I'm Back!! Yes, I know, it's been forever since I've updated, and between you and me, it'll probably forever and year before I get a chance to update again, lol, j/k (I hope). Anyway, since I couldn't think of better ideas, I've decided to go with my original plan and pick up with the party. And since I know it's been a while, I'll just remind you guys that the last chapter ended with Fox, Theresa, Ethan, Gwen, Justin, and Jessica at a formal dinner party. All right, here we go, please tell me what you think b/c I know it's been a while since I've written and I my minimal writing skills have probably dropped down to completely nonexistent writing skills, lol. Oh, and since it's been so long since I've written, the story may seem different b/c I'm trying to build up a stronger storyline. If it's too different, please let me know, and I'll be sure to work on it. Thanks!
P.S. Thanks to Talia again for her help, you're awesome!!
Chapter 9
Two Hours Later...
"Oh, aren't they just the cutest couple ever?" Emily gushed to James, Ethan, and Gwen with a large smile as they watched Fox and Theresa hold each other lovingly as they danced on the dance floor. "It's like they were made for each other. Don't you two agree?" she asked, turning to Ethan and Gwen.
"Oh, they definitely deserve each other," Gwen said with a roll of her eyes, her hidden meaning being lost on Mr. and Mrs. Madison. Ethan gave Gwen a sharp glance before turning his attention back to Fox and Theresa.
"They remind me of us when we were newlyweds, James," she said with a dreamy smile.
"They're hardly newlyweds, Emily, they've already got two children," James said with a smile as he turned to an already sleeping Jessica and Justin.
"But look at them—they've still got the look of newlyweds. They can't get enough of each other and I noticed that after being with them for only two hours," she said, watching as Fox pulled Theresa closer to him so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.
"Yes, they are quite in love," James remarked watching Fox and Theresa for a few more seconds before remembering that they still had guests at their table. He tapped Emily lightly on the arm to indicate Ethan and Gwen's presence.
"So," he said with a sigh. "How long have you and Gwen been married?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh, we've been married for about six years," Gwen started. "But technically, we were together years before that; we were high school sweethearts," she said with a large smile.
"How, sweet," Emily replied. "It's always nice to see couples last so long together."
"Well Ethan and I feel very lucky to still be together and happily married," she said, as she linked her arm through Ethan's. Ethan fought the urge to pull away and instead settled for a polite smile towards Emily and James. His smile turned into a scowl as he saw Fox approach with his arms wrapped tightly around Theresa's waist. He watched jealously as Theresa laughed at whatever it was that Fox whispered in her ear before she took her seat.
"We were watching you out there," Emily said as soon as Fox took a seat. "I was telling James how you two reminded me of us years ago—so young and in love," she said.
"Thank you," Theresa said with a sheepish smile.
"So, Fox, James tells me that you and Ethan are brothers, I never knew that," Emily said.
"Half-brothers," Ethan and Fox corrected at the same time. They gave each other a sharp look before rolling their eyes and turning their attention back to Emily.
"Yes, that's correct; Ethan and I share the same mother," Fox replied unenthusiastically.
"I think it's wonderful that you two are working together; it shows how close you are," Emily said obliviously.
"Actually," Ethan started. "Neither Fox nor I expected to be working as closely as we are now."
"Yeah, Fox and Theresa seemed to show up out of nowhere and decide to take over Crane Industries," Gwen added bitingly.
Theresa threw an angry glare at Gwen and briefly considered slapping her across the faced before Fox lightly squeezed her thigh under the table, silently telling her to remain calm. Angrily, Theresa threw one more dark look at Gwen before sighing and letting the remark roll off of her.
James, sensing the tension, tried to diffuse the situation. He turned to Gwen with a smile before speaking.
"Gwen, dear, would you care to dance with me?"
"Why thank you James, I'd love to," Gwen said smugly, satisfied that she had gotten the best of Theresa at least for this round. She stood and slid her arm into James's before he led her to the dance floor.
"You know, that sounds like fun," Emily said. "Fox would you mind dancing with me?" she asked.
Ethan's heart jumped at Emily's question. 'This is my chance! If Fox says yes, I'll finally be able to talk to Theresa alone' he thought excitedly. Despite the few months that he and Theresa had been working together, he was never able to talk to her alone; Gwen made sure of that. But now, he could finally talk to her one on one without Gwen's glares or Fox's sarcastic remarks. 'Please let him say yes,' Ethan silently pleaded.
"I'd love to dance with you," Fox said with a charming smile. "That is, if the wifey is okay with it; she might be a little jealous that I'm going to be dancing with such a beautiful and charming woman," he joked with a wink.
"As envious as I may be, I'll say yes anyway," Theresa said, playing along with Fox's joke. "Have a good time," she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek before he proceeded to lead Emily to the dance floor.
Theresa watched their retreating backs for a few seconds before she decided to turn and check on the twins. She had looked at them for less than five seconds before she felt Ethan's eyes on her. Sighing, Theresa straightened up before turning to Ethan.
"Yes?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Excuse me?" Ethan asked in a confused tone.
"You were staring, Ethan, what do you want?" she said, wanting to get straight to the point.
"Nothing," Ethan replied quickly. "It's just, that it's been so long since you and I were alone together and able to talk," he replied.
"Yeah, five years, to be exact," Theresa replied tersely. "You do remember the last time you and I were alone together, right?" she asked icily.
Ethan was immediately thrown back five years to the night when Theresa had tried to talk to him and beg for his forgiveness and he just coldly sent her way. That was the night she walked out of Harmony...and his life.
"Yes, yes I do remember that night," Ethan said sadly. "It's haunted me in my dreams for years."
"Good, you deserve it," Theresa said with no remorse as Justin started to wake up. Theresa quickly lifted him from the baby seat and sat him on her lap. Ethan decided to ignore to mother-son moment in favor of explaining his actions to Theresa.
"Theresa, I know I hurt you all those years ago, and I can't tell you how sorry I am; you have to know that I regret all the things I said to you and the ways I treated you," he practically pleaded. Theresa let out an exasperated sigh before replying.
"Ethan, why don't you get it? I don't want your apologies. More importantly, I don't need your apologies. Look at me, Ethan—look at what I've become. God, the night I left Harmony, my heart was broken and I wanted to just die. And God knows I still felt that way even after I settled down in Paris with Fox. But somehow I managed to overcome that heartache and I've got an amazing career and family now. I'm not just somebody's wife; I'm also somebody's Mommy. That's all I ever really wanted, Ethan—to be happily married with the love of my life and to bear his children.
You can sit hear and spout out all the apologies known to mankind, but they don't change a thing. You hurt me and I learned to move on; and the moment I moved on—the moment I realized I was completely over you, was the moment that your apologies became completely meaningless to me. So, please, save your breath," she ended before lowering her head to play with Justin's fingers.
Ethan sat there in stunned silence, trying to digest what Theresa had said. She couldn't be serious, could she? Had she really and completely given up on him? Not Theresa—she had always loved him. She wouldn't have let a chance meeting with Fox in an airport throw all that away—she just wouldn't. He looked up to see Theresa laughing playing with Justin, the son she conceived with his half-brother. 'Or would she?' he asked himself.
"He looks just like him," Ethan blurted out before thinking about what he was saying.
"Excuse me?"
"Justin, he's like a spitting image of Fox," Ethan replied, unable to deny the fact, yet unable to tolerate it at the same time.
"Yeah, I know, he looks more and more like him everyday," Theresa replied with a proud smile before tuning out the rest of the world again and focusing on Justin. It wasn't until a few minutes later that she realized that Ethan was still staring at her.
"Look, why don't you go dance with Gwen? I'm sure James wouldn't mind you cutting in," she said, wanting him to stop looking at her with a longing look.
"That can wait, I'd rather settle this matter first," he said in a somewhat controlling tone.
"Consider it settled," Theresa replied quickly and testily, not appreciating Ethan's tone of voice. "If you want to bother someone, go bother Gwen. I have no time or patience for this."
"Was it out of spite?" Ethan asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Come again?"
"Fox—did you marry him out of spite? I mean, of all the guys in the world that I don't know, you decide that you're going to marry my half-brother? You really expect me to believe that I had nothing to do with that decision?"
Theresa glared angrily at Ethan, not at all liking his attitude. Granted, she expected Ethan to be a little upset when she and Fox returned to Harmony, but she didn't expect him to be as angry or jealous as he was. What right did he have to be mad at her? If anyone should be angry, it was her!
"Where the hell do you come off telling me how I think?" she asked heatedly, instantly lowering her voice when she remembered that Justin was still wide-awake on her lap. "Believe or not Ethan, you're not the first guy to break a girl's heart and you won't be the last. There are plenty of girls in the world who have gotten their heart broken and still picked up the pieces and moved on. And, no, the loser that broke their heart had no affect on the men they chose to date next. Quite frankly, Ethan, the only affect you may have had on my decision to date Fox is what not to look for in a guy. In that case, I guess I should thank you; if it weren't for you, I could have been right where you and Gwen are right now," she ended.
"And where the hell is that?" he asked acidly.
"I don't need to tell you—this conversation is enough of an answer. Your wife has been out there dancing while you've been here trying to rekindle an old romance with a married woman."
"You and Fox are too different, Theresa, it won't work," Ethan said, letting her last comment fall on deaf ears; he refused to talk about his marriage to Gwen right now.
"It's worked for over fours years," Theresa replied evenly. "Why don't you let me worry about my relationship with Fox, and if by some miracle I need your advice, I'll be sure to ask for it; until then, don't hold your breath."
"You're going to regret this decision, Theresa," Ethan said in a desperate tone, almost wishing his words to be true.
"You're the only thing I regret, Ethan. Now leave me alone," she said coldly just as Gwen, James, Emily, and Fox approached their table. Gwen caught the tension between Theresa and Ethan and immediately glared at Theresa before shamelessly planting herself on Ethan's lap.
Theresa rolled her eyes at both Ethan and Gwen before turning to plant a small kiss on Fox's cheek as he sat next to her. Fox also immediately noticed the tension and, by the look on Theresa's face, he could tell she was only one insult away from exploding. Smiling slightly to himself, he took Justin from Theresa's arms and lowered his head so that he could whisper to Justin.
"What did I tell you kid, a long night indeed."
A few hours later...
Ethan and Gwen tiredly entered the mansion as the limousine carrying Fox, Theresa, and the twins drove off.
"Thank goodness that's over with," Gwen muttered as she followed Ethan into the mansion.
"Yeah, finally," Ethan replied off-handedly, his mind still the conversation he had with Theresa at the party.
"Ethan, dear, are you alright?"
"Yes, Gwen, I'm fine, just tired, I guess," Ethan lied as he entered the living room. He was surprised to fine Rebecca sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
"Mother, what are you doing here?" Gwen asked.
"Well I came over about two hours ago to see you. Why didn't you take me with to the Madison diner party, Gwennie? You know how hard it's been for me to get invitations to these events since Julian left me," Rebecca said in a childish tone.
"Mother, it was for business, it wasn't like we had extra invitations just laying all over the place," Gwen said with a roll of her eyes. "Besides, I didn't want to go in the first place—it was all Ethan's idea."
"We were invited, Gwen," Ethan said irritably. "As Vice President, it's my duty to show up. I gave you the option of staying home, but you declined, remember?"
"Of course I declined! You think I'd let you go to that party with Theresa so that she could try and get you back into her little fantasy world?"
"You went with Fox and Theresa?" Rebecca asked in a surprised tone.
"Not only that, but we went with their twins, too," Gwen said angrily.
"Are you serious?" Rebecca asked in shock. "Leave it to Theresa to pull a stunt like that." Ethan rolled his eyes at both Rebecca and Gwen before speaking.
"If you'll excuse me, it's getting late and I'm tired. Goodnight Rebecca, and I'll see you upstairs, Gwen," he said before leaving the room. Gwen watched Ethan's retreating figure before sighing and taking a seat next to Rebecca.
"Gwennie, what's wrong?"
"What else, Mother? It's always Theresa," Gwen said angrily.
"What did the little fajita do tonight?"
"Mother, I've worked so hard to get Theresa out of my life, and as far as anyone else is concerned, I've succeeded," Gwen started.
"Well then what's the problem, Gwen?" Rebecca asked in a confused tone.
"The problem is that no matter how hard I try, Theresa is always going to be in Ethan's heart!" Gwen yelled angrily.
"Gwen, that's just your imagination, Ethan loves you," Rebecca said.
"I know he does, Mother, "Gwen said with a sigh. "But I can't keep lying to myself by believing that he loves only me. I've seen the way he's looked at Theresa since she came back—he loves her to death, Mother, and she doesn't deserve any of it!"
"All right, maybe you're right," Rebecca said, unable to deny to looks she herself had seen Ethan occasionally give Theresa when he thought no one was looking. "But even so, Gwen, does it matter? You're his wife, and as surprising as it may sound, I don't think Theresa wants Ethan back."
"Of course she wouldn't," Gwen replied bitterly. "Fox is the one running the Crane Empire—he's the one with the hefty inheritance. Why would Theresa leave him and his money for Ethan? I bet she got knocked up on purpose just to make sure he couldn't leave her."
"Well, I wouldn't put it past the little tramp," Rebecca replied, feeling her anger rise at the life the Theresa had and, in her opinion, didn't deserve.
"Ugh, it's not fair!" Gwen exclaimed angrily while pacing around the living room. "Theresa put me through hell and in the end, not only does she still have Ethan's heart, but she's also running the Crane Empire. The same empire that Ethan and I would be running if Fox and Theresa hadn't shown up again!"
"I know, Gwennie—"
"Who the hell gave her the right to just waltz right back into our lives and take everything I'd ever hoped for!?!" Gwen continued, refusing to be interrupted during her rant.
"I understand what you're saying, Gwen, and I agree completely, but maybe we should be happy that in the end, you still got Ethan."
"That's not enough anymore, Mother. I don't just want Ethan anymore—I want the power too. I want Theresa's power and I want to snatch it right from under her nose."
"Well, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get," Rebecca replied with a sinister smile.
"You can keep Fox and those little rugrats that you call children, Theresa," Gwen said to herself. "But I'm keeping Ethan, and I'm taking your precious title as CEO of Crane Industries, just you wait."
Upstairs...
Whitney quietly closed her room door before rushing to her phone. She quickly dialed the number she had memorized years ago and waited for it to be answered. She was about to give up on the fourth ring when someone finally picked up.
"Hello?" gasped the voice.
"Theresa, are you alright?" Whitney asked into the phone, concern evident in her voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Theresa replied. "We just walked in so I had to rush to the phone before you hung up."
"Oh," Whitney replied.
"Not that I mind, but it's almost two in the morning, did just call to see if I was alright?" Theresa asked.
"Actually, no," Whitney replied. "I just came from downstairs and Rebecca and Gwen were talking about you," she started.
"What else is new," Theresa said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I know, but Gwen was really upset. She kept going on about how you have a good life and you don't deserve it and how she basically wants to take your position in Crane Industries."
"Well that's not going to happen, so I have nothing to worry about," Theresa replied confidently.
"Yeah, but the thing is, Gwen basically said she was coming after your job. I don't know what she and Rebecca have up their sleeves, but I'd be more careful around her now, especially at work. And you should probably tell Fox to watch out also because I'd bet that Gwen would also try to sabotage Fox for Ethan's benefit."
"Ugh, this is just great," Theresa said with a groan. "The last thing I need is to have to keep an eye on Gwen like she's a little baby."
"I know, but you know how she is, Theresa. Just like you, she and Rebecca have proven time and time again that they're not two people that anyone should underestimate. I'll try and keep an eye out for you here at the mansion, so you just be careful at work and such, okay?"
"Yeah, no problem. And thanks for the heads up, Whit," Theresa said.
"It's no big deal," Whitney replied. "I'll let you get some sleep and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Okay, goodnight."
"Goodnight," Whitney replied before hanging up the phone. She placed it on the stand before turning off the light and falling asleep.
At the Lopez-Fitzgerald House...
"What was that about?" Fox asked as he walked back into the living room after putting Jessica and Justin to sleep.
"That was Whitney," Theresa replied as she hung up the phone. "She overheard Rebecca and Gwen plotting to try and take my position at Crane Industries," Theresa said with a roll of her eyes. "And, according to Whitney, they might even try to take yours too."
"You're kidding, right?" Fox said, a small smirk threatening to come across his face.
"No, I'm dead serious," Theresa replied. "They honestly think that they can get rid of us that easily."
"But I'm sure you're going to prove them wrong, now aren't you?" he asked with a smile.
"No, I'll let them try," Theresa replied with a smile. "It'll only be a matter of time before they realize I'm not the inexperienced little teenager I was when they tried to destroy me the first time around."
"Yeah, and I can vouch for that," Fox said with a smirk. "You, my lovely wife, are anything but inexperienced," he added in a deep, passionate tone.
"Oh, really?" Theresa asked, going along with their playful flirting. "Well, how about you, Crane? How experienced are you?" she asked as all thoughts and Rebecca and Gwen left her head.
"I'll show you," Fox said with a smile before lifting Theresa into his arms and leading her to her old bedroom. Upon reaching her room, he closed the door with his foot before laying her on the bed. He stared at her, unable to believe how lucky he was to have her in his life.
"Are you just going to stare at me, Crane?"
"Yeah, I think I could stare at you all night," Fox replied honestly, looking into her eyes.
"So could I," she replied before bringing her head towards her and kissing him deeply. "But we have wake early so let's just get to the good stuff," she joked. Fox laughed at her comment before beginning to undress her.
"Whatever you say, babe," he said before leaning in to kiss again, and again.
A while later, Fox and Theresa lay wrapped into each other's arms simply enjoying the silence around them.
"So, you're really not worried about this thing with Rebecca and Gwen?" Fox asked.
"No, don't get me wrong, I know Rebecca and Gwen are vicious when it comes to getting what they want. I'm just going to make sure that this is one time that they fail," Theresa replied.
"Besides, if can't, I'm sure my lovely husband will take care of it," she joked.
"Ah, yes, your knight in shining armor," Fox said smugly. "Whatever would you do without him?"
"Shut up," Theresa said, lightly hitting his arm.
"But seriously, I wouldn't worry too much. We've proven countless times that we're not to be messed with," Fox said.
"You're damn right we aren't," Theresa replied. "There's no way in hell we're letting anyone take away what we've worked so hard for and earned," she said determinedly.
"Definitely," Fox said before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, baby."
"Goodnight." TBC...
Done! Well, at least for now. Okay, I haven't written in awhile, so please leave feedback and tell me what you think!!
P.S. Thanks to Talia again for her help, you're awesome!!
Chapter 9
Two Hours Later...
"Oh, aren't they just the cutest couple ever?" Emily gushed to James, Ethan, and Gwen with a large smile as they watched Fox and Theresa hold each other lovingly as they danced on the dance floor. "It's like they were made for each other. Don't you two agree?" she asked, turning to Ethan and Gwen.
"Oh, they definitely deserve each other," Gwen said with a roll of her eyes, her hidden meaning being lost on Mr. and Mrs. Madison. Ethan gave Gwen a sharp glance before turning his attention back to Fox and Theresa.
"They remind me of us when we were newlyweds, James," she said with a dreamy smile.
"They're hardly newlyweds, Emily, they've already got two children," James said with a smile as he turned to an already sleeping Jessica and Justin.
"But look at them—they've still got the look of newlyweds. They can't get enough of each other and I noticed that after being with them for only two hours," she said, watching as Fox pulled Theresa closer to him so that she could rest her head on his shoulder.
"Yes, they are quite in love," James remarked watching Fox and Theresa for a few more seconds before remembering that they still had guests at their table. He tapped Emily lightly on the arm to indicate Ethan and Gwen's presence.
"So," he said with a sigh. "How long have you and Gwen been married?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh, we've been married for about six years," Gwen started. "But technically, we were together years before that; we were high school sweethearts," she said with a large smile.
"How, sweet," Emily replied. "It's always nice to see couples last so long together."
"Well Ethan and I feel very lucky to still be together and happily married," she said, as she linked her arm through Ethan's. Ethan fought the urge to pull away and instead settled for a polite smile towards Emily and James. His smile turned into a scowl as he saw Fox approach with his arms wrapped tightly around Theresa's waist. He watched jealously as Theresa laughed at whatever it was that Fox whispered in her ear before she took her seat.
"We were watching you out there," Emily said as soon as Fox took a seat. "I was telling James how you two reminded me of us years ago—so young and in love," she said.
"Thank you," Theresa said with a sheepish smile.
"So, Fox, James tells me that you and Ethan are brothers, I never knew that," Emily said.
"Half-brothers," Ethan and Fox corrected at the same time. They gave each other a sharp look before rolling their eyes and turning their attention back to Emily.
"Yes, that's correct; Ethan and I share the same mother," Fox replied unenthusiastically.
"I think it's wonderful that you two are working together; it shows how close you are," Emily said obliviously.
"Actually," Ethan started. "Neither Fox nor I expected to be working as closely as we are now."
"Yeah, Fox and Theresa seemed to show up out of nowhere and decide to take over Crane Industries," Gwen added bitingly.
Theresa threw an angry glare at Gwen and briefly considered slapping her across the faced before Fox lightly squeezed her thigh under the table, silently telling her to remain calm. Angrily, Theresa threw one more dark look at Gwen before sighing and letting the remark roll off of her.
James, sensing the tension, tried to diffuse the situation. He turned to Gwen with a smile before speaking.
"Gwen, dear, would you care to dance with me?"
"Why thank you James, I'd love to," Gwen said smugly, satisfied that she had gotten the best of Theresa at least for this round. She stood and slid her arm into James's before he led her to the dance floor.
"You know, that sounds like fun," Emily said. "Fox would you mind dancing with me?" she asked.
Ethan's heart jumped at Emily's question. 'This is my chance! If Fox says yes, I'll finally be able to talk to Theresa alone' he thought excitedly. Despite the few months that he and Theresa had been working together, he was never able to talk to her alone; Gwen made sure of that. But now, he could finally talk to her one on one without Gwen's glares or Fox's sarcastic remarks. 'Please let him say yes,' Ethan silently pleaded.
"I'd love to dance with you," Fox said with a charming smile. "That is, if the wifey is okay with it; she might be a little jealous that I'm going to be dancing with such a beautiful and charming woman," he joked with a wink.
"As envious as I may be, I'll say yes anyway," Theresa said, playing along with Fox's joke. "Have a good time," she said, kissing him lightly on the cheek before he proceeded to lead Emily to the dance floor.
Theresa watched their retreating backs for a few seconds before she decided to turn and check on the twins. She had looked at them for less than five seconds before she felt Ethan's eyes on her. Sighing, Theresa straightened up before turning to Ethan.
"Yes?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Excuse me?" Ethan asked in a confused tone.
"You were staring, Ethan, what do you want?" she said, wanting to get straight to the point.
"Nothing," Ethan replied quickly. "It's just, that it's been so long since you and I were alone together and able to talk," he replied.
"Yeah, five years, to be exact," Theresa replied tersely. "You do remember the last time you and I were alone together, right?" she asked icily.
Ethan was immediately thrown back five years to the night when Theresa had tried to talk to him and beg for his forgiveness and he just coldly sent her way. That was the night she walked out of Harmony...and his life.
"Yes, yes I do remember that night," Ethan said sadly. "It's haunted me in my dreams for years."
"Good, you deserve it," Theresa said with no remorse as Justin started to wake up. Theresa quickly lifted him from the baby seat and sat him on her lap. Ethan decided to ignore to mother-son moment in favor of explaining his actions to Theresa.
"Theresa, I know I hurt you all those years ago, and I can't tell you how sorry I am; you have to know that I regret all the things I said to you and the ways I treated you," he practically pleaded. Theresa let out an exasperated sigh before replying.
"Ethan, why don't you get it? I don't want your apologies. More importantly, I don't need your apologies. Look at me, Ethan—look at what I've become. God, the night I left Harmony, my heart was broken and I wanted to just die. And God knows I still felt that way even after I settled down in Paris with Fox. But somehow I managed to overcome that heartache and I've got an amazing career and family now. I'm not just somebody's wife; I'm also somebody's Mommy. That's all I ever really wanted, Ethan—to be happily married with the love of my life and to bear his children.
You can sit hear and spout out all the apologies known to mankind, but they don't change a thing. You hurt me and I learned to move on; and the moment I moved on—the moment I realized I was completely over you, was the moment that your apologies became completely meaningless to me. So, please, save your breath," she ended before lowering her head to play with Justin's fingers.
Ethan sat there in stunned silence, trying to digest what Theresa had said. She couldn't be serious, could she? Had she really and completely given up on him? Not Theresa—she had always loved him. She wouldn't have let a chance meeting with Fox in an airport throw all that away—she just wouldn't. He looked up to see Theresa laughing playing with Justin, the son she conceived with his half-brother. 'Or would she?' he asked himself.
"He looks just like him," Ethan blurted out before thinking about what he was saying.
"Excuse me?"
"Justin, he's like a spitting image of Fox," Ethan replied, unable to deny the fact, yet unable to tolerate it at the same time.
"Yeah, I know, he looks more and more like him everyday," Theresa replied with a proud smile before tuning out the rest of the world again and focusing on Justin. It wasn't until a few minutes later that she realized that Ethan was still staring at her.
"Look, why don't you go dance with Gwen? I'm sure James wouldn't mind you cutting in," she said, wanting him to stop looking at her with a longing look.
"That can wait, I'd rather settle this matter first," he said in a somewhat controlling tone.
"Consider it settled," Theresa replied quickly and testily, not appreciating Ethan's tone of voice. "If you want to bother someone, go bother Gwen. I have no time or patience for this."
"Was it out of spite?" Ethan asked, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Come again?"
"Fox—did you marry him out of spite? I mean, of all the guys in the world that I don't know, you decide that you're going to marry my half-brother? You really expect me to believe that I had nothing to do with that decision?"
Theresa glared angrily at Ethan, not at all liking his attitude. Granted, she expected Ethan to be a little upset when she and Fox returned to Harmony, but she didn't expect him to be as angry or jealous as he was. What right did he have to be mad at her? If anyone should be angry, it was her!
"Where the hell do you come off telling me how I think?" she asked heatedly, instantly lowering her voice when she remembered that Justin was still wide-awake on her lap. "Believe or not Ethan, you're not the first guy to break a girl's heart and you won't be the last. There are plenty of girls in the world who have gotten their heart broken and still picked up the pieces and moved on. And, no, the loser that broke their heart had no affect on the men they chose to date next. Quite frankly, Ethan, the only affect you may have had on my decision to date Fox is what not to look for in a guy. In that case, I guess I should thank you; if it weren't for you, I could have been right where you and Gwen are right now," she ended.
"And where the hell is that?" he asked acidly.
"I don't need to tell you—this conversation is enough of an answer. Your wife has been out there dancing while you've been here trying to rekindle an old romance with a married woman."
"You and Fox are too different, Theresa, it won't work," Ethan said, letting her last comment fall on deaf ears; he refused to talk about his marriage to Gwen right now.
"It's worked for over fours years," Theresa replied evenly. "Why don't you let me worry about my relationship with Fox, and if by some miracle I need your advice, I'll be sure to ask for it; until then, don't hold your breath."
"You're going to regret this decision, Theresa," Ethan said in a desperate tone, almost wishing his words to be true.
"You're the only thing I regret, Ethan. Now leave me alone," she said coldly just as Gwen, James, Emily, and Fox approached their table. Gwen caught the tension between Theresa and Ethan and immediately glared at Theresa before shamelessly planting herself on Ethan's lap.
Theresa rolled her eyes at both Ethan and Gwen before turning to plant a small kiss on Fox's cheek as he sat next to her. Fox also immediately noticed the tension and, by the look on Theresa's face, he could tell she was only one insult away from exploding. Smiling slightly to himself, he took Justin from Theresa's arms and lowered his head so that he could whisper to Justin.
"What did I tell you kid, a long night indeed."
A few hours later...
Ethan and Gwen tiredly entered the mansion as the limousine carrying Fox, Theresa, and the twins drove off.
"Thank goodness that's over with," Gwen muttered as she followed Ethan into the mansion.
"Yeah, finally," Ethan replied off-handedly, his mind still the conversation he had with Theresa at the party.
"Ethan, dear, are you alright?"
"Yes, Gwen, I'm fine, just tired, I guess," Ethan lied as he entered the living room. He was surprised to fine Rebecca sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
"Mother, what are you doing here?" Gwen asked.
"Well I came over about two hours ago to see you. Why didn't you take me with to the Madison diner party, Gwennie? You know how hard it's been for me to get invitations to these events since Julian left me," Rebecca said in a childish tone.
"Mother, it was for business, it wasn't like we had extra invitations just laying all over the place," Gwen said with a roll of her eyes. "Besides, I didn't want to go in the first place—it was all Ethan's idea."
"We were invited, Gwen," Ethan said irritably. "As Vice President, it's my duty to show up. I gave you the option of staying home, but you declined, remember?"
"Of course I declined! You think I'd let you go to that party with Theresa so that she could try and get you back into her little fantasy world?"
"You went with Fox and Theresa?" Rebecca asked in a surprised tone.
"Not only that, but we went with their twins, too," Gwen said angrily.
"Are you serious?" Rebecca asked in shock. "Leave it to Theresa to pull a stunt like that." Ethan rolled his eyes at both Rebecca and Gwen before speaking.
"If you'll excuse me, it's getting late and I'm tired. Goodnight Rebecca, and I'll see you upstairs, Gwen," he said before leaving the room. Gwen watched Ethan's retreating figure before sighing and taking a seat next to Rebecca.
"Gwennie, what's wrong?"
"What else, Mother? It's always Theresa," Gwen said angrily.
"What did the little fajita do tonight?"
"Mother, I've worked so hard to get Theresa out of my life, and as far as anyone else is concerned, I've succeeded," Gwen started.
"Well then what's the problem, Gwen?" Rebecca asked in a confused tone.
"The problem is that no matter how hard I try, Theresa is always going to be in Ethan's heart!" Gwen yelled angrily.
"Gwen, that's just your imagination, Ethan loves you," Rebecca said.
"I know he does, Mother, "Gwen said with a sigh. "But I can't keep lying to myself by believing that he loves only me. I've seen the way he's looked at Theresa since she came back—he loves her to death, Mother, and she doesn't deserve any of it!"
"All right, maybe you're right," Rebecca said, unable to deny to looks she herself had seen Ethan occasionally give Theresa when he thought no one was looking. "But even so, Gwen, does it matter? You're his wife, and as surprising as it may sound, I don't think Theresa wants Ethan back."
"Of course she wouldn't," Gwen replied bitterly. "Fox is the one running the Crane Empire—he's the one with the hefty inheritance. Why would Theresa leave him and his money for Ethan? I bet she got knocked up on purpose just to make sure he couldn't leave her."
"Well, I wouldn't put it past the little tramp," Rebecca replied, feeling her anger rise at the life the Theresa had and, in her opinion, didn't deserve.
"Ugh, it's not fair!" Gwen exclaimed angrily while pacing around the living room. "Theresa put me through hell and in the end, not only does she still have Ethan's heart, but she's also running the Crane Empire. The same empire that Ethan and I would be running if Fox and Theresa hadn't shown up again!"
"I know, Gwennie—"
"Who the hell gave her the right to just waltz right back into our lives and take everything I'd ever hoped for!?!" Gwen continued, refusing to be interrupted during her rant.
"I understand what you're saying, Gwen, and I agree completely, but maybe we should be happy that in the end, you still got Ethan."
"That's not enough anymore, Mother. I don't just want Ethan anymore—I want the power too. I want Theresa's power and I want to snatch it right from under her nose."
"Well, if that's what you want, that's what you'll get," Rebecca replied with a sinister smile.
"You can keep Fox and those little rugrats that you call children, Theresa," Gwen said to herself. "But I'm keeping Ethan, and I'm taking your precious title as CEO of Crane Industries, just you wait."
Upstairs...
Whitney quietly closed her room door before rushing to her phone. She quickly dialed the number she had memorized years ago and waited for it to be answered. She was about to give up on the fourth ring when someone finally picked up.
"Hello?" gasped the voice.
"Theresa, are you alright?" Whitney asked into the phone, concern evident in her voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Theresa replied. "We just walked in so I had to rush to the phone before you hung up."
"Oh," Whitney replied.
"Not that I mind, but it's almost two in the morning, did just call to see if I was alright?" Theresa asked.
"Actually, no," Whitney replied. "I just came from downstairs and Rebecca and Gwen were talking about you," she started.
"What else is new," Theresa said sarcastically.
"Yeah, I know, but Gwen was really upset. She kept going on about how you have a good life and you don't deserve it and how she basically wants to take your position in Crane Industries."
"Well that's not going to happen, so I have nothing to worry about," Theresa replied confidently.
"Yeah, but the thing is, Gwen basically said she was coming after your job. I don't know what she and Rebecca have up their sleeves, but I'd be more careful around her now, especially at work. And you should probably tell Fox to watch out also because I'd bet that Gwen would also try to sabotage Fox for Ethan's benefit."
"Ugh, this is just great," Theresa said with a groan. "The last thing I need is to have to keep an eye on Gwen like she's a little baby."
"I know, but you know how she is, Theresa. Just like you, she and Rebecca have proven time and time again that they're not two people that anyone should underestimate. I'll try and keep an eye out for you here at the mansion, so you just be careful at work and such, okay?"
"Yeah, no problem. And thanks for the heads up, Whit," Theresa said.
"It's no big deal," Whitney replied. "I'll let you get some sleep and I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Okay, goodnight."
"Goodnight," Whitney replied before hanging up the phone. She placed it on the stand before turning off the light and falling asleep.
At the Lopez-Fitzgerald House...
"What was that about?" Fox asked as he walked back into the living room after putting Jessica and Justin to sleep.
"That was Whitney," Theresa replied as she hung up the phone. "She overheard Rebecca and Gwen plotting to try and take my position at Crane Industries," Theresa said with a roll of her eyes. "And, according to Whitney, they might even try to take yours too."
"You're kidding, right?" Fox said, a small smirk threatening to come across his face.
"No, I'm dead serious," Theresa replied. "They honestly think that they can get rid of us that easily."
"But I'm sure you're going to prove them wrong, now aren't you?" he asked with a smile.
"No, I'll let them try," Theresa replied with a smile. "It'll only be a matter of time before they realize I'm not the inexperienced little teenager I was when they tried to destroy me the first time around."
"Yeah, and I can vouch for that," Fox said with a smirk. "You, my lovely wife, are anything but inexperienced," he added in a deep, passionate tone.
"Oh, really?" Theresa asked, going along with their playful flirting. "Well, how about you, Crane? How experienced are you?" she asked as all thoughts and Rebecca and Gwen left her head.
"I'll show you," Fox said with a smile before lifting Theresa into his arms and leading her to her old bedroom. Upon reaching her room, he closed the door with his foot before laying her on the bed. He stared at her, unable to believe how lucky he was to have her in his life.
"Are you just going to stare at me, Crane?"
"Yeah, I think I could stare at you all night," Fox replied honestly, looking into her eyes.
"So could I," she replied before bringing her head towards her and kissing him deeply. "But we have wake early so let's just get to the good stuff," she joked. Fox laughed at her comment before beginning to undress her.
"Whatever you say, babe," he said before leaning in to kiss again, and again.
A while later, Fox and Theresa lay wrapped into each other's arms simply enjoying the silence around them.
"So, you're really not worried about this thing with Rebecca and Gwen?" Fox asked.
"No, don't get me wrong, I know Rebecca and Gwen are vicious when it comes to getting what they want. I'm just going to make sure that this is one time that they fail," Theresa replied.
"Besides, if can't, I'm sure my lovely husband will take care of it," she joked.
"Ah, yes, your knight in shining armor," Fox said smugly. "Whatever would you do without him?"
"Shut up," Theresa said, lightly hitting his arm.
"But seriously, I wouldn't worry too much. We've proven countless times that we're not to be messed with," Fox said.
"You're damn right we aren't," Theresa replied. "There's no way in hell we're letting anyone take away what we've worked so hard for and earned," she said determinedly.
"Definitely," Fox said before placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, baby."
"Goodnight." TBC...
Done! Well, at least for now. Okay, I haven't written in awhile, so please leave feedback and tell me what you think!!