willow swung around.  Cordelia had raised Willow from the time she was born, and would accompany her to her new home.

"I'm fine.  Just nerves I guess."

Before either woman could say another word, her father entered the room and grabbed Willow by the arm and pulled her towards the door.

"It's time."
 
 

Down in the chapel, Angel was speaking to his best man William.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"I'm sure.  Trust me, Willow is nothing like her family."

"I don't see Buffy here."

"She doesn't know about the wedding.  She and her 'husband' are in Europe."

Just then the music began.
 
 

Angel's first impression of his bride was that she was afraid of him. He had no doubt that Langly had deliberately made Willow afraid of her groom.  Well, he would have to gain her trust in private.  He certainly didn't want women to be afraid of him, especially his wife.
 
 

The ceremony itself was brief and after it was over, there was an elaborate reception.  As the newlyweds danced, Jamie decided to try to rid his young bride of her fears.

"Willow, I want you to know that I'll do my best to make you happy.  And no matter what your father told you, I didn't marry you in order to make you my whipping boy."

Looking into her face, Angel knew he'd guessed right.

"What else did you're father tell you?"

"He told me that the only reason you were marrying me was to get back at Buffy for leaving you and marrying Xander.  And that you'd make me pay for what you considered her betrayal." Willow whispered.

"I'll admit that is partially true.  Buffy used me and helped your father with his plans against me, but they failed.  And for two years I waited for a way to get back at them.  When I found out about your father's problems, I knew I found a way."

"But why marry me?  My parents don't care about what happens to me and Buffy has never cared either.  So now you're stuck with me, and you still won't have what you want."

"You're wrong.  Your father paid when he had to take money from me.  And as for Buffy, she'll pay when she sees that everything she gave up now belongs to her sister.  You have my wealth, position, and me.  That's revenge enough."

The newlyweds danced the night through, and then retired for their wedding night.  Angel was patient and gentle with Willow as they consummated the marriage.  Both wondering what the future would hold.
 
 

6 months later~

The marriage between the Duke and Duchess of Bryhaven began as a business arrangement, but as time went by everyone noticed a closeness being forged between the two young people.  People speculated that the change came when the Duchess was nearly killed in a carriage accident. Servents at the estate said that the Duke never left her side, and that the accident forced him to admit that he had fallen in love with his wife.
 
 

Willow was nervous about telling her husband the news.  How would he react?  She was afraid of losing him.  Everything had been so good for them since the accident.  He had finally told her that he loved her.  But now things might change.  Was his love strong enough to survive this? She carefully knocked on his study door and opened it. Angel was sitting at his desk reviewing some mail.

"Hello."

Angel looked up at his wife and noticed how pale she looked.  He was immediately concerned about her health.  He had almost lost her once, and he knew he couldn't handle going through that again.  It hurt too much.

"Are you alright, my darling?"

Willow walked over to stand in front of the window.

"I just got a message from my father."

"What did he want?"

"Buffy and Xander are back.  He told them about our marriage.  It seems Buffy was very upset.  She's coming to see you tomorrow."

"Why?  What could she possibly have to say to me now?" Angel asked.

"It seems she wants you back.  She's leaving Xander."

Angel was shocked.  That was something he never thought about.

"Do you?"

Angel looked at his wife.

"Do I what?"

"Want her back?" Willow asked.

Silence filled the room.  Angel got up and walked to the window and gathered Willow into his arms.

"No.  My heart is with you.  Whatever I felt for Buffy is in the past. If she decides to leave Harris, that's her business, but it has nothing to do with us."

That night, while Jamie was sleeping, Willow lied awake dreading her sister's visit.  She could only trust that Angel had meant what he said.
 
 

The next day, Willow was out in the garden when Buffy arrived.  Instead of going in, she decided to give Angel the chance to talk with Buffy alone.  {If he chooses to stay with me, it must be because it's what he wants, not because he feels guilty.}
 
 

Meanwhile, in Angel's study....
 

"I'm leaving Xander, and we can finally be together.  Just as we planned.  I know you were angry with me for marrying him, but I had no choice.  I had to do as my father wanted.  But now I don't care anymore. I just want you."

Angel sat back looking at the woman he once thought he loved.  He saw now what his mother tried to tell him years ago.

"Well, you're too late.  I'm a happily married man and have no intention of abandoning that for you.  You made your own decisions and now you must live with them.

Buffy  looked at Angel as if seeing him for the first time.  He seemed so different.  She had expected him to jump at the chance to have her back, but he was acting as though he couldn't wait to get rid of her.  A knock at the door interuppted her thoughts, and she turned to see her sister walk toward her husband.  There was a look in Angel's eyes when he looked at Willow that was never there when he had looked at her.

What did Willow have that she didn't?  That was easy to answer....Angel. Buffy took one last look at the man she loved, and knew he would never be hers.  She slipped quietly out of the room.

"From now on we look to the future.  Our future."

Angel and Willow stood by the fireplace, satisfied to know that no one would ever destroy what they had.  Their marriage had turned into a fairy tale, and one that Willow hoped would never end.  And soon a little miracle would add a special touch to the story.
 
 

1878~

The Duke and Duchess of Bryhaven were having a picnic by the river with their son, Ethan, when the young boy asked his parents how they met.  The adults looked into each others eyes, both remembering their somewhat shaky beginnings, and they rejoiced in the life they had together.

Their son would soon have a younger sibling to play with, and the fairy tale was still going strong.

Relations between Angel and Giles were still strained, and they only dealt with each other when necessary.  As for Buffy, after her divorce from Xander, she was considered shamed by society, but she found that she had never been happier.  She knew now that she wanted a marriage like Willow and Angel had.  So this time she followed her heart when she fell in love with an American sea captain, and disobeyed her father.  She wrote to apologize to her sister and Angel before leaving to go to America with the man she was going to marry.
 
 

Years passed, with both good times and bad times, but always Angel and Willow trusted their love, and each other to get through everything.

THE END

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