PROMISED TO THE WRONG BROTHER

CHAPTER 4

AVA'S POV

Sophia's laughter vibrated through my ears.

"I wasn't the one you told you to study law. I'm living my best life while working. By the way, I'm in Paris right now."

"For work or on a vacation?" I removed my glasses and massaged my temple as I relaxed into my office chair.

"Both," she giggled.

"Woah, I envy you." I sighed.

"You should," she laughed again.

I rolled my eyes at how insensitive she was.

"I know what you're thinking. I'm not insensitive. In fact, I love you the most. But I have an idea though," she started.

My eyes lit up, "okay, I'm listening."

"You've not taken a break since you started working. How about you take two months leave, so big sister can take care of you?" She asked excitedly.

My face fell and the smile disappeared immediately. That was impossible.

"I don't..."

"Don't think you can do that, right?" She finished the statement.

"Hmm," I nodded as if she could see me.

"It's been years Ava. Don't you think you should tell me what you've been hiding? The secret that's been eating you up?" She asked in a calm voice.

I bit my lower lip and chuckled. "What are you talking about Soph? I'm okay."

"I'm not a child Ava Anderson and I get it that I wasn't around much to take care of you as a big sister should but I notice everything."

Tears stung my ears and stomach tied into knots.

"As a student, you hid yourself behind books and now that you're working, you bury yourself in endless work. Bearing that load alone is a lot Ava."

Her voice broke and the tears I've been holding finally came rolling.

Quickly, I wiped it off.

"C'mon sis, you're getting old. You basically sound like mum right now," I laughed.

She sighed deeply and chuckled lightly. "Dodging the topic, I see"

"Geez Soph, you're nagging. Well, if there's anything, you'll be the first person to know," I shrugged.

"Promise?" She asked.

"Yeah, I promise." I answered. "Now, go enjoy your vacation and work and please, it's time you bring a man home. I want a brother-in-law," I smirked.

"A man? Your wish. What if I tell you the men I've dated are no different from the devil?" She exclaimed.

A loud laughter tore from my throat. I laughed so hard until my stomach hurt.

"At this point, mum and dad might have to find me a husband," she said.

I shook my head. "Trust me you don't want to do that. Anyways, if you don't want to bring a man, the least you can do is to buy the bag and pair of kitten heels you promised me."

"Will do. I have to go now. Bye my love."

"Bye sis," I replied and hung up.

I rested my head against the headrest.

An arranged marriage. Does it really work for people? Because it doesn't work for me.

Noah and I are so different. He's smart but isn't interested in treating me with respect. Only his father gets to ground him once in a while.

But then for how long?

My phone buzzed and I checked it - a message on a famous paparazzi news channel.

No one knows we are betrothed to marry but I guess Noah was making good use of the opportunity before it's known to the public.

As for me, I'm not interested in getting to know any other man. As for Noah, if we ever make it up to marriage, we'll figure the remaining things in marriage.

On the group, there was a picture of Noah stepping out of a famous hotel with a blonde girl, whom I won't categorically classify as beautiful.

The comments came rolling. Some trolled him for being a womanizer, while other gushed over him.

I rolled my eyes disgusted. Why did I even join this group? Boredom, I guess.

I slammed the phone on the table and started sorting the documents on my table when the door opened.

"Hey girl," Cathy, my work bestie came in. Smartly dressed as usual.

"Hello babe," I grinned.

"Congratulations on your nomination. I just knew you'd be getting nominated this year and I know that award belongs to you," she winked at me.

I shook my head laughing, "you're such a handful but thanks girl."

"You're welcome. Keep bringing the awards home, while I bring back the men," she licked her lips.

My jaw dropped. I don't think I can ever get used to her attitude.

"Please tell me young lady, how are you a family lawyer again?" I rubbed my chin and tilted my head.

"I can't be excellent in bed as a dullard. Mama would have killed me a long time ago," she threw her hands in the air dramatically.

And that was enough to get me laughing like a maniac. "Please Cathy, I can't help with you." I panted.

A knock landed on the door and we both stopped taking.

"Come in," I said and my secretary walked in.

"Hello ma, Mr. Horace wants to see you. It's urgent." She informed me.

"Alright. Thank you."

She nodded and walked out. I shifted my gaze back to Cathy and she was grinning from ear to ear.

"Don't tell me you still have a crush on Mr. Horace. He's married, girl" I frowned.

"Oh, please Ava. To me, he's single. That woman doesn't deserve to be called his wife."

"Shhh," I slapped her arm lightly. "Keep it down Cathy. And the earlier you accept that he's a married man, the better."

I hissed and left. Leaving her alone in my office.

I entered Mr. Horace's office after he granted me permission to enter.

"Have a seat, Ava," he offered and I sat down and mouthed a thank you.

"Congratulations on your nomination. You deserve it and even more," he said.

"Thank you, sir," I smiled and he nodded.

What Sophia said earlier came to my mind. There's no harm in taking a break. Maybe I should just ask for the leave now.

"Sir, I have a request," I started.

"Sure. It's rare for you to ask for anything."

"I want to apply for two month's leave," I said.

He paused and rubbed his palms together.

"Uhm, I don't think I can approve your leave, especially now," he replied.

I furrowed my eyebrows. Why not? I don't have any impending work.

"That was the reason I asked for you. The firm wants you to take on a big case and knowing that you're handling it will put my mind at rest." He said with a pleading face.

"I understand and I appreciate your faith in me but there are other amazing colleagues that can also do a good work," I insisted.

He nodded. "I know. The thing is the client specifically demanded that you handle it. The client is very important to our firm and we can't afford to turn him down when he needs our help. Please Ava."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. We have so many important clients but who was this client that Mr. Horace was scared of offending?