Risa had a wonderful time shopping with Stella the previous night and most of the day before the opera had begun. She had never shopped that much and she figured she had been to every store in Paris. She never knew you could spend the whole day shopping, even into the late night up until the store closed.

She had so many clothes, shoes, and accessories she didn't know what to do with herself. She had never had this much, not to mention it was all gifts to her! It was like a dream. She wondered if she would ever get to wear half of this stuff. So many formal dresses and jewelry. She figured she'd need a safe for some of this stuff.

She looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't believe how much this trip changed her. She turned around looking at her blue floor-length dress that had beads outlining big lotus-shaped petals that only were on her torso, the rest was a solid color with pearls hanging at the ends of the fridge layer down the skirt. "Stella, do you think this dress is perfect for the opera, or is it too much?" She glanced over at her.

Stella was standing over the bed, looking at all the shoes Risa had to go with her outfit. She glanced up and shook her head. "Ooh la la, it is very beautiful, Risa. Perfect for the opera! You will no doubt be one of the most fashionable mademoiselles there. No one will be able to take their eyes off of you." She exclaimed happily, a bright smile on her face.

Risa turned to her and walked over to the bed. She couldn't help but blush at her words, she had never been called that in a while. "I am glad you think so. I have my diamond headband and a fur coat. I have my hair hanging naturally in waves since I am not cutting my hair for the typical stylish bobs. I just need to find shoes to go with my ensemble. Something warm since it is going to be freezing and I heard there may be a chance of snow?" She said opening up her shoe boxes.

Stella pulled out a pair of white lace-up books and offered them out. "What about these? It will match the inside lining of your coat." She pointed out glancing over to the bright blue opera coat on the coat rack. "I hope it snows. It would be a perfect ending to the night and snow is quite romantic." She sighed dreamily.

Risa was so glad to have someone who knew fashion since it was obvious she lacked much. She couldn't help but giggle. "That is perfect! Thank you." She sat down on the bed and took the shoe, untying it and putting it on her foot. Once she tied it she mirrored the same actions with her other foot.

Stella walked over to the coat rack and pulled off her black coat, slipping it over her ruby red floor-length dress with fringe layers to the hem. "Not a problem Risa. Rolando and Vincent are waiting for us outside." She was surprised that Vincent had offered to escort Risa. She figured that it was Rolando who made him instead of the latter.

Risa stood up, leaned down, and kissed Loyal's head. She hadn't been away from her dog since they came. She was able to bring Loyal along with shopping, so this would be the first time being away from her.  "I will be back, girl, behave. I love you. I will tell you everything when I come back, it will be grand." She said, then she walked over grabbing her coat, and slipped it on.

She followed Stella out of the hotel and just as she had said Vincent and Rolando were standing beside a horse-drawn carriage. The furry Clydesdale horses shifted on their feet, itching to get going and light snow flurries began to fall. As the snow hit the ground it immediately dissolved, showing the ground was warmer than the atmosphere.

Stella walked up to Rolando who kissed her hand and helped her into the carriage. He sat down right beside her and she cuddled up to him, shoving both hands into the opposite sleeves of her coat. "Risa seems most excited about the opera." She noted, watching Risa hesitantly walk up to Vincent.

Rolando pulled down Stella's furry hat a little bit to keep her ears covered. "I am glad. She has never been to one and I can't help but wonder how she is going to react to the whole thing. I know it will be a memory that lasts forever." He agreed with what the love of his life had said.

Risa hesitantly walked towards Vincent and let out a groan. She couldn't believe she was going to be escorted by him. "Do I have to be escorted the whole night by you?" She had a hint of annoyance in her voice but tried to let it go so it wouldn't bother her because she didn't want her night spoiled.

Vincent blinked a few times, he was at a loss for words. He stood there like a deer-in-the-headlights forgetting all she had said. "You look very beautiful." He said obviously for a short moment in a trance-like state. Yes, she had looked beautiful before in Marie's outfits, but this was a true evening gown that flattered her in every way.

He snapped out of the trance-like state shaking his head and helping her into the carriage. He was not about to get all mushy on her by how beautiful she looked all dolled up. Many other girls he had felt the same way about but it was just temporary. She was no different from them. 

Unless through this whole thing he had feelings for her. That could explain why he was so torn about bringing up to the Rosenbergs that Risa could be Clarissa. It seemed most plausible and yes money was involved but was it worth it? Yes, yes it was worth it. 

Risa was taken aback by his sudden change of attitude, what on earth did Rolando do? Was he being genuinely sincere about how she looked? Was he truly smitten by her beauty to the point he was at a loss for words? Of course not. That wasn't how Vincent was, he was only focused on himself and no one else.

She nodded her head for his help into the carriage. "Thank you, Vincent and you look very handsome." She meant her words because truthfully, aside from his personality, he was a good-looking guy, and maybe, just maybe, he was decent. As long as changed his morals from his con-artist views.

Vincent glanced over at her as the carriage began to move. What was he to say to that? He never thought she would utter those words. "Oh, thank you for being handsome? So does that mean you are admitting you like me in one way or another?" He teased giving one of his signature dazzling smiles.

Risa scoffed, gently punching his arm and shaking her head. He was still as pompous as ever. "Don't get a big head about it. I think anyone is handsome without being attractive to you. I was merely pointing out - you know I do not have to explain myself to you." She looked out the window.

Vincent raised his eyebrows amused by what she was saying. "Oh no, please keep going Risa, you are just digging yourself a deeper hole if you keep speaking. I am more curious to know what type of feelings you have for me." He said leaning over close to her and giving a playful smile.

Risa gently pushed him away from her and crossed her arms over her chest. He may have been teasing her, but she couldn't help but be flattered. "Oh come on, feelings for you? For the past month and a half, you have been nothing but a jerk!" She exclaimed, disbelieving what he was saying.

Vincent put his hands up in front of him in his defense. He did kinda deserve that so he wasn't offended in any way. "A handsome jerk, correction. You acting so defensive shows you have feelings for me and I couldn't be flattered since all the girls always are that way." He pointed out all the cockiness about his words.

Risa groaned, slouching in her chair and pulling her coat up around her neck tighter. Some things still stuck with her and slouching was one of them. "Good grief, can you stop? I am not getting defensive, I just don't feel comfortable with where you are going." She shrugged it off gently.  "I could also say the same thing about you, with how you were staring at me like the deer-in-the-headlights."

Vincent sighed, she was something else huh? "I was merely teasing and trying to get your goat. In no way do I feel that way about you. I find you annoying. Also, stop slouching, it isn't becoming of a lady." He pointed out making it clear that he felt nothing towards her whether it was true or not.

Risa rolled her eyes slowly, sitting back up and crossing her legs. "Hmm, sure keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep better at night." She mused, glancing out of the window at the sight before her. "Also, stop telling me what to do. Do you always have to be so bossy?" She quipped back with an eye roll.

They drove down the Parisian streets in silence, nothing but the sounds of the city. Although the atmosphere with the light snow, the soft glowing lights casting a dim yellow glow against the low hanging gray clouds, the smells of the bakeries and hot goods being sold for those who wish to partake. It seemed even more romantic.

Risa couldn't help but find it dreamy, and perhaps she did feel something towards Vincent but it was merely for a friend. For the whole trip, she hasn't given him much thought since she was more focused on finding her family. It was what kept her going.

She knew deep down he was a good guy if he would just try. She glanced over at him, the way his hair was curled up on his forehead just made her want to touch it. He had dimples when he was deep in thought but not when he smiled, was that even possible? She hadn't, until now, really studied him and he may have been right about one thing, she wasn't sure what it was, but she did feel something for him and it was beginning to feel not as a friend or acquaintance.

Vincent caught her staring and smirked a little, which made her look away and he could tell she was blushing. He didn't say one word because he knew why she was and he couldn't blame her. Only for the fact he thought the same about her, he wouldn't admit it to her face.

She was beautiful. All dolled up and looking like a princess. Anyone who knew the Rosenbergs could see the resemblance. She did look much like a young version of Persia and if she could just find her family - he knew deep down she was their daughter, even Rolando and Stella knew. His mind kept wandering back to that.

He had already promised Rolando he wouldn't mention her to them, but he had to get them to see her. Maybe her just saying hello and how happy she is to hear they are alive would perhaps jog their memory or make some sort of connection! He would have to try and maybe she found what she was looking for.

He paused for a moment as the carriage pulled up to The Palais Garnier, followed behind many other carriages. He wasn't being a different person or being out of character, it had always been there he just didn't want to be that guy. He had never been a mushy person due to all he had been put through as a child.

Perhaps it was time for a change, money wasn't everything and how would the money help Risa? Help him or Rolando? He knew money didn't bring happiness so why was he trying to concoct this plan to get it? He was greedy, just like his father. Could he live a normal life and just be happy? Being happy seemed impossible after all the bad he had done.

Rolando warned him that he was following in the footsteps of his father. Although he didn't come right out and say it, it was mentioned in roundabout ways. Not to mention he had done his searching for his parents and also found out for himself. Being a con artist was only bringing him more trouble and did he want to end up like his father?

Risa broke his train of thoughts with her words. "Vincent, hello, we are here. Rolando and Stella are waiting for us, are you going to help me out?" She asked gently, poking his arm to try and get him out of his thoughts. She wondered what he was thinking about but she truly didn't care.

Vincent shook his head and stepped out of the carriage offering his hand out to her. "Sorry, I was lost in thought." He told her, trying to play it off as nothing. There was no way he was admitting what he was lost in thought about. He wanted to take it to the grave with him, since, after all, Risa was still the annoying orphan she was just all dressed up as.

Risa held his hand and stepped out of the carriage and onto the snow-dusted front steps. "It is alright." She gave a nod holding onto the front of her coat with her hand. She used her other hand to link with Vincent's arm gazing up at the massive building. It was dazzling and grandiose in person. She couldn't believe she was attending an opera.

Vincent began to walk up the steps, leading Risa into the grant building, trailing behind Rolando and Stella. "Are you nervous or excited about this experience?" He asked, but then realized why would she be nervous? Oh, that was right, she had never been to one of these things before. This was her first time in a setting like this before.

Risa glanced up at him and gave a tiny smile. "I have no reason to be nervous though I am very excited for this opera." She said, pulling out the brochure she had picked up and opened it. "Carmen? That's the name of the opera? Hmm, interesting. I will be keeping this as a keepsake to one of the first places I have gone!" She said in such a dreamy way.

Vincent smiled gently as he led her to the box Rolando and Stella had reserved for them. He gave a soft whistle sitting down in a chair. "This is a nice view and we get a full view of the opera, which if I must add, I am not too keen on listening to. But Carmen is a well-known opera, with captivating songs and theatrical performances." He admitted, even though he knew it was a grand opera.

Risa sat down and looked around, her eyes sparkling. "Oh come on Vincent," She shifted her gaze to fall on the young man beside her. "Have you ever been to an opera?" She asked knowing what a valid point she would make if he said not. From the way he spoke he had seen one and hated opera in itself.

Vincent tilted his head and sighed gently. "No I have no, but I have heard it on Rolando's records and I must say it is not my cup of tea. I find it rather annoying and gives me a headache. I am doing it for your sake since you are so excited about seeing it." He told her resting his arms on the armrests.

Risa placed her hands over her heart and cooed. "Oh, Vincent for once is being selfless and caring about someone other than himself. This is a once-in-a-blue-moon moment. Someone captured this moment on film." She teased taking the mother of pearl opera glasses Stella had offered her. "Thank you."

Vincent rolled his eyes, leaning his head back on the back of his seat. "Why must you put it that way? I am merely doing what Rolando had suggested." He was not going to let her know he truly wanted to bring her so why not play it off as Rolando had told him.

Stella turned to Risa and gently nudged her. "Risa?" She softly spoke hoping the girl would turn to her and once she did she continued in a hushed voice to avoid disturbing anyone. "Take your opera binoculars and look candy-corner from our box to the left." She pointed out of their private box.

Risa looked through them and to where she had been told. To her surprise, the Rosenberg Family sat in their private balcony with Willard and Baretta who sat beside them. It was a bit hard to see considering the lights on their box had been dimmed. "Oh, my! That is the Rosenberg family? I thought they only had two daughters?" She questioned.

Stella gave a gentle giggle at her comment. It was true, they had two daughters but now they had more children. "That's because Nathan and Perisa had more children many years after they came to Paris. It was Willard and Baretta who helped them stay low for many years and when they came here no one knew who they were." She whispered very softly so no one could hear.

Risa smiled as she looked at each one of the Rosenberg family but her eyes lingered on Persia. 'She does have similar attributes that I have - stop it, Risa, that is ridiculous. You can't be their long-lost daughter, it's too coincidental.' She reminded herself inside her head.

She turned to Stella crossing her legs and shifting towards her. "I am glad they are not dead. I wish to tell them that and how grand the palace is. I would also wish to tell them I hope they find their daughter and are reunited together." She wanted to meet them and that shocked both Rolando and Stella.

Rolando had to do a double-take to make sure he heard her right. Did she want to meet them? Wasn't she worried that Nathan could perhaps blow her visit out of proportion and end up hurting Risa? "You want to meet them?" She had to be joking right? She couldn't possibly want to meet them, he didn't want them to meet her or vice versa with Vincent there knowing what he had planned.

Stella was agreeing with Rolando, even though she knew things would get a bit out of hand if she was introduced to them. "Risa, I don't think that is such a good idea." She said warily, a bit worried everyone could get hurt even if it wasn't intentional. Nathan was very moody lately and since people who have girls who they said were Clarissa still insisted on meeting them. He was fed up.

Risa cocked her head at Rolando and Stella's words. She didn't understand why they were so against it? What could go wrong? All she wanted was to say those few things. "Why not?" She truly didn't know why they were being this way. Did they know something she didn't know? Or was it because they didn't want her, an orphan, to meet them?

Vincent looked at them and he was going to back up Risa for once. "Yes, why not? If she wants to meet them, let her meet them. We can return the locket together." He suggested many reasons why he was backing her up. He also knew this would be a perfect chance to hunt for Clarissa. Although it was risky it was a chance he was willing to take.

Rolando sighed looking straight at Vincent. He was not going to let him do anything else but return the locket. "Nothing else but returning the locket, you hear me?" He knew Vincent had hinted about getting the reward money with Risa, he didn't want her to get hurt because of it.

Vincent knew if Rolando kept this up he wouldn't be saying anything just out of guilt.  Vincent saw Rolando's words of warning as guilt-tripping him into saying nothing. He did that a lot in his eyes and never saw anything Rolando said as a warning. "Yes Rolando, only returning the locket and nothing else." He placed his hand on his chest.

Stella looked at Risa and leaned over, so she could whisper to her. "It isn't anything bad, just before you meet them, I must remind you: Nathan has gotten a little bit cold about the loss of his daughter. It changed him more so than anyone, even though he doesn't show it. If you say the wrong thing he will chew you out and take things way out of proportion." She didn't want them to get hurt.

Vincent makes sure to take that as a mental note. Then he would know how to handle the situation and create a plot for all outcomes. "Duly noted Stella, I will keep things simple and return the locket, while Risa gushes about them." He glanced at Risa with a cocky smile at what he had said emphasizing 'gushes'.

Risa slouched a bit at what he said. She rolled her eyes and let out a huff of air. "I won't be gushing, just telling them how much I admire them and wish them all the best to find their daughter." She simply said, wanting nothing more than to meet them and give them her best wishes. Well, perhaps she would gush a little about them but nothing that would make them uncomfortable.

Vincent rolled his eyes at what Risa had said and he nodded his head waving her off. She could deny it all she wanted, but knowing Risa, she was going to be gushing. "Alright, the show is starting." He pointed out as the curtain went up, the lights dimmed down. Of course, he didn't pay one ounce of attention to the opera.

He shifted in his seat. He had this sick feeling churning in his stomach, making it uncomfortable to sit. 'It couldn't be guilt, could it? No, I have nothing to be guilty about, right? Right? Then why do I feel so guilty when I haven't done anything?' He began to ask himself inside his head, getting lost in thought as the opera began.  'Well, having it on the back of my mind introducing them to Risa as their long-lost daughter isn't right.' 

He rested his elbow on the armrest and rested his cheek in his palm. 'Rolando is right, it isn't fair to either of them to get their hopes up. It isn't fair, I make everyone bitter just because I had a bitter life. I now begin to see that isn't right. But yet again, I could use the money and if it turns out she is no harm right? Even if she isn't I would be long gone and n ok one would be able to find me, right?'' 

He let out a gentle sigh glancing at Risa who was so intrigued by the opera. 'At least I had Rolando to raise me, even if I wasn't the best kid. Wait, why am I reminiscing about my childhood? It was awful. It doesn't matter if Rolando tried his best. I didn't want a family. But I did have Rolando while Risa had no one, she kept that little flame of hope that she would find her family. I admire her for that, after all, we've been through she still keeps that hope burning.'

He looked up at the ceiling, bouncing his foot on the floor. 'I already know about my family, or at least my father. Maybe I should visit him and make amends, forgive him . . . don't be silly Vincent, people don't change - have I changed? No, I haven't - well, maybe I have a little bit.' He paused for a moment and shook his head. 'No, I haven't. I am still going to pass her off and get that money!'

He shifted in his seat, turning to the opposite side. 'Rolando had always said everyone changes. He was always optimistic no matter what happened. All this time he believed the Rosenbergs were alive and here they are, alive and well. As much as I don't want to believe it, I have to accept I have changed even if I still try to keep my bitter persona. It keeps me safe and I know no one can hurt me.'

He broke away from his train of thought, knowing he was just being ridiculous. For right now he just needed to focus on what was at hand. Returning the locket. That was all he needed to focus on and he needed to choose his words carefully or else things could blow up. He was a bit worried about what he would say since Nathan was temperamental about certain things. If he said something the wrong way he wouldn't get a word in edgewise. He did not want that to happen, he didn't know if he could handle it.

Risa glanced over at Vincent when intermission began and stood up to stretch her legs. Did he seem restless? Maybe even a bit uncomfortable. "Vincent? Are you alright?" She asked, waving her hand in front of his face. He seemed deep in thought which she wondered what would be going on inside his head.

Vincent looked up at her and blinked a few times, shaking his head to get all thoughts out. "I am alright. I was just thinking. Got a lot on my mind." He admitted but instantly regretted telling her anything. Why did he have to justify how he was acting to her? He didn't. Yet he chose to tell her without even giving it a second thought. That puzzled him.

Risa stretched out her back as she listened to what he had said. There could only be a few reasons he was uncomfortable. "Is it about returning the locket and not knowing what to say to Nathan?" She kinda had that on her mind but she was too engrossed in the opera to let it surface. That was indeed one plausible reason.

Vincent nodded, he was going, to be honest once and if things went back he would never do it again. "Yes. I just don't want things to get out of hand and what Stella had said is bugging me. I don't want anything rash to be said on either side to hurt anyone." Yes, he was torn, but deep down he knew that passing her off without any substantial evidence wasn't right. It was too cruel to do to someone who was going through the loss of a child. 

Risa gave him a soft look, this was new to her, seeing Vincent admit what he was feeling. She wasn't going to admit she liked this side of him, it was a fresh change from his normal side. "I know. Just keep it simple, I can wait outside for you if you wish so after you return the locket I can come in!" She hoped that would make him feel a bit better.

Vincent nodded, it sounded good and sounded easy, but there was always a slight chance he wouldn't get to explain himself fully. "That sounds good. One thing at a time, I don't want them to keep overburdened since no one still knows they are alive or understands who they are." Was he letting out his worries? Yes, yes he was. Would he regret it later? Possibly. Did it feel better? Yes, it did.

Risa gently laid a hand on his shoulder and sat back down. She knew people didn't change overnight, but this was a major step forward. "This is the first time you have expressed something other than annoyance. I am sure all will go right, just take a deep breath, enjoy the show and worry about it later." She suggested.

Vincent was not going to go mushy on her and jerked his shoulder away from her hand. He did not like people touching him unless he was the first one to instigate it. "Don't get used to it. It is a luxury I am expressing myself to you. I found it better to tell than keep it inside, it won't happen again." He coldly told her, with a little glare.

Risa sighed, shaking her head a bit saddened by his sudden change. "Oh Vincent, you are way too hard on yourself. You should express this stuff because keeping it inside is never good. And for once you are being honest and a normal person, not your typical self." She liked this side of him, it was refreshing.

Vincent rolled his eyes at what she had said. Her saying that a part of him cringed and a part of him was touched. He wouldn't admit it though. "Am I supposed to be offended or flattered?" He asked for neither one nor at least not letting himself be one or the other. 

Risa sat back down and crossed her arms over her chest. "Neither, I am seeing you beyond what you choose to show and that there is more to you than you let on. Besides, I know you're human." She crossed her legs and poked his shoulder with her finger.

Vincent swatted her hand away from him and sat up straight. He didn't want to admit it but she was right. He was human and humans have many emotions. "Oh shush, the opera is beginning once again." He told her as once again the lights dimmed down, the whispering died out and the curtain was pulled back. 

How much longer did they have? He wanted this to last longer. He knew once this was over she would have to return the locket and introduce Risa to them just as an admirer not as their long-lost daughter with no proof. He kept reminding himself to keep it simple and don't say anything that could be taken out of context.

After a few hours the curtains closed and the show ended. A round of applause burst out from around the crowd with many bows from those who performed. Everyone after a while began to file out into the hall, chatting amongst themselves. It was obvious that everyone had loved the play and would be talking about it that whole week.

Vincent stood up and looked over at Risa holding out his hand. "Ready to go meet the Rosenbergs and for me to return this locket?" He asked, a little bit nervous on the inside but showing nothing on the outside other than his normal smug smile. He was trying to act like he had his act together when he truly didn't. 

Risa stood up and placed her hand in his with a big smile on her lips. "I am ready! Ooh, I finally get to meet royalty and gush about them, and yes I am going to gush." She couldn't believe it. An orphan girl like herself meeting royalty? It seemed like a dream. 

Sadly her expectations were too high and she didn't know what would happen next. No one truly would have guessed what happened next. It would remain something that left an impression on everything for many months to come.

❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅

A/N:
Whoop, finally done and finished it just after I published the previous chapter. I am on a roll here and I love it! Because I still have many more chapters to go that have already been written up I just gotta edit.

I don't know how many chapters I will have but I was thinking 40? It just depends on where I left off and what I am inspired to add onto this wonderful story. I am beyond excited to finish this book and it be one book I finally finished. It will be a major accomplishment.

Chapter talk:
Originally this chapter was really short and the next three chapters were all together in one chapter that was number nine and only divided by brackets. Now I am dividing where the brackets were and building up the words and what is going on rather than one liners and telling what's going on rather than showing.

And lastly, anything else I forgot to ask away my pals. I am happy to answer anything!

In closing, all rude, impolite and mean comments will be replied to in a diplomatic way, reported or deleted if I feel like it is attacking me personally.

Thanks for reading!