Chapter 50

Writer's POV

15 hours ago...

Elena, Ethan's mother, sat at the beach staring at the sea but not really seeing it. The waves clashed fiercely at the shore like always. And for some reason, the waves resembled Elena's sadness.

With a sigh, she opened the bag beside her and brought out a small piece of paper.

Today was Elena's birthday. But since past few years, it has been only her on her birthday. Since her husband's death, at least. No one else even remembers her birthday. At least not the people she likes.

Before, she had everything. Her family fought with each other to wish her first on her birthday and now no one even remembers her birthday.

She sighed before looking down at the piece of paper and a short genuine smile greeted her lips.

It was a birthday greeting Ethan made for her birthday when he was ten. His messy handwriting and flawed portrait of her is the only comfort she got right now. She reminisced the moment she cherished in her heart.

Ten-year-old Ethan ran into the dining room where his mom and dad were having breakfast.

Seeing their little bundle of joy running towards them, Elena and William laughed looking at each other.

"Mom, happy birthday" Ethan came towards Elena and jumped in her arms making her laugh.

"Happy birthday to the best mom in the world." Ethan spoke with a huge grin hugging his mother tight.

"Thank you, my sweetheart." Elena's eyes welled looking at her sweet son. He looks so proud of himself that he remembers her birthday and she can see the love for her in his eyes.

"Did I wish you first, mom? Tell me I wished you first." Ethan looked up giving her puppy eyes and who can deny that adorable face. Definitely not Elena.

"Yes baby, you wished me first." She lied ignoring the fake glare from her husband. It's her son. She can lie a bit if it makes him happy.

"Yay!!!" Ethan jumped in his place hugging his mom tighter than before.

"Mom, I made something for you." he pulled back from the hug to look at his mother and before she could even ask him, he ran away from the room and returned a minute later with something in his hands.

Ethan stood in front of his mother and showed his mother, his creation that he did sneakily in his room last night, past his bedtime.

Elena frowned for a moment before taking the paper from his hands and looked at it. It was a drawing of Elena where she was kissing Ethan on the cheek while William stood a few feet away with a camera in his hand, as if he is clicking their picture.

The drawing was not perfect at all, it was a very flawed drawing but it still warmed Elena's heart. It felt like that was the best gift she has received till now. The happy birthday to the best mom note at the bottom of the page brought a huge grin on her face. William smiled at Ethan's love for his mother.

"This is so beautiful, dear. I love it." Elena spoke cherishing the birthday card in her hands and Ethan smiled proudly at her words.

"It's beautiful. but Ethan, is this me?" William laughed looking at himself in the paper where he looked like a balloon with a face and short hair.

"Dad, don't laugh!!!" Ethan complained while William continued laughing.

"Will!" Listening to Elena, he stopped laughing and crouched in front of his son.

"Fine. I'm sorry. It was beautiful, son." William spoke before ruffling Ethan's hair.

"Dad, you know, I wished mom first on her birthday" He spoke with a proud face and before his father could answer, he spoke again.

"See mom, I love you the most. Not even dad loves you as much as I do."

"Now now, a honest boy never lies, Ethan. Who said I don't love your mother. I love her more than you."

"No dad. I love her more." Ethan argued.

"Yes, yes, you both love me, and I love you two. Are we good now?"

Ethan hugged her mom tight again before whispering...

"Happy birthday, mom... I love you."

A soft smile graced Elena's lips at the memory. She looked down and stared at the greeting she still safe-kept after all these years.

Ethan stood a few feet away from her and watched her stare fondly at some paper in her lap. For the first time, he took the much needed steps and walked towards his mother.

Ethan suspected a change in Lauren's behavior and had her followed and that's how he got to know the whole truth about her father. He couldn't believe Lauren's father could do something like that to his. Her mother was never his favourite but he always had respect for her father. And all that respect and admiration he had for him crumbled down in seconds with one truth reveal.

Elena was still deep in thoughts when another presence came and sat beside her on the bench and when she turned sideways to glance at the intruder, her eyes widened a bit looking at the new presence.

Ethan was silent staring at the sea before looking at her mother, who was once his whole world and she still owns a part of his heart. The anger vanished away. The revenge lost its tangent along the way. Only regrets greeted him right now. Mistakes are like that part you would want to get rid of but can't. Decisions, consequences of the decisions caught up to him.

He can't even look at his mother in the eyes without feeling ashamed. The shame was too much for him and he deserved it, rightfully, in some way. But who would want to feel that way? So useless that he can't even look at his mother like he want. How can any son treat a mother like he did. The universe works in mysterious ways and it always brings you back what you give.

Ethan sat beside her on the bench unsure and completely guilty to even show his face. Elena couldn't believe her own eyes looking at the intruder sitting beside her. Her son who hated her with passion sitting beside her felt far from reality. She can't be that lucky, she wondered.

Ethan looked down taking a deep breath before lifting his eyes and look at his mother. The frown and disbelief on her face made him feel even more guilty.

Elena looked at the blue eyes which looks exactly like hers. Tears pooled in her eyes looking at the son whom she missed watching all the time.

"Mom..." Ethan mustered up his courage before uttering the word out. The word felt a bit odd at the begin but had that familiarity in it. It is strange how a single word can make us feel all homely and safe. The word mom alone carry many feelings.

Elena froze for a moment listening to the word she craved all this years to hear from Ethan. It's been years since he called her mom. Years since she got that warm feeling in her heart at that word. Ethan has always been her best friend, her whole world since she brought him to this world. And it felt like she lost everything and everyone once her husband died. And her son became a stranger leaving her all alone.

Him calling her mom after years brought life back to her. A tiny hope of happiness fluttered in her eyes. This reality felt too dreamy to be real.

"Ethan-"

Elena spoke with tears in her eyes and traced Ethan's face with her eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Elena frowned at Ethan's words. When she stayed silent, he took a deep breath before continuing.

"I-I I don't know, mom. I just am so sorry for everything I did. I am so sorry for everything you went through because of me."

"Ethan, What happened, my son?"

"Nothing. I just realized how wrong I was. How terrible I behaved with you... How bad of a son I was. I was a horrible son. You were the best mother and I treated you horrible, I'm sorry."

Tears streamed down Ethan's cheeks and the emotions inside him made it hard for him to even utter words. His throat felt clogged and heart heavy. Nothing can comfort him at this point. Nothing could justify the way he treated Elena. No amount of apology can make up for the hate he showed to her.

"Ethan, look at me." Elena spoke lifting his head up by grabbing his chin. It was difficult for Ethan to even hold an eye contact with Elena. He felt like he is unworthy to even breathe the same air as the woman sitting beside him.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for everything, mom. I can't even look at you anymore. I feel so horrible. I'm sorry-"

"Ethan... Ethan, look at me." Elena's heart hurt looking at the tears in her sweet son's eyes. Seeing Ethan break down in front of her hurt her. His words are healing her but his tears are breaking her heart bit by bit. "I forgive you." Elena spoke the words resting her hand on his cheek and wiped the tears.

Ethan frowned at his mother's words and his heart couldn't take the kindness of his mother. He treated her worse than an enemy. He hated her with passion. He hurt her at every chance he got. He did everything a son should never do. And yet...here she is, forgiving him easily for everything. For every wrong he did.

"No.. No, mom. You can't forgive me that easily. I don't deserve that. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I don't deserve it. Hit me, mom. Yell at me. Hate me like I did. I was an horrible son to you, please don't treat me right. I don't deserve your kindness. I don't deserve your love. Nothing."

He fell on his knees in front of her and broke down completely. Defenseless. Too guilty to even look at her.

"Ethan, It's okay, dear. You finally came back to me. I am just happy for that. I'm your mother, dear, I can forgive you for everything you did to me. You being here is the only thing that makes me happy and has always will. I forgive you, son. I love you with all my heart."

Ethan threw his arms around Elena and hugged her tight. Elena's heart lifted with happiness at the way Ethan hugged her and she patted his back providing him much needed comfort. They stayed like that, seeking each other's comfort and love that they missed for years.

"I'm so sorry, mom."

***

PRESENT TIME...

Ethan and Lauren stood at the far ends of the large glass window which resides in Ethan's office... Lauren was staring ahead and so was Ethan.

The silence was wrapped around them like a bubble while the thoughts in their head has their own brain thinking of evrything and anything.

Neither spoke a word.

The silence has never been awkward before and neither was now. But the silence has always been their comfort before but now it felt like a test that neither of them have prepared before.

It was strange. It was new.

A lot of questions in their minds, some they know the answer and some, they are afraid to know the answer.

"How did you know?"

Inhaling a deep breath, Lauren broke the thick silence turning sideways to face Ethan.

He was silent for a moment, standing tall and facing straight looking out.

His silence hurt her. The fact that he didn't actually speak anything to her even once since they were alone, made her feel even more terrible. Just when Lauren thought he isn't going to answer her question, he opened his mouth.

"Why did you never tell me?" He asked her still not looking towards her.

Lauren took a deep breath to answer his question and calm her nerves down, but when things explode, there's no coming back.

"I was scared." She answered finally and her response made him look at her.

"Of me?" He asked her, making a ridiculous face.

"No. But of the consequences."

"It doesn't justify you keeping this a secret, Lauren." He looked away from Lauren.

"I didn't know what to do." Lauren whispered looking down. She knows that her reason does not seem accountable at all but she has no other option expect telling him what she feels.

"You could have said something to me..." he spoke again.

"Could I really? Its about your father, Ethan. You cut your ties with your mother for what happened with your father. You didn't even give your mother a chance to explain. Do you really think that I would have expected anything from you when it comes to your father." Lauren blurted out everything she felt inside her heart.

"I agree..." Ethan spoke taking a deep breath to calm the inner storm of emotions before continuing speaking. "I agree now that whatever I did with my mother was a mistake. An unforgivable sin. I realize that now... Trust me, I do. I was immature and closed off with my mother." He stopped to look at her properly and the pain in his heart was reflected in his eyes. "But we were different Lauren. We had freedom in our relationship" He whispered the last part.

"Yes. we had freedom in our relationship. But freedom with boundaries. Freedom with limitations. And your father was one of them. I never pushed you to open up about your father to me. I waited for you to speak yourself. I never asked any questions about your past with your father, Ethan. You know why?"

Ethan stayed silent while Lauren waited for him to answer something or anything that could make her feel better even slightly. When he did nothing, she spoke again.

"Because your father's death is still a fresh wound on your heart. It never stopped bleeding. And my father's secret was like salt on the wound. I know I should have said this to you, but I was selfish and afraid. You can call me weak or pathetic but the fact is, I was scared to lose you." She spoke the last part looking at him in the eyes hoping for him to actually see her. To see the love she has for him. And only him.

"So, you thought hiding this from me forever is the solution?" Ethan cut her off before she could talk anymore. He needed to know what ran in her mind for her to hide this thing. He thought they were past the trust issues phase in their relationship. Then why are they here now?

"What? Of course not." She spoke and her eyes couldn't hold back the tears anymore.

"Then what is it? What do you call what you did?"

Lauren stared at Ethan while he waited anxiously for her answer. He was waiting for an answer and she doesn't have one. At least not a proper one.

"I don't know, honestly. I just wanted to have some time to think first and I was gonna to tell you. I wouldn't keep it a secret forever. And I was too ashamed of everything that has happened."

She looked away from him because speaking those words brought back the guilt for what her father did.

"What?" Ethan looked at her trying to keep his calm and composure but her every word is flipping his world upside down. It's a roller coaster of emotions at this point.

"I couldn't look at you after knowing what my father did. I destroyed your whole life. My father was the reason for many messed up lives, Ethan. I love you with all my heart but you don't know what this truth did to me." She finally lifted her eyes and Ethan's heart stopped for a moment looking at the expression on her face. She had tears in her eyes and her lips quivered with every word she spoke. Her silent cries shook her whole body and the complete defeat on her face only broke his composure further.

"I feel guilty. I was heartbroken for you. I felt like I wronged all of you. I felt like my whole life was a lie, Ethan." At this point, he just wanted to pull her closer and hug her to keep her away from everything that was hurting her. He will die thousand times rather than letting her what she feels right now.

"And I couldn't bring that fate upon you. You don't deserve that. You will only see my father's face every time you see me. I will only remind you of my father's betrayal and I didn't like that. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for eveything, Ethan."

Lauren wiped her tears, looking away from him. Because if she looks at him anymore, she will not think twice before throwing her arms around him and cry all she wants. But she knew where they both stand right now and although she hates her next words, she spoke them with a sigh.

"And I can understand if you don't want to be with me anymore. The ball is in your court, Ethan. I am fine with anything you want. We can even apply for mutual divorce if you wan-"

"Divorce? Where did this come from?"

"I thought you would want after everything that has happened. My father did terrible things and messed up your whole family and I feel guilty and I'm sorry for everything my father did."

"Right... It was your father who betrayed mine, who wronged my family. It wasn't you. Why are you feeling guilty, Lauren?"

"I thought-"

"And divorce? Is it that easy for you to say that word? Do you seriously think I can live without you? I would rather kill myself than live a life without you, Lauren." Ethan spoke staring at Lauren intensely while the latter looked like she is hurting and also healing at the same times with his words.

"I once lost my mother and I don't think I could ever bring myself out from that guilt. I'm not going to repeat my mistake again. I can't afford to do that. I can't survive the guilt this time." Ethan whispered while a tear escaped his eyes and streamed down his cheek.

"But Ethan, my father-"

"You are not your father, Lauren. You are you. You are Lauren. You are also my wife. Not just your father's daughter. And you don't have to owe me anything for your father's mistake."

"But-"

"I know that he is still your father and you love him a lot. After everything that has happened you still will love him. But I need you, Lauren. I love you and you know it. I am ready to not associate you with your father's deed, Lauren. Are you ready to move past that and live with me?"

"Are you ready to love me forever?" He asked her and Lauren couldn't believe his words. She wanted to listen the same words from him and he spoke them. He finally did and she could wish for nothing more.

"Forever?" She asked him with a huge smile and wiping her tears to look at him clearly.

"Forever" He nodded his head with a smile, holding her hands afraid that he might just lose her for something.

She nodded her head before throwing her whole weight on him by looping his arms around her. She closed her eyes seeking the warmth of his while Ethan tightened his grip around her.

He pulled back before grabbing her face and crashing his lips to hers pulling in for a kiss.

Whatever may come, he is never going to let her go... and neither is she.

***

3 months later...

Three months have passed in a blur.

The days went on slowly at the beginning after everything that went down the hill. It was too much to cope for everyone. It was a huge baggage to carry every day. But slowly, the burden started lightening up. Or maybe they just got used to the mountain on their backs.

Whatever it is, life fell back into a routine again. Three months ago, life was chaotic. Secrets were revealed, misunderstandings were resolved, past relationships rekindled and a lot of drama unfolded.

Ethan filed a lawsuit against Olivia for fraud and charge of extortion and she was charged with a penalty of one million dollars. She is still gritting her teeth for the penalty while roaming around courts to find some other solution.

No one felt bad for what she got. She deserved it. She tried to ruin Ethan. She tried ruining everyone's lives but they all are partly grateful for her, that they finally got to know about the truth. She might be smart but people like her will always dig their own grave.

And when it comes to Lauren's father, Ethan did nothing. He gave the choice to his mother. Because his father's death hurt her the most. She was completely ruined and it's only fair Elena gets the choice.

He expected her to send Lauren's father to prison or sue him, ruining his good reputation but Elena did nothing like that. The truth broke her apart and yet she did nothing to him. She let him go saying it was all in the past. She didn't forgive him nor forget what he did, she just chose not to take revenge. She was tired and mentally exhausted at this point. Although Ethan wanted to do exact opposite of what his mother did, he chose to respect his mother's decision. And the fact that he is still Lauren's father made him contemplate his decision.

And Lauren, she didn't meet her father since then. She never talked to him again. It hurt her to not talk to her father, but she still chose to stay away from him. Lauren is grateful that Elena and Ethan didn't send him to prison or something although she never asked them to.

Her mother apologized to her later for the way she treated her since childhood. And her mother's only excuse for her behavior was that she never knew Lauren felt that way. Yeah, sure. No matter how deeply she regret her actions or how her sincere her apology is, it doesn't change how Lauren felt all those years. It doesn't bring back what she lost in her whole childhood.

Lauren and Ethan stood with each other and supported each other at their highest and their lowest points in life. It was hard sometimes but they acted as each other's anchor during difficult times.

They are currently siting in their living room while Ryan, Chris, Eva and Alice sat in the same room.

"So, what's all this about?" Ryan was the first to speak as soon as everyone sat in the living room.

Their near and dear are all here, Lauren was happy although she missed her parents a bit. But all for better, she thought.

"It's been so long since we met, so we planned a dinner." Lauren spoke smiling at Ethan who reciprocated her action.

"It's been so long. Hasn't it?" Eva spoke while Ryan pulled her closer on the couch they are sitting. Ryan and Eva are still going strong in their relationship. He even met Isabella, Eva's mother, once.

"It is. It's been three months." Alice spoke as if it has been decades instead of months while everyone else rolled their eyes except Ryan who agreed with her.

Alice sat on the couch while Milo, the golden retriever who is almost 4 months old now sat beside her while she petted his head.

Chris sat across her who stared at Alice as if this is last time he is going to see her. Well, a small surprise there, they both started dating out of nowhere. It all started since Lauren's birthday in that cottage house. They didn't tell about their little relationship to anyone till the others caught them both one day kissing in Alice's house while Eva was away to meet her mother. Although, it wasn't a shock, it still surprised everyone and the whole night no one stopped teasing them both of their little affair.

"You speak like it's been decades, Miller." Ethan spoke casually.

"I wasn't speaking to you, Kingston." Alice rolled her eyes at him giving a tight lipped smile.

"Do you think I care?"

"You should, given that I'm your wife's bestie."

"Please you are still stuck in your teenage era." Ethan rolled his eyes while Ryan laughed at Alice. Chris just looked so done with their conversation.

"Lauren!" Alice complained to Lauren sending daggers through her eyes.

"Ethan..." Lauren sighed looking at her husband who really enjoys poking her friend here and there. They really bully each other.

Ethan just laughed at Alice's face and Chris shook his head at their banter. Ethan and Alice hates each other with passion. I think it's because they both love Lauren a lot and want her for themselves. A silly, weird obsession you could say. But they all know it's nothing serious.

"So, what's all this about?" Chris spoke finally while Eva agreed with him.

They all waited patiently turning towards Lauren and Ethan. Ethan had a small smile and Lauren's face was glowing with a huge grin while they both stared at each other giving lovey-dovey eyes to each other.

"I'm pregnant."

Lauren blurted out with a shrug and at that moment, everyone's expressions were worth taking a picture. If that wasn't a serious moment, Lauren would have been rolling on the floor laughing at their faces.

Only Elena has known about the pregnancy till now. She was very happy and excited that she couldn't stop talking about the things she would do for the baby. Elena missed all this throughout the years. But Ethan is putting his efforts trying to make it up to her and his efforts are enough for her. Elena and Ethan's relationship grew stronger with each passing day. Lauren finally got the sweet encouraging mother in Elena, she never had before and Lauren couldn't love Elena anymore than she does right now. Lauren and Ethan meet Elena frequently if not daily. They three become a small another family.

Eva was the first to break the silence.

"Oh my god, congratulations you two. I'm so happy for you." She spoke hugging Lauren and Ethan with a big smile and moist gathered in her eyes looking at her brother.

Eva was happy at how far her brother has come. Whenever she sees him, she only sees a little boy who did eveything to make his baby sister happy. The way he loved her so selflessly and endlessly warmed her heart. And now, the little boy is going to become a father.

"Wait..." Alice spoke putting back the cookie she wanted to eat but didn't because of the shock.

"Man.. you're going to be a dad?" Chris asked with widened eyes before congratulating them both.

"Does that mean I'm going to be an aunt?" Eva spoke with a huge grin barely containing her happiness.

"Yes, you are." Lauren spoke nodding her head.

"Oh my god, wait. You are pregnant. You both are going to be parents. It means you are going to be a mom soon Lauren. I'm so happy. I love you a lot." Alice started her ramble with tears in her eyes.

Alice has been there with Lauren since they started taking their first steps as children. She saw Lauren's every moment and has always been there for her even without asking. Seeing her best friend grow into a beautiful woman and now soon to become a beautiful mother warmed Alice's heart.

"I'm so so happy for you, Lauren." Alice hugged her best friend tightly while others had a small smile looking at their friendship. Alice gave a smile to Lauren before turning towards Ethan.

"I'm happy for you too." Alice spoke with an attitude before giving Ethan a hug while the latter rolled his eyes at her attitude but hugged her nonetheless with a smile. Alice walked back towards Chris and hugged him tight unable to control her excitement anymore.

"Congratulations mommy and daddy." Ryan spoke throwing his arms around Lauren and Ethan at the same time and crushing them tightly. Ethan tried pushing Ryan away while Lauren smiled at Ryan's actions.

"So, a boy or a girl?" He asked excitedly wriggling his eyebrows and others waited curiously for their answer.

"We don't know that yet. It's going to be a surprise I guess." Lauren spoke and Ethan agreed with her.

"It's such a happy moment. Why don't we all click a picture together?" Chris spoke shocking everyone to their core. Chris has always been a president for anti-picture committee and listening those words from his mouth is surely a surprise.

"You and a picture in a single sentence?" Ryan asked with a shocked face while Chris shook his head at everyone's over reaction.

"Let's just do it quick before he changes his mind." Alice spoke with a huge smile before searching for a camera.

Alice placed the camera and set the timer for ten seconds and came back to stand in front of the picture where everyone else already stood in their positions before the camera.

"Guys, a small surprise..." Ethan spoke and just as camera was going to click a picture he spoke again.

"Lauren cooked today's dinner!" And at that very moment camera clicked the picture capturing all their precious reactions.

Chris had a frown at Ethan's words while Eva seemed unsure of her future. Alice had a face which screamed why-does-these-things-happen-to-me. Ryan just looked traumatized at Ethan's words. Lauren glared at Ethan for telling them about her cooking already, while Ethan gave her puppy eyes holding his ear in an apology. Lauren wanted to surprise them while Ethan wanted to warn them. And lastly... Milo, the golden retriever, just had a big smile looking at the camera, as if he is just happy to be included in the picture.

And this is the tale of two people who started with wrong foot but found a common ground along the way. So many misunderstandings, imperfections and personal issues but together, they surpassed every obstacle creating a happy, safe home with their friends and family.

Life surely is going to reward you with happiness someday. And the only task for us is to survive each day with a tiny hope.

And maybe, this little life is not that bad after all...

Author's notes

Finally....

The number of times I got stuck and couldn't complete this chapter... But I did it at last.

Please vote, comment and share.

I will upload the Epilogue soon and thanks a lot for everyone who reads my book.