Meet The Parents
Ethan took a quick shower, dressed up and then checked through his emails, while he dug into his burger.
He was moderately dreading going back to the hospital, for the simple fact that Kace Miles would obviously there, acting like a doting husband. Although he didn't know him personally, he hated the guy's guts.
Ethan gulped down his latte then asked Wayne to bring the car around. They drove back to the medical center and met Dr. Miko at the Reception. The doctor almost didn't recognize him with his clean-shaven and impeccable attire.
"Mr. Hunter, you clean up nice," Dr. Miko chuckled as Ethan strode up to the desk.
"I'll take that as a compliment." A humorless smile flickered about the corners of his mouth. "How is Cassie?"
"We have started the treatment and she seems to be responding well so far," Dr. Miko briefed him. "She's still a bit delirious. Keeps whispering the name, Ethan..." He smiled faintly, vaguely, knowingly, as if he was in on some secret, that only they knew about.
"Will I be able to see her?" Ethan ignored the insinuation.
"Yes, but you will have to wait. Her parents are with her and we only permit two visitors at a time. Then her fiance, I think? Is going in immediately after."
"So they're here?"
"Yes. They said you called them." The doctor replied. "Her mother isn't handling it very well."
"I can only imagine," Ethan said just as Scarlett and her sister came rushing to the front desk.
"I've got to see other patients. I'll touch base later."
"Thank you, Dr," Ethan said.
"I'm Scarlett and this is my sister Victoria. We'd like to see Cassie winters. We heard that she was admitted here," Scarlett asked in a breathy voice.
"Are you family?" The nurse asked.
"No, but I'm her best friend-"
"Right," Ethan grunted doubtingly, his eyes turning to her.
"I'm sorry was that directed at me?" She turned to him, eyes blazing.
"Yes." The word rolled over his tongue with ease as she slipped his hands into his trouser pockets. As he spoke he glared at her as a lion might glare at thought of being defeated by a cub.
"Do I know you?" Her eyes met his with a challenging light, her pose was haughty.
"No. But I know you." He stepped forward, his fierce, domineering figure towered above them. Both of you actually." He glanced at them with pure, unmasked contempt. "You shouldn't be here."
"I don't know who you are-"
"He's Ethan Hunter," Victoria gushed, "Only the hottest and most eligible bachelor on the planet. He's also a billion-"
"Shut up!" Scarlett snapped at her sister and turned her focus back to Ethan.
"You were saying?" Ethan droned lazily as he quirked an eyebrow.
"I don't know who you are-"
"Oh but you do. Your sister was kind enough to enlighten you."
"I don't know what you think you know-"
"I know everything Slutty Barbie," he broke in. "That goes for you too," he looked at Victoria and she gasped.
"Kace told you didn't he??!" Scarlett spluttered as a seethe of rage almost choked her.
"Kace?" Ethan scoffed. Goodness, no!"
"Then how do you know?"
"You don't even know what I know."
"But clearly you know something?" She countered.
"I want you to leave. Take Slutty Barbie 2 over here and get out. Cassie doesn't need friends like you." Ethan's nostrils flared and his eyes blazed with anger.
"You don't have a right to tell us that!" Victoria retorted.
"Unfortunately I don't speak bimbo but let me break it down to you two," Ethan said, his voice as cold as ice. "If you don't leave this very minute, I'm going to make your lives miserable. Don't forget, I've got the power to do just that so don't test me."
They remained for a moment confronting each other, mute and menacing. Victoria and Scarlett knew that this wasn't just an empty threat and it was in their best interest to do exactly as he ordered.
"Why are you being so protective of her anyway?" Was Scarlett's undaunted retort. "Cassie is spoken for, and will be married soon, in case you dint know."
"But you and your debauched sister made sure that is going to be a non-event. Didn't you?" Answered Ethan as he raised his eyes for a moment, while his lips were fixed in a wry smile.
"You're in love with her aren't you?" Scarlett turned to him, her face malevolent, triumphant, and cruel. "You were probably having an affair-"
"Unlike you,-I don't do affairs," Ethan articulated. "It's all or nothing for me. Now it's time for you to leave."
"You and Cassie have been carrying on behind Kace back. He thinks she's so perfect!
Wait until he finds out about this!" she said with distaste.
His face was drawn and white, but he faced them unflinchingly. "Wayne, can you show these lovely ladies out?"
"This isn't over!" Scarlett spat.
"If you know what's good for you then you will let this one go." Ethan gave her a curt nod and turned on his heel. He spotted Dr. Miko and what he presumed to be Cassie's parents.
"Mr. Hunter," Dr. Miko said, "Meet Mr. and Mrs. Winters."
"We owe you so much. Can I hug you, Mr. Hunter?" Mrs Winters asked as she spread out her arms.
"It's Ethan, please," he smiled his charming smile. "And to answer your question: yes, you may." He allowed both parents to express their gratitude.
"Thank you so much for bringing our daughter back." Mr. Winters said. "I don't know how we can repay you."
"If you don't mind me asking-how did she end up with you?" Mrs. Winters enquired.
"It was purely by accident." Ethan moderated. "We had a business meeting but I had to leave the country so I asked her to meet me on my jet. Before it took off that is," he added, "but my pilot thought it was time for take-off so..."
"That will make a lovely story to tell your kids someday," she smiled knowingly.
"My sentiments exactly," Ethan agreed.