Author Note: This happens around the time of Crystals murder when Gwen came back and Teresa almost got caught while Ethan and Gwen were having sex. Ethan was also waking up to his feelings for Teresa. For the purpose of this story Chad and Whitney are together. Crystal told Chad his parents were a couple that were killed in an accident. And not like the people described in the show. Alistair is dead, and Ivy and Julian are happily married.
Chapter 1
Quietly sneaking back into the mansion, he quickly walked to his room and slipped inside.
'Ethan where have you been?' he heard
'Gwen what are you doing up?'
'The phone woke me up where have you been?'
'I got a phone call saying that a woman was shot down at the wharf. I thought it could be my aunt Sheridan and went to check it out'
'Oh my gosh you must have been so scared down there by yourself'
FLASHBACK
'Teresa I don't know what I'd do if that was my aunt Sheridan'
'Ethan I don't know what you are going but I'm glad its not you're aunt'
'Thank you for being here Teresa' he said leaning forward and wrapping her in a hug
'Its nothing'
'No Teresa, thank you for calling me. But I really should get back to Gwen'
'Goodbye Ethan'
END FLASHBACK
'Yeah I was down there by myself'
'Why didn't you wake me up I would've come down with you. Anyway at least nothing happened to Sheridan. Right'
'Yeah Sheridan is fine'
'Good because if something happened then I definitely would've stayed'
'Would've stayed. What are you talking about?'
'Daddy called my merger discussions are breaking down. So I have to leave'
'But you promised me an hour ago that you weren't going to leave me till after the wedding'
'Sorry but I have to go'
'So' he said getting very angry 'you care about your business more than you care about our wedding'
'Ethan you know I love you but I have to go. It's a very important deal'
She started packing her bags in preparation to leave.
Ethan walked over and ripped the bag out of her hands.
'Gwen you promised you would not leave me'
'Ethan keep your voice down. What has gotten into you? Has something happened?
'Actually yes something has happened. I have just realized what kind of a person you really are'
'What are you talking about?'
'You. You have not been around in ages. You leave me and another person to sought out our wedding'
'Yes. You and Teresa are doing a fabulous job'
'That's my point. This is supposed to be a once in a lifetime event, the biggest thing in a woman's life and you don't care. When did you intend on coming back?'
'I can't make it back till the day before the wedding'
'What!!'
'I'm sorry Ethan, but my dads counting on me to get this merger. Then we can go on an extended honeymoon' she leaned forward to kiss him but he stepped back.
'No'
'What do you mean no?'
'Exactly that, if you leave tonight don't bother coming back.'
'You don't mean that Ethan'
'Yes I do. Make a choice Gwen. You stay here and take over preparations for the wedding or you leave to complete your fathers merger and never come back.'
'But Ethan we love each other. How can you make me choose?'
'Come off it Gwen, you aren't the only lawyer your father has are you?'
'No but…'
'But nothing if you truly love me, then you will stay'
'I'm sorry. Goodbye Ethan'
Gwen looked at him, then picked up her bag, kissed Ethan's cheek and left. Ethan stood there shocked. She just walked out on him. Obviously she didn't love him enough to stay.
Meanwhile…
At the wharf
'Whitney, Gwen is back and I had to listen to him tell her that she was the only woman in the world for him.'
'Teresa I'm so sorry you had to listen to that, but you have to realize now that Ethan is never going to love you.'
'I know that it's just hard. So how's Chad doing'
'He's coping as well as anyone in his situation would be. We're going to go to visit the graves tomorrow'
'That's good. Tell him I'm sorry and happy for him at the same time. You know?'
'Yeah I do. So what are you going to do about Ethan?'
'Be his friend'
'That's it?'
'Yep. Now I have to go home. I have a few dreams to burn'
'I'll see you tomorrow?'
'Yeah I'm working in the morning. Meet me for coffee at 2pm?'
'Sure'