~One week later~
Everyone was in Harmony. Ethan was finishing a case for Luis. Half of the Cranes associates had pulled out of their contracts, due to the press and arrest of everyone over at the mansion. Luis and Sheridan decided to call a press conference to re-assure everything was ok, and to it's rightful owners. They planned to explain also they were changing the ways of their business.
As time grew on, Ethan and Michelle grew closer, and Fox and Theresa decided for little Ethan's sake not date anymore. It was something they were ok with shockingly enough, but remained friends. Which also meant Fox and Whitney grew closer. Those two knew of Chad and Theresa, but Ethan wasn't aware yet.
Sheridan decided also that she would be best for the camera, so Pilar made her head of Public Relations. As for Luis, he was CEO of LF Industries. Ethan was their corporate lawyer. Michelle and Pilar worked together to branch out to make an entertainment section of the company. Fox and Whitney worked closely with Chad, Theresa, and Miguel. They made a fashion department, Theresa ran that, and Fox and Whitney modeled for her. Chad, Miguel, and Michelle ran the music department. She was their lawyer, and Chad and Miguel produced, and scouted talent. She showed them the ins and outs of the music, but they agreed to work closely on this, because she was the best.
"Ok, Ethan the press conference is in two hours. I have to go to the mansion to change. Will you and Luis be ok here?", she asked walking down the hall.
They walked side by side, and he was going to Michelle's office.
"Yeah just go and sell it, Sher", he joked.
They laughed and parted ways. He walked to Michelle's office, and she got on the elevator. He knocked, and entered.
"You got a minute?', he asked.
She singled, to wait one minute.
"Listen, I'm Michelle Bradford, of Bradford Records! I will not be ignored! You tell Puffy or whatever he's calling himself this week to get his group together, or he'll call himself unemployed after I get done with him!", she said slamming the phone.
"Damn, he's an ass. Hi, sorry about that, what's going on?', she said walking over to Ethan.
"Well, Theresa, and I need to talk, and I figured tonight would be the best time. We could hang out and talk", he said.
"Alright, that may be awkward. Does she know about us?', she asked.
"To an extent, but she is the one who asked me to ask you to come along".
"Wow, I guess I'll be there. Right now I'm getting a little hungry".
"You free for lunch, Theresa and Whitney are already gone".
"Ok, sure, lets go".
They walked out to the elevator, and he still was noticing every curve on her as if they met yesterday. This holding back was killing him. They agreed to take things slowly, and started off as friends again. She wanted him to know exactly what he wanted, before they got involved, and to make sure his divorce from Gwen was final.
They decided on the country club, and were seated to a table looking over the ocean. As they were talking about business, Gwen's father came up, Jonathon Hotchkiss, and it shocked them both.
"Ethan, Michelle Bradford, How are you two/", he asked sourly.
"Um, better, and you", she answered.
"Couldn't be better. My daughter is away from this local, posing as a socialite, and rich man. She got her just deserves, I never wanted her to marry a commoner", he said to her.
"I do agree, she got her just deserves. Well Jonathon, I must say, when you act like an ass, you treated like one", she said sourly.
"Well, I never, I THOUGHT YOU WERE RAISED BETTER!", he exclaimed.
Ethan laughed, and so did she.
"That was very interesting", he added.
"Very, but he's a jackass", she said.
They were about ready to order, and two reporters came up to them.
"Michelle! Is it true? Have you been after Ethan since Gwen lost her child? Did you help Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald?", the woman asked.
Michelle got mad quickly, and began to speak as the male reporter interrupted her.
"Is it true you cannot have children?", he asked.
Ethan looked at her shocked. He wasn't mad, just couldn't believe it. Michelle was ready to cry. She wanted to die right there.
"Leave her alone", Ethan screamed.
"Can you make one statement?', he asked.
Ethan grabbed her hand, and they ran off to his car. She ran to get in the other side and they took off. The ride was silent at first, and she had tears coming out of her eyes, quietly. He glanced over at her.
"Are you ok?', he said.
"No, I wanted to tell you that on my own......about.......not having children", she whispered, looking out the window.
"Shelle, it's ok. Don't worry, we can adopt", he focused on the road.
"You want to be with me anyway, and you never called me that since college".
"I know, and trust me, I have a feeling about us", he grinned.
~Lopez-Fitzgerald Mansion~
"You think he'll kill us?", she giggled.
"Oh, well, I really like you", he kissed her neck, "and you like me, so he'll be happy for us", he finished.
Ethan and Michelle walked in on Chad and Theresa make out session. Ethan was shocked, and Michelle laughed. Theresa and Chad pulled away, and looked over at Ethan and Michelle.
"Um, ok this is very awkward, like on the plane", Ethan said.
"Hey Chad, why don't we go to the library to go over that account with Sony?', she said pulling on him.
They left the two former lovers to talk.
"She's an incredible woman", Theresa said.
"Yeah.......so you and Chad are.......when did you.....", Ethan stuttered.
"Dating, you can say it, Ethan. We were friends before and in Las Vegas, he asked me out. I said yes, and we've been hanging out ever since. We are taking things slowly, considering everything that has happened this past month", Theresa joked.
"Good point. Theresa, how do you feel about me?', Ethan asked.
"Well, it's hard to explain,, considering we were based on lies, fear, and rebellion. The love was there, just for all the wrong reasons. Our son was the only pure and truthful thing out of the relationship", she said.
He thought about her response, and chose his words wisely.
"What about fate?"
Michelle and Chad were talking about the Sony meeting.
"You lone him don't you?', he blurted out.
"Excuse me?'
"You heard me. You love him don't you. I can tell. You have that same look I had for Whitney, as sick as it is", he joked.
"Look you aren't gross. You didn't know, and she didn't either. To be honest, I do....I love him but there are issues....", she paused.
"So? Your point?", he countered.
"I can't be with him. One thing that I can't stand about Ethan is he can't make his own mind up", she said.
"That is so true, he did that with Theresa and Gwen. Even after he was married", Chad agreed.
"He doesn't know, but I was there. I saw him marry Gwen, and almost marry Theresa. I saw everything. I was hoping he would at least back out of the wedding to Gwen".
Ethan and Theresa walked in as she said that.
"Shit", she secretly cursed herself.
"Michelle, is that true?", he asked.
Chad and Theresa stood next to the door.
"You two need to talk", Theresa said signaling to Chad.
They quietly walked out, and Michelle began to pace around, and Ethan continued to stare at her waiting for a response. He walked over and slammed the door, breaking her pacing.
"ANSWER ME", he said sternly.
"You will not demand things from me Ethan. Unlike Gwen and Theresa, I answer to no one unless it's on my terms", she said walking towards him.
"Alright then, answer me this, why is it every woman I come in contact with is a lying, manipulative Bitch!"
Michelle, looked at him with the shock on his face. He knew that he shouldn't of said that, considering after today's events, but their was no turning back.
"How dare you say that to me. Listen to me Ethan Winthrop, what I did when I was away from you really isn't your concern. But for you information, I was 'assigned', to watch you marry both women. I was nice enough to tell you about your 'perfect honest' wife. I could have left it alone", she sternly pointed out.
"Well, does that make you noble Michelle?', he said lowering his voice.
"WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ETHAN? ABOUT MY MANY MISCARRIAGES! I HAVE FOUR BABIES IN THE CEMETRY! IT NEVER GETS EASIER! OR YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE", she screamed ripping off the top of her dress.
She exposed slashes across her stomach. The scars of a tortured young wife. Truth be known, he husband wasn't in China, he was in Jail. For trying to kill her, he felt she wasn't in love with him, which she wasn't. But he decided if he couldn't have her heart, she shouldn't have her life.
"THESE LOVELY SCARS ARE FROM MY LOVING HUSBAND TRYING TO KILL ME! HE KNEW I LOVED YOU, AND THOUGHT I DESERVED TO DIE, SO HE CHOSE TO USE ME AS A CUTTING BOARD! HE'S IN JAIL ETHAN, AND I GOT TO BE A FBI INFORMANT TO GET ME AWAY FROM HIM ALSO! SO DON'T TELL ME ABOUT BEING A BITCH", she sobbed and screamed.
"Shelle I didn't.......I didn't know", he said going to comfort her.
"Ethan, your life isn't as bad as you think, it could be worse".
She begins to dress, and walk away. He pulled at her wrist and pulled her in for a kiss. It was hard and fierce, he wanted to get the point across that he loved her anyway. She pushed him away, panting.
"We can't do this, I thought I was ready, and maybe we could, but we can't, it won't work", she said.
"It will. I'm not Steven, I wouldn't dare hurt you. I'm still the same guy from Crane Hall. That same you met in college".
"But you have, by saying everything you just said, you have, you've hurt me more than you know. I shouldn't have stayed as long as I have", she said leaving him there to think.
Michelle went to the room where she was staying, thanks to Theresa. There was a wrapped present there on her bed. There was a note on top.
Michelle- I found this going through the Crane Storage. I thought you should have it, and Ethan kept it, because he loves you still. I appreciate what you did
for our family, and remember what I said before, I love you like my own
-Pilar
She unwrapped it, and it was a photo of them at the beach in Florida. Michelle remembered that weekend, and she smiled, and sobbed harder. She went to pack her things, but ended up crying herself to sleep.
Later that evening
Chad, Theresa, Fox, Whitney, and Ethan were in the living room talking.
"What a mess. She was more traumatized than I thought. I knew about her ex, but she didn't give details", Whitney said.
"I don't know her well, but I love her either way, she put herself in harms way for this family. No one has ever done that for us", Theresa added.
"She gave me my first kiss, she is very giving", Fox grinned.
Ethan looked up and gave him a killer look. They giggled at the two. They chose to call it quits on the arguing, and try to form a friendship. Secretly, he felt like a jackass, it wasn't anything to do with Fox, it was for earlier. Entertainment Tonight came on, and they watched when Ethan was on television.
"THE FIRST PICTURES OF THE NEW SUPER COUPLE: ETHAN WINTHROP AND MICHELLE BRADFORD. These pictures were taken during her first social at the Bradford Mansion in Los Angeles. These and others form when they attended Harvard, and this exclusive
"'I knew she wanted him, and he strayed like any man in his position, but he loved me, and I still love him after everything'"
"That was his soon to be ex, Gwendolyn Hotchkiss-Winthrop, tonight on ET", the newscaster said.
"She's such a bitch", Theresa said.
"I know, that makes two of us" Michelle appeared.
She walked over the table where the liquor was, and began drinking the bourbon that was there. Ethan cautiously walked towards her, and he motioned everyone to leave. They dispersed, and she continued to drink very quickly, it helped her drown the pain of today, and the past bad events.
"Listen Michelle, I was a jackass today. I should have never ever talked to you that way", he said softly.
"Well well, I guess you did learn something at Harvard, relationship 101, right? For the first time today we agree on something", she said pouring herself a drink.
"Michelle please, don't drink, talk to me".
"Ethan, don't beg it's really annoying".
She threw the glass against the wall.
"YOU KNOW SOMETHING YOU ARE THE MOST FICKLE MAN I EVER MET, YOU LOVE ME, THAN GWEN THEN THERESA, THEN THE BOTH OF THEM! YOU ALMOST MARRY GWEN AND THERESA, ULTIMATELY MARRYING GWEN, THEN.......", she ranted.
"I KNOW! YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW DID!", he screamed.
She slowly walked up to him, and looked him in the face.
"You call ma a bitch after I tell you everything. There is a world that doesn't revolve around Ethan. If you remember what I told you, then you would have never said that", she said lowly.
"I still love you Michelle, always have always will", he approached her.
She moved as if she was burned by his touch.
"That's why this hurts so much Ethan. I wouldn't have told you if I didn't love you", she whispered.
"I only want you, no one else".
"That's nice but I'm leaving, as of Friday, I leave for L.A."
"You don't mean that, you would leave me?"
"Besides Ethan, you don't love me, I realized that a while ago. The look of you finding out about me not having kids was enough for me to leave".
"Michelle, listen to me, Theresa and I talked. I realized I didn't love her, I loved the idea of you that she was almost like you. I mean it", he said blocking her way.
"What about what you said, and what about your children, and you ........"
He crashed her thought by kissing her with everything he had. He kept his arms wrapped around her waist, breaking away. She looked up at him tensely.
"SHH. There is you and I now. NO ONE ELSE", he whispered.
She slowly leaned in and kissed him and responded. He picked up and carried her to his room.
Everyone was in Harmony. Ethan was finishing a case for Luis. Half of the Cranes associates had pulled out of their contracts, due to the press and arrest of everyone over at the mansion. Luis and Sheridan decided to call a press conference to re-assure everything was ok, and to it's rightful owners. They planned to explain also they were changing the ways of their business.
As time grew on, Ethan and Michelle grew closer, and Fox and Theresa decided for little Ethan's sake not date anymore. It was something they were ok with shockingly enough, but remained friends. Which also meant Fox and Whitney grew closer. Those two knew of Chad and Theresa, but Ethan wasn't aware yet.
Sheridan decided also that she would be best for the camera, so Pilar made her head of Public Relations. As for Luis, he was CEO of LF Industries. Ethan was their corporate lawyer. Michelle and Pilar worked together to branch out to make an entertainment section of the company. Fox and Whitney worked closely with Chad, Theresa, and Miguel. They made a fashion department, Theresa ran that, and Fox and Whitney modeled for her. Chad, Miguel, and Michelle ran the music department. She was their lawyer, and Chad and Miguel produced, and scouted talent. She showed them the ins and outs of the music, but they agreed to work closely on this, because she was the best.
"Ok, Ethan the press conference is in two hours. I have to go to the mansion to change. Will you and Luis be ok here?", she asked walking down the hall.
They walked side by side, and he was going to Michelle's office.
"Yeah just go and sell it, Sher", he joked.
They laughed and parted ways. He walked to Michelle's office, and she got on the elevator. He knocked, and entered.
"You got a minute?', he asked.
She singled, to wait one minute.
"Listen, I'm Michelle Bradford, of Bradford Records! I will not be ignored! You tell Puffy or whatever he's calling himself this week to get his group together, or he'll call himself unemployed after I get done with him!", she said slamming the phone.
"Damn, he's an ass. Hi, sorry about that, what's going on?', she said walking over to Ethan.
"Well, Theresa, and I need to talk, and I figured tonight would be the best time. We could hang out and talk", he said.
"Alright, that may be awkward. Does she know about us?', she asked.
"To an extent, but she is the one who asked me to ask you to come along".
"Wow, I guess I'll be there. Right now I'm getting a little hungry".
"You free for lunch, Theresa and Whitney are already gone".
"Ok, sure, lets go".
They walked out to the elevator, and he still was noticing every curve on her as if they met yesterday. This holding back was killing him. They agreed to take things slowly, and started off as friends again. She wanted him to know exactly what he wanted, before they got involved, and to make sure his divorce from Gwen was final.
They decided on the country club, and were seated to a table looking over the ocean. As they were talking about business, Gwen's father came up, Jonathon Hotchkiss, and it shocked them both.
"Ethan, Michelle Bradford, How are you two/", he asked sourly.
"Um, better, and you", she answered.
"Couldn't be better. My daughter is away from this local, posing as a socialite, and rich man. She got her just deserves, I never wanted her to marry a commoner", he said to her.
"I do agree, she got her just deserves. Well Jonathon, I must say, when you act like an ass, you treated like one", she said sourly.
"Well, I never, I THOUGHT YOU WERE RAISED BETTER!", he exclaimed.
Ethan laughed, and so did she.
"That was very interesting", he added.
"Very, but he's a jackass", she said.
They were about ready to order, and two reporters came up to them.
"Michelle! Is it true? Have you been after Ethan since Gwen lost her child? Did you help Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald?", the woman asked.
Michelle got mad quickly, and began to speak as the male reporter interrupted her.
"Is it true you cannot have children?", he asked.
Ethan looked at her shocked. He wasn't mad, just couldn't believe it. Michelle was ready to cry. She wanted to die right there.
"Leave her alone", Ethan screamed.
"Can you make one statement?', he asked.
Ethan grabbed her hand, and they ran off to his car. She ran to get in the other side and they took off. The ride was silent at first, and she had tears coming out of her eyes, quietly. He glanced over at her.
"Are you ok?', he said.
"No, I wanted to tell you that on my own......about.......not having children", she whispered, looking out the window.
"Shelle, it's ok. Don't worry, we can adopt", he focused on the road.
"You want to be with me anyway, and you never called me that since college".
"I know, and trust me, I have a feeling about us", he grinned.
~Lopez-Fitzgerald Mansion~
"You think he'll kill us?", she giggled.
"Oh, well, I really like you", he kissed her neck, "and you like me, so he'll be happy for us", he finished.
Ethan and Michelle walked in on Chad and Theresa make out session. Ethan was shocked, and Michelle laughed. Theresa and Chad pulled away, and looked over at Ethan and Michelle.
"Um, ok this is very awkward, like on the plane", Ethan said.
"Hey Chad, why don't we go to the library to go over that account with Sony?', she said pulling on him.
They left the two former lovers to talk.
"She's an incredible woman", Theresa said.
"Yeah.......so you and Chad are.......when did you.....", Ethan stuttered.
"Dating, you can say it, Ethan. We were friends before and in Las Vegas, he asked me out. I said yes, and we've been hanging out ever since. We are taking things slowly, considering everything that has happened this past month", Theresa joked.
"Good point. Theresa, how do you feel about me?', Ethan asked.
"Well, it's hard to explain,, considering we were based on lies, fear, and rebellion. The love was there, just for all the wrong reasons. Our son was the only pure and truthful thing out of the relationship", she said.
He thought about her response, and chose his words wisely.
"What about fate?"
Michelle and Chad were talking about the Sony meeting.
"You lone him don't you?', he blurted out.
"Excuse me?'
"You heard me. You love him don't you. I can tell. You have that same look I had for Whitney, as sick as it is", he joked.
"Look you aren't gross. You didn't know, and she didn't either. To be honest, I do....I love him but there are issues....", she paused.
"So? Your point?", he countered.
"I can't be with him. One thing that I can't stand about Ethan is he can't make his own mind up", she said.
"That is so true, he did that with Theresa and Gwen. Even after he was married", Chad agreed.
"He doesn't know, but I was there. I saw him marry Gwen, and almost marry Theresa. I saw everything. I was hoping he would at least back out of the wedding to Gwen".
Ethan and Theresa walked in as she said that.
"Shit", she secretly cursed herself.
"Michelle, is that true?", he asked.
Chad and Theresa stood next to the door.
"You two need to talk", Theresa said signaling to Chad.
They quietly walked out, and Michelle began to pace around, and Ethan continued to stare at her waiting for a response. He walked over and slammed the door, breaking her pacing.
"ANSWER ME", he said sternly.
"You will not demand things from me Ethan. Unlike Gwen and Theresa, I answer to no one unless it's on my terms", she said walking towards him.
"Alright then, answer me this, why is it every woman I come in contact with is a lying, manipulative Bitch!"
Michelle, looked at him with the shock on his face. He knew that he shouldn't of said that, considering after today's events, but their was no turning back.
"How dare you say that to me. Listen to me Ethan Winthrop, what I did when I was away from you really isn't your concern. But for you information, I was 'assigned', to watch you marry both women. I was nice enough to tell you about your 'perfect honest' wife. I could have left it alone", she sternly pointed out.
"Well, does that make you noble Michelle?', he said lowering his voice.
"WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ETHAN? ABOUT MY MANY MISCARRIAGES! I HAVE FOUR BABIES IN THE CEMETRY! IT NEVER GETS EASIER! OR YOU'LL LOVE THIS ONE", she screamed ripping off the top of her dress.
She exposed slashes across her stomach. The scars of a tortured young wife. Truth be known, he husband wasn't in China, he was in Jail. For trying to kill her, he felt she wasn't in love with him, which she wasn't. But he decided if he couldn't have her heart, she shouldn't have her life.
"THESE LOVELY SCARS ARE FROM MY LOVING HUSBAND TRYING TO KILL ME! HE KNEW I LOVED YOU, AND THOUGHT I DESERVED TO DIE, SO HE CHOSE TO USE ME AS A CUTTING BOARD! HE'S IN JAIL ETHAN, AND I GOT TO BE A FBI INFORMANT TO GET ME AWAY FROM HIM ALSO! SO DON'T TELL ME ABOUT BEING A BITCH", she sobbed and screamed.
"Shelle I didn't.......I didn't know", he said going to comfort her.
"Ethan, your life isn't as bad as you think, it could be worse".
She begins to dress, and walk away. He pulled at her wrist and pulled her in for a kiss. It was hard and fierce, he wanted to get the point across that he loved her anyway. She pushed him away, panting.
"We can't do this, I thought I was ready, and maybe we could, but we can't, it won't work", she said.
"It will. I'm not Steven, I wouldn't dare hurt you. I'm still the same guy from Crane Hall. That same you met in college".
"But you have, by saying everything you just said, you have, you've hurt me more than you know. I shouldn't have stayed as long as I have", she said leaving him there to think.
Michelle went to the room where she was staying, thanks to Theresa. There was a wrapped present there on her bed. There was a note on top.
Michelle- I found this going through the Crane Storage. I thought you should have it, and Ethan kept it, because he loves you still. I appreciate what you did
for our family, and remember what I said before, I love you like my own
-Pilar
She unwrapped it, and it was a photo of them at the beach in Florida. Michelle remembered that weekend, and she smiled, and sobbed harder. She went to pack her things, but ended up crying herself to sleep.
Later that evening
Chad, Theresa, Fox, Whitney, and Ethan were in the living room talking.
"What a mess. She was more traumatized than I thought. I knew about her ex, but she didn't give details", Whitney said.
"I don't know her well, but I love her either way, she put herself in harms way for this family. No one has ever done that for us", Theresa added.
"She gave me my first kiss, she is very giving", Fox grinned.
Ethan looked up and gave him a killer look. They giggled at the two. They chose to call it quits on the arguing, and try to form a friendship. Secretly, he felt like a jackass, it wasn't anything to do with Fox, it was for earlier. Entertainment Tonight came on, and they watched when Ethan was on television.
"THE FIRST PICTURES OF THE NEW SUPER COUPLE: ETHAN WINTHROP AND MICHELLE BRADFORD. These pictures were taken during her first social at the Bradford Mansion in Los Angeles. These and others form when they attended Harvard, and this exclusive
"'I knew she wanted him, and he strayed like any man in his position, but he loved me, and I still love him after everything'"
"That was his soon to be ex, Gwendolyn Hotchkiss-Winthrop, tonight on ET", the newscaster said.
"She's such a bitch", Theresa said.
"I know, that makes two of us" Michelle appeared.
She walked over the table where the liquor was, and began drinking the bourbon that was there. Ethan cautiously walked towards her, and he motioned everyone to leave. They dispersed, and she continued to drink very quickly, it helped her drown the pain of today, and the past bad events.
"Listen Michelle, I was a jackass today. I should have never ever talked to you that way", he said softly.
"Well well, I guess you did learn something at Harvard, relationship 101, right? For the first time today we agree on something", she said pouring herself a drink.
"Michelle please, don't drink, talk to me".
"Ethan, don't beg it's really annoying".
She threw the glass against the wall.
"YOU KNOW SOMETHING YOU ARE THE MOST FICKLE MAN I EVER MET, YOU LOVE ME, THAN GWEN THEN THERESA, THEN THE BOTH OF THEM! YOU ALMOST MARRY GWEN AND THERESA, ULTIMATELY MARRYING GWEN, THEN.......", she ranted.
"I KNOW! YOU THINK I DON'T KNOW DID!", he screamed.
She slowly walked up to him, and looked him in the face.
"You call ma a bitch after I tell you everything. There is a world that doesn't revolve around Ethan. If you remember what I told you, then you would have never said that", she said lowly.
"I still love you Michelle, always have always will", he approached her.
She moved as if she was burned by his touch.
"That's why this hurts so much Ethan. I wouldn't have told you if I didn't love you", she whispered.
"I only want you, no one else".
"That's nice but I'm leaving, as of Friday, I leave for L.A."
"You don't mean that, you would leave me?"
"Besides Ethan, you don't love me, I realized that a while ago. The look of you finding out about me not having kids was enough for me to leave".
"Michelle, listen to me, Theresa and I talked. I realized I didn't love her, I loved the idea of you that she was almost like you. I mean it", he said blocking her way.
"What about what you said, and what about your children, and you ........"
He crashed her thought by kissing her with everything he had. He kept his arms wrapped around her waist, breaking away. She looked up at him tensely.
"SHH. There is you and I now. NO ONE ELSE", he whispered.
She slowly leaned in and kissed him and responded. He picked up and carried her to his room.