"So, for many, many years we have been involved in the mob." Martin said. "The Mob as in illegal business?" Ethan said. Words weren't coming to them easily. "Yes, my business I gained from my father and some from your mom's dad." Martin said to Theresa. "And Father has built his empire and passed it on to me when he died." Julian said. "So you are career criminals?" Theresa said. "It isn't the most gloryest job but it has provided us with a life where we can give our children the best and make it so every opportunity is open to them." Pilar said. "Ok, so why was there an arrangement for Ethan and I to get married?" Theresa asked. "When Pilar and I were pregnant with you two the mob families were at war with us because we want to combine our businesses and made the others felt like we were getting out of control so we offered all the families a settlement. Pilar and I were to see to it that when you and Ethan were of age that you would be married making ours the largest mob family. Yes we have been working together but it would finally put everything in it's place." "So you decided my future before I was even born." Theresa said crushed looking at her parents. "Sweetheart that isn't how it is." "No, it looks like Ethan and I were a solve to problem. What if Ethan and I hated each other?" "But you don't Pilar said. "You two are in love so it makes getting married easier." "We are getting married because we want to, not because we have to." Ethan said. "I can't marry Ethan. I refuse." Theresa said getting up and running from the room. "Theresa!" Everyone called after her but she didn't stop so they ran after her. Theresa reached the beach and collapsed on the sand gasping for air. They all aw her sitting with her knees drawn to her chest crying. "What have we done?" Pilar asked. "You just told your daughter that you loved the lifestyle you live more then her. That making everything right in your mob world is more important then her true happiness." "But you are what makes her happy." Martin said. "I know and that is why I am asking you to leave. Let me calm her and talk to her." "Ok, but Ethan this marriage has to take place." Pilar said. Ethan glared at them and walked over to Theresa. He sat behind her and she leaned back against him and they watched the waves crash onto the beach.
Gwen had research all the families on the guest list. "Ok, so Sonny Corinthos and his wife Reese are Pilar's great nephew. So that is why they are coming, but the rest have only done business with them. A wedding is a personal occasion so why business people?" Gwen told herself. "The Radcliff's are in town. I think I'll go and she what I can see." Gwen said gathering her things up. She left and went to the Harmony Hotel where the family was. She knew some of her maids held a second job there so she used them to get into the Radcliff's suite. They left so they wouldn't get in any trouble but Fwen stayed and started snooping. She lost track of time when she found the deal made by all the families to married Ethan and Theresa by the end of the summer. "This is it. They're not in love. They are being forced to get married." Gwen said allowed. "Correct little girl." A tall man from behind said. Gwen froze as she turned around and came face to face with Marcus Radcliff. "What are you doing in my Hotel room?" Marcus asked. "Um, see the man in this agreement Ethan Crane we are in love and all of a sudden he is marring this tart Theresa. I can't let it happen." "Oh, so you plan to take on the east coast biggest mob families to stop it." "Look, my father is Jonathan Hotchkiss, I am Gwen Hotchkiss and you will not stop me. Ethan will be mine." "Listen to me little girl." He started moving closer. "Ethan and Theresa will be married sealing the deal made many years ago and no little bratty bitch will stop that." "You can not speak to me that way?" Gwen said and slapped him "Little girl likes to play rough." Marcus slapped Gwen and she fell onto the bed. "I like to play rough too." He undid his belt and climbed on top pf her and began to rape her. Over and over again for several hours. In the end he chocked her to death and had his men remove her body and went on with his life.
Ethan and Theresa sat looking over the water for several hours in silence. "Ethan is this crazy?" Theresa finally asked. "Life or the situation we are in?" "Us getting married. How do we know we are truly in love." "That is simple Theresa we know. Are parents did a very selfish thing but in the end we are marrying because we love each other and if this arrangement wasn't here I think it would still happen." "Do you really?" Theresa asked turning to look into his eyes. "Yes, because I have been in love with you since I was ten." He placed a sweet kiss on her lips. "So is our engagement back on?" Ethan asked. "Yes but things are going tom change." "Whatever you want." Ethan said as they looked back over the water.
What is Theresa planning? Will their families like it? Will anyone ever find Gwen? Stay tuned.