I hope you guys like this part; I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out
what to write about. Sorry if it sucks.
Chapter 16
"What?!?!?"
Theresa flinched at the tone in Ivy's voice. 'And that lady's going to be my mother-in-law' she thought to herself. She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at the irony of the situation. Her chuckle soon became a full-blown out laugh and pretty soon everyone in the room was looking at her like she was crazy.
"Baby, are you okay?" Fox asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes! It's just, it's just." Theresa tried to speak but couldn't stop herself from laughing.
"Resa?" Charity asked worried about her best friend's weird behavior.
"I'm okay," Theresa said after finally calming down. "It's just this whole situation is so ironic. I mean, I originally ran away to get away from Ethan and this entire dysfunctional family and now I come back preparing to marry into it! It's just too funny!" she said once again starting to laugh.
"Well you can stop laughing because there is no way I'm letting you marry my son," Ivy said glaring at Theresa. Theresa immediately stopped laughing and returned Ivy's glare. Before she could say anything, Fox spoke up.
"Now I'm your son?" he asked. It wasn't a bitter or resentful tone; it was just cool and nonchalant. "Where were you the rest of my life? Oh that's right, you were too busy focusing on Ethan to even realize you had three other children. Don't try and claim me now Mother, you're too late," he said.
"How dare you talk to me like that! I am your mother and you will speak to me with respect!" Ivy yelled at Fox. Fox simply rolled his eyes at Ivy before putting his arm around Theresa's waist.
"I really don't care who you are anymore, Mother. I will marry Theresa and there is nothing you can do about it."
"No!" she exclaimed. "Alistair! Julian!" she yelled turning toward them, "Don't tell me you're actually going to let him marry her!" she exclaimed.
"First of all, they don't let me do anything, I do whatever I want. Secondly, they were there when I proposed to her, they've known for a couple of months," Fox stated surprising many of the guests.
"What?" she exclaimed staring at him in shock.
"He said they've known for a couple of months," Theresa taunted with a smirk. Ivy turned to glare at her.
"I don't care, I am not allowing you into this family, and that's final!" she said.
"Last time I checked, you weren't even a member of the Crane family, Ivy," Theresa said with a smile. "Everyone from this family, that counts, has already given us their blessing; therefore your opinion means absolutely nothing to us," she said.
"Maybe Ivy can't stop you, but I will," Ethan exclaimed forcing himself back into the conversation. "I will not sit by and watch you two get married!"
"Well, you don't have to, no one invited you," Fox said looking at Ethan.
"This better not be another one of your schemes to get Ethan back," Gwen said making her way over to Theresa.
"Excuse me?" Theresa asked offended.
"You heard me. I wouldn't put it past you to stage this whole thing just to get Ethan's attention," Gwen replied.
"Yeah, well at least I wouldn't fake a pregnancy just to get a guy to marry me," Theresa said staring hard at Gwen.
Gwen glared at Theresa and raised her hand preparing to slap her when someone grabbed her hand.
"Don't you even think about laying a hand on my daughter," Pilar said staring coldly at Gwen before letting go of her arm.
"Congratulations Theresita," Pilar said before going over to hug Theresa tightly. She then went over Fox. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter these past few years. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law," she said to him before grabbing him in a hug.
"Thanks Pilar," Fox replied taken aback by Pilar's kind behavior toward him.
"I don't know you very well, but I know that Theresa has grown into a woman that can make her own decisions and if she chooses to marry you, then I'm sure it's the right decision," Antonio said before shaking hands with Fox. Luis soon followed his lead and also shook Fox's hand.
"Welcome to the family," he said.
"As sweet and nauseating as this is, it's all pointless. As I said before, Theresa is not marrying my half - brother," Ethan said walking toward to Theresa.
"Why does this bother you Ethan? You're married to Gwen; you have been for a little over two years. What difference does it make to you if I marry Theresa?"
Ethan stared at Fox, unable to come up with an answer that sounded reasonable. 'What the hell am I supposed to say? 'Gee, Theresa, even though my wife is right next to you, I'm still in love with you.' I'm sure that'll go over really well.' He thought to himself.
"I know I'm married, Fox," Ethan replied. "I just care about Theresa and I don't want to see her get hurt."
"And you think I will hurt her? This is coming from the guy who strung her along for three years, only to break her heart after she gave up everything for you? You're a real piece of work, Ethan" Fox said quickly becoming angry with Ethan.
"You will hurt her, Fox! You don't know how to love. Theresa deserves better!" Ethan yelled.
"Yeah and that isn't you!" Fox yelled. "I may not deserve Theresa, but I have her and I'm too damn selfish to give her up. So you can stand there and whine and bitch about how unworthy I am of her love, but the bottom line is I have it, now and forever. You had your chance and you blew it like the dumbass you are," Fox said getting in Ethan's face.
"You son of a bitch!" Ethan yelled before bringing up his arm and punching Fox in the face. Before he could get another hit in, Fox swung his arm and hit Ethan in his stomach. Ethan bent over, holding his stomach and reached up and swung at Fox's head. Fox ducked and kicked Ethan's legs from behind sending him to the ground. He quickly climbed on top of him and started hitting, ignoring the cries and pleas of everyone else in the room.
"Fox! Fox, stop it!" Theresa yelled trying to pry Fox off of Ethan.
"Fox you get off of Ethan this instant!" Ivy yelled, trying to stop Fox.
"Fox, stop this right now!" Theresa yelled as she was finally able to pull Fox off with the help of Brady and Luis.
"Oh my God, Ethan are you okay?" Ivy asked looking at Ethan. He had a black eye, swollen lips, and a couple of bruises all over his face.
"I'm fine," Ethan said, barely making out the words. He pushed past Ivy and made his way over to Theresa. "I knew you still loved me Theresa. The way you pulled Fox off of me, I knew you couldn't love Fox," he reaching over and hugging her. Theresa pushed Ethan off of her and raised her hand giving him a hard slap across his face.
"Don't you ever hit my fiancé again, is that clear?" she asked coldly looking Ethan in the eye. Without waiting for a reply she turned her back on him and returned to looking at Fox's injuries. His injuries were not as much as Ethan's and the only bruises would probably be gone in a few days.
"We've got to get you to relax. Let's go find a hotel and get you cleaned up," she said putting her arm around his waist and leading him past the group of people that surrounded them.
"Hotel? I will have no such thing!" Julian said standing in Theresa's pathway. "That is my son and you are going to be my daughter-in- law in a couple of months, I insist you stay here," he said.
"Thanks Julian, but I really don't think that's a good idea," Theresa said not liking the idea of sleeping in the same house as Ivy, Gwen, and Ethan.
"Of course it is. This is Fox's house as much as it is mine, and you two are welcome at anytime. I won't take no for an answer," Julian said.
"Fine," Theresa replied seeing that Julian wasn't going to give up. "As long as I get to clean Fox up and get him to a bed," she said.
"No problem. You can have your old room again, it hasn't been touched," Julian said.
"Umm, no thanks, I think we'll stay in Fox's old room" Theresa said not wanting to stay in the room adjoined to Ethan and Gwen's.
"Very well, then. You know where it is, go on up," he said moving at of her way. Once they were out of site, Julian turned to Charity and Brady.
"Before you even start to argue, don't bother. You two are also staying here, no arguments. You can stay in Theresa's old room," Julian said not bothering to wait for a reply as he walked away.
"So I guess we're staying here then," Brady said sarcastically to Charity.
"Guess so," Charity replied.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Sheridan asked looking at everyone in the room. "I want to thank all of you for being with Luis and I as we celebrated this important day in our lives. I know that the reception has gotten slightly out of hand and has caused a commotion, but anyone who wants to stay is welcome to stay. Have fun and enjoy yourselves," she said before making her way back to Luis.
"Are you okay?" Gwen asked Ethan with concern.
"Like you care," Ethan replied turning away from Gwen.
"I do care Ethan. Just let me take a look at your face," Gwen said reaching her hand over to touch his face.
"Stay away from me," Ethan said before walking away from Gwen.
"You'll come back to me eventually, Ethan. I'll make sure of it," Gwen said to herself as she saw Ethan walk away.
"What is it with this town?" Brady asked Charity. "You guys can't seem to have one get together without tears being shed and someone getting hurt, I don't get it."
"Tell me about it. It's incidents like these that make me glad that I don't live here anymore," Charity replied.
"We're going to get going, Charity" Jessica said as she and Reese came up to her and Brady.
"All right Jessica, I'll see you later," Charity replied reaching over and hugging Jessica. "Bye Reese," she said also hugging Reese.
"Bye Brady, it was nice to meet you," Jessica said grabbing Brady in a tight hug. "You two should stop by tomorrow, we can catch up," she said.
"We'll see," Charity replied before Reese and Jessica left the mansion.
One by one, the guests started to leave the party, leaving only close relatives in the mansion, and Kay.
"You do realize that the party is over, don't you?" Victoria said coming up behind Kay who was busy staring at Miguel.
"Geez, you scared me!" Kay said startled by Victoria's voice.
"I'd say sorry, but I don't care enough to. Anyway, the party is over so you have to leave," she said dryly.
"Do I know you? You're talking to me as if I did something bad to you," Kay said not understanding why this girl was being rude to her.
"My name's Victoria Crane. You don't know me, but I'm sure you know my sister. She's the girl whose life you tried to destroy at all costs," she replied rudely.
"Oh, you're Charity's sister," Kay said slightly surprised. "It's nice to meet you," she said not sure how to act around her.
"Charmed I'm sure," Victoria replied. "Like I said before, the party is over, so you'll just have to find another place to stare at Miguel like a lost puppy," she said with a smile.
Kay glared at Victoria, not liking the way she was talking to her. 'Just what I need, Charity's bratty little sister insulting me,' she thought.
"I'm waiting for Miguel. As soon as he's done, I will leave with him," she replied turning her back to Victoria.
"Maybe you didn't hear me the first couple of times," Victoria said turning Kay around. "This party is over. Now unless you are a relative of the bride or groom or a special guest of someone else living in this house, you are unwelcome. You can wait for Miguel outside the house and off Crane property. Is that clear?" she asked, annoyed with Kay. 'No one hurts my sister and gets away with it,' she thought to herself.
"Is there a problem here?" Charity asked as she and Samantha came up to Victoria and Kay.
"No, no problem at all. Kay was just leaving, weren't you Kay?" Victoria asked looking at Kay. Kay glared coldly at Victoria before replying.
"Yeah, I was. I'll just tell Miguel that I'm leaving and be on my way home," she said rudely as she walking away from them.
"What was that about?" Charity asked Victoria as Kay headed to Miguel.
"Nothing," Victoria lied. At Charity's suspicious look, she revised her answer. "Well, nothing worth talking about," she said.
"Sure," Charity replied not believing Victoria. Before she could question any further, Kay walked back over to them.
"I guess I'll be going then," she said still glaring at Victoria.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Victoria replied with a smirk before walking away. Kay glared at Victoria and stormed out of the house.
"Never a dull day in the Crane household, that's for sure," Samantha said with a smile before hugging Charity and heading upstairs.
"Ready for bed?" Brady asked as he came up behind Charity and wrapped his arms around her.
"Yeah, let's go," Charity replied as she and Brady headed upstairs to Theresa's old room.
Meanwhile.
"I can't believe you did that," Theresa said as she placed a cold towel on Fox's face.
"Me? He's the one that attacked me," Fox said flinching at the cold water that touched his bruises.
"Yes, I know that, and I'm not condoning it, but did you have to cause such a scene? This is supposed to be Sheridan and Luis's big day and you two go and ruin it by having a fist fight," Theresa scolded.
"What was I supposed to do? Sit back while Ethan continued to act all high and mighty like he owned you? That bastard got what he deserved, hell he's lucky that you guys stopped me," he replied.
"Yeah, but now you've got bruises on you face and it'll probably sting well into the night. Was it worth it?" she asked looking at him.
Fox stared at Theresa, pondering over her question. 'Does she really want me to answer that? Hell yeah it was worth it!' he thought joyfully. However, looking at the stern face of Theresa, he could tell that was not the answer she would want to hear.
"I'm not sorry about it, if that's what you're asking. Look, it's over and everyone knows about us, do we really have to keep talking about this?" he asked not wanting to talk about Ethan anymore.
"Fine, I'm still mad at you though," Theresa said looking at Fox.
"Is there anything I could do about that?" Fox asked suggestively pulling Theresa toward him by her waist.
"Sorry, not going to happen tonight. My brother is still downstairs, along with the other guests. Besides, you need some rest. Stay here while I go get some more towels from one of the pantries," she said.
"All right," Fox said with a pout.
"Don't look so sad," Theresa said with a laugh as she reached up and kissed Fox's lips before leaving the room.
Theresa walked down the hallway, headed for one of the pantries. As she walked she thought of her earlier conversation with Ethan. She couldn't believe the way he acted when he found out that she was engaged to Fox. Granted, she didn't expect him to jump for joy, but the least he could have done was congratulate her. After all, when he and Gwen got married, she was gracious enough to finally leave them alone to focus on their relationship, why couldn't he do the same for her? Then again, this is Ethan. If things don't go the way he wants, he throws a hissy fit like a little boy. 'That's all he is, nothing but a spoiled little boy who'll never grow up,' she thought as she continued to walk.
"Well if it isn't Harmony's own little gold digger," she heard a voice say.
Looking up, Theresa saw Rebecca, Ivy, and Gwen staring at her like she was the lowest thing on Earth. 'Great, just what I need - a confrontation with bitches 1, 2, and 3,' she thought to herself.
"What do you three want?" Theresa asked.
"You out of this house for one thing," Gwen replied glaring at Theresa.
"And out of our lives," Ivy added.
"Believe me Ivy, I'd give anything to have you out of my life too," Theresa replied.
"Touché," Ivy replied.
"Look, I just came to get some towels for Fox, so would you all kindly get out of my way?"
"See that's exactly why we need to talk Theresa. See, there is no chance in hell I'm letting marry my son," Ivy said.
"Are we back to this again? Listen Ivy, Fox loves me more than anything in this world. And I love him, and there is no way either one of us are going to let you stop us from getting married, so you can stop giving me your threats and evil looks, they aren't going to work."
"You, love?" Rebecca asked sarcastically. "The only thing you could ever love is the money is his pockets. You're just a gold digger, that's all you've ever been," she said.
"Says the lady who's spent the last five years as Julian's personal whore. Don't you dare stand there and insult me when you aren't even worth the dirt beneath my shoes, Rebecca," Theresa replied coldly.
"Don't talk to my mother like that, Theresa," Gwen said.
"Don't tell me what to do, Gwen. We discussed this already, I take orders from no one," Theresa replied.
"What do you want from Fox? Why can't you find someone else's life to ruin? Why mine?" Ivy asked in a whiny voice.
"I'm so sorry marrying your son doesn't sit well with you Ivy, but quite frankly, I don't give a damn. And I'm not marrying Fox just because it'll ruin your life; that's just an added bonus," Theresa replied with a smile.
"We all know that you're marrying him because he's a Crane and he's rich. There's no need for you to deny it. First you went after Ethan when you thought he was a Crane, then you went for Julian after that, and now you're going for Fox. It's all just part of your plan," Gwen said getting in Theresa's face.
"In case you haven't noticed, I don't need Fox's money. I have my own clothing line that is doing very well all over the world. Not only that, but I am one of the most well known designers out there, I don't need to marry anyone for money, and don't you ever insult me like that again," she said coldly to Gwen.
"Don't stand there and try to be strong and brave in front of us, Theresa. We all know that it's just an act," Ivy said in an annoyed voice. "When you left Harmony years ago you were just a foolish young girl in love, you honestly expect us to believe that you're some strong respectful woman now? You can't change that quickly - it's not possible. You'll always be that little teenage girl dreaming of a life she'll never have," she said with a cold smile.
"It's only a matter of time before Fox realizes what a waste of time you are. And when he does, he'll leave you; he'll crush you like the bug you are," Rebecca added.
"Don't you see? It could be Ethan, Fox, or any other guy of their status and you'll never be good enough for any of them. You'll still always be the housekeeper's daughter, nothing more, nothing less," Gwen said adding to the verbal attack against Theresa.
Theresa looked at the three women who had just insulted her to her very core. As much as she wanted to ignore them, she couldn't help but feel tears threaten to spill from her eyes at the words they said about her. She knew they were wrong, but it didn't stop the pain she felt at hearing them.
"Are you going to cry now?" Rebecca asked with mock pity as she saw Theresa's eyes water.
'No way will I let them see me cry,' Theresa thought to herself.
"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction," Theresa replied lowering her head. "I honestly don't know why you three feel the need to harass me at every chance you get, but I'm sick of it! I'm not some little girl that you can use as your verbal punching bag. I am a human being, and in a few months, I will be Mrs. Nicolas Crane, one of the most powerful women in the country. So you three can stand there and try to make me feel like the lowest thing on the earth, but it won't work. Even if I wasn't a designer, even if I wasn't engaged to Fox, even if I just some part time worker at a fast food restaurant, I'd still be better than all three of you put together."
"In your dreams," Gwen replied.
"No, not in my dreams Gwen. See, unlike you, I don't have to put someone else down to feel better about myself. Rebecca, at least I don't have to sleep with men just to have a roof over my head at night. And Ivy," she said turning to stare angrily at her. "At least I don't walk around in a place where I am unwanted, insulting people just because I'm living a bitter, lonely life. All three of you think you're more than me because you were born with silver spoons in your mouths, but you're not. You never have been, and you never will be, so don't you ever stand there and try to make me feel like I'm nothing. I'm somebody! I'm somebody special and I'll be damned if I ever let anyone make me feel like I'm not. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a loving fiancé waiting for me in our room, and I see no point in wasting another second on you three," she said before pushing past them and walked down the hall, around the corner, and out of sight.
"Who the hell does she think she it?!" Ivy asked indignantly.
"I'm pretty sure she thinks she's the future wife to the heir of the Crane fortunes, which of course she is," Julian said coming up behind the three women after hearing the entire conversation.
"What the hell are you doing here Julian?" Ivy asked irritated.
"I'm listening to you three get the bashing of your lives," Julian replied with a laugh. He had heard the entire conversation from the beginning and had enjoyed Theresa's response to all of them.
"I can't believe you're supporting that tramp," Rebecca said angrily.
"Don't talk about her like that," Julian said in a warning voice. "And there's no need to be angry, you all got what you deserved. And what Theresa said was correct - you three could never be a better person than her," he said turning and walking away from three very angry and insulted women.
"That took a long time," Fox said as Theresa walked into their room.
"Yeah, I was stopped by Rebecca, Gwen, and Ivy," she replied in a sad voice.
"Did anything happen?" he asked worried by the tone in her voice.
"No, they just said some pretty mean things to me. I know they weren't true, but it still hurt," she said finally allowing a tear to slide from her eyes.
"Baby, come here," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and pulling her down on his lap. "Listen to me, nothing they say should mean anything to you. They're all just bitter women looking to bring down everyone around them. Remember, misery loves company," he said wiping the tears from her eyes with his thumb.
"I know, it doesn't make me feel better though," she replied.
"Ignore whatever they say. You are the most amazing person I have ever known and you have done more in two years than an experienced adult could have done in ten years. You changed and grown so much into a woman that anyone would be proud to know. Anything they say to you is said out of the jealousy they feel toward what you have become, okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I know," she said wiping the tears from her eyes. "Sorry, I don't know why I let them get to me; they're not even worth it."
"Don't worry about it. How about we get some sleep, it's been a long day," he said.
"That sounds great," she replied before getting undressed and changing into a nightgown from one of the suitcases the maids brought up. Once she was fully changed, she got in the bed and wrapped herself in Fox's arms.
"I love you baby," Fox said, already falling asleep.
"Love you too," Theresa said before drifting off to sleep.
TBC
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Chapter 16
"What?!?!?"
Theresa flinched at the tone in Ivy's voice. 'And that lady's going to be my mother-in-law' she thought to herself. She couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at the irony of the situation. Her chuckle soon became a full-blown out laugh and pretty soon everyone in the room was looking at her like she was crazy.
"Baby, are you okay?" Fox asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes! It's just, it's just." Theresa tried to speak but couldn't stop herself from laughing.
"Resa?" Charity asked worried about her best friend's weird behavior.
"I'm okay," Theresa said after finally calming down. "It's just this whole situation is so ironic. I mean, I originally ran away to get away from Ethan and this entire dysfunctional family and now I come back preparing to marry into it! It's just too funny!" she said once again starting to laugh.
"Well you can stop laughing because there is no way I'm letting you marry my son," Ivy said glaring at Theresa. Theresa immediately stopped laughing and returned Ivy's glare. Before she could say anything, Fox spoke up.
"Now I'm your son?" he asked. It wasn't a bitter or resentful tone; it was just cool and nonchalant. "Where were you the rest of my life? Oh that's right, you were too busy focusing on Ethan to even realize you had three other children. Don't try and claim me now Mother, you're too late," he said.
"How dare you talk to me like that! I am your mother and you will speak to me with respect!" Ivy yelled at Fox. Fox simply rolled his eyes at Ivy before putting his arm around Theresa's waist.
"I really don't care who you are anymore, Mother. I will marry Theresa and there is nothing you can do about it."
"No!" she exclaimed. "Alistair! Julian!" she yelled turning toward them, "Don't tell me you're actually going to let him marry her!" she exclaimed.
"First of all, they don't let me do anything, I do whatever I want. Secondly, they were there when I proposed to her, they've known for a couple of months," Fox stated surprising many of the guests.
"What?" she exclaimed staring at him in shock.
"He said they've known for a couple of months," Theresa taunted with a smirk. Ivy turned to glare at her.
"I don't care, I am not allowing you into this family, and that's final!" she said.
"Last time I checked, you weren't even a member of the Crane family, Ivy," Theresa said with a smile. "Everyone from this family, that counts, has already given us their blessing; therefore your opinion means absolutely nothing to us," she said.
"Maybe Ivy can't stop you, but I will," Ethan exclaimed forcing himself back into the conversation. "I will not sit by and watch you two get married!"
"Well, you don't have to, no one invited you," Fox said looking at Ethan.
"This better not be another one of your schemes to get Ethan back," Gwen said making her way over to Theresa.
"Excuse me?" Theresa asked offended.
"You heard me. I wouldn't put it past you to stage this whole thing just to get Ethan's attention," Gwen replied.
"Yeah, well at least I wouldn't fake a pregnancy just to get a guy to marry me," Theresa said staring hard at Gwen.
Gwen glared at Theresa and raised her hand preparing to slap her when someone grabbed her hand.
"Don't you even think about laying a hand on my daughter," Pilar said staring coldly at Gwen before letting go of her arm.
"Congratulations Theresita," Pilar said before going over to hug Theresa tightly. She then went over Fox. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter these past few years. I couldn't ask for a better son-in-law," she said to him before grabbing him in a hug.
"Thanks Pilar," Fox replied taken aback by Pilar's kind behavior toward him.
"I don't know you very well, but I know that Theresa has grown into a woman that can make her own decisions and if she chooses to marry you, then I'm sure it's the right decision," Antonio said before shaking hands with Fox. Luis soon followed his lead and also shook Fox's hand.
"Welcome to the family," he said.
"As sweet and nauseating as this is, it's all pointless. As I said before, Theresa is not marrying my half - brother," Ethan said walking toward to Theresa.
"Why does this bother you Ethan? You're married to Gwen; you have been for a little over two years. What difference does it make to you if I marry Theresa?"
Ethan stared at Fox, unable to come up with an answer that sounded reasonable. 'What the hell am I supposed to say? 'Gee, Theresa, even though my wife is right next to you, I'm still in love with you.' I'm sure that'll go over really well.' He thought to himself.
"I know I'm married, Fox," Ethan replied. "I just care about Theresa and I don't want to see her get hurt."
"And you think I will hurt her? This is coming from the guy who strung her along for three years, only to break her heart after she gave up everything for you? You're a real piece of work, Ethan" Fox said quickly becoming angry with Ethan.
"You will hurt her, Fox! You don't know how to love. Theresa deserves better!" Ethan yelled.
"Yeah and that isn't you!" Fox yelled. "I may not deserve Theresa, but I have her and I'm too damn selfish to give her up. So you can stand there and whine and bitch about how unworthy I am of her love, but the bottom line is I have it, now and forever. You had your chance and you blew it like the dumbass you are," Fox said getting in Ethan's face.
"You son of a bitch!" Ethan yelled before bringing up his arm and punching Fox in the face. Before he could get another hit in, Fox swung his arm and hit Ethan in his stomach. Ethan bent over, holding his stomach and reached up and swung at Fox's head. Fox ducked and kicked Ethan's legs from behind sending him to the ground. He quickly climbed on top of him and started hitting, ignoring the cries and pleas of everyone else in the room.
"Fox! Fox, stop it!" Theresa yelled trying to pry Fox off of Ethan.
"Fox you get off of Ethan this instant!" Ivy yelled, trying to stop Fox.
"Fox, stop this right now!" Theresa yelled as she was finally able to pull Fox off with the help of Brady and Luis.
"Oh my God, Ethan are you okay?" Ivy asked looking at Ethan. He had a black eye, swollen lips, and a couple of bruises all over his face.
"I'm fine," Ethan said, barely making out the words. He pushed past Ivy and made his way over to Theresa. "I knew you still loved me Theresa. The way you pulled Fox off of me, I knew you couldn't love Fox," he reaching over and hugging her. Theresa pushed Ethan off of her and raised her hand giving him a hard slap across his face.
"Don't you ever hit my fiancé again, is that clear?" she asked coldly looking Ethan in the eye. Without waiting for a reply she turned her back on him and returned to looking at Fox's injuries. His injuries were not as much as Ethan's and the only bruises would probably be gone in a few days.
"We've got to get you to relax. Let's go find a hotel and get you cleaned up," she said putting her arm around his waist and leading him past the group of people that surrounded them.
"Hotel? I will have no such thing!" Julian said standing in Theresa's pathway. "That is my son and you are going to be my daughter-in- law in a couple of months, I insist you stay here," he said.
"Thanks Julian, but I really don't think that's a good idea," Theresa said not liking the idea of sleeping in the same house as Ivy, Gwen, and Ethan.
"Of course it is. This is Fox's house as much as it is mine, and you two are welcome at anytime. I won't take no for an answer," Julian said.
"Fine," Theresa replied seeing that Julian wasn't going to give up. "As long as I get to clean Fox up and get him to a bed," she said.
"No problem. You can have your old room again, it hasn't been touched," Julian said.
"Umm, no thanks, I think we'll stay in Fox's old room" Theresa said not wanting to stay in the room adjoined to Ethan and Gwen's.
"Very well, then. You know where it is, go on up," he said moving at of her way. Once they were out of site, Julian turned to Charity and Brady.
"Before you even start to argue, don't bother. You two are also staying here, no arguments. You can stay in Theresa's old room," Julian said not bothering to wait for a reply as he walked away.
"So I guess we're staying here then," Brady said sarcastically to Charity.
"Guess so," Charity replied.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Sheridan asked looking at everyone in the room. "I want to thank all of you for being with Luis and I as we celebrated this important day in our lives. I know that the reception has gotten slightly out of hand and has caused a commotion, but anyone who wants to stay is welcome to stay. Have fun and enjoy yourselves," she said before making her way back to Luis.
"Are you okay?" Gwen asked Ethan with concern.
"Like you care," Ethan replied turning away from Gwen.
"I do care Ethan. Just let me take a look at your face," Gwen said reaching her hand over to touch his face.
"Stay away from me," Ethan said before walking away from Gwen.
"You'll come back to me eventually, Ethan. I'll make sure of it," Gwen said to herself as she saw Ethan walk away.
"What is it with this town?" Brady asked Charity. "You guys can't seem to have one get together without tears being shed and someone getting hurt, I don't get it."
"Tell me about it. It's incidents like these that make me glad that I don't live here anymore," Charity replied.
"We're going to get going, Charity" Jessica said as she and Reese came up to her and Brady.
"All right Jessica, I'll see you later," Charity replied reaching over and hugging Jessica. "Bye Reese," she said also hugging Reese.
"Bye Brady, it was nice to meet you," Jessica said grabbing Brady in a tight hug. "You two should stop by tomorrow, we can catch up," she said.
"We'll see," Charity replied before Reese and Jessica left the mansion.
One by one, the guests started to leave the party, leaving only close relatives in the mansion, and Kay.
"You do realize that the party is over, don't you?" Victoria said coming up behind Kay who was busy staring at Miguel.
"Geez, you scared me!" Kay said startled by Victoria's voice.
"I'd say sorry, but I don't care enough to. Anyway, the party is over so you have to leave," she said dryly.
"Do I know you? You're talking to me as if I did something bad to you," Kay said not understanding why this girl was being rude to her.
"My name's Victoria Crane. You don't know me, but I'm sure you know my sister. She's the girl whose life you tried to destroy at all costs," she replied rudely.
"Oh, you're Charity's sister," Kay said slightly surprised. "It's nice to meet you," she said not sure how to act around her.
"Charmed I'm sure," Victoria replied. "Like I said before, the party is over, so you'll just have to find another place to stare at Miguel like a lost puppy," she said with a smile.
Kay glared at Victoria, not liking the way she was talking to her. 'Just what I need, Charity's bratty little sister insulting me,' she thought.
"I'm waiting for Miguel. As soon as he's done, I will leave with him," she replied turning her back to Victoria.
"Maybe you didn't hear me the first couple of times," Victoria said turning Kay around. "This party is over. Now unless you are a relative of the bride or groom or a special guest of someone else living in this house, you are unwelcome. You can wait for Miguel outside the house and off Crane property. Is that clear?" she asked, annoyed with Kay. 'No one hurts my sister and gets away with it,' she thought to herself.
"Is there a problem here?" Charity asked as she and Samantha came up to Victoria and Kay.
"No, no problem at all. Kay was just leaving, weren't you Kay?" Victoria asked looking at Kay. Kay glared coldly at Victoria before replying.
"Yeah, I was. I'll just tell Miguel that I'm leaving and be on my way home," she said rudely as she walking away from them.
"What was that about?" Charity asked Victoria as Kay headed to Miguel.
"Nothing," Victoria lied. At Charity's suspicious look, she revised her answer. "Well, nothing worth talking about," she said.
"Sure," Charity replied not believing Victoria. Before she could question any further, Kay walked back over to them.
"I guess I'll be going then," she said still glaring at Victoria.
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out," Victoria replied with a smirk before walking away. Kay glared at Victoria and stormed out of the house.
"Never a dull day in the Crane household, that's for sure," Samantha said with a smile before hugging Charity and heading upstairs.
"Ready for bed?" Brady asked as he came up behind Charity and wrapped his arms around her.
"Yeah, let's go," Charity replied as she and Brady headed upstairs to Theresa's old room.
Meanwhile.
"I can't believe you did that," Theresa said as she placed a cold towel on Fox's face.
"Me? He's the one that attacked me," Fox said flinching at the cold water that touched his bruises.
"Yes, I know that, and I'm not condoning it, but did you have to cause such a scene? This is supposed to be Sheridan and Luis's big day and you two go and ruin it by having a fist fight," Theresa scolded.
"What was I supposed to do? Sit back while Ethan continued to act all high and mighty like he owned you? That bastard got what he deserved, hell he's lucky that you guys stopped me," he replied.
"Yeah, but now you've got bruises on you face and it'll probably sting well into the night. Was it worth it?" she asked looking at him.
Fox stared at Theresa, pondering over her question. 'Does she really want me to answer that? Hell yeah it was worth it!' he thought joyfully. However, looking at the stern face of Theresa, he could tell that was not the answer she would want to hear.
"I'm not sorry about it, if that's what you're asking. Look, it's over and everyone knows about us, do we really have to keep talking about this?" he asked not wanting to talk about Ethan anymore.
"Fine, I'm still mad at you though," Theresa said looking at Fox.
"Is there anything I could do about that?" Fox asked suggestively pulling Theresa toward him by her waist.
"Sorry, not going to happen tonight. My brother is still downstairs, along with the other guests. Besides, you need some rest. Stay here while I go get some more towels from one of the pantries," she said.
"All right," Fox said with a pout.
"Don't look so sad," Theresa said with a laugh as she reached up and kissed Fox's lips before leaving the room.
Theresa walked down the hallway, headed for one of the pantries. As she walked she thought of her earlier conversation with Ethan. She couldn't believe the way he acted when he found out that she was engaged to Fox. Granted, she didn't expect him to jump for joy, but the least he could have done was congratulate her. After all, when he and Gwen got married, she was gracious enough to finally leave them alone to focus on their relationship, why couldn't he do the same for her? Then again, this is Ethan. If things don't go the way he wants, he throws a hissy fit like a little boy. 'That's all he is, nothing but a spoiled little boy who'll never grow up,' she thought as she continued to walk.
"Well if it isn't Harmony's own little gold digger," she heard a voice say.
Looking up, Theresa saw Rebecca, Ivy, and Gwen staring at her like she was the lowest thing on Earth. 'Great, just what I need - a confrontation with bitches 1, 2, and 3,' she thought to herself.
"What do you three want?" Theresa asked.
"You out of this house for one thing," Gwen replied glaring at Theresa.
"And out of our lives," Ivy added.
"Believe me Ivy, I'd give anything to have you out of my life too," Theresa replied.
"Touché," Ivy replied.
"Look, I just came to get some towels for Fox, so would you all kindly get out of my way?"
"See that's exactly why we need to talk Theresa. See, there is no chance in hell I'm letting marry my son," Ivy said.
"Are we back to this again? Listen Ivy, Fox loves me more than anything in this world. And I love him, and there is no way either one of us are going to let you stop us from getting married, so you can stop giving me your threats and evil looks, they aren't going to work."
"You, love?" Rebecca asked sarcastically. "The only thing you could ever love is the money is his pockets. You're just a gold digger, that's all you've ever been," she said.
"Says the lady who's spent the last five years as Julian's personal whore. Don't you dare stand there and insult me when you aren't even worth the dirt beneath my shoes, Rebecca," Theresa replied coldly.
"Don't talk to my mother like that, Theresa," Gwen said.
"Don't tell me what to do, Gwen. We discussed this already, I take orders from no one," Theresa replied.
"What do you want from Fox? Why can't you find someone else's life to ruin? Why mine?" Ivy asked in a whiny voice.
"I'm so sorry marrying your son doesn't sit well with you Ivy, but quite frankly, I don't give a damn. And I'm not marrying Fox just because it'll ruin your life; that's just an added bonus," Theresa replied with a smile.
"We all know that you're marrying him because he's a Crane and he's rich. There's no need for you to deny it. First you went after Ethan when you thought he was a Crane, then you went for Julian after that, and now you're going for Fox. It's all just part of your plan," Gwen said getting in Theresa's face.
"In case you haven't noticed, I don't need Fox's money. I have my own clothing line that is doing very well all over the world. Not only that, but I am one of the most well known designers out there, I don't need to marry anyone for money, and don't you ever insult me like that again," she said coldly to Gwen.
"Don't stand there and try to be strong and brave in front of us, Theresa. We all know that it's just an act," Ivy said in an annoyed voice. "When you left Harmony years ago you were just a foolish young girl in love, you honestly expect us to believe that you're some strong respectful woman now? You can't change that quickly - it's not possible. You'll always be that little teenage girl dreaming of a life she'll never have," she said with a cold smile.
"It's only a matter of time before Fox realizes what a waste of time you are. And when he does, he'll leave you; he'll crush you like the bug you are," Rebecca added.
"Don't you see? It could be Ethan, Fox, or any other guy of their status and you'll never be good enough for any of them. You'll still always be the housekeeper's daughter, nothing more, nothing less," Gwen said adding to the verbal attack against Theresa.
Theresa looked at the three women who had just insulted her to her very core. As much as she wanted to ignore them, she couldn't help but feel tears threaten to spill from her eyes at the words they said about her. She knew they were wrong, but it didn't stop the pain she felt at hearing them.
"Are you going to cry now?" Rebecca asked with mock pity as she saw Theresa's eyes water.
'No way will I let them see me cry,' Theresa thought to herself.
"I wouldn't give you the satisfaction," Theresa replied lowering her head. "I honestly don't know why you three feel the need to harass me at every chance you get, but I'm sick of it! I'm not some little girl that you can use as your verbal punching bag. I am a human being, and in a few months, I will be Mrs. Nicolas Crane, one of the most powerful women in the country. So you three can stand there and try to make me feel like the lowest thing on the earth, but it won't work. Even if I wasn't a designer, even if I wasn't engaged to Fox, even if I just some part time worker at a fast food restaurant, I'd still be better than all three of you put together."
"In your dreams," Gwen replied.
"No, not in my dreams Gwen. See, unlike you, I don't have to put someone else down to feel better about myself. Rebecca, at least I don't have to sleep with men just to have a roof over my head at night. And Ivy," she said turning to stare angrily at her. "At least I don't walk around in a place where I am unwanted, insulting people just because I'm living a bitter, lonely life. All three of you think you're more than me because you were born with silver spoons in your mouths, but you're not. You never have been, and you never will be, so don't you ever stand there and try to make me feel like I'm nothing. I'm somebody! I'm somebody special and I'll be damned if I ever let anyone make me feel like I'm not. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a loving fiancé waiting for me in our room, and I see no point in wasting another second on you three," she said before pushing past them and walked down the hall, around the corner, and out of sight.
"Who the hell does she think she it?!" Ivy asked indignantly.
"I'm pretty sure she thinks she's the future wife to the heir of the Crane fortunes, which of course she is," Julian said coming up behind the three women after hearing the entire conversation.
"What the hell are you doing here Julian?" Ivy asked irritated.
"I'm listening to you three get the bashing of your lives," Julian replied with a laugh. He had heard the entire conversation from the beginning and had enjoyed Theresa's response to all of them.
"I can't believe you're supporting that tramp," Rebecca said angrily.
"Don't talk about her like that," Julian said in a warning voice. "And there's no need to be angry, you all got what you deserved. And what Theresa said was correct - you three could never be a better person than her," he said turning and walking away from three very angry and insulted women.
"That took a long time," Fox said as Theresa walked into their room.
"Yeah, I was stopped by Rebecca, Gwen, and Ivy," she replied in a sad voice.
"Did anything happen?" he asked worried by the tone in her voice.
"No, they just said some pretty mean things to me. I know they weren't true, but it still hurt," she said finally allowing a tear to slide from her eyes.
"Baby, come here," Fox said taking Theresa's hand and pulling her down on his lap. "Listen to me, nothing they say should mean anything to you. They're all just bitter women looking to bring down everyone around them. Remember, misery loves company," he said wiping the tears from her eyes with his thumb.
"I know, it doesn't make me feel better though," she replied.
"Ignore whatever they say. You are the most amazing person I have ever known and you have done more in two years than an experienced adult could have done in ten years. You changed and grown so much into a woman that anyone would be proud to know. Anything they say to you is said out of the jealousy they feel toward what you have become, okay?" he asked.
"Yeah, I know," she said wiping the tears from her eyes. "Sorry, I don't know why I let them get to me; they're not even worth it."
"Don't worry about it. How about we get some sleep, it's been a long day," he said.
"That sounds great," she replied before getting undressed and changing into a nightgown from one of the suitcases the maids brought up. Once she was fully changed, she got in the bed and wrapped herself in Fox's arms.
"I love you baby," Fox said, already falling asleep.
"Love you too," Theresa said before drifting off to sleep.
TBC
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