The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,322 times)

[André DiMera]

Glad you're all enjoying the story! Next week is gonna be really interesting!

---

Next week...

A party at the Alamain Mansion...
VIVIAN: Hello there.

A party which reveals some secrets...
PHILIP: What the...?

...some which could have severe consequences.
ANDRE: Well, this is such a lovely occasion.

All this and more next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I am so excited for this party and especially for Tony and Andre to come face to face.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera!

[fluffysmom]

I'm finally caught up. The party is going to be so good. I can't wait for the confrontations and hidden agendas.

[Kpatch]

This story keeps getting better and better! Thanks for the previews and the fun visual!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 202

CAR
Bart was driving André to the party.
BART: Gotta tell ya, boss, you're lookin' good! I mean, really, you're dressed to the nines.
ANDRE: Well, of course. This is a formal occasion. Besides, Tony will be well dressed, as well. And I will not be outdone by him.
BART: Oh, of course not, boss. It's just a shame.
ANDRE: What's that?
BART: You know, that I won't be able to see the look on Tony's face when he sees you for the first time again.
André chuckled to himself.
ANDRE: Yes. It will be rather magnificent, won't it? Have Rolf turn on the camera for you. You may yet be able to see some of the show.
André shook his head.
ANDRE: Oh, dear Tony. He has no idea what's coming for him.

ALAMAIN MANSION
The Alamain Mansion was, in many ways, a mix of the DiMera and Kiriakis Mansions. Like the former, the halls were dark, and had a spiral staircase. However, like the latter, there was a pool in the back. These weren't the only similarities, but they were the most prominent. Vivian, Ivan and Nicholas walked around. The Mansion was all set up for the party that was to be that afternoon.
NICHOLAS: I've gotta hand it to you, Aunt Viv, it's impressive how quickly you got all of this put together.
IVAN: Well, madame only hires out the best help. But, your nephew is right. You really have outdone yourself this time.
VIVIAN: Oh, stop.
Vivian kissed Ivan on the cheek. The doorbell ring.
VIVIAN: Ah, that'll be the first of our guests arriving. Do get the door, Ivan, won't you? We don't want to keep our guests waiting.
IVAN: Of course, madame.
Ivan went to the front door and opened it. Behind it was Victor and Maggie.
VICTOR: Ah, it's you.
MAGGIE: Victor
VICTOR: Maggie, this is Ivan Marais, Vivian's toadying sycophant turned lover.
MAGGIE: Victor.
Maggie shook hands with Ivan.
MAGGIE: Nice to meet you. I'm Maggie Kiriakis. Don't mind Victor.
IVAN: I don't often. Nice to meet you. This way.
Ivan led Victor and Maggie into the parlor. Vivian came running over as soon as she saw them.
VIVIAN: Victor! Oh, how wonderful it is to see you! I had a feeling you might be coming tonight when Nicholas told me he'd invited some people from Titan.
Victor coughed to stifle an insult that he knew would not be approved of. Maggie took his arm.
MAGGIE: Hello, Vivian.
VIVIAN: Oh...Maggie. I didn't see you there. Do come in, won't you?
Vivian took Nicholas' arm.
VIVIAN: Nicky, don't just stand there, say hello to our guests. Ivan, please bring a drink for Mr. Kiriakis. I assume you still enjoy your brandy the same way?
Victor nodded.
VIVIAN: Well, this is something, Victor. I've never known you to be a man of few words.
VICTOR: Something must have come over me. If you wish me to speak, I certainly shall.
VIVIAN: Oh, good. It'll be so nice catching up with you.
VICTOR (thinking): I can't think of anything I'd like less.

[heroicmuse]

Lmao I love Victor so much! Kate mist be looking good to him after dealing with Vivian, which is saying a lot.

The Andre scene was perfect. I hope Bart watches. Lol

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I was thinking Andre could snap a picture of Tony's reaction with his smartphone for Bart!

Nailed it! This is the best description of Ivan ever: Maggie, this is Ivan Marais, Vivian's toadying sycophant turned lover.

I half expected Vivian to tell Maggie she didn't recognize her outside of her coffin.

Great start to the party!

[fluffysmom]

The party is off to a great start. André DiMera you captured Bart perfectly.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 203

ALAMAIN MANSION
Ivan tapped Vivian on the shoulder.
IVAN: Madame?
VIVIAN: Yes, Ivan? What is it?
IVAN: There's another guest that I believe you'd be happy to meet. This way.
VIVIAN: Oh, all right.
Vivian turned back to Victor.
VIVIAN: I'm sorry, but we will catch up more later.
Vivian gave Victor a very one-sided hug, then Ivan led her away.
VICTOR: Of all the women I've known, she's the absolute worst.
Maggie took Victor by the hand.
MAGGIE: Let's not let her ruin our evening.
Victor turned to Maggie.
VICTOR: My dear, nothing can ruin any evening, nor any other part of my day when I have you by my side.
Tony, Anna and Chad had arrived a while ago.
ANNA: Tony, what's wrong? You've been so quiet since we got here.
TONY: I'm sorry, my dear. I just have a very bad feeling about all this.
ANNA: I have to admit, it's not an ideal situation. I've heard things about the Alamains.
TONY: No, it's that. Though, most of what you've heard about Vivian Alamain is true.
ANNA: Then, what is it?
TONY: I don't know. I really don't. Whatever it is, I hope I'm just overthinking things.
Tony and Anna hugged.
Philip was getting a drink from the bar. He turned around and saw Vivian coming in his direction.
PHILIP (thinking): Oh, god. Please, don't see me.
He tried to walk away, but was too late.
VIVIAN: Philip! How wonderful to see you again.
Philip turned.
PHILIP: Vivian, hello.
Vivian wrapped her arms around Philip tightly. Philip did not reciprocate.
VIVIAN: Ah, you've changed so much since the last time I've seen you. My beautiful boy.
PHILIP: Vivian, what are you doing here?
VIVIAN: Why, this is my home, darling. In fact, it's the grand re-opening of it. Where else would I be?
PHILIP (under his breath): I can think of a few places.
VIVIAN: Well, I can see none of the Kiriakis men are feeling very chatty tonight. Victor barely said two words, either.
PHILIP (thinking): I wonder why.
Philip took a deep breath.
PHILIP: Father has had a lot on his mind, lately. He's having to deal with a nephew of his, and is planning on retiring soon, as you no doubt heard.
VIVIAN: Well, I have just now. And, let me guess, he's putting you in charge of the company.
Vivian hugged Philip again.
VIVIAN: Ah, my beautiful boy in charge of Titan. I am so proud of you, Philip. I always knew you would achieve greatness. I mean, with me as your mother, how could you not?
Philip sighed.
PHILIP: Vivian, how many times have we been through this? You're not...
VIVIAN: I'm not going to put up with any of that nonsense from Kate. I've already heard she's trying to start that terrible attempt at grooming she did to Nicholas years ago.
PHILIP: She what?!
VIVIAN: That's the very reason I came, in fact. To get that awful woman away from my two boys. That, and to help Nicholas restart the family business.
Philip shook his head.
PHILIP: You are unbelievable.
VIVIAN: Thank you.
There was a knock at the door. Ivan walked over and opened it. On the other side stood André.

[heroicmuse]

Nobody wants to hug Vivian back. LOL

I loved this exchange between Vivian and Philip! And that cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what Andre is going to do!

I also love the sweetness between Maggie and Victor.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

LOL at Philip hoping Vivian wouldn't see him. You're not that tiny, Philip.

Tony has good intuition!

[mae00]

Great chapters Andre!

I'm surprised that Victor was able to reign himself in on this one.

[fluffysmom]

LoL at Philip telling Vivian she's unbelievable and her taking it as a compliment.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 204

ALAMAIN MANSION
Ivan opened the door and saw André on the other side.
ANDRE: Good evening.
IVAN: Mr. DiMera?
ANDRE: Yes?
IVAN: Forgive me, sir, but aren't you in there dancing with your wife? I could have sworn I just passed you on my way to the door.
ANDRE: Well, you must be mistaken. I had to return to the car and retrieve something.
IVAN: Ah. I see. It must have been someone that looked like you.
ANDRE: Yes, that is entirely possible.
IVAN: Of course. Well...this way.
Ivan led André into another room, and closed the door behind him. Philip walked across the room, but stopped when he saw Tony and Anna.
PHILIP: What the...?
Chad walked over.
CHAD: Something wrong?
PHILIP: No, just...memories.
Chad nodded.
CHAD: You and Tony have a falling out? Or did André do something to you while using his name?
PHILIP: One of those, yeah. I'd rather not get into it.
CHAD: Understandable.
PHILIP: So, I hear you're co-CEO of DiMera.
CHAD: And you're acting CEO of Titan.
PHILIP: Soon to be full time CEO.
CHAD: Well, it shall be very interesting competing with you.
PHILIP: Yeah. It'll be something.
CHAD: What do you make of Nicholas?
PHILIP: I've known him since we were kids. I didn't like him then, and age hasn't done anything to change that. Especially not after what he did.
CHAD: What exactly did he do?
PHILIP: Unimportant. The main thing is making sure he doesn't do it again.
Victor and Nicholas shook hands.
VICTOR: I have to say, despite having the first of what I assume will be several confrontations with your aunt, this is not an entirely unpleasent evening.
NICHOLAS: Well, I consider that high praise from you, Victor.
VICTOR: Just don't become cocky, son. We all know what happens when money is thrown into a business such as this.
NICHOLAS: Oh, I'm not. I'm confident, not cocky. I have no illusions of my business being a global superpower in the immediate future. But, one day, it will be back to where it was when my father was in control of it.
MAGGIE: Well, it's very nice to meet Melanie's half-brother.
NICHOLAS: And very nice to meet her grandmother.
MAGGIE: How is Melanie, anyway? I haven't heard from her much lately, which is very odd. She normally calls about once a week, but hasn't for over a month now.
NICHOLAS: Oh, I'm sure she's fine. To be honest, after my mother and I had a little falling out, of which Melanie was also party to, she and I haven't been on great terms. I'm sure it'll all blow over, though.
ANNA: Well, despite the hostess giving me a creepy vibe, things seem to be going well.
TONY: Yes. So far, it has been a beautiful night...
Tony stopped. Anna put a hand on his shoulder.
ANNA: Tony? What is it?
TONY: He's here.
ANNA: What?
Anna turned around, as did several others, as the doors to the main room of the mansion opened, and André walked in.
ANDRE: Well, this is such a lovely occasion.
TONY: André!
ANDRE: Oh, hello there, Tony. So good to see you again. It's good to see all of you again.

[heroicmuse]

Wow! A lot of stuff going on here. I cannot wait to see this confrontation between Andre and Tony play out!

I loved the conversation between Maggie, Victor and Nicholas. I suspect something is VERY wrong with Melanie. Like perhaps she's been kidnapped.

I loved Ivan's confusion over Andre. I assume Philip is talking about the last time Tony "died," though I could be wrong.

Great chapter André DiMera!