~ A vistor

A soft knock woke Rose as her eyes fluttered open slowly. She had a slight headache from crying the previous day.

On her bed was a bouquet of Roses with a note which read,

[I’m sorry about yesterday, Happy 3rd Anniversary.]

A smile stretched Rose’s face as she lifted the flowers to smell them. She was allergic to Roses which was funny because her name was Rose. But she held them with a full heart, ‘He must have been in such a hurry that he forgot about my allergy.’ she thought just as Ethan walked in.

“Good morning,” He said.

“Good morning, thank you for the flowers,” Rose responded.

Ethan nodded as he sat on the bed, “You wanted to say something to me last night?”

Rose’s eyes lit up, all pain forgotten as she placed the rose flowers on the side table and picked up the zip bag where the positive pregnancy test was, “Yes, I have some news. Ethan, I’m-”

Her sentence was cut off by a knock on the door. “Just a moment.” She said to him and walked to open it and found that it was Amanda, their maid.

“Good morning, Mrs Sinclair.” She smiled respectfully.

Rose was in a great mood and hearing that name made her day even brighter, “Good morning Amanda,” She smiled back.

“You have a visitor,” Amanda said but Rose’s brows met in confusion. She wasn’t expecting anyone and because Ethan kept their marriage a secret, no one ever visited him at home,

“Do you know who it is?” She asked.

Amanda nodded, “Yes, she said her name was Zoe Smith.”

Rose’s mood dropped and her stomach twisted in knots. She knew that name very well but she wondered what she wanted, ‘Did she come over thinking he was still the single man she left years ago?’ She mused as she offered Amanda a smile.

“Thank you, I’ll be there shortly.” She said but before she could turn to inform Ethan, he was already on his feet, and that made her wonder if he was expecting her.

“I’ll go check on her,” Ethan said when he noticed Rose was walking behind him.

‘Like hell, you will!’ Rose thought to herself as she offered her husband a small smile,

“We can do it together, besides, it’s only right that I welcome her too. We are also childhood friends, right?” Rose said, placing her hand on his and locking their fingers together.

Ethan watched her, his expression was unreadable as they walked downstairs, hand in hand.

Zoe who was standing in the foyer heard footsteps and turned with a smile but her smile dropped and her hands clenched at her side when she saw that Ethan wasn’t alone and not only was he holding hands with Rose, but she also had a huge diamond ring on her finger.

Her eyes blazed, but she quickly recovered and flashed them both a smile. “Good morning, love birds.” she smiled as she pulled Rose into a small hug and later moved on to Ethan and hugged him too his hands hanging loosely at his side.

“It’s good to see you after so long, Zoe.” Rose smiled as she gestured that they walk into the living room.

“It’s good to be back, I feel like I have so much I need to catch up on.” Zoe half laughed as they took a seat.

Rose watched Ethan and wondered if the feelings he always had were still there, her mind was spinning in thoughts when his deep voice spoke,

“Welcome back, can I know what made you come early in the morning?” Rose asked with a smirk.

“Oh yes,” Zoe responded, turning to grab Rose’s hands and placing them in hers. “My secretary just informed me that you guys were celebrating your third anniversary yesterday. I came to speak to Rose and apologize for ruining your day. I know you probably had plans and because Ethan helped me, they must have been ruined.”

“I understand that you needed help.” Rose smiled, as she searched her eyes to see if she was telling the truth.

“Yes at first, I was so stranded and if not for Ethan, I would have probably stayed there longer, the second time I was so afraid of being alone. I’m sorry Rose, don’t be mad at him.” Zoe said, sounding apologetic and Rose believed her.

‘He probably felt guilty and asked Zoe to come over and clear the air.’ Rose thought.

“No problem,” Rose responded.

Ethan’s phone vibrated and he excused himself leaving Rose with Zoe alone.

With a huge smile on her face, she squeezed Rose’s hand, “Thank you so much for understanding.”

Zoe pulled her hand away and something caught Rose's eye. Throwing all the hope she had out the window.

On Zoe's wrist, was the bracelet that she had been asking Ethan to buy for her. The bracelet was very expensive and could only be purchased by order which took six months to be made and a few weeks for someone as powerful as Ethan Sinclair.

Rose thought Ethan would give the bracelet to her as a gift for their 3rd anniversary, but now the bracelet was on Zoe's wrist.

She looked at the beautiful colors and a lump formed in her throat when she realized that the one Zoe was wearing had the exact colors she chose.

“Did you love the flowers?” Zoe’s voice pulled her out of the web she had sunk in.

Rose cleared her voice, trying to mask the hurt she was feeling, “How did you know I got flowers?”

“Because I picked them.” Zoe smiled, as she reached forward to grab a glass of juice.

“You picked the flowers Ethan gave me?” Her stomach twisted into painful knots

Zoe looked at her like she was not getting the message, “No Silly, Ethan bought those for me. But I asked him to take them and give them to you instead.”

Rose’s eyes widened into Saucers, “Ethan,?-” The name sounded like a broken record, she couldn’t believe he would disrespect her like that.

She stood and was about to call him out when a scream reached her ears, making her halt her steps,

“Ouch!” Zoe cried, as the glass she was holding shattered into pieces.

Ethan heard a crash and rushed back in, “Shit, are you okay?” Concern was evident in his voice and it broke Rose to see her husband care for another woman the way he never cared for her.

He checked Zoe and searched for any injuries, his touch was delicate and his eyes shined with concern. He was about to check on Rose when she pulled his wrist making him turn to face her,

“No! I’ve cut my leg Ethan,!” Zoe cried, “I have a show this week what will I do?” She grabbed onto him and began to sob into his shirt.

“Let’s go and have it checked.” He lifted her bridal style and walked out without another word.

~ A misunderstanding

“Rose, are you sure you’re okay?” Natalie asked.

Natalie had rushed over to her house the following day to check on her best friend. She was very worried, especially after seeing the news.

Tears formed in Rose’s eyes as she held her best friend's gaze. Words couldn’t form so all she could do was shake her head as the walls came crashing down.

“You saw the news, Natalie, My marriage is about to end!” She buried her face in her hands her heart tearing into shreds of pieces.

“Because of that bitch? She’s so shameless! Hanging onto a married man like that? Just say the word and I’ll give her a very friendly visit!” Natalie held Rose in her arms.

Rose knew her friend was anything but friendly and that made her laugh. She peeled away from her and wiped her tears, “Ethan seems to be still in love with her, I mean you should have seen how he almost flew when she called yesterday!”

“And you’re just going to sit and watch her snatch what is yours?” Natalie asked in disbelief.

Rose sighed, feeling like she was carrying a ton of bricks on her shoulders, “What else can I do? He's always loved her.”

Yes, it was true that she still loved Ethan and he had been good to her for the past three years. She thought he would eventually fall head over heels for her as long as she kept doing her best. But since Zoe has come back, the formula was looking like it had expired.

It was like she had moved one step forward and ten steps backward. It reminded her of when they had just gotten married three years ago, or when she had a crush on him since she was a kid.

“What do you mean? You've had a crush on him for so many years and you've finally gotten married. It’s your marriage, Rose! Fight for him for crying out loud! You two have been getting closer each day for the past three years. He has never mistreated you before has he?” Natalie asked.

Rose shook her head while biting her lip and Natalie continued, “Exactly, so why should that desperate witch come and ruin what you’ve built? The problem began the day she showed up put her in her place!” Natalie said and leaned back in her chair.

After a few minutes, Rose responded, “You’re right! He’s my husband. She’s the one who should know her place.”

“That’s my girl! But seriously, if you need me to whoop her annoying ass, I know some people.” Natalie leaned over and whispered.

Rose threw her head back in laughter as Amanda walked in with a tray of coffee cups.

“Thank you, Amanda,” Rose said.

Amanda nodded respectfully and walked out.

Natalie took a cup and wanted to give it to Rose when bile rose in her throat. She stood and quickly rushed out of the room.

A few minutes later, Rose returned and Natalie gave her a smug look, her eyes twinkling with anticipation, “What was that? Rose, are you?” She left the question hanging in the air.

“Yes!” Rose smiled as she sat back on the couch when Natalie placed the cup back down on the side table and pulled her friend into a tight hug.

“I can’t believe I’m going to be a godmother! Oh, congratulations my sweetheart!” She squeezed her even tighter!

“Natalie!” Rose said between laughs, “You can let me go before you suffocate me!”

Once they had pulled apart, Natalie leaned closer, “Have you told Ethan yet?”

“No, I was going to yesterday but, well you saw the rest,” Rose responded with a painful stab to her heart.

It still hurt that Ethan left her like that. Not once but twice in one day!

“Well, you need to! This my friend is the magic that will wipe away that witch from your lives!” Natalie said with a smile.

“You think so?”

“Of course!”

******

Rose felt warm hands on her head as they brushed her hair backward. Her eyes opened slowly and landed on the handsome face that always made her heart race.

“Hey,” He said softly.

“Ethan?” Rose asked as she sat up.

Ethan didn't know that Rose was pregnant and wondered why she went to bed so early.

“You went to bed so early today, I brought you something.” He said and Rose’s heart began to beat wildly against her chest, ‘Is it the bracelet?’

“What is it?” Rose asked in a steady voice even though she was shaking inside.

“Turn over and close your eyes,” Ethan said and Rose turned and gave him her back.

Rose felt a cold chain wrap around her neck. When Ethan turned her around, he had a look of regret in his eyes and it made Rose’s heart race.

“I’m sorry Rose, I couldn’t find the bracelet that you wanted. The one I had made for you was broken by Zoe accidentally when I dropped her off so I could only get you a necklace.” He reached for her hands and held them in his.

The touch felt like an electric shock and Rose felt her walls crumble down. All the anger she had pent up was melted by the gray stormy eyes that stared deep into her soul.

Ethan’s gaze always managed to bring Rose to her knees. He rarely touched and looked at her that way, but when he did, Rose suddenly couldn’t remember how to breathe.

“I forgive you, but you owe me dinner.” She teased.

Ethan never joked with her and she expected him to dismiss her request but he shocked her when he responded and said,

“No problem, I wanted to do it yesterday but Zoe’s leg had been injured and she has an important show coming up. I felt bad since she got injured in our home.” Ethan squeezed her hand.

Rose‘s heart clenched at the way he spoke about Zoe, It was clear to her that he still cared about her and it tore her to shreds.

“Okay.” She gave him half a smile as she wondered if he would care about Zoe the same way when he found out she was pregnant.

Ethan’s eyes softened and his blank expression returned and he stood,

“Tomorrow evening, we have to go to Grandpa’s house. He invited us over for his party.”

Rose nodded as a thought crossed her,

‘This is great! I can announce the news tomorrow with everyone present. I’m sure Ethan and Grandpa will be happy.’

~ Zoe

“How do I look, Ethan?” Rose turned to show Ethan how the dress he had gotten her fitted her perfectly.

Rose was shocked when she came back from bathing and found a beautiful black dress lying down on the bed with a note that read:

[Wear this.]

Her heart swelled with happiness as she searched for a reaction in his eyes. This was the first time Ethan had paid attention to what she was wearing and she wanted to make it count.

“Let’s go.” was his grumpy response as he held the door open. Rose felt a bit disappointed but she sucked it up and walked with him to the car.

Alfred was already waiting at the entrance, “I’ll drive.” He said as he took the keys and Alfred nodded.

“Yes sir, good evening Madam?” Alfred offered Rose a smile and she smiled back.

“Hello, Alfred.”

Alfred held the door open and Rose stepped into the car. Once Ethan had sat, she turned to face him,

“I actually have some very important news to share at Grandpa’s party,” Rose said happily.

“What news?” Ethan asked in his usual flat and cold voice.

“It’s great news, but it’s a surprise. So stick around.” Rose responded.

Ethan hated to wait, but most of all he hated surprises because the last time he got a surprise, Zoe had left on his birthday and it broke his heart. But not wanting to kill the light that was shining in Rose’s eyes he nodded.

“Okay,”

Rose’s smile grew as she fastened her seat belt.

Ethan joined the traffic and the ride was quiet but comfortable, the sun was just about to set so the sky had a beautiful orange view that she kept looking at as she imagined Ethan’s reaction to the news of him being a father.

Suddenly, Ethan stepped on the brakes and Rose was pushed forward. If it was not for the seat belt, she would have hit her head.

Feeling nauseous, she quickly stepped out of the car and hid behind as she hid the feeling of vomiting. She didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Feeling better, Rose thought Ethan had stepped out of the car to check on her but her heart sank ten feet under when she heard the annoying cry.

“Oh, Ethan! Thank God you’re here, my tire busted and I almost had an accident!” She grabbed onto his arm.

“Are you hurt?” Ethan asked. It was very difficult to see now that the sun had gone down.

The only lights available were from Ethan’s car.

“Hello, Zoe. It's so soon to see you again” Rose greeted in a clipped tone.

Her eyes swept over the situation and she scoffed internally, ‘What are the odds that she had a puncture and no other car could help her?’

Zoe rushed to Rose’s side grabbing onto her arm, “Please Rose! Can I get a ride?”

“I’m sorry Zoe, we are going to Grandpa’s house and not back home,” Rose responded.

Zoe’s heart was boiling at this stage but she maintained a cool expression, and cried even louder, “I know Grandpa’s house, it’s in the same road as the house I’m going to. I have a very important meeting, Please help me!” She was still grabbing onto her arm and causing a scene.

Rose sighed, feeling defeated. ‘I expected Ethan to refuse because we are already late, but I guess he’s happy about meeting the love of his life and spending some more time together!’

“Okay then,” Rose responded and Zoe’s tears immediately dried as she jumped for joy like she had just won a lottery.

“Thank you! Rose, I’m so sorry for the trouble!” Zoe exclaimed.

“No Problem-” Before the full sentence could even leave her mouth, Zoe was already rushing to the front seat.

Rose stared in disbelief and hoped that Ethan would ask Zoe to sit at the back instead, but he only looked at her and said, “Let’s go.”

Her heart squeezed and felt like she had been stabbed in the gut. Rose was astonished as she looked at the arrangement. She was looking like a third wheel!

“My seat belt is stuck, Please help me, Ethan!” Zoe complained.

Without hesitation, Ethan reached over and placed the seat belt carefully on Zoe and Rose felt like she was being constantly slapped on the face.

‘The seat belt was just fine and now it’s stuck?’ She couldn’t believe how conniving Zoe truly was. But it hurt to see how tender and caring Ethan was to Zoe. He just did all she asked without question or complaint.

Tears began to cloud her eyes and her mood darkened but she pushed them back, she didn’t want to look like a cacoon when she arrived.

Soon they were back on the road when Zoe turned to Ethan and gently brushed his shoulder, “Ethan, do you remember how we used to be naughty when we were younger?” She giggled before she continued, “This is the same road we would always use when going-”

Ethan had noticed the darkened mood on Rose and he wondered what was causing it but he knew talking about how he would sneak around to make out with his first love would annoy anyone,

“That’s enough, Zoe,” Ethan said coldly.

“Ohh, why? Is it because of Rose? It’s just memory lane!” Zoe laughed, “Rose do you get jealous so easily?” Zoe mocked.

Rose was boiling at this point and didn’t have any energy to play nice, “ One day when you have a husband even an inch closer to mine, you’ll understand that Jealousy comes quite easily!”

Zoe was taken aback because she wasn't expecting such a strong comeback. She kept quiet the rest of the ride but she had other plans forming in her head.

Once they reached the address Zoe gave Ethan, Rose stepped out of the car at the same time she did.

“Thank you, Ethan! You always save me when I need you!” She said through the window.

“You’re welcome,” Ethan responded without looking up still typing something on his phone.

Zoe felt victorious and her plan to taste if he still cared had worked, she turned around when Rose blocked her way and stepped forward ice in her tone, “You’re welcome Zoe, but next time you get a ride from a married man, make sure you know your place and sit at the back.”

With that, Rose opened the door and sat back in front leaving Zoe’s mouth hanging open like a fish gasping for air.