PROMISED TO THE WRONG BROTHER

CHAPTER 6

AVA'S POV

Three days after I received the new task at work, my parents called me to inform me about the idea of making the engagement official.

I argued with them to delay it but they were adamant. So I just let them plan everything. All I have to do is show up and perform to prove that I was doing well.

After all, it would be a waste to stress myself, planning something that I don't enjoy.

We are currently at Noah's family mansion. Both our parents decided it would be better to host the engagement party here since the garden is more spacious.

I refreshed my call log for the thousandth time but there were no calls from Noah. As for all the messages I've sent, he didn't bother to read them.

I tossed my phone on the bed, grabbed the pillow and shouted into it. I dropped it after some minutes and dug my fingers into my hair.

How on earth am I supposed to survive with such a nonchalant man?

Everyone has been asking me about his whereabouts like I'm his nanny. And when I replied that I don't know, they blamed me for not being attentive to my soon-to-be husband.

Why do I have to bear all the blame? I don't even want to marry him.

The door opened abruptly, jolting me out of my thoughts and blinking back my tears. I squared my shoulders and raised my chin.

It was Noah. He strolled with his hands in his pockets. His face was void of remorse.

"Why the hell were you blowing up my phone? Didn't know you're so desperate to become my wife," he scoffed nonchalantly.

I gritted my teeth and marched towards him. Before he could register what was happening, I slapped him hard.

His eyes darkened and his nose flared. "How dare you?" He groaned.

"No. How dare you? Don't you dare in your miserable life disrespect me like that again. You're not doing me a favor here!" I hissed.

He stalked closer to me. I took steps backwards but he didn't stop. My heart pounded. I dug my nails into my flesh to keep me grounded.

"Listen carefully Ava," he said in a deep voice and leaned forward. "There's no love between us, so don't make it look like I owe you anything. You're the naive obedient girl needing daddy's approval, not me. So behave."

I felt a pang on my chest. The bitter truth rolled off his tongue and I didn't like how horrible it made me feel.

"Noah? What are you doing here? I get it you miss your soon-to-be fiancée but she has to get ready," Sophia's voice rang out.

I sniffled and blinked back my tears. Noah's face switched to one filled with care. He pulled me into his arms for a hug.

I gasped as I struggled to breath. Secretly, I tried to push him off but he whispered into my ear. "Be a good girl and don't do anything to ruin my reputation. I still have a lot of women to impress." He pressed a kiss to my temple and walked out after nodding at Sophia.

My stomach churned in disgust. What sort of monster is Noah?

"Ava? You're not dressed yet. Guests have started arriving and the party is about to start," she gasped as she looked at me.

I rolled my eyes and sat on the bed. "What's with the rush? It's not like I'm running away," I replied, my eyebrows furrowed.

"Run away? Why would you even think about that?" Sophia quickly sat on the bed too and turned me to face her but I just shrugged as my throat felt tight.

"You should get ready, baby. Let's get you engaged" she smiled and I gave her her curt nod.

She paused and raised my chin to look at her. "Ava, if you need anything make sure to tell me. I'm glad that Noah cares for you. Knowing that you're in safe hands is all I need," she beamed.

I bit my inner cheek before smiling, "I'm okay mummy," I sighed heavily and stood up. "You should get going, I have to get ready."

She flashed me a bright smile and stood up. "Of course baby sister.See you in a bit," she kissed my cheeks and walked out.

After she closed the door behind her, I rushed into the bathroom and threw up everything in my system.

I want to talk to someone, pour out my heart to someone who would actually listen and care. All I wanted was to hug Sophia but how could I when she already sees Noah as a good person?

I clutched onto my chest as I started crying. It hurts.

All these... Everything felt so wrong. Getting engaged to a man I don't love. At first I thought I could cope with us treating each other as friends instead of partners but I lied.

I don't want Noah. I only want Ethan. I've never stopped loving, wanting and craving him.

He's living his best life, happy and accomplished. Noah doesn't care because he gets to do whatever he wants but here I am. Trapped and pathetic.

Beads of sweat rolled down my face. My breathing became heavier.

It's been years since I last saw Ethan. Would he come? And if he does, would I be able to face him? Can I control myself enough not to throw myself on him?

Why does it hurt so much? To keep loving a man who doesn't have the same feelings for me. It's as if I'm trapped in a loop. A cycle of unending torture.

A few minutes passed before I could pull myself together. I stood up to wash my face.

After I was done I started with my makeup-a minimal look. My dress was a pink floral halter neck custom made dress with a high slit. My heels and jewelry are gold.

I look at my reflection in the mirror. I looked well put together but all I feel is emptiness. I placed my hands on my abdomen, parted my lips to suck in enough air as my lungs contracted painfully.

Forcefully, the corners of my lips stretched into a faint smile. Struggling to feign happiness.

Minutes passed and I think I got a hang of it - the pretense.

I walked out of the room and descended down the stairs. People looked cheerful as they gathered around.

What's going on? I guess the clicking of my heels attracted their attention and they all turned to look at me.

Just as I had practiced, I looked at their faces.

My breath hitched. He was here.

Ethan.

My grip on the stairs railing tightened. My gaze focused on him, everybody else faded. I guess fate is against me as a realization dawned on me.