Chapter 9: Chapter 9

A week later. Hannah visits to help Isabella get ready to for the Graysons’ country club garden party.

“Ethan said his mother and step father want to meet me. Can you believe it? I'm just the supervisor, what is my business with his family?”

“There’s nothing just about you, Isabella. Besides, you said it’s a policy. Take it as you’re just going there for another interview which you will perform well.”

Isabella nodded her head “I guess that’s true. I'd better make sure I make a good impression!” Hannah grin from ear to ear. “That’s what I’m here for. Show me whatcha got baby sis.”

Hannah and Isabella dig through her closet, picking out dress after dress. After a few minutes, Hannah pulls out a long, floral sundress with a touch of elegance. “Ohmygod, this one speaks to me! His parents will love you in it. Not to mention, you'll totally fit in at a country club.”

Isabella beams, taking the dress away from her sister. “Let me try it on...”

Few moment later, Isabella walks out from the bathroom wearing the dress. She spins around so Hannah can get the full view, the skirt billowing out as she does it. “So?”

“Even I want you to be my daughter in law in that dress. You’ll have them asking ‘Madelyn who?’ By the end of the day.”

Just then the door bell interrupts Isabella from responding and she knew no doubt it was her boss. She took a deep breath before heading out of the room to answer the door. Behold, he was standing at the door step. She gave him a welcoming smile. His eyes widen slightly as he takes her in from head to toe. “Wow, you look...”

“Gorgeous? Ravishing? Stunning?” Hannah interrupted him. Isabella turns and shoots her a glare to shut up. “Oh hello, I didn't realize you had company.” Hannah gave him a smile, “I'm Hannah, Isabella’s elder sister.”

“And she was just helping me get ready. Thanks again, Hannah.” Hannah approaches her with a hug. “Trust me, it was my pleasure. I’ll get out of your hair now. Good luck.” Hannah waves and steps out of the house.

He guides her to the car. “Let me guess, David doesn't work weekends?” He opened the front door for her. He smiled as he shook his head. “We’re going to go pick up Madelyn now.” Isabella nodded her head, and turned her gaze away from him.

After they set to his parent country club garden. Isabella tries to focus on the beautiful sight outside but Ethan's whispered conversation with Madelyn drifts to her. “You know how my mother feels about tabloids. They're not going to be happy that our engagement leaked like that.”

Madelyn glared at him. “I don't get what the big deal is. It’s not like they didn't want us to get married.” She responded in a hush tone. Ethan sighs, frustrated before the day even starts. “Just because my mother and step dad are being polite doesn't mean they aren't pissed too.”

Isabella casually edge forwards so she could hear better. “You don't know my parents like I do. Image is all that matter to them.”

Madelyn rolls her eyes. “I can’t imagine a more perfect image than two people from impeccable families coming together, can you?” Sounds like image is all that matters to Madelyn.

“No one is above reproach. Our engagement was announced via tabloid. I can't say it enough.”

Madelyn groans, raising her voice. “But Liam’s ex girlfriend can crash New Year’s party, grab the mic, and tell him off in front of the entire club?”

“They've always held me to a different standard than Liam. You know that, Madelyn.”

“Well, it sounds to me like you're overreacting.”

The conversation comes to a stop as Ethan pulls the car into the country club. Isabella hesitated before stepping out of the car. She starts walking as Madelyn walks past her further into the garden. Isabella pauses when she notice Ethan lingering by the car.

“Are you coming, Ethan?” He heaved a desolate sigh. “You can go ahead. I need some fresh air, I think.” Ethan waves and sets off around the corner. She glances at the front of the country club. It looked like Ethan could use a friend at that moment, Isabella thought. And she wasn't exactly anxious to meet his parent without him.

She turns and heads to where she saw Ethan followed. She finally track him down in the country club’s private garden. But he's so lost in thought that he doesn’t hear her walk up. “Ethan? Everything alright?” He heard her voice. He turned, gaping at her. “Isabella? Of course. Everything’s fine.”

“Oh yeah? That was really convincing.” Ethan smiles sheepishly as he makes room for her on the bench. “That obvious, huh?”

“To me, yes. I mean, your parents have been gone for months, and a lot has changed. It can't be easy to have to face them after... everything.”

Ethan shakes his head almost in disbelief, before turning to look out over the water. “I’ll never understand how you can know me so well after such short time.”

She shoots him a teasing look, smiling. “Well, you're a hard person to ignore.” He looks at her, already feeling the desire to have her in his arms. “Oh? What makes you say that, Ms. Jonathan?”

“Common, look at you.” She gestures to him, taking in his brooding eyes luscious lips, letting her gaze wander lower and lower. “It’s so hard not to stare.”

Ethan chuckles, looking more relaxed than he has all day. “So... are you going to tell me more? Or do I have to keep guessing?” She asked casually, turning to scan through the garden.

“As amusing as that would be...” Ethan trails off, sighing softly. “Honestly, I do want to talk to you, but I probably shouldn't.” He shrugs it off.

“Says who?” He gave her a little smile before responding. “Polite society?” She looks around again, waving her hands exaggeratedly. “I don't see any ‘polite society’ here, or do you?”

Ethan chuckles softly. “Isabella.” He was close to opening up, she could sense it. Just needs a little nudge. “Here, let me help you relax.” She moves to stand behind him and rub against his muscles with her thumbs. “Oh... mygod! That feels amazing.”

She continues to massage him, letting his moans guide her. She feels him melt against her touch as her fingers work wonder. “You can tell me anything, Ethan. I'm not going to judge. I'm not going to tell. I'm just going to listen.”

“I think that’s exactly what I need... Madelyn has been badgering me about my mood all morning, but she just seems annoyed I'm not acting right.” Isabella nodded, trying to understand what he said. “Her style of comforting doesn't exactly make her easy to open up to.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s an understatement.”

“From what I head in the car, it sounds like you think your parents are going to be mad about the engagement?” He nodded his head, melancholic. “Among other things.”

“Don't tell me your mother doesn't approve of Madelyn. I thought she basically handpicked her for you?”

“She did, her and Liam’s father. When we were younger. I think they figured the time for us to be together was long gone when I showed no interest in getting married. I was so focused on my company, I never looked at Madelyn that way, as a partner.”

Isabella’s face fell. “Then, why?”

“It’s not really about me and Madelyn. I mean, I'd definitely hoped that my parents would be in good mood because of the news, especially my mother, but...” He swings his eyes back to her as she moves to sit beside him again. “I think I'm more nervous abut them meeting you than anything else. And I've never been nervous about my mother meeting any of my new employees.”

“Me?” She gapes her eyes at him. “I can't explain why it means so much to me that they like you.... But it does.” The enormity of Ethan’s confession settles over her. “Oh”

He heaves a desolate sigh. “Exactly. Oh.”

“Are you that certain that they won't like me? I might get fired right?”

“I honestly don't know. They could go either way, and that’s what worries me. I can't make a plan without more data. I hope they see what I see.” He finish talking with a smile on his face. “And what’s that?” She questions. “A strong, beautiful woman with an incredible mind. Not to mentions great with supervising.” Ethan reaches out to cup her cheeks, and lean she leans into his touch. “Well, lucky for you, I'm incredibly lovable too. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Ethan couldn't hold back the chuckle. “You have won over almost everyone in your oath so far.”

“If it’s important you you that your parents like me, I'll win them over too. And don't worry... everything will work out as long as we’ve got each other’s backs, we’ll be good.”

He heaves a sigh of relief, smiling. “You know, your optimism is infectious.” Ethan stands and offers her a hand. “Thank you, Isabella. You always know what to say.”

Ethan helps her to her feet, then she steps forward to wrap her arms around him. “I’m always happy to help.” His arms loops around her, holding her flush against him. Her eyelids flutter close as she saver his nearness, his warmth. “I don't know what I'd do without you, Isabella.” Ethan’s words were whispered, so quiet she’s not even sure if she heard them right.

She doesn't know what she’d do without him either.

She’s wasn't sure how long she has been wrapped up in his embrace when a bird flutters through the tree above them, the noise breaking the trance. “We should probably head in.”she pulls aways immediately, remembering where they were. “Feeling better?” He beams brightly. “Actually, yes. Like I can take on a the whole Grayson clan at once.”

“Then my work here is done.”

Ethan leads her through the country club and up to the exclusive rooftop garden.

They cross the rooftop to join Ethan’s family. Isabella looked at the stately man and woman as Madelyn hovers close behind. “Mom, dad, this is Isabella Jonathan. Isabella, this is my mother and step father. Henry and Lauren.” Lauren scanned Isabella from head to toe before speaking. “It’s nice to officially meet you.” She held a stoic expression, making it hard to tell wether she was nice or not.

“Hmm. Hello.” Henry said, nonchalantly. If he could convince his wife, Isabella wasn't the right person for the job. He preferred one of his brother’s to be working there, not Ethan’s choice, who happen to be the owner of the company and has the right to choose whoever he wants.

“It’s nice meeting you too.” Lauren looked at her briefly and nodded her head trying to smiling but failed. “Isabella is such a blessing to have around the company. Really knows how to handle her work.” Madelyn smirks at her.

“She’s a lot more than that. I can’t remember when last I was satisfied with a worker, well after Tyler.” His mother smiled at him. She loved seeing her eldest and only son smiling. “Such a high praise from the CEO.”

“And, I love your dress. We were just in Italy, and your outfit looks like it could've come directly from the runways of Milan.”

Isabella smiled, almost heaving a sigh of relief at Lauren’s comment. “Thank you! I thought it’s be perfect for such a special occasion.”

“As, yes. Today is a special occasion, since Lauren and I weren't able to attend Ethan and Madelyn’s engagement party in person.” Lauren gapes at Henry. “Dear, I thought we agreed not to bring this up...”

Ethan shoots him a glare. “As I said before, we though it best to move the date up after the tabloids leaked the news. And you could've been there If you hadn't extended your business trip a third time.”

“It sounds like the tabloids are really to blame. They can be such vultures. No respect for privacy.” Isabella chirped in, making Lauren more impressed with her. “You're exactly right, Isabella. This engagement was a dream come true and they ruined it. Oh look, Madelyn. Your mother and brother just arrived.”

Madelyn looks at them as she sighed. If she had a way of stopping them from actually showing up. “Everyone, please remember not to mention my father. I can’t handle another outburst like last time.”

Her brother raised his hands up, beaming. “Don't worry, everyone. The party can start now.” Isabella stands back as the others greet the new arrivals, but after a few moments, Ethan motions her forward. “This is Isabella, my supervisor, this is Madelyn’s brother Micheal and mother Kris.”

Micheal takes her in from head to toe. “What a beautiful specimen. Call me Mic. I demand it.” Isabella gave him a polite smile. “Mic, I'm at your service.” Micheal laughs heartily. “Are you? This little get together just got very interesting.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Ethan’s fists clench, but he doesn’t say anything. “Why would you invite an employee here? She doesn't belong here.” Kris spoke enraged which happen to irk Isabella.

“For Lauren to meet the new employees of course.” Madelyn retorted almost rolling her eyes. “She doesn't seem to fit the position a supervisor to me. Look at her, who even hired her?”

Isabella felt tempted. All she wanted to do was say something that would hurt Madelyn’s mother but Madelyn shoots her a pleading look. “I can assure you, I am doing my work the way it is supposed to be done!” Isabella forces herself to smile at Mrs Jason, intent on making a good impression on Ethan’s parents. “I can say, I've seen her records and she does performs well,” Henry finally admitted. Lauren nodded in agreement. “As I recall, kris, you never quite managed to wrangle Mic, and you just had the one boy.”

“Or maybe he just needed a man’s touch.” Madelyn spoke referring to their father. Her mother sent daggers her way which Madelyn ignored. Isabella looks at Madelyn in awe. Even Madelyn is backing her up here? She couldn't imagine her growing up with such a bitch as her mother.

“Maybe we should all take a beat and--” Liam walks in, interrupting Ethan. “Don’t worry everyone, the party can start now!” Mic looks at him, mouth agape. “Hey, that was my line!”

Everyone turns as Liam join the group. He greets the others, then slings an arm around Isabella’s shoulders. “So, what’s everyone think of Isabella so far?” Isabella looks at everyone, mouth agape. “You really don’t have to answer that.”

“Love her. Ten outta ten. Would recommend.” Mic comments. “I think she has a certain elegance about her.” Lauren stated, smiling brightly. “Indeed, not everyone can keep up with the graysons.” Henry spoke lastly.

“Uh oh. That sounds like more adopting talk from these two! Look out, Isabella. I've heard they’re in the market for a new daughter.” Ethan grimaced at Liam’s words. “Do you have to make things awkward, Liam?” Liam shrugs, “it’s part of my work.”

She heaves a sigh of relief as the focus of the party moves away from her.

Later, the sun starts to set, and the waiter comes Aruba with fresh tray of champagne glasses. Kris takes a flute and calls for a toast. “Ehem! Thank you all for coming to congratulate my beautiful daughter and her future husband on their upcoming nuptials. Madelyn has been run ragged at Jason industries for far too long. Now she can finally fulfil her purpose to become a wife and hopefully mother. After all, a woman in a position of power in the business world is like an unstable explosive, especially around that time of the month. Right, Ethan?”

Isabella furrowed her brows, thinking of the audacity that woman has. Madelyn sets her flute down on a nearby table with a loud clunk. As Madelyn turns to leave, Isabella finds herself unable to bite her tongue any longer. “Actually, Mrs. Jason, there are plenty of examples of modern, thriving societies ruled by women. But I have a feeling you’ll beed prod validated by a man.”

“So? What does that have to do with Madelyn role at the Jason industries?” Isabella smirks. “Even I can tell she would be a great CEO. In fact, I bet you’ve already seen gains under her management.”

Henry nodded, “Isabella’s right about that.” Kris furrows her brows, the last person she’d want their company to be managed by was Madelyn. She rather give Micheal the position. “My daughter’s abilities aren't the question. It’s matter of right and wrong. Women belong at home.”

“Kris, really? Then why aren't you at home?” Lauren asked the question. “I guess you’ve got some kind of fact- repellant force field around you. You’re right about woman though... just that you aren't doing what you believe.”

Isabella places her empty champagne flute on the tray and storms out of the country club. She doesn't dare look back, bur she feels everyone staring at her retreating back.

She stood by the gate waiting for her taxi driver to arrive. She hears someone behind her. He looked disturbed. “Isabella, wait.”

“Ethan, I am sorry. I know today was important to you.” She briskly apologized before he could say anything. “You don’t have to apologize for standing up to kris. I only wish I’d said something first. Although I do love the poetic irony of her publicly humiliated by a man.” Isabella nods, but can't bring herself to return his smile.

“The Jasons have been family friends for so long, we’ve gotten used to dealing with kris’s world view. You’re a good reminder that we’re gotten complacent.”

“Glad I could help.” Then she turns her head away. A taxi pulls up. She stands but Ethan reaches out to touch her arm, causing her to halt. “Isabella, let me take you home. It’s the least I can do, after the afternoon you were just forced to have.”

“What about everyone else?”

“That won’t be a problem. Everyone is already busy for the nigh. Please. I think we could both use a break from all this, and there’s something I want to show you.”

The taxi driver honks. She looks between Ethan and the taxi, thinking. She smiled and nodded her head. “Great . “I’ll let my parents know and be right back.” He pays the taxi driver for the unfortunate, and when he returns, they scroll together to his car.

A few minutes later, her and Ethan are coasting along. “Thank God we’re out of there. I feel like I can breathe again.” She breaths a sigh of relief. “It is nice to leave the city behind for a little bit.”

“Oh, I meant the country club. Between trying to impress your parents and not strangle Madelyn’s mother, I felt like a juggling clown in a circus.” Ethan couldn’t held but chuckle. “Welcome to my world.” He pats her thighs, and her cheeks turned red.

“As far as crazy family gatherings go, though, today didn't even crack up the top three.” She gazes at him, smiling before she replies. “Well, now you have to tell me about your top three.”

“Well, let’s see, there was the time Liam’s ex crashed out New Years party.... The horse that got loose at Madelyn’s cotillion... Oh, and the easter when Mic smoked peyote...”

Isabelle let’s out a soft laugh. “I need the details on Madelyn’s horse cotillion. First off, why were there even hose at a cotillion? I know you guy are rich, but it’s not a birthday party.” Ethan have her a sly smile. “One of the other debutantes insisted. Until the horse got out during the big dance.”

She gasps. “Oh no.”

“Oh yes. It tramples the catering table, ate part of a skirt, and Mic claims it had an accident on the carpet although I didn't witness it.”

“Id it bad that I'm on the horses side?” Ethan laughs again, eyes on the road. “You are not the only one. It was hilarious, even though Madelyn was inconsolable for weeks after.”

“Compared to yours, my family is starting to look like the Brady bunch.” Ethan chuckles as he pulls the car through a side road and parks. He leads her to the edge of a vista, and look down over the cityscape before her. “Whoa! You can see the entire city from up here. How did you know about this place?”

“I had to make an emergency landing nearby back in my piloting days.” She raises a brow, looking at him. “I though you just jumped out of planes. I never knew you could fly them too.”

“I used to. I don’t anymore, not when Grayson enterprises is depending on me. But there was a time when I didn't have a care in the world.” She looks out at the view, trying to imagine it. “So what happened that day? Dd you just make dangerous cliff landing for the hell of it?”

“Not quite. It was the day before my last final in college, and I wanted to blow off some steam after studying.”

“Most people would've just partied with their friends all night.” He smiled casually and shook his head. “For better or worse, I've never been most people.” She nodded her head, “definitely for better.”

She nudges Ethan playfully with her shoulder and he smiles. “Thank you. Anyway, one of my engines blew, and I made my first and only emergency landing right here. It was horrifying.”

“I bet... but what a place to be stranded.” She spoke as she looked around the place again. “Sometimes I come back here to put things in perspective. Whenever life is overwhelming or confusing. It’s a good reminder of what’s actually important.” Ethan’s voice changes, and she turns to find him staring deeply at her.

“Thank you, Ethan. For showing me this. I know I didn't have a death-horrifying experience here, but looking out over the city.... I get to know it helps sort stuff out.. sort feelings out.”

“Isabella...” She could sense he’s about to pull away from her, emotionally if not physically. She knew it was selfish, but wasn't ready to go back to reality just yet. She leans against him, relishing his closeness. “Let’s talk about something else.” He hesitates before nodding. He puts an arm around her shoulders. She relish the warmth of his touch, like fire against her skin. “What did you have in mind?”

Gazing out at the scenic view together, she couldn't help but fantasize about a simpler life with Ethan. “Can you imagine if we had met first? What if you'd placed tat ad a couple years ago, and I'd graduated early?”

“There still would've been... complications.” He admitted. “I would've known what to do with you then, just like I don’t know what to do with you now.”

“I thin you do know exactly what you want to do to me.” The fingers of Ethan's free hand drifts up and down her side and twist her head to look t him. “You're right. I’m haunted by what I want to do to you, Isabella. No matter what I do, I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Ethan...” His name escapes her lips, a soft whisper carried away in the cool night air. She moves slowly, giving him time to react as she tangle her fingers in Ethan’s hair and draw his mouth down to hers. The kiss ignites instantly, and Ethan pulls her against his body, their tongues tangling tongue. “Is this okay?”

“God, yes.” He cups her cheek and she twist his arms, kissing him deeply as her own arms wind around his neck. “This is the one place I feel free.” For several minutes, they stayed locked in the passionate embrace, losing track of all the little things she’s supposed to remember.

When he finally pulls away, she blinks up at him. He stares at her deeply before he breaths a sigh. “As much as I hate to say it. We should probably get going.” She nods her head to him. She looks out over the city, taking in the view for one more moment... Finally, she turns back to him. He smiles and offers her a hand. “Ready to face reality again?” Isabella chuckles softly. “I don’t have any other choice.”

He chuckles as he twines their fingers together and leads her back to the car.

Few days later. She was about to head into his office when she hears the commotion. “Come on, Madelyn. Don't you think you’re being a little irrational here?”

“She completely humiliated my father in front of everyone! Some of the club staff heard her.” Ethan breaths out, trying to controlling his anger. “She was defending you!”

“I don’t care. There’s a way to handle that sort of situation, and that wasn’t it. I want her fired immediately!”