Image of Ethan's penthouse above.

Harper was stunned and didn't know how to react, so she was standing limp while Ethan was embracing her lovingly. When she gained her senses she returned the hug by embracing him passionately and with love. Her eyes welled with tears and she choked a sob. Ethan pulled back and looked towards her concerned.

Harper shook her head and said. "It's nothing. I know I was wrong at what I did and yet here you are embracing me so lovingly and forgiving all the mistakes. I am truly blessed to have a friend like you."

Ethan sighed and went towards the couch to sit. He patted the space beside him and gesticulate her to sit. Harper followed his command and took a seat beside him. He faced Harper and took her hands in his and looked towards her with calmness and smiled. He took a deep breath and started speaking.

"Harper I was really disappointed in the way you handled the situation. You basically cut off every person who was near to you from your life and I know whatever you did at that time was for your safety but to remove the people who loves you and cares for you was a bit harsh. You basically commanded me to go to London without learning my opinion and never even tried contacting me. I was angry with you so I too did not bother to connect with you because I was hurt. Hurt at the fact that you didn't believe in me. Hurt at the fact that you did not find me worthy to be the support that you needed in the time of adversity."

Harper sighed and avoided making a direct eye contact with him. Ethan took her chin in his fingers and lifted her face and smiled. "I know you thought that you will act as a hindrance in my path. But that was for me to decide. That was my decision not yours. You took away that power but still I kept tabs on you with the help of my parents. Mum and Dad were so disappointed that you didn't bother contacting them, they were angry but I tried explaining to them from your perspective. I won't lie they are not happy with you Harper; they know how much you were struggling with those odd jobs and your university. They wanted to help but I stopped them. I know how much value you have for your dignity.

Harper choked a sob and barely whispered an apology. Ethan wiped the tears from her cheeks that were freely flowing.

"Look at me Harp, I am not trying to guilt trip you here but I am just stating the facts that bothered us. I was ready to forget everything but when at the party you said that you have got no remorse for what you did that pushed me to edge and I lost my temper. I avoided you intentionally for three weeks to teach you how I felt when you just plucked me out of your life."

Harper's sobs got louder and she was barely able to speak. Ethan embraced and consoled her. Harper was apologizing continually. He pushed her back gently from his embrace and gave her his handkerchief. She took it and wiped her face clean. When she was able to calm down, she tried speaking but her throat was parched due to excessive crying.

Ethan sensed her discomfort and went in the kitchen to retrieve water. After drinking she cleared her throat and tried explaining her point of view which now looked utterly bogus to her too. After a few more moments of consolation Ethan asked her to go and freshen up.

When Harper returned she found Ethan in the kitchen making coffee and smiled towards him.

"I miss your baking very much specially your brownies." Harper said smiling. Ethan chuckled and handed her the coffee.

"Are you indicating me something here?"

Harper giggled and took a sip of the coffee. "Maybe but not today. How are William and Paula?"

"They are great actually. Dad has shifted his main office here at San Francisco and mum is busy with her animal shelter care. You know dad was not keen in residing at St. Helena for long. They were staying there because of my high school. Once I left for London they shifted here immediately."

Harper nodded and decided to visit them someday. When she looked towards Ethan she felt that he wanted to ask something but for some reason was hesitating.

"What is it? You know you can ask anything from me."

Ethan rubbed his neck awkwardly and then spoke. "I don't mean to pry but do you know anything about your father?"

Harper huffed. "Yea he married some rich widow with a daughter and last I heard they have shifted here from Oakland. Not that I bother but he tried calling me when he came back but I was in no mood of chit chat. He called my granny and told her that he visited our home in St. Helena and found that it was sold. My granny being the naïve woman she is thought that he worried about us and told him about our shift. But when he called me he told me that he just wanted to check on me and how I am managing my mother's health cover. He was boasting about the money that he now posses and how he can help us. But I just disconnected his call and never attended from that day. Not that he tried calling me again." Harper scoffed.

Ethan placed one hand on her cheek and looked intently towards her. "You know you can count on me."

Harper smiled and nodded while kissing his palm.

"So how did you find Smiths?" Harper asked while sipping her coffee.

"Oh they are lovely bunch of people. I liked Colton and his sense of humor. And before I forget Mum asked you to visit her someday. She is quite mad at you but I know you will handle her with your charm."

Harper giggled and nodded. Ethan placed his cup on the kitchen slab and went into his bedroom to retrieve something. Harper was left standing there confused. When he returned there was a rectangular box in his hands which he gave it to her. She looked towards him confused.

"Open it. It's a gift for you to get a placement in Luciano cooperation."

Harper unwrapped the gift and opened the box. She gasped when she looked what was present inside it. It was silver chain with a music note that was studded with diamonds.

"It is beautiful Ethan. Thank you but you don't have to do it."

I know but I wanted to. Do you need help to wear it?"

Harper nodded. Ethan picked the necklace and tied it around her neck.

"How am I looking?" She asked.

"Like an angel that you are." Ethan replied.

She took a step forward and embraced him lovingly and just like that their friendship was mended once again.

PS : Updates on every Sunday.

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