PROMISED TO THE WRONG BROTHER

ETHAN'S POV "Take it easy son. Don't rush your food or you might choke," mum sighed and looked at me with worried face. She doesn't understand. I have to go see Ava. For four years, I surpressed my feelings. Endured the torture of distance. Now that I'm back, I can't to see her and finally tell her what I've been keeping to myself for so long. The reason I didn't tell her about how I feel is because I wanted to be worthy of her before asking her to be my girlfriend. "Where the hell is Noah? His brother just returned home and he's no where to be seen," mama hissed disappointed. I didn't say a word because I was busy eating. Noah have never been reliable and I don't expect him to change. "My big brother is finally back," Noah's loud voice boomed through out the whole house. Speak of the devil. Just like mum said, I choked as Noah suddenly hugged me tightly and shaked me vigorously. I couldn't breath as my lungs contracted painfully. I squeezed my eyes shut and shoved him aside. I managed to push the food down my throat. I looked at my skin and there it was. Goosebumps filled my skin. Physical contacts are just the worst. "That's not how to greet your brother after so long. Do you want to suffocate him," mum raised her eyebrows. "Whatever mum. Ethan doesn't act like an older brother either. How can a sibling's hug repulse them?" Noah grumbled as he sat on the chair beside me. That's it. I'm done. I pushed back my chair and stood up. I hate noisy environment the most. "Are you off to somewhere? You should eat some more, son." Mum pleaded. "You're really old fashioned mum. Big brother is old to have a girlfriend. Maybe he wants to go see her," Noah wore a sly smirk. My heart pounded against my chest as the words rolled off Noah's tongue carelessly. My forehead creased into a deep frown. Mum shifted her gaze back to me, excitedly. "Is that true son? Who is she? When will you introduce her to me?" I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. There was no need to deny or defend myself. Whatever I choose to do, has nothing to do with anyone. Especially not my private life. I love my family but sometimes they're are a bit overbearing. I turned to walk away when dad cleared his throat. "Hmmm," the dinning room fell silent. All eyes on him. Slowly, he stood up and folded his hands behind him. "Follow me Ethan." With that he turned and headed towards the stairs. That was the second statement he has said to me since I returned today. A small almost invisible smile was plastered on her face. As for Noah, he had the sly smirk. I rolled my eyes and trailed after him. We walked along the hallway and neither of us said a word. We finally entered his home office. I scanned the room and everything remained the same. Nothing has changed in the last four years. Dad made himself on his black office chair, while I sat on one of the chairs facing him. "Congratulations once again on your graduation son. You've made me proud," he commended for the second time with a proud smile tugged on the corners of his lips. I nodded and mumbled, "thanks." I didn't have the time for this. I shifted uncomfortably on my chair and dad just stared at me. His smile slowly disappeared. Replaced with a stoic face. "There's no need for you to see Anderson," he declared in a low voice. I furrowed my eyebrows and tilt my head to understand where that was coming from. And how did he know I was going to see her? "What do you mean? And why?" I retorted. "She's now engaged!" He said casually as he poured himself a bottle of bourbon. I froze. Ava is engaged? To who and when did it happen? No. I shook my head not willing to believe him. My eyes bored into his face, hoping to catch a glimpse of unseriousnes - but there was nothing. I could hear the cracking of my heart. My mask was dissolving. "Are you kidding me? Ava can't be engaged?" I asked with a cracked voice as I rubbed my trembling hands together. "I never lie!" Dad blurted out. He's right. He never lies not because he can't but because he doesn't fear anyone enough to change his words. The room suddenly felt smaller. The air thickened. Beads of sweats rolled down my face. Tears stung my eyes. "Who is he?" I asked in hushed voice as I rolled up the sleeves of my shirt. I was barely holding myself together. "Noah." I just stared at him with jaw dropped. Impossible. There's no way Noah will marry Ava. The last time I checked, they don't love each. I stood up and paced back and forth. It doesn't make sense to me. None of this makes sense at all. Thousands of thoughts spiraled through my head. Noah is reckless and a playboy. Ava is cautious and still young. There's no way they planned this by themselves. Wait... how did dad know I was off to see her? I turned to look at him and he was so unbothered. I took slow but measured steps towards him. "Is there something else you're not telling me? Did you plan it all?" I questioned in a deep voice. Silence. I clemched my jaw and slammed the table. "f*****g say something!" I barked. He snapped his head to look at me. "Watch your tone young man, " he paused and took a deep breath. "You should be thankful I did so." His responsibility was like a dagger, pierced into my heart. "Since young, you have an unhealthy obsession for Ava. You have a bright future ahead of you and that girl will be your downfall if you don't stay away from her." He explained. A bitter chuckle tore from my lips. What the f**k was he spitting? "Ava is bad for me but good for Noah. Is that it? Explain to me dad because it does make sense to me," the tears finally came pouring. My lips quivered. He sighed and dropped the file he was holding. "You are a business genius and you will take control of the family business in the future. You need to be focused and build your caree...," "At least you shouldn't have her to marry Noah!" I shouted. "You should have waited for me to prove myself first, instead of ruining me for life," I gritted with tears spilling. "Ethan I warned you..." I cut him off, "don't you f*****g get it? It was never your decision to make!" as I smashed his bottle of drink on the wall. "Do you know what you just did? The only girl I've ever loved, you took her away from me before I could express myself. You didn't even give her the chance to reject me!" The veins in my neck pulsated. My heart was shattered. I walked to him and closed the distance between us. His eyes darkened and his nose flared. I balled my hand into tight fists until my knuckles cracked, ready to throw the first punch if his words didn't sit well with me. "You want to me beat me now, right? Go ahead. This is how bad your obsession for her makes you. Losing your manners..." "My obsession and love for Ava, has nothing to do with anyone. Besides, with what you have done, you lost the right to judge me." I seethed and wiped off my tears. "This is exactly what I was trying to avoid - you going crazy over a woman!" He shouted. I sucked in more air. My shoulders slumped and it was as if all my strength was drained. "I will get my woman back!" I threatened and turned to leave but his words that followed stopped me on my tracks. "What makes you think this arrangement was not her choice? Noah needs a woman like Ava to ground him," he added. I looked at him from over my shoulder, "grounding your son is your duty. And if I can not get Ava back, forget about me inheriting the company. Noah should be grounded enough to handle the work." "You...!" The door burst open and mum barged in. She stares at me and then at dad. "What happened? I heard shouting." I shoved my hands into my pockets and walked out of the office. It's my obsession, my life. For hurting me this way, I'll make him suffer. As for Ava... I have a lot of plans for her.