Bound by Blood

CHAPTER 5

JANES POV

I started adjusting to the married woman lifestyle, I couldn't even go out normally without someone trying to take a picture of me. The marriage was so lonely and boring, I didn't expect much tho.

Ethan and I still talk, he was like my companion. His gentle words make me feel heard and seen in these four walls called a house.

As we spent more time together, I started growing fond of him, anytime he's at work I feel lonely.

We talk about everything, he gets me stuff like books and gifts when he comes home from work, it makes me happy that I look forward to him coming home. These kind gestures touch my heart.

I started to feel unproductive sitting at the house like a doll. I told Ethan I wanted to work and he advised me to talk to Jack's father about it instead of Jack himself.

I decided to approach Jack’s father the next day.

“Good day sir” I said to him in anxiety

“Good day Jane, how may I help you?” he responded swiftly.

“Sir, I'd like it if you offered me a job at your company, I'm very productive,” I said nervously and confidently at the same time.

“Hmm, are u trying to sell yourself to me? I heard you didn't finish school. If you want a job at my company you need a degree. Get a degree and I'll see what I can do about it” he replied.

I appreciated him for his time and left, I decided I was going to follow my dream and study law.

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Jack stormed into my room fuming.

“How dare you ask my father for a job? Our agreement was for you to get married to me and stay in your place, what business do you have with our company” he said screaming at the top of his voice.

Fortunately for me, Ethan was home, before I could reply to him he came in and asked Jack what was wrong with asking for a job.

Jack asked him to mind his business or he was going to teach him a lesson he'd never forget.

Ethan ignored him, grabbed me by my hands and left the room.

He made sure I was calm, but deep down I was regretting getting married to him, I was tired of the shouting, scolding, and screaming.

I applied to an online university and started classes.

It wasn't easy starting from scratch again but I was determined. I wanted to make it and be successful too. Being a lawyer has always been my dream.

It was challenging because I've been out of school for a long time and studying law is tough, the workload is heavy and I had to study for long always. Ethan was very supportive.

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Along the line, I noticed Ethan started fading slowly. He doesn't talk to me like before, he doesn't check up on me when he comes from work, and he started doing less of everything he does.

I was confused, I didn't know what I did wrong. I always tried to talk to him but he gave an attitude like he didn't want to talk to me.

I gave him space, maybe something was bothering him. He will come around I said to myself. I became very lonely again and also agitated. I always made sure I avoided Jack whenever he was in the house. It was like hide and seek.

I got very impatient and worried. Is Ethan okay? Or did I offend him?

I approached him to figure out what was wrong.

“why are you avoiding me? Did I do anything wrong?” I sought clarification.

“you did nothing wrong, just stay away from me please” he responded sadly

I walked away with my hand shivering and my eyes filled with tears, I could feel my heart beating fast like I couldn't breathe.

I felt bad, the only person who was my confidant was now taking a break from me. I was like I was cursed to be lonely for the rest of my life.

I got over it and kept reading and taking classes like my life depended on it. It was the only thing that distracted me from my thoughts.

I kept pushing and hoping that I'd become a lawyer someday.

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I was about to have lunch when Ethan came to join me. I was shocked because he hadn't spoken to me in weeks. We exchange pleasantries.

“Jane you have every right to be annoyed, but I'm deeply sorry. I was going through a difficult phase and I'm past it now, please forgive me” he muttered unhappily.

“It’s fine” I replied swiftly but deep down it wasn't fine, why would he leave me hanging like that? It's not fair.

He noticed and He kept apologising, he promised to discuss with Me if anything was bothering me and would never ignore me like that again.

I felt relieved that my friend was back and I could discuss the difficulties I've been facing with schooling.

He became even more supportive, he helped me revise, read, and assimilate properly. I couldn't even ask for more because I was happy I had someone Ready to be there for me at any time.

I've never been happier, I was already falling in love with him. I get caught staring at him secretly sometimes. He's good-looking, I can't blame myself.

Our bond became even stronger but I only talked to him when Jack wasn't there, I didn't Want any problems.

I was worried, I shouldn't be falling in love with my husband's cousin. It is Wrong.

I wanted to convince Myself so bad that it's just infatuation and it's nothing serious but my heart is telling me otherwise.

What will I do? If Jack gets to know about my feelings I'm in trouble. What will people say?

Should I stop talking to him? Should I ignore him? Or should I try to hide my feelings?