26 February, Military Base, City K

After Dominic left with Monica, Lexi sat down at the kitchen table, staring off into space. Tonight, was meant to be about Dominic spending a night here, so he was comfortable with the environment, but she was going to be here alone, until Matthew decided to grace her with his presence.

Was this the opportunity for a fresh start with their relationship as everyone was telling them? Did she want that? Could she take the risk? Was it worth taking the risk? If she took the risk, could the relationship develop and survive? Could she end up telling Matthew the biggest secret she was keeping and if she did would it hurt the relationship?

Lexi paused, and knew that there was so much running through her head and wondered were Monica, Jessica and Sarah right, today and tonight was a chance for a fresh start. Here did not have the memories attached to it that Matthew's Villa did. That was the place where they confessed their feelings, made the commitment that had them in this mess, and most importantly the place where Dominic was conceived. But at the same time, that was the location that started the chain of events that led her to her parents forcing her into the abusive controlling marriage with Richard. That hell yes led her to develop her business but at the same time it, but it was something she should never have experienced.

While she continued to ponder her thoughts, she moved and made herself a green tea. While she loved it made properly, she had to make do with some teabags. Not as nice, but still refreshing. It was then she noticed the time, and knew she needed to look at organising a simple meal for her and Matthew.

Lexi was aware that her cooking skills were limited, but at the same time there was no one she could call on she had to see what she could do with what was available. As she went through the bags and looked in the refrigerator, Lexi realised with her limited skills the best she could do would be a simple stir-fry with some rice to accompany it, along with a fruit salad for dessert.

Pulling out the ingredients, Lexi became engrossed in preparing everything to cook, that she did not realise that Matthew had arrived back, until he said "Lexi, do you need help?"

Looking up with a fright, Lexi looked at Matthew, and on gathering her thoughts said, "I did not realise you were home. Give my say fifteen minutes and I can have the meal ready."

Nodding, Matthew moved out of the kitchen, and went into the master bedroom to change from his uniform, before heading back to the kitchen, where upon his arrived he observed Lexi setting their simple meal on the table.

As they were finishing up, Lexi knew she had the courage to speak "We need to talk.."

"Lexi, if all you want to do is argue with me forget about it. I am sick and tired of every time Dominic is not around you using it as a reason to argue."

Shaking her head Lexi responded "Not that. Can we just sit and talk, after I clean up?"

"Fine, but let me clean up, you just go and sit."

Lexi took Matthew's indication and headed to the master bedroom, where she quickly showered and having finally decided that she needed to grab the chance for a fresh start with their relationship changed into a loose set of clothes. She had no idea what Matthew would do, but at the same time the limbo that was her personal life could not continue, not only for its impact on her, but for the impact on Dominic and their wider family.

As she reached the lounge area, Matthew had shut all the curtains, and was sitting down waiting for her. As he saw her entering, he handed Lexi a glass of wine, saying "I know you enjoy the occasional white wine. I stumbled on this when I was in New Zealand, from the Marlborough Wine Region.."

"Their Sauvignon Blanc wines have a good reputation."

"Tell me what you think."

After sitting down on the couch, she took a sip from the glass Matthew handed her, before responding "Just what I would expect." Lexi paused, and looked directly at Matthew before saying "As I said we need to talk but sitting across the room from me is not conducive to that."

Mathew paused, but said "Given some of our past discussions, when you have had a glass of wine in your hand, this feels safer."

"I promise I will not throw the wine at you. But I need to be honest with you about my marriage to Richard. I know I have said a few bits and pieces, but I have not told you everything. You need to know that, because in the end neither of us will get anything we want out of this marriage if you do not understand my past."

Matthew carefully made his way over and sat down beside Lexi on the couch. He noticed that she had tensed up. Looking at Lexi he noticed that she had a look of fear on her face. Did she really need to talk to him about this, if even the thought of it was terrifying her? Sitting his glass of wine down on the lamp table beside the couch, he took Lexi's and placed it with his, before taking her hands in his and saying "Lexi, do not feel that you have to do this. I can see you do not want to, and with everything going on for the two of us, the last thing you need to do is this. In the end.."

"Matthew, I need to," interrupted Lexi. "When Monica, Jessica and Sarah were here earlier we talked. One thing I took from their conversations is that we need a fresh start. Being here, even for a night, allows us the opportunity to start afresh and try to resolve issues, so in the end whatever happens we can deal with each other, even if it only for Chester and Phillip's sake."

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