Chapter 4 ~ Zoe

“How do I look, Ethan?” Rose turned to show Ethan how the dress he had gotten her fitted her perfectly.

Rose was shocked when she came back from bathing and found a beautiful black dress lying down on the bed with a note that read:

[Wear this.]

Her heart swelled with happiness as she searched for a reaction in his eyes. This was the first time Ethan had paid attention to what she was wearing and she wanted to make it count.

“Let’s go.” was his grumpy response as he held the door open. Rose felt a bit disappointed but she sucked it up and walked with him to the car. 

Alfred was already waiting at the entrance, “I’ll drive.” He said as he took the keys and Alfred nodded.

“Yes sir, good evening Madam?” Alfred offered Rose a smile and she smiled back.

“Hello, Alfred.” 

Alfred held the door open and Rose stepped into the car. Once Ethan had sat, she turned to face him, 

“I actually have some very important news to share at Grandpa’s party,” Rose said happily.

“What news?” Ethan asked in his usual flat and cold voice.

“It’s great news, but it’s a surprise. So stick around.” Rose responded.

Ethan hated to wait, but most of all he hated surprises because the last time he got a surprise, Zoe had left on his birthday and it broke his heart. But not wanting to kill the light that was shining in Rose’s eyes he nodded.

“Okay,”  

Rose’s smile grew as she fastened her seat belt. 

Ethan joined the traffic and the ride was quiet but comfortable, the sun was just about to set so the sky had a beautiful orange view that she kept looking at as she imagined Ethan’s reaction to the news of him being a father. 

Suddenly, Ethan stepped on the brakes and Rose was pushed forward. If it was not for the seat belt, she would have hit her head. 

Feeling nauseous, she quickly stepped out of the car and hid behind as she hid the feeling of vomiting. She didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Feeling better, Rose thought Ethan had stepped out of the car to check on her but her heart sank ten feet under when she heard the annoying cry.

“Oh, Ethan! Thank God you’re here, my tire busted and I almost had an accident!” She grabbed onto his arm.

“Are you hurt?” Ethan asked. It was very difficult to see now that the sun had gone down.

The only lights available were from Ethan’s car.

“Hello, Zoe. It's so soon to see you again” Rose greeted in a clipped tone. 

Her eyes swept over the situation and she scoffed internally, ‘What are the odds that she had a puncture and no other car could help her?’

Zoe rushed to Rose’s side grabbing onto her arm, “Please Rose! Can I get a ride?”

“I’m sorry Zoe, we are going to Grandpa’s house and not back home,” Rose responded.

Zoe’s heart was boiling at this stage but she maintained a cool expression, and cried even louder, “I know Grandpa’s house, it’s in the same road as the house I’m going to. I have a very important meeting, Please help me!” She was still grabbing onto her arm and causing a scene.

Rose sighed, feeling defeated.  ‘I expected Ethan to refuse because we are already late, but I guess he’s happy about meeting the love of his life and spending some more time together!’

“Okay then,” Rose responded and Zoe’s tears immediately dried as she jumped for joy like she had just won a lottery.

“Thank you! Rose, I’m so sorry for the trouble!” Zoe exclaimed.

“No Problem-” Before the full sentence could even leave her mouth, Zoe was already rushing to the front seat.

Rose stared in disbelief and hoped that Ethan would ask Zoe to sit at the back instead, but he only looked at her and said, “Let’s go.”

Her heart squeezed and felt like she had been stabbed in the gut. Rose was astonished as she looked at the arrangement. She was looking like a third wheel!

“My seat belt is stuck, Please help me, Ethan!” Zoe complained.

Without hesitation, Ethan reached over and placed the seat belt carefully on Zoe and Rose felt like she was being constantly slapped on the face.

‘The seat belt was just fine and now it’s stuck?’ She couldn’t believe how conniving Zoe truly was. But it hurt to see how tender and caring Ethan was to Zoe. He just did all she asked without question or complaint.

Tears began to cloud her eyes and her mood darkened but she pushed them back, she didn’t want to look like a cacoon when she arrived.

Soon they were back on the road when Zoe turned to Ethan and gently brushed his shoulder, “Ethan, do you remember how we used to be naughty when we were younger?” She giggled before she continued, “This is the same road we would always use when going-”

Ethan had noticed the darkened mood on Rose and he wondered what was causing it but he knew talking about how he would sneak around to make out with his first love would annoy anyone,

 “That’s enough, Zoe,” Ethan said coldly. 

“Ohh, why? Is it because of Rose? It’s just memory lane!” Zoe laughed, “Rose do you get jealous so easily?” Zoe mocked.

Rose was boiling at this point and didn’t have any energy to play nice, “ One day when you have a husband even an inch closer to mine, you’ll understand that Jealousy comes quite easily!”

Zoe was taken aback because she wasn't expecting such a strong comeback. She kept quiet the rest of the ride but she had other plans forming in her head.

Once they reached the address Zoe gave Ethan, Rose stepped out of the car at the same time she did.

“Thank you, Ethan! You always save me when I need you!” She said through the window.

“You’re welcome,” Ethan responded without looking up still typing something on his phone.

Zoe felt victorious and her plan to taste if he still cared had worked, she turned around when Rose blocked her way and stepped forward ice in her tone, “You’re welcome Zoe, but next time you get a ride from a married man, make sure you know your place and sit at the back.”

With that, Rose opened the door and sat back in front leaving Zoe’s mouth hanging open like a fish gasping for air.