Chapter 21: Actions and Consequences

Susan's POV

“Ethan, please I need you to promise me you won't get mad at me after the confession.

It might as well get you upset, and I wouldn't want that to happen,” I begged Ethan.

I prepared his mind for the big stage. That way, he doesn't get surprised after listening to me.

After pleading with him not to get mad at me after the confession, I realized how stupid I sounded.

That was one of the dumbest requests I ever made.

I should know better than to trust the loyalty of a man who reeks of desperation.

How can I demand such from an angry man?

The way he expressed his anger, he might as well defeat a battalion of soldiers without a scratch on his skin.

“Cross my heart, Susan.

We both know I can never lie to you. You can trust me on this one.

I promise to act accordingly. Just spill.

You know I can never do anything to hurt you,” Ethan assured me with a soft tone.

How he went from being a wild cat to a cool sheep baffles me.

I knew his actions weren't genuine. He only said that to trick me into speaking.

I cleared my throat and gulped my saliva before going to hide behind Paul.

He's the only one that can stop Ethan from hitting me after the confession.

“So Paul and I went to Maria's house to plead for your release.

She asked us to sign the court restraining order document against you and we did.

That was the only way she could sanction your freedom,” I explained.

Immediately, I went on both knees to plead for Ethan's forgiveness.

I didn't have to wait for him to speak first.

He was speechless for a while.

He faced the ground most of the time as though he were crying.

What I said might have messed with his brain.

I was hoping he wouldn't lose his sanity. That's too much for one person to handle.

I stood off the ground and took a few steps away from him just to ensure my safety. The next few minutes weren't predictable.

Slowly, he lifted his head and looked in our direction. His eyes have become reddish.

He was starting to look like a wolf yearning to launch an attack on his prey.

“So are you saying that you…" Ethan stuttered at every attempt to speak.

The words suddenly became too heavy for his lips.

“Are you saying I won't have access to Maria or the kids?

Is this what it's all about? Please don't lie to me. Tell me what I need to know,” He finally found a way to speak.

“Yes, Ethan. I apologize for going against your will.

You warned me about this and I disappointed you.

I hope I can make amends,” I added with an apology.

My apologies were left unattended.

I couldn't tell what was running through Ethan's mind, but I bet they weren't cool.

He must be plotting something evil against me, I guess.

What he might do to me would not be televised

Maria is a fucking billionaire.

She doesn't joke with her kids and will do everything to protect them," I explained.

“To hell with her stupid wealth.

I don't want to hear shit about that.,” Ethan yelled at me to stop me from speaking.

“Who gives a fuck about her wealth and new identity? She ain't got nothing on me.

Maria can still be manipulated. She can't be smarter than I am,” Ethan buttressed.

He seemed so confident of getting the kids back despite the lack of concrete evidence.

“Your wife is right, Ethan.

You have got to listen to her and stop fooling around.

It's obvious you're not making any sense,” Paul stepped in.

You aren't sure if the kids are yours. You haven't even conducted a DNA test yet.

I advise you to forget about Maria and move on with your life," Paul advised Ethan and spoke in my favor.

I loved the way he approached the situation.

He might not be a man of many words, but he makes so much sense each time he decides to speak.

“Paul, even you?”

Ethan shook his head sideways regretfully

“Whose side are you on? You should take sides with me.

I can't believe you could say that to my face. What are we cousins for?” Ethan lamented.

He was disappointed in Paul for supporting me.

“I love you as my cousin but we just gotta be honest with ourselves.

You're fighting a lost battle. Let go of this shit and return to the company,” Paul added.

“Fuck you, Paul.

I could have stood a chance if it weren't for your stupidity.

You and Susan brought me into this mess.

You allowed yourselves to be fooled by Maria. And now you want to play the victim card? Damn you!” Ethan blasted Paul.

He wasn't looking in my direction anymore.

It was so unfortunate that Paul took the fall for me.

I felt so guilty seeing Ethan treat him like that. I had every reason to intervene.

However, I decided to step aside and let the two men handle the situation their own way.

The fact that Ethan didn't previously hurt me doesn't guarantee my safety this time.

From the way he spoke to Paul like a nobody, I won't be surprised if Paul does nothing while Ethan hits me hard.

“So you're trying to blame me for everything?

Is this the motherfucking thanks I get for coming through for my cousin?

Same thing your parents can't do for you?” Paul fired back at Ethan after the long wait.

It was starting to look like a thug of war when Ethan approached Paul with a powerful punch.

I was afraid that they might hurt themselves.

That's the first time I'll witness them argue like that. And it all happened because of me.

“How dare you speak about my parents in such a manner?

One more word from you and your teeth will be scattered on the ground.” Ethan threatened Paul.