From The Journals of Katherine Plumber

January 1st, 1900

(I should really just stop doing trigger warnings and just make it clear in the description that this whole book is a giant trigger warning. But, yeah, TW! Mentions of harm and sexual assault. Once again, it'll all make sense in the end, no matter how stupid the characters will seem at the end. Also, have fun reading cause this chapter is 5700+ words long!)

"Katherine, come on!" Edith whispered to me from the stairs as I hung up my coat.

"I'm trying." I said, running over.

It was now 4AM. Edith waited up all night for me after the gala to make sure I was okay. As soon as Jack and Sara convinced me it was okay to leave, I left to go home. Edith helped me get in once I was there and now we were sneaking up the stairs. Only, it would be sneaking if Father and Thomas were not sitting in the study. As we ran down the hall, they walked out, "Katherine!" Father yelled.

Edith got down behind the couch, trying not to be seen as they walked close. My heart was racing. They had many questions, no doubt. Such as why I missed the gala where I was to announce my engagement, or the fact that I look the way I do, "Hello, Father. Mr. Andrews." I smiled softly.

"Where have you been all night!?" Father shouted.

"Father, I am sorry. I was working, then got caught up with Claira. Her... Uh, Her brother is ill. I was helping her care for him." I said.

"That is no reason to miss such an important night!" He yelled.

"Mr. Pulitzer, Katherine seems very tired. I believe that if she was doing a good deed for a friend, there is no harm done. Surely, seeing that we own a paper, we can publish a wedding announcement." Thomas said.

I hate this man, but he was helpful, "I believe my fiance has a point." I said.

"I shall escort her upstairs, sir. We can settle all this in the morning?" He asked.

"Of course, Mr. Andrews." Father said then looked at me, "Goodnight, Katherine."

"Goodnight, Father." I said before he left.

"Shall we?" Thomas asked, holding out his arm.

I sighed softly and nodded, linking my arm with his. I glanced at Edith before we went upstairs, nodding for her to follow us. As soon as we were out of Father's sight and ear rage, I removed my arm, "I do not think we have anything to say to each other." I said, walking ahead to my room.

"Why must you be so sour towards me, Katherine?" He asked.

"It's Ms. Plumber. And, for starters, before proposing, you threatened to kill a dear friend of mine." I said.

"Since when do dear friends meet at burlesque theatres in the night, run off the lodging houses and meet in secret in your room?" He asked.

"You follow me?" I asked.

"Of course not. That is why I have servants." He said.

"You are a-"

"How about you finish that later? Over lunch. The Fifth Avenue Hotel." He said.

"I can't. Today is my day off and my friend's brother is still very ill. I-"

"I know your friend's brother is really Mr. Kelly." He said.

"What is your angle?" I asked.

"You shall find out at lunch." He smirked before going back downstairs.

I sighed and looked at Edith, who was hiding behind a house plant pot, "Did you hear that? He has me followed." I said.

"He is your fiance." Edith said, standing and walking over.