A/n: here's chapter twenty thanks to those that reviewed the last chapter

-RMSOBlue

Chapter Twenty: the jig is up

Ethan: Hello Hazel.

Hazel: Mr. Winthrop, shall I announce you.

Ethan: No thank you, but can I make a request of you? Even though I have no right in asking since I don't live here any longer.

Hazel: Mr. Winthrop you have always treated me with respect and kindness so what is it that I can do for you?

Ethan: Can you make sure that no one bothers us except for my mother, Mr. Harris, Hank Bennett and Pilar, no phone calls either, unless it's the hospital?

Hazel: That could be arranged.

Ethan: Thank you Hazel. Where are they?

Hazel: They have just gone into the living room looking at bridal magazines.

Ethan thinks to himself: They are jumping the gun aren't they!

Ethan stops himself in front of the living room doors, takes a deep breath and then opens them with an angry look on his face. Gwen and Rebecca look at the open door and sees Ethan standing there. They have shocked looks on their faces.

Gwen: Ethan, what are you doing here? I thought you would be at the hospital?

Ethan: I was there, but after what I found out I couldn't stay there any longer. I had to come and see you.

Rebecca: Why, what has happened? Teresa kicked the bucket?

Ethan has his left hand in his pocket that happens to have Teresa's engagement ring he crosses his fingers.

Ethan: No, she hasn't kicked the bucket, she's still in ICU and alive. But I found out something that has me furious.

Rebecca smiles: Ethan, please sit down and tell us what has happened. Why are you so upset?

Ethan goes and gets a drink, and then he sits down in between Rebecca and Gwen.

Gwen: We're here for you Ethan always have and will be.

Ethan takes a sip and shakes his head.

Ethan: Someone who I trusted has betrayed me!

Gwen: Oh Ethan, I'm so sorry, why don't' you tell us all about it.

Rebecca: Yes, yes tell us.

Ethan: I don't know if I can.

Gwen: Of course you can. Now tell us what is wrong.

Ethan takes a deep breath and caresses the ring once more for strength. He looks at Gwen.

Ethan: I don't know where to start.

Gwen: Start at the beginning that is always the best place.

Rebecca: Hold on for a minute Ethan I'm going to have a word with Hazel. Don't start without me.

Ethan: I won't.

Ethan to himself: Oh Rebecca you won't be bossing any more servants once this day is over.

Rebecca calls Hazel over.

Rebecca: Hazel we don't want to be disturbed, do you understand?

Hazel: Yes ma'am, does that include the hospital wanting Mr. Winthrop?

Rebecca: If the hospital calls asking for Mr. Winthrop just say that he isn't here.

Hazel: Surly he would want information about Miss Teresa?

Rebecca: That is not for you to worry about. No one is to bother us at all. NO ONE! If you do than it's going to be your job, understand?

Hazel: Understand.

Rebecca: Good, now go do what you were doing.

Hazel: Yes ma'am.

Hazel walks off and remembers what Ethan told her. When she was sure that Rebecca was back in the living room, she sits down.

Hazel to herself: I don't care if I lose my job here at the mansion. The Cranes can go to hell for all I care but I do care about Mr. Winthrop and Miss Lopez-Fitzgerald. I'm going to follow Mr. Winthrop's instructions not Ms. Hotchkiss.

Hazel goes off to the kitchen and informs the staff what Ethan has told her and what Rebecca has told her, she also tells them her decision. They are all behind her. They all have decided to quit when Rebecca marries Julian anyway.

Back in the living room Rebecca is coming back into the room.

Rebecca: Ethan I hope you haven't started without me?

Ethan: no I haven't.

Rebecca: Good. Now tell us who has betrayed you and how did you find out?

Ethan: I was at the hospital waiting to go and see Teresa again. I happened to be sitting beside Chad who was working on her computer getting the music ready for the wedding. When he accidentally opened up a file called Ethan's Secret.

Rebecca to herself: And the winner is Gwen Hotchkiss.

Gwen: What was the in the file?

Ethan: It was my mother's letter stating that I was Sam Bennett son not Julian Crane's.

Rebecca: Oh Ethan how shocking!

Gwen: Ethan, I am so sorry.

Ethan stands up and starts to pace.

Ethan: I just don't understand it. How could the woman I loved betray me like that?

Rebecca to herself: Perfect he is already using past tense. Good-bye Tecosita. I'll make sure I'll send you Gwen and Ethan's wedding announcement. I may even send you an invite. Maybe not!

Gwen: I think you are finally opening your eyes to the woman Teresa really is.

Ethan: Yes I've finally had my eyes open as to whom I can trust and whom I can't.

Gwen walks over to Ethan and pulls him into a hug.

Gwen: Ethan I will never betray you the same way Teresa did by sending that email to the tabloids.

Ethan pushes Gwen away and holds her at arm length. Looks at her

Ethan: I never said anything about an email Gwen.

A/n: please review and if you like passions and one tree hill I have written a new crossover story called hidden family ties co written by lildreamer09 we would like it if you would check it out and tell us what you think

ciao

-RMSOBlue