Chapter 25:

After a week-long honeymoon involving surfing, snorkeling, a luau, and even a helicopter ride over an active volcano, Wyatt & Hope headed home to Los Angeles to face some harsh realities.

They knew that not everyone was happy with their sudden marriage due to the constant media attention it was getting. Hope knew that most of all Brooke was probably furious, & she didn't blame her mother at all for it.

For Wyatt, he had a feeling that his father Bill Spencer was probably just as furious as Brooke. He also had a feeling that his father was probably cooking up some crazy scheme that involved them breaking up.

When the Forrester jet landed at LAX, Hope saw the paparazzi there at the gate waiting for them. Wyatt simply took her hand in his & said, "We got this, babe." Hope just smiled.

When they got off the plane & entered the terminal, they were swarmed by photographers. Wyatt never let go of Hope's hand, & the couple ignored every question that was shouted at them. They simply got into the truck & were off to the SLS Hotel so they could drop off their bags before heading over to Forrester Creations.

Hope could feel herself tremble with fear as they got closer to the fashion company. She & Wyatt knew that Eric was supportive of them as was Pam. It was everyone else that had Hope scared out of her mind.

After parking, the couple made their way to Eric's office where he greeted them with hugs & these words: "Be careful, you two." He then left to attend an important business meeting.

Wyatt just held Hope close as they waited for whoever would confront them first. It was scary for both.

It got worse when Steffy Forrester showed up.

Hope just glared at her former rival. Steffy just sighed when she saw that look.

"Please don't look at me like that, Hope. I'm not here to confront you," said Steffy. "Then what do you want?" asked Hope. Steffy's answer surprised both her & Wyatt.

"I'm here to congratulate you. I'm really happy for you both. I know that I made some major mistakes regarding Liam, & I regret those very much. I know that 'sorry' isn't going to cut it with you, Hope, but I just want both you & Wyatt to know that Carter & I are in your corner no matter what."

Steffy braced herself for the worst. Instead she got a surprise of her own.

"Thank you, Steffy. I appreciate that. We both do," said Hope with a smile. She & Steffy then shook hands, putting their rivalry to rest forever.

As Steffy left to take care of company-realated stuff, Hope breathed out a huge sigh of relief. Wyatt just smiled.

"Feel better, babe?" asked Wyatt. "I do. I think things with Steffy & me are going to be good from now on," said Hope. She was confident in that.

However, Hope's confidence quickly disappeared when the door opened & someone else entered.

It was Brooke with Ridge close behind, & she was absolutely furious.