Chapter 7
Ethan’s voice rang out from the hallway outside of my father’s study. Everyone went silent as he walked into the room. He was dressed in a professional, black suit and had his hair pushed away from his face once again.
He was followed by his beta, a blonde man with tan skin. The beta was carrying an armload of prettily wrapped gift boxes. Dora’s eyes lit up at the presents, but she didn’t dare move towards him. Not after the way he reacted to her at the altar a mere day ago.
My father and Hellen both perked at the sight of Ethan. They ran to him, playing the part of perfect in-laws. Ethan shook my father’s hand cordially and Hellen was fretting over him. She brushed imaginary dust from his suit jacket and led him deeper into the study.
Their personalities shifted so fast, it was almost like they were possessed by ghosts.
After shaking hands with my father, Ethan stepped over to where I was and wrapped an arm loosely around my waist. His grip held a comforting weight. It was nice to know someone was on my side for once.
“Dear,” Ethan playfully scolded. “Why didn’t you wake me and tell me you were coming home to visit your parents? I would have accompanied you.”
I blinked a couple times before answering. “I just wanted to see my mother.”
Ethan nodded at me stating that he understood why I was so eager. He then gestured to his beta, still holding the pile of gifts. “I’ve got some things I’d like to give her,” He said, eyes twinkling.
Hellen stepped forward, a strained smile on her face.
“We’re Ava’s family, too. Did you bring anything for us?” She batted her eyelashes to appear innocent. She was as bad as Dora, always wanting something more than she had even though she already had everything she could need.
Ethan ignored her and addressed me.
“Why don’t you show me to your mother’s room?” Ethan allowed me to begin leading him. He stopped shortly to excuse us from my father’s study, but before we could leave my father intervened.
“She’s resting right now,” He said in order to deter Ethan. “It’s best to leave her be.”
My father was bouncing his foot against the tiled floor lightly, sweat beading up on his top lip. Ethan’s head cocked to the side in confusion. My father was nervous, I hoped Ethan could tell.
“I’ll show you.” I decided, pushing past my father to lead Ethan to her room. I thought that, maybe, he would know a good doctor that I could call for to treat her.
I led him to the cramped maid’s room that she was living in. Ethan was smiling the entire way up, until I opened the door to the room and he caught sight of how we had been living all these years. The room was musty and cramped. There was hardly enough room for mine and my mother’s beds. My mother laid there, asleep and weak.
Ethan turned around angrily, his smile gone.
“Why hasn’t she been treated?” Ethan questioned. “Why is she sick and being left alone here?”
My father, who had apparently followed us up to my mother’s room, was gaping at Ethan while he was being questioned. His eyes were wide with shock.
“Well, I - uh,” He gulped. “My company hasn’t been doing well. All the money goes to feeding my family, you must know.”
Dora and Hellen appeared behind my father shortly after, as well. They didn’t want to miss any part of the conversation. This didn’t work in their favor as Ethan’s eyes fell to the diamond necklace Hellen wore and the emerald ring on Dora’s finger.
He scoffed in my father’s face. The two women lowered their heads shamefully.
“Ava,” He said, not looking away from my father. “Pack your mother’s things.”
I looked at him, shocked. What was he planning to do with her things?
“Now, please.” He gave a small smile then turned back towards my father.
I grabbed some of my mom’s clothes, shoving them into a bag she had. He then instructed his beta to begin the process of moving my mother from this house to the best hospital in the city. I couldn’t believe the words coming from his mouth.
“Ethan,” My father grabbed his shoulder, attempting to appear more familiar than they were. “Remember my relationship with your father. We were friends. That’s what set you up with your wife in the first place. Your engagement in my doing. Don’t make any rash decisions here.”
My father’s voice was soft and diplomatic, like Ethan was a business client that he was trying to schmooze.
Ethan gripped my hand firmly; his jaw tightened, his eyes went dark. He looked down to compose himself and when he made eye contact with my father again, a forced smile adorned his face.
“Liam.” Ethan spoke slowly. “I didn’t want to make a fuss over the bride-switch that you tried to pull out of respect for Ava and her family. However, since you’ve brought it up, I would like to officially announce that Blue Moon Group is ceasing to continue any and all business dealings with your pack, Sun-Valley Collective.”
My father’s and Hellen’s faces went stark white as the blood drained from their heads. Hellen grasped at her chest, placing a hand over her heart. She had to use the wall behind her to support herself and keep her from falling to the floor.
I bit my lip to keep from smiling too much as I finished tending to my mother. I couldn’t believe Ethan was standing up for me so blatantly.
Once at the hospital with my mom, the nurses came flooding in to set her up for treatment. They set up heart monitors, I.V. fluids, and oxygen to aid her shaky lungs. I hadn’t seen her receive any medical care my entire life. I was so beyond thrilled to see her getting the help she needed. All thanks to Ethan.
Ethan walked into the room and I ran to him.
“Thank you!” I expressed. “This is all because of you, thank you.”
Ethan looked down at me, his face hard to read. He was frowning slightly, but he didn’t seem angry. More melancholic than anything.
“I didn’t realize how hard your life was,” Ethan apologized and swallowed thickly.
“It was difficult in the past,” I said carefully, grabbing his hand in appreciation. “But that’s all behind me now. Thanks to you.”
Ethan smiled softly.
“Here.” He handed me an envelope. “These are the doctor’s notes on your mother’s treatment. It’s all outlined in there so you can see exactly what they will be doing to make her better.”
I let go of his hand and grabbed the documents scanning over them quickly. There was indeed a list of the medicines she would be receiving under the doctors’ care. I flipped the page over, and behind the first list was the itemized bill of the treatment. The final total made my eyes bulge from their sockets.
I gasped while looking up the second piece of paper. “This is so much!”
“I’ve already made arrangements to authorize the payments on my own credit card,” Ethan said nonchalantly, “I don’t want you to worry about money anymore.”
I stared at him, in awe at his willingness to help me in such a grand way.
“I will pay you back for this,” I decided, folding the bill and placing it in the pocket of my pants to keep track of the money. “I promise.”
Ethan scanned my face and smiled softly.
“Take your time,” He replied, though I could see in his teasing expression that he didn’t believe I could afford to do it. ”There’s no rush.”
