Precious Moments

By Chimere McKether

Chapter 1

Three years and nowhere to be found. She sat there at her beach house grieving from a broken heart. She didn’t understand what went wrong. All those times he said he loved her were just lies. She admitted she was guilty for loving a man who wasn’t in her class. But she knew that he would come back to her. How? Her long, dark locks flowed freely from her face. Her brown eyes were set on the ocean with tears of melancholy. Theresa hadn’t been in contact with her family for three years. How come? Maybe she didn’t want to face her friends and family in Harmony to her chagrin. She had actually believed that Ethan would marry her. She didn’t know why he’d abandon her the way that he did. "It’s so peaceful out here. This is the way it’s supposed to be interminable." She said to herself. Still, it’s wasn’t the same. Her life had no meaning without Ethan.

Theresa finally got up to turn in and call it a night until she saw someone laying out there unconscious. "Oh my god! It’s a man out there. Is he hurt? I have to see if he’s alright." Theresa wondered to herself aloud. She grabbed her shawl and ran toward the man lying there unconscious. The stars made the ocean glimmered with sparkles. Theresa tucked her hair behind her ears. "It can’t be . . ." She whispered. She looked at his distinguished features. "Ethan? It can’t be him. How did he find this secluded island? Could it be that he was looking for me?" She didn’t want to get her hopes up. This thought occurred in her mind: Had God answered her prayers? It was like a fairytale. He opened his eyes. "Are you alright?" She asked softly.

He coughed violently. As soon as he sat up to examine the girl’s features, he touched her face tenderly. "I knew you would come for me." He whispered lowly. "Excuse me?" She was confused. She decided to help him up. "I’m taking you to my place . . . Ethan, are you alright?", she looked concerned. "That is my name, how did you know that?" He gazed at her with a wild sense of curiosity. "That’s not important. You need me to help you. I have enough room for you to get cleaned up and to eat.", she offered. "Thank you." he managed to get the words out. God, she is so beautiful. Why does this girl look so familiar to me? Is it deja vu? Have we met before like in another lifetime? He was in deep concentration. They walked back to her beach house. Theresa showed him his room. "Thanks . . ." He was trying to figure out who she was. "I don’t want to wear out my welcome because I don’t want your husband get the wrong impression." He stated. "Ethan . . . I’m not married." she responded.

"You’re not? How come a pretty girl like you is by yourself?" Ethan inquired. Theresa couldn’t respond to him. "Anything you want to eat?" she wanted to talk about something else. "I’m not hungry. I’m really tired and I’d rather take a shower and sleep in . . ." he concluded. "Okay, have fun and if you need anything, call me." She smiled at him with love in her eyes. Ethan wanted to ask for her name but he couldn’t find the nerve to ask her. "She reminds me of a missing love that I’ve been searching for . . ." he spoke to himself. Theresa went to her room and she knew it was fate. "He has come back to me. I’ve been longing for this . . . if this is meant to be . . . I will take hold onto it forever." Theresa promised herself.

She changed into her night gown. She thought to herself for a minute. This is so bizarre. Ethan doesn’t recognize me. It’s like he has amnesia. She shrugged and called it a night.

The next morning, Theresa fixed some breakfast for Ethan and herself. There were two glasses of orange juice with pancakes. "Ethan, how did you sleep?" she asked, smiling. "I slept good. Miss, I’m dying to know what is your name? I would feel bad thanking you and not knowing your name." he chuckled. "My name is Theresa." She innocently stated. "Theresa? What a lovely name. You already know my name and I wish I knew how you know who I am." he scratched his head. "Don’t worry about it. Just save your strength. Because you’ll need it." she reminded him. "Is there any way I can leave this island?" Ethan wondered. "Not that I know of. I’ve been here for three years. It’s filled with serenity and I love it." Theresa had a heavenly smile appearing on her face. "I can tell this is your favorite place in the world. You know? You shouldn’t experience all this by yourself. You should have someone to share it with." He told her. "Yes, I used to think that, too. Life has no meaning without . . ." She had to stop herself before she went any further.

"Theresa, what’s wrong?" He asked out of concern. "Nothing . . ." she wiped her tears and skipped to the next subject. "So, Ethan . . . you don’t have any clue of how you were brought here? Do you have any memory at all?" Theresa is slightly worried of what happened to her true love. "I don’t know . . . I wish I knew. But I don’t. Theresa, whatever happened to me . . . maybe it’s best if I don’t recall on it." he shrugged while cutting the pancakes. "Oh . . ." She whispered. "I’m glad you’re here, Ethan . . ." Theresa reached for his hand. Ethan curved his lips. "You are something else, Theresa. I still can’t fathom why a pretty girl like you just decided to live alone?" He couldn’t figure it out. "Ethan, I did not live this way by choice. It was by circumstance." She simply vented.

"Really?" He blinked at her. "Theresa, whoever this guy was . . . he’s a fool to let you go . . ." he frowned. "Ethan. It wasn’t his fault . . . he was pressured into not picking me." she felt sympathetic for him. "Well, I can’t begin to comprehend it. It’s not fair you have to suffer from a broken heart." Ethan stared at her. "Ethan, it’s okay. It’s nothing to get upset about . . . it was said and done." She shifted her eyes the other way. Ethan noticed how much this is killing her. "Theresa, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up something so painful . . ." Ethan felt bad for her. "Ethan, it’s alright . . . if anything . . . we’re going out today." she gleamed at him. "Out?" he repeated. "Where?" he stopped eating. "It’s a surprise. I want you to enjoy paradise. Ethan, you’ll love it and it’s more than you could ever imagine." Theresa smiled. "Are you always this optimistic?" He shook his head in disbelief. She nodded. "I’ve never seen anything like it . . ." Ethan concluded. "Like what?" She gave him a blank stare. "A beautiful woman who has her heart broken and yet she’s so optimistic after everything she has been through." He sounded skeptical.

"Well, Ethan . . . sometimes, we all have to live with events that happens to us . . . life is never fair." She deduced. "We all have to risk it, right?" Ethan questioned her flatly. "Yes . . ." she solemnly responded. "Then, let’s live for today . . ." He finished with his breakfast and helped her clear the table. "Ethan, thank you." She showed her gratitude toward him. "You are most certainly welcome." After assisting her with the dishes. Ethan went upstairs to change as Theresa stood in the kitchen considering the options she had. "Ethan doesn’t remember a thing. I can’t take advantage of this situation because I don’t know how delicate this is. I’ll take it slow and try not to get my hopes up for anything." she told herself. "After all, it won’t be long before Ethan will remember and he’ll forget all about me." She soughed and went upstairs to change.

Later on, Theresa gave Ethan a tour of the secluded island she had lived on for three years. "Wow, Theresa. I see why you love this place. It’s amazing." He said in total awe. "Yes, it’s quite a scene, isn’t it?" she beamed. "Yes." He said in a trance. "Ethan, are you ok?" She looked at him, worried. "Theresa, I’m fine. It’s just you have been so nice to me in these two days. How can I ever repay you?" He wondered. "Ethan, don’t worry about it . . . what you need is your rest and hopefully to get your memory back." she reminded him. "What happens if I don’t want to remember?" Ethan interrogated. "Ethan, you can’t be like that." she replied, blushing. "And why not?" he teased. "Because at some point in time, you’ll want your life back." she honestly responded. "Yea . . ." He mumbled. I don’t want to remember. I want to be with her. She’s the one for me. I know it. He thought. I will do all that I can to get her to come to me. I want her to open up to me. I want to know… who was this guy that broke her heart? He contemplated some more. Little did Ethan know that it was he who had torn her heart in two.

Chapter 2

Theresa took a quick glance in the mirror. She wore a white blouse and blue jeans. Her hair was wrapped up in a ponytail. Theresa felt like looking simple. Ethan knocked on the door. "Yes?" She answered. "Hey, Theresa, I was wondering if you were up?" Ethan nervously replied. "Yes, I am, Ethan. It’s safe to come in, you know." she chuckled. Ethan opened the door slowly. "Theresa . . . What are your plans?" he urged. "In a cheery mood?" she beamed. "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push." He dropped his eyes. Theresa walked over to him and lifted his chin. "Ethan, it’s fine. There is nothing wrong with being forward." she proved it to him by giving him a kiss on the cheek. She saw how his cheeks were turning red. "Theresa, you are amazing. It’s something about you, that I can’t put my finger on." he studied her face but he still couldn’t figure out. How did he know her?

Theresa looked at him innocently and grabbed his hand. "Where are we going?" he puzzled. "You’ll see." Theresa didn’t give away too much information. She wanted to show Ethan the corner shops on every street. "Theresa, this is paradise . . . what can I get for you?" he imposed. "Ethan, you don’t have to . . ." She blushed. Ethan bought her a bracelet with blue crystals and white trimmings around it. She was shocked that he actually bought it for her. "Ethan, why did you buy this for me?" Theresa stared at him blankly. "I wanted to. A voice inside me told me to do this for you. I wanted to show you my gratitude." He put the bracelet on her wrist after purchasing it. "Perfect." He was content, knowing that it belonged to her. "Ethan, that is so sweet of you." She started crying.

"Theresa, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry. It’s just you have been so kind to me and I had to show my gratitude to you." He played with her hair. "Oh Ethan . . ." Tears were rolling down her face. She remembered it like yesterday when Ethan kissed her on the wharf. She would never forget the passion that she had shared with him. Ethan couldn’t take his eyes away from her. This girl is a ravishing beauty. Ethan hadn’t seen anyone like her. I must take it slow. I have a feeling she will become my wife. I want to get to know everything about her. Like what she likes to do. Surprise her when she’s not looking for it. A smile slowly appeared on his face. I want her so badly. Why do I get the feeling that she and I have met somewhere before? He couldn’t figure it out. Theresa eyes met with his and she took a good stare at him. I wonder if Ethan will remember what he had? Will he ever tell me he loves me? She thought about it.

It had been ten months and Ethan seemed to enjoy his company with Theresa. She had made him feel like a man at home. Ethan had no worries and didn’t want to revert back to his old lifestyle, whatever that was. "Theresa, how can you be so nice to me and yet be patient? I am having a hard time trying to figure out what happened to me and still coming up short?" He was completely baffled. "Ethan, don’t worry it’ll fall into place. You can’t rush yourself." She glanced at him. "Theresa? How can you stay so calm?" He was trying to grasp what was going on inside her head. It’s still too soon to make a move on her. Take it slow Ethan . . . you don’t want her to think you’re moving too fast for her. He started getting nervous.

"Ethan? Are you okay? Something on your mind?" She stopped at what she was doing. "Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?" He moved closer. His closer proximity was making her feel hot for him. She started to get all bubbly inside. Theresa knew that she would love Ethan forever. Only if he knew how she felt. How could this work? Not once had they made a move on each other. Until tonight . . . When Ethan saw her in her nightgown. He had to step in. He couldn’t stand not touching her. The way she was looking in her negligee made the man tremble to his knees. Seeing the white laces . . . She looked like an angel. Her peaks hardened for him. She wanted him badly as well. Ethan gazed into her exquisite eyes and lost his self-control. He had to do it. He went for the instant moment roaming inside him. He finally kissed her! She didn’t pull back and wanted him to go further. But something was telling to her to stop. Even though, she yearned for this . . . Why should she hold back? There was some fear in her not wanting to lose Ethan again. This time she desired to have Ethan in her arms. She craved for his touch. She longed for him to make love to her.

Ethan tried to stop, but it was no use. He wanted her. He had the need to be with her. He burned to be with her. He took advantage of the situation at his own free will. Savoring that sensual kiss he shared with her. Kept her yearning for more. "More . . . Ethan . . . I want more." she begged. Ethan grabbed her and massaged her hair with his romantic fingers caressing it sweetly. Theresa touched him softly and couldn’t hold back. Ethan picked her up and laid her down gently. They continued to kiss each other with no hesitation. They just couldn’t conceal it anymore. Their true feelings arrived for the first time ever since he had appeared on the beach where she had found him. They gleamed in each other’s eyes and pressed to do more with one another. Ethan reached for her laced panties and her negligee.

Theresa unbuttoned his white shirt slowly and touched his pants without a trace of ripping them off but pulling them off smoothly like his garment hadn’t been touched. After the removal of the things they wore, their eyes begin dilating and browsing each other’s bare skin. It was a heavenly sight. Sweet determination kicked in and the urge was making them go for it with no end. "Ethan . . ." she moaned. "Theresa . . ." He let out a guttural groan. "I love you." he finished. He kissed her fervently. "Ethan . . ." She was surprised. "I don’t expect you to say anything at this moment. I want to make love to you, Theresa." He got on top of her. This is it! My dreams are coming true! Ethan is mine . . . just the way I’ve dreamt about it. No holding back, Theresa. It’s time to let Ethan know how you really feel about him. She was aware of all the consequences of her actions. She was willing to go far. She was letting Ethan in. She was surrendering her all to him. "Theresa if I’m pushing it, please let me know?" he asked.

Theresa shook her head and gave him the go. Ethan slowly spread her legs apart. She knew this was it and she brushed her fingers on him adoringly. Ethan inserted himself in her and he could tell she hadn’t been with any man. "Ethan . . ." She cried out a seducing sigh. After breaking in, Ethan managed to take his time with her and found her spot to make her ask for more. She started crying and held onto him firmly. "More . . ." She let loose and her hips were undulating with his. His lips kissed and tickled her breasts with love. He aroused them by sucking on them softly. A warm smile invited him in and he knew exactly what to do. Theresa seized his neck and let her love for him show. "Theresa . . . I want you . . . I love you so much. Please go on." Theresa knew what to do with him.

They were speaking in tongues with each other. No more pretending. No more fantasizing. This was finally it. Two bodies uniting as one with no more withdrawals. Copulation was taking control. Alas, their odyssey began to show their true feelings. "Theresa, I had never met anyone like you. You’re so beautiful and vivacious. I don’t think I remember being in love like this." He was feeling the strands of her hair. "Ethan, it’s not hard . . . Love is easy. It’s so much more to give." She kissed him and as he penetrated through her, she knew that they’d be novices all over again . . . they’d been separated for three years. And fate had found its way to bring them together.

"Your eyes just inspire me to do something incredible with you. Theresa, there is so much I wanna do with you. I want to be with you, Theresa. Say you want to be with me." Ethan’s eyes gleamed into hers. "Ethan . . ." She paused. "I’m pushing too hard, aren’t I?" Ethan inquired. "Ethan . . ." she said while Ethan intruded on her sentence again. "It was wrong of me . . . I don’t even know if you have a man or not." Ethan blushed. "Ethan, there is nothing to be bashful about . . . I told you a LONG time ago that I’m not involved with any guy. I love you. I want to be with you for eternity." She smiled and pampered his face with her hand tenderly. "I’m adulated by your free spirit, Theresa. You are such a mystery to me. Why?" He laughed.

"Ethan . . . there’s nothing mysterious about me . . . in time you’ll see that I am meant to be with you . . ." She stroked his face adoringly. "Meant to be?" He repeated. "We are meant to be, aren’t we?" He grinned. "Yes we are, Ethan. You’re the only man that I’ll ever love . . ." Theresa stated and he smiled afterwards. "You’re the only woman . . . I’ll ever love." Ethan touched her fervently and sweetened her lips with his moist kiss. They spent the entire night making love for what seemed like eternity.

Chapter 3

Gwen was so upset. It had been a year and Ethan was nowhere to be found. "Mother, how could have this happened?" she panted. "Gwen, dear. Not to worry. Ethan will show up . . ." Rebecca ensured her. "Mother, do you think Ethan remembered what we did?" Gwen began to panic. "No, Gwen. I think you need to calm down. There is no way that Ethan could trace what we did . . . no way." Rebecca confidently replied. "All right, Mother, if you say so. I just don’t want to lose Ethan . . ." Gwen faced her looking worried. "As long as that Theresa isn’t around . . . there’s nothing that can happen. Theresa lost Ethan for good. We won hands down." Rebecca didn’t sound concerned about Theresa. "Gwen, we’ll find him. You’ll see. He’ll come back to you with no complications." Rebecca turned to Gwen and directed her into the kitchen.

"Mother, I miss him so much. I love him. There is so much that Ethan doesn’t know. I want him to know that I’m ready to have children with him." Gwen plopped on the chair, frowning. "Yes, I do want some grand babies. I want to carry on with this image . . ." Rebecca could imagine how things would be. Gwen recalled back to the night before Ethan disappeared. "It was horrible . . . I’ll never forget the look on his face . . ." Gwen sighed. "Gwen, get over it! Ethan probably isn’t mad about it and he’s considering coming back. Remember darling . . . he loves you." Rebecca chomped on some caviar. "Mother, how can you be delighted when my husband hasn’t returned? I just hope that he doesn’t remember what happened here. Or it’ll be both of our heads." She soughed.

"Not to worry, Gwen. Julian took care of that little problem. Once Ethan returns . . . we’ll have everything back on top. You’ll see." Rebecca patted Gwen on the back. "All right, Mother. I’ll try to be optimistic." Gwen dragged herself out of the kitchen and went to her bedroom. The bedroom was tranquil, but vacant. "Wherever you are my love…I am thinking of you." Gwen kissed a picture of Ethan and placed it back on the dresser. She turned off the lights and called it a night. "Gwen, you will get Ethan back . . . I’ll make sure of it." Rebecca demonically smiled.

Ivy went over to visit Pilar. Pilar was very surprised to see Ivy once she had opened the door. "Ivy? Come in . . ." Pilar looked at her bewilderedly. "Hello Pilar. How are you?" She gave Pilar a hug. "I’m fine, Ivy . . . What brings you by?" She invited Ivy to sit on the couch. "How are you holding up?" Ivy asked out of concern. "Not so well." Pilar whispered. "Have you heard anything from Theresa?" Ivy knew how much this was hurting Pilar not to find her daughter anywhere in sight. "Ivy . . . I fret for my daughter . . . I don’t know if she’s safe. . ." Pilar sobbed. "I would give anything to see my baby girl again." Pilar couldn’t bear the pain anymore. "Ever since Ethan picked Gwen over her, she was devastated." Pilar frowned. "Yes, but Pilar in case you have forgotten, Ethan is nowhere to be found, either. How did he find out about what happened?" Ivy couldn’t figure it out.

"It was pretty devastating to learn the truth that way . . . After all, you remember what happened, don’t you?" Pilar glanced at her. "How could I ever forget? It was the worst night of my life and Ethan’s . . ." Ivy reminisced on the traumatic event. "Our children are out in the wilderness somewhere and only God knows what’s going on with them . . ." Pilar grimaced. "Do you want anything to drink, Ivy?" Pilar offered. "No thank you, Pilar. We need to find our children! If anything happens to my Ethan, I’ll never forgive myself for this . . ." Tears begin to well up in her eyes. "Damn them for hurting my son! Damn them!" Ivy cried even more.

I swear if they have anything to do with my daughter’s disappearance . . . I will get them . . . and that’s a promise. Pilar thought. "Pilar, I could kill them for hurting my son!" Ivy bitterly replied. "They are going to pay!!!!" She ranted. "I know, Ivy . . ." She sighed and went in the kitchen. Pilar picked up the phone. "Hello?" She tried to be brave. "Mama, it’s Luis . . . how are you?" He asked. "Mijo, I’m fine and you?" She seemed a bit distracted. "I’m good, Sheridan and I are really happy. We’re on our way to see you tonight . . ." He concluded. "Tonight? Tonight . . . sounds fine. After all, I want to hold my grandchildren." Pilar smiled to herself. "You will, Mama. I love you. See ya when I get there . . ." He hung up.

Pilar exited the kitchen and she saw Ivy gazing at the pictures. "Pilar, how do you it?" Ivy faced her. "Do what?" Pilar blinked at her. "Have so much love in your family?" Pilar noticed an envious sound in her voice. "Ivy, when you don’t have much . . . family is really all you have . . . you learn to depend on each other and stay by each other’s sides." Pilar plopped on the couch. "The bond is really that strong, isn’t it, Pilar?" Ivy didn’t doubt it for a moment. "Yes . . . I pray that our children will return back to us in one piece." fretted Pilar. "Me too, Pilar . . . me too." sighed Ivy. "It’s been three years and not once has she called." Pilar broke down in tears. Ivy comforted her and told her that it’s going to work out.

Meanwhile, on the deserted island . . . Ethan and Theresa celebrated their love for each other under the moonlight. "Theresa, this is so beautiful just like you." Ethan brushed his lips on hers. "Ethan . . . I’m glad we’re together . . . although, I hate to this day that you still don’t remember." She frowned in concentration. "Theresa . . . maybe it’s best if I don’t remember . . ." He soughed. Theresa observed the look on his face and she could tell it was something painful he wanted to block out permanently. "It’s going to come around soon . . . but I’m afraid that I’m going to lose you, Ethan . . ." She felt apprehensive. "Theresa, there is nothing that will tear us apart . . . I assure you that I will love you now and forever." He pulled her into his lap and they started conversing about the future. "So, when do you want to get married? In the fall, spring, or summer?" He smiled. "Spring . . ." She said in daze. "The season where people fall in love." She beamed.

"Spring sounds perfect to me." His hand touched her face tenderly. "When I look into your eyes . . . I see innocence." he told her. "Theresa, you are the most honest person . . . I know." He invited his lips to hers once more. After he pulled back, his mind recalled a poignant memory. "Ethan . . . what’s wrong?" Theresa was worried for him. Ethan snapped back to reality. "All I remember is getting into an accident." He whispered. "You were in an accident?" Theresa quizzed dryly. "Yes, I remember being in an accident but I don’t know how I ended up here?" He scrutinized the place strangely.

"Were you driving? Flying? What?" Theresa questioned anxiously. "I . . ." He struggled with pulling out his memory. "I don’t know, Theresa. It’s too fuzzy." Ethan angrily replied. "Dammit! It’s no use. I’m not going to remember a thing! Maybe it’s best if I leave it alone." he reconsidered. "Leave it alone?" she replied, softly. "Yes, let’s go back to your place . . ." He rushed his fingers through her hair. "Yes, Ethan . . . I want to call it a night and sleep away." Theresa got up and reached for his hand. "So, what island are we on?" He wondered. "We’re in Bermuda." Theresa finally admitted to him. "Bermuda? It’s so beautiful here . . ." he said in total awe. "Yes . . . it is." she faintly responded. She remembered when Ethan took her to Bermuda before HELL broke loose.

"Theresa, are you okay? You look like you were having déjà vu." Ethan loved staring at her. "Ethan . . . I’m fine. I love you . . . I want to stay here forever with you." "Theresa . . . where are you from originally?" Questions popped in his mind. "Ethan . . . are you recalling something?" Theresa inquired back. "Theresa, I think I remember meeting you in a small town where I’m from . . ." He scratched his head. "How did we meet, Ethan?" she beamed. "In a carnival. I had paint on me . . ." he chuckled. "You remember when we first met?" Theresa sounded cheerful as he nodded. "Of course I remember. How could I forget?" he laughed. "Yes, that was funny. But you know…we didn’t start on the right foot." she reminded him.

"Oh yeah . . . I’d never thought that I would come this far with you . . ." He smiled. "Still, I can’t remember the last year of my life. It’s gone . . ." He was overwhelmed by all of this. "Don’t worry, Ethan. It will work out. You’ll see." She touched his lips fervently. "I hope so . . . I know that you are the one I want to be with." He kissed her back. He decided to carry her upstairs and begin his journey of making love to her. Theresa desired his hands to be on her. Each captivating moment made them yearn for more. "Ethan . . ." she moaned. "I love you so much. My love for you will never change." She caressed his face gently.

"My love for you will never change, either." Ethan lowered himself into her and stroked her with his hardness and quenched her desire easily. "More . . ." She craved for his touch. "My beautiful, Theresa. I love you so much." He pushed into her fervently, making her scream for him to continue. They cherished the moment of making love and rocked each other to sleep through loving arms.

Chapter 4

Gwen couldn’t circumvent this situation any longer. She had to find Ethan. Gwen called her mother for help. "Gwen, why are you calling so early? Is something wrong?" Rebecca sat up immediately. "Mother, I can’t stand not knowing what happened to Ethan . . . It’s irritating me and I know Ethan didn’t just inadvertently leave for no reason." she sarcastically replied. "Ethan will show up . . . Gwen, you just have to believe." Rebecca assured her. "Mother, I’m taking action and I’m not going to wait and search for answers.No way in Hell! It’s up to you, Mother, either you help me or you don’t." she sighed and hung up. She didn’t want to surrender just yet. Still she wanted to transcend her fears of thinking that Ethan was dead. "Ethan, please be safe. Please come back to me." Gwen said to herself.

Gwen got dressed and had to conjure an idea of where to look for Ethan. She knew it was going to be time consuming and there would be times of desperation. Gwen loved Ethan and now she felt that what she and her mother had done was wrong. On the other hand, her mother didn’t view it as being perverse to blow the cover, which happened a year ago. Gwen concentrated on putting her sunglasses on. Glancing in the rearview mirror, ready to take off to search for her husband, she was widely aware of the consequences she’d have to suffer. Accordingly to Rebecca, deceit and treachery were the way to win a man’s heart. Unfortunately, for Gwen, she didn’t seem to be so sure. Although, Rebecca’s coercion won Julian’s heart . . . Gwen was vehemently opposed to the idea because there were so many parties involved. But once she thought about getting vengeance on Theresa . . . she agreed with her mother.

She banked on getting Ethan and she succeeded with no wavering to pursue her dream of possessing over Ethan’s maverick ways to turn against Theresa. It worked. Theresa ended up with a broken heart and Gwen didn’t seem to care because all she perceived of Theresa as was a "two timing, gold digging bitch who wants Ethan because he’s a Crane." Gwen knew better . . . she trusted her mother to assist in trashing Theresa and proving to Ethan what kind of slut Theresa really was. Theresa begged to differ. Theresa knew that Gwen would do anything to win Ethan, even if it meant manipulating this predicament. She may not have had the proof with her but deep in her heart she knew that Gwen and Rebecca has something to do with Ethan and her breaking up.

Theresa departed and never saw Ethan again. When Gwen received some news that Theresa had departed, she rejoiced and indulged herself with wine to celebrate her engagement to Ethan Crane. She took off in her Mercedes Benz. As she stopped at the traffic light, she reminisced on the good times Ethan and she had shared. "Ethan, you will come back to me. I know you will." She began her odyssey of searching for Ethan.

Over in Bermuda, Theresa and Ethan accepted some wonderful news that she was expecting. Theresa was about four weeks along. She hadn’t ever imagined losing her virginity out of wedlock and carrying his baby. But it was truly a miracle. The man of her dreams appeared in her life and made her feel worthy of Ethan loving her again. The jubilant Theresa decided to surprise Ethan with a romantic evening that was awaiting him, with scented candles and music of aphrodisiacs that were certainly conducive to love making. Ethan was outside enjoying the view and the aroma of perfumes flowing through the air to his nose.

Theresa glinted at him from afar. Ethan turned around and saw the look of jubilance on her face. He gave a transitory smile and found the nerve to go up to her. "What are you up to my beauty?" He wrapped his arms around her and didn’t let go. "Ethan, what possibly could you mean?" she giggled. "You are so cute." He smoothed his lips over hers and seduced her mouth for an invitation to come inside. "I know you have conjured up some plot . . ." he joked. "Whatever Ethan." She led her hand out to his and took him into her bedroom. "Theresa . . . wow!" He couldn’t utter a word. "I did this all for you." She responded. "For me? How? Why? You gave me an even more wonderful present. Our baby." He remained calm. "I know . . . but we’re going to celebrate." She held his hands sweetly. "Celebrate? How?" He inquired.

She showed him where the candles were shining bright and the music was playing with a melodic sound. He was thrilled and planted another kiss on her and escorted her to the bed. "Theresa, I love you so much. Sweetheart, it is going to be like this for the rest of our lives." He caressed her hair and kissed her once more. "Ethan . . . I love you. We’re going to be so happy! I know." She returned his kiss to him. "Theresa, I will love you always, too. I must say something to you. Ever since you have found me lying there a year ago, my life has gone through a transformation. I don’t think I would make it without your strength and love. You have shown me the true meaning of love. No woman has ever made me feel complete. You are my pride and joy. Theresa, you have made me the happiest man alive. What I’m trying to say is…will you do me the honor of accepting my proposal? Theresa, I love you more than life itself...will you marry me?"

Theresa’s heart was filled with joy. "Yes! Ethan, yes! A million times yes!" She tenaciously grasped on to Ethan with affection. "I love you." she stated. "I love you, too." he returned. "Ethan, this is the most wonderful moment I had ever experienced!" She exclaimed. "I want to give you that and much, much more." He stroked her cheek gently. "Ethan, you have already given me everything." Theresa reminded him. "I find you to be truly amazing." He smiled. "Theresa, this is our precious moment and no one will take it away from us." He glinted at her with love in his eyes. Theresa hoped that nothing would ever tear them apart.

Gwen was frustrated with trying to find Ethan with no results showing. "Gosh, Mother, why did this have to happen? If only you weren’t so selfish. If only you knew not to be so melodramatic. Not that I blame you for fixing that two faced bitch, Theresa! She got what was coming to her. I hoped she rots in Hell! Not even Pilar can find her. Problem solved and now it’s time for me to get my Ethan to come back to me." She sighed and felt like she was losing all hope. "Dammit! Nothing! When will I hear anything about Ethan’s whereabouts?" She was at the end of her rope. Suddenly, she received a phone call. "Hello?" Gwen annoyingly answered. "Hello, I would like to call in for the whereabouts of some guy named Ethan . . ." A soft voice replied. "Go on . . . I’m listening." Just when Gwen was about give up on hope, she became intrigued with this phone call. It could be the answer she had been looking for all along.

It was appalling news. She couldn’t even fathom how he had ended up in Bermuda in the first place. She took the first flight down there to see what was happening. Little did she know that Ethan was there "waiting" for her, and that she had a surprise coming herself. Gwen sat on the plane calling her mother, informing her there might be a possibility she had found Ethan and nothing would come in the way of her getting him back. Rebecca wished her luck and Gwen told her that she was going to need it. Gwen sighed sweetly, imagining what it would be like having Ethan in her arms. "Ethan, I can’t wait to console you, my darling. Hopefully, we can move on from the past and still be that happy couple we were before pandemonium broke loose." she said to herself.

Six hours had passed and Gwen was already breaking her way into Bermuda. She was in love with the scent here. It was so romantic and alluring. Gwen pulled off her shades and started her interrogation of where Ethan could be. No luck yet. She had finally landed her feet at a bar. While the wind was flowing through her hair, she sat down and asked for a Piña Colada with rum. She overheard two women talking. "Are you sure this rich woman will actually come here and find this Ethan guy?" She crossed her arms. "Laina . . . I’m sure. I saw him just yesterday and I’m not about to give up on a fortune like this. It’s too juicy to sit on." The other one strongly replied. "If that is true, Raina, then I wish you the best." Laina sighed. "Think about it, Laina. We get to go away with ten million dollars. You can’t beat that and what’s so great about it is I know where this Ethan guy is staying at." She seemed ecstatic.

"Excuse me. Excuse me?" Gwen intruded. "Yes?" They blankly stared at her. "Did I hear you two, right? That one of you just said you know where Ethan is?" She cocked a brow. "Who wants to know?" Raina asked suspiciously. "I do . . ." Gwen showed Raina her I.D. and Raina is thrilled to show her where Ethan is staying at. Luckily, Raina and Laina had gotten their check, leaving with exuberance. Gwen took a hard glare at the beach house. "Ethan, if you’ve been here all of this time, how come you didn’t call me?" she questioned herself with doubt. She couldn’t wait any longer and decided to pay Ethan a visit.

Chapter 5

Gwen tapped her foot with only a bit of patience left. Ethan opened the door and looked at her bewilderedly. "Ethan! My darling husband! I’ve missed you for so long!" Gwen went up to him and invited him with open arms. Ethan couldn’t utter a word. "Do I know you?" he queried. Gwen’s face cracked like a mirror. "Ethan, how can you not recognize me? I’m . . . I’m your wife!" she crumbled. "You’re lying! I am already engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world." Ethan protested. "But . . . Ethan, what I am telling you is not a lie. Look?" She showed him her I. D. and a picture with them together. Ethan took the picture from her and examined it long and hard. "How? I . . . I don’t understand?" He was baffled. Theresa was sleeping upstairs and didn’t hear a sound.

"Aren’t you going to let me in?" Gwen asked stoically. "Sure . . ." He didn’t know what was going on but he showed her the way in. "Ethan, do I mean anything to you?" She sounded broken hearted. "You seem familiar to me somewhat." He remained nonchalant. "Ethan, you have to express your feelings toward me. I know you still love me. I know you do." Gwen pressed on for some answers. "Gwen, I can’t give you a solution. But I would like to know how did we meet and anything else you can tell me." Ethan felt bad for her. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to remember. The fact is that he couldn’t remember. Gwen gave him a transitory grin and commenced their situation for him. Once he had all the information about their history, he frowned in concentration.

"Ethan, are you doubting what I’ve told you?" Gwen could tell by the expression on his face that he appeared to be skeptical. "No, Gwen . . . now that you have mentioned it . . . I do remember something about us . . . so you came for me?" he questioned. "Yes . . . Ethan. Everyone misses you back in Harmony. We were worried that you might have been dead." Gwen sounded shaky. "Gwen, I wasn’t dead. I was living here and lost everything . . . so that’s why you didn’t hear anything from me." he explained. "Ethan, are you coming home with me?" Gwen pleaded. "I don’t know. I’m not sure if everything is accurate and if I’m really in love with you." he blatantly stated. "Ethan . . . please reconsider . . . don’t you want to find out the truth?" Gwen demanded. "Gwen, it’s not that I don’t want to know the answers . . . it’s just that I can’t leave my life here. I’m content with the situation I’m in." he adamantly replied.

"Ethan, tell me you remember this?" Gwen pulled him into a kiss. Ethan pulled away from her. "I’m sorry, but I don’t remember you nor do I love you." he glared at her. "Ethan . . . you don’t . . . you don’t mean that…" Gwen was crushed and left in tears. Ethan sighed and shut the door. He went upstairs to go back to bed with Theresa.

The next morning, Theresa cooked Ethan a grand breakfast. He came down stairs and still wasn’t feeling thrilled about what happened. "Ethan, are you okay? Don’t you like the breakfast?" Her lower lip quivered. "Theresa, I love it . . . I guess I’m a little tired." He gave her a forced grin. "You look distraught. Did something happen last night?" Theresa placed one hand on her hip. "Theresa, some crazy woman said she knows me and I’m married to her . . ." he paused. "And do you believe her?" Theresa continued for him. "I don’t know . . . it’s so fuzzy. I seem to recall who she is . . . but then everything is a blank to me. It doesn’t make sense! You are the only one who understands me." Ethan frowned. "You’re the only one that makes sense to me." he confessed.

On the other end of the island, Gwen called her mother. "Mother, I’ve found Ethan!" She wasn’t too happy. "Gwen, you should be ecstatic." Rebecca exclaimed. "Mother, I know . . . but I want to know who this tramp bitch is who has stolen my Ethan from me!" Gwen fumed. "Gwen, where are you?" Rebecca wondered. "I’m in Bermuda." Gwen solemnly replied. "Bermuda? Why would Ethan be in Bermuda?" Rebecca blankly asked. "Mother, I don’t know, but I think it has to do with this so-called "girl" he’s in "love" with." Gwen retorted. "Whoever she is . . . you must put a stop to it . . . Gwen, don’t let that slut take your man. Fight for him!" Rebecca requisitioned. "Mother, don’t worry. We Hotchkiss women ALWAYS get what we want." She emphasized. "I don’t want you to circumspect this situation. Find this heifer and dispatch her! How dare that little tramp try to take your . . . Gwen…You don’t think . . ." She paused. "Think what, Mother?" Gwen questioned dumbly.

"Never mind, what’s important is that you do everything in your power to make sure Ethan comes home with you and not . . . this girl." She frowned to herself. "Mother, I know . . ." She remained stoic. "Gwen! You have to sound like you are zealous about getting Ethan in your arms. Show your adulation toward him . . . he needs it." Rebecca emphatically repeated herself. "All right, I’ll get him back! You’re not coming down here, are you?" Gwen knew what to do when dealing with predicaments like this. "I know with your adroitness everything will run smoothly." Rebecca expected. "Goodbye Mother." Gwen hung up and sighed. "Some way . . . some how . . . I will get Ethan back and I will get this girl who has got him underneath her spell." Gwen remarked bitterly. Before Rebecca turned in, she vowed to herself, "I’m going to make sure that girl pays."

Ethan ecstatically held Theresa close to him. "Theresa, will you be there for me no matter what?" Ethan asked her. "Of course, Ethan . . ." Theresa looked at him strangely. "Do you fear something will happen?" Theresa interrogated. "I don’t know . . . I don’t mean to sound like a reactionary but I want to keep our relationship for eternity." He tenaciously grasped onto her. "Ethan, you’re really petrified, aren’t you?" Theresa could tell something was wrong. "If what this audacious woman is saying is true . . . then I don’t know what I’m going to do." he worried. "Ethan, I’m sure we can work this out." Theresa confidently replied. "I sure hope so. I don’t want us to be apart." Ethan was becoming distraught. Theresa and Ethan were walking outside on the beach as the waves flowed freely in the sea. She held onto him and kissed him. "Just being here with you pacifies me, Theresa. I will always love you, no matter what." he beamed and returned her savored kiss.

Gwen inhaled the essence from the ocean. "Ethan . . . why can’t you remember?" She looked up and heard a couple laughing from afar. At first, she didn’t know who it was until she recognized Ethan’s face and the girl standing beside him. That bitch! It can’t be Theresa! We had made sure that girl was no where near him! Damn her for coming back into his life! Damn her! Gwen is furious with the results. "I know now that I have to win Ethan back with all of my heart!" Gwen thought of a plan to get him back for good.

As the sun dawned into a new day, Ethan woke up and decided to go for a jog. He wanted to have a good day by starting off with a simple routine. Gwen stretched as usual and she started to jog, too. When he saw her on the beach, Ethan was stunned. "Gwen? I didn’t know you liked to jog?" She smiled at him. "We used to do this all the time when we were together, Ethan." Ethan beamed and ran with her. After three hours of having fun. Ethan suddenly became drawn to her. "Ethan . . . thank you so much for coming with me. Do you want to take a shower in the guest room?" she offered. "No, thank you. I have to get back home.". "Okay, are we still on for tonight?" she inquired. "Yes, I’ll see you then, Gwen. Take care." He kissed her cheek goodbye and went back to Theresa’s place.

Theresa was upset, not knowing where Ethan went. Ethan walked through the door and he saw that she was crying. "Theresa, are you okay?" He opened her with his warm embrace. "I thought something bad had happened to you." Theresa eyes welled up even more. "Theresa. I’m fine. Please don’t cry . . . you know I love you . . . which reminds me can I take a rain check?" He asked. She propounded his question and glinted at him. "Yes, Ethan . . . I need to rest for tonight . . . Have fun but behave. Okay?" Theresa joked. "Yes, ma’am." he teased. Theresa went upstairs to go to sleep and Ethan went to go take a shower. He got dressed and was ready to see Gwen.

Chapter 6

Gwen was determined to win Ethan back. But how? How would she get him away from Theresa? Gwen’s smug look appeared like that of a sly fox. Her cream dress had a V neck which showed off her cleavage. With diamonds scattered all over her dress, she touched it superbly. Gwen wanted to transcend this obstacle, and there was no way she was going to let Theresa meddle in their affair. Gwen wanted to take back control in her life. She was not going to lose her self-control nor would she leave Ethan behind. She took a deep breath and walked to the door. She opened it and there he was, standing there with his gorgeous smile. "Ethan, I see you made it. For a minute there . . . I thought you had stood me up." she bantered. "No, I never go back on my word . . . I always stay to true to my promises." he ensured her.

After exchanging a few words. Ethan and Gwen went to a restaurant to catch up on old times. Apparently, Gwen already had a plan set in motion. "Ethan, it’s so wonderful to see you again, my darling. I thought I had lost you forever. I’ve been distraught about you for over a year and it seems like my questions have been answered." She played it carefully. "Gwen, I am doing just fine . . .but I never knew that we were married nor did I know that I was missing for so long." He shrugged. "Excuse me. I have to go to the restroom." Ethan dismissed himself. Gwen watched him walked away. I sure hope this will work, because Ethan ,means everything to me. she thought.

Smiling like a five year old kid on Christmas Day, Ethan returned to his seat and glanced at her. "Gwen, are you all right?" Ethan didn’t understand why she looked like that. "Ethan, let’s make a toast." Gwen suggested. "Okay, to what?" He wasn’t sure what the toast was for. "To life and love. May our future lie together." Gwen held out her glass and Ethan wasn’t too happy with the idea of what she had said but he toasted along with her anyway. After Gwen took a sip, she observed carefully how he consumed his drink. Ethan had the urge to dance with her. He snatched her from her seat and held her closely. "You smell so good." he whispered. What had gotten into Ethan? Why didn’t he abstain from her like the last time? Why didn’t he retract from her? Was this the end for Theresa and Ethan? Gwen managed to hold on to him firmly. She wasn’t about to lose him the third time.

After dancing the night away, Gwen and Ethan made it back to her room. Ethan leaned over and kissed her! Gwen was shocked to see that Ethan wanted to do this. He did it again, and this time he did it meticulously. Gwen led him to her bedroom. They closed the door. Ethan disengaged her dress slowly and didn’t withhold himself from making love to her. Gwen had missed this for so long and she was going to get what she wanted! Finally, a chance to get back at Theresa, and to prove to her that no one could take Ethan from her and get away with it. Ethan carried her to her bed and laid her down gently. After removing of what was left of their clothing, they seized the moment by engaging their bodies as one. They let the rapture of love dominate them internally and didn’t rest until the next day.

Three months later, Theresa had frantically been searching for Ethan without a word from him. She couldn’t believe that he was gone. The staunch Theresa was not going to surrender to this. She was pregnant with his baby, four months along. She knew that something had happened to Ethan, but what? Everyday, she cried for him. Wondering if he would ever come home. Theresa asked herself, how this could have happened? What made Ethan leave so suddenly? She wasn’t going to quit until she got some answers. "My love, you promised me that you’d never forget me. I hope you’ll keep your word." She told herself. "Ethan, I will come for you, no matter what."

Gwen and Ethan celebrated his homecoming back in Harmony. Rebecca embraced them both. Julian and Alistair were away on business, and Rebecca hoped it would stay that way before they return. After what happened a year and a half ago Julian, Alistair and Ethan were outraged by this catastrophe. Ethan felt good about having Gwen back in his life. As for Theresa, it was like he had never met her. She was just a faded memory to him. Gwen had some news for Ethan. "Ethan, there’s something I need to tell you . . ." She tried to smile. "Like what Gwen?" He looked at her blankly. "Ethan, I’ve found out that I’m three months pregnant. Ethan, we’re going to have a baby!" replied the ecstatic Gwen. Rebecca heard the news as well. "Oh congratulations, Gwen!" Rebecca hugged her. Ethan dropped his glass and ran to her with a hug as well. "We’re going to have a baby?"

Gwen nodded. "Yes, Ethan, yes. We’re going to have a child!" She cried. "This is wonderful! I will live up to my duties to raise our child." He smiled. "Oh, Ethan. This is the best news I’ve received ever. We’re going to be a family!" She wrapped her legs around his waist as he held her tenderly. Gwen and Ethan shared an intimate kiss and didn’t care that Rebecca was around them. "Theresa will never bother her again. The nerve of that girl trying to take Ethan away from my daughter again! If that little fajita shows up, I’ll give her a piece of my mind." Rebecca told herself. "That little bitch is going to pay." She wickedly laughed. "Ethan and Gwen are forever. Gwen, you are going to be happy from now on." Rebecca went upstairs and decided to take a nap.

Gwen and Ethan discussed what to name their baby. Ethan was thrilled to be a father but why did this seem a little familiar to him? Had he experienced this before? If so, with who?

Theresa couldn’t take it anymore and she opted to walk for a while. She rubbed her stomach. "We’re going to find your daddy. You hear me?" she coaxed her stomach. Theresa went to Laina to order a glass of water. "Theresa, why such a sad face?" she quizzed Theresa. "Laina, I’m missing my love." She sighed heavily. "Who is your love?" Laina asked softly. Theresa showed her a picture of him and her together. Laina didn’t recognize it at first until she examine closely. "I have seen this man . . ." she admitted. "You have? Where is he?" Theresa was getting too excited. "I saw him last month with this rich woman. He has left with her." she confessed. "With what rich woman?" Theresa suspiciously asked. "A woman named Gwen Crane." Theresa dropped her glass. "Did you just say Gwen Crane?!" Theresa demanded. Laina nodded and Theresa had to leave. She had to go to her Ethan.

She could feel that he was in danger. She wasn’t going to live her life as an ascetic anymore. She was going to claim what was rightfully hers. Theresa took the next flight to Harmony and kissed Bermuda goodbye. Pilar prayed every day that her daughter would come home safely. Paloma encouraged Pilar to keep the faith. "Mama, she will return you’ll see." Pilar sighed and went to bed. Then, Paloma heard a soft knock on the door. When she answered it, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. "Theresa! You’re back!" she hugged her. "Where have you been?!" Theresa smiled and walked in. "I’m doing fine Paloma . . . is Mama around?" Theresa investigated the room. "Yea, she went to bed . . . she is going to be so happy to see you." Paloma cheered.

Theresa sat down with Paloma and told her the whole story. "So, I’m going to be an auntie?!" She hugged Theresa. "Yes, but you must help me find Ethan." Theresa whispered. "Okay, but do you want me to get Mama?" Paloma stood up. "No, let Mama rest. She needs it. I’ll surprise her in the morning." She told Paloma goodnight and went to her old room.

Pilar was ecstatic when she saw Theresa in the kitchen the next day. Theresa explained to Pilar what happened and she was determined to get Ethan back. Paloma picked up the Harmony Herald and was stunned to see the headline. "Oh no, this will crush Theresa." she whispered to herself. Theresa came out and snatched the paper from Paloma.

"No!!!!!!" she cried and fainted. "Mama! Help! Theresa has passed out!" Pilar helped Paloma carry Theresa to the couch. "What caused her to faint? Theresa is not supposed to be like this in her condition. She’s with child." Pilar was petrified. They called Eve Russel, and she examined Theresa. "Pilar, Theresa and the baby will be fine. Make sure she gets plenty of rest, okay?" Eve smiled. "It’s good to see her back." Eve continued. "Yes, Eve. I‘m glad to have my baby girl back, too."

After Eve left, Theresa was came to and she remembered what happened. "Mama, Paloma, I’m going to need your help. We’re going to destroy Gwen!" she said vehemently. "No, Theresa! You’re going to rest and that’s final. I’m not letting you lose my grand baby that is growing inside of you." She smiled. "All right, Mama. But I swear . . . they are not going to get away with it." Theresa spitefully replied. "I believe it’ll work out on its own." Pilar sounded convince that Gwen and Rebecca would pay for what they had done.

Chapter 7

Ethan found himself recalling memories he shared with Theresa. How come he was thinking about her now? He remembered the times they spent in Bermuda for the second time. Ethan had the urge to call her, so he dialed up Pilar’s number. The phone rang about five times and Theresa was the only one at home resting in bed and she answered. "Hello?" she replied groggily. "Hello may I speak to Pilar?" Ethan asked. "She’s not here may I ask who’s calling?" She yawned. "Would you tell her that Ethan called?" He requested. "Ethan! It’s me Theresa! I’ve missed you so much!" she squealed. "Theresa? When did you return to Harmony?" He was happy to hear her voice. "Oh Ethan, I had to come, I wasn’t going to lose you again . . ." she sounded desperate. "Theresa, how are you?" Ethan asked.

"Our baby and I are doing fine . . ." Once Theresa said that Ethan looked shocked. "That’s right you are carrying my child! Theresa, I’m on my way to see you!" Ethan hung up and left. Theresa couldn’t believe it. Ethan was actually going to see her. Theresa went to her closet to find something to wear. After getting her make over, she heard the door and went to answer it. "Ethan! I knew you would come for me!" she cried. Ethan didn’t let go of her and held her tenderly. "Theresa, I’ve missed you so much! You won’t believe what’s going on!" Ethan invited himself in and sat down. Theresa shut the door and found herself in close proximity with him and he pulled her closer. "What happened?" she quizzed.

"Gwen, did something to me . . . I was forced to leave you. Theresa, there was not a day that went by when I didn’t think about you. I don’t understand why I keep on getting a horrible feeling that something happened to me there . . ." He shuddered. "Like what?" Theresa examined him carefully. "I keep on getting these visions in my head like someone has hurt me deliberately. It’s something about . . . oh Theresa, I also came to tell you that Gwen is pregnant with my child, too." When Theresa heard this devastating news, her world crumbled. "What? No! This can’t be!" she cried. "Yes, Theresa. It’s true. But not to fear . . . my heart doesn’t belong to her. My heart is with you. Now and forever." he ensured her. "Really? Oh Ethan!" She tugged onto him with her sweet embrace. "Theresa . . . I need your help. I need to find out why I disappeared from Harmony." Theresa jumped at the chance. "Yes! Ethan, I will assist you through this! I would like to know what happened to you, too." Ethan and Theresa talked the night away.

Two days later, Ethan underwent hypnosis from Eve. Eve started to investigate what happened that night before he disappeared. "Okay, Ethan. Once I wake you up from this hypnosis, you won’t remember a thing." she told him. "Now, what happened to you on the night of December 4?" Ethan pictured it in his mind. "I was celebrating my marriage with Gwen Hotchkiss. We were so happy . . . we entered the Crane mansion. Everybody was feeling exuberant about our marriage. Father and Mother were telling me how proud they were of me." Ethan sighed. "Everything was going so well, until eleven." He paused. "What happened?" Eve questioned. "The truth came out that Gwen and Rebecca knew that I wasn’t a Crane. And Gwen said she wanted to kill Theresa!" He trembled.

"Why did Gwen want to kill Theresa?" Eve looked at little petrified. "Theresa was trying to save me and told me to run off with her . . . But I was so furious, I didn’t take heed. I blamed Rebecca and Gwen for ruining my happiness. I told Theresa to get out of here while she could. Forget about me. They had altered my DNA test. They made it look like I was a Crane so I wouldn’t choose a different lifestyle. Alistair and Julian disowned me. They told me to never come back. They kicked me and my mother out. We went to rent a hotel and I was so humiliated and furious . . . I flew down to Bermuda to get away from it all . . . and drink my problems away. I was so drunk that someone robbed me and hit me upside the head. The next thing I knew I saw a pretty, familiar face standing over me, asking me if I was all right." He smiled like he was in Heaven.

"That girl is Theresa, isn’t it?" Eve interrogated with gladness. "Yes, if it wasn’t for her . . . I don’t know where would I be." He felt secure whenever he mentioned her. Eve knew it, too. After stopping the tape recorder. Eve snapped her fingers and told him to wake up. Ethan opened his eyes and didn’t remember a thing. "Am I free to go?" He shuddered a bit. "Yes, but I want you and Theresa to hear it. I’ll be out there with you two in a minute, okay?" Eve rubbed his back lightly. "Thanks Eve." He exited from her room and walked to Theresa. "Well Ethan?" She was nervous. "We’re about to find out . . ." He was a little apprehensive as well. "Ethan, do you regret coming here?" Theresa wanted to make sure. "No, I’m glad I did came . . . or I would be still a blank at this moment." Eve came out twenty minutes later. "You know what you gave me is very critical information. It’s still up to you to have Gwen and Rebecca arrested for tampering with your DNA." Theresa blinked at Ethan. "They’ve tampered with your blood results?" Ethan gave her a transitory nod. "Ethan, it’s your call . . . what would you like to do?" Eve raised. "I’ve got a plan . . . Dr. Russell, do you think you could get help from Harmony P. D.? . . . Good. This is what I want all of us to do . . ." Ethan explained the plan concisely.

A new even dawned on a special occasion. Ethan had everything set up in the Crane mansion. Gwen and Rebecca hadn’t a clue of what was in store for them tonight. Would it be the end for them? What was Ethan up to? Ivy and Pilar took a glimpse in the mirror. "Ivy, why is Ethan throwing a party? Do you have any idea?" Pilar whispered. "I haven’t a clue . . ." She blinked at Pilar not once but twice. "You?" She return in a mere whisper. "If I knew, I would’ve told you." Then it struck Pilar oddly. "You don’t think he has figured out what happened at the last party we had a year and a half ago, do you?" Ivy’s eyes remained wide. "Oh no! It couldn’t . . . obviously all my son said was that it’s an event we don’t want to forget . . ." She took a sip of some Cognac.

"All I can tell you is that whatever it is . . . I don’t like it one bit. Trouble is near." Pilar had an ominous feeling that anything could happen tonight . . . could she be right?

The rooms were filled with decorations and they were superbly fit to the occasion. Gwen and Rebecca arrived at the mansion wondering what was going on. Gwen had on a black dress with a slit coming up to her thigh. Rebecca was wearing a blue dress with a V neck that showed her cleavage just to please Julian. They entered the room and everyone applauded with welcome. Gwen and Rebecca were quite flattered. "Mother, I haven’t seen anything like this? Why is Ethan doing this? This is so nice of him." Gwen was very impressed and Rebecca went to mingle in the crowd to find her "precious" Julian. Everyone was here, even Theresa. But she was hidden in the crowd. She was glowing with the white gown she had on, so elegant and catching every eye. People wondered who could she be.

Pilar noticed her standing there in foyer watching her carefully. "Mija, what are you doing here?" Pilar was furious but kept her voice down to a minimum. "Mama, there’s not enough time to explain. Watch carefully." Theresa spoke back softly. Why is Eve here? And I . . . recognize some of those guys . . . oh no! Pilar feared for the worst. After everyone cheered with glee. Ethan made an announcement. He showed a video of the last party. Everyone’s faces dropped and were astonished by such a travesty caused by Gwen and Rebecca Hotchkiss. "Where did you? Ethan? How?" To her chagrin, Gwen started cry and everyone begin to laugh. "Gwen, how does it feel now to be humiliated in public?" Ethan grimaced. "Ethan, can’t we go somewhere in private?" Gwen tried to reason. “NO!!!!! And you didn’t tell me that we were divorced, or that I wasn’t a Crane or that you’re not really carrying my baby!! And I found out you drugged me. Why did you drug me up with libido some three months ago?! Why Gwen?! Why?!" He roared. "Ethan, I was going to tell you sooner . . . I . . ." He intruded on her sentence again. "I hate the sight of you! You’ve deceived me! How dare you?!" he fumed.

"Ethan . . . I only did it out of love!" she cried. "Love! Love?! You only did it out of love?! Spare me! You’ve kept me from my true love and you knew I wasn’t a Crane and you tampered with my DNA, knowing that I was a Bennett all along!" Theresa couldn’t bear to see Ethan hurting so she ran to his side but it was too late. Rebecca had Theresa at gunpoint.

Chapter 8

Don’t you dare move, you-you little tramp! You knew that Ethan was going to be here tonight, didn’t you?!" Rebecca yelled. "Mama!" Theresa exclaimed. "Don’t you call on Mama! Pilar isn’t going to do a thing!" Pilar was angry. "Don’t you dare hurt my daughter!" Rebecca turned to the terrified Pilar. "Ha! You’re one to talk! She deserves to die! This little bitch has enough nerve to show her face after all of this time! You framed my daughter, didn’t you Theresa!" Rebecca gave her a smug look. "I . . . I didn’t know that this is going to happen." Theresa pleaded. "Oh the hell you didn’t! I bet you’re having a ball hurting my daughter, aren’t you?!" Rebecca tormented her by dangling the gun in her face.

Eve warned Pilar to stay back. She told Pilar that Ethan had it under control and the cops were here if anything went wrong. Pilar felt a little better knowing that the law was involved. Theresa and Rebecca started throwing words back and forth. Gwen walked up to Rebecca and tried to get the gun out of her hand so she could kill Theresa herself. By the time Rebecca and Gwen started arguing, it was too late. The gun went off. Everyone hit the ground. Rebecca stood there in shock as she looked at what she had done, looked at Gwen’s broken body lying on the ground. She had killed her own daughter in an instant. Rebecca asked Eve if Gwen was going to make it. But Eve told her it was too late. Gwen was pronounced dead. The police read Rebecca the Miranda rights and arrested her.

Theresa ran to Ethan’s side and cried. She had never been more scared in her entire life. "Theresa it’s going to be okay. I promise you." He kissed her. "We’re going to start our life anew and no one can put us asunder. Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald, you will always be my true love." He placed his lips over hers again and she couldn’t refuse as he coaxed her with his touch. Everyone left the Crane mansion, even Ethan and Theresa. This would be a night no one will ever forget. Alistair was certainly furious with this fiasco and wanted Rebecca to rot in jail for what she had done.

Theresa went to the hospital to get checked out to see if she had any injuries but Eve told Ethan there was nothing to be alarmed about. She and the baby were safe. "Ethan . . . once again my love we’re reunited and nothing can keep us apart." She brushed her lips on his. "For a minute there, I thought I was going to lose you forever. Theresa, I don’t know what I would ever do without you. I love you so much. I can’t wait to marry you. Let’s get married tomorrow?" Ethan beamed. "Oh Ethan! This is one of the reasons of why I love you SO much! You are my everything!" She gave him a warm embrace. "Tomorrow, will be the day when we start our lives as one and nothing shall come in between us . . . nothing!" Ethan assured her.

At eleven-thirty in the morning, Theresa stood there in her wedding gown taking a glimpse of it. Pilar and Paloma helped her into it. Miguel and Luis were thrilled to see their sister finally get married to the man she loves most. "Mama, Paloma, thank you for helping me and thank you for taking me back." Theresa was about to cry but she didn’t want to ruin her make-up. "Oh Mija, you are so beautiful and you have made us proud. We love you, Theresita. We wish you all the best." Pilar kissed her daughter on the cheek and Paloma gave her a hug. "All right ladies! Let’s get this show on the road!" Luis shouted in excitement as Miguel chuckled. "Hey Mama, Paloma, may I have a minute with Theresa?" Luis proposed. "Sure, Mijo, but don’t keep the groom waiting." Pilar kissed his cheek as well and closed the door.

"Yes, Luis?" Theresa smiled at him exhuberantly. "I wanted to tell you, that I’m glad that I have given you my blessing. Ethan is a lucky man . . . and I know this for a fact because I’ve practically raised you. And you have turned out to be a fine young woman. I love you sis, and if Ethan doesn’t treat you right, it’ll be his ass. You hear me?" he chuckled. "Yes, I hear you." she repeated. "That’s a good girl. You are one beautiful bride." He embraced her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I love you, and promise to visit me more often! Sheridan and I can’t wait to see you!" he pleaded. "You got it." she laughed. "Ready?" He held out his forearm to her. "Ready as I’ll ever be." She grinned. They both walked down the aisle. This was it. Luis took her down and gives away his sister to the man she loves most.

The minister made his announcements and pronounced them husband and wife. After the wedding, they all went to the wedding reception. Everyone was dancing with exuberance, celebrating Ethan’s and Theresa’s love for one another. "Theresa, this is the most wonderful day of my life." He kissed her. "Mine too. Ethan, this is the beginning, middle and end. Our love is stronger than ever and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t live without you, Ethan. You are the air I breathe. You’re my soul mate. I love you." She kissed him and kept holding on to him, dancing the night away.

A year later, Theresa and Ethan celebrated over their son, Andrew. Theresa and Ethan had never been this happy. Their love was still stronger than ever. Theresa knew the true meaning of destiny. Even though she and Ethan were apart for three years, he came back to her a year later in Bermuda. If Theresa wouldn’t have found him on the beach, she would have lost Ethan for good. But when Ethan opened his eyes to the prettiest sight he’d ever wanted to see, he knew then that he would reunite with his love. Theresa saved his life and he knew that she was the one he couldn’t live without. She was the one who made his life complete. She was the one who turned out to be his other half.

Theresa was in the kitchen preparing dinner for herself and Ethan. She had some great news for him. "Ethan, there is a reason why we’re celebrating." Ethan cocked a brow at her. "Oh really? Why?" His grin appeared slowly. "Because it’s for two reasons. One, our love and two, we’re going to have another baby!" As soon as she said that, his eyes popped wide open and he ran to her and held her gently. "Theresa, this is so wonderful! I’m going to be a dad again! I love you!" He pulled her into an embrace. "I love you, too." Ethan and Theresa shared another kiss and didn’t stop there. They went upstairs to celebrate the good news and made love to each other to show their feelings for each other. The day that Theresa saw her prince on the beach again was and always would be her precious moment she would cherish for eternity.

The End.