~ 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.

~ Uninvited guest

“Oh, my beautiful granddaughter inlaw! How I’ve missed you!” Anderson pulled Rose into a tight hug.

Anderson Sinclair was Ethan’s grandfather who was in his late 60s. He was the founder of the S and Partners Group and Rose’s biggest fan. In fact, he played a crucial role for Ethan to end up marrying her.

“Hello, Grandpa. I’m sorry I haven’t visited you as often as I should, I’ll do better.” Rose smiled as she peeled from the warm embrace.

Anderson waved it off, “Don’t mind that. What’s important is that you’re here now!” He pulled Rose along to the dining table where the rest of the family members were already sitting.

“Rose dear, it’s good to see you,” Georgina said with a smile as she walked in with a tray of food and placed it on the table.

“Hello, mum., Dad, Jane.” Rose smiled at them all as she took a seat that Ethan held open for her.

“You should visit us more often Ethan, I miss you a lot. Look, I even cooked the full meal myself!” Georgina explained but Ethan simply ignored her as he took a seat next to Rose.

“Do you always have to behave like a little brat, Ethan? Your mother worked hard to prepare the meal but you can’t even say thank you?” Andrew, Ethan’s father gritted his teeth.

“She’s my stepmother. Also, if you like the meal she prepared so much, then you can go ahead and have it all!” Ethan retorted.

“You!” Andrew was about to stand from his chair when Anderson stepped in.

“That’s enough, no fighting tonight! It’s a happy occasion!”

Georgina touched her husband’s arm and smiled, “Father is right honey. Let’s not fight tonight. Besides, I know Ethan and I still have more chances in the future to grow closer.”

“You’re too kind, I don’t know why he can’t see that.” Andrew snorted but Ethan’s mood was suddenly sour. He was gripping the glass so hard that it would shatter any moment. Rose placed her hand on his, to soothe him.

She tried even though she expected him to push her away since the hand she reached for was under the table, but to her surprise, he stiffened at first but gradually relaxed although he didn’t utter another word to his father.

Ethan’s mother died when he was young, but within three months, his father had already remarried and gotten pregnant. From then he’s never been able to meet eye to eye with his father.

“Don’t mind these wild children, my dear. How is the jewelry shop coming along? I heard you have a show coming up soon.” Anderson turned to Rose.

“It’s going great Grandpa, we’ve had incredible support over the past months and I can’t wait to show you our new designs.” Rose beamed.

“Wow, you're amazing Rose. Even if you're married, you have your own business. Unlike me, even though I graduated from college, I haven't been able to work in my family's company.” Jane said bitterly as always.

Jane, Ethan’s half-sister didn’t like Rose at all, she was cursing and snorting in her heart the entire time Rose spoke, ‘Look at how shameless this witch is, she’s riding on our family name and yet she wants to take all the credit? Pathetic!’

“Really?” Anderson asked excitedly and ignored Jane as usual. “I need to place an order as soon as possible.”

Rose giggled, “Actually, I brought you one already. I designed it especially for you. ”

“Oh you’re such a sweet girl, Ethan is surely lucky to have you by his side!” Anderson commented.

Rose turned to look at Ethan, who had his usual unreadable expression. She turned her head back to Anderson and added, “I have news to share with you all! But it can wait until after dinner!”

“Well, then we better dig in! Because I want to see my watch and hear the news!” Anderson chuckled.

The table was once again silent as they began to eat. A few minutes later, they had all finished when Georgina, who was trying to remain composed pushed, “Well, dear what news did you have to share with us?”

With a woman's intuition, Georgina almost guessed the news. She was worried that if this little slut happened to be pregnant, with Anderson’s affection for her and Ethan, their child will be the next heir. Then it will be harder for her husband, Andrew to take back the company again.

This was something she couldn't allow, so she needed to confirm the news right away!

Rose blushed, as Ethan’s gaze bore into her. She felt his hot gaze as he waited to hear the news she had to share, “It’s actually been a few weeks.” Rose began, “Grandpa, and everyone, I’m-”

DING DONG!

The doorbell made everyone’s head turn. A frown crossed their faces as they wondered who would be visiting them that time of the night.

“Please, hold that thought. Let me quickly check who’s at the door!” Georgina said and stood. She was grateful that the doorbell had interrupted Rose.

When she opened the door she was met with a smiling Zoe who was holding a gift in her arms.

“Good evening, Mum. I’m sorry to visit at this awkward hour.” Zoe said.

Georgina smiled as a nasty plan formed in her head. She had been looking for an opportunity for Ethan to make a mistake and what better one was there when the woman his grandfather hated showed up the night he brought his wife over,

“Not at all dear, come in!”

Zoe thanked her and walked in, as they turned to the dining table where everyone was waiting to see who was at the door, Georgina said out loud,

“Ethan dear, you didn’t tell us you had invited Zoe over! I would have prepared more food!”