Chapter 5 ~ Uninvited guest

“Oh, my beautiful granddaughter inlaw! How I’ve missed you!” Anderson pulled Rose into a tight hug.

Anderson Sinclair was Ethan’s grandfather who was in his late 60s. He was the founder of the S and Partners Group and Rose’s biggest fan. In fact, he played a crucial role for Ethan to end up marrying her.

“Hello, Grandpa. I’m sorry I haven’t visited you as often as I should, I’ll do better.” Rose smiled as she peeled from the warm embrace.

Anderson waved it off, “Don’t mind that. What’s important is that you’re here now!” He pulled Rose along to the dining table where the rest of the family members were already sitting.

“Rose dear, it’s good to see you,” Georgina said with a smile as she walked in with a tray of food and placed it on the table. 

“Hello, mum., Dad, Jane.” Rose smiled at them all as she took a seat that Ethan held open for her.

“You should visit us more often Ethan, I miss you a lot. Look, I even cooked the full meal myself!” Georgina explained but Ethan simply ignored her as he took a seat next to Rose.

“Do you always have to behave like a little brat, Ethan? Your mother worked hard to prepare the meal but you can’t even say thank you?” Andrew, Ethan’s father gritted his teeth.

“She’s my stepmother. Also, if you like the meal she prepared so much, then you can go ahead and have it all!” Ethan retorted.

“You!” Andrew was about to stand from his chair when Anderson stepped in.

“That’s enough, no fighting tonight! It’s a happy occasion!” 

Georgina touched her husband’s arm and smiled, “Father is right honey. Let’s not fight tonight. Besides, I know Ethan and I still have more chances in the future to grow closer.”

“You’re too kind, I don’t know why he can’t see that.” Andrew snorted but Ethan’s mood was suddenly sour. He was gripping the glass so hard that it would shatter any moment. Rose placed her hand on his, to soothe him. 

She tried even though she expected him to push her away since the hand she reached for was under the table, but to her surprise, he stiffened at first but gradually relaxed although he didn’t utter another word to his father.

Ethan’s mother died when he was young, but within three months, his father had already remarried and gotten pregnant. From then he’s never been able to meet eye to eye with his father.

“Don’t mind these wild children, my dear. How is the jewelry shop coming along? I heard you have a show coming up soon.” Anderson turned to Rose.

“It’s going great Grandpa, we’ve had incredible support over the past months and I can’t wait to show you our new designs.” Rose beamed.

“Wow, you're amazing Rose. Even if you're married, you have your own business. Unlike me, even though I graduated from college, I haven't been able to work in my family's company.” Jane said bitterly as always. 

Jane, Ethan’s half-sister didn’t like Rose at all, she was cursing and snorting in her heart the entire time Rose spoke, ‘Look at how shameless this witch is, she’s riding on our family name and yet she wants to take all the credit? Pathetic!’

“Really?” Anderson asked excitedly and ignored Jane as usual. “I need to place an order as soon as possible.”

Rose giggled, “Actually, I brought you one already. I designed it especially for you. ” 

“Oh you’re such a sweet girl, Ethan is surely lucky to have you by his side!” Anderson commented.

Rose turned to look at Ethan, who had his usual unreadable expression. She turned her head back to Anderson and added, “I have news to share with you all! But it can wait until after dinner!” 

“Well, then we better dig in! Because I want to see my watch and hear the news!” Anderson chuckled.

The table was once again silent as they began to eat. A few minutes later, they had all finished when Georgina, who was trying to remain composed pushed, “Well, dear what news did you have to share with us?” 

With a woman's intuition, Georgina almost guessed the news. She was worried that if this little slut happened to be pregnant, with Anderson’s affection for her and Ethan, their child will be the next heir. Then it will be harder for her husband, Andrew to take back the company again.

This was something she couldn't allow, so she needed to confirm the news right away!

Rose blushed, as Ethan’s gaze bore into her. She felt his hot gaze as he waited to hear the news she had to share, “It’s actually been a few weeks.” Rose began, “Grandpa, and everyone, I’m-”

DING DONG!

The doorbell made everyone’s head turn. A frown crossed their faces as they wondered who would be visiting them that time of the night. 

“Please, hold that thought. Let me quickly check who’s at the door!” Georgina said and stood. She was grateful that the doorbell had interrupted Rose. 

When she opened the door she was met with a smiling Zoe who was holding a gift in her arms.

“Good evening, Mum. I’m sorry to visit at this awkward hour.” Zoe said.

Georgina smiled as a nasty plan formed in her head. She had been looking for an opportunity for Ethan to make a mistake and what better one was there when the woman his grandfather hated showed up the night he brought his wife over,

“Not at all dear, come in!”

Zoe thanked her and walked in, as they turned to the dining table where everyone was waiting to see who was at the door, Georgina said out loud, 

“Ethan dear, you didn’t tell us you had invited Zoe over! I would have prepared more food!”